1. |
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2. |
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3. |
- Adevi, Anna, et al.
(author)
-
Preferences for Landscapes: A Matter of Cultural Determinants or Innate Reflexes that Point to Our Evolutionary Background?
- 2012
-
In: Landscape Research. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0142-6397 .- 1469-9710. ; 37, s. 27-49
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Two different theories exist relating to preferences for landscapes: 1) people prefer certain types of landscape independent of their cultural and ethnic background-preferences are innate; 2) people prefer landscapes experienced during childhood regardless of their appearance owing to learned conceptions-preferences are determined by culture. Our aim was to evaluate relationships among preferences for landscapes and childhood landscapes. Results are based on a questionnaire sent out at random to 2000 people in Sweden, and on a qualitative study comprising 19 people. They show that people: i) feel more at home in the type of landscape they grew up in and more often choose to settle down in this type of landscape, even if they have moved from their childhood region; ii) prefer qualities connected to childhood landscapes. However, some of these qualities, those suggested to be innate, are more preferred than others. In conclusion, people prefer landscapes experienced during childhood, but seem to attach more easily to qualities that are suggested to have an innate significance.
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4. |
- Adevi, Anna, et al.
(author)
-
Therapeutic interventions in a rehabilitation garden may induce temporary extrovert and/or introvert behavioural changes in patients, suffering from stress-related disorders
- 2018
-
In: Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. - : Elsevier BV. - 1618-8667 .- 1610-8167. ; 30, s. 182-193
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Patients being treated for stress-related mental illness were observed during two summer programs in order to investigate the influence of multimodal nature-based therapy in a specially designed healing garden on patient recovery. The aim was to distinguish specific qualities, patterns and/or processes during the participants' stay in the healing garden. The study is a single-case study, using participatory observation. The data were coded following an inductive research process. The results showed that patients who underwent psychotherapy were more open and contact-seeking, and carried out extrovert recreational walks. By contrast, patients who underwent physiotherapy were introverted, emotionally withdrawn and performed introvert recreational walks. Interpretation of the data suggested that treatment combined with activities in certain parts of the rehabilitation garden induced and supported different psycho-physiological processes. The mechanisms and progress of these are discussed from the theory of situated cognition, and how these processes are stimulated and supported by characteristics in the garden. Oxytocin, a hypothalamic peptide which stimulates social interaction, induces anti-stress effects and stimulates growth and healing, may hypothetically be involved in these processes.
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5. |
- Alvfors, Per, 1954-, et al.
(author)
-
Research and development challenges for Swedish biofuel actors – three illustrative examples : Improvement potential discussed in the context of Well-to-Tank analyses
- 2010
-
Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Currently biofuels have strong political support, both in the EU and Sweden. The EU has, for example, set a target for the use of renewable fuels in the transportation sector stating that all EU member states should use 10% renewable fuels for transport by 2020. Fulfilling this ambition will lead to an enormous market for biofuels during the coming decade. To avoid increasing production of biofuels based on agriculture crops that require considerable use of arable area, focus is now to move towards more advanced second generation (2G) biofuels that can be produced from biomass feedstocks associated with a more efficient land use. Climate benefits and greenhouse gas (GHG) balances are aspects often discussed in conjunction with sustainability and biofuels. The total GHG emissions associated with production and usage of biofuels depend on the entire fuel production chain, mainly the agriculture or forestry feedstock systems and the manufacturing process. To compare different biofuel production pathways it is essential to conduct an environmental assessment using the well-to-tank (WTT) analysis methodology. In Sweden the conditions for biomass production are favourable and we have promising second generation biofuels technologies that are currently in the demonstration phase. In this study we have chosen to focus on cellulose based ethanol, methane from gasification of solid wood as well as DME from gasification of black liquor, with the purpose of identifying research and development potentials that may result in improvements in the WTT emission values. The main objective of this study is thus to identify research and development challenges for Swedish biofuel actors based on literature studies as well as discussions with the the researchers themselves. We have also discussed improvement potentials for the agriculture and forestry part of the WTT chain. The aim of this study is to, in the context of WTT analyses, (i) increase knowledge about the complexity of biofuel production, (ii) identify and discuss improvement potentials, regarding energy efficiency and GHG emissions, for three biofuel production cases, as well as (iii) identify and discuss improvement potentials regarding biomass supply, including agriculture/forestry. The scope of the study is limited to discussing the technologies, system aspects and climate impacts associated with the production stage. Aspects such as the influence on biodiversity and other environmental and social parameters fall beyond the scope of this study. We find that improvement potentials for emissions reductions within the agriculture/forestry part of the WTT chain include changing the use of diesel to low-CO2-emitting fuels, changing to more fuel-efficient tractors, more efficient cultivation and manufacture of fertilizers (commercial nitrogen fertilizer can be produced in plants which have nitrous oxide gas cleaning) as well as improved fertilization strategies (more precise nitrogen application during the cropping season). Furthermore, the cultivation of annual feedstock crops could be avoided on land rich in carbon, such as peat soils and new agriculture systems could be introduced that lower the demand for ploughing and harrowing. Other options for improving the WTT emission values includes introducing new types of crops, such as wheat with higher content of starch or willow with a higher content of cellulose. From the case study on lignocellulosic ethanol we find that 2G ethanol, with co-production of biogas, electricity, heat and/or wood pellet, has a promising role to play in the development of sustainable biofuel production systems. Depending on available raw materials, heat sinks, demand for biogas as vehicle fuel and existing 1G ethanol plants suitable for integration, 2G ethanol production systems may be designed differently to optimize the economic conditions and maximize profitability. However, the complexity connected to the development of the most optimal production systems require improved knowledge and involvement of several actors from different competence areas, such as chemical and biochemical engineering, process design and integration and energy and environmental systems analysis, which may be a potential barrier.
