Metal detecting and archaeology in the Nordic region. Introduction

In Nordic and Arctic regions, the rapidly warming climate sustains hydroclimatic and vegetation changes in the landscape. There is evidence for an increase in vegetation density in some regions, a trend that is expected as a response to increasing temperature and precipitation. If the hydroclimatic changes are linked to vegetation response, it could be viewed as a landscape‐scale nature‐based solution (NBS) that could moderate the runoff response, as denser vegetation should lead to increased evapotranspiration and lower runoff. In this paper, we investigate and compare hydroclimatic changes over a set of basins in the Nordic region and northwest America and compare with changes in vegetation density, analyzed using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for three time periods: 1973–1978, 1993–1998, and 2013–2016.Over the period of the 1970s to 1990s, the hydroclimate became warmer and wetter and vegetation density increased, but over a later period from the 1990s to 2010s, vegetation density decreased, despite a continuing warming and wetting of the climate. Although there was a tendency for runoff to decrease in basins where vegetation density increased, the relation between precipitation and runoff was much stronger. Overall, we found weak evidence for vegetation density changes, driven by hydroclimate, to act as NBS on the landscape scale over the studied regions. However, as hydroclimatic changes interact with vegetation changes and their ensuing hydrological responses in complex ways, more detailed investigations are needed to determine the potential NBS effect on the landscape scale across Nordic and Arctic regions.

This article explores the Scottish discourse on the Nordic region, that is, dominant conceptualisations of the Nordic region in contemporary Scotland in the context of the current Scottish nation-building project. Since the early 2000s, the Nordic region has received wide political attention and been presented as a viable and desirable role model for Scottish development by key political and social actors, including the Scottish Government and the Scottish National Party (SNP). This interest in the Nordic countries and the idea that they offer an alternative for Scotland which is line with dominant self-images of Scotland as egalitarian and social democratic has established itself as a central argument and aspect of the Scottish independence movement and the wider Scottish public debate. This article examines the historical development of the discourse on the Nordic region in Scotland, and its content by showing how the Nordic region is a multifaceted concept which intersects with Scottish nationalism and long-standing associations to the North. The Nordic region, in the Scottish context, is hence both a reality and a myth, a practical example and an idea. This dual quality is at the heart of the appeal and resilience of the Nordic region in contemporary Scotland, making the Nordic region Scotland’s main positive Other. Keywords The Nordic region, Scottish nationalism, the Other, discourse, conceptualisations of North

Electric aviation has gained momentum in the Nordic region in recent years. Given its unique geographical features and strong commitment to climate-neutral transport, the Nordic region represents an ideal testing ground for electric aviation. In five to ten years from now, electric aviation has the potential to become reality, so it is crucial to explore which factors may affect its implementation and how regional development may be impacted. The “Electric Aviation and the Effects on the Nordic Region” project presents a ten-year future scenario for electric aviation in the Nordic region. In this report, we explore future scenarios for five selected Nordic routes and identify the key driving forces behind that transformative shift, as well as the positive and negative impacts of electric aviation. The scenarios were developed through focus group discussions conducted with key stakeholders from each of the five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden). The main findings of the study show that electric aviation is generally perceived positively in the various Nordic countries. However, there are also certain contextual differences relating to whether electric aviation is viewed as a pathway to achieving climate targets and removing emissions, stimulating regional development and accessibility of remote areas, or as a new travel option compared to conventional flights. Even though the general attitude towards electric aviation seems to be positive, scepticism and questions regarding the social acceptance of the new technology emerged, as well as the uncertainty around who will be the investors to kick-off the new technology. Furthermore, the future scenarios suggest that a high level of support from local and national governing bodies is required in order to make electric aviation a viable air transport mode in the Nordic region. The insights of this report are intended both to inform decision-makers and to provide nuanced observations from each Nordic country and explore future pathways towards a sustainable and more integrated Nordic region in line with the 2030 vision of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

