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Amazonian swamp forests remove large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) but produce methane (CH4). Both are important greenhouse gases (GHG). Drought and cultivation cut the CH4 emissions but may release CO2. Varying oxygen content in nitrogen-rich soil produces nitrous oxide (N2O), which is the third most important GHG. Despite the potentially tremendous changes, GHG emissions from wetland soils under different land uses and environmental conditions have rarely been compared in the Amazon. We measured environmental characteristics, and CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions from the soil surface with manual opaque chambers in three sites near Iquitos, Peru from September 2019 to March 2020: a pristine peat swamp forest, a young forest and a slash-and-burn manioc field. The manioc field showed moderate soil respiration and N2O emission. The peat swamp forests under slight water table drawdown emitted large amounts of CO2 and CH4. A heavy post-drought shower created a hot moment of N2O in the pristine swamp forest, likely produced by nitrifiers. All in all, even small changes in soil moisture can create hot moments of GHG emissions from Amazonian wetland soils, and should therefore be carefully monitored.

Abstract Previous genome-wide association and replication study for job-related exhaustion indicated a risk variant, rs13219957 in the UST gene. Epidemiological studies suggest connection of stress-related conditions and dementia risk. Therefore, we first studied association of rs13219957 and register-based incident dementia using survival models in the Finnish National FINRISK study surveys (N = 26,693). The AA genotype of rs13219957 was significantly associated with 40% increased risk of all-cause dementia. Then we analysed the UST locus association with brain pathology in the Vantaa 85+ cohort and found association with tau pathology (Braak stage) but not with amyloid pathology. Finally, in the functional analyses, rs13219957 showed a highly significant association with two DNA methylation sites of UST, and UST expression. Thus, the results suggest a common risk variant for a stress-related condition and dementia. Mechanisms to mediate the connection may include differential DNA methylation and transcriptional regulation of UST.

The reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions demands a significant increase in the use of wood as a renewable energy source. However, environmental restrictions determine limits on the further growth of harvesting volume. Therefore, a viable solution to enhance the share of energy wood in Estonia’s energy balance involves focusing on less exploited assortments of raw material and implementing precise logistics planning. In recent years, mild winters have posed challenges to the extraction of residues and local transport of wood fuels, taking place on soft and unfrozen soils. In such conditions, ensuring a reliable supply of wood fuels becomes rather complicated. When piles of logging residues on unfrozen soils are inaccessible, there is a need to process older piles. The quality of wood chips from such piles is lower compared to the norm. To investigate the impact of extra long-term storage of residues in piles, a study was conducted at the Järvselja Training and Experimental Forest Centre. In 2010, sample piles were created in birch and spruce final felling areas. Over an eight-year period, samples were regularly taken from the piles to analyse the properties of woody biomass during storage. The study results indicate that the quality of fuel from covered piles changes slowly during the first two years of storage. Subsequently, the degradation speed equalizes in both uncovered and covered piles. Despite extensive degradation and loss of dry matter during long-term storage (approximately 29% for Norway spruce and 55% for silver birch after eight years), the quality of dry fuels still meets standard requirements and remains acceptable for boiler houses.

Introduction A better understanding of the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) could expedite the development or administration of treatments. Large population biobanks hold the promise to identify individuals at an elevated risk of AD and related dementias based on health registry information. Here, we establish the protocol for an observational clinical recall and biomarker study called TWINGEN with the aim to identify individuals at high risk of AD by assessing cognition, health and AD-related biomarkers. Suitable candidates were identified and invited to participate in the new study among THL Biobank donors according to TWINGEN study criteria.Methods and analysis A multi-centre study (n=800) to obtain blood-based biomarkers, telephone-administered and web-based memory and cognitive parameters, questionnaire information on lifestyle, health and psychological factors, and accelerometer data for measures of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep. A subcohort is being asked to participate in an in-person neuropsychological assessment (n=200) and wear an Oura ring (n=50). All participants in the TWINGEN study have genome-wide genotyping data and up to 48 years of follow-up data from the population-based older Finnish Twin Cohort (FTC) study of the University of Helsinki. The data collected in TWINGEN will be returned to THL Biobank from where it can later be requested for other biobank studies such as FinnGen that supported TWINGEN.Ethics and dissemination This recall study consists of FTC/THL Biobank/FinnGen participants whose data were acquired in accordance with the Finnish Biobank Act. The recruitment protocols followed the biobank protocols approved by Finnish Medicines Agency. The TWINGEN study plan was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (number 16831/2022). THL Biobank approved the research plan with the permission no: THLBB2022_83.

