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Retrospective study on the occurrence of Salmonella serotypes in veterinary specimens of Atlantic Canada (2012–2021)
No full textAim: This study aimed to summarize the frequency and the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the Salmonella serotypes identified from the specimens of companion animals, livestock, avian, wildlife and exotic species within Atlantic Canada.
Materials and methods: The retrospective electronic laboratory data of microbiological analyses of a selected subset of samples from 03 January 2012 to 29 December 2021 submitted from various animal species were retrieved. The frequency of Salmonella serotypes identified, and their antimicrobial susceptibility results obtained using the disk diffusion or broth method were analysed. The test results were interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute standard. The Salmonella serotypes were identified by slide agglutination (Kauffman-White-Le-Minor Scheme) and/or the Whole Genome Sequencing for the Salmonella in silico Serovar Typing Resource-based identification.
Results: Of the cases included in this study, 4.6% (n = 154) had at least one Salmonella isolate, corresponding to 55 different serovars. Salmonella isolation was highest from exotic animal species (n = 40, 1.20%), followed by porcine (n = 26, 0.78%), and canine (n = 23, 0.69%). Salmonella subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium was predominant among exotic mammals, porcine and caprine samples, whereas S. Enteritidis was mostly identified in bovine and canine samples. S. Typhimurium of porcine origin was frequently resistant (>70.0%) to ampicillin. In contrast, S. Typhimurium isolates from porcine and caprine samples were susceptible (>70.0%) to florfenicol. S. Oranienburg from equine samples was susceptible to chloramphenicol, but frequently resistant (>90.0%) to azithromycin. In avian samples, S. Copenhagen was susceptible (>90.0%) to florfenicol, whereas Muenchen was frequently resistant (>90.0%) to florfenicol. S. subsp. diarizonae serovar IIIb:61:k:1,5 of ovine origin was resistant (50.0% isolates) to sulfadimethoxine. No significant changes were observed in the antibiotic resistance profiles across the study years.
Conclusions: This report provides data for surveillance studies, distribution of Salmonella serotypes and their antimicrobial resistance among veterinary specimens of Atlantic Canada.
Keywords: Atlantic Canada; Salmonella; antibiotic resistance; exotic animals; laboratory data
Climate change impacts on global potato yields: A review
No full textPotatoes as a food crop contribute to zero hunger: Sustainable Development Goal 2. Over the years, the global potato supply has increased by more than double consumption. Changing climatic conditions are a significant determinant of crop growth and development due to the impacts of meteorological conditions, such as temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation, on yields, placing nations under the threat of food insecurity. Potatoes are prone to climatic variables such as heat, precipitation, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), droughts, and unexpected frosts. A crop simulation model (CSM) is useful for assessing the effects of climate and various cultivation environments on potato growth and yields. This article aims to review recent literature on known and potential effects of climate change on global potato yields and further highlights tools and methods for assessing those effects. In particular, this review will explore (1) global potato production, growth and varieties; (2) a review of the mechanisms by which changing climates impact potato yields; (3) a review of CSMs as tools for assessing the impacts of climate change on potato yields, and (4) most importantly, this review identifies critical gaps in data availability, modeling tools, and adaptation measures, that lays a foundation for future research toward sustainable potato production under the changing climate
An overview of biostimulant activity and plant responses under abiotic and biotic stress conditions
No full textCurrently, extreme weather events caused by climate change, such as heat waves, drought, frost, and heavy precipitation, have become a threat to agriculture by detrimentally affecting plant productivity and quality. The overuse of synthetic fertilizers is another major concern damaging the soil quality and water and air quality. In this regard, biostimulants could be a promising and potent solution to address these environmental concerns and meet the need for developing sustainable and green modern agriculture. Biostimulants that are primarily composed of natural substances and/or microorganisms can be broadly divided into non-microbial and microbial categories. In this review, the applications of the main types of biostimulants to plant growth and development are discussed, and the possible associated mechanisms of action are described as well. Furthermore, the current status and challenges relating to commercialization and large-scale implementation under changing climate conditions are covered. Overall, this review article could offer insights and knowledge of biostimulants’ uses in agriculture for both academia and industrial sectors.Tunistrong Technologies IncMitac
“Faggy Butterfly”: stories of gay liberation, transformation, and resilience on rural Prince Edward Island
