Regulating Sustainable Economics

This chapter fills in the gap, presents an analysis of renewable energy policies in a set of countries, and assesses how renewable energy may assist in efforts towards reducing poverty and promoting human well-being. A comparative analysis of the emphasis given to renewable energy through policies in various countries is presented. Based on the findings from the study, some recommendations to address the differences seen in pursuing renewable energy technologies are made. Additionally, it illustrates the fact that the sample countries have been tackling renewable energy with different depths of policies and with varying levels of success, and the different nature of these policies suggests that future developments depend on a change in the current emphasis and level of priority afforded to renewable energy.

Prediction of tropical cyclones by numerical models A review

ABSTRACT. This paper contains a review of some past and recent developments in cyclone track prediction problem by dynamical models. The early attempts aimed at predicting tropical cyclone motion by using simple barotropic models based on vertically integrated vorticity tendency equation. Barotropic models are still used operationally in some centres due to their simplicity. However, current emphasis is on advanced primitive equation models incorporating physical processes, like cumulus convection, which are necessary to account for a major component of the cyclone movement. An important aspect of cyclone prediction by dynamical models is prescription of a correctly analysed synthetic vortex in the initial fields for running a forecast model. Several approaches developed by various groups for generating synthetic vortex are discussed. Examples of some cases of track prediction by limited area model in IMD and by global models are illustrated.

Recontextualising the style of naming in nomenclature

In this paper, we brought compelling clarities as to why the current practices of binomial nomenclature should be revised and adjusted by the scientific governing bodies. We highlighted the current emphasis on Latinisation and Greek forms for scientific names has given fewer possibilities for the inclusion of cultural and native scientific names. With regard to zoological matters, we further pointed out that the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) has an obligation to rationalise the applicability and suitability of the existing Articles and Recommendations in the Code. The Code has been designed to assist scientists in naming an organism with its guidelines. However, the practicality of the Articles and Recommendations need to be further explained in order to reduce several misperceptions within the scientific community; which include the correct usage of Latinised and Greek language forms that can be quite confusing to those who are not well-versed in the structures. The discussion also underlined the novelty of having more localised and hybridised scientific names, and the necessity to avoid norms of abusive, offensive and colonising names since the Code did not emphasise enough on the level of integrity needed with the naming procedures. We further illustrated the magnitude of having a gender-neutral naming system in the world of nomenclature, as the current practices of Latinised and Greek forms are heavily navigated towards masculine naming styles. We also suggest that the non-compulsory Recommendation section of the Code to be made relevant, and perhaps mandatory in some cases, with an infinite approach to accentuate beyond inclusivity and diversity.

In Praise of Uncertainty, Ambiguity and Wonder

This article takes its direction from notable educators such as John Dewey and Elliot Eisner who argue in favour of endorsing uncertainty and related responses within educational practice. The argument is a push-back against current emphasis on standardization, with its accompanying focus on single right answers that don’t do justice to the complexities inherent in our daily lives. The dual nature of uncertainty is exemplified in the depiction of one person’s interactions with two famous paintings. To provide the reader with a parallel encounter with uncertainty, the article includes a short video and concludes with an ekphrastic poem in response to the video, to illustrate the points being made.

Sensing the Arctic: Situational awareness and the future of northern security

This article considers the role of surveillance within security concerns related to the Arctic in Canada and North America. More pointedly, it examines how surveillance contributes towards situational awareness and the current emphasis on technological research and development to meet current and future security requirements. The article argues that Canada’s focus on surveillance within the Arctic offers a flexible strategy that navigates the complex and evolving security environment in addition to the political and fiscal realities of our time. However, the article warns that emphasizing the role of novel technology within strategic considerations risks undermining sound policymaking as the potential for new technology to transform defensive capabilities remains speculative. The article illustrates this approach to security by analyzing Canada’s Arctic surveillance capabilities and goals under the All Domain Situational Awareness (ADSA) program. Further, it links Canada’s efforts to North American defence by theoretically examining the role of surveillance in the Strategic Homeland Integrated Ecosystem for Layered Defense (SHIELD) concept and the recent NORAD/USNORTHCOM strategic outlook.

Screening and prevention of colorectal cancer

Mortality from colorectal cancer is reduced through screening and early detection; moreover, removal of neoplastic lesions can reduce cancer incidence. While understanding of the risk factors, pathogenesis, and precursor lesions of colorectal cancer has advanced, the cause of the recent increase in cancer among young adults is largely unknown. Multiple invasive, semi- and non-invasive screening modalities have emerged over the past decade. The current emphasis on quality of colonoscopy has improved the effectiveness of screening and prevention, and the role of new technologies in detection of neoplasia, such as artificial intelligence, is rapidly emerging. The overall screening rates in the US, however, are suboptimal, and few interventions have been shown to increase screening uptake. This review provides an overview of colorectal cancer, the current status of screening efforts, and the tools available to reduce mortality from colorectal cancer.