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6. |
- Alvfors, Per, et al.
(author)
-
Research and development challenges for Swedish biofuel actors – three illustrative examples
- 2010
-
Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Currently biofuels have strong political support, both in the EU and Sweden. The EU has, for example, set a target for the use of renewable fuels in the transportation sector stating that all EU member states should use 10% renewable fuels for transport by 2020. Fulfilling this ambition will lead to an enormous market for biofuels during the coming decade. To avoid increasing production of biofuels based on agriculture crops that require considerable use of arable area, focus is now to move towards more advanced second generation (2G) biofuels that can be produced from biomass feedstocks associated with a more efficient land use.Climate benefits and greenhouse gas (GHG) balances are aspects often discussed in conjunction with sustainability and biofuels. The total GHG emissions associated with production and usage of biofuels depend on the entire fuel production chain, mainly the agriculture or forestry feedstock systems and the manufacturing process. To compare different biofuel production pathways it is essential to conduct an environmental assessment using the well-to-tank (WTT) analysis methodology. In Sweden the conditions for biomass production are favourable and we have promising second generation biofuels technologies that are currently in the demonstration phase. In this study we have chosen to focus on cellulose based ethanol, methane from gasification of solid wood as well as DME from gasification of black liquor, with the purpose of identifying research and development potentials that may result in improvements in the WTT emission values. The main objective of this study is thus to identify research and development challenges for Swedish biofuel actors based on literature studies as well as discussions with the the researchers themselves. We have also discussed improvement potentials for the agriculture and forestry part of the WTT chain. The aim of this study is to, in the context of WTT analyses, (i) increase knowledge about the complexity of biofuel production, (ii) identify and discuss improvement potentials, regarding energy efficiency and GHG emissions, for three biofuel production cases, as well as (iii) identify and discuss improvement potentials regarding biomass supply, including agriculture/forestry. The scope of the study is limited to discussing the technologies, system aspects and climate impacts associated with the production stage. Aspects such as the influence on biodiversity and other environmental and social parameters fall beyond the scope of this study. We find that improvement potentials for emissions reductions within the agriculture/forestry part of the WTT chain include changing the use of diesel to low-CO2-emitting fuels, changing to more fuel-efficient tractors, more efficient cultivation and manufacture of fertilizers (commercial nitrogen fertilizer can be produced in plants which have nitrous oxide gas cleaning) as well as improved fertilization strategies (more precise nitrogen application during the cropping season). Furthermore, the cultivation of annual feedstock crops could be avoided on land rich in carbon, such as peat soils and new agriculture systems could be introduced that lower the demand for ploughing and harrowing. Other options for improving the WTT emission values includes introducing new types of crops, such as wheat with higher content of starch or willow with a higher content of cellulose. From the case study on lignocellulosic ethanol we find that 2G ethanol, with co-production of biogas, electricity, heat and/or wood pellet, has a promising role to play in the development of sustainable biofuel production systems. Depending on available raw materials, heat sinks, demand for biogas as vehicle fuel and existing 1G ethanol plants suitable for integration, 2G ethanol production systems may be designed differently to optimize the economic conditions and maximize profitability. However, the complexity connected to the development of the most optimal production systems require improved knowledge and involvement of several actors from different competence areas, such as chemical and biochemical engineering, process design and integration and energy and environmental systems analysis, which may be a potential barrier. Three important results from the lignocellulosic ethanol study are: (i) the production systems could be far more complex and intelligently designed than previous studies show, (ii) the potential improvements consist of a large number of combinations of process integration options wich partly depends on specific local conditions, (iii) the environmental performance of individual systems may vary significantly due to systems design and local conditons.From the case study on gasification of solid biomass for the production of biomethane we find that one of the main advantages of this technology is its high efficiency in respect to converting biomass into fuels for transport. For future research we see a need for improvements within the gas up-grading section, including gas cleaning and gas conditioning, to obtain a more efficient process. A major challenge is to remove the tar before the methanation reaction. Three important results from the biomethane study are: (i) it is important not to crack the methane already produced in the syngas, which indicates a need for improved catalysts for selective tar cracking, (ii) there is a need for new gas separation techniques to facilitate the use of air oxidation agent instead of oxygen in the gasifier, and (iii) there is a need for testing the integrated process under realistic conditions, both at atmospheric and pressurized conditions. From the case study on black liquor gasification for the production of DME we find that the process has many advantages compared to other biofuel production options, such as the fact that black liquor is already partially processed and exists in a pumpable, liquid form, and that the process is pressurised and tightly integrated with the pulp mill, which enhances fuel production efficiency. However, to achieve commercial status, some challenges still remain, such as demonstrating that materials and plant equipment meet the high availability required when scaling up to industrial size in the pulp mill, and also proving that the plant can operate according to calculated heat and material balances. Three important results from the DME study are: (i) that modern chemical pulp mills, having a potential surplus of energy, could become important suppliers of renewable fuels for transport, (ii) there is a need to demonstrate that renewable DME/methanol will be proven to function in large scale, and (iii) there is still potential for technology improvements and enhanced energy integration. Although quantitative improvement potentials are given in the three biofuel production cases, it is not obvious how these potentials would affect WTT values, since the biofuel production processes are complex and changing one parameter impacts other parameters. The improvement potentials are therefore discussed qualitatively. From the entire study we have come to agree on the following common conclusions: (i) research and development in Sweden within the three studied 2G biofuel production technologies is extensive, (ii) in general, the processes, within the three cases, work well at pilot and demonstration scale and are now in a phase to be proven in large scale, (iii) there is still room for improvement although some processes have been known for decades, (iv) the biofuel production processes are complex and site specific and process improvements need to be seen and judged from a broad systems perspective (both within the production plant as well as in the entire well-to-tank perspective), and (v) the three studied biofuel production systems are complementary technologies. Futher, the process of conducting this study is worth mentioning as a result itself, i.e. that many different actors within the field have proven their ability and willingness to contribute to a common report, and that the cooperation climate was very positive and bodes well for possible future collaboration within the framework of the f3 center. Finally, judging from the political ambitions it is clear that the demand for renewable fuels will significantly increase during the coming decade. This will most likely result in opportunities for a range of biofuel options. The studied biofuel options all represent 2G biofuels and they can all be part of the solution to meet the increased renewable fuel demand.
