Southwestern Sweden Research Articles

Dead and buried? Variation in post-mortem histories revealed through histotaphonomic characterisation of human bone from megalithic graves in Sweden.

This study investigates possible variation in post-mortem histories during the Neolithic period in southwestern Sweden based on microscopic studies of human bone. Numerous megalithic graves were built in this region and good preservation conditions have left a rich skeletal record. After more than a hundred years of research, it is still a controversy whether or not these skeletal assemblages were the result of primary burials, or ossuaries where skeletonized remains were deposited. In this study we apply histological analysis to obtain insights into post-mortem histories and taphonomic processes affecting the human remains, potentially including funerary rituals. This type of analysis records the condition and traces of degradation found in skeletal material at a microscopic level. Human skeletal material from four different megalithic tombs in the Falbygden area has been sampled and analysed by thin-section light microscopy, and by scanning electron microscopy. The results of the study provide evidence of variation and changes in burial conditions for skeletal remains from the different graves, also for remains from the same grave. Extent of bioerosion varied, from extensive to moderate/arrested, to none. Bone samples from the same graves also differed in the type of staining and mineral inclusions, showing that the non-bioeroded samples relatively early post-mortem must have experienced an anoxic environment, and later a change to an aerated environment. This could be taken as an indication of primary burial somewhere else, but more likely reflect a special micro-environment occurring temporarily in some graves and parts of graves after the tombs were filled with soil and sealed by roof slabs. The study illustrates the usefulness of bone histological analysis in the reconstruction of post-mortem histories, revealing variations not discernible at macro-level that may aid in the interpretations of funerary rituals. However, the results also highlight the issues of equifinality. Based on current data and knowledge, several scenarios are possible. Further histotaphonomic work is advisable, including archaeological remains from megalithic tombs, and bones from taphonomic experiments.

The spatiotemporal distribution of Late Viking Age Swedish runestones: A reflection of the Christianisation process and its speed

The Late Viking Age Swedish runestones are commonly acknowledged as early Christian monuments. Using geostatistical techniques and descriptive statistics, we systematically investigate the regional-to-local spatiotemporal patterns of 1302 ornamentally dated Swedish runestones regarding the timing and speed of the Christianisation process. After quantitative geostatistical analyses of the age distribution patterns of Swedish runestones, we evaluate whether the observed patterns correspond to the pace and pattern of Christianisation, as represented by the presence of mission bishoprics, early church sites, late pagan grave sites and royal estates. We identify seven distinct age groups of runestones and statistically significant regional-to-local spatiotemporal differences in the age and age spread of runestones. The oldest runestones, with the smallest age spread, are found in south-western medieval Sweden, and the youngest, as well as the largest age spread, in the north-east, respectively. We find that runestones are significantly older close to early ecclesiastical sites, regardless of the analytical level, and significantly younger near to late pagan graves. The results obtained are inconclusive as to whether runestones are older near royal estates. Our results support that the spatiotemporal patterns of runestone sites mirror the timing of the Christianisation process and that geostatistical approaches to larger archaeological or historical data sets can add new dimensions to the understanding of the spatial dimensions of past societal changes.

Lean in Swedish agriculture: strategic and operational perspectives

The purpose of this article is to present and test a framework for lean implementation in the agricultural sector, addressing challenges from an operational and strategical perspective. The article builds on the previous literature on the use of Lean and reports empirical data from a lean implementation project in the south-western Sweden, including interviews, observations, diaries and questionnaires. A framework is developed to examine strategic and operational perspectives on Lean Thinking. Using this framework, a number of challenges encountered in Lean implementation are presented. This article is limited to the study of Lean among a group of Swedish farms although its findings may have implications for the wider agricultural sectors. Many societal challenges are linked with agricultural sustainability, stressing the need for productive, resource-efficient, resilient and less wasteful food production. This article is the first to develop and test a Lean implementation framework in the agriculture sector.