Abstract The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a small passerine known to be highly sedentary. Throughout a 30‐year capture–mark–recapture study, we have obtained occasional reports of recoveries far outside our main metapopulation study system, documenting unusually long dispersal distances. Our records constitute the highest occurrence of long‐distance dispersal events recorded for this species in Scandinavia. Such long‐distance dispersals radically change the predicted distribution of dispersal distances and connectedness for our study metapopulation. Moreover, it reveals a much greater potential for colonization than formerly recorded for the house sparrow, which is an invasive species across four continents. These rare and occasional long‐distance dispersal events are challenging to document but may have important implications for the genetic composition of small and isolated populations and for our understanding of dispersal ecology and evolution.

Amidst the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) sector's transformation through policy-supported digitalization and digital twin (DT) advocacy, it remains unclear how general contracting firms (GCFs) will react to growing cyber-attack threats linked to DTs. Transformation initiatives around DTs scarcely consider the implications of how firms implementing such innovations (e.g., GCFs) could jeopardize the cybersecurity of the connected wider built environment and society. This paper unpacks the cybersecurity threat landscape of DT technologies for GCFs – as central organizations in the delivery of built infrastructure – through a critical synthesis of literature with emphasis on the cyber, physical, and social dimensions. It reviews common cyber vulnerabilities and threats linked to DTs and provides a cross-industry vulnerability analysis for GCFs in a sector known for a laissez-faire approach to cybersecurity. Vulnerabilities are categorized into a cyber, physical, and social taxonomy for construction, and four propositions for future considerations are developed.

The simulation of Lagrangian drift is an important task in applications such as dispersion of pollutants, larvae and search and rescue activities. In this study, the Eulerian current, Stokes drift and wind effect on the simulation of observed drifters were analysed. The Lagrangian OceanParcels model was used, and the surface trajectories were assessed by comparison with 9 GPS drifter trajectories in the Gulf of Finland, Gulf of Riga and Lithuanian coast. The Normalised Cumulative Lagrangian Separation (NCLS) distance between the simulated and the satellite-tracked drifter trajectories, and the mean absolute error (MAE) were used as comparison metrics. The present study suggests the need to consider the Stokes drift and the wind factor in addition to the modelled Eulerian currents to obtain a better description of the trajectories of particles. By making these considerations, the OceanParcels model could adequately simulate particle trajectories in the sub-basins within the Baltic Sea. The realized model tests showed that motion of surface drifters are strongly controlled by the Stokes drift when the significant wave height is >1 m, whereas the wind component and the Eulerian currents are crucial when the significant wave height is

This study investigated whether metabolomic fingerprints of bovine embryo growth media improve the prediction of successful embryo implantation. In this prospective cohort study, the metabolome from in vitro-produced day 7 blastocysts with successful implantation (n = 11), blastocysts with failed implantation (n = 10), and plain culture media without embryos (n = 5) were included. Samples were analyzed using an AbsoluteIDQ® p180 Targeted Metabolomics Kit with LC-MS/MS, and a total of 189 metabolites were analyzed from each sample. Blastocysts that resulted in successful embryo implantation had significantly higher levels of methionine sulfoxide (p < 0.001), DOPA (p < 0.05), spermidine (p < 0.001), acetylcarnitine-to-free-carnitine ratio (p < 0.05), C2 + C3-to-free-carnitine ratio (p < 0.05), and lower levels of threonine (nep < 0.001) and phosphatidylcholine PC ae C30:0 (p < 0.001) compared to control media. However, when compared to embryos that failed to implant, only DOPA, spermidine, C2/C0, (C2 + C3)/C0, and PC ae C30:0 levels differentiated significantly. In summary, our study identifies a panel of differential metabolites in the culture media of bovine blastocysts that could act as potential biomarkers for the selection of viable blastocysts before embryo transfer.

