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  • Bardy, Helena (2021)
    Aim: The purpose of the study was to create an image of the teachers' future vision for the school's activities and to outline an organizational culture that supports this activity. The research questions of the study were: 1. "How do teachers shape a future vision for the school?" and 2. "What kind of organizational culture do teachers experience as supporting for the school's future activities?" The research problem is formed by a time characterized by constant change, which places high demands on schools. The research provides a tool for and is part of a larger development process the school undergoes. Methods: The research was conducted as a case study of a specific school. The school had 15 teachers, nine of which participated in the research. The used data were essays written by teachers using a one-question method and the analysis-method was analysis of narrative. The research approach was of abductive form and the focus of the study was hermeneutical. Results and conclusions: Based on the analyzed data, a future vision for the school's activities has been created and an organizational culture that supports the future activities has been described. The most significant elements in the results are the teachers' common vision of a school as a safe environment where both students and staff feel good, appreciated and taken into account. Concrete actionplans for implementation are also formed. The study presents a collaboratively created vision and action plan for the development of the organizational culture in the school and is used as a tool in the ongoing development process of the school.
  • Penttilä, Paavo (Helsingin yliopistoHelsingfors universitetUniversity of Helsinki, 2009)
    Cellulose can be used as a renewable raw material for energy production. The utilization requires degradation of cellulose into glucose, which can be done with the aid of enzymatic hydrolysis. In this thesis, various x-ray methods were used to characterize sub-micrometer changes in microcrystalline cellulose during enzymatic hydrolysis to clarify the process and factors slowering it. The methods included wide-angle x-ray scattering (WAXS), small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and x-ray microtomography. In addition, the samples were studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The studied samples were hydrolyzed by enzymes of the Trichoderma reesei species for 6, 24, and 75 hours, which corresponded to 31 %, 58 %, and 68 % degrees of hydrolysis, respectively. Freeze-dried hydrolysis residues were measured with WAXS, SAXS and microtomography, whereas some of them were re-wetted for the wet SAXS and TEM measurements. The microtomography measurements showed a clear decrease in particle size in scale of tens of micrometers. In all the TEM pictures similar cylindrical and partly ramified structures were observed, independent of the hydrolysis time. The SAXS results were ambiguous and partly imprecise, but showed a change in the structure of wet samples in scale of 10-30 nm. According to the WAXS results, the degrees of crystallinity and the crystal sizes remained the same. The gained results support the assumption, that the cellulosic particles are hydrolyzed mostly on their surface, since the enzymes are unable to penetrate into the nanopores of wet cellulose. The hydrolysis therefore proceeds quickly in easily accessible particles and leaves the unaccesible particles almost untouched. The structural changes observed in the SAXS measurements might correspond to slight loosening of the microfibril aggregates, which was seen only in the wet samples because of their different pore structure.
  • Lundberg, Maj (2022)
    Abstract Background: Irritable bowel syndrome is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. More than 60% of IBS patients report that certain foods, such as legumes, trigger intestinal symptoms. Legumes contain α-galacto-oligosaccharides (α-GOS), which belong to FODMAP-carbohydrates, that are not absorbed in the small intestine. When they pass to large intestine, α-GOS are fermented by gut microbiota, causing abdominal bloating and aggravated intestinal symptoms in IBS patients. Enzymatic processing could reduce the amount of α-GOS in food. Oral α-galactosidase enzyme has been reported to effectively reduce gas production and relieve gas-related symptoms in healthy individuals and pediatric IBS patients. The effects of enzymatic treatment of foods on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms have not been previously studied. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate whether α-galactosidase treated pea-based crackers, compared to control crackers, will reduce GI symptoms in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional bloating (FB). The second aim of the study was to investigate the associations between nutrient and food intake and GI symptoms. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled two-period crossover study. Participants, were aged 22 -– 57 years. who suffered from irritable bowel syndrome or functional bloating based on the Rome IV criteria (n=24). Each participant received a three-day portion of either α-galactosidase-treated or control, pea-based crackers on each study week. The participants reported their GI symptoms throughout the study weeks and kept a food diary on the cracker eating days and during the run-in period. Maximum values of symptoms, symptom sum scores, as well as the average intake of nutrients and foods were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed with the Wilcoxon signed rank test, Friedman's dependent samples test, correlation analyzes and linear regression. Results: No significant statistical difference was seen in between the maximum values of the symptoms during the study weeks. However, maximum values of abdominal bloating, flatulence, stomach noise, nausea and heartburn were consistently higher during the control week. Several nutrients and foods such as fiber, fat, glucose, fructose, and maltose, were significantly related to the GI symptoms during the study weeks. Conclusions: Since the enzyme-treated product was not better tolerated than the control product, it is possible that other components in the crackers or diet have overshadowed the possible benefits of α-galactosidase treatment. There is some evidence of beneficial effects ofSupplementation with α-galactosidase supplementation, but has shown some beneficial effects, however the results of α-galactosidase in alleviating GI symptoms in adult patients suffering from IBS are inconclusive. More studies on the effects of enzyme-treated food are needed in people suffering from IBS and FB are needed.
