GUJournal
INDEPENDENT JOURNAL FOR THE STAFF AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GOTHENBURG #2 MAY 2020
PANDEMIC CONSEQUENCES GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
1
Vice-chancellor
Will we be meeting on campus by the autumn? CURRENTLY, there are discussions within the university
and the entire university sector about the planning for autumn. Should we aim to continue distance learning or will the restrictions allow for on-campus lectures when the autumn semester begins? Will the recommendation on temporary telecommuting remain in place and what do we do about academic celebratory occasions? It may be appropriate to handle certain aspects jointly within the sector, which we discuss during the SUHF meetings (SUHF (the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions). The Minister for Higher Education and Research, Matilda Ernkrans, also regularly attends these meetings. The current decisions and recommendations of the university concerning distance learning, examinations, temporary telecommuting, and large gatherings also apply until further notice. There is currently no information regarding when the government and the Public Health Agency of Sweden will ease the restrictions or announce other recommendations. The international and national restrictions that will be in place in the au-
tumn will naturally govern the manner in which we will operate. We are following developments closely. NATURALLY, OUR POSITION is that we will continue to be
part of the solution by contributing with our expertise in slowing the spread of contagion. Beyond that, the university management see a need to clarify a joint position in the planning for autumn. I will inform you of our aims for the autumn no later than May 15. Keep calm and keep your distance! I continue to be impressed with what the university has managed to achieve, in such a short period of time, in terms of distance learning and telecommuting.
Vice-Chancellor EVA WIBERG
Editor-in-chief : Allan Eriksson, phone: 031–786 10 21, e-mail: allan.eriksson@gu.se Editor-in-chief: Eva Lundgren, phone:031–786 10 81, e-mail: eva.lundgren@gu.se Photographer: Johan Wingborg, phone: 070–595 38 01, e-post: johan.wingborg@gu.se Layout: Anders Eurén, phone: 031–786 43 81, e-mail: anders.euren@gu.se Address: GU Journal, University of Gothenburg Box 100, 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden E-mail: gu-journalen@gu.se Internet: gu-journalen.gu.se ISSN: 1402-9626 Translation: Språkservice
2
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
Contents
04. ”Everyone needs to contribute”, says Vice-Chancellor Eva Wiberg. 05. Collaboration at the Sahlgrenska Academy. 06. The virus threatens research. 08. Coronomics - a new word to learn. 10. Support is needed when teaching online. 12. In search for an effective treatment. 14. Becoming PhD online. 16. Severe riskt for Africa. 18. The pandemic raises new research questions. 20. Psychologically diffult to be in quarantine. 22. Epidemics have always plagued us. Photo: JOHAN WINGBORG
Masthead
Not the time for a printed journal! WHAT IS YOUR WORKPLACE like at
the moment? We have visited a few places and discovered that many employees are on site, even though many parts of the university are closed or have reduced opening hours. Naturally, having librarians, service staff, administrators, and other employees who answer questions, solve problems and make sure the days continue with some sense
of normalcy is essential when so much is different and uncertain. The GU Journal is also different this time. We have published articles online throughout the spring and have decided not to publish a print version, instead opting for a pdf version. Our reasoning was that it feels pointless to deliver the magazine to every employee’s pigeonhole when so few of them are
on site. As you, our dear readers, can see, the journal is about the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, which we believe is what interests our readers at the moment. We are all longing to return to more normal times. Hopefully, this will not drag on too long. But those of you who are working from home, how are you
faring? Please send us a picture of your home office and tell us a little about what it is like working from home! If you have other suggestions and ideas, feel free to get in touch!
ALLAN ERIKSSON & EVA LUNDGREN
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
3
Vice-Chancellor on the crisis: This calls for endurance “An impressive adjustment is taking place, requiring major contributions from employees as well as students. We do not yet know how long this situation will continue, but we need to see it through,” Vice-Chancellor Eva Wiberg explains.
authorities, as well as the County Administrative Board, participated. “In March alone, the employment agencies registered 19,000 job seekers. The Ministry of Education and Research recently tasked SUHF with investigating whether the universities are able to create more places, both in the short and the long term. It is of course important that we contribute to solving the difficult situation in which many people find themselves.”