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7. |
- Alvors, Per, et al.
(author)
-
Research and development challenges for Swedish biofuel actors – three illustrative examples : Improvement potential discussed in the context of Well-to-Tank analyses
- 2010
-
Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Currently biofuels have strong political support, both in the EU and Sweden. The EU has, for example, set a target for the use of renewable fuels in the transportation sector stating that all EU member states should use 10% renewable fuels for transport by 2020. Fulfilling this ambition will lead to an enormous market for biofuels during the coming decade. To avoid increasing production of biofuels based on agriculture crops that require considerable use of arable area, focus is now to move towards more advanced second generation (2G) biofuels that can be produced from biomass feedstocks associated with a more efficient land use.Climate benefits and greenhouse gas (GHG) balances are aspects often discussed in conjunction with sustainability and biofuels. The total GHG emissions associated with production and usage of biofuels depend on the entire fuel production chain, mainly the agriculture or forestry feedstock systems and the manufacturing process. To compare different biofuel production pathways it is essential to conduct an environmental assessment using the well-to-tank (WTT) analysis methodology.In Sweden the conditions for biomass production are favourable and we have promising second generation biofuels technologies that are currently in the demonstration phase. In this study we have chosen to focus on cellulose based ethanol, methane from gasification of solid wood as well as DME from gasification of black liquor, with the purpose of identifying research and development potentials that may result in improvements in the WTT emission values. The main objective of this study is thus to identify research and development challenges for Swedish biofuel actors based on literature studies as well as discussions with the the researchers themselves. We have also discussed improvement potentials for the agriculture and forestry part of the WTT chain. The aim of this study is to, in the context of WTT analyses, (i) increase knowledge about the complexity of biofuel production, (ii) identify and discuss improvement potentials, regarding energy efficiency and GHG emissions, for three biofuel production cases, as well as (iii) identify and discuss improvement potentials regarding biomass supply, including agriculture/forestry. The scope of the study is limited to discussing the technologies, system aspects and climate impacts associated with the production stage. Aspects such as the influence on biodiversity and other environmental and social parameters fall beyond the scope of this study.We find that improvement potentials for emissions reductions within the agriculture/forestry part of the WTT chain include changing the use of diesel to low-CO2-emitting fuels, changing to more fuel-efficient tractors, more efficient cultivation and manufacture of fertilizers (commercial nitrogen fertilizer can be produced in plants which have nitrous oxide gas cleaning) as well as improved fertilization strategies (more precise nitrogen application during the cropping season). Furthermore, the cultivation of annual feedstock crops could be avoided on land rich in carbon, such as peat soils and new agriculture systems could be introduced that lower the demand for ploughing and harrowing. Other options for improving the WTT emission values includes introducing new types of crops, such as wheat with higher content of starch or willow with a higher content of cellulose.From the case study on lignocellulosic ethanol we find that 2G ethanol, with co-production of biogas, electricity, heat and/or wood pellet, has a promising role to play in the development of sustainable biofuel production systems. Depending on available raw materials, heat sinks, demand for biogas as vehicle fuel and existing 1G ethanol plants suitable for integration, 2G ethanol production systems may be designed differently to optimize the economic conditions and maximize profitability. However, the complexity connected to the development of the most optimal production systems require improved knowledge and involvement of several actors from different competence areas, such as chemical and biochemical engineering, process design and integration and energy and environmental systems analysis, which may be a potential barrier.Three important results from the lignocellulosic ethanol study are: (i) the production systems could be far more complex and intelligently designed than previous studies show, (ii) the potential improvements consist of a large number of combinations of process integration options wich partly depends on specific local conditions, (iii) the environmental performance of individual systems may vary significantly due to systems design and local conditons.From the case study on gasification of solid biomass for the production of biomethane we find that one of the main advantages of this technology is its high efficiency in respect to converting biomass into fuels for transport. For future research we see a need for improvements within the gas up-grading section, including gas cleaning and gas conditioning, to obtain a more efficient process. A major challenge is to remove the tar before the methanation reaction.Three important results from the biomethane study are: (i) it is important not to crack the methane already produced in the syngas, which indicates a need for improved catalysts for selective tar cracking, (ii) there is a need for new gas separation techniques to facilitate the use of air oxidation agent instead of oxygen in the gasifier, and (iii) there is a need for testing the integrated process under realistic conditions, both at atmospheric and pressurized conditions.From the case study on black liquor gasification for the production of DME we find that the process has many advantages compared to other biofuel production options, such as the fact that black liquor is already partially processed and exists in a pumpable, liquid form, and that the process is pressurised and tightly integrated with the pulp mill, which enhances fuel production efficiency. However, to achieve commercial status, some challenges still remain, such as demonstrating that materials and plant equipment meet the high availability required when scaling up to industrial size in the pulp mill, and also proving that the plant can operate according to calculated heat and material balances. Three important results from the DME study are: (i) that modern chemical pulp mills, having a potential surplus of energy, could become important suppliers of renewable fuels for transport, (ii) there is a need to demonstrate that renewable DME/methanol will be proven to function in large scale, and (iii) there is still potential for technology improvements and enhanced energy integration.Although quantitative improvement potentials are given in the three biofuel production cases, it is not obvious how these potentials would affect WTT values, since the biofuel production processes are complex and changing one parameter impacts other parameters. The improvement potentials are therefore discussed qualitatively. From the entire study we have come to agree on the following common conclusions: (i) research and development in Sweden within the three studied 2G biofuel production technologies is extensive, (ii) in general, the processes, within the three cases, work well at pilot and demonstration scale and are now in a phase to be proven in large scale, (iii) there is still room for improvement although some processes have been known for decades, (iv) the biofuel production processes are complex and site specific and process improvements need to be seen and judged from a broad systems perspective (both within the production plant as well as in the entire well-to-tank perspective), and (v) the three studied biofuel production systems are complementary technologies. Futher, the process of conducting this study is worth mentioning as a result itself, i.e. that many different actors within the field have proven their ability and willingness to contribute to a common report, and that the cooperation climate was very positive and bodes well for possible future collaboration within the framework of the f3 center.Finally, judging from the political ambitions it is clear that the demand for renewable fuels will significantly increase during the coming decade. This will most likely result in opportunities for a range of biofuel options. The studied biofuel options all represent 2G biofuels and they can all be part of the solution to meet the increased renewable fuel demand.