  • Simpura, Lyyra (2021)
    Background: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common diseases characterized by disturbing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in the absence of structural or biochemical changes in GI tract. Well identified group of compounds responsible for GI symptoms are FODMAPs (fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols). Legumes contain α-galacto-oligosaccharides (α-GOS), unabsorbed, osmotically active and rapidly fermented fibres, known for colonic gas formation. The role of phytic acid (PA) and its effects on GI symptoms as complex-forming agent is not fully understood. These antinutrients can be removed by enzymatic treatments. However, usefulness of these treatments on reducing GI symptoms is not known. Aims: The aim of this research was to investigate whether two different enzymatic treatments of pea-based products have an impact on experienced GI symptoms. α-GOS and PA content was reduced in the test products. Material and methods: This was a 3–week randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled cross-over-designed study. Participants (n=26) were healthy males and females aged 21–70 who claimed to experience GI symptoms after consuming legumes. Each participant received weekly two portions of either α-galactosidase-treated, double-enzyme-treated or control, spoonable pea-based product. They reported severity of nine GI symptoms within 72–hour time period via web-based survey using visual analog scale (VAS). Maximum values, the time for experiencing the maximum values, maximum values in 8 time points and symptom sum scores were analyzed. To study differencies in GI symptoms caused by the study products, data was analyzed statistically using mainly non-parametric Friedman’s test. Dependence of baseline symptoms and symptom scores were examined using crosstabulation and analyzed statistically with Fisher’s exact test. Results: Participants’ median symptom scores were rather low throughout the intervention, indicating that the participants were after all not very sensitive for legume GOS. Maximum pain score was significantly higher with the double-enzyme-treated product compared to the control product (p=0,038). At time point 5 bloating score was significantly higher with the α-galactosidase-treated product than with the double-enzyme-treated product (p=0,051), and flatulence score was significantly higher with the α-galactosidase-treated product than with the control product (p=0,021). There were no statistically significant differencies in any other examined variables between the study products. Although there was a slight trend towards more severe symptoms with the enzyme-treated products compared to the control product. Conclusions: The enzyme-treated pea-based products were not better tolerated than the control product, but that may be due to the fact that the experienced GI symptoms were rather mild in general. There are some evidence on the use of α-galactosidase supplement to alleviate GOS-induced GI symptoms. In future, the products should be tested in specifically α-GOS- and/or PA sensitive population.
  • Kaltiokallio, Maija-Leena (2017)
    Pulled Oats preparations are a new plant protein source that contain oats, pea and faba bean. People have been hyping this high-quality protein product but there may be a concern about possible naturally occurring compounds, which can deteriorate the health of sensitive individuals. The literature review deals with the chemical properties, analytics, health effects of FODMAPs (fermented oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols), vicine and convicine but also different treatment methods to reduce their concentrations. In the experimental work the concentrations of antinutrients were analysed and the bases of enzyme treatments were investigated to aid future research in reducing antinutrients in Pulled Oats. Three different samples from the Pulled Oats and four samples from the company X´s processes were analysed. The FODMAPs were analysed using water extraction and HPAEC-PAD (high performance anion exchange chromatography connected to a pulsed amperometric detector). The vicine and convicine were analysed using perchloric acid extraction and HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography). For the enzyme treatments, the samples were extracted and the supernatant was used for incubation. Two different kinds of α-galactosidase were used to decrease the amounts of FODMAPs and β-galactosidase was used to reduce vicine and convicine amounts. Pulled Oats contained FODMAPs and this can cause problems in the digestive system especially for people who suffer from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Pulled Oats also contained some vicine and convicine, which can be harmful for individuals lacking G6FD (glucose-6-fosfate dehydrogenase). The amounts of antinutrients did not decrease during the Pulled Oats´ process whereas in the company X´s process they did. The enzyme treatments in laboratory conditions were effective for reducing the amounts but in the Pulled Oats´ processing conditions the result was not significant. The best way to eliminate the antinutrients could be enzyme treatments in the company X´s process. This study gave valuable knowledge for future investigations.
  • Niklander, Katariina (2021)
    Enzyme treatments have been able to reduce the amount of oligosaccharides and phytates in legumes. Enzyme treatment has the potential to improve the sensory properties of the product and reduce the stomach symptoms they cause. The aim of the study was to find out how enzyme treatment affects to the sensory properties of spoonable yogurt-like faba bean and pea-based snack samples. In addition, an online survey was made to map stomach symptoms caused by legumes and to study their effect on the use of legumes and legume foods. The methods used in the study were generic descriptive analysis with a trained panel (11 panelists) and an online survey made with E-lomake (227 respondents). In addition, the benefit data from the second study of the project for pea snacks were used (27 evaluators). In the generic descriptive analysis, there were a total of 6 spoonable snack samples to be examined (3 faba bean samples and 3 pea samples). Both raw materials had a control sample (no enzyme treatment) and two differently enzyme treated samples. In the generic descriptive analysis, the panel evaluated 12 properties from the samples: color, fruity and legume-like odor, runniness, grainy, powderiness, thickness, sweet, bitter, legume-like, bitter aftertaste and total intensity of aftertaste. Enzyme treatment had an effect on texture and mouthfeel properties, but not on taste, color, or odor. As a result of the enzyme treatment, the structure thickened and became smoother. The raw material had an effect on all the properties to be evaluated, except for the legume-like flavor. Enzyme treatment had no effect on the pleasantness of spoonable pea snacks. According to the survey, the most common symptoms caused by legumes were flatulence and bloating. Of the legumes and legume foods, chickpeas and pea soup were the most common foods to cause symptoms. More than half (about 65 %) of the respondents stated that they would definitely or probably eat more legumes if they did not cause stomach symptoms. More than half (67 %) would also be absolutely or probably willing to try enzyme-treated legume foods. Based on the results, it is worth further investigating the effects of enzyme treatment on sensory properties, especially in terms of structure / mouthfeel. In addition, the effect of fermentation on the sensory properties of pea and faba bean spoonable snacks should also be studied, as fermentation has been found to improve the sensory properties and nutritional value of plant-based spoonable snacks. Based on the responses to the survey, there seems to be a demand for legume products that cause less stomach symptoms.