THE FACT THAT practically the
entire university has switched to remote operations involves more work and many challenges, Eva Wiberg points out. “The University Management Council, where vice-chancellors, deans and the University Director meet each week, has been partly converted into a crisis management council which provides crucial contributions. And the other employees, as well as the students, are shouldering the responsibility in a manner that makes me both grateful and impressed. Everyone is doing their best, but I acknowledge that the situation is tough.” In light of the coronavirus pandemic, SUHF (the Association of
4
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
Eva Wiberg
Swedish Higher Education Institutions) recently set up a crisis and continuity organisation, says Eva Wiberg. “LAST WEEK, we had an Association gathering that largely focused on the crisis. It was held via Zoom and seventy participants attended. The technology worked excellently, and we were able to split up into smaller groups as well. It was interesting to hear that the other universities are taking similar steps to our own
in transitioning to remote working and learning. But not everything can be solved by digital technology. Certain functions critical to our operations must remain on site, several labs with ongoing experiments must be kept running and the libraries play an important role in terms of lending books and providing other services that enable the continuation of studies and research.” Eva Wiberg also had a Skype meeting where all the regional
EVA WIBERG HAS also held Zoom meetings with the universities in Belgium, the UK, France, Spain and Slovenia which are part of the Eutopia Community. “Many countries face far worse conditions than we do. In several countries, there are bans on leaving your home, unless it is necessary, and gathering in groups is also prohibited. Fortunately, we are not in that situation, at least not yet.” And of course, nobody knows how long this crisis will continue. “It is simply a matter of en-
during it, while also planning for what needs to be done when the crisis is over. However, I do not believe that operations will return to normal, at least not in exactly the same way as they were, instead we will have learned to use digital technology and to be better prepared for crises.” IT IS, FOR EXAMPLE, essential to
document what is being done, such as the courses that have been cancelled, how examinations are being carried out and what will have to be postponed for later, Eva Wiberg points out. “Individuals must act responsibly, but collectively we also have an obligation to care for each individual, so that nobody is left alone without any support. I am convinced that all employees and students will manage these and other tasks in an exemplary manner.”
Text: Eva Lundgren Photo: Johan Wingborg
Collaboration on distance teaching at Sahlgrenska Academy How do we take advantage of the extensive range of existing experience from distance teaching? Sahlgrenska Academy has appointed a faculty-wide refe rencegroup, where representatives for all the degree programs share suggestions and insights from online courses. “I think we will be surprised by how much we can actually do with new technologies,” says Axle Wolf, deputy head of the Institute of Health and Care Sciences. THE GROUP HAS opened a GU box, where teachers can get ideas and test different types of material. “It’s all about give and take,” explains Axel Wolf, who is heading up the work. “Everyone can contribute with suggestions and ideas, not least our students. By sharing with everyone, we also gain an understanding of where employees and students are in their use of digital tools, something that is naturally very valuable for continued efforts.” At the same time as all instruction is taking place through distance teaching, clinical and workplace placements are relatively intact, so far. “In collaboration with the medical care and dental care services, we are trying to maintain clinical and workplace placements as far as possible. But these will naturally be impacted as the medical care service is now shifting to emergency-only care and therefore many workplace placements simply will not be operational. When it comes to the dental
service, there can also be a lack of patients because of cancellations. Our hope is that instruction and examination can continue even if certain things have to be delayed. We are prioritizing last semester students in the professional programs. It is naturally of great importance, both to us and the medical care and dental care services, that these students graduate.” THE NECESSARY PRIORITIES of the medical service determine placements and other clinical-based instruction at this point, according to Vice Dean Silvana Naredi. “We have daily contact with the medical service and adjust to their needs. About two weeks ago, Sahlgrenska Academy began meeting regularly with the country’s other medical faculties. We are also working with Chalmers. We have to learn from each other; there’s no point in reinventing the wheel.”
Everyone can contribute with suggestions and ideas, not least our students.
Naredi emphasizes that it is important to note that everyone is stepping up, from teachers, course coordinators and program coordinators to the institutes and the faculty. “One manager does not have the answer to every question. Instead, each person has to weigh the directives and goals from the Public Health Agency, and then together we have to develop as wise of guidelines as we can, all focused on reducing the infection rate in the country.” AXEL WOLF POINTS out that Zoom and Canvas are
Axel Wolf
two excellent tools that allow us to do a lot. “The Pedagogical Development and Interactive Learning unit (PIL) has created a page with suggestions on simplifying distance work. It offers help for both beginners and those who have more experience, including Zoom cafés, seminars and other useful information.”
Eva Lundgren
More information about distance teaching: https://pil.gu.se.