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8. |
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9. |
- Angelstam, Per, et al.
(author)
-
Solving Problems in Social-Ecological Systems : Definition, Practice and Barriers of Transdisciplinary Research
- 2013
-
In: Ambio. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0044-7447 .- 1654-7209. ; 42:2, s. 254-265
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Translating policies about sustainable development as a social process and sustainability outcomes into the real world of social-ecological systems involves several challenges. Hence, research policies advocate improved innovative problem-solving capacity. One approach is transdisciplinary research that integrates research disciplines, as well as researchers and practitioners. Drawing upon 14 experiences of problem-solving, we used group modeling to map perceived barriers and bridges for researchers' and practitioners' joint knowledge production and learning towards transdisciplinary research. The analysis indicated that the transdisciplinary research process is influenced by (1) the amount of traditional disciplinary formal and informal control, (2) adaptation of project applications to fill the transdisciplinary research agenda, (3) stakeholder participation, and (4) functional team building/development based on self-reflection and experienced leadership. Focusing on implementation of green infrastructure policy as a common denominator for the delivery of ecosystem services and human well-being, we discuss how to diagnose social-ecological systems, and use knowledge production and collaborative learning as treatments.
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10. |
- Annerstedt, Matilda, et al.
(author)
-
Green qualities in the neighbourhood and mental health - results from a longitudinal cohort study in Southern Sweden
- 2012
-
In: BMC Public Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2458. ; 12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Poor mental health is a major issue worldwide and causality is complex. For diseases with multifactorial background synergistic effects of person-and place-factors can potentially be preventive. Nature is suggested as one such positive place-factor. In this cohort study we tested the effect of defined green qualities (Serene, Space, Wild, Culture, Lush) in the environment at baseline on mental health at follow-up. We also studied interaction effects on mental health of those place factors and varied person factors (financial stress, living conditions, and physical activity). Methods: Data on person factors were extracted from a longitudinal (years 1999/2000 and 2005) population health survey (n = 24945). The participants were geocoded and linked to data on green qualities from landscape assessments, and stored in the Geographical Information System (GIS). Crude odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and multivariate logistic analyses were performed. Results: Mental health was not affected by access to the chosen green qualities, neither in terms of amount nor in terms of any specific quality. However, we found a reduced risk for poor mental health at follow-up among women, through a significant interaction effect between physical activity and access to the qualities Serene or Space. For men the tendencies were similar, though not significant. Regarding the other three green qualities, as well as amount of qualities, no statistically certain synergistic effects were found. Likewise, no significant synergies were detected between green qualities and the other person-factors. Only advanced exercise significantly reduced the risk for poor mental health among women, but not for men, compared to physical inactivity. Conclusions: The results do not directly support the hypothesis of a preventive mental health effect by access to the green qualities. However, the additive effect of serene nature to physical activity contributed to better mental health at follow-up. This tendency was equal for both sexes, but statistically significant only for women. Objective landscape assessments may be important in detangling geographic determinants of health. This study stresses the importance of considering interaction effects when dealing with disorders of multifactorial background.
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11. |
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12. |
- Annerstedt, Matilda, et al.
(author)
-
Inducing physiological stress recovery with sounds of nature in a virtual reality forest : results from a pilot study
- 2013
-
In: Physiology and Behavior. - 0031-9384 .- 1873-507X. ; 118, s. 240-50
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Experimental research on stress recovery in natural environments is limited, as is study of the effect of sounds of nature. After inducing stress by means of a virtual stress test, we explored physiological recovery in two different virtual natural environments (with and without exposure to sounds of nature) and in one control condition. Cardiovascular data and saliva cortisol were collected. Repeated ANOVA measurements indicated parasympathetic activation in the group subjected to sounds of nature in a virtual natural environment, suggesting enhanced stress recovery may occur in such surroundings. The group that recovered in virtual nature without sound and the control group displayed no particular autonomic activation or deactivation. The results demonstrate a potential mechanistic link between nature, the sounds of nature, and stress recovery, and suggest the potential importance of virtual reality as a tool in this research field.
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13. |
- Banyoi, Silvia-Maria, et al.
(author)
-
The effects of exposure to environmentally relevant PFAS concentrations for aquatic organisms at different consumer trophic levels : Systematic review and meta-analyses
- 2022
-
In: Environmental Pollution. - : Elsevier. - 0269-7491 .- 1873-6424. ; 315
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a collective name for approximately 4700 synthetic chemicals ubiquitous in the aquatic environment worldwide. They are used in a wide array of products and are found in living organisms around the world. Some PFAS have been associated with cancer, developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption, and other health effects. Only a fraction of PFAS are currently monitored and regulated and the presence and effects on aquatic organisms of many PFAS are largely unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the health effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of PFAS on aquatic organisms at different consumer trophic levels through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The main result shows that PFAS in concentrations up to 13.5 μg/L have adverse effects on body size variables for secondary consumers. However, no significant effects on liver or gonad somatic indices and neither on fecundity were found. In addition, the results show that there are large research gaps for PFAS effects on different organisms in aquatic environments at environmentally relevant concentrations. Most studies have been performed on secondary consumers and there is a substantial lack of studies on other consumers in aquatic ecosystems.
