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The absorption of shortwave irradiance in snow depends on the physical properties of snow (e.g., snow grain size and shape, liquid water content, etc.) and light-absorbing particles (LAP). Originating from natural and anthropogenic sources, LAP has been reported to accelerate snowmelt significantly in different regions globally. Yet, our process-level understanding of LAP after deposition onto snow remains rather limited. Here we investigate the impacts of artificial deposition of different LAP onto snow surfaces in an outdoor environment of northern Finland. Following LAP dry deposition into a custom-made tent standing on top of the snowpack, the albedo was followed along with the properties of snow in snow pit measurements throughout the spring season. The results showed that the albedo decay at the end of the season for the different spots were linked to the initial amount and type of LAP that were deposited onto the snowpack. Measured snow temperature profiles from LAP doped snow versus natural reference snow illustrated that the LAP affected snow had higher temperatures in the subsurface snow layers. Collected snow samples analyzed for size distribution of soot particles revealed no apparent agglomeration of soot particles during thaw-freezing events taking place during the experiment. Despite the relatively large perturbation of the experimentally deposited LAP, their impact on the season length was only up to 3 days. Additional experiments are, nevertheless, needed to better constrain the effects of LAP on snow albedo, melt rate, and other associated processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageing among older Northern Finnish women was the subject of this qualitative study where community-based group interviews were held to learn about the experiences and views of 36 women about the activities that they thought helped them to remain active and well. Focus group discussions and self-produced drawings were used as methods to elicit ideas and experiences about what active ageing meant to those who participated. Manual thematic coding and collective analysis of the themes from group data were applied. The study participants identified outdoor pursuits and experiences in natural environments as well as group activities that they thought contributed to active ageing and well-being in older age. Nordic pole walking, berry picking, balancing time alone and gathering with others were featured in these group discussions, as were cultural aspects, such as sisu, that played a role in motivating the participants. The participants also provided some suggestions for ageing actively and maintaining well-being as women aged. The results of this study have implications for policies and services that promote active ageing and well-being of older women and for the development of culturally relevant local and national programs and activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absorption of shortwave irradiance in snow depends on the physical properties of snow (e.g., snow grain size and shape, liquid water content, etc.) and light-absorbing particles (LAP). Originating from natural and anthropogenic sources, LAP has been reported to accelerate snowmelt significantly in different regions globally. Yet, our process-level understanding of LAP after deposition onto snow remains rather limited. Here we investigate the impacts of artificial deposition of different LAP onto snow surfaces in an outdoor environment of northern Finland. Following LAP dry deposition into a custom-made tent standing on top of the snowpack, the albedo was followed along with the properties of snow in snow pit measurements throughout the spring season. The results showed that the albedo decay at the end of the season for the different spots were linked to the initial amount and type of LAP that were deposited onto the snowpack. Measured snow temperature profiles from LAP doped snow versus natural reference snow illustrated that the LAP affected snow had higher temperatures in the subsurface snow layers. Collected snow samples analyzed for size distribution of soot particles revealed no apparent agglomeration of soot particles during thaw-freezing events taking place during the experiment. Despite the relatively large perturbation of the experimentally deposited LAP, their impact on the season length was only up to 3 days. Additional experiments are, nevertheless, needed to better constrain the effects of LAP on snow albedo, melt rate, and other associated processes.

This article is devoted to investigating the nature of the increment in the surface concentration of toxic gas sulfur dioxide (SO2) in northern Finland. The study is carried out for June 2011, when an increased near-surface SO2 concentration was registered at the Finnish Inari Raja-Jooseppi observation station together with the surface wind blowing from the territory of the Kola Peninsula. The hypothesis of natural increment of near-surface SO2 concentration as a result of the eruption of the Grímsvötn volcano (Iceland) is verified using satellite SO2 observations by OMI, numerical weather prediction, the Enviro-HIRLAM atmospheric chemistry model, and the HYSPLIT particle dispersion model. The results show that not only local man-made sources, but also the remote transfer of pollutants from volcanic eruptions can cause an increased near-surface SO2 concentration. To verify this hypothesis, a large set of statistics is required in northern Finland during periods of volcanic activity in Iceland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on local initiatives and the agency of residents in the shrinking town of Puolanka in northern Finland. Structural opportunities and constraints shape individual and collective agency in the community, as they steer how people create and develop initiatives. We discuss how local initiatives impact the sense of place among those who would like to stay in their rural hometown. A group of local activists facetiously market Puolanka as the 'most pessimistic town' in the world, turning shrinkange, decay, and pessimism into the town's brand. Beyond the pessimism brand several other initiatives, which are either created by engaged local residents or are municipality-led, are revitalizing and enhancing the liveability of Puolanka. By applying ethnographic research methods, we aim to show how initiatives improve the well-being and contribute to the place perception of residents. Such initiatives create jobs, albeit usually in small numbers, improve the physical space, stabilize the sense of community and can bring hope to a place characterized by increasing abandonment, decay, and the loss of local services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rights- to -nature and rights -of -nature could challenge extractivist forest politics. • Rights- to -nature is about fair access to nature and a matter of social justice. • Rights -of -nature advocates for ecological justice and indigenous land rights. • In Northern Finland, these rights framings entangle with local common senses. • The rights conceptualisations do not address the gradual degradation of most forests. Forests, and the politics around them, are posited both as a cause of and solution to the contemporary ecological crisis. This paper explores how rights to forest and rights of forest conceptualisations can re-articulate, and potentially challenge, the problematic dominance of capitalist forest politics in Northern Finland and beyond. Conceptually, the paper combines the debates on rights- to -nature and rights- of -nature. Rights- to -nature is concerned with how people can access and use nature to support their lives. Rights- of -nature, meanwhile, highlights the nature's intrinsic value and the rights of indigenous peoples. Combining the two perspectives might allow imagining politics of nature that is both ecologically and socially just. Empirically, the paper studies forest politics in Tornio River valley in Northern Finland through an ethnographic case study. The rights- to -nature conceptualisation associates locally with the existing use rights and ownership rights. Rights -to -nature may guarantee access to a forest, but it does not guarantee its existence. Rights- of -nature, meanwhile, associates with strong conservation, nature's power, and