We evaluated the temporal and spatial trends of the hydrological (temperature and sea ice) and biochemical (chlorophyll-a concentration) characteristics in springtime in the Baltic Sea. Both are strongly affected by climate change, resulting in a decrease in the duration of sea-ice melting in the previous decade. A new regime of sea ice began in 2008 and in all basins of the Baltic Sea, a rapid warming during spring could be detected. Using satellite data, the temporal and spatial variations in spring bloom were analysed during severe and warmer winters. Using a coupled hydrodynamic-biogeochemical model, we tested the response of spring bloom to the changing ice conditions. The results of the modelling indicated that the presence of ice significantly influences the predicted chlorophyll-a concentration values in the Baltic Sea. Therefore, it is necessary that any coupled model system has a realistic ice model to ensure the best simulation results for the lower trophic food web as well.

The wetland soil microbiome has a major impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Here the authors characterize how a group of archaea contribute to N2O emissions and find that climate and land use changes could promote these organisms.

PCSK9 induces lysosomal degradation of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) in the liver, hereby preventing removal of LDL cholesterol from the circulation. Accordingly, PCSK9 inhibitory antibodies and siRNA potently reduce LDL cholesterol to unprecedented low levels and are approved for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. In addition, PCSK9 inactivation alters the levels of several other circulating lipid classes and species. Brain function is critically influenced by cholesterol and lipid composition. However, it remains unclear how the brain is affected long-term by the reduction in circulating lipids as achieved with potent lipid lowering therapeutics such as PCSK9 inhibitors. Furthermore, it is unknown if locally expressed PCSK9 affects neuronal circuits through regulation of receptor levels. We have studied the effect of lifelong low peripheral cholesterol levels on brain lipid composition and behavior in adult PCSK9 KO mice. In addition, we studied the effect of PCSK9 on neurons in culture and in vivo in the developing cerebral cortex. We found that PCSK9 reduced LDLR and neurite complexity in cultured neurons, but neither PCSK9 KO nor overexpression affected cortical development in vivo. Interestingly, PCSK9 deficiency resulted in changes of several lipid classes in the adult cortex and cerebellum. Despite the observed changes, PCSK9 KO mice had unchanged behavior compared to WT controls. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that altered PCSK9 levels do not compromise brain development or function in mice, and are in line with clinical trials showing that PCSK9 inhibitors have no adverse effects on cognitive function.

Apparent groundwater age dating has been proven useful and robust in understanding water origin and mixing processes, particularly when multiple tracers are considered. However, even though now extensively used, the age tracers have not been widely applied in the general practice of flow and transport model calibration. A multi tracer-study was carried out in the Neogene aquifer in Flanders to quantify the apparent age and construct a joint interpretation for the delineation of different groundwater flow systems. This understanding is critical as part of the safety and feasibility studies for the underlying Boom Clay Formation that has been considered as a potential host rock for the geological disposal of radioactive waste. In this study, we combine evidence from tritium/helium-3 (3H/3He), helium-4 (4He) and radiocarbon (14C) dating as well as stable isotopic (δ18O, δ2H) and hydrochemical signatures in combination with particle tracking-based age distributions from the 3D groundwater flow model. The results of the study indicate that mixing of groundwater with young and old fractions occurs predominantly in the central part of the aquifer which is made evident by the coexistence of 3H (pre and post-bomb pulse Era), 14C and 4He in several groundwater samples. The mixing between water of different origin is also supported by the sampled stable isotopic and hydrochemical composition of groundwater. Particle tracking residence time results show an acceptable agreement with apparent ages derived from age tracers for young (≤100 years) and old (>1000 years) groundwater. Groundwater with ages between 100 and 1000 years is likely a mixture of water with young/old fractions and shows the strongest discrepancies between advective model ages and age tracer based apparent ages. On the basis of our findings, we distinguish between three groundwater flow systems in the Neogene aquifer: i) a shallow/local flow system, with groundwater originating from modern meteoric water; ii) a deep/semi-regional flow system, characterized by old groundwater where the presence of 4Herad is significant; iii) a mixed zone of groundwater flow where the recently infiltrated meteoric water mixes with discharging old groundwater. These results have helped us to refine previously proposed conceptual models for the study area and will in the end reduce uncertainties relevant to the potential future geological disposal of radioactive waste.

