| 1. |
- Kanoni, Stavroula, et al.
(författare)
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Implicating genes, pleiotropy, and sexual dimorphism at blood lipid loci through multi-ancestry meta-analysis.
- 2022
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Ingår i: Genome biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1474-760X .- 1465-6906 .- 1474-7596. ; 23:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Genetic variants within nearly 1000 loci are known to contribute to modulation of blood lipid levels. However, the biological pathways underlying these associations are frequently unknown, limiting understanding of these findings and hindering downstream translational efforts such as drug target discovery.To expand our understanding of the underlying biological pathways and mechanisms controlling blood lipid levels, we leverage a large multi-ancestry meta-analysis (N=1,654,960) of blood lipids to prioritize putative causal genes for 2286 lipid associations using six gene prediction approaches. Using phenome-wide association (PheWAS) scans, we identify relationships of genetically predicted lipid levels to other diseases and conditions. We confirm known pleiotropic associations with cardiovascular phenotypes and determine novel associations, notably with cholelithiasis risk. We perform sex-stratified GWAS meta-analysis of lipid levels and show that 3-5% of autosomal lipid-associated loci demonstrate sex-biased effects. Finally, we report 21 novel lipid loci identified on the X chromosome. Many of the sex-biased autosomal and X chromosome lipid loci show pleiotropic associations with sex hormones, emphasizing the role of hormone regulation in lipid metabolism.Taken together, our findings provide insights into the biological mechanisms through which associated variants lead to altered lipid levels and potentially cardiovascular disease risk.
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| 2. |
- Emami, Azita, et al.
(författare)
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Assessing stress using repeated saliva concentration of steroid hormones in dementia care dyads : results from a controlled pilot care music intervention
- 2023
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Ingår i: Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. - : Upsala Medical Society. - 0300-9734 .- 2000-1967. ; 128:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Stress-related biomarkers have the potential to provide objective measures of whether interventions directed at people with dementia (PWD) and their family caregivers (FCG) are successful. The use of such biomarkers has been limited by logistical barriers to sample collection.Objective: Explore saliva concentration of steroid hormones in dementia care dyads during a music intervention.Methods: Consecutive PWD attending a memory evaluation center and their FCG were allocated to either an intervention-with-music or a non-intervention control group. All were living at home. Stress biomarkers, salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) samples were collected by the PWD and their FCG, in the morning and evening, 5 days a week, for 8 consecutive weeks. Biomarker concentrations of the intervention and the control groups were compared at week 8, in an intention-to-treat approach with adjustment for baseline value.Results: Twenty-four PWD in the intervention group and 10 in the control group, and their FCG were included in the analyses. The mean number of morning saliva collections was similar in the intervention and the control groups, ranging from 4.3 to 4.9 per participant weekly during the first 7 weeks, declining to 3.3 during week 8. Median log morning cortisol (pg/mL) among caregivers was lower in the intervention group than in the control group (8.09 vs. 8.57, P = 0.0133).Conclusion: This study demonstrates that music intervention was associated with lower morning saliva cortisol concentrations for FCGs.
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| 3. |
- Emami, Azita, et al.
(författare)
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The Feasibility and Acceptability of In-Home Saliva Collection for Stress in Persons With Dementia and Their Family Caregivers
- 2022
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Ingår i: Biological Research for Nursing. - : SAGE Publications. - 1099-8004 .- 1552-4175. ; 24:3, s. 308-315
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Although increasing attention is being paid to cortisol and the sulfated form of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA-S) as stress biomarkers, the feasibility of saliva collection of such biomarkers has yet to be investigated among dementia care dyads (persons with dementia [PWD] and family caregivers) living in a home setting. We explored the feasibility and acceptability of in-home saliva collection for cortisol and DHEA-S as stress biomarkers among dementia care dyads.Methods: Dementia care dyads were recruited from a memory evaluation center. After pre-evaluation and education sessions, participants collected their saliva 3 times a day, 5 days a week, for 8 consecutive weeks. We calculated frequency counts and percentages to assess enrollment rate, retention rate, the completion rate of saliva collection, and valid samples of cortisol and DHEA-S. Independent samples t-tests were performed to compare mean differences in the total number of collected samples and valid samples between PWD and family caregivers at each time point of saliva collection.Results: A total of 46 dyads were referred to this study; 32 dyads (69.6%) agreed to participate, and 26 started collecting saliva. Twenty-four dyads (75%) completed 8 weeks of saliva collection. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the number of collected samples and valid samples between PWD and caregiver participants.Conclusion: This study supports the feasibility of in-home saliva collection for stress biomarker assay and the need for further investigation into self-administered collection of stress biomarkers with a particular focus on dementia care dyads living at home.
