The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), a well‐reviewed meteorological drought index recommended by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and its more recent climatic water balance variant, the Standardized Precipitation‐Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), both rely on selection of a univariate probability distribution to normalize the index, allowing for comparisons across climates. Choice of an improper probability distribution may impart bias to the index values, exaggerating or minimizing drought severity. This study compares a suite of candidate probability distributions for use in SPI and SPEI normalization using the 0.5° × 0.5° gridded Watch Forcing Dataset (WFD) at the continental scale, focusing on Europe. Several modifications to the SPI and SPEI methodology are proposed, as well as an updated procedure for evaluating SPI/SPEI goodness of fit based on the Shapiro–Wilk test. Candidate distributions for SPI organize into two groups based on their ability to model short‐term accumulation (1–2 months) or long‐term accumulation (>3 months). The two‐parameter gamma distribution is recommended for general use when calculating SPI across all accumulation periods and regions within Europe, in agreement with previous studies. The generalized extreme value distribution is recommended when computing the SPEI, in disagreement with previous recommendations.
A novel chorological data compilation for the main European tree and shrub species is presented. This dataset was produced by combining numerous and heterogeneous data collected from 20th century atlas monographs providing complete species distribution maps, and from more recent national to regional atlases, occurrence geodatabases and scientific literature. The dataset is composed of numerous species distribution maps available in geographical information system (GIS) format, created by compiling, evaluating and synthesizing data of all collected sources. The geometry of the individual datasets describes contiguous large areas of occupancy of each species as polygons and fragmented or isolated occurrences as points. Since this geodatabase is intended to provide a synthetic continental-scale overview of the species ranges, the maps represent the species’ general chorology and the presence/absence information should not be considered absolute in terms of geolocation. Errors and imprecisions arising from the interpretation and digitalization processes are likely to occur, especially in those areas where detailed information is scarce. As new information sources become available, these will be used to address current data gaps, implement corrections and updates of the chorology dataset as well as expanding it to comprise additional species.
Vinita Deshmukh, Gwendal Rivière, Sébastien Fromang
et al.
Abstract While dry dynamics has been a key framework for understanding blocking events, recent studies have highlighted the significant role of moist processes in blocking life cycles. However, it remains unclear whether moist processes introduce unique characteristics in the blocking life cycle that cannot be captured by dry dynamics or whether they are a source of extra energy for synoptic eddies that are needed to form realistic blocking circulations. Our approach to address the above squestion is to perform a long-term simulation of a dry general circulation model (GCM) with synoptic eddy energy and mean flow characteristics close to the winter climatology of ERA5 reanalysis. Blocking frequencies are found to be reduced by about one-third in the model compared to ERA5 using a blocking detection based on potential vorticity (PV). This moderate underestimation of blocking frequency in the dry model is due to rarer favorable conditions to initiate a blocking anticyclone. The model needs episodes of weaker eastward flows than in ERA5 to compensate for the weaker westward expansion of the blocking anticyclone associated with the smaller divergent winds. The main characteristics of the blocks (intensity, size, duration) are similar in the two datasets despite some slight structural differences: ERA5 blocks are more Ω shaped, and blocks in the dry model are more dipole shaped. Even though the origins of the air parcels forming a blocking anticyclone are very different in the two datasets, the dry model compensates for its less efficient transport of low-PV air from low levels by transporting more efficiently low-PV air from lower latitudes at upper levels.
Głównym celem niniejszego artykułu jest omówienie dziejów cmentarza katolickiego w Stawiszynie oraz przybliżenie sylwetek osób, które zapisały się na kartach historii tej niewielkiej miejscowości. W części pierwszej przedstawiono krótko dzieje miasta, a następnie zaprezentowano losy cmentarza przykościelnego oraz parafialnego położonego przy ulicy Kaliskiej, z uwzględnieniem próby ustalenia daty powstania tego ostatniego. W ostatniej części przedstawiono biogramy wybranych osób, które zasłużyły się dla lokalnej społeczności.
FRANK FUNKEYE SAPELE, AKUMKA JOSEPH YABAYANZE, KANYINSOLA AZEEZ
This research focuses on global climate change and adaptation strategies. Climate change globally has become one of the shocking certainties of the 21st era and it has made scientists to raise the need to drop worldwide temperatures further by 0.5 °C which makes a substantial difference in some areas of the world, particularly developing countries that are faced with the greater threat of climate change. Developing States have become exposed to the damaging effects of climate change because of their varied climatic regions and these have affected their food production activities due to the deforestation problem, desertification, soil degradation, erosion, flooding, general habitat loss, depletion of natural resources etc. This study therefore attempts to examine the extent to which continuous climate change has affected the globe and how institutional frameworks have addressed the current situation in ensuring effective control across the globe. The research employed purely on secondary means to gathered data. This research structures its opinions with the human security model as its theoretical framework. Major findings showed that environmental degradation, desertification caused by climate change had greatly stunted agricultural production and government rules universally; climate change has increased food uncertainty, poor statistical analysis and implementation by government. The paper recommends that government should provide alternative means like renewable energy, reduction of industrial carbons in tackling the menace of climate change globally, there should be reduction of emission of greenhouse gases by stopping deforestation, the use of high yield and disease tolerant crops, and also crops adaptable to high level of weather conditions, there should be easy accessible information on climate change effects to the public.
This article explores the significance of memorial plaques in Russian cities as sites of history, memory and aesthetics that create a new sensorium of the urban sphere. The plaques, affixed to historic buildings, serve as tangible markers that commemorate significant events and figures from the past. Taking the case of the historic center of St. Petersburg, the article examines how these plaques create a sense of historicity and contribute to the formation of a shared cultural background within the urban sphere. The plaques evolve from simple inscriptions to more elaborate and visually appealing designs. It also highlights the controversies surrounding the selection of individuals to be materialized and remembered and the aesthetic concerns raised by some residents. Meanwhile, the two contemporary projects challenge traditional commemorative practices and their aesthetics: Last Address, which commemorates victims of political repression through individualized plaques, and the Gandhi artist group’s street art interventions. These projects offer alternative approaches to memorialization and engage in dialogue with existing monuments and plaques. These micro-interventions show grassroot resistance within memorializing practices and aesthetics. The article emphasizes the contested nature of public space and the role of memorial plaques in shaping collective memory and historical narratives in Russian cities.
History of Russia. Soviet Union. Former Soviet Republics, Literature (General)
Ionuţ Silviu BEIA, Roxana CICEOI, Violeta Elena BEIA
et al.
Mycotoxin contamination in animal feed is a significant point of concern within the European food supply network. These toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi have the potential to contaminate feed and pose a risk of making their way into the human diet via animal products like meat, milk, and eggs. The consequences of mycotoxin contamination extend beyond animal health, affecting economies and public health, presenting complex issues for agricultural producers, regulatory bodies, and consumers. Even with stringent controls and surveillance in place, mycotoxins remain a persistent issue. This study provides updated findings on the prevalence of mycotoxins globally and specifically in Europe, with a focus on analyzing the incidence of ochratoxin A both worldwide and within European contexts. The dispersion of mycotoxina within a given region can have considerable economic consequences for the trade of animal feed, directing stakeholders toward making informed decisions about the types of analyses in which they should allocate more resources.