First PowerCell order for Swedish renewable energy homes initiative

PowerCell Sweden has received an order from Nilsson Energy for a PowerCell PS-5 fuel cell system, which will be installed in an apartment building in Vårgårda in southwestern Sweden, as part of a programme to make renovated homes self-sufficient in renewable energy.

A bark beetle attack caused elevated nitrate concentrations and acidification of soil water in a Norway spruce stand

A bark beetle attack in a Norway spruce forest in southwestern Sweden killed most trees, which however mostly remained standing, and caused elevated nitrate concentrations and subsequent acidification in the soil water. Long-term monitoring showed very low nitrate concentrations in the soil water before the bark beetle attack. High nitrate concentrations remained throughout five years after the initiation of the bark beetle attack until the monitoring was terminated. The increased nitrate concentrations in the soil water were accompanied by a decrease in both pH and the acid neutralizing capacity, ANC. The significance for future nitrogen and acidity leakage to ground- and surface waters is discussed in relation to the expected future increase in the frequencies of bark beetle attacks in boreal and northern temperate forests.

Patients’ Experiences after Cognitive Behavior Group Therapy: From Anxiety to Feelings of Perceived Security

The vast majority of qualitative studies that examined the patient’s own experiences of cognitive psychotherapy are about experiences from individual therapy. Studies dedicated to investigating how patients experience group treatment are more unusual, although such treatment contains components lacking in individual therapy. The purpose of the current study was to investigate which components and interventions have been considered significant by patients who achieved diagnostic improvements after performing Cognitive Behavior Group Therapy (CBGT) for individuals with clinical anxiety. Participants consisted of seven patients (2 men and 5 women) aged 21 - 61 whom took part in CBGT for patients with anxiety problems. Respondents were recruited from seven treatment groups in southwestern Sweden. Prerequisites to selection were that prior to treatment, they were diagnosed as having clinical anxiety, and that after treatment, their diagnosis of clinical anxiety had been removed. For analysis of data, the Empirical Phenomenological Psychological (EPP) method (Karlsson, 1995) was used. Results showed that respondents described their anxiety as a lack of security, and that their treatment increased their feelings of security. Three themes emerged which were important for creating security: 1) Sharing with others, 2) Knowledge, and 3) Structure. Further analysis indicated that a security process was established where the perceived security of the group, “outside the individual”, could be moved to “inside the individual.”

Health Consequences of Acid Rain in South West Sweden

Acid rain leads to loss of essential elements from soils and bedrock, causing an imbalance in especially dug well waters, as essential element concentrations decrease and potentially toxic element concentrations increase. In this study 72 private dug wells from acid regions (pH 7.0) in South-western Sweden. Women, drinking the water for at least 5 years, were interviewed about their health and water and hair samples were collected. The concentrations of about 40 elements in water and hair were analysed, mostly by ICP-MS. The concentrations of essential elements such as Ca, Cr, Mo, Se, K, and SO4 as well as the body’s buffering agent HCO3 were significantly lower in acid than in alkaline water. The median Ca concentration was 6 times lower in acid waters, and also in hair compared to alkaline. Median HCO3 was 14 times lower in acid waters. Mg was similar in both populations, since the Swedish bedrock in general has low Mg content, even so limestone in the alkaline area. The concentrations of especially Ca, Cr, HCO3 and SO4, peaked at pH 7.0 - 8.0, due to precipitation of carbonates and sulphates in alkaline soils and leaching from acid soils. The levels of toxic metals such as Cd and Pb were significantly higher in acid well water. High Cu concentration from pipes, causing especially diarrhoea, is a serious acidification problem. The contribution of essential elements to the daily intake from these well waters, 2 Litres consumption per day, was from 0% to above 30% for some elements, clearly showing that 10%, which is generally predicted, can be exceeded for people with private well waters, as well as provide 0%, which is the case for many acid well waters. Water elements were mirrored in hair, e.g. Ca and Mo. The loss of essential minerals, and increased concentration of toxic elements in acid well water, caused mineral imbalances in the body, as mirrored in hair. Women living in the acid area reported more negative health changes than women in the alkaline district, during the time they had been drinking their well water. The number of reported heart, intestinal, muscle, and skin problems were between 2 and 9 times higher among women drinking acid than alkaline well water.