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| 4. |
- Haga, Chihiro, et al.
(författare)
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Modeling desirable futures at local scale by combining the nature futures framework and multi-objective optimization
- 2023
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Ingår i: Sustainability Science. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1862-4065 .- 1862-4057.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Envisioning positive scenarios that recognize the multiple values of nature is fundamental for designing transformative changes in local socio-ecological systems. This study developed a protocol with three specifications for operationalizing the Nature Futures Framework (NFF) in a landscape scenario analysis using a multi-objective optimization framework composed of: (1) exploring nature-positive futures, (2) seeking alternative pathways for targets satisfying visions of plural values, and (3) screening key direct drivers to achieve the targets. This research conducted a case study of a rural landscape in northeastern Japan. First, 110 strategies of landscape management options were simulated from 2015 to 2100 using a forest landscape model, LANDIS-II. The simulation developed a data frame of four integrated indicators of the NFF values for each year and strategy. Second, nature-positive strategies were screened using the common values. Pareto optimal strategies were then identified to obtain equally good solutions. Finally, the key response options to achieve good nature-positive futures were identified using decision tree analysis. Our protocol identified (1) multiple, but few nature-positive and Pareto optimal strategies that satisfied NFF visions, (2) nature-positive, but not Pareto optimal strategies, and (3) non-nature-positive strategies. In most Pareto optimal strategies, the maximized value perspectives changed over time. Our protocol also identified key response options to achieve three different NFF value perspectives in the case study area: (1) clear or selective cutting in forestry and (2) solar PV installation on abandoned pastureland in agriculture and energy sectors. We discussed the implication for local landscape management, localizing NFF narratives to develop future scenarios and modeling practice of NFF. The protocol does not depend on a specific model and indicator. Thus, our scalable protocol can be applied to scenarios and model practices in any region to support envisioning plausible, feasible, and positive futures, and designing future stakeholder collaboration.
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| 5. |
- Kim, Hyejin, et al.
(författare)
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Characteristics and Correlates of Perceived Physical and Psychological Health Among Family Caregivers Living With Persons With Advanced Dementia
- 2024
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Ingår i: Western Journal of Nursing Research. - 0193-9459 .- 1552-8456. ; 46:2, s. 104-113
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background:Various factors drive a care setting shift from institutional to home settings for dementia care until the latest stage of the disease, suggesting the critical role of family caregivers living with persons with dementia.Objectives:This study explored the characteristics and correlates of self-reported overall physical and psychological (ie, depressive symptoms and stress) health among family caregivers living with persons with dementia in Sweden.Methods:This cross-sectional, descriptive study used baseline data from an existing music-based intervention study of persons with dementia and their family caregivers (N = 76). Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed.Results:On average, caregivers (n = 38; mean age: 74.8 years) were slightly younger than persons with dementia (n = 38; mean age: 78.6 years). Most caregivers were female (n = 24; 63.2%) and spouses or partners of persons with dementia (n = 37; 97.4%). Caregivers’ perceived relationship with their family members with dementia was the only factor associated with caregivers’ self-reported overall physical health (b = −0.655, p = .046). This suggests caregivers’ more frequent feeling of a good relationship with the persons with dementia was linked to better self-rated physical health among family caregivers living with persons with dementia.Conclusions:This study highlights the importance of family caregivers’ perceived relationship with persons with dementia in the context of caregivers’ self-reported physical health. Future research is needed to explore the perceived relationship from the perspectives of persons with dementia and the determinants of caregiving dyads’ (persons with dementia and family caregivers) perceived relationship with each other.
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| 6. |
- Kim, Hyejin, et al.
(författare)
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In-home online music-based intervention for stress, coping, and depression among family caregivers of persons with dementia : A pilot study
- 2022
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Ingår i: Geriatric Nursing. - : Elsevier BV. - 0197-4572 .- 1528-3984. ; 46, s. 137-143
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Little is known about how music affects family caregivers who provide care to persons with dementia at home. We examined the effects of an 8-week online music-based intervention on self-reported stress, coping, and depression among dementia family caregivers. Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-ranked tests were performed to examine between- and within-group differences between intervention (n = 24) and comparison (n = 11) groups from baseline to post-test. The coping subscale yielded a significant difference between the groups at post-test (U=76.50, Z=-1.978, p=0.048), indicating the intervention group had better coping than the comparison group at post-test. Significant within-group differences in overall stress (Z=-2.200, p=0.028) and coping subscale (Z=-1.997, p=0.046) in the comparison group at post-test suggest that overall stress and coping were maintained throughout the study in the intervention group, whereas the comparison group had higher overall stress and lower coping at post-test. Our in-home music-based intervention showed potential benefits for dementia family caregivers.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Kim, HyeJin, et al.