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
5
6
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
The virus threatens research A scientific vagabond, that is how Henrik Zetterberg, Professor in Neurochemistry, describes himself. “Over the past few years I travelled once or twice a week, but now all travel has been cancelled. But that is a problem that can be solved. What is worse is when research itself stops.” FOR A COUPLE of weeks, Henrik Zet-
terberg’s diary was fairly empty. “It started with a cancelled meeting in London that should have been held at the end of March. Then it just continued.” It was an unusual feeling, he remarks. “But now everybody has realised that we need to try to endure the onslaught of this virus, without cancelling all projects, at least not entirely, and not without a longterm plan for how to get everything up and running again when we have come through it. Instead of cancel-
ling meetings, his diary is now full of online meetings. ” Henrik Zetterberg’s London laboratory is completely closed. “But we hold Monday meetings via Zoom and the week ends with a virtual after-work session at 16.00. I believe this is crucial for maintaining social contact and for countering anxiety and depression. Not being allowed to go out when you live in a city can make you feel very lonely, particularly if you are young and have no family close by, which is the case for many of our postdocs. However, holding effec-
tive online meetings is an art form. When you only see one another on screen, discipline is required to make sure you stay engaged, but as long as you are able to do that, digital meetings can be very effective.” Meeting colleagues from all over the world is important, which is something that doctoral students learn early in their training, says Henrik Zetterberg. “THERE IS A FEAR, I think, of falling
behind and missing something material if you do not attend conferences. And of course, meeting in person is important. That is how you get the opportunity to discuss matters that may not be possible to fit into an article, such as unsuccessful trials or a conclusion that turned out to be incorrect. The most important conversations often take
place at night, over dinner or a pint of beer, relaxing after the presentations of the day. ” But conferences do take up a lot of your time, declares Henrik Zetterberg . “Now, when I have to stay at home, I notice that I am getting a lot of other things done. Naturally, there is a whole industry around meetings and conferences, which provide work for a lot of people, but perhaps we have let it grow out of proportion. The coronavirus is terrible and is causing a lot suffering. But perhaps we might learn something as well, such as that we can have meetings at home and come together there, and that digital meetings can be a good alternative. It is not about stopping attending major international conferences or participating in collaborations, but about being more selective and only going
to the really important ones.” But the pandemic may lead to more serious problems for research, Henrik Zetterberg points out. “RESEARCH IS dependent on technical devices, chemicals and a lot of ancillary resources, and trial subjects must be able to attend their examinations. If we run out of reagents, if the biotech companies that maintain our instruments go bankrupt or if there are no service engineers available, the risk of important research being held up in the long term is magnified. That is a real threat that is not being discussed very much.”
Text: Eva Lundgren Photo: Johan Wingborg
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
7
Coronomics takes over the w “The rapid and global phase that we are witnessing right now can be likened to neither a classic recession nor a war. Instead, it is an entirely new phenomenon – coronomics.” This is how Martin Henning, Professor of Economic Geography, explains it. FÖR ATT FÖRSTÅ det In order to understand what is particular about coronomics, you have to look at the type of economy we have become used to over the past 20 years, Martin Henning explains. “The world becoming more globalised means for example that we rely on incredibly complex and global logistics. Production chains with large inventories are outdated, instead components are delivered to companies in perhaps 20-minute intervals. The parts are manufactured in a large number of countries, which means that it is difficult to say where a car is really manufactured.” Businesses’ investments in other parts of the world are steadily increasing. This has led to the fact that approximately a third of the trade between countries is now taking place within different corporations instead of between them. And the ownership situation is a complex one. “ADD TO THIS A fairly stable global financial sector – except during the financial crisis – increased labour mobility, increasingly comprising employees within the service sector, reduced trade barriers and fast information flows. Three blocs, the US, EU and China, are competing for the top spot in the global economy.” But for the past few months, this situation no
8
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
longer applies. The coronavirus, Covid-19 has changed global economic conditions. “The key word is mobility, Martin Henning explains. Suddenly, international travel is prohibited, and in reality domestic travel as well, and preferably we should only gather in small groups. Obviously, the travel industry is suffering, but so are all types of industries associated with travel, such as hotels, restaurants, events of various kinds, as well as supermarkets and shops. Business travel and commuting are also in decline, as well as some goods traffic. There are tailbacks, goods and services are delayed, production is rescheduled. The crisis has severely impacted labour-intensive industries, where wages are often lower. Those who are already vulnerable are the first to suffer, thus increasing the social inequalities that already exist.” MANY FIND THE CURRENT situation analogous to the outbreak of war. “But that analogy falters: during war, a country switches to wartime production, but currently they are switching to – nothing whatsoever.” Having fewer opportunities to meet also has other consequences that are more difficult to define, Martin Henning points out. “It is when we meet and perhaps find ourselves taking part in an unexpected discussion, that new ideas are born. Of course, you can meet through Skype or Zoom but there will not be the same spontaneous exchange of ideas that you get when you are having a beer together. The amount of spontaneous, unplanned innovation that does not happen, is of course impossible to measure. But the fact that people are not meeting may have both
social, creative and financial consequences.” Serious events wreaking havoc on the global economy is obviously not something that politicians and business executives are unaware of. But a severe crisis impacting both the US, EU and China simultaneously is simply something for which we were unprepared. ”NOBODY KNOWS how long the coronomics will last,
Martin Henning explains. In about a month, things will perhaps return to normal, or the epidemic will strike again in the autumn. And unpredictability is the number one thing investors fear. Many expect the government to take charge and support businesses, thus saving jobs. But the treasury cannot match the industry turn-over in terms of amounts; Volvo AB and SAS for example generate billions each month, how can the government compensate for that? So the fact that politicians are hesitant and being uncertain about what to do is not so strange. There simply are no obvious answers to how the situation should be managed, since it is not like anything we have ever seen before.” But one positive aspect is that all crises contain a component of change that may be constructive in the long term, argues Martin Henning. ”Governments all around the world should try to do everything to support the new business models and creative initiatives that have started cropping up in different places: Restaurants offering take-away food, hairdressers cutting customers’ hair at odd hours, assembly workers in factories working at a safe distance from one another. All the solutions are perhaps not perfect but it keeps operations up and running, while we wait for things to turn around.