New Perspectives on the Late Neolithic of South-Western Sweden. An Interdisciplinary Investigation of the Gallery Grave Falköping Stad 5

AbstractThis article presents the results of an interdisciplinary study combining archaeology, osteology, and stable isotope analyses. The geological conditions and richness of megalithic graves in Falbygden is suitable for studies of Neolithic human remains. Nevertheless, the Late Neolithic period (2350-1700 BC) is poorly investigated. This paper explores new knowledge of the Late Neolithic megalithic population in Falbygden. In-depth osteological and archaeological studies focusing on a single gallery grave (Falkoping stad 5) were conducted. Radiocarbon dating and carbon, nitrogen, and strontium isotope analyses of teeth from twenty-one individuals revealed the time of the grave’s use, as well as the subsistence and mobility practices of the buried individuals. The grave was already in use during the first part of the Late Neolithic and used into the second part of the period by individuals of different origin. Furthermore, the results indicated changing population dynamics in the Late Neolithic Falbygden, with increased human mobility, variability in subsistence strategies, and growing population density.

Prevalence of somatic and urogenital symptoms as well as psychological health in women aged 45 to 55 attending primary health care: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundWomen’s physical and mental ill-health such as stress-related symptoms, depression, pain, hypertension and urogenital health shows a marked increase around the ages 45–55 years. These women are an important group for Primary Health Care (PHC) due to their prevalent symptoms and illnesses. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of somatic, psychological and urogenital symptoms in women aged 45–55 attending PHC and evaluate factors associated with severe symptoms.MethodsOne hundred and thirty-one women were recruited from PHC in southwestern Sweden. Data were obtained from two self-reported questionnaires, the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS).ResultsExhaustion, depressive mood, muscle and joint problems, sleep and sexual problems were the most prevalent reported symptoms. Half of the women reported heart discomfort. Depression and increasing age were correlated to more severe symptoms.ConclusionWe recommend that cardiovascular risk factors, musculoskeletal symptoms, sexual problems, sleeping problems and mental health should be actively asked for when women aged 45 to 55 attend PHC. We propose that preventive counselling of women in PHC before the age 45 should be evaluated in future studies.

Age of enlightenment: long-term effects of outdoor aesthetic lights on bats in churches.

We surveyed 110 country churches in south-western Sweden for presence of brown long-eared bats Plecotus auritus in summer 2016 by visual inspection and/or evening emergence counts. Each church was also classified according to the presence and amount of aesthetic directional lights (flood-lights) aimed on its walls and tower from the outside. Sixty-one of the churches had previously been surveyed by one of us (J.R.) between 1980 and 1990, before lights were installed on Swedish churches, using the same methods. Churches with bat colonies had decreased significantly in frequency from 61% in 1980s to 38% by 2016. All abandoned churches had been fitted with flood-lights in the period between the two surveys. The loss of bat colonies from lit churches was highly significant and most obvious when lights were applied from all directions, leaving no dark corridor for the bats to leave and return to the roost. In contrast, in churches that were not lit, all of 13 bat colonies remained after 25+ years between the surveys. Lighting of churches and other historical buildings is a serious threat to the long-term survival and reproduction of light-averse bats such as Plecotus spp. and other slow-flying species. Bat roosts are strictly protected according to the EU Habitats Directive and the EUROBATS agreement. Lighting of buildings for aesthetic purposes is becoming a serious environmental issue, because important bat roosts are destroyed in large numbers, and the problem should be handled accordingly. As a start, installation of flood-lights on historical buildings should at least require an environmental impact assessment (EIA).