indigenous land rights. However, also the rights- of- nature conceptualisation is unlikely to challenge the gradual degradation of most Northern forests, as these "boring" forests lack both recognised human stewardship and intrinsic value. Thus, in the study area the rights conceptualisations do not decisively challenge the existing forest politics, even if the framings can acquire a more radical content. Overall, this paper shows that transnational rights discourses and conceptualisations entangle with local common senses. Factoring in the local understandings is essential for re-articulating politics of nature that could receive broad local support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper focuses on the everyday life and agency of university students. The study aims to deepen the understanding of university students’ agency in the age of modern technology, especially in a rural context where studying mostly happens at home. Agency and everyday life are explored from a culturalhistorical perspective. Technology and remote teaching have made it possible to study far from universities and to combine work, family and studies. Yet, everyday life and agency processes are complex and multidimensional. The research material consists of written descriptions by 39 university students of their everyday lives when studying at home. The students wrote about their lives as a part of their early childhood education studies. This article focuses on recognizing dimensions of agency in the lives of 17 students studying in northern rural Finland, far from their university. The article presents three ways in which agency is pursued: 1) by articulating participation and engagement, 2) by organizing the conditions and dealing with the possibilities and restrictions, and 3) by mapping meanings, aims and grounds. All three dimensions of agency have specific content relating to life in the rural north.

Parental physical illnesses can be stressful for children. We estimated the prevalence of children who experience parental physical illnesses, and whether parental physical illnesses during childhood were associated with behavioral problems in adolescence. Data on children from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 was collected through questionnaires at ages 8 and 16 (n = 7037). Data on parental illness diagnosed during this study period was obtained from health registers. We investigated the association between parental physical illness (based on the International Classification of Diseases) and children's behavioral problems at age 16 (measured by the Youth Self-Report questionnaire). During the study period, 3887 (55.2%) children had a parent with at least one physical illness. Associations were found between parental physical illness and children's behavioral problems, with most associations found between maternal illness and males' externalizing problems, and females' internalizing problems. After adjusting for child behavioral problems at age 8, parental psychiatric illness and socioeconomic status, and multiple testing correction, only associations between parental physical illness and male behavioral problems were significant. Interestingly, parental illness was associated with lower problems. A notable proportion of children experience parental physical illnesses. Although mixed, our findings suggest that the impact of parental physical illness on children's behavioral problems is complex, and that the experience of parental illness may lead to resilience in males. This study emphasizes that children's needs should be taken into account when treating a parent with physical illness. Highlights: Parental physical illnesses, diagnosed in specialized inpatient or outpatient care, are present for a substantial proportion of the population. Parental physical illnesses have an effect on children's mental health. However, this impact is complex with some negative and some positive effects on children. Male children may cope better than expected with some parental illnesses, and experiencing parental illness may lead to resilience among some male children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heather is a slow-growing evergreen shrub, commonly found in moorlands and heaths of high nature conservation value. Heather-dominated areas are used as livestock pasture, and the flowers of heather are harvested also for the natural product industry. Classical studies have focused on the recovery of shoot biomass of heather, while the recovery of flowering after grazing or harvesting has received less attention. In this study, we examined the recovery of heather flowering in one harvesting experiment and two observational areas in northern Finland. The flowers of heather were collected manually by clipping the flowering shoots or stripping the flowers from the shoots or by machine harvesting. We counted the number of short shoots (SS), nonflowering long shoots (NFLS), and flowering long shoots (FLS) after harvesting. We also measured the length of FLS and counted the flowers they produced. Heathers started to recover by producing new short shoots, while the recovery of flowering was slow, and only in one out of the three areas, flowering recovered totally during our study. Our results suggest that the recovery was dependent on the age of heather or individual site characteristics rather than on the harvesting method. Because flowering is one of the most important stages of successful reproduction, which affects the long-term existence of heather-dominated ecosystems, the results of our study can contribute to new guidelines for management practices in heathlands. However, longer-term experiments on the rate of flowering recovery are needed especially if rotational cutting is favored as a management practice in heathlands in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the longitudinal changes in sensitization to aeroallergens in adult populations are sparse. The aim was to evaluate changes in sensitization to aeroallergens [birch, timothy, cat and house dust mite (HDM)] in an unselected adult population aged from 31 to 46 years. Data were gathered from a cohort of adults (Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966) who had been skin prick tested (SPT) with birch, timothy, cat and HDM allergens at the age of 31 years and at age 46 (n = 5484 and 5373 respectively). Data from both time points were available for 3409 participants, who made up the cohort of the longitudinal study. The overall prevalence of sensitization to any of the selected allergens was 30.3% (n = 1661) in 31-year-olds and 30.7% (n = 1649) in 46-year-olds. In general, men were more sensitized (P < 0.001) and also had more polysensitization (P < 0.001) compared to women. In longitudinal sub-population incidence of sensitization was 7.1%. Birch was the most prevalent new sensitizer, however, the difference was not statistically significant when compared to cat. We conclude that new sensitization, demonstrated by positive findings in SPT, can still occur in middle age and this should be taken into account when managing allergic manifestations in adults as sensitization can be considered the first step in developing clinical allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some years ago, the Arctic Ocean was still described as one of the last oceans that did not have subsea communications cables across it. This situation is now changing. One of the greatest increases in global data transfer is predicted to be traffic between Asia and Europe, and the Arctic Ocean offers a shortcut, making physical cable connections shorter and decreasing latency. Recent developments regarding two ongoing subsea communications cable projects (Quintillion and Arctic Connect), which aim to connect East Asia and Europe, are discussed, and the connection between these projects and regional development policies in Hokkaido and northern Finland are analysed. It is shown that the proposition that improved international connectivity through subsea communications cables could bring information-intensive industries into the region had been stronger in Finland. This is largely due to a lack of information and awareness concerning these projects among the regional actors in Hokkaido; however, no concrete policy or funding instrument has been developed in either of the case regions.