  • Suvanto, Sonja (2017)
    The literature review focused on the characteristics of bread-quality rye and how the composition and functional properties of rye are influenced by genotype and environment. Traditional rye sourdough baking process and main baking quality measurements were reviewed. The aim of this work was to identify baking quality of rye flour with different falling numbers. Another aim was to identify the measurement that best determines the quality of rye flour for sourdough baking and to find enzymes that can be used to improve poor-quality flour. In the experimental study, the baking quality of rye flours with different falling numbers (100, 130, 200, 300) was examined in processes for making sourdough rye loaves and serving-size flat breads. Rye flours with high falling numbers (200 and 300) were treated with commercial amylase and xylanase preparations. Falling number, amylograph and swelling curve measurements were done and results were compared to quality obtained in baking trials. Rye flour with the highest falling number (300) resulted in hard and dry dough as well as dense bread, as expected. Other rye flours (100, 130, 200) and flours treated with amylase resulted also in rather hard and dry doughs, although falling number and amylograph measurements confirmed the enzyme activity. Lower falling number and amylase treatments, however, were associated with improved sensory quality of final products. Xylanase made doughs softer and stickier, which improved both handling properties of dough and quality of bread in the loaf process. In contrast, the increased softness and stickiness made the serving-size flat-bread process more difficult. The viscosity decrease caused by xylanase addition was seen in swelling curve measurements. Adjusting the acidity of buffer solution to the pH level of rye sourdough did not improve the ability of the swelling curve to predict the baking behaviour of the flour. This study showed that falling number and amylograph cannot predict properties of rye dough. Differences between rye flours with different falling numbers were best detected in the sensory quality of the final products. The baking quality of rye flours could be modified by enzyme treatments, especially by xylanase addition, but the usefulness and desirability of the treatment depended on the type of bread-making process. The effects of added xylanase in rye dough could be predicted by swelling curve measurement. The overall results emphasized the importance of baking trials in determining the baking quality of rye flour.
  • Tallberg-Kaunismäki, Maria (2018)
    Syftet med min avhandling pro gradu är att forska om det finns en möjlighet att starta en tvåspråkig, svensk-finsk, skola I Finland Tvåspråkighet är vardag för många idag och när man talar om tvåspråkighet och tvåspråkiga skolor är det viktigt att inleda med att definiera termen tvåspråkig. Det finns tyvärr ingen entydig definition för tvåspråkighet, men i diskussionen om vem som är tvåspråkig utgår jag från ursprung, språkfärdighet, språkanvändning och identitet. Finland är officiellt tvåspråkigt och i en historisk tillbakablick redogör jag hur landet blev tvåspråkigt. Jag tar också upp den unika språklag vi har och redogör för vad den betyder i praktiken. Sedan ser jag på hur språksituationen ser ut idag och på statistik över finlandssvenskar. Jag tar också upp hur elevernas språkliga bakgrund ser ut i de finlandssvenska skolorna. En viktig faktor i planerna på en svensk-finsk skola är att den måste hålla sig inom ramen för lagen för grundläggande undervisning och läroplanen. Därför kommer jag att närmare gå in på dessa två dokument. I den teoretiska delen ser jag vad andra forskare har kommit fram till angående skolor på två språk. Colin Baker och Ofelia Garcia är två ledande forskare inom området. Jag analyserar vad de kommit fram till i sin forskning och ser hur deras forskningsresultat kan anpassas till våra förhållandet. Den empiriska delen består av en debattananys över tre debatter som behandlar ämnet tvåspråkig skola. Min egen debattanalys omfattar debatterna 2016 0ch 2017. Materialet till min analys har jag samlat ur Hufvudstadsbladet, landets ledande finlandssvenska dagstidning. Materialet består av ledare, nyheter, kolumner och debattinlägg. Den första debatten 2011 är redan analyserad och jag refererar i mitt arbete till två av analyserna. Debatterna jämförs med varandra för att se vilka likheter och skillnader det finns mellan dem. I min forskning har jag kommit fram till att det inte finns något hinder, på individnivå, för en tvåspråkig skola, både lagen om den grundläggande undervisningen och läroplanen tillåter en sådan undervisningsmodell. Det finns också internationella modeller som går att anpassa till våra förhållanden. Problemet ligger närmast i svårigheten att definiera vad en tvåspråkig skola är. Det här kommer också tydligt fram i alla tre debatter. Debatterna har flera gemensamma drag, men de skiljer sig också i viss mån från varandra. Den största skillnaden ligger i hur debatten uppstått och vem som deltar i den.