world
See the film (in Swedish):
https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=5FFqRBOnd5A&t=7s
Because we will see a return to normal,� Martin Henning points out. �Many people are wondering whether the global economy has simply had its day, and whether the best thing would be to return to national systems, like in the old days. But I would argue that that would be disastrous. Global trade has increased prosperity, in an astounding way, for most people around the world. Life has become better, simpler and more enjoyable. An integrated world is so much more beneficial than a more provincial way of life. Perhaps coronomics will instead make us realise the importance of global collaboration, so that we are better prepared and can act together next time a serious crisis strikes.� Text: Eva Lundgren Photo: Johan Wingborg
Facts Coronomics describes the impact the coronavirus is having on the economy. According to Martin Henning, it is having the following consequences: - Declining travel - Decreasing demand for services - Decreasing demand for products - Hampering business innovation - Creating financial concerns - Creating difficulties in global supply chains - Creating pressure on public finances; both healthcare costs, business support and compensation to individuals - Certain parts of the labour force are severely impacted, such as workers who are paid by the hour, as well as employees in the tourism and hospitality industries - Peculiar consumption patterns, such as unnecessary stock-piling
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
9
Extensive need for support during digital transition Over a very short period, the University of Gothenburg’s lecturers have had to change their way of lecturing. PIL, the Unit for Pedagogical Development and Interactive Learning is providing support in this adjustment Even though the technology works well, there are several challenges, such as how to vary the lecturing digitally, particularly for large student groups. EVER SINCE MARCH 17, when the Vice-Chancellor made the decision to switch to online teaching and remote working, it has been a hectic time for the PIL employees. The first thing they did was to send those who worked on Canvas support home, in order to reduce the risk of them having to go on sick leave in these challenging times. Subsequently, instructions were drafted, the website updated and daily web cafés are being organised. There have been many questions,” says Maria Sunnerstam, Assistant Manager in charge of e-learning and pedagogical developer at the PIL unit. But the lecturers are experiencing the greatest change. “The need for help and support is considerable now. There are many skilled lecturers at the institu-
10
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
tions who have extensive expertise and know-how about remote teaching, but many find it difficult, as they have been forced to restructure their lecturing at very short notice. Many of them had to start by learning Zoom very quickly and then lecture using the tool. The next step is to work more in Canvas, which offers even more possibilities. I recommend keeping it simple, at least in the beginning.” You can achieve quite a lot using both Canvas and Zoom, Maria Sunnerstam stresses. “There is a lot you can do in both of them; for example, Zoom has capacity for up to 300 users. Canvas offers good opportunities for working in groups through a chat forum, but you can also create quizzes, as well as conduct co-writing assignments and examinations in the tool.” Initially, the pressure on Zoom was so great that it collapsed, but the capacity has been expanded and that is no longer an issue. “IT IS GREAT TO see the use of Zoom spiking. It
amounts to thousands of new users in just a week. Conducting meetings in Zoom works remarkably well, good audio and video, even though it can become a little tiring in the long run.” The next step, according to Maria Sunnerstam, is to create an exchange of experience that is more
G ht tps o to: :/ se/d is/pi l.g u. ta ns The PIL unit’s website has everything gathered in the one place, such as instructions for various tools that are useful for remote teaching, such Zoom and Canvas. A Zoom café is held from 09:00–15:00 each weekday, where you can drop in and ask questions. From 12:00 special webinars are held several times a week, such as Pitfalls and Challenges in Online Teaching, Zoom Training, Information on Digital Home Examinations and Document. The programme is being continuously updated.
educational and to discuss how to achieve high quality lectures using digital tools. Another issue is how to conduct examinations when you cannot use physical examination rooms. “IT IS DIFFICULT TO come up with any general advice on the matter. It depends entirely on the subject and the size of the groups. Each lecturer needs to design their own set up and, as part of that process, we try to highlight our amazing lecturers at the university that can act as role models for others. Each faculty and the University Library also have a representative in the DigiKomp project, Digital Competence in Teaching and Examination at the University of Gothenburg. At several faculties, these individuals have now been given a coordinating role in providing support before transitioning to remote teaching.” Maria Sunnerstam also tells us that there are recording studios at the faculties, opportunities to record through PowerPoint, Zoom or GU Play/Kaltura, and that Media Technology also offers help recording lectures that can then be posted on GU Play. Even though there is good technology and plenty of advice, the transition to online teaching will not be entirely painless. “The major challenge lies in varying the
General advice on remote teaching:
”The major challenge lie in varying the lecturing”, says Maria Sunnerstam.
lecturing, and using only digital options may not work in the long term. It is even more important now to provide the students with clear instructions. Many people feel that they do not know what is expected of them. Nor is there a help desk for students, but the Service Centre helps resolve many issues. Another effect is that you become socially isolated, which in the long term can be a strain psychologically for both lecturers and students.”
curricula and restructure their lectures, Maria Sunnerstam points out. “Online forums, where teachers can ask questions and exchange experience, have mushroomed. There is an incredible wealth of material and guidance out there, about both Zoom and Canvas. I think it is wonderful that so many people are sharing their best suggestions and advice.”
