Search Results (581)

Tourism and hospitality organisations in remote, highly seasonal Arctic and sub-Arctic destinations face persistent workforce instability, multicultural team dynamics, and well-being risks that threaten service reliability and organisational continuity. Previous research has focused mainly on destination- and community-level resilience, while giving less attention to how resilience is built within tourism organisations through everyday workforce-related practices. This study examines people-centred organisational resilience through a qualitative comparative design in two northern contexts: Iceland and Finnish Lapland. The empirical material comprised semi-structured interviews in Iceland and interviews, organisational documents, and field observations in Finnish Lapland, collected in autumn 2025. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings identify four recurring resilience mechanisms: leadership under seasonal and environmental pressure; employee experience across employment phases; living conditions and belonging; and ethical governance. Here, “mechanisms” refers not simply to broad topics but to organisational processes through which recurring practices support resilience in remote, highly seasonal tourism settings. Together, these mechanisms show that resilience in remote tourism is built not only through operational flexibility or crisis response, but through people-centred organisational practices that support continuity, coordination, safety, and trust across seasons. The study contributes a workforce-centred extension of resilience theory in tourism and offers a comparative account of how these mechanisms operate across two northern tourism settings. Full article

Understanding long-term hydroclimatic variability in arid and semi-arid regions is essential for sustainable water resource management in the context of accelerating climate change. This study examines historical trends (1950–2024) and data-driven extrapolations to 2040 for precipitation and temperature across 30 secondary river basins in Iran using ERA5 reanalysis dataset and the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) model. Results reveal pronounced spatial heterogeneity in precipitation, with more than two-thirds of basins showing median values of 0 mm, reflecting extreme rainfall intermittency. Long-term analysis indicates significant precipitation increases in northern basins, whereas decadal trends show widespread drying since the early 2000s, particularly in eastern regions (30–60 mm per decade). Mean, maximum, and minimum temperatures exhibit significant upward trends (0.015–0.045 °C yr⁻¹), with stronger warming in northern and northwestern basins; however, minimum temperatures increased faster than maximum temperatures, reducing the diurnal temperature range and indicating a shift in regional thermal dynamics. Maximum temperature is negatively correlated with precipitation (R ≈ −0.27 to −0.34), suggesting enhanced evapotranspiration under warming conditions. LightGBM extrapolations to 2040 indicate continued warming (1–3 °C) and precipitation declines across more than 80% of Iran, underscoring intensifying hydroclimatic stress and increasing challenges for water resource management in dryland environments. Full article

Contemporary European societies face overlapping societal challenges—ecological degradation, immigration pressures, and widening economic inequality—which generate a pervasive climate of uncertainty affecting citizens’ perceptions of their own life conditions. This study investigates how social pessimism, conceptualised as a multidimensional orientation reflecting perceived threats across environmental, migratory, and distributive domains, relates to subjective financial insecurity at the individual level. Drawing on harmonised cross-national data from the CRONOS-II panel (N = 8993), covering eleven European countries, we construct a composite pessimism index and analyse its association with perceived financial strain using multivariate and multilevel regression models. Results demonstrate that individuals who express greater societal pessimism report significantly higher levels of financial insecurity, even after controlling for income, education, employment status, and country-level heterogeneity. This relationship is moderated by socioeconomic position; specifically, the pessimism–insecurity link is strongest among lower-income and less-educated groups, suggesting that material precarity and anticipatory anxiety compound one another. Cross-national analysis reveals substantial variation in effect magnitude, with the strongest associations observed in Hungary, Portugal, and the Czech Republic, and the weakest in Slovenia and Iceland. These findings contribute to the interdisciplinary understanding of how macro-level societal concerns permeate individual wellbeing, demonstrating that subjective economic vulnerability is shaped not only by objective circumstances but also by the broader socio-political climate in which citizens interpret their life situations. The results underscore the need for policies that address both material conditions and the affective dimensions of societal uncertainty in order to strengthen social cohesion and reduce perceived economic risk. Theoretically, we frame social pessimism as a formative composite capturing perceived threat to societal stability, offering an integrative perspective on how structurally distinct societal concerns converge to shape economic subjectivities. Full article