No full textThe current study explored the unique experiences of rural gay men from Prince Edward Island, utilizing Interpretative Phenological Analysis, Participatory Action Research, and Liberation Psychology to explore participants' narratives. Through these narratives, the study found that participants demonstrated a profound awareness of oppressive systems, leading to two contrasting realities: one marked by oppression, aggression, and isolation, and the other by empowerment, hope, and connection. In the oppressive realm, participants highlighted the prevalence of anti-gay discrimination, particularly in the school environment, where they experienced surveillance and gossip from their peers as well as abuse and harassment from teachers. Additionally, many participants expressed feelings of isolation and fear of being revealed as gay, leading them to hide their sexuality for survival. Several participants also described experiencing attacks on the self, including self-blame and internalized homophobia, as well as power imbalances in sexual encounters, bullying, and harassment within the gay community. Considering the more supportive reality, participants described finding connection and empowerment in nature, particularly at the beach, which provided moments of freedom, connection, and playfulness. Participants also reflected on the sensuality of rural environments, such as the farming environment, which normalized sexuality and its diverse expressions. Additionally, participants highlighted the positive experiences of being with other gay men, emphasizing the resilience and joy within the gay community. Participants also described meaningful and supportive relationships with supportive family members. Many also described finding safety and acceptance in the creative world. In considering these contrasting realities and existing research, the study's author provided clinical recommendations tailored to the needs of rural gay men in order to fill a crucial gap in existing psychotherapy intervention research
Factors influencing evidence-based practice among newly graduated Registered Nurses in Prince Edward Island, Canada
No full textThis study analyzes the factors influencing evidence-based practice (EBP) among newly graduated Registered Nurses in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. Evidence-based practice involves the application of the best available evidence to guide nursing practice. Nurses use their critical thinking skills and scientifically valid knowledge to provide quality care. Evidence-based practice helps nurses make effective clinical decisions, avoid habitual practice, and achieve better outcomes. However, achieving EBP is not without its challenges. The study involved 26 Registered Nurses who had graduated within the last three years. Using a cross-sectional survey design, it explored three areas of EBP: the sources of knowledge nurses use to inform their practice, the barriers and facilitators to finding and reviewing evidence, and the evaluation of nurses’ skills in finding and using evidence. The data were collected using the self-administered Development of Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (DEBPQ). Key findings reveal that nurses rely heavily on local policies, protocols, and patient-specific information to make clinical decisions, while medical, research, and journals/publications are infrequently used. Time constraints, lack of resources, and lack of authority to implement findings in practice were identified as significant barriers to EBP. Despite these challenges, nurses reported that their colleagues were generally supportive of changes in nursing practice. However, support from doctors was less robust. Nurses demonstrated a high level of skill in areas such as using the internet and reviewing and using organizational information to change practice. However, they lacked confidence in finding and applying research evidence. This suggests a possible need for additional training and support. These findings underscore the importance of addressing these barriers and providing additional training and support to nurses to promote EBP and continual improvement in nursing to optimize health care outcomes
Improving horse welfare in Prince Edward Island through welfare assessment and benchmarking
No full textThere are challenges with assessing the welfare of equines due to their diverse uses, management practices, and geographical distribution. This thesis addresses the need for continued research to assess and describe equine welfare in different geographic locations, with a focus on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Chapter 1 summarizes animal welfare concepts and current research on assessment in equines. Chapter 2 describes methods used to create animal welfare assessments, including an equine assessment based on the Canadian National Farm Animal Care Council’s Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines. Chapter 3 describes an experiment conducted on Prince Edward Island to 1) describe the prevalence of animal welfare outcomes (“animal-based”) and compliance with the Code of Practice on equine farms and 2) determine the effect of benchmarking on compliance with the Code of Practice, any changes in practices, and animal-based outcomes on these farms. To reach these objectives, 60 farms were re-visited for an initial equine welfare assessment and benchmarking report. Of these, 50 farms were visited the following year for a second assessment. Of the 50 farms which participated in both visits, 54% (n = 27) of farms showed an improvement in their awareness of the Code of Practice between the first and second visit. Additionally, 48% (n = 24) of farms showed an improvement in at least one category of Code of Practice requirements and 8% (n = 4) also made improvements in at least one category of Code of Practice recommendations between the first and second visits. Of the animal-based measures, there was a significant change in the prevalence of unhealthy body condition score (-17.72, P = 0.0006), integument lesions (-6.219, P = 0.020), and hoof abnormalities (-4.541, P = 0.026) from the first to the second visit. It is not clear if these changes occurred only because of the benchmarking report. However, these results provide evidence that horse owners may be motivated to make changes in their horse’s care and management using this type of approach. This thesis contributes to the current knowledge about equine welfare by outlining a practical framework for the development of animal welfare assessments and the possible role of benchmarking in improving the welfare of horses on Prince Edward Island and abroad
