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Narrating the soundscape of coastal tourism
Get PDFThis research letter concerns the soundscape along the Norwegian coastline, but the concepts can be applied to most coastal destinations. We wrote this letter in our roles as scholars of tourism and biology as well as members of a non-profit organisation located in northern Norway that is dedicated to science, conservation and the protection of marine mammals. By contrasting a promotional video with an awareness-raising video, we highlight tourism sector’s missed opportunity to foster sustainability and justice and advocate for inclusive storytelling that considers different voices, stories and soundscapes
Investment and endogenous efficiency in a contest
Get PDFContests are ubiquitous but do not happen in a vacuum. Rivals can prepare themselves for the contest to improve their ultimate chance of victory. Two contestants with different prize values play an all-pay auction and can invest to improve the efficiency of their own effort in the contest. We show that at most one player will invest, and that two asymmetric pure-strategy equilibria exist depending upon the identity of the investor. If the high-value player invests, then investment reinforces the initial asymmetry; investment by the low-value player turns the tables on the initially advantaged rival. The investment opportunity moves competition away from the contest, resulting in less expected contest effort than would occur without investment
Opportunity to learn in Norwegian and Finnish lower secondary mathematics textbooks
Get PDFSource at https://ncm.gu.se/.Although both Finland and Norway are part of a common Nordic education culture, Finland have consistently outperformed the other Nordic countries in PISA studies. In this study, we compare Finnish and Norwegian textbook series. The results indicate that both textbook series largely facilitate skill efficiency, and most tasks are low cognitive demand. However, the Finnish textbook series facilitate conceptual understanding to a greater degree. The Finnish textbook series also introduce and develop connections between a greater number of mathematical ideas, and there is a greater number and proportion of high cognitive demand tasks in the Finnish textbooks
Ocean Surface Current Uncertainty Quantification via Drift Modeling and Spaceborne Retrieved Radial Velocities
Get PDFOcean surface current is an essential ocean state variable in operational oceanography. They govern the movement of pollutants, microorganisms, heat, and salt across the ocean. Their dynamics shape marine ecosystems and influence climate patterns. Monitoring and accurately predicting ocean surface currents are essential for managing offshore pollution and its potential impacts on the shoreline, safeguarding marine biodiversity and ensuring maritime safety.
Ocean and atmospheric models are simplified representations of a highly complex, multi-scale flow system where approximations are unavoidable. Combined with the limited and inexact nature of available observations, predictions inherently present a degree of uncertainty. Ensemble modeling addresses these uncertainties by providing multiple future outcomes rather than a single solution. This approach helps quantify the likelihood of specific events, offering a more probabilistic understanding of the ocean behavior and enhancing decision-making in emergency situations, e.g, oil spills. Although widely employed and investigated by the atmospheric community, operational ensemble prediction systems are still emerging in oceanographic forecast centers.
In this thesis, we evaluate how ocean and atmospheric ensemble operational prediction systems address ocean surface current uncertainties through short-term drift modeling and ocean current retrieval using satellite observations. The first part of this work provides background information about ocean dynamics as a multi-scale problem, modeling, remote sensing, and uncertainty. The second part presents the three research papers produced during the Ph.D. project.
We introduce novel approaches to analyzing ensemble performance, with metrics specifically tailored for trajectory modeling, encompassing both delineated oil slicks and drifter trajectories. Our research sheds new light on the effects of horizontal resolution and wind forcing on short-term oil slick drift prediction using operational ensemble models. Furthermore, we present the first estimates of how wind field uncertainty affects ocean radial velocities, using remote sensing as the source of ocean current data.
By bridging remote sensing, numerical modeling, and quantitative ensemble performance metrics, the main results of the three research articles in this compendium showed that (Paper I) wind forcing has little impact on short-term trajectory prediction spread, and lower resolution ensemble models provide trajectory predictions as skillful as those provided by higher resolution deterministic models; (Paper II) model error directly impacts the rank histogram, leading to misinterpretations in assessing the model's spread; and (Paper III) the uncertainty in ocean radial velocity caused solely by the wind field can be as significant as that of the source data itself.Overflatestrøm som en nøkkelvariabel i operasjonell oseanografi. Via strømmene transporteres forurensning, mikroorganismer, varme og salt i havene. Havstrømmene er med på å forme marine økosystemer, samt en viktig del av klimasystemet. Overvåking og nøyaktig prediksjon av havstrømmene er viktig for blant annet å beskytte marin biodiversitet, håndtere og iverksette tiltak ved akutt forurensing, og for sikre maritime operasjoner.
