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Reshoring to survive? The other side of de-globalization
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As the costs of global production fragmentation rise, advanced economies have introduced policies that promote the relocation of previously offshored tasks back to the home country, encouraging investment in automation and green technologies. However, the evidence on reshoring remains limited. Drawing on Antràs (De-globalisation? Global value chains in the post-COVID-19 age. National Bureau of Economic Research: Technical report, 2020), we offer a conceptual framework to understand why firms reshore and why such decisions remains relatively rare. Value chains are “sticky”, particularly for large firms, and investment in automation implies new costs to firms already burdened by rising offshoring costs. As a result, globalization shocks have uneven impacts, varying by firm size and their ability to manage both explicit and “hidden” costs of offshoring. For larger firms, automation-driven reshoring may not be as profitable as alternatives like “nearshoring” or “friendshoring.” In contrast, smaller and less internationally exposed firms may turn to reshoring to contain losses—ultimately, to survive
Landslides in the Northern Darjeeling District, India: investigating dataset choice, international partnerships, and the use of global scale forecasting models for medium range prediction
Get PDFThis thesis explores landslide hazards within the framework of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and the
United Nations' initiatives, "Warnings for All" and "Information for All," aligned with the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
Research Chapter I investigates the integration of global-scale landslide inventories (LSIs) to address
data gaps and limitations in the Global South. LSIs are critical for hazard analysis, yet their availability
and accessibility are limited. Using geospatial techniques and data integration methods, this chapter
combines global LSIs to improve spatial and temporal coverage. The results demonstrate an increase
in the number of recorded landslide events and provide a foundation for analysing global landslide
trends and identifying vulnerable regions. However, the findings reveal significant limitations in
applying global LSIs at the local scale. In the Darjeeling district of the Northeastern Indian Himalayas,
gaps in spatial and temporal coverage highlight the inadequacy of current freely available datasets
for localised hazard assessment. Recommendations emphasise collaborative and equiTable
approaches to recording, maintaining, and sharing global landslide inventories to support DRR
strategies.
Research Chapter II focuses on identifying historical landslides in the data-scarce Darjeeling district
using ECMWF Re-Analysis 5th Generation (ERA5) total precipitation data and predefined intensity-duration (ID) thresholds. Combining findings from Chapter I with ERA5 data, this explores the
potential of integrating meteorological datasets for landslide early warning systems. The analysis
identifies "wet day" events and evaluates conditions preceding historical landslides recorded in the
combined LSI. However, the approach is hindered by the lack of comprehensive landslide records,
which limits the skill of the ID threshold method. The study underscores the need for improved
landslide monitoring to enhance predictive capabilities.
In conclusion, this thesis highlights the importance of integrating datasets to advance global and
local landslide understanding. By aligning with the UN’s agenda, this research advocates for more
inclusive and equiTable DRR practices
Using solar wind data assimilation results to drive dynamic solar wind models
Get PDFA coupled modelling framework is often used to forecast the near-Earth solar wind conditions. This consists of a coronal model for close to the Sun and a heliospheric model for propagating the solar wind out to Earth. The coronal model is initialised using photospheric magnetic field observations and beyond this, there are no further observational constraints. Models are therefore essentially free-running, and so large errors can propagate through the model, reducing the accuracy of forecasts. Data assimilation is a technique that combines model output with observations to form an optimum estimation of reality. In the context of space weather forecasting, we can assimilate observations from orbiting spacecraft, which can be used to adjust the inner boundary of the heliospheric model.