Spatial temporal connection: a disaster-resilient application-level protocol
No full textOur journey into the digital age brings network access to even the most remote locations on earth. The Internet of Things continues its expansion into the modern communication landscape; permitting data relaying across vast distances. The caveat to this endlessly growing landscape is an increasing dependency on centralized network architecture. Network resiliency remains a priority more than ever, with the increase in natural and man-made disasters we encounter on a daily basis. Cyberattacks and destructive weather events often result in periods of limited-to-no connectivity. Even the network service providers themselves may disable communications when pressured from internal and external forces. This leads to loss of consumer autonomy and freedom, resulting in repressive circumstances, loss of privacy and increased distrust between participants. With this in mind, we strive to create proactive and protective safeguards for users and search for robust contingency plans. This paper examines our current centralized network vulnerabilities through a disaster-resilient lens, and proposes a novel application-level protocol named Spatial Temporal Connection (STC). By incorporating this protocol into the mobile application DewSTC, we present STC as a highlevel, user messaging service for Android devices. Founded on the dew computing principles of Independence and Collaboration, this application acts as both client and server, relaying local and external user data in a delay-tolerant, ad hoc, mesh network through Bluetooth. This protocol addresses its primary function of message delivery with a store-and-forward-based algorithm, enabling all messages to reach their destination without the need of cables, a constant power supply, or even pre-established routing tables. STC aims not to replace our current networks, but rather to bridge the gaps with its resilient movement-over-time routing architecture. Looking beyond traditional messaging frameworks, STC provides a unique, dew computing approach to network adaptability and design during periods of limited to no connectivity
Prediction of long-term photovoltaic power generation in the context of climate change
No full textAccurate long-term prediction of power generation in photovoltaic (PV) power stations is crucial for preparing generation plans and future planning. Quantitative prediction of future power generation from PV stations not only contributes to the stable operation of the local power system but also assists managers in formulating regional energy policies to promote renewable energy consumption. We utilized the NEX-GDDP-CMIP6 high-resolution climate dataset and employed the Vine Copula method for post-downscaling. This approach enabled high-resolution forecasts of key meteorological factors under different shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) scenarios (SSP245 and SSP585) for a PV power station in Yunnan, China. Additionally, we developed the KM-PSO-SVR power generation prediction model, which enables future accurate long-term PV power generation prediction. The results show that the Vine Copula multi-model ensemble downscaling model can effectively simulate the changes in key meteorological factors in the PV power station area. The KM-PSO-SVR model exhibited good simulation performance, with a mean absolute error of 0.843, root mean square error of 1.136, and correlation coefficient of 0.874 during the validation period. The results indicate that during the decade spanning from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2034, radiation and wind speed will be decrease, while the temperature is expected to increase. In the SSP245 scenario, there is a 1.585 % increase in the average annual power generation during the future carbon peaking period (2025–2034). However, the SSP585 scenario, representing higher future emissions, shows a lower increase of 1.479 %
Hydrothermal carbonization of sawdust for hydrochar production to prepare solid fuels
No full textHydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of sawdust for producing hydrochar was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). After optimization, the combustion behaviour and other relevant fuel properties of hydrochar that was obtained at the optimized conditions were studied. Additionally, the aqueous phase obtained at the optimized conditions was recycled as the reaction medium for producing hydrochar and the influence of the aqueous phase recycling on the hydrochar yield and properties was evaluated. The results indicated that the highest hydrochar yield of 84.23 wt.% under the predicted optimum conditions of temperature of 162.23°C, 2.51 h, feedstock loading of 10.71 wt.%, and catalyst loading of 7.99 wt.%. Furthermore, it was found that the use of recycled aqueous phase as the reaction medium led to an increase in the hydrochar yield, higher heating value (HHV), and energy yield, and difference in combustion behaviour was minor. Overall, this study filled the gap in HTC literature regarding the effect of catalyst on hydrochar production and provided a practical solution to treat the aqueous phase