scholarly journals Changes in mountain birch forests and reindeer management: Comparing different knowledge systems in Sápmi, northern Fennoscandia

Polar Record ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 507-521 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce C. Forbes ◽  
Minna T. Turunen ◽  
Päivi Soppela ◽  
Sirpa Rasmus ◽  
Terhi Vuojala-Magga ◽  
...  

AbstractMountain birch forests in the northern areas of Sápmi, the Saami homeland, serve as pastures for semi-domesticated reindeer. Recent reindeer management of the area has, to date, proceeded with little involvement of reindeer herders or their knowledge. To get more in-depth understanding of recent changes, we present together herders’ knowledge and scientific knowledge concerning the impacts of herbivory and climate change on mountain birch forests in three Saami communities in Norway and in Finland. Most of the herders interviewed reported changes in weather during the preceding decades. Herders agreed that the canopy and understorey of mountain birch forests have changed. The observed transformations in the quality of pastures have increased the financial costs of reindeer husbandry. Our study demonstrates that herders have practical knowledge of the present state and recent changes of birch forests, and of the responses of reindeer caused by these. This knowledge generally coincides with scientific knowledge. We call for better integration of knowledge systems and a better protocol for co-production of knowledge as it relates to more adaptive future reindeer management regimes. Such integration will facilitate understanding of cultural adaptation within rapidly changing social-ecological systems in which sustainable reindeer husbandry continues to be an important livelihood.

2009 ◽  
Vol 257 (1) ◽  
pp. 244-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Tømmervik ◽  
B. Johansen ◽  
J.Å. Riseth ◽  
S.R. Karlsen ◽  
B. Solberg ◽  
...  

2008 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 369-369
Author(s):  
Sharyn Gibbins

NEONATOLOGY IS A RELATIVELY NEW MEDICAL SPECIALITY that arose from the recognition that neonates were different from adults and other pediatric patients. The recognition of these differences between patients led, in part, to the development of perinatology and neonatology programs across the globe. As scientific knowledge and medical education evolved, so too did the recognition that nurses played an essential role in the care of high-risk infants. No longer restricted to Florence Nightingale’s initial advocacy for a nurturing environment only, the profession of nursing extends into areas of practice, education, mentorship, health advocacy, and research.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Biljana Panić ◽  
Jana Cvijić ◽  
Nada Petrović

The importance study shows is based on the possibility of a company that through proper human resources management strategy achieved an increase in effectiveness and efficiency, and therefore the productivity of business in the conditions of high competition. Strategic management of human resources is an important part of the sphere of management, and is based on a theoretical - practical knowledge in the field of work psychology. Human resource management can significantly influence the behavior of employees, their attitudes and success. People, their skills, knowledge and information are the characteristic of the each organization and can not be copied. It must be borne in mind that human resource management can fail if the pursuit organitzacija hire the wrong people, or if they are not motivated enough to their employed. Human resources management strategy needs to be aligned with the company’s strategy. Basic objectives and methods of human resource management needs to ensure the success of the company. Human resources management strategy has an important operational and managerial function carried out by managers of human reusrse. Management Strategy managers are determined by the quality of employees and their potential. The objectives of human resources management in the organization is directly related to the individual indicators work and results achieved by the employees. From the quality of motivation and stimulation of employees rise to its productivity, loyalty and quality of work. At the organizational level, human resource management strategy should be aimed at increasing the level of average productivity, improving quality, improving working conditions. Planing human resources is achieved competitive strategy of the organization. All of that contribute the most to employees and their productive possibility.


Author(s):  
Sulan Wong

It is argued that patents encourage scientific development, benefiting society by creating useful products and services that improve the quality of life. However, by granting exclusive rights of exploitation, patents create situations in which they interfere with the exercise of the freedom of scientific research. This work examines five scenarios where this problem can be seen and the utilitarian function of patents is questioned. Firstly, the effects of research funding in the definition of the lines and research objectives are observed. Secondly, the anticommons is studied, as it is a situation where excessive fragmentation of ownership in scientific knowledge may prevent its use. Thirdly, broad patents and their implications are examined. Fourthly, the deterrent power of patent litigation, which creates an unexpected business model, is analyzed. Fifthly, secrecy is looked upon, as it is encouraged by the logic in which the patent system works.


