Economic Co-operation Across the Finnish-Russian Border - Factors of Sluggish Development and Success of Enterprises

The post-Cold War era in Europe in the 1990s has caused people to recognize the complexity of economic development and economic co-operation. The opening of borders has not always meant an increase cross-border economic activities in general. On the contrary, the adverse socio-economic development of many border areas has been unanticipated. The Finnish-Russian border is one example of this dissonance. This paper analyses the operation of Finnish companies in economic activities in Russia during the 1990s. The study investigates barriers to the Finnish- Russian trade, economic co-operation and foreign direct investment (FDI). A micro level approach is applied aiming to find out what is the role of institutions, mental boundaries and pure economic factors in this border-crossing development process. The authors have chosen the mining company Pechenganickel and its employees in two Russian mining towns on the Kola Peninsula, Nikel and Zapolyarnyj, as their case study objects for the research. The employees in Nikel and Pechenga are very conducive to foreign co-operation. Mental barriers are low, at least compared with the outlook of Finns to Russians. The economic activities of two Finnish companies in Russia have been studied. One of the case study companies, Outokumpu, has operated as a supplier of technological know-how to Russia and has investigated various investment projects there. The strategy has been cautious and no acquisitions or notable FDI have been executed. Institutionalists blame high bureaucracy and complicated custom regulations for the low level of cross-border trade and co-operation. Are there more important causes beyond those factors? Is it just lacking demand and the disadvantageous location of economic activities, which matter in border areas? Such argument can be supported as well. This is illustrated by the success of the Baltic Beverage Holding AB (BBH). This beer producer has a market share of 23 per cent in Russia and 40-50 per cent in the Baltic States, and the growth continues. BBH's success proves that in certain fields and markets there are no insuperable institutional barriers for foreign companies in the economies of those countries. The study concludes that the main causes for sluggish development development in many sectors seem to be demand-driven and structural (and spatio-structural). The collapse of the former economic system brought about such a deep and unanticipated decline that not all the companies could properly cope with. Nevertheless, the study shows that there is potential for trade and FDI to Russia in the future

Yhtenäinen ja sitkeä Suomi rauhan puolella:talvisota, jatkosota ja Lapin sota keskikoulun ja peruskoulun historian oppikirjoissa 1960–1990-luvuilla