\u2018To be able to support her, I must feel calm and safe\u2019: pregnant women\u2019s partners perceptions of professional support during pregnancy

BackgroundProfessional support does not always meet the needs of expectant fathers or co-mothers. The way in which professional support is offered during pregnancy varies internationally, depending on the country. In order to attain a greater understanding of partners’ experiences of professional support, it is necessary to further illuminate their perceptions of it. The aim of this study was therefore to explore pregnant women’s partners’ perceptions of professional support during pregnancy.MethodsQualitative research design. Partners of pregnant women were interviewed during gestational week 36–38. Individual semi-structured interviews were used to explore the partners’ perceptions. The data was analysed using a phenomenographic approach. The study was performed in a county in south-western Sweden; the data collection was conducted from November 2014 to February 2015. Fourteen partners (expectant fathers and co-mothers) of women who were expectant first-time mothers with singleton pregnancies, were interviewed.ResultsThe findings of the study are presented through four descriptive categories: Ability to absorb adequate information; Possibility to meet and share with other expectant parents; Confirmation of the partner’s importance; and Influence on the couple relationship. Using a theoretical assumption of the relationship between the categories showed that the fourth category was influenced by the other three categories.ConclusionsThe partners perceived that professional support during pregnancy could influence the couple relationship. The partners’ ability to communicate and to experience togetherness with the women increased when the expectant couple received professional support together. The support created also possibilities to meet and share experiences with other expectant parents. In contrast, a lack of support was found to contribute to partners’ feelings of unimportance. It was essential that the midwives included the partners by confirming that they were individuals who had different needs for various types of professional support. The partners perceived it easier to absorb information when it was adequate and given with a pedagogic that made the partners become interested and emotionally engaged.

Variation and accumulation patterns of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in European perch (Perca fluviatilis) across a gradient of pristine Swedish lakes

This study assessed variations in the concentrations of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in European perch (Perca fluviatilis) in Swedish lakes and the extent to which fish size, age and indicators of fish trophic ecology (δ15N and δ13C) correlate with the sum of individual PFAS concentrations (ΣPFAS). Fish muscle tissue samples (n=80) were taken from six lakes across Sweden and analysed using solid-liquid extraction followed by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). PFAS levels in the lakes were affected by atmospheric deposition in relatively pristine areas with no direct point source of PFAS in the catchment. PFTeDA, PFUnDA, PFTriDA, PFDoDA, PFDA, PFOS and 6:2 FTSA were detected with a frequency between 68% and 99% and were included in the statistical evaluation. ΣPFAS differed between lakes (ANOVA: F=50.6, p<0.0001): fish from lakes in southern Sweden (lake Gårdsjön, 58°03′N, 12°01′E) showed elevated levels of PFAS, with a maximum ΣPFAS of 3.4ng g−1 wet weight (ww) (mean±SD: 0.99±0.63ng g−1 ww), while the lowest levels were found in lake Björntjärn (0.31±0.08ng g−1 ww) in northern Sweden (63°54′N, 18°51′E). PFOS was most abundant in perch from south-western Sweden, while other long-chain perfluorocarbons (>10 carbon atoms) were relatively more abundant in lakes in northern Sweden. Pearson correlation coefficients indicated that concentrations of PFAS in perch did not show any relation to fish size or age and were negatively correlated with trophic position of the fish (δ15N). It was also found that ΣPFAS were negatively correlated with both latitude and altitude. The PFAS data in this study represent national background concentrations in freshwater fish across Swedish lakes.