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14. |
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15. |
- Bengtsson, Anna, et al.
(author)
-
Improving green space design based on health design theory and environmental psychology
- 2024
-
In: Green and healthy Nordic cities : How to plan, design, and manage health-promoting urban green space. - 9789180010887 ; :2024:1, s. 79-104
-
Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Given the importance of going outdoors for health and well-being, researchers have developed evidence-based models based on extensive research to enable a comprehensive and time-efficient use of evidence in design, planning, and management. Together, the three evidence-based models—the four zones of contact, the quality evaluation tool, and the triangle of supportive environment—describe crucial zones and environmental qualities of green spaces which support and inspire people in general as well as people with particular needs, to use the outdoors. The aim of this chapter is to present the evidence-based models and to describe a four-step process to guide practitioners on how to use the models in green space development. The evidence-based working process does not replace established practices; rather, it is intended to complement existing practices of municipalities or offices working with green space development. Therefore, even if multiple municipalities use the same models, the results are always unique to each site and context. Based on the work within the NORDGREEN project, we have found that the models are useful for projects in varying scales and contexts, and with varying target groups, to support, inspire, and inform green space design, planning, and management for health and well-being.
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16. |
- Bengtsson, Anna, et al.
(author)
-
Methods, models, and guidelines for practitioners to deliver health-promoting green space
- 2024
-
In: Green and healthy Nordic cities : How to plan, design, and manage health-promoting urban green space. - 9789180010887 ; :2024:1, s. 106-133
-
Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- This chapter summarises the main methods, models, and guidelines— hereafter named as NORD tools—included in each component of the NORD framework (NUMBERING, OBSERVING, REGULATING, DESIGNING). The chapter provides further details on how to use these tools as well as how practitioners can combine them to deliver health-promoting green spaces.
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17. |
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18. |
- Bengtsson, Anna, et al.
(author)
-
Outdoor Environments at Three Nursing Homes: Semantic Environmental Descriptions
- 2015
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In: Journal of Housing for the Elderly. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0276-3893 .- 1540-353X. ; 29, s. 53-76
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Research suggests that the outdoor environment is an important source of variety and change as well as health and well-being for nursing home residents. However, not every outdoor environment has the potential to be a positive resource in the life of older persons at nursing homes, and in this respect we need to study the particular design and content of the outdoor environment. The semantic environmental description (SMB) is a quantitatively based standardized tool intended to systematically describe an environment through assessments of 8 dimensions, namely: pleasantness, complexity, unity, enclosedness, potency, social status, affection, and originality. In this study the SMB was used to compare the outdoor environment of an imagined ideal nursing home and the outdoor environments of 3 existing nursing homes. Furthermore, assessments of an imagined ideal nursing home by pensioners and by nursing home staff were compared. The environment that was the closest to the ideal environment according to the assessments was a park-like environment that was larger and had more variation in vegetation than the other environments. The article concludes by discussing the SMB dimensions in relation to important environmental qualities in nursing home gardens.
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19. |
- Bengtsson, Anna, et al.
(author)
-
Outdoor environments in healthcare settings : A quality evaluation tool for use in designing healthcare gardens
- 2014
-
In: Urban Forestry & Urban Greening. - : Elsevier BV. - 1618-8667 .- 1610-8167. ; 13, s. 878-891
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This article presents the first outline of a quality evaluation tool (QET) to be used in the process of designing outdoor environments in healthcare settings, e.g. healthcare gardens. Theory triangulation is used to integrate theories and evidence from selected research on people's health/well-being and the outdoor environment. The results first present the theoretical principles underlying the tool and justifying its practical construction. Then, 19 environmental qualities constituting the backbone of the practical tool are presented, including six qualities based on the need to be comfortable in the outdoor environment and 13 qualities based on the need for access to nature and surrounding life. Furthermore, this work presents suggestions of how the tool might include concepts dealing with how users can become involved in the design process, as well as general design guidelines corresponding to the various needs and wishes users may have. The paper ends with a discussion that, among other things, relates the QET to evidence-based design, salutogenesis and pathogenesis. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.
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20. |
- Björk, Jonas, et al.
(author)
-
Skydda naturen nära oss
- 2007
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In: Skånska dagbladet. - 1103-9973. ; , s. 5-5
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Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)
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21. |
- Byström, Kristina, et al.
(author)
-
COMSI®—A Form of Treatment That Offers an Opportunity to Play, Communicate and Become Socially Engaged through the Lens of Nature—A Single Case Study about an 8-Year-Old Boy with Autism and Intellectual Disability
- 2022
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In: International journal of environmental research and public health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 19
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This case study shows how an 8-year-old boy with autism and mild intellectual disability underwent positive psychological development in terms of play, social communication, and mentalization during a year and a half of group-based therapy using COMSI®-(COMmunication and Social Interaction). This eclectic treatment has a relational approach and is based on developmental psychology, knowledge of autism, and the impact of nature and animals on human health. The change in the child was been studied using both quantitative and qualitative methods. His general intellectual capacity was measured using the Wechler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, and his Mentalization Ability/Theory of Mind was assessed using three tests: Eva and Anna, Hiding the fruit and Kiki and the cat. Throughout the study period, change was documented with the help of the therapists’ process notes and the parents’ descriptions. The results show that support for the child comes from three different sources: nature, animals, and the therapists. Animals and nature form the basis for episodes of coordinated attention in conversation and play with therapists. The therapists’ approach used sensitivity and compliance with the child’s needs and focus of interest.