Tiivistelmä. Yhtenäinen ja sitkeä Suomi rauhan puolella. Talvisota, jatkosota ja Lapin sota keskikoulun ja peruskoulun oppikirjoissa 1960–1990-luvuilla Tutkielmassani selvitin, miten keskikoulun ja peruskoulun historian oppikirjat kertoivat talvisodasta, jatkosodasta ja Lapin sodasta 1960–1990-luvuilla ja miksi niiden kuvaus oli tällainen. Tarkastelin myös, millaisia muutoksia sotien käsittelyssä oli nähtävillä. Lisäksi tarkastelin sitä, kuinka opetussuunnitelmien tavoitteet näkyivät sotien käsittelytavoissa oppikirjoissa ja miten tutkimusajanjaksolla tehty historiantutkimus vaikutti oppikirjoihin. Tutkielma toteutettiin laadullisen sisällönanalyysin metodisin keinoin. Lähdeaineistona toimivat tutkimusajanjakson historian oppikirjat ja kokeilumonisteet. Otos edusti kolmea oppikirjasukupolvea aihepiirin tutkimuksessa aiemmin tehdyn jaottelun mukaisesti. Lisäksi otos oli järjestetty neljään kronologisesti jaoteltuun kategoriaan, joka huomioi oppikirjasukupolvet ja opetussuunnitelmien muutokset. Opetussuunnitelman uudistumisen myötä markkinoille tuli merkittävästi uusia oppikirjoja. Otos edustaa laajasti aikansa suomalaisia historian oppikirjoja keski- ja peruskouluissa. Lähdeaineistoa valitessa huomioin eri kustantajat ja molemmat kotimaiset kielet. Otos tarjosi luotettavan yleiskuvauksen suomalaisten keskikoulun ja peruskoulun historian oppikirjojen kuvauksista Suomesta toisessa maailmansodassa 1960–1990-lukujen välisenä aikana. Kertomus talvisodasta välittyi päänarratiiviltaan samankaltaisena keskikoulun ja peruskoulun oppikirjoista historiaa opiskelleille koululaisille: Suomen selviytymisenä itsenäisenä sodasta ylivoimaista vihollista vastaan yhteen hiileen puhaltamalla. Peruskoulun alkuvaiheessa koulunsa käyneille kirjat välittivät sävyltään hieman muista poikkeavaa kertomusta, Neuvostoliiton näkemyksen talvisodasta korostuessa. mutta kansan sitkeys ja yhtenäisyys pysyivät kertomuksen sanomana. Sävyn muutoksen taustalla 1970-luvun oppikirjoissa oli yhteiskunnan voimakas suomettuminen, joka heijastui tutkimuksen ja opetussuunnitelmien hengen kautta myös peruskoulun oppikirjoihin. Jatkosodan kuvausten merkittävin muutos tapahtui peruskouluun siirryttäessä, jolloin ajopuuteoria jäi taka-alalle. Keskikoulun oppikirjat välittivät lukijoilleen kertomuksen jatkosodasta suurvaltojen aiheuttamana konfliktina, johon Suomi joutui vastoin tahtoaan mukaan. Peruskoulun oppikirjoissa jatkosota kuvattiin Suomen hyökkäyssotana, tosin pääsiassa aikomuksella lunastaa takaisin menettämänsä alueet ja saada paremmat rauhanehdot. Jatkosodan osalta pysyvä elementti oli suomalaisten rauhantahdon korostaminen ja sodasta irrottautumista tulkittiin kirjoissa yhtenevästi, vaikka kuvaus sen syistä muuttui. Sotahistorian uudet näkökulmat muuttivat jatkosodan ja Lapin sodan tutkimusta 1970-luvulla. Tavallisen kansan kokemukset alkoivat kiinnostaa tutkijoita ilmiönä entistä enemmän, mikä lisäsi Lapin sotaa koskevaa tutkimusta. Tutkimusote kasvoi 1980–1990-luvuilla, jolloin oppikirjojen kuvauksissa tapahtui muutos. Lapin sota esitettiin oppikirjoissa 1980-luvulle asti pääosin jatkosodan loppunäytöksenä, kuvausten kertoessa pääasiassa lyhyesti taisteluiden kulusta. Yhteiskunnallisten elementtien tullessa keskiöön sotahistorian tutkimuksessa alettiin Lapin sodasta kertoa laajemmin siviilinäkökulmasta 1980-luvulta lähtien. Yhteistä kaikkien sotien käsittelylle oli tavallisen kansan historian kerronnan lisääntyminen vähitellen koko tutkimusajanjakson aikana. Tämä ilmeni oppikirjojen tekstikuvauksista, mutta ennen kaikkea kuvituksista. Mahdollinen jatkotutkimus voisi kohdistua kokijoihin — opettajiin ja oppilaisiin. Ilmiötä voitaisiin tutkia laajemmin selvittämällä opettajien ja oppilaiden kokemuksia historianopetuksesta ja oppikirjojen välittämästä kertomuksesta esimerkiksi tämän otoksen ajanjaksolla

Constraining the top-light initial mass function in the extended ultraviolet disk of M83

The universality or non-universality of the initial mass function (IMF) has significant implications for determining star formation rates and star formation histories from photometric properties of stellar populations. We reexamine whether the IMF is deficient in high-mass stars (top-light) in the low-density environment of the outer disk of M83 and constrain the shape of the IMF therein. Using archival Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) far ultraviolet (FUV) and near ultraviolet (NUV) data and new deep OmegaCAM narrowband H$\alpha$ imaging, we constructed a catalog of FUV-selected objects in the outer disk of M83. We counted H$\alpha$-bright clusters and clusters that are blue in FUV$-$NUV in the catalog, measured the maximum flux ratio $F_{\mathrm{H}\alpha}/f_{\lambda \mathrm{FUV}}$ among the clusters, and measured the total flux ratio $\Sigma F_{\mathrm{H}\alpha}/\Sigma f_{\lambda \mathrm{FUV}}$ over the catalog. We then compared these measurements to predictions from stellar population synthesis models made with a standard Salpeter IMF, truncated IMFs, and steep IMFs. We also investigated the effect of varying the assumed internal extinction on our results. We are not able to reproduce our observations with models using the standard Salpeter IMF or the truncated IMFs. It is only when assuming an average internal extinction of $0.10 < A_{\mathrm{V}} < 0.15$ in the outer disk stellar clusters that models with steep IMFs ($\alpha > 3.1$) simultaneously reproduce the observed cluster counts, the maximum observed $F_{\mathrm{H}\alpha}/f_{\lambda \mathrm{FUV}}$, and the observed $\Sigma F_{\mathrm{H}\alpha}/\Sigma f_{\lambda \mathrm{FUV}}$. Our results support a non-universal IMF that is deficient in high-mass stars in low-density environments.Comment: 18 pages, 15 figures, accepted to Astronomy & Astrophysic