Seasonal snow cover duration is the net result from many processes acting on snow fallen on the Earth's surface. Several of these processes feed back into the atmosphere-cryosphere system causing non-linear interactions. The timing of snow retreat is of essential importance, but the duration of snow cover has large spatiotemporal variabilities. However, from a large data set of observed snow depth changes in northern Finland, systematic similar evolutions are identified that allow for a considerable simplification and reduction of the complexity in snow depth changes. Here, a novel conceptual framework is designed based on dividing the season into two main periods (dark and bright period, based on solar irradiance), for which snow depth decrease is parameterized based on three variables, average temperature, incoming shortwave radiation, and light-absorbing particles (LAP) in the snow. The processes are simplified into two linear relations, and a new formulation for concentration enhancement of LAP, which is dependent on snow depth decrease, is given. The results show that the seasonal snow cover duration is shifted by about one day for every 10 mm snow water equivalent of precipitation. This effect is comparable in scale to that of doubling of the amount of LAP concentration in snow. We also found that the combined shift in snow cover duration from interannual variability in ambient temperature and shortwave radiation (warm and bright vs. cold and dark season) is large enough to explain the variability of a couple of weeks for a given precipitation amount in Northern Finland., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Highlights • Common species and mid-successional forests can tolerate moderate timber harvesting. • There is time delay in responses of understorey vegetation communities. • Forest logging has legacy effects on understorey communities and accumulation of coarse woody debris. Abstract We followed how forest thinning, repeated twice during a period of 93 years, altered understorey plant community composition, affected the succession of forest understorey vegetation and the accumulation of logs in the long-term. The study was carried out in northern Finland by resampling 20 permanent experimental plots, established after a wildfire in 1920. Understorey vegetation was inventoried in 1961, 1986 and 2013 with forest thinning treatments done in 1953 and 1987, using four and three different harvesting intensities, respectively. We found succession to override the effects of forest logging until the latest study period (2013). We observed negligible long-term effects of logging on understorey communities during the two mid-successional stages (1961, 1986), when the forest was 41 and 66 years old respectively. The impacts of logging on understorey vegetation were strongest in the latest successional stage (2013), the forest being at the age of 93 years. In the latest successional stage (2013) logged plots had less coarse woody debris than unlogged plots. Forest management thus influenced the key feature for forest biodiversity and potential habitats for endangered species. These findings are of major interest since the studies of long-term impacts of less intensive forest management practices are scarce. Our results suggest that in addition to possible immediate impacts, harvesting treatments have legacy effects (subtle or delayed inherited effects of forestry in the past) that influence the forest understorey vegetation community composition and the amount of coarse woody debris. This finding deserves special attention when planning of species conservation, multiple use of forests and sustainable forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur isotope measurements in three sulfide (two pyrite and one pyrrhotite) samples on two epoxy mounts showed that the mount‐to‐mount variation of raw δ34S values was negligible when secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analytical settings remained stable. In consequence, an off‐mount calibration procedure for SIMS sulfur isotope analysis was applied in this study. YP136 is a pyrrhotite sample collected from northern Finland. Examination of thin sections with a polarising microscope, backscattered electron image analyses and wavelength dispersive spectrometry mapping showed that the sample grains display no internal growth or other zoning. A total of 318 sulfur isotope (spot) measurements conducted on more than 100 randomly selected grains yielded highly consistent sulfur isotope ratios. The repeatability of all the analytical results of 34S/32S was 0.3‰ (2s, n = 318), which is the same as that of the well‐characterised pyrite reference materials PPP‐1 and UWPy‐1. Its δ34S value determined by gas mass spectrometry was 1.5 ± 0.1‰ (2s, n = 11), which agrees with the SIMS data (1.5 ± 0.3‰, 2s) calibrated by pyrrhotite reference material Po‐10. Therefore, YP136 pyrrhotite is considered a candidate reference material for in situ sulfur isotope determination. Key Points: Off‐mount calibration is applicable to SIMS pyrite and pyrrhotite sulfur isotope analyses.YP136 is a new potential pyrrhotite reference material suitable for calibrating sulfur isotope determination by SIMS.SIMS δ34S value = 1.5 ± 0.3‰ (2s) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The generation of energy from biomass has a relevant role in current international strategies to mitigate climate change. Particularly forest biomass is considered to be one of the leading renewable energy sources in European Union (EU) in the next few decades. Thus, every innovative solution contributing towards meeting the long-term renewable targets is called for. This study tackled a new approach: artificial drying of forest chips by applying the reserve heat from district-heating loop. We focused on estimating the effect of using an artificial drying system in a container on the financial incentives of heat entrepreneurs. Traditional forest fuel supply chain was compared to a fast forest fuel supply chain in which artificial drying was applied. In this study a heat entrepreneur is financially responsible for all the costs related to both forest fuel supply chains. A break-even price for energy used for artificial drying was determined so that the fast forest fuel supply chain would equal the traditional forest fuel supply chain in monetary