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Slow-Steaming Climate Strategies For Abatement Efforts In Maritime Shipping
Get PDFMaritime shipping is a major contributor to climate change – accounting for 2.89\% of Global CO2 emissions in 2018. Given the “light hand” of regulatory institutions governing commercial activities on the high seas, attempts to reduce the emissions of ocean-going ships have not been successful.
In this thesis, the impacts of emission policies and incentives for cooperation in the international maritime shipping industry are examined. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) – the regulator – GHG Strategy puts forth both “speed optimisation” and “speed reduction” as candidate measures for short-term emission abatement. These terms are poorly defined, however, leading to different interpretations.
Slow steaming, or deliberately reducing ships’ speed, allows firms to decrease fuel consumption and therefore, emissions. Grounded in this rationale, a flexible numerical simulation model is developed for a market comprised of heterogeneous shipping companies to investigate maritime shipping abatement dynamics under various slow steaming policies. First, we project firms' business-as-usual (BAU) operations and then analyse both policies: Speed reduction – relative to BAU levels and Speed optimisation – as firms' climate strategy response to meet various emission caps.
The simulation results suggest that firms already slow-steam when economically optimal (i.e. by evaluating the trade-off between fuel savings and time-dependent operating costs). Even more so, they show that speed optimization -as an abatement strategy- provides firms with the flexibility to derive their optimal Slow-Steaming rates to sustain a regulator's environmental policy. In contrast, we find that Slow-Steaming - as a command and control policy- shifts regulatory focus and is difficult to enforce in international waters.
The simulation model was also used to analyze a two-stage, cooperative game of coalition formation with heterogeneous firms and individual abatement strategies. In the first stage, firms decide whether to join a coalition or not (membership decision). Coalition signatories adopt the operational slow-steaming climate strategy over the planning horizon and choose the abatement levels that maximise the sum of their payoffs under a joint emission budget constraint. On the other hand, non-signatories to the coalition (singletons) optimise their own abatement level by maximizing individual payoffs, subject to their own individual caps. Our results indicate that cooperation allows firms with heterogeneous abatement cost curves to pool resources and properly allocate speed reduction endeavours to sustain an emission target. Thus, industry-level climate strategies withhold the potential to improve environmental sustainability through cooperation for ocean shipping
Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Grazing Yearling Beef Cattle in Saskatchewan
Get PDFGastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in beef cattle can be a concern for cattle producers due to loss in profit associated with anthelmintic treatment costs and reduced production performance. There is limited current information regarding the epidemiology of GIN in grazing yearling beef cattle in western Canada. Hence, the objectives of this research were to: 1) describe the epidemiology of GIN and assess their impact on weight gain (Chapter 2), and 2) conduct a nemabiome study to determine the diversity and abundance of nematode species within Saskatchewan pastured beef cattle (Chapter 3). Seventeen cohorts of pastured yearling beef cattle were processed in the spring and fall of 2019. Animals were individually weighed, and rectal fecal samples obtained for pooled fecal egg count (FEC). A subset of calves (n = 25) in each herd was administered oral fenbendazole (Safeguard®, Merck, Canada) and a parenterally administered extended-release eprinomectin (LongRange®, Boehringer Ingelheim, Canada), while the remaining cohort was left untreated. Eggs per gram of feces (EPG) were determined in pooled fecal samples using the Modified Wisconsin Sugar Flotation Technique, and deep amplicon nemabiome sequencing of the ITS-2 DNA locus was used to describe nematode species diversity and abundance. Across all cattle (n = 867), there were differences between treatment and control groups regarding FEC (p < 0.01). In the generalized estimating equations (GEE) model, FEC decreased by 44 times over the grazing season, and FEC were 1.8 times greater on pastures located in black/gray soil versus dark brown soil zones. Areas with higher precipitation also had higher FEC. There was no significant