SINCE THE SWEDISH Higher Education Authority (UKÄ) eased the regulations, lecturers have been given a little more freedom to deviate from the
Text: Allan Eriksson Photo: Johan Wingborg
• It is important to create structure and a sense of security for students in their learning, making it clear what they are expected to do throughout the course. • Be clear about how lecturers and students should communicate during the course, for example through which channels can students contact their lecturer and how quickly can they expect an answer. • Try to create room for, and encourage social contact and interaction between students, being “part of the gang” makes it more difficult to drop out. • Post clear links and instructions about the student support that is available at the department, such as student healthcare, study counsellors, course administrators, etc. • The course coordinator should be actively involved in the course and be visible to the students on a regular basis, through notices and discussion forums. Providing feedback on what the students are working on at the various stages is also important. Not to the extent that it stifles the students’ own initiative, but not so little that the students feel abandoned. • Try to lead by example by setting the tone in your communication with students. For example, is it acceptable to write in a colloquial style in a discussion forum used for literature analysis, etc., or are the students expected to use a certain academic tone?
• Try to keep an eye on the students and follow up with the ones who turn up online less frequently and perhaps do not keep up with the tasks that need to be completed. The course coordinator should try to contact those students since they may be at risk of dropping out. By showing an interest in and supporting those students, they are encouraged to stay and complete the course. • Lecturers who have worked extensively with remote teaching often develop an instinct regarding their visibility on the course and may have extensive tacit knowledge that is difficult to share. Sharing your experience with others contributes to increasing the expertise of the entire faculty. Research-based support for managing online teaching in light of the coronavirus pandemic https://cdn1. skolahemma.se/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20151616/Artikel_Forskningsbaseratstod.pdf Tony Bates on the transition to online teaching https://www.tonybates. ca/2020/03/09/advice-to-thoseabout-to-teach-online-because-ofthe-corona-virus/ The Network for IT in Higher Education (ITHU) has created a Facebook page for exchanging experience: Digital Transition in Higher Education NOW. https://www.facebook.com/ groups/135905507861742/
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
11
What medicines are effective against the coronavirus? Text: Eva Lundgren Photo: Johan Wingborg
Large quantities of SARS-Cov-2 virus have been grown in cell culture and are now available in a specially equipped laboratory at Microbiology. The cell-culture grown virus will be used to test if existing substances in 1500 already approved medicines may be effective against COVID-19. “I am hopeful that we will find something interesting,” explains Kristina Nyström, docent at Medical Microbiology. 12
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
THE STUDIES NOW STARTING at Microbiology
will give medicine to patients that already have COVID-19 and do not involve a vaccine for preventing the illness. “Many people have severe symptoms and are sick a long time,” explains Kristina Nyström. “Obviously, it would be incredibly valuable if we could find an active medicine that is already approved, even if for another illness, and that is available on the market. At the same time, research continues to develop entirely new substances, but this would be a shortcut for treatment of severely ill patients.” The Public Health Agency of Sweden grew the coronavirus in cell cultures using samples from the first case discovered in Sweden, a woman in Jönköping. Large volumes of the virus have now been grown at Microbiology and are stored in a freezer at −80 °C. “Recently we also received a library with over 1500 medicines, both antiviral and others, which we are about to start testing,” explains Kristina Nyström. “We will test them all but will likely write off
the majority immediately. There are, however, a few candidates that seem interesting and that we hope to move forward with.” THE VIRUS WILL be tested on cells from green monkeys. These cells clearly show changes when infected. The experiments will be conducted in a special Biosafety Level 3 laboratory. This means that there are separate specific entrances for sample material and for staff, and the safety cabinets have air flows filtered in multiple stages. Staff must wear special protective clothing, face masks, gloves, and gowns that are disposed of immediately after use. “First, we will ensure that the substance we are testing is not toxic, poisonous, to the cell. Then we will study, step by step, what the cell looks like without infection, with infection, without medication, and finally with medication at different concentrations. The substances that seem to have an effect will be studied in more detail, and, for example, to see if the medicine effects the cell at the beginning or the final stage of the infection.”
Rigorous security is required for handling the virus, including special face masks, aprons and gloves which are thrown after use.
Kristina Nyström
The researchers will also conduct other studies, like examining how much sugar is at the outer edge of the particle. This influences how the virus attaches to cells, which can provide clues for developing new medicines. Antibodies from individuals who have had the disease will also be studied. “It is an advantage that the University of Gothenburg and the hospital collaborate so closely. This makes it easy to go between the lab and clinical research, benefiting both organizations.” Kristina Nyström cannot say how long it might take to find already existing medicines that can be used to treat COVID-19 patients. “More tests are needed. But I’m optimistic and don’t believe that it will take very long before we find a preparation that can be used clinically.” Footnote: The Swedish Research Council has received an additional SEK 100 million in the government’s spring budget to support research on COVID-19. In addition to this government’s initiative, the Swedish Research Council will increase basic virus research by SEK 100 million over the period 2020–2024.