terms, i.e. profitability. The case study covered seven end-use facilities located in Northern Finland and presenting an entity of app. 13–14 Gigawatt hours, GWh produced per annum. The results of financial analysis indicated that artificial drying of forest chips is financially viable for the heat entrepreneur if the productivity of the container exceeds ca. 3.6 dried bulk-m3 hour−1, given the observed moisture content (before and after artificial drying) in test runs. However, the results were considerably sensitive to the energy price of delivered stem chips (euros per Megawatt hour, € MWh−1). Furthermore, new technical solutions to increase the productivity of the container are welcomed since at the current productivity level (range from 2.5 to 3.6 bulk-m3 hour−1) artificial drying is barely financially attractive for a heat entrepreneur. Highlights • artificial drying of forest chips speeds up the biomass feedstock production manyfold compared to a traditional forest fuel supply chain. • financial incentives to apply artificial drying as a part of a forest fuel supply chain are most sensitive to initial moisture content, productivity of the drying process and energy price in heating. • When waste heat can be applied, artificial drying is financially attractive for a heat entrepreneur, even with current energy prices in heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The ages and sizes of landslides occurring in seismically active areas can be used to reconstruct the seismic history of the area and estimate the maximum moment magnitudes of past earthquakes. Here, we present a data set of 121 landslides discovered in northern Finland that were analyzed for their morphometric characteristics. We show that 89 debris slide type landslides in the data set are clustered close to known postglacial faults (PGFs) and thus provide information on the characteristics of postglacial paleoseismic events. By using empirical correlations between the landslide volume–area data and earthquake moment magnitude, we estimate maximum moment magnitudes M w ≈ 6.9–7.7 for postglacial earthquakes in the Suasselkä, Isovaara–Riikonkumpu, Venejärvi, and Vaalajärvi areas, where earlier estimates based on fault length and displacement have yielded magnitudes varying between M w ≈ 6.5 and 7.5. We also show that the landslides in northern Finland are located within a radius of 35 km from the closest known PGF and that sizes of the landslides decrease as a function of distance from PGFs, hence providing strong empirical evidence for their seismic origin. As far as we are aware, this is the first use of landside data in quantifying postglacial seismicity within the Fennoscandian Shield area. Highlights • 121 landslides from Finland were analyzed for morphology and paleoearthquake origin. • Debris slide type of landslides fulfills the criteria of being seismically-induced. • Landslide volume–area data indicate M w ≈ 6.9–7.7 postglacial earthquakes in Finland. • These estimates agree well with M w ≈ 6.5–7.5 estimates that are based on PGF ruptures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Copper is an abundant trace element in humans where alterations in the circulating concentration could inform on chronic disease aetiology. To date, data are lacking to study how copper may associate with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in young and healthy population. Molecular evidence suggests an important role of copper in liver metabolism, an essential organ in maintaining cardiovascular health and inflammation, therefore supporting copper as an associated biomarker of the risk. Objective We performed a cross-sectional analysis to examine the possible associations between blood copper levels and risk factors for CVD and pre-inflammatory process. Design The data has been collected from a sub-sample set of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) at 31 years. Participants The study included 206 individuals, 116 men and 90 women. To reduce environmental individual variations affecting both copper and the metabolic profile in the study sample, the participants were selected as: i) being born in Finnish Lapland and ii) living in their birth place for the last five years preceding blood sampling. Main outcome measures Fasting blood copper concentration was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The CVD risk factors included 6 metabolic clusters (30 cardiovascular and pro-inflammatory factors) assessed by nuclear magnetic resonance. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to test the linear association between blood copper and 6 metabolic clusters for CVD risk. Associations were assessed under correction for multiple testing. Results Copper (Cu) levels were comparable in men and women, with no difference between sexes (p-value <0.60). In multiple regression models, sex adjusted, copper was associated with 9 metabolites from 4 metabolic clusters. After adjustment with BMI, copper was associated with 4 metabolites from 3 metabolic clusters: glutamine, beta-hydroxybutyrate, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). After correction for multiple testing, Cu was found positively associated with only 2 biomarkers of inflammation including AGP [ p = 0.04] and hs-CRP [ p = 0.0001]. Conclusions Considering the strength and limitation of the study design, the present study does not support evidence for an independent role of copper on biomarkers for CVD risk. Nevertheless, we are reporting a robust association of copper with the inflammatory load that is important to consider in light with the inflammatory component of chronic health. In addition, the association of copper with metabolites may be attributable to BMI or environmental factors associated to it, and warrants further research in large population samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Karelian craton contains abundant ∼2.45 Ga mafic dykes that are compositionally, temporally and, in some cases, spatially related to PGE-mineralised mafic-ultramafic layered intrusions. The dykes can be sub-divided into four groups, namely siliceous high-magnesian basalts (SHMB), gabbronorites (GBNO), low-Ti tholeiites and Fe-rich tholeiites. In this study, we group the SHMB and GBNO dykes to one group as SHMB group, and the two tholeiitic group dykes as tholeiite group, based on their similar