The primary objective was to evaluate prescribing trends for topical ocular hypotensive treatment in the Nordic region during the last decade and, by population projections, estimate the glaucoma burden in 2040. A secondary objective was to analyse national variations in prescription patterns across the Nordic region. A retrospective analysis of national pharmacy data between 2008 and 2017 on the dispensation of topical ocular hypotensive treatment in the Nordic region was performed. Predictions of the glaucoma burden in 2040 were calculated from official population projections. The total number of patients with ocular hypotensive treatment in the Nordic region increased from 346 000 to 418 000 (21%) between 2008 and 2017. The number of patients with ocular hypotensive treatment in the age group of 50 years and older increased from 3.6% to 3.9%. The daily defined dose (DDD) per patient and day during the study period increased from 1.22 to 1.26. Adjusted for beta-blocker combinations, the same value increased from 1.49 to 1.67. Across the Nordic countries, Finland had almost twice as many DDD per patient and day in 2017 (2.1) compared with Iceland (1.1). Between 2008 and 2017, the annual treatment cost for ocular hypotensive treatment in the Nordic region decreased from 96 million to 87 million Euro (-9%). In 2040, the number of patients with ocular hypotensive treatment in the Nordic region is estimated to 633 000 individuals (+51% compared with 2017). The study revealed an increased use of glaucoma medications in the Nordic region the last decade. This was mainly caused by an increased number of patients with ocular hypotensive treatment, but also because of a more intensive treatment. Marked national differences were detected. Due to the introduction of generic medications, the total cost for ocular hypotensive treatment did however decrease during the last decade. In 2040, the current number of individuals with ocular hypotensive treatment is estimated to have increased with an additional 50% due to a growing number of ageing individuals. This will lead to higher costs, not only for medications but also for diagnosing, monitoring and other aspects of glaucoma care.

This paper investigates the epidemiology and public health response of novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the Nordic region. The data on cases and deaths due to COVID-19 were drawn from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The data on age- and sex-wise cases, deaths and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and public health interventions in the Nordic region through November 10, 2020, were obtained from respective countries' health ministries. Sweden accounted for 60.59% of cases (162 240 of 267 768 cases) and 81% of deaths (6057 of 7477 cases) in the Nordic region. The incidence rate for the Nordic region was 989.59 per 100 000, varying from 327.30 per 100 000 in Finland to 1616.51 per 100 000 in Sweden, and the mortality rate for the region was 27.63 per 100 000, ranging from 5.3 per 100 000 in Norway to 60.35 per 100 000 in Sweden. The case-fatality ratio of the Nordic region was 2.79%. Females were more susceptible to COVID-19 infection than males (52.30% vs 47.66%), while males had a greater proportion of deaths (54.7%) and ICU need (71.99%) than females. It is imperative to continue with social distancing, mandatory masks, testing, prohibition of mass gatherings, isolation of confirmed cases, and preventing the importation of cases from other countries to avoid the further resurgence of cases.

Objectives: This study aims to examine and analyse the geopolitical implications of NATO's enlargement in the Nordic region through the accession of Finland and Sweden. Methods: Utilising the case study method, this study describes analyses and attempts to predict the phenomenon of NATO’s enlargement through the membership of Finland and the prospected accession of Sweden to NATO. This method enables the researchers to provide an in-depth investigation and understanding of the correlation between different variables and dynamics that influenced NATO's enlargement in the Nordic region and the geopolitical implications of this enlargement. Results: The accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO carries significant geopolitical implications, which establishes NATO's preponderance in the Nordic region and encircles Russia's vital sphere. This turning point represents an extensive strategic challenge for Russia, as it doubles the common borders to approximately 2,500 km. Conclusion: This study concludes that Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO marked a turning point in the geopolitical, security and balance of power landscape in the Nordic region. Furthermore, the enlargement of the common borders between NATO and Russia will lead to a new interaction pattern, with increased chances of unintentional military skirmishes. Moreover, despite the democratic policies held by Finland and Sweden, the Realpolitik approach in foreign affairs remains most appropriate for security and survival. Eventually, the study emphasises the importance of classical geopolitical assumptions and the significance of the Realism paradigm in interpreting international relations and issues.