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22. |
- Byström, Kristina, et al.
(author)
-
Vitality from experiences in nature and contact with animals—a way to develop joint attention and social engagement in children with autism?
- 2019
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In: International journal of environmental research and public health. - : MDPI AG. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 16
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Animals are increasingly included in treatment for children with autism, and research has shown positive effects, such as increased social initiatives, decreased typical autistic behaviors, and decreased stress. However, there are still knowledge gaps, for example, on underlying mechanisms and effects from longer treatment duration. The purpose of this study is to contribute to these gaps and ask questions about the ways in which animals and nature can improve conditions for psychological development through support from therapists. The method is based on grounded theory. Data comes from a treatment model (duration 11/2 years, a total of nine children), from environmental psychology and developmental psychology, both typical and atypical as in autism. The results consist of three key categories; reduce stress and instill calm, arouse curiosity and interest, and attract attention spontaneously. These three key categories are related to an underlying core variable, vitality forms, which was described by Daniel Stern and, according to him, is important in forming overall experiences. The starting point is the brain's way of encoding many internal and external events based on movement perception. Here it is argued that the vitality forms from nature and animals are particularly favorable for effecting development-promoting interactions with a therapist.
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23. |
- de Jong, Kim, et al.
(author)
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Area-aggregated assessments of perceived environmental attributes may overcome single-source bias in studies of green environments and health: results from a cross-sectional survey in southern Sweden
- 2011
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In: Environmental Health. - 1476-069X. ; 10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Most studies assessing health effects of neighborhood characteristics either use self-reports or objective assessments of the environment, the latter often based on Geographical Information Systems (GIS). While objective measures require detailed landscape data, self-assessments may yield confounded results. In this study we demonstrate how self-assessments of green neighborhood environments aggregated to narrow area units may serve as an appealing compromise between objective measures and individual self-assessments. Methods: The study uses cross-sectional data (N = 24,847) from a public health survey conducted in the county of Scania, southern Sweden, in 2008 and validates the Scania Green Score (SGS), a new index comprising five self-reported green neighborhood qualities (Culture, Lush, Serene, Spacious and Wild). The same qualities were also assessed objectively using landscape data and GIS. A multilevel (ecometric) model was used to aggregate individual self-reports to assessments of perceived green environmental attributes for areas of 1,000 square meters. We assessed convergent and concurrent validity for self-assessments of the five items separately and for the sum score, individually and area-aggregated. Results: Correlations between the index scores based on self-assessments and the corresponding objective assessments were clearly present, indicating convergent validity, but the agreement was low. The correlation was even more evident for the area-aggregated SGS. All three scores (individual SGS, area-aggregated SGS and GIS index score) were associated with neighborhood satisfaction, indicating concurrent validity. However, while individual SGS was associated with vitality, this association was not present for aggregated SGS and the GIS-index score, suggesting confounding (single-source bias) when individual SGS was used. Conclusions: Perceived and objectively assessed qualities of the green neighborhood environment correlate but do not agree. An index score based on self-reports but aggregated to narrow area units can be a valid approach to assess perceived green neighborhood qualities in settings where objective assessments are not possible or feasible.
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24. |
- de Jong, Kim, et al.
(author)
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Perceived green qualities were associated with neighborhood satisfaction, physical activity, and general health: Results from a cross-sectional study in suburban and rural Scania, southern Sweden.
- 2012
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In: Health and Place. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-2054 .- 1353-8292. ; 18:6, s. 1374-1380
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this study using cross-sectional survey data from suburban and rural Scania, Sweden (N=24,847), we assessed how the recently validated index score of area-aggregated perceived green neighborhood qualities (Scania Green Score; SGS), and the five distinct qualities within this index were associated with three self-reported indicators of well-being: neighborhood satisfaction, physical activity and general health. Effect sizes were compared with objective (GIS-based) assessments of the same five qualities. Area-aggregated SGS was positively associated with neighborhood satisfaction, physical activity and general health. The association with general health was mediated by physical activity and neighborhood satisfaction. Three perceived qualities had salutogenic potential: historical remains (culture), silence such that sounds of nature can be heard (serene) and species richness (lush). Spacious and wild were not appreciated. Some independent positive effects of the GIS-based index were noted, but could not be consistently attributed to specific qualities. Perceived qualities within green areas, not merely quantity, are related to aspects of well-being in suburban and rural areas.
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25. |
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26. |
- Ericsson, Ingegerd, et al.
(author)
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Krympande grönområden ett hälsohot
- 2010
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In: Sydsvenska Dagladet. - : Sydsvenska Dagbladet. ; :100207, s. A4-A4
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Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Minskande grönytor i städerna gör att barn rör sig mindre, vilket på sikt kan få allvarliga hälsokonsekvenser. Fysisk aktivitet påverkar även barnens mentala och kognitiva utveckling, och ger positiva effekter på skolresultaten, skriver en idrottsforskare och två landskapsarkitekter.
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27. |
- Ericsson, Ingegerd, et al.