geochemical and mineralogical features. In the SHMB group dykes, plagioclase has initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.7028 to 0.7036 and initial bulk-rock εNd values vary from −2.5 to −1.0, indicating moderate degrees of contamination with Archaean basement. Tholeiitic dykes show a less-radiogenic Sr isotope composition with an average initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.7024 and higher initial εNd values ranging from +0.3 to +1.7. Thermodynamic and geochemical modelling suggests that the SHMB group dykes could have formed by crustal contamination of a komatiitic magma at deeper crust followed by fractional crystallisation at shallower depth, whereas the tholeiitic group mainly experienced fractional crystallisation with less crustal contamination. Alternatively, the SHMB dykes may have been derived from a SCLM mantle whereas tholeiitic dykes from a plume mantle, or the two types of dykes derived from different part of a mantle plume with different melting degrees, though these latter two models are not favoured in this study. Based on trace element and isotope characteristics, the SHMB dykes are suitable candidates for the parental magmas to some of the Finnish PGE-mineralised intrusions (e.g., Penikat and Portimo), whereas the tholeiitic dykes may represent the parental magma of the Tsipringa layered intrusion in Russia. Both the SHMB and tholeiitic dyke types are fertile with regard to PGE, with up to 10–20 ppb Pt and Pd and mantle-like Cu/Pd ratios in their least evolved members, suggesting that the magmas remained sulphide undersaturated during mantle melting and en route to the upper crust. This interpretation is consistent with the fact that most of the ∼2.45 Ga Fennoscandian layered intrusions contain PGE mineralisation. Sulphide melt saturation in the dykes and layered intrusions was mostly attained after their final emplacement, likely due to crystal fractionation. • New PGE and other geochemical data of the 2.45 Ga mafic dykes in Karelia • SHMB magma derived via AFC of a komatiitic melt, followed by FC at low pressure • Tholeiitic dykes represent less contaminated magmas generated by FC • High PGE ore potential of related layered intrusions in the same magmatism [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wellbeing is complex, holistic, and subjectively perceived. Issues such as gender, age, and environment seem to affect it. Therefore, the aim of this qualitative study was to describe the meaning of seasonal changes, nature, and animals towards 13–16-year-old girls’ wellbeing in Northern Finland. In the spring of 2014, through purposive sampling, a total of 19 girls participated in semi-structured interviews from various parts of Northern Finland. The data were analysed using content analysis. Afterwards, the analysis combining the category participatory involvement with environment was found, and this consisted of three main categories: adaptation to seasonal changes, restorative nature, and empowering interactivity with animals. Seasonal changes had an effect on girls’ wellbeing; in the summertime, they felt happy and vivacious, active, and outgoing. Instead, during the winter months, girls’ mood and activity seemed to be lower and they felt lazier and depressed. Nature brought mainly positive feelings to girls; being in nature was experienced as liberating and relaxing, and it offered opportunities to relax and have sensory perceptions. Interaction with animals was perceived as empowering. They were experienced as altruistic and comforting companions. Animals were important to girls, and they contributed to girls’ lives through positive effects towards their mental and physical wellbeing. Based on the results of this study, we can recommend that being in nature and interacting with animals should be supported because they seem to have benefits towards adolescent girls’ health and wellbeing. In order to facilitate the negative effects of winter, the school days should be arranged in such a way that it would be possible for girls to have outdoor activities during the daytime. The challenge for the future is perhaps the purposeful utilisation of nature's and the animals’ positive effects towards their wellbeing.

Graphical abstract Highlights • Xenotime and monazite are robust geochronometers for recording hydrothermal events. • Two stages of orogenic gold mineralization in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt. • The Re-Os system in arsenopyrite was disturbed by repeated hydrothermal processes. • In situ Pb isotope data on galena suggest a mixed origin for hydrothermal fluids. Abstract The Central Lapland Greenstone Belt (CLGB) is well endowed with orogenic gold deposits along major shear zones and structural lineaments. In the northern part of the belt, the Kiistala Shear Zone (KiSZ) hosts the Suurikuusikko gold deposit (Kittilä Mine), currently the largest gold producer in Europe. The Iso-Kuotko deposit is located 10 km to the north of Suurikuusikko along the same shear zone. Gold mineralization at Iso-Kuotko formed in two major stages: an early stage refractory gold mineralization with auriferous arsenopyrite with similarities to the ore at Suurikuusikko and a late, main stage mineralization with free gold in carbonate-quartz veins with abundant pyrrhotite, native bismuth and other sulphide minerals. This latter ore is absent at Suurikuusikko. Based on U-Pb dating, as well as Re-Os and Pb-isotope systematics of rock-forming and hydrothermal minerals, we evaluate the relationships between tectonic evolution and formation of gold deposits throughout the late Palaeoproterozoic in the northern part of the CLGB. Results from in situ U-Pb dating of zircon and petrographically well constrained hydrothermal monazite and xenotime by LA-ICPMS, and model age calculations using Re-Os isotopic data for arsenopyrite and in situ Pb-isotope data for galena from the Iso-Kuotko deposit provide evidence for multiple episodes of hydrothermal activity along the KiSZ. Data suggest coincident felsic magmatism and structurally controlled fluid flow events during wrench fault-dominated N-S shearing associated with early, micro-continent accretion ushering in the Svecofennian orogeny. This includes the formation of refractory gold ores at Suurikuusikko (1916 ± 19 Ma) and Iso-Kuotko (>1868 ± 15 Ma). Subordinate barren veining