Every young person is entitled to be heard and involved in matters that concern them. But how can decision makers safeguard meaningful child and youth participation in times of crisis? This publication contains 34 recommendations and 9 promising examples for decision makers in the Nordic region on how to build resilient structures for the future. The analysis and recommendations in this report are based on conversations with more than 100 representatives of youth and national experts in the Nordic region, covering the Nordic countries and Greenland, Åland and the Faroe Islands. The lessons and direct experiences of the representatives of Nordic youth organisations serve as an important source of information in preparing for potential crises in the future. The learnings are valuable for all adults making decisions that concerns young, and especially important for decision makers responsible for any crisis management structures. Decision makers in the Nordic region were not prepared to protect children’s rights when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Their right to be heard was often neglected or recognised too late. To do better in a future crisis we need to have participatory structures in place before the crisis hits. Children and young people don’t have as much power as adults, and they cannot yet vote. We also need decision makers that have positive attitudes toward children and youth, necessary skills, and competence. Decision makers should presume that a child has the capacity to form her or his own views and recognize that she or he has the right to express them. We encourage local authorities and decision makers in the Nordic region to use the checklist in the publication to build resilient structures for child and youth participation. If a new crisis strikes, the Nordic region must ensure that the perspectives and experiences of children and youth are included in the decision making processes.

BackgroundDue to pressured social and health care systems, the role of health promoting lifestyle behaviors increases in importance. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and health-promoting lifestyle among older adults in six Nordic regions - and potential regional variation in the associations.MethodsData from the Gerontological Regional Database survey collected in 2021/2022 (N = 11,984) is used. The regions in Finland are Aland, South Ostrobothnia, Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia, and Finnish-speaking Ostrobothnia. In Sweden, the city of Umea and rural Vasterbotten were included. Lifestyle is defined as adherence to seven Blue Zone principles.ResultsA high SEP was associated with higher likelihood of a health-promoting lifestyle in several principles. Simultaneously, a high SEP was associated with risk-drinking, and lower likelihood of belief in a higher power and weekly contact with family members. The association between SEP and lifestyle was weaker in rural Vasterbotten (Swe) and Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia (Fin), and stronger in Umea (Swe) and Aland (Fin).ConclusionsThere is a gradient of SEP for adopting a health-promoting lifestyle in old age in Nordic regions - although with some (regional) exceptions and unexpected directions of the relationship. The Nordic setting reflects a secularised, de-familialised culture with a comparatively heavy reliance on a mainly tax-based welfare system. Simultaneously, there is regional variation in culture and social and health care services between and within Nordic countries, which underline the need to adopt regional, contextual perspectives to identify clues to healthy ageing - such as equalising community measures.Key messages• There is regional variation in the associations between socioeconomic position and adherence to health-promoting lifestyle in old age in a Nordic setting.• A higher socioeconomic position can be linked to increased likelihood of unhealthy lifestyle behaviours such as risk-drinking.

Within the integrated market of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark – the Nordic region – cross-border trading is handled implicitly in the day-ahead market clearing. The capacity on all connections between the four countries, and partly also the capacity on the connections between Denmark and Germany, is included in the Nordic price calculation. This chapter aims to describe how the exchange of power across the borders between the Nordic countries comes about and how the Nordic model ensures socioeconomic utilization of generation and transmission resources within the Nordic region, allocating the power flow from the surplus areas to the deficit areas.