  • Parviainen, Christina (2017)
    Jodel är en mobilapplikation där användarna kan anonymt skriva uppdateringar. Uppdateringarna syns för alla inom ett 10km område. I den här avhandlingen undersöker jag vad unga vuxna i närheten av campus med svensk undervisning diskuterar på Jodel. För att samla in materialet använder jag mig av netnografi, en för internet anpassad etnografisk metod. Materialet analyserar jag med hjälp av kvantitativ och kvalitativ textanalys. I materialet letar jag efter tecken på bland annat online disinhibition effect och annat innehåll som kan bero på anonymiteten på Jodel. Dessutom undersöker jag språkdebatter som uppstått på Jodel. Resultaten visar att unga finlandssvenska vuxna har ett behov av ett anonymt forum där de får prata sitt modersmål. Tabuer och andra ömtåliga ämnen så som sex och mental ohälsa diskuteras mycket på Jodel vilket tyder på att det här är ämnen som de unga vuxna vill diskutera. Dessutom förekommer det en hel del uppdateringar som handlar om bland annat vardagen, så som personlig ekonomi och utbildning. De populäraste diskussionsämnena är 1) sex och förhållanden 2) vardag och 3) alkohol. Avhandlingen visar att Jodel används främst för 1) underhållning, tidsfördriv, umgänge 2) att få information eller råd 3) att ta del av tabuämnen 4) at avända sitt modersmål. Fallstudien där jag undersökte hur finsk- och svenskspråkiga kommer överens på Jodel visar att våren och hösten 2016 var väldigt inflammerad: medlemmarna med olika modersmål kom inte överens och försökte sabotera för varandra. De olika språkgrupperna hade olika mål för Jodel och tycktes inte heller förstå varandras motiv för att det även kunde diskuteras på Jodel på finska. Den här avhandlingen är den första av sitt slag och banar väg för akademiska undersökningar av mer anonyma sociala medier där identitetsbyggande inte är det huvudsakliga målet.
  • Hägglund, Sofia (2018)
    Temat för den här pro gradu-avhandlingen är läromedel för ämnet svenska som andraspråk och litteratur (förkortat svenska som andraspråk). Svenska som andraspråk är den lärokurs som elever med annat modersmål än svenska, finska eller samiska läser i svenska skolor. Det är genom det ämnet som eleverna integreras i Finland. För tillfället finns det ett enda läromedel i Finland som är avsett för ämnet svenska som andraspråk. Syftet med avhandlingen är därför att undersöka vilka läromedel lärare använder i ämnet, hurdant nytt material lärarna skulle behöva och hur och varför de anpassar läromedel från Sverige till en finländsk kontext. Undersökningsmaterialet är insamlat genom kvalitativa intervjuer. Undervisningsarrangemangen i svenska som andraspråk varierar mycket mellan skolorna. Därför intervjuar jag tre olika lärargrupper som alla undervisar elever som följer lärokursen svenska som andraspråk. Grupperna är 1) lärare i svenska som andraspråk, 2) speciallärare och 3) modersmålslärare. Jag intervjuar tio lärare och diskuterar dessutom per e-post läromedelsvalet med tre lärare. Intervjuerna är mellan 10 och 46 minuter långa. Materialet är sedan transkriberat och analyserat med hjälp av kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Undervisningsarrangemangen varierar mellan lärargrupperna, men också inom dem. Eleverna får ibland undervisning enskilt, ibland i små grupper och ibland integrerat i modersmålsundervisningen. Analysen visar att lärarnas val av material varierar mycket och påverkas av undervisningsarrangemanget. Det som ändå främst påverkar valet av läromedel är elevens språknivå, ålder och ämneskunskap i olika ämnen. Lärarna efterlyser ett nytt läromedel t.ex. i form av en materialbank. Läromedlet borde gå att anpassa efter elevens ålder och nivå och innehålla material som behandlar flera olika läroämnen. Då lärarna använder läromedel från Sverige anpassar de vissa språkliga och samhälleliga delar till finländska förhållanden. Orsaken till anpassningen är att ämnet svenska som andraspråk ska integrera eleverna i Finland och att dessa därmed behöver kunskap om språket, samhället, kulturen och geografin i landet. Utgående från intervjuerna går det att konstatera att de svenska skolorna skulle ha bättre förutsättningar för att integrera elever om det fanns en lärarutbildning för svenska som andraspråk och finländska läromedel i ämnet. Samtidigt behövs en integrationsmodell och mer kunskap om ämnet i skolorna. Med de här åtgärderna kunde man garantera en jämställd och rättvis integration för de invandrarbarn som går i svensk skola.
