WeatherBench 2: A benchmark for the next generation of data-driven global weather models

WeatherBench 2 is an update to the global, medium-range (1-14 day) weather forecasting benchmark proposed by Rasp et al. (2020), designed with the aim to accelerate progress in data-driven weather modeling. WeatherBench 2 consists of an open-source evaluation framework, publicly available training, ground truth and baseline data as well as a continuously updated website with the latest metrics and state-of-the-art models: https://sites.research.google/weatherbench. This paper describes the design principles of the evaluation framework and presents results for current state-of-the-art physical and data-driven weather models. The metrics are based on established practices for evaluating weather forecasts at leading operational weather centers. We define a set of headline scores to provide an overview of model performance. In addition, we also discuss caveats in the current evaluation setup and challenges for the future of data-driven weather forecasting

Pet collars containing tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP): evaluation of the results of torsion and on-animal release studies and implications for post-application consumer exposure and risk analysis

Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) is the pesticidal active ingredient found in some flea and tick collars for dogs and cats. Recent studies sponsored by The Hartz Mountain Corporation, confirm the safety of TCVP as an active ingredient in pet collars. Based upon data from these new studies and results previously relied upon by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the following conclusions have been made: Torsion study data clearly indicate that approximately 93% of released formulation from TCVP containing pet collars is in a liquid phase immediately following activation.Further, even more relevant to human health risk analysis associated with post-application exposures, in vivo data from dogs wearing TCVP pet collars definitively document that TCVP dust released from the collar is rapidly absorbed into the sebum. The maximum ratio of dust to liquid was 0.023% dust to 99.977% liquid.In vivo fur data provide scientific evidence confirming that the mechanism of dissemination of TCVP from pet collars is as a liquid suspended or dissolved in the animal’s sebum, even though it may be released from the collar as a solid. Thus, potential post-application exposure to TCVP, including immediately following collar placement, is almost entirely to a liquid phase.Based upon EPA’s refined and conservative “untrimmed” collar risk assessment, post-application incidental oral hand-to-mouth activity by children aged 1 to  Torsion study data clearly indicate that approximately 93% of released formulation from TCVP containing pet collars is in a liquid phase immediately following activation. Further, even more relevant to human health risk analysis associated with post-application exposures, in vivo data from dogs wearing TCVP pet collars definitively document that TCVP dust released from the collar is rapidly absorbed into the sebum. The maximum ratio of dust to liquid was 0.023% dust to 99.977% liquid. In vivo fur data provide scientific evidence confirming that the mechanism of dissemination of TCVP from pet collars is as a liquid suspended or dissolved in the animal’s sebum, even though it may be released from the collar as a solid. Thus, potential post-application exposure to TCVP, including immediately following collar placement, is almost entirely to a liquid phase. Based upon EPA’s refined and conservative “untrimmed” collar risk assessment, post-application incidental oral hand-to-mouth activity by children aged 1 to <2 years of age results in margins of exposure significantly greater than the level of concern of 1000, and therefore do not present unreasonable health risk.</p