(author)
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Närmiljöns betydelse och hur den kan påverkas
- 2009
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In: Educare. - : Malmö högskola, Lärarutbildningen. - 1653-1868 .- 2004-5190. ; :1, s. 81-101
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of the present article is to describe how the local environment affects people and how people can have an impact on their local environment. Using the sports movement as an example, the article discusses the importance of getting citizens to participate and to play an active role in decision processes concerning physical planning for the local environment. How we design our outdoor environments largely determines how our children develop in terms of their motor coordination and self-image, and thereby also their mental status, concentration ability, and academic aptitude as well as our children’s resources for engaging in one or several athletic activities that promote life-long amusement, good health and well-being. For young people, the opportunity to spontaneously use their local environment is a basic need, one that has received too little attention in city planning, e.g. fill in projects. Politicians are sensitive to public expressions of opinion. If it unites its power, the sport clubs and sport federations should be able to ensure high quality play environments for children and spaces for spontaneous sports activities for youth. The new trend towards private-public-partnership means a great deal of negotiations between the developer and the city leadership in which citizens have no access. It takes place behind closed doors and the child perspective is often forgotten. The sport clubs and sport federations have a chance to take the initiative here by formulating goals for children’s and young people’s motor, social and cognitive development and by pushing its own proposals for developing the local community.
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28. |
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29. |
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30. |
- Ericsson, Ingegerd, et al.
(author)
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Värna närmiljön!
- 2011
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In: Education and Sustainability. - : Education and sustainability. - 2013-5726. ; :4, s. 36-37
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Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- Barns utrymmen för lek och rörelse minskar i våra städer. Studier vid Malmö högskola visar att mer rörelse på schemat leder till bättre hälsa och studieresultat.
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31. |
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32. |
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33. |
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34. |
- Grahn, Pia, et al.
(author)
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A method for evaluating the impact of electric vehicle charging on transformer hotspot temperature
- 2011
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In: 2011 2nd IEEE PES International Conference and Exhibition on Innovative Smart Grid Technologies (ISGT Europe). - : IEEE.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The expected increasing market share of electric vehicles is a response to the combination of new technological developments, governmental financial control, and an attitude shift of residents to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. The expected capacity required for charging, imposes changes in the load to the already existing components in the electric power grid. In order to continue managing these existing assets efficiently during this load change, it is important to evaluate the impact imposed by the battery charging.
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35. |
- Grahn, Patrik
(author)
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Alnarps Rehabiliteringsträdgård : utvärdering av effektivitet
- 2017
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In: Skrifter från Lyssnande Lund, Ljudmiljöcentrum vid Lunds universitet. - 1653-9354. ; , s. 12-15
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Ett av de största folkhälsoproblemen i Sverige är stressrelaterad psykisk ohälsa. Det är den vanligaste orsaken till sjukskrivning och kostnaderna för samhället uppskattas till 70 miljarder per år. Det handlar bl a om utmattningsreaktioner och depression. Vägen tillbaka till arbetslivet är ofta lång och mödosam. Rehabilitering i natur är en ny möjlighet. Hur ser resultaten ut?
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36. |
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37. |
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38. |
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39. |
- Grahn, Patrik
(author)
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De quelles preuves scientifiques disposons-nous concernant les effets des forêts et des arbres sur la santé et le bien-être humains ?
- 2018
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In: Revue forestière française. - : Universite de Bordeaux. - 0035-2829 .- 1951-6827. ; 70, s. 379-408
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Dans la société actuelle, les maladies liées au mode de vie jouent un rôle de plus en plus important dans les causes de mauvaise santé. L’accès et le séjour dans des environnements qui contiennent des éléments naturels tels que les forêts, les parcs et les jardins ont attiré l’attention pour leur capacité à favoriser la santé et le bien-être humains. Un domaine de recherche à part entière s’est développé pour expliquer et attester du lien entre accès et activités dans la nature et santé humaine. L’action COST E39 « Forêts, arbres et la santé et le bien-être humains », initiée en 2004 et achevée en 2009, avait pour but de réunir des chercheurs européens qui travaillent sur les différents aspects de la relation entre nature et santé. Ses principaux résultats ont été présentés dans le livre Forests, Trees and Human Health publié en 2011. Cet article porte sur trois questions de recherche centrales concernant la relation entre nature et santé : les effets réparateurs, instauratifs et salutaires sur la santé humaine, les effets sur la santé des activités physiques de plein air et les interventions thérapeutiques telles que les jardins thérapeutiques et les bains de forêt. Une revue systématique de la recherche menée à la suite de l’action COST, permet d’aboutir aux conclusions suivantes : 1) Un nombre remarquable de publications de recherche mettent en évidence une corrélation statistique entre l’accès à la nature et aux espaces verts et l’activité physique humaine et la santé. Cependant, peu d’études établissent une relation de cause à effet permettant d’affirmer que l’accès aux espaces verts entraîne une plus grande activité physique et une meilleure santé. 2) La recherche existante sur les activités de plein air dans des environnements naturels fait état d’un certain nombre d’associations positives et effets sur la santé, dont certains sont solidement appuyés par des preuves, bien que sujets à des réserves quant à l’applicabilité immédiate des conclusions qu’on peut en tirer. 3) Beaucoup d’études montrent que des thérapies fondées sur la nature fonctionnent et donnent lieu à des effets clairement positifs, mais la qualité de ces études fait l’objet de sérieuses critiques. Enfin, les auteurs recommandent qu’une plus grande place soit accordée aux recherches sur les bénéfices économiques tirés des effets que la nature procure sur la santé et d’élargir la base théorique des études. De plus, une meilleure intégration de ces connaissances dans les politiques de la santé et leur mise en œuvre pratique dans le cadre de l’urbanisme et de la gestion des forêts sont à envisager.
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40. |
- Grahn, Patrik
(author)
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De quelles preuves scientifiques disposons-nous concernant les effets des forêts et des arbres sur la santé et le bien-être humains ?