  • Yasav, Melisa (2019)
    Tutkielmassa tarkastelen Istanbulin ja Ankaran kaupungeissa vaikuttavien keskiluokkaisten ympäristötoimijoiden asemaa Turkin ympäristöpolitiikassa. Tutkin tapoja, joilla nämä ympäristötoimijat ovat voineet vaikuttaa ympäristöpolitiikkaan vuoden 2013 Gezi-protestien jälkeen, aikana, jolloin autoritäärisyys ja neoliberalistinen kehityskeskeisyys, ns. neoliberalistinen developmentalismi, määrittävät pitkälti Turkin politiikkaa. Tutkimukseni kontribuoi ajankohtaiseen ja tärkeään keskusteluun kansalaisyhteiskunnan ja ympäristötoimijoiden nykyisistä ja tulevista rooleista ja toimintamahdollisuuksista, niin Turkissa kuin muissakin epädemokraattisissa maissa. Tutkimuskysymyksiäni ovat 1) Miten neoliberalistinen ja kehityskeskeinen poliittinen päätöksenteko sekä autoritäärisyys ovat vaikuttaneet ympäristöpolitiikkaan Turkissa?; 2) Miten kaupungeissa työskentelevät ympäristötoimijat ovat pystyneet toimimaan Turkin autoritäärisen hallituksen harjoittaman neoliberalistisen ja kehityskeskeisen poliittisen ja taloudellisen agendan kontekstissa vuosien 2013-2018 aikana? Tutkin kriittisen teorian keinoin sitä, miten Turkissa vallitsevat neoliberalistiset kehityskeskeiset ja autoritääriset sosiaaliset, poliittiset ja taloudelliset rakenteet vaikuttavat ympäristötoimijoiden mahdollisuuksiin toimia ympäristön hyväksi. Tämä tutkimus osoittaa, että hegemonisesta vallankäytöstä huolimatta nämä toimijat ovat vaikuttaneet ympäristöpolitiikkaan luovimalla ennalta-arvaamattomissa ja uhkaavissa valtion ja yhteiskunnan välisissä olosuhteissa. Toimijat pyrkivät luomaan tilaa ympäristötoiminnalle ja hegemoniaa haastavalle keskustelulle sekä pitämään kansalaisyhteiskuntaa elossa kontekstissa, jossa suurin osa kansalaisjärjestöistä on lopetettu tai peloteltu hiljaiseksi. Tutkielman teoreettisena päämääränä on ollut pohtia, miten kriittinen teoria osoittaa ja selittää sitä, miten Turkin hallitus on onnistunut rakentamaan hegemoniaansa ja miten kansalaisyhteiskunta on vastannut siihen. Tutkimusaineistoni koostuu 14 teemahaastattelusta sekä tuoreesta aihetta käsittelevästä kirjallisuudesta. Tutkimustani varten haastattelin kaupungeissa toimivia keskiluokkaisia järjestöjen ja yhdistysten työntekijöitä, aktivisteja, vapaaehtoisia, dokumentaristeja sekä luennoitsijoita. Käytän kriittistä teoriaa analyyttisenä metodologisena pohdiskelun välineenä urbaanin Turkin ympäristötoimijoiden ja niiden olosuhteiden tutkimiseen, joiden puitteissa ympäristötoimijat suojelevat ja tutkivat luontoa, protestoiva ja informoivat yhteiskuntaa ympäristöasioista. Tutkimustulokseni osoittavat, että Turkin autoritäärisesti toimivan poliittisen ja taloudellisen eliitin harjoittaman politiikan neoliberalistinen ja kehityskeskeinen luonne 1) vahingoittaa luonnonympäristöjä huomattavasti, vaikeuttaa ihmisten elinoloja ja harjoittaa ympäristöpolitiikkaa tukeakseen omia intressejään 2) rajaa ympäristöjärjestöjen ja aktivistiryhmien mahdollisuuksia osallistua ympäristöä koskevaan poliittiseen päätöksentekoon sekä ympäristönsuojeluun ja ilmastonmuutoksen torjuntaan. Vaikka yllämainitut olosuhteet vähentävät kansalaisyhteiskunnan toimijoiden mahdollisuuksia vaikuttaa ympäristön tilaan mielivaltaisten lakien ja toimenpiteiden, rahoituksen ja yhteistyön puutteen sekä itsesensuurin takia, moni heistä on löytänyt tapoja toimia näissä vaikuttamisen, aktivismin ja suojelun kapenevissa tiloissa. Voidaankin päätellä, ettei vuoden 2013 Gezi-protestien jälkeinen Turkin konteksti eivätkä muutkaan samankaltaiset olosuhteet välttämättä estä ympäristötoimijoita jatkamasta vaikuttavien tapojen etsimistä ja vaikuttamista kehityspoliittiseen päätöksentekoon. Kriittisen teorian menetelmät auttavat haastamaan vallitsevan tilan ja huomamaan uusia mahdollisuuksia ympäristötoimijoille tässä autoritäärisessä kontekstissa.
  • Lappalainen-Imbert, Helmi (2024)
    This master's thesis examines environmental and climate racism in the Arctic regions. The work focuses particularly on the disproportionate effects of climate change on Indigenous peoples, as well as Indigenous peoples' opportunities to influence decision-making processes. In order to understand the phenomena, it is essential to recognize the effects of climate change on Indigenous peoples and their culture and traditions. In this thesis, the situation of the Sámi people in Finland will be explored in particular. The thesis also discusses the possibilities of indigenous peoples' participation and representation in decision-making processes, as well as the challenges and successes observed in these processes. In this context, the role of the Finnish state is analyzed in particular, emphasizing the need to increase genuine representation and expertise. The work also examines the efforts of indigenous peoples to influence politics, the responses of communities and the effects of international cooperation on adaptation strategies. My research questions are: 1) Does environmental racism exist and in what forms, and how does it impact Sámi communities within the decision-making processes and politics in Finland? 2) What policies and practices have perpetuated inequalities and environmental racism in Finland, and how can Sámi voices be included? 3) What has been the Indigenous communities’ response to these policies and practices? Is the representation of Indigenous perspectives acknowledged and can Indigenous values be observed within policies, practices, and communication? The research methods include data analysis, document analysis, and an interview with a member of the Ministry of Environment and the Sámi Climate Council. This multi-method approach allows for a deep understanding of the impacts of climate change on the Sámi and the roots of environmental racism. The theoretical framework of the analysis of the research is based on environmental justice, Indigenous studies, and resilience theory. The research highlights systematic violations of environmental rights that the Sámi people face, such as differences in resources or belittling attitudes towards Indigenous knowledge. The Sámi Climate Council and the inclusion of Sámi rights in Finnish climate legislation are identified as key steps to promote community-based adaptation. The study emphasizes the urgent consideration of environmental and climate racism in the Arctic regions, and highlights the consultation of Indigenous peoples, supporting fair and sustainable development in decision-making processes. The thesis also contributes to a wider discussion about environmental law and participatory governance.