Objectives To recontact biobank participants and collect cognitive, behavioural and lifestyle information via a secure online platform.Design Biobank-based recontacting pilot study.Setting Three Finnish biobanks (Helsinki, Auria, Tampere) recruiting participants from February 2021 to July 2021.Participants All eligible invitees were enrolled in FinnGen by their biobanks (Helsinki, Auria, Tampere), had available genetic data and were >18 years old. Individuals with severe neuropsychiatric disease or cognitive or physical disabilities were excluded. Lastly, 5995 participants were selected based on their polygenic score for cognitive abilities and invited to the study. Among invitees, 1115 had successfully participated and completed the study questionnaire(s).Outcome measures The primary outcome was the participation rate among study invitees. Secondary outcomes included questionnaire completion rate, quality of data collected and comparison of participation rate boosting strategies.Results The overall participation rate was 18.6% among all invitees and 23.1% among individuals aged 18–69. A second reminder letter yielded an additional 9.7% participation rate in those who did not respond to the first invitation. Recontacting participants via an online healthcare portal yielded lower participation than recontacting via physical letter. The completion rate of the questionnaire and cognitive tests was high (92% and 85%, respectively), and measurements were overall reliable among participants. For example, the correlation (r) between self-reported body mass index and that collected by the biobanks was 0.92.Conclusion In summary, this pilot suggests that recontacting FinnGen participants with the goal to collect a wide range of cognitive, behavioural and lifestyle information without additional engagement results in a low participation rate, but with reliable data. We suggest that such information be collected at enrolment, if possible, rather than via post hoc recontacting.

Abstract Riparian forests are known as hot spots of nitrogen cycling in landscapes. Climate warming speeds up the cycle. Here we present results from a multi-annual high temporal-frequency study of soil, stem, and ecosystem (eddy covariance) fluxes of N2O from a typical riparian forest in Europe. Hot moments (extreme events of N2O emission) lasted a quarter of the study period but contributed more than half of soil fluxes. We demonstrate that high soil emissions of N2O do not escape the ecosystem but are processed in the canopy. Rapid water content change across intermediate soil moisture was a major determinant of elevated soil emissions in spring. The freeze-thaw period is another hot moment. However, according to the eddy covariance measurements, the riparian forest is a modest source of N2O. We propose photochemical reactions and dissolution in canopy-space water as reduction mechanisms.

We review our current understanding of groundwater flow history in the northern part of the Baltic Artesian Basin (BAB) from the end of the Late Pleistocene to current conditions based on the hydrogeological studies carried out in 2012â2020 by the Department of Geology, Tallinn University of Technology and its partners. Hydrogeochemical data and various numerical models are combined in order to understand the link between glaciations and groundwater flow. The results of our earlier research and published literature on groundwater flow history in the BAB are also taken into account. The reconstruction of groundwater flow history is based on the database of the isotopic, chemical and dissolved gas composition of groundwater. The database contains data on 1155 groundwater samples collected during 1974â2017. We find that groundwater in the BAB is controlled by the mixing of three distinct water masses: interglacial/modern meteoric water (δ18O â â11â°), glacial meltwater (δ18O ⤠â18â°) and an older syngenetic end-member (δ18O â¥â4.5â°). The numerical modelling has suggested that the preservation of meltwater in the northern part of the BAB is controlled by confining layers and the proximity to the outcrop areas of aquifers. Aquifers containing groundwater of glacial origin are in a transient state with respect to modern topographically-driven groundwater flow conditions. The most important topics for future research that can address gaps in our current knowledge are also reviewed.

Genetic variants affecting hematopoiesis can influence commonly measured blood cell traits. To identify factors that affect hematopoiesis, we performed association studies for blood cell traits in the population-based Estonian Biobank using high-coverage whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in 2,284 samples and SNP genotyping in an additional 14,904 samples. Using up to 7,134 samples with available phenotype data, our analyses identified 17 associations across 14 blood cell traits. Integration of WGS-based fine-mapping and complementary epigenomic datasets provided evidence for causal mechanisms at several loci, including at a previously undiscovered basophil count-associated locus near the master hematopoietic transcription factor CEBPA The fine-mapped variant at this basophil count association near CEBPA overlapped an enhancer active in common myeloid progenitors and influenced its activity. In situ perturbation of this enhancer by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells demonstrated that it is necessary for and specifically regulates CEBPA expression during basophil differentiation. We additionally identified basophil count-associated variation at another more pleiotropic myeloid enhancer near GATA2, highlighting regulatory mechanisms for ordered expression of master hematopoietic regulators during lineage specification. Our study illustrates how population-based genetic studies can provide key insights into poorly understood cell differentiation processes of considerable physiologic relevance.