- 2019
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In: Santé Publique. - : CAIRN. - 0995-3914 .- 2104-3841. ; 31, s. 219-240
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In today's modern society, lifestyle-related diseases play an increasingly important role as the cause of had health. Staying in and access to environments that contain natural elements such as forests, parks and gardens has been featured because of its potential to stimulating people's health and well-being. An independent research area has developed, which addresses issues that try to explain and document the health effects of access to and activities in nature. To bring together European researchers working with different aspects of the relation between nature and health, COST Action E39 "Forests, Trees, and Human Health and Wellbeing" was established in 2004 and terminated in November 2009. The main results of COST E39 was presented in the book "Forests, 'bees and Human Health" published in 2011. This article focuses on three central research questions regarding the relationship between nature and health: (1) Nature's restorative and salutogenic effects on human beings, (2) Health effects of outdoor physical activities, and (3) Therapeutic interventions such as therapy gardens and forest bathing. Based on a systematic review of research carried out in the aftermath of the COST Action the following conclusions are made: (1) There is a remarkable amount of research publications showing a statistical correlation between access to nature and green areas and human physical activity and health. However, there are few studies that really prove a causal relationship, i.e. that access to green areas leads to increased physical activity and better health. (2) The existing research on outdoor activities in natural environments describes a number of positive associations and effects on health, and the evidence for some of these are convincing, albeit there must be reservations for the immediate applicability of the conclusions. (3) A lot of studies also show that nature-based therapeutic interventions work and provide clear positive effects, but there is serious criticism about the quality of the studies. Finally, the authors suggest more emphasis on research regarding the economic benefits of nature's health effects, more research on the effects of nature-based therapeutic interventions, and of broadening the theoretical basis. Furthermore, we foresee a better integration with health policies and practical implementation within urban planning and forest management.
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41. |
- Grahn, Patrik
(author)
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Differently Designed Parts of a Garden Support Different Types of Recreational Walks: Evaluating a Healing Garden by Participatory Observation
- 2012
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In: Landscape Research. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0142-6397 .- 1469-9710. ; 37, s. 519-537
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- By participatory observation the researchers have observed when and where patients choose to walk while they were undergoing a treatment program for stress related diseases in a healing garden. The aim was to deepen the knowledge on environment-behaviour relations needed when designing gardens, parks, public open spaces and especially therapeutic environments. The purpose was to explore how patients use and interact with this therapeutic setting by looking at behaviour and location. This can be viewed as a kind of qualitative evaluation of the design of the garden. Depending on people's need and intentions, two main types of recreational walks (Introvert and Extrovert walks) have been observed, each with three sub-groups. These walks take place in different parts of the garden having different characteristics, confirming the need for knowledge on the relation between the design of green spaces and the activities this stimulates.
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42. |
- Grahn, Patrik, et al.
(author)
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Does More Time in a Therapeutic Garden Lead to a Faster Return to Work? A Prospective Cohort Study of Nature-Based Therapy, Exploring the Relationship between Dose and Response in the Rehabilitation of Long-Term Patients Suffering from Stress
- 2021
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In: International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. - 2329-9096. ; 9
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Stress-related mental illness is increasing worldwide and leading to long-term illness. Most of those affected are aged 30-50, so the need for rehabilitation and return to work for these patients is great. Research indicates that staying in nature can lead to stress recovery. The question is whether nature-based therapy can rehabilitate people who suffer from long-term stress-related mental illness, and how long a period of rehabilitation is necessary.Methods and findings: The research was carried out at Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden, which is a specially designed health garden on the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences’ campus area, where the participants in the study were treated by a licensed rehabilitation team. The intention was to examine three cohorts of participants prospectively. These were offered different lengths of a nature-based rehabilitation program through a natural experiment. Participants were referred to Alnarp Rehabilitation Garden from three local social insurance agencies that granted different lengths of rehabilitation programs: 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. The length of the program was determined by which local social insurance agencies they belonged to, not the participants' level of illness. Primary outcome was return to work. Other outcomes were occupational function, personal control and sense of coherence. The results showed that all three rehabilitation interventions gave significantly good results, but that longer nature-based rehabilitation led to significantly better results for all outcomes. The 12-week program provided 75% greater return to paid work and the 24-week program 120% greater return to paid work than the 8-week program.Conclusion: There is a significant positive relationship between treatment time in the rehabilitation garden and return to work. The study also indicates that the effects may level off after twelve weeks. More studies are needed to further investigate the relationships.
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43. |
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44. |
- Grahn, Patrik
(author)
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Evidensläge för behandlingsinsatser utomhus
- 2022
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In: Vård, omsorg och rehabilitering utomhus - teori, praktik och nya perspektiv. - 9789144142364 ; , s. 299-316
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)
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45. |
- Grahn, Patrik
(author)
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Exploring the influence of the visual attributes of Kaplan’s preference matrix in the assessment of urban parks: A discrete choice analysis
- 2022
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In: Sustainability. - : MDPI AG. - 2071-1050. ; 14
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A significant majority of the literature on natural environments and urban green spacesjustifies the preferences that people have for natural environments using four predictors defined byKaplan’s preference matrix theory, namely coherence, legibility, complexity, and mystery. However,there are no studies implicitly focusing on the visual attributes assigned to each of these fourpredictors. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the influence of nine visual attributes derivedfrom the four predictors of Kaplan’s matrix on people’s preferences in the context of urban parks. Adiscrete choice experiment was used to obtain responses from a sample of 396 students of GolestanUniversity. Students randomly evaluated their preferences towards a set of potential scenarioswith urban park images. The results of a random parameter logit analysis showed that all of theattributes of complexity (variety of elements, number of colors, and organization of elements) andone attribute each of coherence (uniformity), mystery (visual access), and legibility (distinctiveelements) affect students’ choices for urban parks, while one attribute each of mystery (physicalaccess) and legibility (wayfinding) did not affect the choices. Furthermore, the results indicated apreference for heterogeneity of the attributes. The findings of this study can provide instructions fordesigning parks.
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46. |
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47. |
- Grahn, Patrik
(author)
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Förord
- 2011
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In: Utomhuspedagogik. - 9789185096954 ; , s. 10-13
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)
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48. |
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49. |
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50. |
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