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
13
Defending her thesis online When Tugce Satir defended her thesis on March 20 the eternal reviewer was in Finland and one member of the examining committee was in Lund. “Family and friends back home in Turkey followed the proceedings through a link open to the public. It all went very well, but obviously it would have been better if we all could have been here together. ” THE FACT THAT amyloid beta plaque
plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease is fairly well examined. But why is there amyloid in the brain at all? This is one of several questions that Tugse Satir raises in her thesis. “Researchers have focused on trying to understand what causes the disease, but it is also important to examine the protein’s normal functions in the brain. What we believe is that amyloid is important to the development of neurons and for the synapses that help neurons communicate with one another.” Tugce Satir believes that having
14
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
the external reviewer and parts of the examining committee participating online was a better option than having to postpone the defence. “EVERYTHING WENT exactly accor-
ding to plan. We had no technical issues and the PowerPoint presentations worked well. And I am grateful and relieved that we had such an interesting discussion; nobody tried to put me off balance, but seemed to be honestly interested in my results and my answers to various questions. So I am very happy and pleased, although natu-
rally I am sad that my family are not here. But they did follow it through a link on GU Play and have already congratulated me.” The external reviewer, Annakaisa Haapasalo, Associate Professor in Neurobiology at the University of Eastern Finland, took part from Kuopio in Finland.
So I am very happy and pleased, although naturally I am sad that my family are not here. TUGCE SATIR
meetings will be more common in the future, now that more people will have experienced them. Several conferences that I know of have already managed to convert their regular programmes, including poster presentations, to online gatherings. But a thesis defence, in particular, I still think is best done in the traditional manner, with the doctoral student, external reviewer, examining committee and audience physically present. Most people only defend a thesis once in a lifetime. Also, with an online event, you do miss out on the party held afterwards.”
“THIS IS THE first time I have done
Text: Eva Lundgren Photo: Allan Eriksson
an online thesis defence. I think it worked very well. We do find ourselves in a very unusual situation where all alternative means of meeting and organising conferences must be considered. Perhaps online
The title of Tugce Satir’s thesis is The physiological processing of Alzheimer-associated amyloid beta precursor protein in human and animal-derived neuronal models.
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
15
More risks for poor countries in pandemic “A young population, a warmer climate and the fact that so many people live in the countryside could be some of the factors that make Africa better prepared for a Covid-19 pandemic than other continents.” That is what Arne Bigsten, Professor of Development Economics, believes, but he points out that poor countries are usually the ones that are worst affected during pandemics and other catastrophes. THE FACT THAT Africa is not as globalised is often a
drawback, but not always, Arne Bigsten points out. “The financial crisis in 2008-2009 for example, had less of an impact on Africa than on many other parts of the world. And in terms of the spread of contagion, it may be an advantage that the continent is outside the large global partnerships. Fewer tourists and less intensive trade with other parts of the world may some of the reasons behind the fairly late arrival of Covid-19 in Africa.” As the severe consequences of the disease primarily impact older people, it may be an advantage that the African population is young, with a median age of just 18.9 years, compared to that of Europe, which is 42.7 years. In addition, many Africans live in rural areas, which means there is less of a risk of
16
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
the contagion spreading, Arne Bigsten points out. “However, in major cities the situation may become serious, particularly in the slums where people live in cramped conditions and are unable to maintain social distancing. Someone who is poor and living in a large city must also work constantly to make a living, and if the country were to implement a curfew, many people’s livelihoods could be decimated. And in other parts of the world, such as in the US and even Sweden, we see that poor people suffer more as a result of epidemics than people who are better off. ” Poverty and malnutrition are some of the negative factors that Africa is faced with. In addition, the continent is plagued by other diseases, such as malaria and tuberculosis which, in combination with Covid-19, risk becoming even more severe. “FURTHERMORE, AFRICAN countries do not have well-functioning healthcare systems, have few trained care providers and a dearth of intensive-care units.” A global economic recession already have a worse impact on poor countries. But a major famine, like the one in Ethiopia from 1983–1985, is not something Arne Bigsten thinks will happen. “But many people will probably experience se-
However, in major cities the situation may become serious. ARNE BIGSTEN
rious hardship, not least because the development efforts will also be impacted by the travel bans and other logistical barriers that have now been implemented by various countries. Many African countries have implemented a number of restrictions, such as grounding orders for planes and the closing of schools, just as in most European countries, which hopefully will lead to positive results. ” Text: Eva Lundgren Photo: Johan Wingborg
Facts The first case of Covid-19 in Africa occurred in Egypt on February 14. On April 14, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the continent had 15,249 verified cases of Covid-19, including 816 fatalities. The hardest hit African countries are South Africa, Algeria, Egypt and Morocco. Around 1.2 billion people live on the African continent. Would you like to find out more? Do not miss the Coronavirus Webinar hosted by the School of Business, Economics and Law, which commences on April 22 and features Arne Bigsten and others. For more details: https://handels.gu.se/om_handelshogskolan/evenemang/coronaseminarier.