(författare)
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Towards a better future for biodiversity and people : Modelling Nature Futures
- 2023
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Ingår i: Global Environmental Change. - 0959-3780 .- 1872-9495. ; 82
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Nature Futures Framework (NFF) is a heuristic tool for co-creating positive futures for nature and people. It seeks to open up a diversity of futures through mainly three value perspectives on nature - Nature for Nature, Nature for Society, and Nature as Culture. This paper describes how the NFF can be applied in modelling to support decision-making. First, we describe key considerations for the NFF in developing qualitative and quantitative scenarios: i) multiple value perspectives on nature as a state space where pathways improving nature toward a frontier can be represented, ii) mutually reinforcing key feedbacks of social-ecological systems that are important for nature conservation and human wellbeing, iii) indicators of multiple knowledge systems describing the evolution of complex social-ecological dynamics. We then present three approaches to modelling Nature Futures scenarios in the review, screening, and design phases of policy processes. This paper seeks to facilitate the integration of relational values of nature in models and strengthen modelled linkages across biodiversity, nature's contributions to people, and quality of life.
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| 10. |
- Kim, Ye-Jin, et al.
(författare)
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Femtosecond-resolved imaging of a single-particle phase transition in energy-filtered ultrafast electron microscopy
- 2023
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Ingår i: Science Advances. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 2375-2548. ; 9:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Using an energy filter in transmission electron microscopy has enabled elemental mapping at the atomic scale and improved the precision of structural determination by gating inelastic and elastic imaging electrons, respec-tively. Here, we use an energy filter in ultrafast electron microscopy to enhance the temporal resolution toward the domain of atomic motion. Visualizing transient structures with femtosecond temporal precision was achieved by selecting imaging electrons in a narrow energy distribution from dense chirped photoelectron packets with broad longitudinal momentum distributions and thus typically exhibiting picosecond durations. In this study, the heterogeneous ultrafast phase transitions of vanadium dioxide (VO2) nanoparticles, a repre-sentative strongly correlated system, were filmed and attributed to the emergence of a transient, low-symmetry metallic phase caused by different local strains. Our approach enables electron microscopy to access the time scale of elementary nuclear motion to visualize the onset of the structural dynamics of matter at the nanoscale.
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| 11. |
- Kraft, Andrew W, et al.
(författare)
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Attenuating astrocyte activation accelerates plaque pathogenesis in APP/PS1 mice.
- 2013
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Ingår i: FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. - : Wiley. - 1530-6860. ; 27:1, s. 187-98
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The accumulation of aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) in amyloid plaques is a neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Reactive astrocytes are intimately associated with amyloid plaques; however, their role in AD pathogenesis is unclear. We deleted the genes encoding two intermediate filament proteins required for astrocyte activation-glial fibrillary acid protein (Gfap) and vimentin (Vim)-in transgenic mice expressing mutant human amyloid precursor protein and presenilin-1 (APP/PS1). The gene deletions increased amyloid plaque load: APP/PS1 Gfap(-/-)Vim(-/-) mice had twice the plaque load of APP/PS1 Gfap(+/+)Vim(+/+) mice at 8 and 12 mo of age. APP expression and soluble and interstitial fluid Aβ levels were unchanged, suggesting that the deletions had no effect on APP processing or Aβ generation. Astrocyte morphology was markedly altered by the deletions: wild-type astrocytes had hypertrophied processes that surrounded and infiltrated plaques, whereas Gfap(-/-)Vim(-/-) astrocytes had little process hypertrophy and lacked contact with adjacent plaques. Moreover, Gfap and Vim gene deletion resulted in a marked increase in dystrophic neurites (2- to 3-fold higher than APP/PS1 Gfap(+/+)Vim(+/+) mice), even after normalization for amyloid load. These results suggest that astrocyte activation limits plaque growth and attenuates plaque-related dystrophic neurites. These activities may require intimate contact between astrocyte and plaque.-Kraft, A. W., Hu, X., Yoon, H., Yan, P., Xiao, Q., Wang, Y., Gil, S. C., Brown, J., Wilhelmsson, U., Restivo, J. L., Cirrito, J. R., Holtzman, D. M., Kim, J., Pekny, M., Lee, J.-M. Attenuating astrocyte activation accelerates plaque pathogenesis in APP/PS1 mice.
