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Response of extreme North Atlantic midlatitude cyclones to a warmer climate in the GFDL X-SHiELD global storm-resolving model
Get PDFUsing the novel kilometer-scale global storm-resolving model Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory eXperimental System for High-resolution prediction on Earth-to-Local Domains (X-SHiELD), we investigate the impact of a 4 K increase in sea surface temperatures on Northern Hemisphere midlatitude cyclones, during the January 2020–January 2022 period. X-SHiELD simulations reveal a poleward shift in cyclone tracks under warming, consistent with CMIP projections. However, X-SHiELD's high resolution and explicit deep convection allowed for a detailed analysis of the warm and cold sectors, which are instead typically underrepresented in traditional CMIP models. Instead, compositing the 100 most intense midlatitude cyclones in the North Atlantic, we find that the warm sector exhibits statistically significant increases in wind speed and precipitation of up to 15% locally per degree of warming, while changes in the cold sector are less pronounced. This study demonstrates X-SHiELD's potential to provide a realistic-looking perspective into the evolving risks posed by midlatitude cyclones in a warming climate
Environmental conditions affecting global mesoscale convective system occurrence
Get PDFThe ERA5 environments of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), tracked from satellite observations, are assessed over a 20-year period. The use of a large set of MCS tracks allows us to robustly test the sensitivity of the results to factors such as region, latitude, and diurnal cycle.
We aim to provide novel information on environments of observed MCSs for assessments of global atmospheric models, and to improve their ability to simulate MCSs. Statistical analysis of all tracked MCSs is performed in two complementary ways. First, we investigate the environments when an MCS has occurred at different spatial scales before and after MCS formation. Several environmental variables are found to show marked changes before MCS initiation, particularly over land. The vertically integrated moisture flux convergence shows a robust signal across different regions and throughout the diurnal cycle. We also found spatial scale dependence of the environments between 200 and 500 km, providing new evidence of a natural length scale for use with MCS parametrization.
In the second analysis, the likelihood of MCS occurrence for given environmental conditions is evaluated, by considering all environments and determining the probability of being in an MCS core or shield region. These are compared to analogous non-MCS environments, allowing discrimination between conditions suitable for MCS and non-MCS occurrence. Three environmental variables are found to be useful predictors of MCS occurrence: total column water vapour, mid-level relative humidity and total column moisture flux convergence. Such relations could be used as trigger conditions for parametrization of MCSs, thereby strengthening the dependence of the MCS scheme on the environment
Feeling valued as a conversation-specific relational experience: an examination of Buber’s existential dialogical theory
No full textMartin Buber’s dialogical-existential theory posits that the experience of valuing and feeling valued is fundamental to human connection. Three studies were conducted to test this view in everyday social interactions. Study 1 (N = 130; 4,586 interactions) examined the momentary associations between valuing, closeness, and loneliness. Study 2 (N = 256; 5,631 interactions) replicated and extended Study 1 by exploring whether individuals with a relative deficit of connection benefit more from valuing. Study 3 (N = 98 dyads) extended Study 1 by evaluating actorpartner effects of valuing. Findings across studies supported the dialogical model’s emphasis on human valuing. Valuing improved momentary relational outcomes (closeness and loneliness; Studies 1–3) regardless of individual differences in the need to belong (Study 2) and highlights actor–actor over actor–partner effects (Study 3). In all, Buber’s existential approach offers a valuable framework for identifying everyday interactions promoting well-being and meaningful social connection in an increasingly hyperconnected world
Regulating virtual banks: towards a technology-centric regulatory approach
Get PDFThis article examines the legal aspects of virtual banking as a fintech (“Financial Technology”) platform. It emphasizes the need for a thorough review of the regulatory framework governing virtual banking, focusing on its organizational structure, business scope, and operational model. The article argues that the current technology-neutral regulations are inadequate in addressing the long-term effects of technology in the banking sector. Therefore, it proposes a technology-centric framework specifically designed for virtual banking, which would govern the use of devices, software, and online dispute resolution channels. This framework would enable both banks and regulators to regain control over technology implementation, effectively managing virtual banking risks and challenges while ensuring regulatory oversight and accountability. The article is based on extensive legal analysis conducted internationally, with a focus on the Asia region where virtual banking licenses are prevalent, and incorporates insights from interviews with virtual bank executives. The article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the distinctive features of virtual banking and its regulatory landscape, and to identify the need for a tailored framework that safeguards the integrity and security of virtual banking operations
Learning from United Nations Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in Mali's entanglement in counterterrorism
No full textAs the UN and others reflect on the legacy of the recently closed UN Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), this short article discusses one of the more controversial aspects of MINUSMA’s deployment. Namely, the mission’s direct and indirect involvement with efforts to counter terrorism in the Sahel. The article first outlines how MINUSMA navigated a complex operating environment in which other actors sought to defeat terrorism through the use of offensive force. Then the article suggests that in the future UN peace operations step away from providing support for counterterrorism activities
The soil microbial methylome: a tool to explore the role of epigenetic memory in driving soil abiotic legacy effects