Early prehospital assessment of non-urgent patients and outcomes at the appropriate level of care: A prospective exploratory study

IntroductionThe Ambulance Organization of Sweden provides qualified medical assessment and treatment by ambulance nurses based on patient needs regarding appropriate levels of care. A new model for patients with non-urgent medical conditions has been introduced. The main objective of this study was to examine early prehospital assessment of non-urgent patients, and its impact on the choice of the appropriate level of care. MethodsThe study design was a 1-year, prospective study, involving an ambulance district in southwestern Sweden with a population of 78,000. Eligible patients were from18years of age, assessed as priority GREEN by Rapid Emergency Triage and Treatment System (RETTS). Ambulance nurses contacted primary care physicians on decisions on whether a patient should be transported to a primary healthcare unit or an A&E. Data was collected from electronic health records from April 2014 to July 2015. A comparison was made with a retrospective control group without consulting a physician concerning the appropriate level of care. Results394 patients were included, 184 in the intervention group, and 210 in the control group. There were statistically significant differences in favor of the study group (p<0.001) regarding no transport, or transport and admission to an A&E. The groups did not differ significantly regarding transport to a primary care unit. ConclusionThis prehospital assessment model indicates a decrease in ambulance transports to an A&E and admissions to a hospital ward. Collaboration between ambulance nurses and primary physicians affects the decision for the appropriate level of care for patients with a non-urgent condition.

New discovery of late early ordovician graptolites and discussion on stratigraphic sequence of paleozoic sediments in the Dinh Ca - Trang Xa Section, Vo Nhai Disctrict, Thai Nguyen Province, Northeast Vietnam

Sandstone, quartzitic sandstone rhythmically interbedded with siltstone, calcareous siltstone and cherty shale are largely exposed in the Dinh Ca - Trang Xa area, Vo Nhai District, Thai Nguyen Province, NE Vietnam. In previous studies, they were described as Mo Dong or Than Sa Formations (Middle-Upper Cambrian). The graptolite faunas newly discovered from the Dinh Ca Market - Na Mo - Dong Bo cross section are composed of Expansograptus urbanus (Monsen), Expansograptus abnormis (Hsu), Tetragraptus quadribrachiatus (Hall), T. approximatus Nicholson, T. pacificus Ruedemann, T. decipiens T.S. Hall, Schizograptus sp., belonging to the quadribrachiatus Biozone, indicating Floian Stage or late Early Ordovician. This serves as the basis for age determination and for establishing new lithostratigraphic units termed as the Dinh Ca Formation (O1 dc) and the Ba Nhat Member. The stratigraphic sequence of Paleozoic sediments in the Dinh Ca - Trang Xa area is also discussed in this paper.References Bergstöm S. M., Löfgren A., and Maletz J., 2004. The GSSP of the Second (Upper) Stage of Lower Ordovician Series: Diabasbrottet at Hunneberg, Province of Västergӧtland, Southwestern Sweden. Episodes, 27(4), 265-272. Bergstöm S. M., Chen X., Gutierrez-Marco J.C., and Dronov A. V., 2008. The new chronostratigraphic classification of the Ordovician System and its relations to major regional series and stages to δ13C chemostratigraphy. LETHAI, 42(1), 97-107. Dovjikov, A. E. (ed) et al., 1965. (1971 in Vietnamese). The Geology of the Northern part of Vietnam. Geological Survey of Vietnam, Ha Noi, 583p. Doan Ky Thuy (Ed.), 1976. Geologyof the Lạng Sơn sheet (F-48-XXIII), 1:200.000 scale. Housed in the Central of Geological Information and Archives (in Vietnamese), Ha Noi. Doan Ky Thuỵ (Ed.), 2000. Geology and mineral resources of the Lạng Sơn sheet (F-48-XXIII), 1:200.000 scale. Published by Department of Geology and Minerals of Viet Nam (in Vietnamese with English summary), Ha Noi. Le Duy Bach, 1985. Structure and formation stages of Viet Nam in the tectonic framework of SE Asia. Abstract of PhD Dissertation (in Russian). The National Library of Viet Nam, 31 Trang Thi Street, Ha Noi. Mansuy H., 1908. Contribution à la carte géologiques de l'Indochine. Paléontologie, 73pp., Ha Noi. Nguyen Van Liem, 1978. On the Carboniferous system in North Viet Nam (in Vietnamese). Journal of Biology-Geosciences, 16(3), 78-85. Patte E., 1927. Études géologiques dans l'Est du Tonkin. Bull. Serv. Géol. Indoch., vol. XVI, fasc. 1, 314pp, Ha Noi. Pham Dinh Long (Ed.), 1968. Geology of the Tuyen Quang sheet (F-48-XXII), 1:200.000 scale. Housed in the Central of Geological Information and Archives. Ha Noi (in Vietnamese). Pham Dinh Long, Hoang Xuan Tinh, Phan Viet Ky, 1981. Some main features of regionalgeology of Northeast Viet Nam. Mapping, 48, 4-19, Ha Noi. Pham Kim Ngan, 1975. Some biostratigraphical sections of the Lower Paleozoic of North Viet Nam. Collections of works onstratigraphic studies in Viet Nam, 40-54. Science and Technics Publishing House (in Vietnamese), Ha Noi. Pham Kim Ngan, 1982. Some research results of the Cambrian and Ordovician biostratigraphy in Viet Nam. Geology and Minerals, 1, 7-17. Published by Institute of Geology and Mineral resources (in Vietnamese with English summary), Ha Noi. Saurin E., 1956b. Lexique stratigraphique international. Vol. III, fase, 6a: Indochine. Centre National de la Rech. Scient., 140p. Paris. 1970: published by Science and Technics Publishing House, 222pp. (in Vietnamese), Ha Noi. Tong Duy Thanh, Vu Khuc (Eds.), 2011. Stratigraphic units of Viet Nam.Vietnam National University Publishing House, 526pp, Ha Noi. Tran Van Tri, Ta Hoang Tinh, Phan Son, Le Duc An, 1964. On the Lower Paleozoic sediments in the Than Sa area. Journal of Geology, series A, 37, 6-11 (in Vietnamese with Russian summary), Ha Noi. Tran Van Tri, Vu Khuc (Eds.), 2011. Geology and Earth resources of Viet Nam. Publishing House for Science and Technology, 645pp, Ha Noi. Xu Chen, Strig M. Bergström, Yuan-Dong Zhang and Jun-Xuan Fan, 2009. The base of the Middle Ordovician in China with special reference to succession at Hengtan near Jiangshan, Zhejiang Province, Sothern China. LETHAI, 42, 218-231.