difference (p = 0.41) in the ADG across all cattle, but differences were found in the ADG between treated and control cattle in five cohorts. Haemonchus placei was found in all spring cohorts, accounting for 30% of the L3 species composition. Hence, it was one of the dominant species together with Ostertagia ostertagi (40%) and Cooperia oncophora (26.2%). Ostertagia ostertagi (47.5%) and C. oncophora (42.0%) were the most common species recovered at the time of fall sampling. Haemonchus placei represented 5.2% of the species diversity at the time of fall sampling, which is higher than previously reported in western Canada. The lack of correlation between FEC and ADG is likely due to differences in farm-specific environmental conditions (rain, temperature), soil type and husbandry factors
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA) OF IRON-OXIDE MODIFIED BIOCHAR ADSORBENTS PREPARED FOR REMOVAL OF ARSENIC FROM WATER: MICROWAVE VS. CONVENTIONAL PYROLYSIS
Get PDFArsenic contamination in water originates from anthropogenic and natural sources, occurring in many locations all over the world. Due to its very high toxicity, exposure to low concentrations can lead to critical consequences such as cancer in humans and ecosystem contamination. Thus, regulatory limits for drinking water have been set by the World Health Organization at 10 μg/L or less as a safe threshold. However, achieving this limit can be challenging. Location, water source, concentration, pH levels, and other factors have great influence in the arsenic removal process. Many removal methods have been studied and promoted in the past and the selection of the appropriate removal method may depend on the factors previously mentioned. However, two overall significant components are the focus of industry for treatment including economic and environmental considerations. While there are many arsenic removal method alternatives, few studies evaluate its realistic economic and environmental burdens in large scale. This type of analysis must also take into consideration the applicable location and data for more appropriate and accurate outcomes.
This study investigated the potential of using biochar for adsorption as its main arsenic removal method. The biomass chosen was canola straw due to its abundance in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Biochar adsorption has become popular due to its potentially increased environmentally friendliness as well as lower cost due to biomass availability. The pyrolysis type for biochar production was also studied, comparing conventional and microwave pyrolysis and its effect on the biochar adsorption efficiency and economic and environmental burdens. For satisfactory adsorption results, the biomass should be treated and modified for enhancement. A wide range of activating and modifying agents have been used in the past. For this project, an acid and base were studied for its activating effect and iron was utilized as a modifying agent due to its previously reported high efficiency rate. Additionally, the modification that occurred to the biomass and biochar due to these treatments were also explored to better comprehend their roles. Characterization analyses to study the chemical and physical modifications were carried out including Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD).
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Furthermore, different factors were also analyzed, including, pH, adsorbent dosage, temperature and equilibrium time.
Different biochars were synthesized with optimized adsorption capacities of 825 and 893 μg/g for As(III) and 929 and 771 μg/g for As(V). For further analysis of the biochar’s economic and environmental performance, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA) were performed for the chosen optimal biochars. These assessments allowed a more objective look by using SimaPro and comparing processes utilizing the same method and materials, generating less discrepancies between comparisons. It was found that pyrolysis types, although not significant on adsorption capacity, does have a significant impact on both environmental and economic factors. Furthermore, microwave pyrolysis biochar has a great potential for environmental efficiency, considering its CO2 production which was found to be -0.298 CO2/kg of biochar. In an economic perspective, produced biochars averaged at a range of price from 6.95 USD per kg of biochar. A weighting analysis was also carried out to further analyze the economic and environmental factors, since few studies report this data for biochar adsorbents. Thus, an adsorbent can be chosen based on personal goals and preferences of the industry or company and its application.