  • Folestad, Magdalena (2022)
    The study is sought to study how and if the environment has changed in eastern Finnish Lapland in a long-term perspective. Variables related to the current state of the environment, are atmospheric composition and aerosols, meteorology, and biology. The study is based on measurements from Värriö Subarctic Research station for the years 1973 to 2021. Included in atmospheric composition, are the atmospheric anthropogenic gas concentrations of CO, NOx, O3 and SO2. SO2 is also used in a proxy to estimate H2SO4 concentrations. Decreasing long-term trends are found for CO, NOx, SO2 and H2SO4. The decreasing emissions from Kola peninsula, is the cause for long-term decrease of SO2, which result in decreasing H2SO4 concentrations. Results of particle size distribution show an increasing concentration of small particles and decrease of large particles. Decline of particles leads to less NPF, CCN and will resultingly influence cloud properties. Air temperature has increased 2.38 °C and snow cover days have decreased by three weeks, between 1975 and 2021. Snow depth and precipitation show less significant changes. Heat sum have from 1981 to 2021 increased with 247 °C days, indicating more active and growing trees. Birch leave development show indications of leave burst and developed leaves to occur at earlier date, over the years 1981-2021. Grouses, shorebirds, and cavity-nesters show large inter-annual variations. Some of the bird species appears to benefit from environmental changes while others appear to have difficulty adapting.
  • Peltola, Emilia (2016)
    Global sustainability challenges create opportunities for companies providing solutions to these challenges. According literature a strong sustainable brand is attractive for customers, shareholders and future talents. A strong brand is a major competitive advantage for companies in global markets. In brand management communication has a vital role, and therefore developing communication is important in creating and managing brand value. The aim of this study was to find out the current status of the case company’s (Metso Corporation) environmental communication in order to develop it to strengthen company’s image as a sustainable solutions provider. In the theoretical part, the concepts of a brand, communication and environmental communication were studied, as well as the role of a communication in brand building and management. The empirical part of the study consists of interviews in across the case company’s value chain (subcontractor, Metso employees, customers and customer’s customers). Answers were gathered and analyzed under themed entities. Current state of brand awareness and environmental communication were studied, as well as opportunities and challenges of environmental communication in general. Current state analysis gave background information for future development. Results varied depending on the actor of the value chain: case company was seen differently among employees than outside of the company. Final conclusion was that there is a need to develop the environmental communication. Case company has environmental solutions for customer’s needs and a great story to tell, it is just about to communicate it to the target audience.
  • Alander, Sari (2012)
    The Arctic region is experiencing significant environmental, social and geopolitical changes as climate change impacts the region and thaws the Arctic sea-ice. The notable amount of emerging hydrocarbon and other resources as well as new navigation routes have attracted a lot of interest by a variety of Arctic and non-Arctic actors. The European Union (EU) has been one of these actors. The Arctic affairs have gained increasing attention within its institutions since the launching of the EU s Arctic policy in 2008. The purpose of this study is to find out how the Arctic is perceived in the eyes of the EU as well as how and to what extent the environmental dimension emerge in relation to other topics. A secondary purpose is to examine how these perceptions have changed since 2008. A comprehensive material is used, covering all relevant EU documents. The material is analyzed using a three-staged coding method within Grounded theory. The EU documents discuss several important topics relating to the Arctic region. This study identifies six categories of these topics. These relate to the changes that the Arctic region is facing, the emerging resources, the geopolitical situation and the governance of the region, the EU s role in the Arctic as well as the protection of the Arctic environment. The qualitative approach is mixed with quantitative aspect to find out how much attention each of these concepts get in the documents and how significant the environmental dimension is compared to the other concepts. The EU is globally recognized as an ambitious environmental actor. This study shows that the environmental aspects are well represented also in the EU s Arctic policy documents. The focus of the documents has changed over the years from Arctic resources and a range of problems towards the importance of cooperation and environmental protection in the region. Environmental protection has been motivated by the responsibilities that the EU feels towards the region. However, a goal has simultaneously been to be acknowledged as a legitimate Arctic actor, which would highly benefit the EU in a number of ways. There is nonetheless reason to presume that the EU is serious in pursuing protection of the Arctic environment and this cannot be seen merely as a means to achieve other ends.
