Emergency Services College

Effective multilingual crisis communication can improve equity, inclusion, and access to information of linguistic minorities during crises. Adequate and accessible health information also improves linguistic minorities’ ability to make informed health choices and can help reduce inequalities. However, studies examining the perceived effectiveness of multilingual crisis communication are scarce. This study explored the experiences and strategies employed in multilingual communication during the Covid-19 pandemic in Finland from the perspective of professionals responsible for the provision and dissemination of this information. A qualitative design, using semi-structured interviews to collect data, was used. Interviews (n = 25) with persons responsible for multilingual Covid-19 communications were conducted in 2022. The participants worked in municipalities (n = 8), non-governmental organisations (n = 7), or governmental institutions (n = 10). The data were analysed via deductive theory-directed content analysis. The hierarchical model of social marketing served as an analytical lens to systematically examine the results. The main effort was placed on understanding the needs of linguistic minorities and gaining insights into how to reach them effectively. Respondents mentioned co-creation, collaboration, use of existing networks, community dialogues, and creative combination of aforementioned, as effective strategies. Although these key strategies were consistent with the social marketing framework, the respondents also encountered considerable challenges in operationalising these strategies, and their implementation lacked explicit use of systematic frameworks. More effort is needed to utilise communication strategies more efficiently and coherently in future crisis preparedness. Different social marketing frameworks can provide useful tools for developing and operationalising these. In addition, multilingual crisis communication plans should be included into preparedness plans for future crises in the public and third sectors.

The functional regeneration of human articular cartilage is hampered by a lack of biomaterials and tissue engineering strategies that adequately capture the physiological depth-dependent compression properties of native tissue. Here, we demonstrate that photocrosslinkable gelatin-hyaluronic acid hydrogels reinforced with multiphasic polycaprolactone microfibre scaffolds form biomimetic soft network composites that serve as in vitro models mimicking the compressive and depth-dependent deformation characteristics of human cartilage. Mono- and multi-phasic gradient scaffolds with fibre spacings of 200, 400, and 800 μm were manufactured using melt electrowriting and embedded in the photocrosslinkable hydrogel system. Mechanical testing combined with finite element analysis revealed how defined microfibre architecture is altered and influences compressive moduli and interstitial fluid load support to mimic the loading response of native articular cartilage in our in vitro model. Digital image and volume correlations demonstrated depth-dependent strain fields in the fibre-reinforced constructs in response to compression, demonstrating biomimetic depth-dependent behaviour. Lastly, we demonstrate that these fibre-reinforced hydrogels support high cell viability, chondrogenic redifferentiation and hyaline-like tissue formation by expanded human articular chondrocytes in vitro. Together, this study demonstrates that, in vitro, these hydrogels reinforced with gradient scaffolds successfully recapitulate key biomechanical traits of native articular cartilage, toward the development of improved models for functional cartilage tissue engineering.

Firefighters are exposed to various carcinogenic substances during firefighting tasks, but also in the maintenance of firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE). Due to multiple exposures to chemical agents via different exposure routes, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorized the firefighting occupation as Group 1 - carcinogenic to humans. Decontamination methods have been found to play an important role in reducing firefighter chemical exposures. Unfortunately, decontamination techniques are insufficient in removing carcinogenic substances from PPE. This study aimed to evaluate decontamination methods for firefighter turnout gear. Using various techniques, the cleaning efficiency of 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from turnout gear coats contaminated during firefighting exercises was measured. For turnout gear coats (n = 40), decontamination methods used were conventional aqueous laundering (AL) and its combination with advanced hydrogen peroxide treatment (H2O2) or ozone treatment in a chamber (O3). In addition, the cleaning efficiencies of advanced liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) and the ozone laundry system (LO3) were measured. Results show that when the conventional AL water wash temperature increased from 40 to 60 °C, cleaning efficiencies did not significantly increase. Cleaning efficiencies in outer layers of coats were 63% and 60%, respectively. The results in outer layers of AL combined with O3 and H2O2 techniques showed cleaning efficiencies 84% and 42%, respectively. Cleaning efficiency with LO3 and with the fully advanced LCO2 technique demonstrated cleaning efficiency 71% and 74%, respectively. LCO2 was the most advanced, especially in the middle layers, yielding a cleaning efficiency of 84% while other techniques in the middle layers reached a maximum efficiency 24%. The cleaning efficiency of all methods indicated approximately 20–30% lower cleaning efficiency for high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs than for low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs. The results of this study emphasized the importance of improving conventional AL and the advantage of the LCO2 method in enhancing cleaning efficiency.