Biochars were synthesized and showed high arsenic removal rates in the circumstances studied. Distinct factors showed their impact on the arsenic removal capacity and characterization experiments showed the influencing modifications and resulting biochar characteristics that lead to increased adsorption capacities. Although the LCA and LCCA was carried out with its weighting scenarios, further research and analyses can be done for greater data comparison and continued enhancement of biochar for arsenic adsorption
Smiling Mind Mindfulness in Schools Program as a Classroom-Based Self-Regulation Intervention: A Case Study
Get PDFThe number of Canadian children experiencing mental health concerns, including both internalizing and externalizing difficulties, continues to be on the rise. Coincidingly, the education system in Saskatchewan continues to experience strained resources. Thus, finding an efficacious, cost-effective, and accessible mental health intervention is vital. Both internalizing (e.g., anxiety, depression) and externalizing (e.g., hyperactivity, aggression) mental health in children are correlated with poor self-regulation. Recent reviews of the literature suggest mindfulness is a promising self-regulation intervention, particularly for clinical populations, as it targets the underlying neural mechanisms related to emotion dysregulation. The current case study aimed to provide insight into the potential value of a specific mindfulness intervention, Smiling Mind, within the context of the BALANCE classroom in Saskatoon, SK. The research questions were as follows: (a) How does incorporating a mindfulness intervention into a tier-three (high support) elementary school classroom routine affect the self-regulation (e.g., ability to appropriately manage thoughts, emotions and behaviour) of students with internalizing or externalizing mental health difficulties/disorders? (b) How does a mindfulness intervention help or hinder student readjustment to the classroom setting following a prolonged absence from school due to COVID-19? And (c) What opinions, attitudes, and feelings do the students have towards incorporating mindfulness into their school day? Data sources for this study included audiotaped semi-structured interviews, a self-report measure on self-regulation, and a Daily Recording Checklist. Semi-structured interviews were completed in place of direct observations due to the COVID-19 pandemic related restrictions and the requirement of completing the research virtually. Four methods of data analysis were employed in this case study: categorical aggregation, pattern identification, direct interpretations, and naturalistic generalizations. This in-depth process led to the formation of three main themes: The Smiling Mind Program: A General Overview; Students with Exceptionalities: “Mindful Considerations”; and Responsive Teaching and Pedagogical Considerations. Results from this research could influence educators as they attempt to meet the mental health needs of all their students within an inclusive classroom environment. Having one more tool in their professional toolboxes, like the Smiling Mind Program, can empower teachers while at the same time enhance the overall well-being of their students. Additionally, future researchers will benefit from seeing how completion of an intervention case study during the COVID-19 pandemic demands flexibility, creativity and determination. The need to pivot and adapt to changing public health or school division policies and directives became the norm during this innovative study
Cost Benefit Framework for Cold Climate Microgrids
Get PDFFor a quarter of a century, global energy policy has shifted electric utility investments away from fossil fuels toward renewable substitutes. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is motivating improvements in the cost and efficiency of renewable energy technologies. Historically, the social and environmental values of communities were not considered in electric utility decision making in Canada. Today, community capacity building and reducing household costs are important social objectives for renewable energy integration in Canada’s northern, remote and Indigenous communities. This intersection of policy goals is encouraging the development of new decision-making tools for communities using cold climate microgrids and the utility companies who own and operate them. The purpose of this research is to understand, quantify, value and qualify the social and economic implications of alternative energy investments in remote, northern and Indigenous communities. This research adopts a case-study approach to describe the impacts of renewable energy integration, represented by a comprehensive suite of costs and benefits using cost benefit analysis. The goal of using cost benefit analysis as an economic method is to compare alternative renewable energy investments and evaluate them based on a measure of efficiency. The framework is applied using a spread sheet type model. The application includes an analysis of two scenarios (i) the baseline scenario, based on diesel generation compared to (ii) solar photovoltaic integration. The results show that social surplus in remote, northern and Indigenous communities can improve with renewable energy integration into cold climate microgrids. The findings also emphasize the enhanced effects of incorporating demand side management investments to improve economic efficiency. Moreover, renewable energy integration into cold climate microgrids has the potential to correct market failures by reducing information asymmetry and providing numerous positive externalities
MULTILATERALISM AND THE INTEGRATION OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS INTO INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT LAW
Get PDFThis thesis explores whether multilateralism can be feasibly utilized in efforts to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into International Investment Law (IIL). IIL—which comprises International Investment Agreements and Investor-State Dispute Settlement—is potentially beneficial to sustainable development, and as far as sustainable development is concerned, the SDGs represent its tangible manifestations. However, this benefit potential is only realizable if certain elements are in place within the IIL framework. In its current state, IIL does not substantially promote the attainment of the SDGs and risks inhibiting their achievement. Therefore, IIL needs reforms to align with the SDGs.