Effects of overstory tree density, site preparation, and ground vegetation on natural Scots pine seedling emergence and survival in northern boreal pine forests

Natural regeneration is a commonly used forest regeneration method in northern Finland. It is not known, however, what would be the optimal overstory density and ground vegetation composition for seedling emergence and survival, and if site preparation is needed to accompany overstory density manipulation. We studied the effects of overstory density (unthinned control and thinning to 50,150, and 250 trees.ha(-1)) and ground vegetation removal (mechanical site preparation with disc trenching) on the number of naturally germinated pine seedlings and survival of individual seedlings over a period of 8 to 11 years. Bare mineral soil was a superior seedbed compared to intact vegetation cover, even though the mortality rate was high on mineral soil. Greater cover of lingonberry, crowberry, and slash had a negative effect on seedling number. Seedling mortality was initially high (60% died during the first 2 years) but decreased throughout the first 5 years. The survival rate of seedlings located in the mineral soil of the upper part of the disc trencher track was twice as high as that of seedlings located in the lower part of the track. High coverage of hair mosses (Polytrichum spp.) was associated with poorer seedling survival. An overstory density of 50-150 trees.ha(-1) with site preparation seems to be an efficient treatment to promote regeneration under these circumstances

Current state of terrestrial ecosystems in the joint Norwegian, Russian and Finnish border area

Appendix 15/15 of the publication "State of the environment in the Norwegian, Finnish and Russian border area 2007" (The Finnish Environment 6/2007)

Vulnerability of groundwater resources to interaction with river water in a boreal catchment

A low-altitude aerial infrared (AIR) survey was conducted to identify hydraulic connections between aquifers and rivers and to map spatial surface temperature patterns along boreal rivers. In addition, the stable isotopic compositions (delta O-18, delta D), dissolved silica (DSi) concentrations and electrical conductivity of water in combination with AIR data were used as tracers to verify the observed groundwater discharge into the river system in a boreal catchment. Based on low temperature anomalies in the AIR survey, around 370 groundwater discharge sites were located along the main river channel and its tributaries (203 km altogether). On the basis of the AIR survey, the longitudinal temperature patterns of the studied rivers differed noticeably. The stable isotopes and DSi composition revealed major differences between the studied rivers. The groundwater discharge locations identified in the proximity of 12 municipal water intake plants during the low-flow seasons should be considered as potential risk areas for water intake plants during flood periods (groundwater quality deterioration due to bank infiltration), and should be taken under consideration in river basin management under changing climatic situations.Peer reviewe

Vertical distribution of zooplankton in a shallow peatland pond: the limiting role of dissolved oxygen

We investigated the diel vertical distribution patterns of microcrustacean zooplankton (Cladocera, Copepoda) in a shallow pond (max. depth: 70 cm) of the Öreg-turján peatland (Ócsa, Central Hungary) during three 24-h periods in July (19–20th), August (17–18th) and September (11–12th) 2011. Environmental variables showed remarkable vertical stratification. Oxygen concentration was close to zero in the entire water column from night until sunrise, while the lower strata (from 20 cm below the surface) were close to anoxic during all three diel cycles. It proved to be the main determinant of the vertical distribution of microcrustaceans. Accordingly, the highest proportion of individuals was present in the surface layer. Chlorophyll-a concentration and phytoplankton biomass were inversely distributed compared to zooplankton. Microcrustaceans (mainly Daphnia curvirostris) migrated to the middle layer only in August, which could be explained by a trade-off between food resources, dissolved oxygen (DO) and competition with littoral zooplankters. The diurnal density patterns of microcrustaceans suggested horizontal migration into the aquatic macrophytes during night, which could be a strategy to avoid Chaoborus predation. Our results show that strong vertical gradients of abiotic and biotic factors occur even in such shallow waterbodies. Among them, DO can maintain constant vertical aggregation of zooplankters by limiting their occurrence to the surface layers