Get PDFEpigenetics is a phenomenon whereby a stable hereditable change in gene expression can occur without changing the DNA sequence. DNA methylation (the addition of a methyl group to specific nucleotides in specific DNA motifs) is the most studied epigenetic mechanism and is widely observed in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. We hypothesise that the soil methylome may play an important role in the manifestation of soil abiotic legacy effects, whereby temporary exposure of soil microbial communities to particular environmental conditions influences future soil microbial function. These abiotic legacy effects are important because they underpin the delivery of key ecosystem services in response to global environmental change. Third generation long-read sequencing technologies, such as Pacific Bioscience Single-Molecule Real-Time sequencing (SMRT-seq) and Oxford Nanopore sequencing provide an opportunity to study methylome heterogeneity in complex microbial communities. The simultaneous measurement of epigenetic, transcriptional, and microbial community composition changes may lead to the development of biomarkers of historic environmental stress and a greater understanding of the role of the soil methylome in the resilience of soil microbial communities to future environmental perturbations. It is therefore timely to add the meta-epigenetic layer to the multi-omics analysis of the soil microbiome to advance our understanding of soil abiotic legacy effects
Sick of debt: how over-indebtedness is hampering health in rural Cambodia
Get PDFThis paper evidences how many rural poor Cambodians are sick of debt. Based on
original, mixed-method data (2020-2022), exploring credit provisioning in this context,
the aim of this paper is to illuminate some of the conditions leading to rural
Cambodians taking on debt to bolster their health, and the effects this is having on
borrowers’ physical, psychological, emotional and social health. Specifically, we show
how the health of our participants is constrained by a range of major illnesses that
many suffer from and their poor food conditions, both exacerbated by the effects of
climate change. Against this backdrop, many resort to debt-taking from multiple
sources, including microfinance, as a coping strategy to pay for out-of-pocket health
expenses and to cover food costs. While such loans offer a short-term means of
sustaining health, we show that the extent of debt needed is leading to over-
indebtedness which ultimately undermines health in the longer-term. Debtors are
pushed to make further undue sacrifices to their food, treatment options and living
conditions, specifically to service debt. We show how they are then rendered
vulnerable to being exposed to, and experiencing, the negative effects of health and
economic shocks, as well as to different forms of psychological, physical, emotional,
social, and moral suffering to meet payments. Being sick of debt is especially acute for
overindebted women who take on an increased double shift of productive and
reproductive work to pay loans. While some of the adverse effects of over-
indebtedness are made visible here, we warn that other forms of suffering potentially
remain hidden, and will likely be expressed as longer-term population patterns of ill-
health. In this context, over-indebtedness is hampering the government’s aim of
achieving universal health coverage and interventions are needed that reduce the debt
crisis among the rural poor in order to improve health
The versatility of serine proteases from Brazilian Bothrops venom: their roles in snakebites and drug discovery
Get PDFSerine proteases are multifunctional and versatile venom components found in viper snakes, including the Bothrops species, a widely distributed genus notorious for causing the highest number of snakebites across Latin America. These enzymes, representing a significant fraction of Bothrops venom proteomes, exhibit a wide range of biological activities that influence blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, and inflammation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of serine proteases, with a particular focus on those found in the venom of Brazilian Bothrops snakes. The discussion begins with a summary of snake species found in Brazil and their medical relevance. Specifically addressing the Bothrops genus, this review explores the distribution of these species across Brazilian territory and their associated medical importance. Subsequently, the article investigates the biochemistry of Bothrops venoms and the clinical manifestations induced by envenomation. Finally, it offers an in-depth discussion on the serine proteases, highlighting their biochemical properties, mechanisms of action, and potential therapeutic applications. Furthermore, this review provides an in-depth exploration of the diverse serine proteases found in Bothrops venoms and their functional significance, from thrombin-like effects to potent fibrinogenolytic actions, which determine the clinical manifestations of envenomation. This review delves into the evolutionary adaptations and biochemical diversity of serine proteases in Bothrops venoms, emphasizing their critical roles in venom functionality and the resulting pathophysiological effects. Additionally, it opens new avenues for utilizing these enzymes in biomedical applications, underscoring their potential beyond toxinology
The macroeconomic stabilisation and welfare implications of alternative strategic and fiscal regimes in a monetary union
No full textA standard neo-Keynesian model for a monetary union in structural form, in which the monetary authority and the fiscal authorities strategically interact, is utilised to explore the macroeconomic stabilisation and welfare implications of alternative institutional arrangements under various shocks. Eight alternative institutional arrangements (combinations of strategic and fiscal regimes), five types of structural characteristics on relative policy effectiveness, and seven distinct categories and six types of shocks are considered. The importance of the structural characteristics on relative policy effectiveness in defining the policy-mix outcomes and the macroeconomic stabilisation and welfare implications of the alternative institutional arrangements under various shocks are highlighted. We provide a welfare ranking for the alternative institutional arrangements for each of the authorities involved. A conflict of interest is detected between the monetary and the fiscal authorities when fiscal policy is more effective in stabilising aggregate demand relative to inflation than monetary policy, since the former prefers the simultaneous-move strategic regime with fiscal policies’ (broad) coordination, while the national fiscal authorities prefer the fiscal leadership one, for most types of demand/supply shocks. A social planner always prefers fiscal leadership with broad coordination, irrespective of structural characteristics or categories/types of shocks