According to its proponents, particularly the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, a multilateral investment treaty is the most efficient way to achieve these reforms. The rationale is that if such were to be successful, it is the most straightforward, all-encompassing, and once-for-all means of addressing the inconsistencies, overlaps, and development challenges that are distinctive features of the regime. To be truly reformative, such multilateral investment treaty must be successful—that is, accepted by most states worldwide—and effective (able to bring about the change sought). This thesis, therefore, first considers the prospects of the success of a multilateral reform effort and thereafter examines the components of a potentially effective SDG-integrating multilateral investment instrument.
The research undertaken by this thesis reveals that certain factors and their embodying elements that need to be present in the investment regime to ensure both success and effectiveness are not currently prevalent in the investment regime, and it is unlikely that they will be in the near future. At the core of these factors is the need for consensus on the utilization of IIL for sustainable development rather than purely economic objectives. In addition, multilateralism has not historically enjoyed much success in IIL as in other areas of international law, and some of the reasons for this, as discussed in the thesis, are rooted in the aforementioned absence of consensus on considerations of matters related to sustainable development in the framing of the constituent elements of IIL. Therefore, this thesis concludes that the use of multilateralism to integrate the SDGs into IIL is currently infeasible, and as such, alternative means of integrating the SDGs into the regime must be considered
A comparative study of the role EphA2 performs in canine and human osteosarcoma
No full textThe abstract of this item is unavailable due to an embargo
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ PROCEDURAL ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS AND TRANSNATIONAL INDIGENOUS ADVOCACY NETWORKS
Get PDFThis thesis analyzes the central question: whether, by engaging with states and extractive multinational corporations (MNCs) within the international system, transnational Indigenous advocacy networks (TIANs) can promote the development and implementation of international legal norms relating to the rights of Indigenous peoples to participate and access information in environmental decision-making. It examines Indigenous peoples’ leadership and contributions to the development of international Indigenous rights norms and their continued roles in advancing the development and realization of their procedural environmental rights.
For context, this thesis examines Indigenous peoples’ collaborations that shaped the development of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to exemplify Indigenous peoples’ influence in international law. It identifies and responds to some of the shortcomings of Indigenous rights movements and organizations without discounting their efforts and achievements. Thus, by modifying and adapting Keck and Sikkink’s analysis of transnational advocacy networks, this thesis introduces and explores a structure I term TIANs. TIANs will comprise webs of established Indigenous rights organizations operating internationally and seeking to initiate or maintain connections with domestic groups.