TET proteins regulate the lineage specification and TCR-mediated expansion of iNKT cells

TET proteins oxidize 5-methylcytosine in DNA to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and other oxidation products. We found that simultaneous deletion of Tet2 and Tet3 in mouse CD4+CD8+ double-positive thymocytes resulted in dysregulated development and proliferation of invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells). Tet2-Tet3 double-knockout (DKO) iNKT cells displayed pronounced skewing toward the NKT17 lineage, with increased DNA methylation and impaired expression of genes encoding the key lineage-specifying factors T-bet and ThPOK. Transfer of purified Tet2-Tet3 DKO iNKT cells into immunocompetent recipient mice resulted in an uncontrolled expansion that was dependent on the nonclassical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) protein CD1d, which presents lipid antigens to iNKT cells. Our data indicate that TET proteins regulate iNKT cell fate by ensuring their proper development and maturation and by suppressing aberrant proliferation mediated by the T cell antigen receptor (TCR)

A randomised placebo-controlled double-blind multicentre trial comparing antibiotic therapy with placebo in the treatment of uncomplicated acute appendicitis: APPAC III trial study protocol

Introduction Recent studies show that antibiotic therapy is safe and feasible for CT-confirmed uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Spontaneous resolution of acute appendicitis has already been observed over a hundred years ago. In CT-confirmed uncomplicated acute diverticulitis (left-sided appendicitis), studies have shown no benefit from antibiotics compared with symptomatic treatment, but this shift from antibiotics to symptomatic treatment has not yet been widely implemented in clinical practice. Recently, symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated acute appendicitis has been demonstrated in a Korean open-label study. However, a double-blinded placebo-controlled study to illustrate the role of antibiotics and spontaneous resolution of uncomplicated acute appendicitis is still lacking.Methods and analysis The APPAC III (APPendicitis ACuta III) trial is a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, superiority randomised study comparing antibiotic therapy with placebo in the treatment CT scan-confirmed uncomplicated acute appendicitis aiming to evaluate the role of antibiotics in the resolution of uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Adult patients (18–60 years) with CT scan-confirmed uncomplicated acute appendicitis (the absence of appendicolith, abscess, perforation and tumour) will be enrolled in five Finnish university hospitals.Primary endpoint is success of the randomised treatment, defined as resolution of acute appendicitis resulting in discharge from the hospital without surgical intervention within 10 days after initiating randomised treatment (treatment efficacy). Secondary endpoints include postintervention complications, recurrent symptoms after treatment up to 1 year, late recurrence of acute appendicitis after 1 year, duration of hospital stay, sick leave, treatment costs and quality of life. A decrease of 15 percentage points in success rate is considered clinically important difference. The superiority of antibiotic treatment compared with placebo will be analysed using Fisher’s one-sided test and CI will be calculated for proportion difference.Ethics and dissemination This protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Turku University Hospital and the Finnish Medicines Agency (FIMEA). The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed academic journals.</div

Brain Basis of Psychopathy in Criminal Offenders and General Population.

Psychopathy is characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, impaired empathy, and egotistical traits. These traits vary also in normally functioning individuals. Here, we tested whether such antisocial personalities are associated with similar structural and neural alterations as those observed in criminal psychopathy. Subjects were 100 non-convicted well-functioning individuals, 19 violent male offenders, and 19 matched controls. Subjects underwent T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and viewed movie clips with varying violent content during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Psychopathic traits were evaluated with Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (controls) and Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (offenders). Psychopathic offenders had lower gray matter density (GMD) in orbitofrontal cortex and anterior insula. In the community sample, affective psychopathy traits were associated with lower GMD in the same areas. Viewing violence increased brain activity in periaqueductal grey matter, thalamus, somatosensory, premotor, and temporal cortices. Psychopathic offenders had increased responses to violence in thalamus and orbitofrontal, insular, and cingulate cortices. In the community sample, impulsivity-related psychopathy traits were positively associated with violence-elicited responses in similar areas. We conclude that brain characteristics underlying psychopathic spectrum in violent psychopathy are related to those observed in well-functioning individuals with asocial personality features