Hav- og atmosfæremodeller er forenklede representasjoner av svært komplekse systemer med dynamiske prosesser på ulike tids- og romskalaer, og det er nødvendig med visse forenklinger for å beskrive systemene. Prediksjoner basert på modeller har dermed en iboende usikkerhet, som i tillegg kan påvirkes av begrensede eller unøyaktige observasjoner. Såkalte ensemblesystemer tar høyde for disse usikkerhetene ved å beskrive utfallsrommet fra flere modeller med litt forskjellig utgangspunkt i stedet for én enkelt løsning. Denne tilnærmingen bidrar til å kvantifisere sannsynligheten for spesifikke hendelser, og gir en mer probabilistisk forståelse av havets dynamikk. Dette kan forbedre beslutningsgrunnlaget i nødsituasjoner, som for eksempel ved oljesøl i havet. Innenfor meteorologi er ensemblesystemer allerede et godt etablert verktøy, mens det fortsatt er relativt lite utnytteti operasjonelle oseanografiske varslingssystemer.
I denne avhandlingen ser vi på hvordan operasjonelle ensemblebaserte prediksjonssystemer for hav- og atmosfære behandler usikkerhet i havoverflatestrømmer gjennom korttidsvarsling av drift samt henting av havstrømdata ved bruk av satellittobservasjoner. Den første delen av dette arbeidet gir bakgrunnsinformasjon om havdynamikk som et multi-skala problem, modellering, fjernmåling og usikkerhet. Den andre delen presenterer de tre forskningsartiklene som ble produsert i løpet av Ph.D.-prosjektet.
Vi introduserer nye tilnærminger til å analysere ensemblesystemets ytelse, i form av metrikker spesielt tilpasset trajektoriemodellering, som dekker både oljeflak og drivbaner. Vår forskning belyser effektene av horisontal oppløsning og vindpådrag på korttidsvarsler for oljedrift ved bruk av operasjonelle ensembler. Videre presenterer vi de første estimatene av hvordan usikkerheten i vindfeltet påvirker havstrømmer, gjennom bruk av fjernmåling som kilde til havstrømdata.
Gjennom å forene fjernmåling, numerisk modellering og kvantitative metrikker, viser hovedresultatene fra de tre forskningsartiklene i dennee avhandlingen at (1) vindpådrag har liten innvirkning på spredningen i korttidsvarsler for trajektorier, og ensemblemodeller med lavere oppløsning gir trajektoriprediksjoner som er like treffsikre som de fra deterministiske modeller med høyere oppløsning; (2) modellfeil påvirker direkte ensemblespredningen, noe som fører til feiltolkninger; og (3) usikkerheten i havstrømobservasjoner som utelukkende skyldes vindfeltet, kan være av samme størrelsesorden som strømmen
Quality parameters and storage stability of the Norwegian red sea cucumber (Parastichopus tremulus)
Get PDFQuality parameters and storage stability were evaluated through biochemical, textural, and microbial analyses of the Norwegian red sea cucumber Parastichopus tremulus at two different storage temperatures (0 °C and 4 °C) over 17 days. During storage, the pH decreased from 7 to 6.3, the texture became softer decreasing from 47.3 to 0.3 N, while K-value increased from 4 to 52 %, microbial counts increased from 2 to 8 log cfu/g and formation of volatiles increased. After storage for 7 days at 0 °C and 5 days at 4 °C, the microbial counts exceeded the acceptability for consumption (7 log cfu/g). Microorganisms such as Flavobacterium and Psychrobacter were the main specific spoilage organisms contributing to the deterioration. Prolonged storage favored the Polaribacter and Marinomonas proliferation regardless of storage temperatures. The free amino acid concentration increased from 24 to 86 mg/100 g at both storage temperatures, probably resulting from the autolysis degradation. The pH decrease could be attributed to the production and dissolution of volatile compounds during storage. Odor-active compounds such as aldehydes (decanal, 2,4-decadienal, nonanal), ketones (1-octen-3-one, 1-penten-3-one), alcohols (1-octen-3-ol, 2-heptanol), aromatics (p-cresol and phenol), indoles (indole) and sulfides (dimethyl disulfide and trisulfide) showed increasing levels with storage time, with the highest levels found in the samples stored at 4 °C. This is the first study that demonstrate the quality changes on molecular and microbial level occurring during cold storage of sea cucumber P. tremulus. These results can be used for evaluating the shelf-life limiting factors of such species