Built environment students graduate with good technical skills but often lack the rudiments of management and leadership skills. Other challenges they face, among others, include interpersonal skills, emotional skills, self-awareness and impulse control. This article presents a case study assessing the emotional intelligence (EI) attributes of built environment students. EI questionnaires (Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i)) were distributed to fourth-year undergraduates studying construction-related courses at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. A total of 182 questionnaires were completed and retrieved from the fourth-year students. Analytical tools included descriptive statistics, mean score ranking, regression and correlation. Construction technology management students had the highest EI value, followed by civil engineering students, quantity surveying and construction economics students and lastly architecture students. There was no significant difference in the overall EQ-i scores of the students. Furthermore, there is insignificant correlation between the built environment programmes and the EI level of the students. The results illustrate that the EI level of the students is not statistically dependent on the programmes undertaken. From regression analysis, age is a significant predictor of EI. This study presents a methodology for assessing the EI levels of built environment students in developing countries and adds to the body of knowledge. The work concludes with directions for future research.

Abstract Background Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) are questionnaires that could be used in palliative care (PC) to evaluate patient well-being and monitor their care. PROMs enable a focus on what is important to patients by putting the patient at the center of care. Adapting an existing PROM requires considering cultural differences, general usability and understandability of translated terms. Aim To translate and culturally adapt both the patient and staff three and seven day versions of the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS) into Estonian. The IPOS consist of 10 questions (staff versions 9 questions) and 17 close ended items. The sub aim is to describe the differences and discrepancies found during the adaptation process and compare the results with previous research. Methods The translation and adaptation process of IPOS was conducted using recommended guidelines consisting of six phases and included cognitive interviews with patients (n = 11) and palliative care multidisciplinary team members (n = 8). The study was conducted in two major Estonian hospitals. Results The Estonian IPOS demonstrated face and content validity, acceptance by patients and staff. As a result of expert group review and cognitive interviews with patients and staff, 9 semantic changes were implemented. Conclusions Patient and staff versions of the IPOS with a recall of 3 or 7 days were translated and culturally adapted for Estonia. The Estonian IPOS four versions are ready for use in Estonia.

Tree stems in tropical peat swamp forests are known as considerable methane (CH4) emitters; however, little is known about their carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) exchange. Differences between species, especially the role of palm stems in the exchange of greenhouse gasses, have remained largely unknown. We measured stem CO2, CH4, and N2O fluxes from the different heights of widely spread aguaje palms (Mauritia flexuosa) and boarwoods (Symphonia globulifera) and the soil beneath the same trees in a Peruvian Amazon palm swamp using a static closed chamber technique from September 2019 to March 2020. The tree stems were the net emitters of CO2 and CH4 but occasionally showed low N2O uptake. We found the highest stem CH4 emissions (average ± SE) from palm stems of the height of 80 cm (1,601 ± 165.9 μg C m–2 h–1), which are more than 300 times greater compared to the highest fluxes from boarwood stems, at the height of 30 cm (5.12 ± 1.27 μg C m–2 h–1). The average soil CH4 flux was 3,618 ± 465 μg C m–2 h–1. Whereas N2O fluxes from the stems were negligible, the average N2O fluxes from soils beneath the same trees were relatively high, ranging from 53.75 ± 24.04 (close to boarwood trees) to 143.4 ± 68.43 (close to palms) μg N m–2 h–1. While roughly upscaling tree-level fluxes to the stand level of 27,732 km2 of palm swamp in the Pastaza-Marañon foreland basin, these forests are net annual emitters of CH4 and N2O (897 Gg C y–1 and 24 Gg N y–1, respectively). These results highlight the necessity to study this kind of ecosystem more intensely.