  • Seitaniemi, Siiri (2021)
    Tutkielma käsittelee ympäristödiskurssia ja sen muutosta lukion englannin oppikirjoissa vuosien 2003 ja 2015 lukion opetussuunnitelmien perusteiden välillä. Suomessa opetussuunnitelmien perusteet ohjaavat oppikirjojen sisältöjä. Vuoden 2015 lukion opetussuunnitelman perusteissa ympäristöarvoja painotetaan enemmän kuin vuoden 2003 perusteissa, minkä pitäisi näkyä myös oppikirjoissa. Oppikirjojen sisältö voi vaikuttaa opiskelijan arvomaailmaan ja sen kautta käytökseen. Oppikirjoissa esiintyykin ympäristöön liittyviä implisiittisiä olettamuksia (assumptions), jotka voivat vaikuttaa opiskelijoiden ympäristöarvoihin ja -asenteisiin. Tutkimuksen pohjana on kaksi vastakkaista ympäristöön liittyvää perspektiiviä: pinnallinen ekologia (shallow environmentalism) ja syväekologia (deep ecology). Pinnallisessa ekologiassa puututaan ympäristöongelmien välittömiin syihin, kun taas syväekologiassa pyritään muutokseen yhteiskunnallisella ja kulttuurisella tasolla. Tutkimuksen tarkoitus on paljastaa oppikirjoissa esiintyvät näihin perspektiiveihin liittyvät olettamukset, jotta saadaan tietää, mitä ympäristöön liittyviä arvoja ja asenteita opiskelijoille välittyy oppikirjoista. Tutkielma vertailee SanomaPro:n julkaisemia lukion englannin oppikirjasarjoja ProFiles ja On Track. ProFiles-sarja on vuonna 2003 julkaistun lukion opetussuunnitelman perusteiden mukainen, kun taas On Track on vuoden 2015 perusteiden mukainen. Molemmissa sarjoissa on kahdeksan kirjaa, ja tutkielman aineistoon sisällytettiin molempien sarjojen kaikkien kirjojen päätekstit. Tutkimus on luonteeltaan sekä määrällinen että laadullinen ja siinä hyödynnetään ekolingvistiikan ja kriittisen diskurssianalyysin keinoja. Tutkimuksen ensimmäisessä osassa selvitetään, onko ympäristödiskurssin määrä muuttunut sarjojen välillä analysoimalla, kuinka monessa päätekstissä esiintyy ympäristöön liittyviä teemoja tai perspektiivejä. Toisessa vaiheessa selvitetään, millaisia ympäristöön liittyviä olettamuksia teksteistä löytyy ja miten ne välittyvät opiskelijalle. Kolmannessa vaiheessa tunnistetut olettamukset kategorisoidaan sen mukaan, edustavatko ne pinnallista ekologiaa vai syväekologiaa, jotta saadaan selville, onko sarjojen välillä tapahtunut muutosta näiden perspektiivien välillä. Tutkimuksen tulokset osoittavat, että ympäristödiskurssin osuus on yli kaksinkertaistunut oppikirjasarjojen välillä. Tämä muutos mukailee opetussuunnitelmien perusteiden välillä tapahtunutta muutosta. Laadullisessa tutkimuksessa tunnistettiin yhteensä neljä olettamusta, jotka edustivat pinnallista ekologiaa ja kolme olettamusta, jotka liittyivät syväekologiaan. Olettamuksia välitettiin teksteissä niin kielellisin keinoin kuin kontekstin avulla. Tulokset osoittavat, että pinnallinen ekologia on vallitseva perspektiivi molemmissa sarjoissa, eli muutosta yhdestä perspektiivistä toiseen ei ole tapahtunut sarjojen välillä.
  • Pazos Boubeta, Yago (2019)
    Neurotrophin, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its cognate receptor Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), have been concomitantly linked with neuronal plasticity as well as antidepressant mechanism of action. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis involves proliferation and survival of new-born neurons and has been related to antidepressant mechanisms and cognitive improvement. Environmental enrichment (EE) enhances adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) and induces anxiolytic-like effects. This study postulates that EE-living conditions could restore the abnormal serotonergic modulation on AHN of our transgenic mice. In this study, a transgenic mouse line wherein TrkB receptor is compromised from serotonergic neurons and AHN found to be impaired was used. To assess the behavioural effects and the changes in learning and memory tasks produced by 10-weeks of EE, a behavioural battery test was performed. Our results suggested anxiolytic-like effects from EE in the transgenic mice. Likewise, cognitive improvements were also observed in both control and transgenic mice promoted by EE. Moreover, hyperactivity observed in transgenic mice in standard conditions could be rescued, and no phenotypical differences were observed between control and transgenic mice subjected to EE. To further study the effects of EE on AHN, cellular proliferation and survival were studied through the incorporation of BrdU. The results indicate that the abnormal serotonergic regulation of AHN was rescued upon EE-living conditions. Moreover, molecular methods used to measure the alteration of gene expression revealed significant upregulation of genes related to neuronal plasticity and epigenetic modifications. Altogether, these results suggest EE promotes the neuronal plasticity, rescues the impaired regulation of AHN and modulates the genetic expression of the transgenic mice. Findings from this study could provide new insights regarding novel targets that could modulate adult brain plasticity.