Previous work using solar wind data assimilation has made use of the Magnetohydrodynamics Around a Sphere (MAS) coronal model; however, the Wang-Sheeley-Arge (WSA) model is more commonly used operationally. In this work, we present how the Burger Radius Variational Data Assimilation (BRaVDA) scheme can be used with the WSA model to produce an updated inner boundary condition for the Heliospheric Upwind Extrapolation with time-dependence (HUXt) model. This involves processing the BRaVDA output, as this would be required for use in any solar wind model, and how the output can be used to modify the WSA map for use in 3D physics-based models. We find that BRaVDA can help with WSA bias correction and show that using the optimum level of processing can lead to improved solar wind forecasts
A climatological baseline for understanding patterns of seasonal lake dynamics across sub-Sahelian Africa
Get PDFLakes in sub-Sahelian Africa are facing growing ecological threats from climate change and human, yet most research has focused on a handful of well-known large lakes. This study analyses 137 lakes, many previously understudied, and identifies consistent seasonal co-variability patterns across meteorological variables, satellite-derived lake physical and biogeochemical variables, and morphological and anthropogenic characteristics. We identify four distinct clusters of lakes, shaped by the atmospheric variability and its synchrony with water temperature seasonality. Within each cluster, we observe three seasonal patterns of chlorophyll-a concentration tied to wet and dry seasons. These patterns align with regional climatic threats in Africa, such as shifts in rainfall seasonality, altered frequency of tropical cyclones and wildfires, thus positioning our study as a framework to assess lake vulnerability across the sub-Sahelian region
Exploring tomato farmers’ knowledge and adaptation practices to climate change: insights from Chinsali district, Zambia
Get PDFClimate change poses a severe threat to agriculture in developing nations, with smallholder farmers in Zambia being particularly vulnerable. This study examined the knowledge and awareness of climate change among tomato farmers in Chinsali District, Zambia, and evaluated the adaptive practices used to mitigate its effects on tomato production. Using non-probability convenience sampling, structured questionnaires were administered to 40 farmers to collect quantitative data. The results revealed a gender imbalance, with 82.5% male participants, likely due to the high capital demands of tomato farming, which limit female and youth participation. While 64.9% of respondents were highly aware of climate change, mainly informed by radio, only 5.5% rated their knowledge as very good. Farmers reported noticeable shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns and relied on measures such as drought-resistant seeds and irrigation systems. These adaptations were constrained by limited financial resources and inadequate extension services. To strengthen resilience, there is a need to improve access to climate-resilient inputs, expand extension support, and provide financial assistance through subsidies or microloans. Enhanced climate change education and farmer cooperatives can further boost adaptive capacity. The study underscores the importance of targeted interventions to support sustainable tomato production amid climate-related challenges
Elevated autistic features in Parkinson’s disease and other motor disorders
Get PDFBiological accounts have suggested an overlap between Parkinson’s disease and autism despite their being studied largely at opposite ends of the life course. Characterising this overlap can identify potentially shared aetiologies and care pathways for these conditions. However, this overlap has so far only been tested in older autistic adults who show greater Parkinson’s disease traits. The converse has not been directly assayed, that is, if adults with Parkinson’s disease have higher autistic features. This preregistered study addressed this gap in the literature by asking whether adults with Parkinson’s disease manifest elevated autistic traits. To test whether any such overlap might be unique to Parkinson’s disease, we included two control groups: (1) people without any parkinsonism but with motor disability of neurological or neurovascular origin (other motor disorders), and (2) typically ageing controls with no motor disorders. We tested N = 330 participants (equal numbers of Parkinson’s disease, other motor disorders and typically ageing controls) on their autistic traits and cognitive abilities. Clinical diagnoses were verified through a tertiary neurology clinic. Higher autistic traits were noted in both Parkinson’s disease and other motor disorder groups compared to the typically ageing controls, suggesting an association between motor disorders and dimensional autistic traits. Exploratory analyses revealed a clear pattern of results in males, where Parkinson’s disease was associated with the highest autistic traits, followed by the other motor disorders, and then by the typically ageing group. No such pattern was observed in females. These results are not explained by differences in language or age or reporter effects. This new evidence suggests a sex-specific overlap between these conditions and highlights the need for accounting for elevated autistic features in planning support for males with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders
The pitfalls of ectomycorrhizal microcosms: lessons learnt for future success
Get PDFMycorrhizal fungi are known to support their host plants by facilitating nutrient acquisition and enhancing resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. However, the possibility that they also convey structural information about the soil has not yet been tested. Here, we attempted to investigate whether ectomycorrhizal hyphae could guide root growth in response to physical obstacles by using Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Suillus granulatus in a microcosm experiment fitted with U-shaped silicone mazes. Despite initial success in achieving ectomycorrhizal colonisation (88% of the inoculated seedlings), the fungi failed to produce the expected hyphal networks. Extensive and unexpected root growth rendered the system unsuitable for testing our hypothesis. Furthermore, structural issues with the microcosms compromised substrate integrity, possibly inhibiting fungal development. While our results were inconclusive, this report highlights challenges associated with replicating classical ectomycorrhizal experiments, underscoring the need for methodological refinement. We provide detailed recommendations and methodological clarifications that may aid future research. Although our initial hypothesis could not be tested, we argue that traditional microcosm experiments retain potential for advancing our understanding of mycorrhizal ecology, provided they are critically revisited and technically improved. Negative results, when well contextualised, are valuable contributions toward more robust and reproducible experimental frameworks
Unlocking the potential of willow condensed tannins: effects on rumen fermentation, microbiome, and metabolome for sustainable ruminant nutrition
Get PDFBackground: Sustainable livestock production is essential for meeting the growing global protein demand while minimising environmental impacts. Exploring alternative forages that enhance nutrient utilisation and reduce reliance on imported feeds is a potential strategy. Condensed tannins (CTs) can bind to proteins in the rumen, protecting them from ruminal degradation resulting in decreased ammoniacal N and enhanced nitrogen uptake in the hindgut. This pioneering research is the first to explore the potential of willow (Salix) as an alternative feed for ruminant nutrition. The study involved feeding ewe hoggets a control grass silage (SIL) or a SIL mix containing a 20% dry matter (DM) dietary inclusion of leaves from two willow varieties to investigate the impact the willow CTs have on rumen fermentation, microbial populations, and metabolomic profiles. Willow treatments: Beagle (BG) and Terra Nova (TN) had an overall CT inclusion (CTI) of 1.1 and 0.1% DM with the control diet containing no CTs in a three-treatment x three-period Latin square design.