Background Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with higher body mass index (BMI), diabetes, older age and male gender, which are all risk factors for severe COVID-19.We aimed to study if OSA is an independent risk factor for COVID-19 infection or for severe COVID-19.Methods OSA diagnosis and COVID-19 infection were extracted from the hospital discharge, causes of death and infectious diseases registries in individuals who participated in the FinnGen study (n=260 405). Severe COVID-19 was defined as COVID-19 requiring hospitalisation. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine association. Comorbidities for either COVID-19 or OSA were selected as covariates. We performed a meta-analysis with previous studies.Results We identified 445 individuals with COVID-19, and 38 (8.5%) of them with OSA of whom 19 out of 91 (20.9%) were hospitalised. OSA associated with COVID-19 hospitalisation independent from age, sex, BMI and comorbidities (p-unadjusted=5.13×10−5, OR-adjusted=2.93 (95% CI 1.02 to 8.39), p-adjusted=0.045). OSA was not associated with the risk of contracting COVID-19 (p=0.25). A meta-analysis of OSA and severe COVID-19 showed association across 15 835 COVID-19 positive controls, and n=1294 patients with OSA with severe COVID-19 (OR=2.37 (95% 1.14 to 4.95), p=0.021).Conclusion Risk for contracting COVID-19 was the same for patients with OSA and those without OSA. In contrast, among COVID-19 positive patients, OSA was associated with higher risk for hospitalisation. Our findings are in line with earlier works and suggest OSA as an independent risk factor for severe COVID-19.

Recently, under COP26, several countries agreed to phase-out coal from their energy systems. The torrefaction industry can take advantage of this, as the fuel characteristics of torrefied biomasses are comparable to those of coal. However, in terms of economic feasibility, torrefied biomass pellets are not yet competitive with coal without subsidies because of the high price of woody biomass. Thus, there is a need to produce torrefied pellets from low-cost feedstock; pulp industry sludge is one such feedstock. In this context, this study was focused on the torrefaction of pulp industry sludge. Torrefaction experiments were carried out using a continuous reactor, at temperatures of 250, 275, and 300 °C. The heating value of the sludge increased from 19 to 22 MJ/kg after torrefaction at 300 °C. The fixed carbon content increased from 16 wt.% for dried pulp sludge to 30 wt.% for torrefied pulp sludge. The fuel ratio was in the range of 0.27 to 0.61. The ash content of the pulp sludge was comparable to that of agricultural waste, i.e., around 12 wt.% (dry basis). The cellulose content in the sludge was reduced from 35 to 12 wt.% at 300 °C. Ash related issues such as slagging, fouling, and bed agglomeration tendency of the sludge were moderate. This study shows that torrefaction treatment can improve the fuel properties of pulp industry sludge to a level comparable to that of low-rank coal.

The paper aims to make a contribution to semiotic research on the future by bringing together various approaches that deal with the relationship humans have with the future. More specifically, the paper concentrates on anticipation viewed as an activity that is based on modelling the (un)desired future as suggested by Nikolai Bernstein. The model-based approach to anticipation allows drawing connections between the psychophysiological and semiotically mediated forms of anticipation on the one hand, and between individual and collective forms of anticipation on the other hand. With these aims in mind, the paper offers a sketch of a semiotic approach to the future that is based on the framework of semiotic modelling systems, i.e. views the future in terms of models of it and the semiotic resources and processes involved in the model-building. As the semiotically mediated models of the future circulating in a culture can become collectively shared means of cognizing and anticipating some futures, it is possible to talk about a collective anticipation, analogous to Juri Lotman’s cultural semiotic notion of collective memory. Accordingly, premediation, a future-oriented media practice outlined by Richard Grusin, is viewed as an example of collective anticipation. In addition to tracing the mechanisms of anticipation from its individual organismic to semiotically mediated collective forms, the paper foregrounds also the two fundamental problems that run across the diverse theoretical perspectives brought together within the approach: the individual and collective agency in futuremaking and the affective dimension of anticipation.