2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulla Runesson

Purpose – It has been suggested that, if pedagogical and learning theories are integrated into lesson and learning study, a systematic construction of pedagogical knowledge is possible (Elliott, 2012). In this Special Issue, it is reported how theory and theoretical concepts can add value to lesson and learning study. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Special Issue and explore the above concepts. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents the Special Issue papers thematically and the main issues are discussed. Findings – Together the papers suggest that pedagogical theories and theorizing practice may contribute to the improvement of teachers’ practical knowledge and knowledge about teachers’ professional tasks and objects. Furthermore, some theories and theoretical concepts hitherto under-exploited in lesson and learning study are presented and discussed from the point of view how these might improve the quality of the studies. Originality/value – As a total, this collection of papers bring out issues about the role of pedagogical and learning theories and how these could inform lesson and learning study.


2018 ◽  
Vol 157 (04) ◽  
pp. 392-399
Author(s):  
Sebastian Scheidt ◽  
Patrick Vavken ◽  
Cornelius Jacobs ◽  
Sebastian Koob ◽  
Davide Cucchi ◽  
...  

AbstractThe rising number of medical publications makes it difficult to keep up-to-date on scientific knowledge. In recent years, reviews in the form of narrative or systematic publications and meta-analyses have increased. These can only be interpreted and evaluated if the reader understands the techniques used. This review article describes the differences between narrative and systematic reviews, together with the characteristics of meta-analysis, and discusses their interpretation. The concept of systematic reviews and meta-analysis includes a systematic literature search and summary, together with an appraisal of the quality of the publications. Systematic reviews are often considered to be original studies due to their structure and ability to reduce bias.


2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 525
Author(s):  
Åshild Ø. Pedersen ◽  
Lasse Asmyhr ◽  
Hans Christian Pedersen ◽  
Nina E. Eide

Context Nest predation is a major factor influencing life history and population dynamics of ground-nesting birds. The transitions between the northern boreal mountain birch forests and the low-alpine tundra are important habitats for the willow ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus (Linnaeus, 1758). During the past decades, these landscapes have been extensively developed with cabin resorts in southern Norway, which has led to an increased number of roads and foot paths in relatively undisturbed habitats. Aims The aim of the present study was to investigate relative nest-predation rates in elevation gradients (ecotones) spanning from northern boreal mountain birch forests to low-alpine tundra in three locations with contrasting willow ptarmigan densities. Methods We conducted an artificial nest study by using baited track boards (n = 108). Track boards were placed along transects (200 m) in the following three habitat types: birch forest, edge habitat and low-alpine tundra. Predator prevalence was analysed in relation to study-design variables (location, habitat, study period) and the load of human infrastructure (i.e. distance to foot paths and roads), using generalised linear mixed-effect models assuming binomial distribution for the response variable. Key results Prevalence of avian predators was consistently high (range 38.2–85.3%), in contrast to much lower prevalence of mammalian predators (range 2.8–22.9%). Raven (Corvus corax) was the dominant nest predator, followed by hooded crow (C. cornix) and pine marten (Martes martes). Location, as contrasted by differences in willow ptarmigan density, was not significantly related to total relative predation rates. Species-specific predator prevalence was habitat specific and related to human infrastructure, but with opposite relative predation patterns between pine marten and raven. Hooded crow predation was similar across the ecotone and not related to human infrastructure. Conclusions Predator prevalence was habitat specific and affected by human infrastructure (distance to human foot paths). Our study confirmed that human activity might alter the predation rates by generalist species in these low-alpine environments. Implications We recommend that attractive willow ptarmigan habitat should be avoided when planning human infrastructure in alpine ecosystems. To reduce predation pressure in this ecosystem, it appears that generalist predators should be considered for management actions. Further research is needed to explain the underlying mechanism driving expansion of generalist species into alpine habitats. Such knowledge is also important in developing alternative management actions with focus other than predator control.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Alessia Donato

Several studies have analyzed the relationship between the firms’ technological diversification and the innovation performance outcomes. We use information coming from patents portfolio of a sample of firms that operate in a nanotechnology sector and analyze the effect, in this relationship, of the use of scientific knowledge in the development of patented inventions. We find, firstly, that the trend of the quality of innovation with the technological diversification of a firm appears similar to a Gaussian with positive asymmetry. Secondly, we find that with the increase in the percentage of the used science by year, in one side, firms appear to obtain the maximum impact of the innovation, in average, with a less technological diversification in the patent’s portfolio and, in the other side, innovations with more impact are obtained in average.


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