Tactile working memory limits the amount of information that can be processed through touch, with important implications for the design of haptic communication systems. Although visual and auditory working memory have been extensively investigated, tactile working memory, particularly for spatial and spatiotemporal sequences, remains less well understood. The present study examined tactile working memory capacity in two psychophysical experiments. Participants reproduced sequential vibrotactile stimuli delivered to the forearm via a 3 × 3 array of voice-coil actuators by entering responses through keypresses. Both experiments employed an adaptive 3-up/1-down staircase procedure, in which sequence length was adjusted according to response accuracy, and thresholds were estimated from reversal points. In Experiment 1 (Ordered Recall), participants reproduced both the spatial locations and the temporal order of stimulation, yielding a memory capacity threshold of approximately four items. In Experiment 2 (Unordered Recall), participants recalled only the set of stimulated locations without regard to order, resulting in a higher threshold of approximately five items. These results demonstrate that incorporating temporal sequencing demands into spatial recall substantially increases cognitive load and reduces effective tactile memory capacity. The findings clarify fundamental limits of tactile working memory and provide practical guidance for the development of haptic interfaces, wearable feedback systems, and sensory substitution technologies that must balance information complexity with human cognitive constraints. Full article

The life insurance sector plays a critical role in the financial stability of countries due to its long-term liability structure and strong interaction with the financial system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of the life insurance sector in the EU and EEA countries using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. Eight performance criteria reflecting financial stability, profitability, growth, and risk were used in the study. Criterion weights were determined using the Modified Preference Selection Index (MPSI) method, an objective method free from subjective judgments, and the performance ranking of the countries was obtained using the Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) method. The data used in the analysis were obtained from the insurance statistics database published by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA). The findings show that ROE is the most important indicator, and that Cyprus, Hungary, and Iceland exhibit a significant positive difference in the life insurance sector compared to other countries. This study provides a unique contribution to the limited literature on comparative analyses at the country level by examining the performance of the life insurance sector in EU and EEA countries using an objective weighting and integrated ranking approach. The study results reveal important findings for a comparative assessment of life insurance markets from the perspective of regulatory bodies, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. Based on cross-sectional data for 2024, the findings should be interpreted as a framework providing a country-level risk-sensitive performance comparison under varying conditions. Full article

Micronutrient deficiencies in human diets, often exacerbated by soil degradation, pose a significant global health challenge. Glacial flour, fine sediments produced by glacial erosion, may offer a sustainable, low-cost solution to improve soil fertility and enhance micronutrient availability in crops. This study evaluates the potential of glacial flour soil amendments from glaciers with two contrasting lithologies—basaltic Sólheimajökull (Iceland) and metasedimentary Chhota Shigri (Himalaya)—to enrich soybeans (Glycine max var. Black Jet) with essential nutrients while assessing the risk associated with potentially toxic elements. In a controlled glasshouse experiment, soybeans were grown in artificial soils amended with five doses of glacial flour (0.5–20 T ha⁻¹) and analysed for 18 elements. Results demonstrated enhanced uptake of key nutrients such as Zn, Fe, Mo, and Se, particularly in Icelandic glacial flour treatments, supporting the potential for crop biofortification. However, Himalayan flour led to arsenic (As) accumulation at higher doses, exceeding food safety limits. Multivariate clustering revealed two distinct element uptake behaviours: oxyanion-mediated and mimicking elements (Mo, Se, Sr, As) and those driven by plant demand (macronutrients, Fe, Mn, Zn). These findings highlight glacial flour’s potential for nutrient enrichment but also of potentially toxic elements, underscoring the need for source-specific screening to ensure safe agricultural application in deglaciating regions. Full article

While Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are extensively utilized for corporate evaluation, empirical evidence regarding sovereign ESG efficiency remains scarce. Existing national sustainability indices often fail to account for how effectively a nation translates its economic resources into ESG outcomes. This study proposes a two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) framework to evaluate the efficiency of 38 OECD countries in 2020. The national production process is decomposed into two sequential phases: (1) Economic Efficiency, transforming resource inputs (labor and energy) into intermediate economic outputs (GDP and trade openness), and (2) ESG Transformation Efficiency, converting those intermediate outputs into a composite ESG score. A novel quartile-based classification scheme is further applied to categorize countries into strategic groups for benchmarking. Empirical results reveal significant heterogeneity across the OECD. Estonia, Iceland, and Latvia emerge as “Win–Win” benchmarks, demonstrating high efficiency in both economic production and ESG transformation. Conversely, the United States is classified as a “Laissez-faire” member, exhibiting low performance in both stages relative to its capacity. Additionally, second-stage regression analysis indicates that while higher income is negatively associated with ESG transformation efficiency, government effectiveness acts as a significant positive driver. This research contributes a transparent, reproducible framework for sovereign ESG analytics that relates outcomes directly to economic capacity. It provides policymakers with an interpretable benchmarking tool to identify national sustainability gaps and facilitates actionable insights for enhancing public-sector effectiveness in achieving ESG goals. Full article