Integration of the ecosystem services concept in planning documents from six municipalities in southwestern Sweden

The ecosystem services (ES) concept refers to benefits that humanity receives from nature. Investigating how this concept has been embraced within urban planning is important when assessing the awareness of human dependence on natural functions and the potential for the ES concept to increase this awareness. We analyzed planning documents from three small and three large municipalities in southern Sweden to see how explicitly the ES concept was addressed and which individual services were mentioned. We found that five of the municipalities mentioned the ES concept explicitly and the remaining municipality addressed it implicitly. Comprehensive and green plans referred to the ES concept more explicitly than did plans that focused on a single issue. We used 23 individual ES as a reference; each was mentioned in at least one document, but those concerning habitat and recreation were mentioned most frequently. Individual ES were generally described at an elaborate level. No major differences were identified between large and small municipalities except that large ones mentioned more individual ES. Our study demonstrates that municipalities in southern Sweden have started to integrate the ES concept into their planning documents. However, there is great potential to increase and concretize the awareness of ES. (Less)

Födosök hos skrattmås Chroicocephalus ridibundus under häckningstid

During the 1990s, I compared the feeding habitat use during the breeding time of two Black-headed Gull colonies in south-western Sweden, a small urban colony (&lt;100 pairs; Skövde city) and a large rural colony (&gt;2000 pairs; Hornborgasjön), 20 km apart. Randomly selected roads were patrolled and gulls were counted and allocated to the observed feeding habitat (within 7.5 km of the small and within 15 km of the large colony). Refuse dumps were used by both colonies, but studied only for the rural colony with up to 30% of the birds counted at the dump. In spite of this apparent importance, the dump was not critical as closure of it did not affect colony size. With the dumps excluded, the birds from the urban colony used predominantly lawns (c. 70%) and those from rural colony bare soil (43%), newly sawn fields (20%) and pasture (14%). When feeding young the gulls collected food at a larger distance than during incubation: 2.7 vs. 1.6 km for the urban and 9.9 vs. 8.4 km for the rural colony.