Abstract. International initiatives have successfully brought down the emissions, and hence also the related negative impacts on environment and human health, from shipping in Emission Control Areas (ECAs). However, the question remains as to whether increased shipping in the future will counteract these emission reductions. The overall goal of this study is to provide an up-to-date view on future ship emissions and provide a holistic view on atmospheric pollutants and their contribution to air quality in the Nordic (and Arctic) area. The first step has been to set up new and detailed scenarios for the potential developments in global shipping emissions, including different regulations and new routes in the Arctic. The scenarios include a Baseline scenario and two additional SOx Emission Control Areas (SECAs) and heavy fuel oil (HFO) ban scenarios. All three scenarios are calculated in two variants involving Business-As-Usual (BAU) and High-Growth (HiG) traffic scenarios. Additionally a Polar route scenario is included with new ship traffic routes in the future Arctic with less sea ice. This has been combined with existing Current Legislation scenarios for the land-based emissions (ECLIPSE V5a) and used as input for two Nordic chemistry transport models (DEHM and MATCH). Thereby, the current (2015) and future (2030, 2050) air pollution levels and the contribution from shipping have been simulated for the Nordic and Arctic areas. Population exposure and the number of premature deaths attributable to air pollution in the Nordic area have thereafter been assessed by using the health assessment model EVA (Economic Valuation of Air pollution). It is estimated that within the Nordic region approximately 9900 persons died prematurely due to air pollution in 2015 (corresponding to approximately 37 premature deaths for every 100 000 inhabitants). When including the projected development in both shipping and land-based emissions, this number is estimated to decrease to approximately 7900 in 2050. Shipping alone is associated with about 850 premature deaths during present-day conditions (as a mean over the two models), decreasing to approximately 600 cases in the 2050 BAU scenario. Introducing a HFO ban has the potential to lower the number of cases associated with emissions from shipping to approximately 550 in 2050, while the SECA scenario has a smaller impact. The “worst-case” scenario of no additional regulation of shipping emissions combined with a high growth in the shipping traffic will, on the other hand, lead to a small increase in the relative impact of shipping, and the number of premature deaths related to shipping is in that scenario projected to be around 900 in 2050. This scenario also leads to increased deposition of nitrogen and black carbon in the Arctic, with potential impacts on environment and climate.

Objective: To explore the burden of gout in the Nordic region, with a population around 27 million in 2015 distributed across six countries.Method: We used the findings of the 2015 Global Burden of Diseases study to report prevalence and disability associated with gout in the Nordic region.Results: From 1990 to 2015, the number of prevalent gout cases rose by 30% to 252 967 [95% uncertainty interval (UI) 223 478‒287 288] in the Nordic region. In 2015, gout contributed to 7982 (95% UI 5431‒10 800) years lived with disability (YLDs) in the region, an increase of 29% (95% UI 24‒35%) from 1990. While the crude YLD rate of gout increased by 12.9% (95% UI 7.8‒18.1%) between 1990 and 2015, the age-standardized YLD rate remained stable. Gout was ranked as the 63rd leading cause of total YLDs in the region in 2015, with the highest rank in men aged 55–59 years (38th leading cause of YLDs). The corresponding rank at the global level was 94. Of 195 countries studied, four Nordic countries [Greenland (2nd), Iceland (12th), Finland (14th), and Sweden (15th)] were among the top 15 countries with the highest age-standardized YLD rate of gout.Conclusion: The burden of gout is rising in the Nordic region. Gout’s contribution to the total burden of diseases in the region is more significant than the global average. Expected increases in gout burden owing to population growth and ageing call for stronger preventive and therapeutic strategies for gout management in Nordic countries.