took place at ∼1830 Ma during transient extension between the accretion and final collision stage. Xenotime in late stage veins with visible gold at Iso-Kuotko yield U-Pb ages between 1761 ± 9 and 1770 ± 7 Ma. This time-interval is concurrent with widespread granitoid emplacement at the close of the Svecofennian orogeny. Disturbance of the Re-Os system in the early auriferous arsenopyrite can be connected to the late stage mineralizing processes. Pb isotope data suggest a mixed mantle and lower crust origin for fluids in the post-orogenic hydrothermal system. In situ U-Pb dating in polished thin sections in tandem with electron microprobe analyses of mineral compositions and detailed textural observations, highlights the utility of xenotime and monazite as robust geochronometers capable of recording repeated hydrothermal events in Paleoproterozoic orogenic systems. Results provide precise temporal constraints for orogenic gold mineralization and vital information to refine the tectonic evolution of the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterobasidion parviporum and H. annosum are the most damaging root and butt rot pathogens of conifers in southern Fennoscandia where their distribution and frequency are reasonably well described in literature. However, in the most northern boreal forests of Europe the occurrence and significance of these pathogens is poorly known. In the future global warming may increase root and butt rot damages in the North. In this research the distribution of Heterobasidion spp. in northern Finland was compiled from literature and various available databases and from a field study in two counties of northern Finland, Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu. Conifer stumps from 101 regeneration cutting sites were inspected and sample discs from stumps with signs of decay were investigated for the presence of Heterobasidion spp. In all, 11,846 stumps were investigated. Decay was found in 429 Norway spruce stumps and 50 Scots pine stumps. H. parviporum was isolated from five spruce discs, each from a different site. H. annosum was not detected. According to previous records H. annosum has been identified only twice in northern Finland and these locations are over 600 km south of the northernmost Scots pine stands in Fennoscandia. Instead, H. parviporum occurs sporadically in the whole distribution area of Norway spruce in northern Finland. Most probably H. parviporum can be found in overmature dense stands at fertile sites but even there only at low frequencies. In northern Finland butt rot of conifers is caused mainly by other decay fungi than Heterobasidion . Low pH of the organic soil layer is probably a significant factor hampering H. parviporum from spreading in the North. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A severe epidemic of Chrysomyxa ledi needle rust occurred over large areas in northern Finland in 2015. In late summer, young current-year cones and needles of 7-8 Picea species were sampled in a northern botanical garden, and the frequencies of cone rusts, Thekopsora areolata, Chrysomyxa pirolata and C. ledi, were investigated in cones, and C. ledi was investigated in needles. In addition, the frequency of C. ledi was estimated visually in current-year needles of ca. 400 trees of 17 species and varieties of Picea in the garden. Chrysomyxa pirolata was absent in cones of all Picea. No cone rusts were observed in cones of P. rubens and Picea mariana. Aecia of Thekopsora areolata occurred moderately in cones of P. abies (26% of cones) and rarely in P. engelmannii (3%) and P. omorika (6%). Chrysomyxa ledi was the most frequent rust in cones; aecia occurred abundantly in cones of P. abies (100%), P. engelmannii (69%), P. glauca (45%) and P. omorika (41%), and occasionally on P. pungens (13%). Thekopsora areolata from cones of the three Picea species showed 100% similarity in ITS2 sequence to one another and to samples in the GenBank. Samples of Chrysomyxa from needles and cones of Picea and leaves of Ledum palustre had ITS2 sequences 99.9%-100% similar to one another and 99.8%-100% similar to the closest sequence of C. ledi and C. rhododendri in the GenBank. Thekopsora areolata was recorded for the first time in cones of P. omorika and C. ledi in cones of P. engelmannii and P. pungens. In current-year needles of Picea, C. ledi was abundant on P. abies, P. obovata, P. engelmannii, P. jezoensis, P. glauca and P. sitchensis, the rust was scarce on P. asperata var. nobilis, P. mariana, P. pungens and P. omorika, and the rust was absent on P. glehnii and P. rubens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining can have a notable environmental and social footprint both during the production phase and after the mine closure. We examined local stakeholders’ viewpoints on two post-mining areas in northern Finland, Hannukainen and Rautuvaara, using a public participation geographic information system (PPGIS) approach. Spatially explicit data on local residents’ and visitors’ values, knowledge needs, and future perspectives on mining landscapes were collected with an online map-based survey tool (Harava). The results show that post-mining sites were generally considered unpleasant places. A majority of respondents were of the opinion that areas would need better reclamation and landscaping measures. The landscape surrounding the post-mining sites contained a wide diversity of pleasant places with high nature and recreational value. Respondents addressed various environmental concerns related to the impacts of former mining activities on the quality of ground water and surface water, potential soil contamination, and the safety of natural products. Opinions on the planned mine reopening were strongly divided among the respondents. One of the key questions was whether a large open-pit mine and nature-based tourism can coexist in the same region. Our results highlight that “the shadow of the mine„—observed environmental impacts, uncertainties related to the spatial extent, duration, and magnitude of impacts, and knowledge gaps—can affect local stakeholders’ land use far outside the mining sites and long after the mine closure. Identifying and mapping stakeholder values, opinions, and knowledge needs could significantly improve post-mining land use planning and mitigate the loss of multifunctional landscapes.