Experiences of a lifestyle intervention in obese pregnant women – A qualitative study

Objectiveto describe obese women's experiences of participating in a lifestyle intervention and its experienced impact on health and lifestyle. Designqualitative method with a phenomenological lifeworld approach. The interviews were analyzed in accordance with the phenomenological method. Participants and setting11 women who had participated in a lifestyle intervention project, targeting pregnant women with BMI ≥30 in southwestern Sweden, were interviewed a few weeks before delivery. Findingsthe essence of these women's experiences was expressed as: implementing new habits required support, from midwives, partners, relatives, friends, or obese pregnant women in the same situation, or by participating in the intervention itself. The support had to be non-judgmental and with a balanced outlook on weight. Participation had taught them about weight gain control. The women were motivated to try to control their gestational weight gain, although not all of them were initially convinced that this would be possible. The essential structure of participation can be described with the following constituents: ‘‘pregnancy encourages change’’, ‘‘to be supported by non-judgmental people’’, ‘‘from bad habits to conscious choices’’ and; ‘‘barriers to change’’. Key conclusionsin order to implement new habits, participants expressed a need for support, given with a non-judgmental attitude and a balanced outlook on weight. The women experienced that the lifestyle changes could be less burdensome than previously imagined, and that slight changes could yield unexpectedly successful results. In order to maintain a lifestyle change, obese women must perceive some kind of results, i.e. increased quality of life or weight gain control. Implications for practicenon-judgmental support from midwives is crucial. Affinity with other pregnant obese women in an exercise group or dietary group setting is supportive.

Impact of whole-tree harvest on soil and stream water acidity in southern Sweden based on HD-MINTEQ simulations and pH-sensitivity

The shift in major drivers of acidification from sulfur deposition to biological acidification has put the focus on the impact of biomass harvest for bioenergy on the acid base status of forests soils and surface waters. This paper presents a model-based assessment in which the impact of whole-tree harvest (WTH) is compared with that of no harvest at two different sulfur deposition levels by use of the HD-MINTEQ model. Additionally, the pH-sensitivity of 179 randomly selected boreal headwater streams was assessed. The results indicate that the exchangeable Ca2+ pool in humus and mineral soils (⩽B-horizon) is most affected by harvest. Concerning the pH, the WTH impact is restricted to shallow soils and for a much shorter period of time. The impact of WTH on the soil solution was primarily restricted to the recharge area and much less pronounced in the discharge area. Due to high buffering capacity of riparian soils and low pH-sensitivity of many headwater streams, the pH effects of WTH on surface waters will most probably be small, at least over a rotation period of several decades. Over time perspectives of multiple rotations, the pH effects are more uncertain due to a possible slow successive protonation of organic matter in the riparian zone. Another important aspect is the currently restricted availability of mobile anion charge balancing the acidity produced by tree growth. Therefore, the acidity is to a large extent arrested in the soil. At the current low S deposition levels, southwestern Sweden seems to be the least vulnerable region to further acid input due to high buffer capacity at low pH. The streams in central and northern Sweden are much more pH-sensitive, but restricted availability of mobile strong acid anions and large buffer capacity in the soils make them less vulnerable to WTH. The partly diverging results between experimental and model studies indicate that one or more processes (hydrological, chemical or biological) are not fully understood or that available data are lacking for a proper parameterization. Thus, the results from long-term WTH experiments are very important for understanding the processes involved as well as for improving and validating model predictions. We therefore encourage societal support of maintaining monitoring and research coupled to such experiments. For the future and for improving our current understanding of biogeochemical dynamics in forest ecosystems subjected to active forestry as well as for policy and management purposes, a mixture of experiments and models ought to be used.