BackgroundA healthy lifestyle is associated with mental well-being, and digital lifestyle interventions can be effective in promoting a healthy lifestyle. However, they do not appear to work for all, and we have limited knowledge of how users’ background characteristics affect their tendency to adopt well-being–promoting digital apps and actively use them.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the association of the study participants’ characteristics and current well-being with their likelihood of using a well-being–promoting mobile app.MethodsThe BitHabit web app (Wellpro Impact Solutions Ltd) was available for a 2-month trial in spring 2023 after completing a short cross-sectional digital questionnaire with questions about well-being, life satisfaction, and lifestyle. Individuals aged 15 years or younger were excluded from the analysis. We used logistic regression to assess how individual characteristics were associated with the initiation of BitHabit app use. To assess user archetypes among those who initiated app use, and k-means clustering analysis and multinomial logistic regression to assess user archetypes among those who initiated app use.ResultsA total of 1646 eligible individuals responded to the questionnaire, and 863 initiated app use. Lower odds of initiating app use were detected among males (odds ratio [OR] 0.66, 95% CI 0.51‐0.85; P<.001), the unemployed (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48‐0.97; P=.03), those with higher general life satisfaction (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89‐1.00; P=.04), and those reporting fewer life challenges (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02‐1.24; P=.02). We identified (1) thriving non-active users, (2) struggling non-active users, and (3) active users as archetypes based on app use activity, life satisfaction, and reported life challenges. Older participants had lower odds of being thriving nonactive (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94‐0.99; P=.01) or struggling nonactive users (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.90‐0.96; P<.001) than active users. Retired participants had higher odds of being struggling nonactive than active users (OR 4.06, 95% CI 1.44‐11.42; P=.01) and unemployed lower odds of being thriving nonactive than active users (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.08‐0.51; P<.001). Those who were physically more active had higher odds of being thriving nonactive than active users (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.00‐7.32; P=.05). Participants with higher alcohol consumption had higher odds of being struggling nonactive users than active users (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.16‐8.99; P=.03).ConclusionsWhile lower general life satisfaction and less favorable health behavior appeared to increase the likelihood of trying the app, those who eventually actively used the app were more satisfied with their lives at baseline. In addition, among nonactive users, there were recognizable user profiles of thriving and struggling nonactive users, which were associated with various individual characteristics. Further research is needed to develop digital apps to attract more potential users and meet the needs of those with an unhealthy lifestyle and poor mental health.

We aimed to identify factors predicting toothbrushing less than twice daily at the age of 2 years. The data from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study of 506 mother-father pairs (with 506 children) were used. Logistic regression analyses were conducted of the outcome (brushing less than twice daily) at the age of 24 months. Independent variables were parental age, parental education, siblings in the household, use of childcare service, and information about whether the parents are divorced, as well as brushing of the child's teeth and the parents' own teeth at 12 months with their first order interactions. More than one quarter of the parents reported brushing their child's teeth less than twice daily at the age of 2 years. The strongest predictor for brushing the child's teeth less than twice daily at the age of 24 months was brushing child's teeth less than twice daily at the age of 12 months; the effect was significantly stronger for those children whose fathers had low education than for those whose fathers had medium/high education. Other predictors were mother's and father's own brushing at 12 months, childcare at home, and mother's low education. To improve toothbrushing in young children, early intervention is needed in families where parents brush their own teeth less than twice daily and in families with low education.

Abstract The article examines how military leaders serving as peacekeepers navigate complexity and adapt to it. The theoretical underpinnings of the study are linked to adaptive peacebuilding and Complexity Leadership Theory, and specifically to how enabling leadership through adaptive space helps to work with the local conflict dynamics and change to sustain peace. The findings are based on 29 interviews with military leaders with command experience in peacekeeping operations. The findings introduce five dimensions that unpack complexity into structural, functional, security‐related, professional, and steering‐related complexity and provide empirical evidence on balancing actions relating to complexity in a peacekeeping context. The article develops an analytical framework for peacekeeping. It also contributes to Complexity Leadership Theory by unpacking the complexity into dimensions, unpacking the actors into groups and communities with commitments, and addressing power relations and the dark side of their emergence.