Constructivist international relations insights on the norm life cycle inform this thesis’ analysis of the potential roles of TIANs as norm entrepreneurs with the requisite organizational platform. International legal norms on Indigenous peoples’ procedural environmental rights have not been established in specific international rules, and domestic pressure is still being asserted for these rights to be respected. Hence, this thesis argues that these norms are at the first stage of the norm life cycle, and establishes the need for an international law instrument that unequivocally affirms and protects these rights. It analyzes four distinguishing and interrelated potential characteristics of TIANs that respond to the particularities of Indigenous rights advocacy: spheres of operation, shared principled ideas, advocacy strategies, and information strategies. These attributes will make TIANs well-positioned to bridge the gap between international and domestic Indigenous rights advocates, optimize transnational Indigenous alliances, and foster the actualization of international Indigenous environmental rights principles domestically. Essentially, TIANs are suitable to engage with states and MNCs to shape their actions regarding developing and implementing the emerging norms
Validation of FABDEM, a global bare-earth elevation model, against UAV-lidar derived elevation in a complex forested mountain catchment
Get PDFCanada First Research Excellence Fund’s Global Water Futures Programme, Western Economic Diversification Canada, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Discovery Grants, Canada Research Chairs programmePeer ReviewedSpace-based, global-extent digital elevation models (DEMs) are key inputs to many Earth sciences applications. However, many of these applications require the use of a 'bare-Earth' DEM versus a digital surface model (DSM), the latter of which may include systematic positive biases due to tree canopies in forested areas. Critical topographic features may be obscured by these biases. Vegetation-free datasets have been created by using statistical relationships and machine learning to train on local-scale datasets (e.g., lidar) to de-bias the global-extent datasets. Recent advances in satellite platforms coupled with increased availability of computational resources and lidar reference products has allowed for a new generation of vegetation- and urban-canopy removals. One of these is the Forest And Buildings removed Copernicus DEM(FABDEM), based on the most recent and most accurate global DSM Copernicus-30. Among the more challenging landscapes to quantify surface elevations are densely forested mountain catchments, where even airborne lidar applications struggle to capture
surface returns. The increasing affordability and availability of UAV-based lidar platforms have resulted in new capacity to fly modest spatial extents with unrivalled point densities. These data allow an unprecedented ability to validate global sub-canopy DEMs against representative UAV-based lidar data. In this work, the FABDEM is validated against up-scaled lidar data in a steep and forested mountain catchment considering elevation, slope, and Terrain Position Index (TPI) metrics.
Comparisons of FABDEM with SRTM, MERIT, and the Copernicus-30 dataset are made. It was found that the FABDEM had a 24% reduction in elevation RMSE and a 135% reduction in bias compared to the Copernicus-30 dataset. Overall, the FABDEM provides a clear improvement over existing deforested DEM products in complex mountain topography such as the MERIT DEM. This study supports the use of FABDEM in forested mountain catchments as the current best-in-class data product
Use of the “ba” construction in Heritage Chinese speakers and L2 speakers of Chinese
Get PDFABSTRACT
This thesis analyses the differences in using the ba construction in heritage Chinese speak-ers and L2 speakers of Chinese. The study compares the use and knowledge of the ba con-struction by L1 native speakers, heritage speakers (HL), and L2 learners of Mandarin Chi-nese. Heritage language speakers are exposed to minority languages from birth, and they are exposed to a majority language later in life (Polinsky & Kagan, 2007), which then causes the L2 to become the dominant language. Other L2 learners tend to retain their L1 as a dom-inant language. The ba construction is an active sentence in which the particle ba is used before the predicate verb to introduce the subject and dispose of the object. The focus is on the result or change to the object instead of the event in a regular active sentence. These meaning changes are accompanied by a change in word order from the regular SVO to SOV. Language transfer, linguistic environment, age, and age of language acquisition were con-sidered factors influencing the use and judgment of the ba construction.
In this study, 88 participants were included: 25 in the HL group, 24 in the L2 group, and 39 in the CN group. Support for this proposal comes from an online experiment that investigat-ed three groups and the usage of ba sentences. The participants of the three speaker groups were evaluated based on a grammatical judgment task, a multiple-choice test, and a con-trolled production task in the GORILLA Experiment Builder.
The results show that HL and L2 speakers differ from L1 speakers in the use of ba sentences, while HL and L1 speakers differ from L2 speakers in the judgement of ba sentences. Com-pared to L1 speakers, HL and L2 speakers used simple complements in ba sentences more frequently. The results also demonstrated that the age of second language acquisition had the most significant influence on the usage of HL and L2 in ba sentences, followed by the dominant language, dominant language environment and lastly the age of the participants. These results support the importance of language dominance and age of acquisition in the usage patterns for heritage and L2 speakers