Transportation remains one of the sectors with the highest GHG emissions in urban areas, forming around a third of household footprints in affluent countries like the Nordics and being the main source of particulate matter emissions in urban areas around the world. This study focuses on the Reykjavík Capital Area in Iceland, which is known for its car-centricity and where modal shift remains a major challenge. The study examines barriers to modal shift to understand why Reykjavík residents are reluctant to change their transport modes away from private cars. The study uses softGIS survey data gathered in 2025 of 1801 respondents. The results show that mobility remains car-dominated, with even regular public and active-mode users owning a car for running errands. The main barriers for switching to public or active modes include long travel distances, high travel time need, an unreliable public transport system, and difficulties running errands. Slight differences emerged between native and non-native residents’ barriers, with the latter being more likely to be impacted by price and connectivity issues. The study further recognizes the potential impact of climate awareness and education, as people with a stronger belief in individual impact on climate were less likely to find these aspects to be a barrier. Full article

Background/Objectives: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a critical indicator of developmental progress, educational engagement, and psychosocial resilience. By identifying both shared and context-specific differences in HRQoL, we aim to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of well-being that can inform the development of assessment approaches and future research tailored to the diverse contexts in which children with disabilities live and learn. Thus, the purpose of this study is to explore HRQoL and its putative influencing factors among youth with multiple disabilities across two distinct cultural settings, the United States and Iceland. Methods: Participants (N = 26; Icelandic = 50%; Mage = 16.34 ± 2.33 years) completed height, weight, the Test of Perceived Physical Competence (TPPC), Supine-to-Stand (STS), Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA), and VISIONS QL. We conducted five, 2 group × 2 sex ANOVA and several independent samples t-tests within groups by sex for our variables of interest. Results: There was a significant difference between Icelandic boys and girls for BMI (p = 0.087, d = 0.65) and STS (p = 0.027, d = 1.04). Conversely, a significant difference was found in the American group between boys and girls for RAPA (p = 0.092, d = 0.81) and TPPC (p = 0.068, d = 0.92). Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that patterns in objective and self-reported health indicators may vary by context. These results highlight the importance of considering both measured performance and self-perceived health when examining HRQoL among adolescents with multiple disabilities, while underscoring the need for further research in larger samples to clarify these relationships. Full article

Background/Objectives: Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) exemplify the vulnerability of Arctic species to global warming and anthropogenic impacts, including habitat loss, interspecific competition with temperate species, pollution (chemical and biological), and declining prey abundance. Despite their ecological importance, the evolutionary and demographic history of the species is still incompletely understood, and the colonization history of isolated island populations, such as the one on Iceland, remains unresolved. Methods: We analyzed 80 mitochondrial genomes from across the Holarctic, including 22 Icelandic individuals. We combined phylogenetic reconstruction, coalescence-dating, haplotype network analysis, and diversity metrics to infer matrilineal relationships and colonization history. Results: Seven distinct haplogroups (Hg.1–Hg.7) were identified, which diverged ≥65 thousand years ago (kya). Two haplogroups were broadly distributed across Fennoscandia, Russia, Iceland, and Canada, while others were region-specific: two in eastern Russia (respectively diverging ~171 kya and ~89 kya), one in central Russia (~66 kya), and two in Iceland (~95 kya and ~66 kya). Three haplogroups were detected in Iceland, and at least four unrelated founding females are required to explain the current matrilineal diversity. One haplogroup contained sufficient representatives for molecular dating, yielding a minimum colonization age of ~5600 years, assuming in situ diversification. Observed matrilineal diversity in Iceland does not uniquely identify a single geographic source. Conclusions: Arctic foxes’ distribution and diversity reflect repeated cycles of isolation and expansion as circumpolar environments shifted. Broader sampling across the Nearctic is critical to clarify the timing, sources, and routes of Iceland’s colonization, as Nearctic sampling was limited to a single Canadian mitogenome. Full article

This study introduces a novel approach to producing carbon-negative food ingredients by integrating phycocyanin extraction from Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) with the application of its residual biomass as a biostimulant for soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. A comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental performance of this integrated system, encompassing geothermally powered Spirulina cultivation, phycocyanin extraction, and the use of the waste stream to enhance SOC in degraded Icelandic soils. Although the cultivation and extraction processes are associated with environmental impacts, the SOC sequestration resulting from biostimulant application more than offsets these burdens—yielding a net-carbon-negative natural food colorant under the assumptions applied in this study (−1.60 tCO₂-eq per color unit). This work highlights the potential for such ingredients to contribute meaningfully to Scope 3 emission reductions, in line with science-based targets and the GHG Protocol. Traditionally, food pigments have been overlooked in carbon accounting due to their low inclusion rates and perceived minimal contribution to overall product footprints. This study reframes natural colorants as strategic levers for climate action, offering a pathway for food manufacturers to advance decarbonization while transitioning toward more sustainable, bio-based ingredients. Full article

