Global fits to precision cosmological data which show that there is a dark energy component comprising about 2/3 of the total cosmological energy also hint that a dark energy with w = P/ρ < −1 is viable, even favored. Here we discuss implications of such a surprising w, including whether it jeopardizes vacuum stability. It appears to be secure in microscopic processes, but why bulk dark energy ...

After a short review of the arguments for the existence of Particle Dark Matter in the Universe, I list the most plausible candidates provided by particle physics, i.e. neutrinos, axions, and WIMPs. In each case I briefly describe how to estimate the relic density, and discuss attempts at detecting these particles. At the end I discuss my personal favorite, the lightest supersymmetric particle,...

In July 2014, Sweden’s full crisis response system engaged in a major operation as a small forest fire spun out of control, turning into the largest forest fire in Sweden in modern times. A number of investigations have been undertaken to understand the course of the fire and identify lessons for future crisis management. This paper presents one approach to identifying such lessons, the lessons...

Dark matter is presumably made of some new, exotic particle that appears in extensions of the Standard Model. After giving a brief overview of some popular candidates, I discuss in more detail the most appealing case of the supersymmetric neutralino.

In recent times, a major migration pattern from north to south in Ghana has been that of female youth, moving independent of family, largely towards the cities of Accra and Kumasi. Young girls from rural areas, particularly the from the three northern regions move to markets in urban centres to serve as kayayei, girl porters who carry goods on their heads for a negotiated fee. Away from support...