Sanctuary for vulnerable Arctic species at the Borealis Mud Volcano
Get PDFBorealis is a recently discovered submerged mud volcano in the Polar North Atlantic, differing from the numerous methane seepages previously identified in the region. Here we show in situ observations from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), capturing the release of warm (11.5 °C) Neogene sediments and methane-rich fluids from a gryphon at Borealis. The surrounding seafloor within the mud volcano features extensive carbonate deposits, indicating prolonged diffuse methane migration. Sampling and imagery reveal that Borealis supports unique habitats adapted to low-oxygen conditions near methane seeps. Additionally, the irregularly shaped carbonate structures serve as a natural shelter from bottom trawling and a substratum for sessile fauna and may function as nursery grounds for threatened fish species. This discovery underscores the ecological significance of cold seep ecosystems in the Polar North Atlantic, highlighting their role in biodiversity by serving as refuges for marine species and emphasizing the need for their conservation
Optimizing recruitment in an online environmental PPGIS—is it worth the time and costs?
Get PDFPublic participation GIS surveys use both random and volunteer
sampling to recruit people to participate in a self-administered
mapping exercise online. In random sampling designs, the participation rate is known to be relatively low and biased to specific
segments (e.g. middle-aged, educated men). Volunteer sampling
provides the opportunity to reach a large crowd at reasonable
costs but generally suffers from unknown sampling biases and
lower data quality. The low participation rates and the quality of
mapping question the validity and generalizability of the results,
limiting their use as a democratic tool for enhancing participation
in spatial planning. We therefore asked: How can we increase participation in online environmental PPGIS surveys? Is it worth the
time and costs? We reviewed environmentally related online
PPGIS surveys (n ¼ 26) and analyzed the sampling biases and
recruitment strategies utilized in a large-scale online PPGIS platform in coastal areas of northern Norway via both random
(16,978 invited participants) and volunteer sampling. We found
that the time, effort, and costs required to increase participation
rates yielded meager results. We discuss the time and cost efficiency of different recruitment methods and the implications of
participation levels despite the recruitment methods used
Å begripe friluftsliv og besøksforvaltning
Get PDFBesøksforvaltning inngår i tittelen på denne boka. Det høres ut som et viktig tema. Begrepet representerer imidlertid et nytt perspektiv i norsk forvaltning. Som alle andre er besøkende gjenstand for forvaltning ved at lover, regler og regimer som henvender seg mot allmennheten også gjelder for dem. Likevel har man internasjonalt, og nå også i Norge, valgt å sette et eksplisitt fokus på de besøkende, først og fremst turister. Blant disse er både utlendinger og landsmenn. Turister er mennesker som er borte fra hjemmet over noe tid, og som trår på fremmed grunn, altså benytter seg av natur, kulturtilbud og infrastruktur på andre steder enn der de bor. Mange utøver friluftsliv under slike opphold. Det gjør de stort sett uten å betale spesielt innrettede avgifter eller skatter, og uten å være gjenstand for annen spesifikk regulering. Belastning på infrastruktur og natur er hovedgrunnene til at temaet besøksforvaltning er satt på dagsorden mange steder, også i Norge. Skal man tilrettelegge for de besøkende, mange mener at man skal det, så koster det penger. Hvem skal betale for det? Kapitlet skal ikke gi et klart svar på dette, men vise relevansen av spørsmålet. Først og fremst skal kapitlet klargjøre noen av de mest sentrale begrepene som benyttes for å adressere friluftslivets og forvaltningas utfordringer. En av utfordringene er at det er en del uklare begreper og rammer både når det gjelder den offentlige debatten, politikken og de faglige diskusjonene i feltet. Jeg skal i dette kapitlet ta opp noen av de mest sentrale diskursene og begrepene, og gjennom det presisere utgangspunktet for boka