Parental empowerment plays an essential role in maternity and child healthcare. Professionals delivering these services are ideally placed to improve parents' empowerment and well-being. This study aims to describe the supporting factors of parental empowerment from the perspective of self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer (LGBTQ) parents in Finland. The study was conducted using a qualitative inductive design, and 22 parents participated. Interviews were conducted between July and September of 2016 and analysed using inductive content analysis. Four categories emerged: 1) Parents' willingness to create socially recognized families, 2) Parenthood support, 3) Respectful partnership with all parents, and 4) Accessible services. Services were more empowering when parents were treated with dignity. This focus requires gender-neutral communication and a clear sense of security for parents. The findings indicate more education on LGBTQ-related issues is still needed.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to unite the fragmented discussion concerning organizational-level capability in terms of purchasing and supply chain management. The capability drivers are identified from the literature and then validated by purchasing professionals. The impacts of the identified capability drivers on supply management capability are empirically examined. To increase a firm’s supply management capability, it is essential to connect purchasing and supply chain management to the firm’s strategy, as well as to establish robust policies and procedures for the activities of supply function, and to promote supplier orientation and the value of supplier networks to the business.Design/methodology/approachData and methodological triangulation are utilized in the form of focus group sessions and a large scale survey. A regression analysis of the data from 165 Finnish firms is performed to examine the influence of the drivers.FindingsThe drivers of supply management capability proposed in this study and ranked by the focus group were the strategic status of procurement, supplier orientation, and the formalization of organizational responsibilities and roles in the purchasing function. An examination of these components and their relation to capability by means of a regression analysis showed that they have positive effects and high explanatory power on supply management capability.Originality/valueThe paper summarizes capability studies in the field of purchasing and supply chain management from the last two decades and also fulfils the need for empirical studies concerning the concept of supply management capability. Moreover, it contributes to the theory development by confirming that supply management capability really is a strategic asset of a firm.

BackgroundWith the change in climate, storms are increasing in many parts of the world. One of the most challenging tasks in terms on occupational safety in these situations is removing storm fallen trees that have tensions. This work has more risks than usual and is also rather difficult to train. At the same time, it is often done by rescue workers or power company employees using a chain saw.MethodsWe surveyed the types of situations in which chain saw work leads to injuries and how often these situations are affected by the trees been damaged or having abnormal tensions. Very often such conditions are met by Fire & Rescue crews clearing roads and other areas from trees that a storm has fallen. A number of workshops were arranged to collect the knowledge from a group of experienced experts.ResultsBased on the workshops a two part training program was developed. To make the training effective, two simulators were designed. The other one is based on a commercial product, while the other one was designed and drawn by engineers in close cooperation with the research team. In the first simulator, cutting trees under tension is trained in a safe environment. The other simulator is used in further training and can be used to train removing trees fallen on power lines, houses, cars and other similar places.ConclusionsFire and Rescue services, as well as others can improve their level of occupational safety in removing difficult trees. Using a chain saw to remove a tree with abnormal tensions requires both knowledge and adequate practice. This can be achieved through training and the simulators make training both safe and productive.

BackgroundFire deaths have been recorded in Finland since 1960. The annual average of fire deaths has been over 100 victims per year. The ministry of interior has a vision of less than 50 fire deaths per year. In 2007 fire departments decided to investigate all the fires causing injuries or fatalities.MethodsThe results are based on national data collected by fire investigators of fire departments in co-operation with the police. Data are analysed by the descriptive statistics.ResultsIn 2007–2009, the average number of fire deaths was 100 persons per year. In 2010–2014, the average was 75 fire deaths per year. In proportion to the population the number of fire deaths is 14 persons per million inhabitants. Commonly, fatal fire starts in sparsely populated area in a single family house with no smoke detector. The most often cigarette ignites a furniture or interior in the living room in winter time. A typical victim is an elderly man who lives alone. Often victim is divorced with low-incomes. Normally, the victim does not react to fire because the use of alcohol has influenced his ability to function properly. There is seldom someone able to function present at the scene and the first attempts to extinguish fire are rarely made. By and large, a fatal fire is detected by a bystander who makes the emergency call.ConclusionsSome reasons for the reduction of fire deaths can be found. Standardised practice of fire investigation carried out by the fire departments has provided support to decision making. Reduction of fire deaths has been particularly affected by: legislative changes on cigarettes sold in Finland, legislative changes on smoke alarms, legislative obligation about fire safety risks among domestic services producing actors, and targeted operations in fire departments, including safety communication.