Like other professions that wish to remain competitive, the quantity surveying profession (QSP) will always find ways to improve its output and systems. Despite the QSPs progress in process innovation, the profession still faces some challenges and is overwhelmed by expectations that must be addressed to improve service. The purpose of this study is to identify the expectations and challenges of quantity surveyors and the QSP. Using an in-depth literature review and quantitative research approach, questionnaires were developed and administered to innovative quantity surveying (QS) firms in Ghana. After validating variables and checking the reliability of the scale, data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and a relative importance index (RII). Findings showed that the quantity surveyors expect elimination of corruption from the industry and a high standard of transparency and accountability. The surveyors also desired enhance their skills to remain competitive and be more entrepreneurial and proactive. This study creates awareness for top managers and leaders in QS firms to identify and adopt innovative solutions to address the challenges of the industry and the expectations of individual quantity surveyors. Managing the expectations of quantity surveyors and the challenges of the QSP would help the QS industry remain competitive and lucrative. This paper makes an original contribution to the field by describing the challenges the QSP faces in the construction industry and providing theoretical views on the expectations of innovators.

In this study, the effects of sea ice and wind speed on the timing and composition of phytoplankton spring bloom in the central and southern Baltic Sea are investigated by a hydrodynamic-biogeochemical model and observational data. The modelling experiment compared the results of a reference run in the presence of sea ice with those of a run in the absence of sea ice, which confirmed that ecological conditions differed significantly for both the scenarios. It has been found that diatoms dominate the phytoplankton biomass in the absence of sea ice, whereas dinoflagellates dominate the biomass in the presence of thin sea ice. The study concludes that under moderate ice conditions (representing the last few decades), dinoflagellates dominate the spring bloom phytoplankton biomass in the Baltic Sea, whereas diatoms will be dominant in the future as a result of climate change i.e. in the absence of sea ice.

"Some topics in translation and interpreting research" The article describes some findings of a pilot study in the field of translation and interpreting studies. 4 translators and 5 interpreters translated the same source text from English into Estonian. Their translation process was recorded either as an audio recording (for interpreters) or screen recording (for translators) and all texts were collected. As interpreting research is so far basically missing in Estonia and translation process research is also in the beginning stages, the study is to a large extent exploratory and tentative. We looked into the use of pronouns, of which only demonstrative pronouns showed a difference in usage that could not be explained by the nature of the task. We also analysed whether there was any use of literal translation as a strategy, also to understand how the translator’s and interpreter’s mind works to find solutions for certain translation problems. The translation of cultural items being the most difficult part in the translation task used, we studied the problem-solving strategies and decisions translators and interpreters made. The translation process data was most intensively used to study self-corrections in the translator’s work process. This revealed some interesting patterns in the translator’s working habits, which could definitely be elaborated and researched further. All in all, we find that it makes a lot of sense to study these two areas of translation together and the best way to encourage it would be compiling a proper (longterm) corpus of product and process data. The advances in such research would be most appreciated in the didactic environment but it would also be an important addition to translation studies and translation tools development.

In a global field survey across a wide range of organic soils, the authors find that N2O flux can be predicted by models incorporating soil nitrate concentration (NO3 –), water content and temperature. N2O emission increases with NO3 – and temperature and follows a bell-shaped distribution with water content.

Abundant biomass is a potential energy source. However, it possesses several challenges when considered for energy applications. Torrefaction, a thermal pretreatment process can improve the properties of biomass as energy source. This study focused on comparing effect of torrefaction operating parameters on agricultural and wood wastes properties as fuel. The physiochemical properties, composition, moisture-biomass interaction and ash melting behavior were determined. The result show that higher torrefaction temperature and longer residence time increased lignin content, reduced hemicellulose and cellulose content. The moisture uptake of torrefied biomass was reduced in the range 2.47–9.94% compared with raw biomass depending on torrefaction temperature that indicate torrefied biomass was more hydrophobic than raw biomass. The moisture adsorption isotherm curve shows type II isotherm based on the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller’s (BET) classification and was best described by the Oswin model. In addition, torrefaction treatment showed significant influence on the melting behavior of the biomass ash. Especially for agricultural wastes, the fouling tendency shifted from serious range to low range with torrefaction treatment. Torrefaction showed promise for improving fuel characteristics of the studied biomass.

One of the main objectives of the so-called Damages Directive (2014/104/EU) was to make antitrust enforcement more effective. Although in most EU countries private antitrust enforcement has been possible subject to general rules of civil law; the number of private antitrust litigations has remained relatively low. It is presumed that the complementary roles of public and private enforcement, as well as the synergy between them, will take effect if formal decisions taken during public enforcement will have binding effect with regard to follow-on private litigations. According to the Damages Directive, final national decisions on competition infringements shall have binding effect in follow-on litigations. What is to be understood under ‘binding effect’, and the potential effects thereof, has been subject to a lively debate among academics and practitioners. It has been questioned if decisions of an executive body can bind the judiciary, and if so, to what extent. What is the evidentiary value of a formal decision of a NCA regarding national courts, but also on the court of another Member State. The article deals with the main issues and arguments presented in the general debate on the binding effect of national competition law decisions, and provides a closer look on this topic with regard to specific CEE countries.