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
17
New research questions raised by pandemic Postponed projects, cancelled trips and field work, but also new questions to focus on. The corona crisis has shaken up and changed the conditions for international research partnerships in the Global South. OF COURSE, the crisis is very palpable for those of
us who live and work in an international setting, says Gunnar Köhlin, Director of the Environment for Development at the School of Business, Economics and Law.” This unit, which coordinates 15 environmental economy centres around the world in their work on research around the environment and poverty alleviation in the Global South, focused during the initial stages of the corona crisis on ensuring the health of their colleagues. “All potentially hazardous operations were halted. Subsequently, we have asked our funders,
18
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
especially Sida, for permission to let our research projects take longer than planned.” The environmental economists are among the most frequent travellers at the University of Gothenburg. With a complete halt to air travel workshops, field work, annual meetings and conferences have been cancelled around the world. But this does not mean that international collaboration has halted – it just looks different. “IN A WAY, it is even more intense. We have previo-
usly invested quite heavily in video conferencing technology, which we are benefiting from now. We are in full swing and collaborate on planning and conduct studies together. It is really only the data gathering that is being delayed.” “In a sense, the crisis came at an opportune time. Video technology has been around for a long time, but it is only now that it has matured sufficiently, both in terms of software solutions and
Gunnar Köhlin
bandwidth. I believe this will have a substantial impact on our way of working in the future, and that we will be talking about pre and post March 2020.” Gunnar Köhlin also believes that the coronavirus and its consequences will affect research and its focus. “There are already plenty of ideas. It is of particular interest to us, as the environment is being dramatically impacted by the restrictions. What will happen now that people are suddenly experiencing clean air in the Asian mega cities?” ANJA KARLSSON FRANCK, lecturer at the School
Anja Karlsson Franck
of Global Studies, is also saying that her research, which mainly concerns migration and borders, will have a new focus. “The corona crisis does affect border policies and people’s mobility. What will happen when the borders are reopened? Will the rules that have been rolled out be rescinded? Another aspect, which
What will happen now when people int he Asian mega cities are suddenly experiencing clean air? GUNNAR KÖHLIN
directly impacts one of my research projects, is how to manage the spread of the coronavirus in the refugee camps on the Greek islands or in Libya, where people are being locked up.” Otherwise, it mostly concerns cancelled meetings abroad and postponed projects and field work. One project about how migrants from Burma are seeking protection in Malaysia and Thailand, for example, has had to be delayed. The international collaboration continues via link. “We are really not more affected than anyone else. When you are living in quarantine, you are just as close to someone in Amsterdam, where my colleagues are, as to someone sitting at Linnégatan in Gothenburg. Everyone with research projects in Sweden is experiencing the same situation. Everything that is based on human relations and contact is currently very complicated.” WHAT DOES IT mean to not meet in person? What
does human interaction provide? Anja Karlsson Franck has pondered these questions a lot since she started working in quarantine, particularly when lecturing. “It is a strange feeling speaking in front of 38
With ”Global South” is meant countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia.
empty squares with name tags. The opportunities for the students to affect what is happening is very limited in a Zoom situation. When I am speaking in a classroom, the students influence me using signals they give out through body language. The same thing is true for research interviews. A lot depends on the specific situation, people’s facial expressions, smiles and so on. You can always garner the facts but when it involves generating greater understanding, so much is lost.” Text: Lars Nicklason Photo: Johan Wingborg
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
19
Considerable psychological stress among people subjected to isolation What happens to us when we have to endure forced quarantine? Leif Denti, researcher at the Department of Psychology, believes that the negative consequences of long-term enforced isolation are so serious that many things indicate that Sweden has made the right choice in opting for a less severe strategy in attempting to stop the spread of Covid-19. This is shown by recent research. “YOU SHOULD BE careful when it
comes to placing people in quarantine during virus outbreaks. Within as little as ten days, there are negative health effects: low mood, depression, frustration, confusion, various kinds of stress, rumination and exaggerated fear of infection”, says Leif Denti, referring to an article in The Lancet from the end of February. The article is authored by a research team at King’s College London who have
20
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
reviewed previous research into the subject. Above all, they have analysed studies into how people’s psychological health was affected by being in enforced quarantine in connection with outbreaks of Ebola and SARS. “IN THESE TYPES of situations, particularly if we end up in quarantine, there is also a craving for information. You wonder how long it will last, but receive no definitive answers. And the virus itself is not something tangible; it is something stealthy that we cannot see. In such situations, it is easy to start ruminating and creating fantasies about what will happen. Unfortunately, the internet exacerbates the confusion, as it is riddled with inaccuracies. At best, it involves people’s own home-made theories, at worst it is disinformation that may be intentionally harmful. The situation is not helped by the fact that the
authorities do not know what will happen either.” Being in enforced quarantine for an extended period of time is an unpleasant experience, the researchers argue. Separation from loved ones, uncertainty about the status of the illness and the level of infection, as well as boredom and mounting anger can have dramatic consequences. Suicides have been reported, as have acts of violence that led to criminal charges. Any benefits of mandatory mass quarantine must therefore be carefully weighed against the potential psychological costs. HOWEVER, THERE IS another
option. Appealing to people’s altruism and good will. “The researchers argue that the negative psychological effects can be ameliorated by people putting themselves in voluntary quarantine, which I agree with.”