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to compare trends, drivers, and best sustainable development (SD) practices in the Nordic region and California, USA.Design/methodology/approach – Four research propositions are explored: (1) SD is driven by governmental, economic, and social/cultural influences. (2) Social democracy and mixed economies in the Nordic region influence SD differently than the free market system of the United States. (3) The profit-centered, short-term view in the United States impacts SD differently than the longer-term approach in the Nordic region. (4) The egalitarian culture in the Nordic region influences SD differently than the entrepreneurial culture in the United States. The study incorporates a comprehensive literature review, 34 field interviews and research observations in the United States and the Nordic region.Findings – California and the Nordics have similar market economies where SD is largely driven by private sector; however, the role of government more directly influences SD in the Nordic region. Also, the profit-centered, entrepreneurial view of the United States drives innovation in SD based on short-term profitability gains, which ultimately hinders long-term solutions. Alternatively, the egalitarian culture in the Nordic region manifests in more focused and quicker adoption of SD policies. Lastly, the Nordics have a broad range of SD goals and a competitive advantage in key SD technologies. Conversely, California pursues a large variety of technologies without clearly defined goals that tend to be less effective than the Nordic countries.Originality/value of chapter – The chapter identified similarities and differences in SD trends, best practices, policies, and attitudes: California compared to Nordic countries.

Part 1 Scandinavia - past and present: the eight wings of the swan - the geo-politics of the Nordic region nation-building and state-building in the Nordic region, 1809-1944 beyond - why 5+3 and not 2+6 or indeed 8?. Part 2 The Scandinavian party system in developmental perspective: the emergence of the Scandinavian party systems(s) - a basic 2+3 configuration? the historic strengths of the five main party types in the Nordic region - the whys and the wherefores. Part 3 Parties, voters and social - w(h)ither the Scandinavian party system model?: earthquake elections asnd new parties - the unfreezing of the Scandinavian party systems party system in Scandinavian since 1970 - restricted change or general change?. Part 4 A (the) Nordic model?: a Nordic model of - myth or reality? the Nordic welfare model - a case of paradise lost?. Part 5 legislative-executive relations in the Nordic region: a distinctively Scandinavian form of parliamentarism? the dual executive in Iceland and Finland - semi-presidential government in more than name?. Part 6 The Nordic states in their strategic external environment: the origins of the post-war security configuration in Northern Europe security and co-operation in the Nordic region 1949-91 the Nordic states in the New Europe - still reluctant Europeans? the Nordic states on the eve of the new millennium.

This chapter aims to further fruitful conversations about the meaning and implications of coloniality, decoloniality, and decolonisation in the Nordic region. Such a collective endeavour cannot bypass the perspectives and historical experience of people in the Nordic region who are characterised as non-belonging, absent, criminal, and/or barbaric in general, including ‘non-Western’ migrants and refugees, Afro-Nordics, and Muslim communities, as well as the Romani and the Indigenous communities of the region such as the Sami and Inuit. However, much of the decolonial scholarship in the Nordic region approaches coloniality through a poststructuralist and postcolonial lens and reproduces the coloniality of knowledge by ignoring and depoliticising the radical political concepts and projects emanating from the abovementioned peoples in the Nordic region and the colonised regions of the world, resulting in undertheoretisation. On this basis, the chapter argues for the need of reclaiming the political, which involves theorising the materiality of colonial politics in contemporary Nordic societies, including its imperial investments and political economy.

This introductory article opens the thematic issue Spaces of Upset in the Nordic Region. It introduces the contributions of the issue, outlines the concepts that unite them, and discusses the sociolinguistic area in which they are set: the Nordic region. Centering on Denmark, Finland and Sweden, the article offers an overview of some of the sociolinguistic, ideological and political characteristics of the region and the countries it comprises. The Nordic region is widely seen as a paradigm case of social stability, consensus and cohesion. This vision is, however, a mirage. To be sure, upset often lingers below the discursive veneer of Nordic harmony, concord and agreement. Breaking with this outlook, this thematic issue takes a closer look at some of the antipodes of this sociolinguistic and ideological condition. Its contributions engage with ‘spaces of upset’, that is, with manifestations and experiences of sociolinguistic rupture, upheaval or change, in and through which visions of sociolinguistic stability and cohesion are disrupted and challenged. These spaces of upset bear witness to social, ideological and linguistic tensions and changes, be they incipient, enduring or surpassed. They accordingly provide a new take on processes of continuity and change, pointing out the ideological faultlines of the orders they disrupt, or upset.