Nitrous oxide (N2O), a major greenhouse gas and ozone depleter, is emitted from drained organic soils typically developed in floodplains. We investigated the effect of the water table depth and soil oxygen (O2) content on N2O fluxes and their nitrogen isotope composition in a drained floodplain fen in Estonia. Measurements were done at natural water table depth, and we created a temporary anoxic environment by experimental flooding. From the suboxic peat (0.5−6 mg O2/L) N2O emissions peaked at 6 mg O2/L and afterwards decreased with decreasing O2. From the anoxic and oxic peat (0 and >6 mg O2/L, respectively) N2O emissions were low. Under anoxic conditions the δ15N/δ14N ratio of the top 10 cm peat layer was low, gradually decreasing to 30 cm. In the suboxic peat, δ15N/δ14N ratios increased with depth. In samples of peat fluctuating between suboxic and anoxic, the elevated 15N/14N ratios (δ15N = 7−9‱ ambient N2) indicated intensive microbial processing of nitrogen. Low values of site preference (SP; difference between the central and peripheral 15N atoms) and δ18O-N2O in the captured gas samples indicate nitrifier denitrification in the floodplain fen.

In the paper, the impact of wind on a ferry sailing in ice field is described and analysed. Two ice-sticking events on the Gulf of Finland are taken for the case study. The wind, especially its direction, is stated as an important factor to entrap a vessel in the ice. The wind blowing across the vessel longitude axis caused both the ships to stick.

Propagule size is an important maternal effect on offspring fitness and phenotype in birds and other oviparous animals. The performance of propagules often increases with size, but a fluctuating environment may introduce temporal variation in the optimal phenotype. Understanding these mechanisms will provide novel insights into the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of life history strategies in parental reproductive investment. We investigated the interaction between propagule size (measured as egg volume) and environmental conditions on offspring mortality and phenotype in a Norwegian house sparrow population. Increased propagule size reduced offspring mortality in early life, with more pronounced effects under heavy precipitation. However, the optimal propagule size for low offspring mortality until recruitment shifted from large to small as temperature increased. Propagule size had no significant effect on fledgling body mass and tarsus length. These results reveal a potential for eco‐evolutionary dynamics in propagule size, as populations adapt to fluctuating environmental conditions. The ultimate outcome of this dynamic process will also depend on variation in parental fitness and tradeoffs with other life‐history traits, particularly clutch size.

Cuckoo wasps (Chrysididae) are a medium-sized and widespread family of Hymenoptera whose species are generally parasitoids or cleptoparasites of solitary wasps and bees. The identities of the hosts are known from various studies and occasional records; however the utility of such data is often low due to unstable taxonomy of the species and the inappropriate methods used to determine the host species. Therefore, despite numerous publications on the subject, the host-parasite relationships of cuckoo wasps are poorly understood. Moreover, a revision of existing literature reveals that cuckoo wasps are often unreasonably considered to be unspecialized (i.e., sharing host species). In this study we use an accurate method (trap-nests) to determine the host relationships of Estonian cuckoo wasps of the genera Chrysis and Trichrysis and determine their level of specialization. 568 trap nest bundles (each containing 15-20 single reed stems) were established at 361 locations across Estonia during the vegetation periods of 2009-2011. Nests built in traps were opened and the order of cells documented in order to determine the host-parasite relationships of mason wasps and cuckoo wasps. Altogether, 5386 insects were recorded, including 12 species of Chrysidini. Hosts of all 12 cuckoo wasp species were determined and included some not previously recorded. Analysis of host-parasite relationships revealed that Estonian species of Chrysidini exhibit a greater degree of host specialization than previously thought, with only a minimal overlap in hosts between species. Such a high degree of specialization accounts for the high species diversity of cuckoo wasps, as the diversity of parasitic insects is often associated with narrow host specialization.