Introductory environmental science courses offer non-STEM students an entry point to address global challenges such as climate change and cryosphere preservation. Aligned with the International Year of Glacier Preservation and the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, this mixed-method, IRB-exempt study applied the Curriculum Redesign and Artificial Intelligence-Facilitated Transformation (CRAFT) model for course redesign. The project leveraged a human-centered AI approach to create anthropomorphized, place-based narratives for online learning. Generative AI is used to amend immersive virtual learning environments (VLEs) that animate glacial forces (water, rock, and elemental cycles) through narrative-driven virtual reality (VR) experiences. Students explored Iceland’s Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon via self-guided field simulations led by an imaginary water droplet, designed to foster environmental awareness and a sense of place. Data collection included a five-point Likert-scale survey and thematic coding of student comments. Findings revealed strong positive sentiment: 87.1% enjoyment of the imaginaries, 82.5% agreement on supporting connection to places, and 82.0% endorsement of their role in reinforcing spatial and systems thinking. Thematic analysis confirmed that anthropomorphic imaginaries enhanced emotional engagement and conceptual understanding of glacial processes, situating glacier preservation within geographic and global contexts. This AI-enhanced, multimodal approach demonstrates how narrative-based VR can make complex cryospheric concepts accessible for non-STEM learners, promoting early engagement with climate science and environmental stewardship. Full article

This study examines teachers’ awareness, experiences, and perceptions concerning Ocean Literacy (OL), with particular emphasis on their knowledge levels and the pedagogical, structural, and institutional challenges associated with integrating OL into formal education. Since the early 2000s, the concept of Ocean Literacy has been defined as understanding the ocean’s influence on humans and humans’ influence on the ocean. The paper draws on work conducted within the Erasmus+ project Sea Tales, one of whose aims was to explore and deepen understanding of Ocean Literacy. Employing a cross-cultural comparative design, this research analyses how OL is conceptualised and enacted within educational contexts in Iceland, Greece, Portugal, and Romania. A mixed-methods methodology was adopted, comprising a systematic literature review, country-specific investigations, co-design sessions with educators and relevant OL stakeholders, and a large-scale teacher survey (N = 266). Findings indicate a pronounced discrepancy between teachers’ high motivation to incorporate OL and the limited institutional and pedagogical support available to them. The study advocates for the development of a holistic, flexible, and multi-tiered teacher training framework that is responsive to contextual constraints, offers accessible and ready-to-use materials, and provides differentiated pathways that cater to both novice and experienced educators. Full article

The Southwest Asia Anticyclone (SWAA) plays a pivotal role in governing the regional precipitation regime. This study analyzes the structure and spatiotemporal variability of the SWAA core at the 850, 700, and 500 hPa levels, and its relationship with precipitation across Southwest Asia. Monthly precipitation and geopotential height (HGT) data were obtained from ERA5 reanalysis with a 0.25° spatial resolution over 1940–2023. The results showed that in September the SWAA core migrates from northwestern and western Saudi Arabia, shifting southward during colder periods and retreating landward in warmer periods. At 850 hPa, the core is absent during June–August, while at 700 hPa it is positioned over the southeastern Caspian Sea. The SWAA has intensified in recent decades, and its directional shifts exert a marked influence on precipitation variability: northeastward, eastward, southeastward, and southward displacements enhance rainfall, whereas northward, northwestward, and westward movements suppress it. Overall, the intensity and positioning of the SWAA are strongly linked to precipitation patterns in Southwest Asia. These findings contribute to refining precipitation and climate projections and offer practical implications for water resource management and agricultural planning in the region. Full article

Recent scholarship has called for greater attention to white supremacy. This is closely linked to broader efforts to foreground the structural and institutional dimensions of racism. In the Nordic context, such a perspective challenges longstanding assumptions of exceptionalism by highlighting the historical and contemporary presence of coloniality and racism in the Nordic countries. This article examines the concept of white supremacy in relation to the Nordic countries, arguing that white supremacy has constituted a longstanding feature of Nordic societies and that the erasure of Indigenous concerns and voices presents one way in which white supremacy has been expressed. It uses two recent cases involving artist production connected to Iceland, Kalaallit Nunaat, and Denmark to analyze the links between the past and the present. The historical embedded analysis of these cases demonstrates that white supremacy has been an enduring feature of Nordic societies. Nordic Indigenous critiques, as well as discussions concerning Indigenous people within and beyond the Nordic countries, reveal thus how white supremacy operates through everyday structural and institutional practices in the Nordic context. These findings underscore the importance of addressing white supremacy as a pervasive and normalized aspect of Nordic social and political life. Full article