Overweight at four years of age in a Swedish birth cohort: influence of neighbourhood-level purchasing power.

BackgroundA number of child/parental factors have been shown to be significant predictors of childhood overweight, although a better understanding of possible contextual influences of neighbourhood-level characteristics might provide new insights leading to tailored, targeted interventions. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of neighbourhood purchasing power and its relationship with other known risk factors related to childhood overweight in a prospective birth cohort.MethodsA prospective, population-based, birth-cohort study was conducted in south-western Sweden, comprising 2,666 infants born in 2007–2008. Childhood overweight was assessed by body mass index (BMI) data from follow-up examinations at four years of age (n = 2,026) and overweight defined according to the International Obesity Task Force. Using logistic regression analysis, the influential child/parental predictors were identified from the candidate predictors, viz. child’s gender, as well as birth weight adjusted for gestational age and parental factors at recruitment, including maternal smoking status, maternal BMI (before pregnancy), paternal BMI and parental educational level. The children’s residential parishes at follow-up were stratified by parish-level household purchasing power (<10 %, 10–19.9 %, 20–29.9 % and ≥30 % of all resident families with low purchasing power) and the “contextual” influence was analysed. In each such neighbourhood stratum, the adjusted overweight ratio (AOR), i.e. the ratio between the observed number of overweight children and the expected number, taking account of the influential child/parental predictors, was estimated.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight at four years of age was 11.9 %. In the economically strongest neighbourhoods (i.e. <10 % of resident families with low purchasing power), the AOR was 0.60 (95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.34–0.98). The corresponding empirically Bayes-adjusted AOR was 0.73 (95 % CI: 0.46–1.02; 97 % posterior probability of AOR <1). In the other neighbourhood strata, the statistical evidence of a deviant AOR was weaker.ConclusionThe economically strongest neighbourhoods had a lower prevalence than expected of overweight at four years of age. This finding should prompt studies to acquire more knowledge of potentially modifiable factors that differ between neighbourhoods and are related to childhood overweight, providing a basis for tailored, targeted interventions.

Assessment of flukicide efficacy against Fasciola hepatica in sheep in Sweden in the absence of a standardised test

Anthelmintic resistance (AR) to Fasciola hepatica is emerging worldwide. Recently, AR to the adulticide compound albendazole (ABZ) was shown in Argentina and Spain. In Sweden, ABZ treatment failure against F. hepatica was first reported in sheep in 2012. The present study tested the efficacy of ABZ and triclabendazole (TCBZ) in sheep naturally infected with F. hepatica using a combination of three different diagnostic methods: faecal egg counts (FEC), coproantigen ELISA (cELISA) and Fasciola egg hatch test (FEHT). Two deworming trials, in November 2014 and January 2015, were performed on two sheep farms (farms A and B) in south-western Sweden. Except ABZ in November, treatment with ABZ or TCBZ achieved sufficient efficacy (97–100%) against adult F. hepatica on farm A. In contrast, ABZ treatment failed in the sheep flock on farm B, despite low initial faecal egg output. On farm B, ABZ efficacy based on FEC was 67% (95% CI: 35–84) and four of eight ewes tested were coproantigen-positive 21 days post-treatment. Ovicidal activity of ABZ against Fasciola eggs in isolates from both farms and one additional bovine isolate were tested by FEHT to exclude the presence of juvenile flukes and other factors such as dosing failure and poor quality of drug product. Irrespective of drug trial, data from FEHT showed significantly lower ovicidal activity of ABZ for the ovine farm B isolate than for the isolate from farm A. This confirms that the low efficacy of ABZ in sheep flock B was associated with ABZ resistance. Overall, the usefulness of three complementary methods for detection of ABZ resistance in the field was demonstrated.