University of Lapland

About: University of Lapland is a education organization based out in Rovaniemi, Finland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Arctic & Context (language use). The organization has 665 authors who have published 1870 publications receiving 39129 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Rovaniemi & Lapin yliopisto.

In the candle light: pervasive display concept for emotional communication

Abstract: In this paper, we present a concept design and a prototype that utilizes a candle as communication media. We present a motorized candle stand, which casts different shadows on the wall based on messages received by a mobile phone. We envision that this pervasive display concept is suited for emotional communication,. Our work has novelty in human-computer interaction research in its use of a candle as a tangible user interface and a live flame to create a public display. The concept was evaluated using a focus group method. The results show that the emotional communication concept matches well with user perceptions of candle light, and that the authenticity of the flame is an important part of the concept design.

Nutrient Stress in Young Scots Pines Suffering from Needle Loss in a Dry Heath Forest

Abstract: In the early summer of 1987 an untimely needle loss was observed in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) of different ages growing on oliogotrophic mineral soils in Cladina and Calluna-type heath forests in northern Finland. The first symptoms were observed at the beginning of July when current shoot growth was ending and the young needles were flushing. The older needles first yellowed then later turned brown before falling. Needle loss proceeded from the oldest to the younger needle age classes The trees lost between one and four age classes of needles from earlier growth and retained only the most recent 1 to 3 yr needles. Foliar analysis indicated nutrient stress as revealed by retranslocation of mobile nutrients such as N and insufficient uptake of immobile nutrients such as Ca. The soil nutrient concentration, however, was normal at poor sites and therefore it appears the primary reason for needle loss is a nutrient stress due to root damage. This damage was caused by unusual weather m the winter of 1986 to 1987, rather than by soluble Al.

Sphagnum mosses in a changing UV-B environment: a review

Abstract: Sphagnum mosses are the key regulating component in peatland ecosystems. Although their importance in sustainability of peatlands and overall impact on the Earth’s carbon, nutrient and hydrological balance are well recognised, our knowledge of the effects of enhanced ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation on peat mosses is insufficient. Analogous studies of the subject often bear contrasting results, and the following review represents our effort to untangle this apparent confusion. The review summarises current knowledge of the influence of changing UV-B radiation on morphology, chemistry and physiology of Sphagnum mosses, and discusses the methodological challenges faced by the researchers studying UV-B effects. Solar UV-B radiation regulates growth patterns in peat mosses, thus influencing the environment within the Sphagnum blanket for microorganisms and small invertebrates. Physiological changes, such as the increase in membrane permeability, as well as magnesium, сalcium and potassium leakage, and decrease in water-holding capacity are important UV-B responses of Sphagna. UV-B-induced changes in photosynthetic pigments and UV-absorbing compounds of peat mosses are species-specific, and depend on UV radiation dose. The responses seen as a change in the phenolic content are mostly transient and not easily detected. The inconsistencies in findings show that the Sphagnum genus should not be considered as a homogeneous group in terms of UV-B responses; instead, comparative research on individual species is required. Therefore, we highlight the necessity for further, more detailed research into Sphagnum responses to UV-B; both as a single driver and in combination with other globally-changing environmental factors.

Deuterium excess record from a small Arctic ice cap

Abstract: In this paper we present a deuterium excess (d) record from an ice core drilled on a small ice cap in Svalbard in 1997. The core site is located at Lomonosovfonna at 1255 m asl, and the analyzed time series spans the period 1400-1990 A. D. The record shows pronounced multidecadal to centennial-scale variations coherent with sea surface temperature changes registered in the subtropical to southern middle-latitude North Atlantic during the instrumental period. We interpret the negative trend in the deuterium excess during the 1400s and 1500s as an indication of cooling in the North Atlantic associated with the onset of the Little Ice Age. Consistently positive anomalies of d after 1900, peaking at about 1950, correspond with well-documented contemporary warming. Yet the maximum values of deuterium excess during 1900-1990 are not as high as in the early part of the record (pre-1550). This suggests that the sea surface temperatures during this earlier period of time in the North Atlantic to the south of approximately 45 degrees N were at least comparable with those registered in the 20th century before the end of the 1980s. We examine the potential for a cold bias to exist in the deuterium excess record due to increased evaporation from the local colder sources of moisture having isotopically cold signature. It is argued that despite a recent oceanic warming, the contribution from this local moisture to the Lomonosovfonna precipitation budget is still insufficient to interfere with the isotopic signal from the primary moisture region in the midlatitude North Atlantic.