Results: Although total dry matter and fibre intake were higher in BG and TN, there was no significant difference in ruminal CH4 production between the treatments. However, fermentation was affected, with BG and TN showing lower acetate production and reduced total volatile fatty acid production compared to SIL. CTs may have impaired fibre digestion, as SIL had higher Fibrobacter abundance than BG. Heatmap visualisation indicated higher carbohydrate metabolite concentrations in SIL, with reduced metabolism observed in TN and BG. Ruminal ammonia did not differ significantly among treatments, despite higher nitrogen intake in BG and TN treatments. Proteolytic bacteria levels were similar across treatments, but TN and BG had higher ruminal metabolites associated with protein metabolism upon visualisation through heatmap analysis. TN showed higher abundance of Prevotella and Fibrobacter than BG, which had 10 times higher CT content and a greater prodelphinidin proportion.
Conclusion: Feeding CT-containing willow enhanced feed intake, altered rumen microbiome composition and suggested visual changes in the analysis of protein metabolism, offering potential benefits for animal performance. While a reduction in CH4 was not observed, this study highlights the potential of willow to alter ruminant nutrition while supporting sustainable agricultural practices
Towards everyday conceptions of justice in community-led planning
Get PDFThis paper draws upon a novel analytical framework to review a sample of community-led plans produced across the four nations of the United Kingdom. It explores how communities interpret issues of (in)justice and how they seek to address them. Focusing on plans produced by communities categorised as more deprived, the analysis shows that discussions of abstracted notions of equality, diversity and inclusion are almost entirely absent, with communities more likely to focus on tangible issues of local importance such as access to affordable housing, health and service provision. The paper concludes by exploring the implications of these findings for understandings of justice
Diverse nanostructures and antimicrobial activity of lipopeptides bearing lysine-rich tripeptide sequences
Get PDFThe self-assembly and conformation in aqueous solution and bioactivity of three lipopeptides bearing lysine-rich tripeptide sequences are compared for C 16 -KFK, C 16 -KWK, and C 16 -KYK, where C 16 denotes an N-terminal hexadecyl (palmitoyl) chain. The central aromatic residue has a significant effect on the self-assembled nanostructures, since C 16 -KFK forms nanotubes, whereas the other two lipopeptides form nanotapes. The nanotubes and nanotapes are built from lipopeptide bilayers, as confirmed by small-angle X-ray scattering. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and thioflavin T dye fluorescence show the presence of β-sheet structures, and the latter technique was used to determine critical aggregation concentrations (CACs). Fibre X-ray diffraction for C 16 -KFK shows a well-defined helical diffraction pattern arising from the helically wrapped bilayers in the nanotube walls. The lipopeptides act as surfactants, as confirmed by surface tension measurements (also used to determine CAC values). All three lipopeptides show minimal cytotoxicity to human fibroblasts but also, unexpectedly, low activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, in contrast to previously studied analogues (with switch of two residues) C 16 -WKK and C 16 -YKK that show significant antimicrobial action with low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values [A. Adak et al. , ACS Appl. Bio Mater. , 2024, 7 , 5553–5565]. Also in contrast to these molecules (which show a transition from micelles to fibrils upon increasing the pH), C 16 -KFK, C 16 -KWK, and C 16 -KYK form extended β-sheet structures over the whole pH range examined (pH 2–8). These observations point to the remarkable sensitivity to the tripeptide pattern of lipopeptide self-assembly and antibacterial activity. Whereas the C 16 -XKK (X = W or Y) lipopeptides form cylindrical fibrils, the C 16 -KXK analogues form bilayer nanotapes. The former show significant toxicity to bacteria in contrast to the latter, which we propose is due to the effect of the lipopeptide assembly curvature on induced bacterial membrane deformation