  • Orozco Ramírez, Lilia Estefanía (2019)
    The European Water Framework Directive aims at restoring all water bodies in good ecological conditions by the year 2023. For this aim, understanding the responses of these ecosystems to current and future pressures is a requisite. Lakes Hältingträsk and Storträsk are located in Östersundom, a latent developing suburban area in eastern Helsinki. Alterations to the catchment in Hältingträsk as a consequence of urbanization will likely change the conditions of the lake. Storträsk, part of Sipoonkorpi nature reserve is primarily influenced by recreational activities. Ecological status of both lakes is likely to alter under the ongoing urban development. For this reason, the reference conditions of Hältingträsk and the resilience of both lakes to human stressors must be assessed. A long term record from Hältingträsk, with special focus on the most recent section, as well as a short core from Storträsk targeting the most recent events, are analyzed for different palaeobiological and geochemical proxies. The sequence from Hältingträsk is evaluated with diatom assemblages, trace metal analyses, lithological description of sediments through loss-on-ignition and inferred chlorophyll a. For Storträsk, a high-resolution study of diatom communities and photosynthetic pigments is performed. Both sequences are framed with an age-depth model based on radiogenic dating techniques. In addition, the results are analyzed with statistical tools and fossil diatom data is used to reconstruct lake water pH. The results describe the evolution of Hältingträsk through the mid-Holocene until recent times; the diatom assemblages indicates the area was part of Ancylus Lake and, later of Litorina Sea, and that it was isolated from the Baltic Basin at 6500 cal BP. This is supported by the high concentrations of Fe and Mn, showing the presence of metallic nodules common in marine environments. The change in sediments and the predominance of fragilarioid diatoms, display the succession of the lake (from gloe to flada). Afterwards, the ontogeny of the lake and the development of surrounding peat bog can be tracked with changes in the diatom community and decrease in heavy metals concentrations. The reconstructed pH reveals that Hältingträsk is a naturally acidic lake. Furthermore, signals of agricultural activities and industrialization are recorded in the area, as well as their development, is recorded through shifts in the diatom community and the oscillation of trace metals of both local (Cu, Ni and V) and long (Pb, Zn and Cd) transport. Finally, climatic anomalies such as the Little Ice Age and current climate warming are imprinted in the diatom assemblages and the photosynthetic pigments. The high resolution of subsampling from Storträsk displayed little variation. The faint changes could be attributed to CaCO3 treatment, fish introduction or recent climate warming. However, discern the influence of each of these stressors was not possible.
  • Keskitalo, Antti (2009)
    This study was carried out to evaluate environmental impacts of greenhouse tomato production in Finland. Due to the Nordic location of the country, weather conditions do not favor it and production is very energy intensive. Emissions per 1000 kg per produced tomato was selected as functional unit. Two different production methods were selected for the study. 1. Conventional production, what is based on utilization of natural light and for production break during a coldest and darkest part of a year (November-February). 2. Year-round production, which is based on an use of artificial lightning. For information of inputs and outputs, the entrepreneurs of six different greenhouse companies, which produced only tomatoes, were interviewed. Three of them were year-round producers and three of them conventional producers. Average yields were 59,0 and 28,2 kg/m2/y respectively. All the selected three conventional producers used bio-energy for heat production. Data from interviewed companies included emissions of all the inputs, e.g. use of fuels, electricity, fertilizers, transportation and packaging material. Data from Statistical Centre of Finland (TIKE) were also used. Processed data included 16 yearround producers and 165 conventional producers, which produced only tomatoes. Average yields were 52,5 and 33,1 kg/m2/y respectively. Data included only fuel and electricity use. However, a proportion of emissions of fuel and electricity use of total emissions was more than 99 % (Interviewed conventional producers). Impacts of Finnish greenhouse tomato production on Climate change, Tropospheric ozone, Eutrophication and Acidification were calculated. Due to the very intensive energy use, based mainly on burning fossil fuels like heavy fuel oil (66%) significant CO2-emissions are caused. CO2- equivalent emissions from interviewed year-round and conventional companies and from Yearround and conventional TIKE companies were 5115, 512, 6514, and 4614 kg CO2-eq per 1000 kg of tomato respectively. There were low emissions (512 kg CO2-eq per 1000 kg of tomato) from interviewed conventional companies. The low figure is due to the use of bio-energy to provide needed heat for production. Therefore use of bio-energy is a possibility to reduce significantly emissions of Finnish greenhouse tomato production.
  • Syrjälä, Sami (2021)
    Electronic waste is the fastest growing type of waste stream in the world, and this development results from the rapidly accelerating digitalization. Electronic devices become obsolete on an accelerating speed, as there are constantly more powerful devices coming to the market. The most significant environmental impacts of this development are greenhouse gas emissions and natural resource consumption. Circular economy has been proposed as a solution to these environmental challenges, and the goal of this approach is to preserve the value of the materials in the circulation as efficiently as possible. One way of implementing the principles of circular economy is the product-as-a-service-based business model. This research examines the differences between the product-as-a-service-based model and ownership-based model in terms of the environmental impacts that are related to the laptop and tablet procurements. The results of this thesis will be utilized in implementing the actions of the City of Helsinki’s Roadmap for Circular and Sharing Economy. This research was conducted as streamlined life cycle assessment, in which the systematic literature review was used for tracking the environmental impacts of the products’ life cycle stages and components. In addition, expert interviews were carried out in order to collect information about the reuse and recycling practices of the supplier companies that follow these previously mentioned business models. Finally, based on the results of the systematic literature review and the interviews, the company specific differences were assessed in terms of the greenhouse gas emissions and material waste that result from the procurements. The City of Helsinki’s annual procurement volumes were used in this assessment. Based on the results of this research, production and use are the most significant life cycle stages in terms of the devices’ greenhouse gas emissions. Printed circuit boards/printed wiring boards, integrated circuits, displays, and casings are the components with the most significant impact. The results suggest that increasing the lifespan of the devices provides opportunities for significantly lowering impacts in both impact categories, if the devices are efficiently recycled after this.