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| 12. |
- Lee, Ji-Eun, et al.
(författare)
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Structure-Property Relationship of Perylene Bisimide Macrocycles Probed by Atomic Force Microscopy and Single-Molecule Fluorescence Spectroscopy
- 2013
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Ingår i: ACS Nano. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1936-086X .- 1936-0851. ; 7:6, s. 5064-5076
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Properties of a series of acetylene-linked perylene bisimide (PBI) macrocycles with different ring size composed of three to six PBI dyes were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy in a condensed phase. it was demonstrated that the structures of PBI cyclic arrays (CNs, N = 3, 4,5, and 6) become distorted with increasing the ring size through molecular dynamic (MD) simulations (PM6-DH2 method) and AFM height images of CNs on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface. The MD simulations showed that only C5 and C6 rings are highly flexible molecules whose planarization goes along with a significant energetic penalty. Accordingly, both molecules did not show ordered adlayers on a HOPG surface. In contrast, C3 and C4 are far more rigid molecules leading to well-ordered hexagonal (C3) and rectangular (C4) 20 lattices. At the single-molecule level, we showed that the fluorescence properties of single CNs are affected by the structural changes. The fluorescence lifetimes of CNs became shorter and their distributions became broader due to the structural distortions with increasing the ring size. Furthermore, the CNs of smaller ring size exhibit a higher photostability and an efficient excitation energy transfer (EET) due to the more well-defined and planar structures compared to the larger CNs. Consequently, these observations provide evidence that not only PBI macrocycles are promising candidates for artificial light-harvesting systems, but also the photophysical properties of CNs are strongly related to the structural rigidity of CNs.
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| 13. |
- Mansur, Andressa V., et al.
(författare)
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Nature futures for the urban century : Integrating multiple values into urban management
- 2022
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Ingår i: Environmental Science and Policy. - : Elsevier BV. - 1462-9011 .- 1873-6416. ; 131, s. 46-56
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- There is an emerging consensus that the health of the planet depends on the coexistence between rapidly growing cities and the natural world. One strategy for guiding cities towards sustainability is to facilitate a planning process based on positive visions for urban systems among actors and stakeholders. This paper presents the Urban Nature Futures Framework (UNFF), a framework for scenario building for cities that is based on three Nature Futures perspectives: Nature for Nature, Nature for Society, and Nature as Culture. Our framework engages stakeholders with envisioning the three Nature Futures perspectives through four components using participatory methods and quantitative models: identification of the socio-ecological feedbacks in cities, assessment of indirect impacts of cities on biodiversity, development of multi-scale indicators, and development of scenarios. Stakeholders in cities may use this framework to explore different options for integrating nature in its various manifestations within urban areas and to assess how different community preferences result in various cityscapes and distribution of associated benefits from nature among urban dwellers across multiple scales.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Mobrand, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Southeast Asia’s Roles in Inter-Korean Affairs
- 2019
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Ingår i: East Asian Policy. - 2251-3175. ; 11:3, s. 50-58
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Southeast Asia’s significance to the Korean peninsula is growing. South Korea has deepening trade, investment and assistance relationships in the region, while ASEAN’s non-judgmental approach to diplomacy is useful in dealing with Pyongyang. Beyond hosting summits between American and North Korean leaders, Southeast Asia is in a position to mediate North Korea’s greater international engagement and to assist in the acceleration of interaction between the North and the South.
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| 16. |
- Otero, Iago, et al.