The future of SEC enforcement under the Biden administration

Purpose To examine what to expect from Chair Gary Gensler’s SEC and the new Biden presidential administration following Chair Gensler’s U.S. Senate confirmation on April 14, 2021. Design/methodology/approach Reviews past SEC Chair Jay Clayton’s legacy and Chair Gensler’s prior regulatory actions and focus, and outlines Chair Gensler’s expected initiatives, including a heightened focus on cryptocurrency regulation, investigation of COVID-19-related fraud, and ESG and climate change disclosure. Findings This change will bring forth a Democratic majority at the SEC which, in turn, suggests that the Commission will change its current emphasis on capital formation to focus more on investor protection, rules required by the Dodd-Frank Act, inspections, examinations, and enforcement Practical implications Firms should examine their compliance programs in anticipation of heightened advocacy for investor protection; an increased focus on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, as well as ESG disclosures with an emphasis on climate change; and an increase in inspections and examinations which will drive more enforcement in the fund industry, as well as increases in initiatives regarding transparency, additional disclosures, and investor protection. Organizations will also benefit by reexamining their existing compliance programs with the advice of counsel as a mechanism to mitigate the risk of potential securities laws violations. Originality/value Practical guidance from experienced securities enforcement and litigation lawyers.

Taking stock of the socio-economic benefits of weather and climate services in South Asia

<p>The use of scientific information about future weather and climate offers enormous potential for society to better manage the risks associated with climate variability and change. There has been significant investment in weather and climate services (WCS) initiatives over the past years, however empirically based evidence of the socio-economic benefits that can be yield from such services is very limited. Furthermore, understanding and capturing the real benefits of WCS is key to ensure continue investment and funding of WCS as well as to enable adaptive management of such services. In this paper, we conduct a review of the literature of WCS evaluations in South Asia. We systematically document and analyse empirical evidence as reported in the academic and grey literature to highlight: (1) the scale and scope of WCS that have been evaluated in the region; (2) the methodological approaches that have been used to monitor and evaluate the benefits of WCS initiatives on the ground; and (3) the socio-economic benefits of WCS categorised under a triple bottom line approach that takes into consideration economic, social and environmental benefits of the WCS under analysis. The paper explores these findings and highlights key areas that warrant further discussion and research. These include, the disconnect between developing and implementing WCS and effectively capturing and recording the benefits that can be yield from WCS; the current emphasis on assessing and capturing economic benefits whilst social and environmental benefits are largely ignored and/or not accounted for; and the need for robust methodologies that enable adequate and holistic evaluations of the benefits that can be generated within the WCS and across the triple bottom line.</p>

A Novel Surface Modification Strategy via Photopolymerized Poly-Sulfobetaine Methacrylate Coating to Prevent Bacterial Adhesion on Titanium Surfaces

Recent investigations on the anti-adhesive properties of polysulfobetaine methacrylate (pSBMA) coatings had shown promising potential as antifouling surfaces and have given the impetus for the present paper, where a pSBMA coating is applied via photopolymerization on a macro-roughened, sandblasted, and acid-etched titanium implant surface in order to assess its antifouling properties. Current emphasis is placed on how the coating is efficient against the adhesion of Enterococcus faecalis by quantitative assessment of colony forming units and qualitative investigation of fluorescence imaging and scanning electron microscopy. pSBMA coatings via photopolymerization of titanium surfaces seems to be a promising antiadhesion strategy, which should bring substantial benefits once certain aspects such as biodegradation and osseointegration were addressed. Additionally, commercial SAL-titanium substrates may be coated with the super-hydrophilic coating, appearing resistant to physiological salt concentrations and most importantly lowering E. faecalis colonization significantly, compared to titanium substrates in the as-received state. It is very likely that pSBMA coatings may also prevent the adhesion of other germs.

Understanding Early Fire Learning and Experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand

<p>The current study presents exploratory research on how people in Aotearoa New Zealand learn about fire growing up, and how they think and feel about fire as adults. The research aims to fill the empirical gap in research on fire and fire learning. An anonymous qualitative survey was conducted with 40 community participants through the crowd sharing platform Prolific Academic. Participants also answered the Fire Setting Scale, used as a descriptive measure to determine the range of fire interest scores among the sample; scores were well spread and the sample slightly negatively skewed. Thematic analysis was used and six themes comprising 13 subthemes were developed to answer the two research questions; 1. How do adults in Aotearoa NZ learn about fire growing up? and 2. How do adults in Aotearoa NZ think and feel about fire now? The first question was answered with four themes comprising ten subthemes. The first theme discussed participants’ descriptions of their notable reactions to fire memories, the second described the development of norms about fire and fire use, the third learning how and where fire can be used through direct experiences, and the fourth discussed participants descriptions of learning about fire mechanisms and safety. Research question two was answered with two themes and three subthemes, the first theme discussed the idea that in regard to fire, knowledge is power. The second theme looked at participants’ emotional congruence with fire and identified these emotions as existing on somewhat of a continuum. The findings determined that the current emphasis on social learning theory among the fire literature is not without basis, and that parental modelling and reinforcement, as well as sensory reinforcements, play a large role in the way individuals experience and learn about fire. It is also clear from this study that there is a wide variety in the levels of fire safety education delivered to young people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Further research is needed with comparative groups to determine how different learning and perceptions may influence an individuals’ fire use in adulthood. </p>