This article1 investigates the physical and mental landscapes of childhood after the Second World War in two regions, northern Sweden and northern Finland. The material analyzed consists of entries submitted to art and essay contests for schools in each country. The aim of the Finnish contest was to increase aid during reconstruction and to mentally unite the nation. The Swedish contest, organized by a local heritage association, sought to foster regionalism and strengthen people's feeling of belonging to a nation-state. The analysis draws on perspectives from visual culture studies, humanistic geography, and an individual's interpretation of place. The article illustrates the intertextual connections between the contest submissions and material such as school posters. The students' paintings and drawings both reconstruct and comment on what was an imposed cultural agenda. Their entries reflect the national mental landscape as well as the local school aesthetics, ethics, and norms that prevailed at the time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aim to quantify summer air temperatures from sediment records from Southern, Central and Northern Finland over the past 2000 years. We use lake sediment archives to estimate paleotemperatures applying fossil Chironomidae assemblages and the transfer function approach. The used enhanced Chironomidae-based temperature calibration set was validated in a 70-year high-resolution sediment record against instrumentally measured temperatures. Since the inferred and observed temperatures showed close correlation, we deduced that the new calibration model is reliable for reconstructions beyond the monitoring records. The 700-year long temperature reconstructions from three sites at multi-decadal temporal resolution showed similar trends, although they had differences in timing of the cold Little Ice Age (LIA) and the initiation of recent warming. The 2000-year multi-centennial reconstructions from three different sites showed resemblance with each other having clear signals of the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA) and LIA, but with differences in their timing. The influence of external forcing on climate of the southern and central sites appeared to be complex at the decadal scale, but the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) was closely linked to the temperature development of the northern site. Solar activity appears to be synchronous with the temperature fluctuations at the multi-centennial scale in all the sites. The present study provides new insights into centennial and decadal variability in air temperature dynamics in Northern Europe and on the external forcing behind these trends. These results are particularly useful in comparing regional responses and lags of temperature trends between different parts of Scandinavia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High doses of antipsychotics have been associated with loss in cortical and total gray matter in schizophrenia. However, previous imaging studies have not taken benzodiazepine use into account, in spite of evidence suggesting adverse effects such as cognitive impairment and increased mortality. In this Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study, 69 controls and 38 individuals with schizophrenia underwent brain MRI at the ages of 34 and 43 years. At baseline, the average illness duration was over 10 years. Brain structures were delineated using an automated volumetry system, volBrain, and medication data on cumulative antipsychotic and benzodiazepine doses were collected using medical records and interviews. We used linear regression with intracranial volume and sex as covariates; illness severity was also taken into account. Though both medication doses associated to volumetric changes in subcortical structures, after adjusting for each other and the average PANSS total score, higher scan-interval antipsychotic dose associated only to volume increase in lateral ventricles and higher benzodiazepine dose associated with volume decrease in the caudate nucleus. To our knowledge, there are no previous studies reporting associations between benzodiazepine dose and brain structural changes. Further studies should focus on how these observations correspond to cognition and functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the processes behind observed new particle formation (NPF) events and subsequent organicdominated particle growth at the Pallas Atmosphere-Ecosystem Supersite in Northern Finland are explored with the one-dimensional column trajectory model ADCHEM. The modeled sub-micron particle mass is up to ~75% composed of SOA formed from highly oxidized multifunctional organic molecules (HOMs) with low or extremely low volatility. In the model the newly formed particles with an initial diameter of 1.5 nm reach a diameter of 7 nm about 2 h earlier than what is typically observed at the station. This is an indication that the model tends to overestimate the initial particle growth. In contrast, the modeled particle growth to CCN size ranges (>50 nm in diameter) seems to be underestimated because the increase in the concentration of particles above 50 nm in diameter typically occurs several hours later compared to the observations. Due to the high fraction of HOMs in the modeled particles, the oxygen-to-carbon (O:C) atomic ratio of the SOA is nearly 1. This unusually high O:C and the discrepancy between the modeled and observed particle growth might be explained by the fact that the model does not consider any particle-phase reactions involving semi-volatile organic compounds with relatively low OV C. In the model simulations where condensation of lowvolatility and extremely low-volatility HOMs explain most of the SOA formation, the phase state of the SOA (assumed either liquid or amorphous solid) has an insignificant impact on the evolution of the particle number size distributions. However, the modeled particle growth rates are sensitive to the method used to estimate the vapor pressures of the HOMs. Future studies should evaluate how heterogeneous reactions involving semi-volatility HOMs and other less-oxidized organic compounds can influence the SOA composition- and size-dependent particle growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long distances and sparse service networks set challenging conditions for material logistics in health care. Globally, health care organisations have been making structural changes towards centralised warehousing and deliveries. In Northern Finland, material logistics of the public health care system rely mainly on numerous separate order and delivery systems, although logistics needs, ordering and stock in different health care facilities correspond to each other. As centralised logistics in orders and deliveries may lead to remarkable savings, pressure for centralised management is high. This paper analyses how effectively a potential centralised warehousing system can be organised based on its spatial components. These include optimal location of one or more warehouses, delivery network coverage and efficiency of routes, as well as accessibility of health centres and hospitals. The geographic information systems (GIS) -based accessibility analytical framework described in this study applies vehicle routing and heuristic computations to location-allocation of warehouses to potential sites by optimising transport cost with a constraint to provide service to at least 90% of delivery demand. The spatial data include the road network, health care facility locations with rough estimates of freight demand nodes and potential locations of warehouse facilities. The main findings of the study show that majority of health centres and hospitals can be effectively reached by a delivery network based on one or two warehouses. Furthermore, the efficiency of the delivery network does not increase remarkably by increasing the number of warehouses, when measured as driving time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the long-term consequences of prenatal exposure to maternal hyperemesis gravidarum upon offspring cardiometabolic risk factors.Design: This