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.

How useful are urban island ecosystems for defining invader patterns

Abstract: Biological invasions are pervasive, alter ecosystem sustainability, and can reduce native biological diversity (Vitousek et al. 1996). Ecologists are scrambling to predict where and when new invaders may strike (Lodge 1993; Fagan et al. 2002). Urbanization has created a number of new ecological niches which, after remaining empty for some time, are increasingly being colonized or invaded by vertebrates (Erz 1966). One of the major disputes in evolutionary biology concerns the rate at which species evolve to occupy new niches (Diamond 1986). How quickly are animals adapting to these new habitats and what makes them successful colonists?

Designing an interactive gravestone display

Abstract: HCI research surrounding death has largely focused to an individual's digital remains, with relatively less attention paid to physical memorials, such as graves. We present a prototype interactive gravestone, which aims to blend in seamlessly with traditional stone gravestones. Based on RFID cards inserted into the gravestone, different content is displayed on the gravestone surface. We evaluated the concept though a focus group exploring different types of content displayed on the gravestone, ranging from an individual name, to photographs and an interactive visitors book. Our salient findings show the concept was positively received as a memorial, when designed to match with the dignity of the context.

Spatial and temporal variability of net accumulation from shallow cores from vestfonna ice cap (nordaustlandet, svalbard)

Abstract: We analyse ice cores from Vestfonna ice cap (Nordaustlandet, Svalbard). Oxygen isoto- pic measurements were made on three firn cores (6.0, 11.0 and 15.5 m deep) from the two highest summits of the glacier located on the SW-NE and NW-SE central ridges. Sub-annual d 18 O cycles were preserved and could be counted visually in the uppermost parts of the cores, but deeper layers were affected by post-depositional smoothing. A pronounced d 18 O minimum was found near the bottom of the three cores. We consider candidates for this d 18 O signal to be a valuable reference horizon since it is also seen elsewhere in Nordaust- landet. We attribute it to isotopically depleted snow precipitation, which NCEP/NCAR reanalysis shows was unusual for Vestfonna, and came from north- erly air during the cold winter of 1994/95. Finding the 1994/95 time marker allows establishment of a precise depth/age scale for the three cores. The derived annual accumulation rates indirectly fill a geographical gap in mass balance measurements and thus provide information on spatial and tem- poral variability of precipitation over the glacier for the period spanned by the cores (1992-2009). Com- paring records at the two locations also reveals that the snow net accumulation at the easternmost part of Vestfonna was only half of that in the western part over the last 17 years.

Language as a cultural mediator in social work: Supporting Sámi culture with services in Sámi

Abstract: Language takes on heightened importance when working with a cultural and linguistic minority. The article examines welfare services and social work and their role in sustaining the language and culture of the Sami in Finland as an indigenous people. The inquiry also analyses the current situation of and language use in the provision of services. The research contributes a theoretical discussion of linguistic codes in social work and of the importance of language use in promoting Sami culture. It concludes that well-functioning services may offer indigenous people an opportunity and environment for using their mother tongue.

The Draft for a Nordic Saami Convention

Abstract: This article aims to provide a general commentary on the draft for a Nordic Saami Convention submitted by the Expert Committee (which was composed of an equal number of representatives from the three Nordic states and the three Saami parliaments) to the governments of the three Nordic states and to their Saami parliaments. The core task of this article is to interpret and analyze the provisions of the Draft Convention with the help of the Commentary. This is done by examining all of the 51 articles through the chapters they are placed into. In order to interpret the individual provisions of the Draft Convention in light of the Draft Convention’s object and purpose, as prescribed in the Vienna Convention, it is important to examine the more general normative vision fleshed out in the Draft Convention’s preface and Chapter I. Since the Draft Convention provides the basis for actual treaty negotiations, it is useful to examine the likely obstacles the Draft Convention will encounter. This will be done by studying the comments made by authorities, bodies and associations in Finland to the Draft Convention, which will provide a good picture of the challenges ahead, as Finland has had most problems with the Draft Convention already during the Expert Committee stage. It will also be important, in the concluding remarks, to reflect on the general importance of the Draft Convention, in both the Nordic and international context.