(författare)
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Degrowth scenarios for biodiversity? Key methodological steps and a call for collaboration
- 2024
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Ingår i: Sustainability Science. - 1862-4065 .- 1862-4057.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Studies show that economic growth contributes to biodiversity loss and that, after a certain threshold, it does not contribute to wellbeing. Thus, when developing biodiversity scenarios, considering societal futures where economic growth is not a pre-condition deserves special attention. However, to date, degrowth scenarios have not been explored for biodiversity conservation and human wellbeing. In this paper, we explain how the Nature Futures Framework (NFF) and other approaches could be used to generate degrowth scenarios for biodiversity, nature’s contributions to people (NCP) and good quality of life (GQL) based on multiple societal values. We present key methodological steps of such an endeavour, including: (i) producing degrowth visions for high-income countries; (ii) identifying leverage points and imagining degrowth pathways; (iii) identifying key social–ecological interactions; and (iv) modelling biodiversity, NCP, and GQL along degrowth scenarios. Our proposal is framed within current theoretical, empirical, and modelling work as well as within efforts to improve scenario development across the biodiversity and climate communities. To develop degrowth scenarios for biodiversity, NCP, and GQL, we call for collaboration across natural and social sciences, quantitative and qualitative approaches, and northern and southern perspectives. This collaboration could lead to a community of practice that tests and improves the degrowth scenarios in national and international science–policy interfaces as they set out to achieve the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 2050 vision of living in harmony with nature.
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| 17. |
- Paz Duran, América, et al.
(författare)
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Bringing the Nature Futures Framework to life : creating a set of illustrative narratives of nature futures
- 2023
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Ingår i: Sustainability Science. - 1862-4065 .- 1862-4057.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- To halt further destruction of the biosphere, most people and societies around the globe need to transform their relationships with nature. The internationally agreed vision under the Convention of Biological Diversity—Living in harmony with nature—is that “By 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people”. In this context, there are a variety of debates between alternative perspectives on how to achieve this vision. Yet, scenarios and models that are able to explore these debates in the context of “living in harmony with nature” have not been widely developed. To address this gap, the Nature Futures Framework has been developed to catalyse the development of new scenarios and models that embrace a plurality of perspectives on desirable futures for nature and people. In this paper, members of the IPBES task force on scenarios and models provide an example of how the Nature Futures Framework can be implemented for the development of illustrative narratives representing a diversity of desirable nature futures: information that can be used to assess and develop scenarios and models whilst acknowledging the underpinning value perspectives on nature. Here, the term illustrative reflects the multiple ways in which desired nature futures can be captured by these narratives. In addition, to explore the interdependence between narratives, and therefore their potential to be translated into scenarios and models, the six narratives developed here were assessed around three areas of the transformative change debate, specifically, (1) land sparing vs. land sharing, (2) Half Earth vs. Whole Earth conservation, and (3) green growth vs. post-growth economic development. The paper concludes with an assessment of how the Nature Futures Framework could be used to assist in developing and articulating transformative pathways towards desirable nature futures.
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| 18. |
- Pereira, Laura M., et al.
(författare)
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Developing multiscale and integrative nature-people scenarios using the Nature Futures Framework
- 2020
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Ingår i: People and Nature. - : Wiley. - 2575-8314. ; 2:4, s. 1172-1195
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- 1. Scientists have repeatedly argued that transformative, multiscale global scenarios are needed as tools in the quest to halt the decline of biodiversity and achieve sustainability goals.2. As a first step towards achieving this, the researchers who participated in the scenarios and models expert group of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) entered into an iterative, participatory process that led to the development of the Nature Futures Framework (NFF).3. The NFF is a heuristic tool that captures diverse, positive relationships of humans with nature in the form of a triangle. It can be used both as a boundary object for continuously opening up more plural perspectives in the creation of desirable nature scenarios and as an actionable framework for developing consistent nature scenarios across multiple scales.4. Here we describe the methods employed to develop the NFF and how it fits into a longer term process to create transformative, multiscale scenarios for nature. We argue that the contribution of the NFF is twofold: (a) its ability to hold a plurality of perspectives on what is desirable, which enables the development of joint goals and visions and recognizes the possible convergence and synergies of measures to achieve these visions and (b), its multiscale functionality for elaborating scenarios and models that can inform decision-making at relevant levels, making it applicable across specific places and perspectives on nature.5. If humanity is to achieve its goal of a more sustainable and prosperous future rooted in a flourishing nature, it is critical to open up a space for more plural perspectives of human-nature relationships. As the global community sets out to develop new goals for biodiversity, the NFF can be used as a navigation tool helping to make diverse, desirable futures possible.
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| 19. |
- Rosa, Isabel M. D., et al.
(författare)
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Multiscale scenarios for nature futures
- 2017
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Ingår i: Nature Ecology & Evolution. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2397-334X. ; 1:10, s. 1416-1419
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Targets for human development are increasingly connected with targets for nature, however, existing scenarios do not explicitly address this relationship. Here, we outline a strategy to generate scenarios centred on our relationship with nature to inform decision-making at multiple scales.
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