study is part of the prospective follow-up of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986.Setting: Between 1 July 1985 and 30 June 1986 all pregnant women in two provinces of Finland were recruited at first antenatal visit (99% of eligible participated).Population: A total of 8953 women with liveborn singleton offspring who consented to having their children followed-up were included.Methods: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) was defined as hospitalisation during pregnancy for HG based on the International Classification of Disease (ICD) code. Women who were not hospitalised for HG during pregnancy were used as a reference group. Data on pregnancy and birth outcomes were obtained via medical records and questionnaires; 6462 adolescents, aged 16 years, underwent anthropometric measurements (HG n = 42, reference n = 6420) and 5648 adolescents had a fasting blood sample taken (HG n = 36, reference n = 5612).Main Outcome Measures: Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipid levels in offspring.Results: Multivariate regression analyses showed no differences in offspring BMI (kg/m2 ; adjusted percentage difference HG versus reference, 2.2; 95% CI -0.1, 4.6), systolic blood pressure (adjusted difference 2.1 mmHg; 95% CI -1.5, 5.6), and fasting blood glucose (mmol/l; adjusted percentage difference, 2.3; 95% CI -0.6, 5.4), between adolescents born to mothers with and without HG.Conclusions: We found no evidence that prenatal exposure to HG has negative consequences for cardiometabolic health of offspring at the age of 16 years.Tweetable Abstract: Hyperemesis gravidarum does not affect cardiometabolic health in adolescent offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently discovered Palokas gold deposit is part of the larger Rompas-Rajapalot gold-mineralized system located in the Paleoproterozoic Peräpohja Belt, northern Finland. Tourmaline is an important gangue mineral in the Palokas gold mineralization. It occurs as tourmalinite veins and as tourmaline crystals in sulfide-rich metasomatized gold-bearing rocks. In order to understand the origin of tourmaline in the gold-mineralized rocks, we have investigated the major element chemistry and boron isotope composition of tourmaline from three areas: (1) the Palokas gold mineralization, (2) a pegmatitic tourmaline granite, and (3) the evaporitic Petäjäskoski Formation. Based on textural evidence, tourmaline in gold mineralization is divided into two different types. Type 1 is located within the host rock and is cut by rock-forming anthophyllite crystals. Type 2 occurs in late veins and/or breccia zones consisting of approximately 80% tourmaline and 20% sulfides, commonly adjacent to quartz veins. All the studied tourmaline samples belong to the alkali-group tourmaline and can be classified as dravite and schorl. The δB values of the three localities lie in the same range, from 0 to −4‰. Tourmaline from the Au mineralization and from the Petäjäskoski Formation has similar compositional trends. Mg is the major substituent for Al; inferred low Fe/Fe ratios and Na values (<0.8 atoms per formula unit (apfu)) of all tourmaline samples suggest that they precipitated from reduced, low-salinity fluids. Based on the similar chemical and boron isotope composition and the Re-Os age of molybdenite related to the tourmaline-sulfide-quartz veins, we propose that the tourmaline-forming process is a result of a single magmatic-hydrothermal event related to the extensive granite magmatism at around 1.79-1.77 Ga. Tourmaline was crystallized throughout the hydrothermal process, which resulted in the paragenetic variation between type 1 and type 2. The close association of tourmaline and gold suggests that the gold precipitated from the same boron-rich source as tourmaline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Maternal depression is relatively common during pregnancy. However, follow-ups of the adult offspring of antenatally depressed mothers are scarce. Previously we found the risk of schizophrenia to be higher in the adult offspring with antenatally depressed mothers and parents with psychosis than in subjects with only one or neither of these risk factors. The aim was to study whether the risk of schizotypal or affective traits differ among adult offspring with antenatally depressed mothers with or without a parental history of psychosis when compared with offspring without antenatally depressed mothers and without parental psychosis. Methods In the general population-based Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort (NFBC 1966), the mothers of the cohort members were asked at mid-gestation whether they felt depressed. Parental psychosis (Familial Risk, FR) was detected using the Finnish Care Register for Health Care. In the 31-year field study, seven psychometric questionnaires surveyed schizotypal and affective traits in the offspring. The final sample included 4928 individuals (2203 males). Results There were no statistically significant differences in mean scores on the schizotypal and affective scales between offspring with and without antenatally depressed mothers, or between subjects with and without parental psychosis. The scores were not highest in the subjects with both maternal antenatal depressed mood and FR. Conclusion Surprisingly, maternal depressed mood during pregnancy was unlikely to increase the risk of schizotypy or affective traits in adult offspring, and not even with parental psychosis (FR) in this general population-based birth cohort with about 5000 subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family history of psychiatric disorders has been associated with impaired outcome in schizophrenia, but very few studies have investigated its long-term social and occupational outcome. We investigated the association of family history of psychiatric disorders, especially psychosis, with long-term social, occupational, clinical and global outcome in schizophrenia. The study sample comprises of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. Cohort members with psychosis were detected by Finnish national registers. Altogether 69 individuals with schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis participated, mean age 43, after on average 17 years since onset of illness. The information regarding family history of psychiatric disorders were gathered from registers and interviews. A Strauss-Carpenter Outcome Scale, PANSS and SOFAS were conducted to assess the outcome. Results showed that the family history of any psychiatric disorder was associated with more severe positive and emotional symptoms in PANSS. The family history of psychosis was not associated with outcomes. These findings suggest that family history of psychiatric disorders has a small association with outcome in schizophrenia. Despite family history of psychosis being a strong risk factor for schizophrenia, after years of illness it does not seem to affect outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Having multiple melanocytic naevi (> 50 naevi) is one of the strongest risk factors for melanoma. However, the epidemiology in adults is unclear. This comprehensive dermatological status investigation of 1,932 birth-cohort study cases aged 46 years analysed the prevalence of multiple melanocytic naevi and their association with sex, socioeconomic status (education) in childhood and adulthood, skin type and sunbathing habits. The prevalence of multiple melanocytic naevi was 11.6% (223/1,930). Higher education (odds ratio (OR) 2.11, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.51-2.96), male sex (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.07-2.06), sun-sensitive skin type (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.34-3.27) and regular use of sunscreen (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.23-3.37) were associated with increased risk of multiple naevi. Inflammatory skin diseases decreased (OR 0.49, 95 CI% 0.33-0.72) the risk of multiple naevi. In conclusion, several risk factors were found for multiple naevi among adults living in high latitudes, in Northern Finland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]