Sea ice variability from the penultimate glacial to the last interglacial in the Eastern Fram Strait
Get PDFThe ongoing reduction of Arctic sea ice underscores the need to understand the drivers behind sea ice variability and associated ocean-climate impacts. The Last Interglacial, Marine Isotope (sub)Stage (MIS) 5e, and its transitions offer insights into sea ice variability during a period warmer than pre-industrial, and intervals of large climatic changes. This study examines a marine sediment core from the eastern Fram Strait, covering late MIS 6 to early MIS 5b (140–90 ka). We analysed organic biomarkers, including the PIP25 sea ice index and dinoflagellate cyst assemblages, complemented by stable oxygen isotopes, total organic carbon, and sediment physical properties (ice rafted debris, X-ray fluorescence, magnetic susceptibility). Our findings demonstrate a progression from extensive sea ice cover during late MIS 6 to a marginal ice zone during Termination II (T II) and open ocean conditions during MIS 5e, influenced by the Svalbard–Barents Sea Ice Sheet (SBIS) and warm Atlantic surface waters, superimposed on the gradual changes in Northern Hemisphere summer insolation. During late MIS 6, intermittent local polynyas formed by katabatic winds and Atlantic water intrusions temporarily disrupted the sea ice cover. During T II, the marginal ice zone environment, combined with organic matter-rich meltwater influx from the retreating SBIS may have enhanced the biological pump. MIS 5e exhibited a “two-step” warming with the strongest influence of Atlantic waters around ∼120 ka. Low to absent concentrations of biomarkers and dinoflagellate cysts immediately following MIS 5e complicate interpretations of sea ice and oceanic conditions during MIS 5d to MIS 5c, a crucial climatic interval characterised by periods with Northern Hemisphere summer insolation values comparable to today. These findings highlight the complexities of understanding Arctic sea ice responses to ocean-climate drivers and the need for further investigation into the unresolved MIS 5 proxy signals, important for improving our understanding of future sea ice decline and the associated ocean-climate impacts
A fishy gut feeling – current knowledge on gut microbiota in teleosts
Get PDFThe importance of the gastrointestinal microbiota (GM) in health and disease is widely recognized. Although less is known in fish than in mammals, advances in molecular techniques, such as 16S rRNA sequencing, have facilitated characterization of fish GM, comprising resident autochthonous and transient allochthonous bacteria. The microbial diversity and composition are strongly influenced by diet. High-protein diets, including alternative ingredients like plant and insect proteins, modify GM, impacting beneficial bacteria e.g. Cetobacterium. Lipids affect microbial metabolism and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, while excessive carbohydrates can disrupt GM balance, causing enteritis. Dietary additives, including probiotics, prebiotics, and antibiotics, effectively modulate GM. Probiotics enhance immunity and growth, prebiotics support beneficial bacteria, and antibiotics, though effective against pathogens, disrupt microbial diversity and may promote antibiotic resistance. Environmental factors, such as temperature, salinity, and pollution, significantly influence GM. Elevated temperatures and salinity shifts alter microbial composition, and pollutants introduce toxins that compromise intestinal function and microbial diversity. Stress and pathogen infections further destabilize GM, often favoring pathogenic bacteria. GM communicates with the host via metabolites such as SCFAs, bile acids, and neurotransmitters, regulating appetite, energy metabolism, immunity, and neural functions. Additionally, GM influences the immune system by interacting with epithelial cells and stimulating immune responses. Despite recent advances, further research is needed to elucidate species-specific mechanisms underlying GM-host interactions, the ecological implications of GM diversity, and its applications in aquaculture to optimize fish health and performance