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 & Indigenous. The organization has 665 authors who have published 1870 publications receiving 39129 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Rovaniemi & Lapin yliopisto.

The Geography of Pokémon GO: Beneficial and Problematic Effects on Places and Movement

Abstract: The widespread popularity of Pokemon GO presents the first opportunity to observe the geographic effects of location-based gaming at scale. This paper reports the results of a mixed methods study of the geography of Pokemon GO that includes a five-country field survey of 375 Pokemon GO players and a large scale geostatistical analysis of game elements. Focusing on the key geographic themes of places and movement, we find that the design of Pokemon GO reinforces existing geographically-linked biases (e.g. the game advantages urban areas and neighborhoods with smaller minority populations), that Pokemon GO may have instigated a relatively rare large-scale shift in global human mobility patterns, and that Pokemon GO has geographically-linked safety risks, but not those typically emphasized by the media. Our results point to geographic design implications for future systems in this space such as a means through which the geographic biases present in Pokemon GO may be counteracted.

Hidden contexts and invisible power relations: A Foucauldian reading of diversity research

Abstract: This article joins recent critical diversity studies that point to an urgent need to revitalize the field, but goes further by showing the inherent contextual issues and power relations that frame existing contributions. Based on a theoretical reading inspired by Michel Foucault, diversity is presented as discourse that is not independent of the particular research exercise of which it is part but, rather, remains contingent on the prevailing forms of knowledge and choices made by researchers. By attending to more refined understandings of power and context within diversity discourse, this article makes visible and calls into question the categorization and normalization of diversity and its management. It contributes to existing research by suggesting that the knowledge produced by mainstream and critical diversity scholars alike is biopolitical and governmental. To do diversity research differently or ‘otherwise’ requires finding ways to develop theorizations and practices that turn this modality of power against itself.

Anthropogenic disturbance and patch dynamics in circumpolar arctic ecosystems

Abstract: It has been 30 years since environmental concern was first expressed over the prospect of large- scale resource development in the Arctic. Human effects are more extensive within the tundra biome now than at any time in the past. With or without predicted climatic changes, interaction among different natural and contemporary anthropogenic disturbance regimes are bound to have a significant effect on local and re- gional vegetation patterns and plant migration. We summarize the results of recent studies of patchy anthro- pogenic disturbance. We pay particular attention to the natural regeneration of plant communities, empha- size patch dynamics over the medium term (20- 75 years), and discuss the data in the context of popular models of vegetation change following disturbance. Disturbance is important because it produces patches of partially or totally denuded ground that permit propagule establishment but may also open affected areas to erosion. Even relatively low-intensity, small-scale disturbances have immediate and persistent effects on arc- tic vegetation and soils. On all but the wettest sites, the patches support new, relatively stable vegetation states. Where slope is minimal, such disturbances are capable of expanding over large areas in as short a time as 4 years. The effects result in an artificial mosaic of patches of highly variable quality and quantity that comprise feeding and nesting habitats for terrestrial herbivores.