And the virus itself is not something tangible; it is something stealthy that we cannots se. LARS DENTI
But is that not the method Sweden opted for? “Yes precisely, and I think that we have done well, ” says Leif Denti. In the long term he believes that the corona crisis will have other, more far-reaching psychological consequences caused by a collapsed economy, where people lose their jobs, income and careers. “In the article, the researchers identified the group of people who
were already suffering from mental ill health before the virus outbreak. What will happen with them? There is a considerable risk that the number of suicides will rise. The same applies to domestic violence. When households lose their income, domestic violence increases.” The SARS outbreak in Canada in 2003 led to considerably higher levels of post-traumatic stress and depression among low-income
households than among people who were in a better financial position, according to the article in The Lancet. “One thing is certain: in a financial crisis it is always the vulnerable who suffer the most, says Lars Denti.”
Facts Read the article in The Lancet: The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: rapid review of the evidence https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30460-8/ fulltext#%20
Text: Lars Nicklason Photo: Johan Wingborg
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
21
Severe epidemics are part of our history On July 26, 1834, cholera arrived in Sweden. The first victim was carpenter Anders Rydberg from Masthugget in Gothenburg. In September, the disease reached Stockholm. “Just like today, the need for quarantine had to be balanced against the necessity of letting trade and other activities continue,” says Daniel Larsson, researcher in history. SMALLPOX, DYSENTERY AND AGUES were recurring
epidemics throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. However, the most frightening epidemic was the plague, which struck time and time again in unpredictable ways. “Everybody knows about the Black Death in the 14th century when around a third of Europe’s population died, Daniel Larsson explains. Perhaps less well known is the fact that the plague returned repeatedly over the following centuries with dreadful consequences. The last plague epidemic in Sweden, in 1710–1711, resulted in the death of around 100,000 people, a disaster, not least in light of the fact that the population was a mere 1.3 million.” The spread of infectious disease can be investigated by historians through parish registers and burial records. But it is not always possible to ascertain precisely what people died from.
22
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
“There are often notes referring to symptoms, such as someone having died of coughing or fever, but that does not tell you whether it was typhoid fever, tuberculosis or something else. Neither is it possible to ascertain how extensive the spread of contagion was. A burial record for example may state that 15 children died from smallpox, but it says nothing about how many of the infected people survived.” Smallpox was considered a children’s disease in the early modern period, Daniel Larsson tells us. “The epidemics came in intervals of 5-6 years and practically everyone who had not already had the disease was infected, which primarily meant children. The world’s first vaccine, the smallpox vaccine, was developed at the end of the 18th century but the disease seems to have abated and become less aggressive even before that time.” MALARIA WAS ALSO present in Sweden and only
disappeared in the 19th century when they started draining wetlands that were to be used for agri culture. Instead another dreadful disease appeared. In the 19th century, close to 40,000 Swedes died of cholera, and the extent of the disease led to special cholera hospitals and cholera cemeteries being established. “Cholera was new in Europe but had existed
Perhaps less known is the fact that the plague returned repeatedly over the following centuries with dreadful consequences. Daniel Larsson
in the Ganges Delta for thousands of years, Daniel Larsson explains. The disease started spreading in connection with a general growth in trade as well as within the British Empire, and was soon found throughout the world. The doctors argued about the cause of the disease and two opposing camps were formed. Some believed that it was caused by small invisible pathogens and therefore recommended quarantine and barriers. Others argued that the disease was caused by dirt and poor hygiene, which seemed likely as it was mostly poor people in inferior housing that suffered. Just like today, it was about weighing different measures against each other: on the one hand reducing the spread of contagion, on the other keeping trade going in order for society to continue to operate.” AT THE END of the 19th century they discovered the germ, vibrio cholerae, that causes cholera. “However, it is one thing to scientifically determine what causes a disease, and another to actually do something about it. Cholera continued to claim victims but also had some positive consequences, such as major investments in water and sewage systems, better housing and more scrupulous hygiene. So, the epidemic was one of several reasons behind Sweden’s transformation into a healthier society.” It is difficult to draw parallels between the current Covid-19 pandemic and epidemics of the past,
as the mortality rate of the historic epidemics was infinitely higher, Daniel Larsson points out. “BUT PERHAPS there are still two lessons to be learned. The first is the importance of objective and correct information. During the cholera epidemics, for example, the tabloid newspaper Aftonbladet was convicted of rumour mongering, which of course increased the level of anxiety in society. The second concerns the importance of having comprehensive and long-lasting protective structures in place in order to be as well prepared as possible for the fact that disasters can still happen. Perhaps as a form of civil defence against such viral epidemics as obviously test society severely even in our modern era. ”
Recommended reading: Daniel Larsson’s Kolera: samhället, idéerna och katastrofen 1834 (Cholera: the Society, the Ideas and the Catastrophe 1834) Eva Lundgren
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
23
24
GUJOURNAL MAY 2020
