30921 research outputs found
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Toward the detection of oil spills in sea ice-covered waters using C-band radar remote sensing
No full textThe Arctic ice-covered waters are becoming more vulnerable to oil spills due to climate-driven sea ice loss, which has increased vessel traffic and natural resource extraction. In preparation for future incidents, this thesis presents the research undertaken in the area of Arctic crude oil spill response, with the ultimate goal of accurately detecting and characterizing such spills in sea ice-covered waters using C-band radar remote sensing.
The research focuses on three interconnected objectives: observation, discrimination, and modeling of surface-based C-band scatterometer data collected during experiments involving spilled crude oil in newly formed sea ice (NI) at the University of Manitoba’s Sea-ice Environmental Research Facility.
The observational study seeks to establish a definitive relationship between radar signatures and the physical properties of oil-contaminated NI. The results show that multipolarization radar signatures exhibit distinct responses when oil is encapsulated within the ice, up until the oil migrates onto the ice surface. For instance, when oil is encapsulated within the ice, a 13-dB local maximum in cross-polarization was observed with a coincidental 9-dB drop in co-polarization backscatters.
The discrimination study uses radar polarimetric parameters (such as entropy, mean-alpha, copolarization correlation coefficient, conformity coefficient, and more) to accurately differentiate between uncontaminated and oil-contaminated NI. The findings reveal that a threshold classification plane of 0.3 entropy and 18° mean-alpha effectively distinguishes oil-contaminated ice. To minimize oil spill false alarms, the copolarization correlation coefficient and conformity coefficient emerge as the most reliable parameters for detecting spilled oil events in NI-covered waters.
The modeling study applies the small perturbation method and particle swarm optimization in an electromagnetic inversion strategy to estimate the oil thickness on NI surface through radar simulations and observations. The simulation results indicate that radar backscatter increases with thicker oil layer, while the inversion results successfully estimated a 5-mm oil thickness on the ice surface, with an 8% overestimation.
By achieving these objectives, this thesis contributes significantly to the advancement of both current and future C-band radar satellites, providing critical information, including the spill’s location, extent, and thickness, for an effective oil spill response in the remote and hostile Arctic region.May 202
Stable Isotopes Reveal Primary Flight Feather Moult Patterns of Atlantic Puffins (Fratercula arctica)
No full textFeathers are essential for bird survival but constantly degrade, requiring regular replacement (i.e., moult). Although necessary, moult is energetically costly and has evolved to be temporally separated from other costly activities, such as breeding. Wing-propelled pursuit divers in the family Alcidae (‘alcids’) have high wing loading (body mass/wing area) and, thus, may become flightless when wing area is reduced during primary feather moult. Different primary moult patterns require different durations to complete, as some extend the moult period while others minimize it. Thus, depending on the moult pattern, it leaves them in a vulnerable state for different lengths of time. As alcids typically moult while offshore, little is known about the flight feather moult patterns of most species, including Atlantic Puffins (Fratercula arctica). This study examined whether the primary flight feather moult pattern of Atlantic Puffins is descendent (slow, sequential replacement of primary feathers from the innermost (P1) to the outermost (P10)) or catastrophic (near-simultaneous replacement of P1-P10) using stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N). Puffin carcasses (n = 25) were collected from James Island, Newfoundland, Canada during August 2020-2022 and differences in isotope ratios between P1-P2 were compared with differences between P1-P5, and P1-P10. A lack of differences in δ13C and δ15N across feather pairs suggest a catastrophic moult pattern; however, higher P1-P10 differences in some birds indicate these individuals may have a descendent moult pattern or may moult half of their primaries before breeding, and half after. These findings increase our understanding of moult patterns in alcids, which is important to understand vulnerable periods associated with primary feather moult
My work with Pakistani employers for the job placement of persons with disabilities: an autoethnographic journey
No full textFor eight years, I was associated with a disability inclusion initiative called the Network of Organizations Working with People with Disabilities, Pakistan (NOWPDP). It specializes in skills training of persons with disabilities and making workplaces disability confident. The purpose of this autoethnography is to explore my journey in developing and utilizing effective approaches at NOWPDP to persuade Pakistani employers to hire persons with disabilities. In its programmatic activities, NOWPDP embraced the social model of disability, defined by Michael Oliver, viewing disability as a social construct. The concept of intersectionality has been applied to understand how different social locations play a major role in experiencing privilege and discrimination. In our journey to provide job placement opportunities to people with disabilities, we faced barriers like inaccessible public infrastructure, preconceived negative notions about people with disabilities, overprotection from family members, and a feeling of hopelessness from the system experienced by individuals in the disability community. Despite challenges in job placements, we applied various innovative strategies, employing a carrot-and-stick approach, to persuade employers to hire individuals with disabilities. Social cognitive theory has also been applied to understand how employers adopt the practice of hiring people with disabilities by observing other employers and assessing the consequences of their actions. Some of these strategies included creating success stories and case studies. We did this by specifically targeting industry leaders, which had a trickle-down effect in persuading other industry players. While studying the successful strategies, I have also analyzed the structure of NOWPDP, which had a board with influential leaders but did not have the representation of persons with disabilities. This brings us to the notion of inclusive governance which goes beyond the concept of inclusion and aims towards inclusive decision-making. To better understand how people with disabilities are perceived in society, I have also applied the stereotype content model that helps us understand how we perceive a social group based on the dimensions of warmth and competence. The impact of colonization had a pivotal impact on how employers judged the competence of employees like the ability to speak fluent English. The concept of power, as defined by Foucault as ubiquitous, had a significant impact on our understanding of inclusion and on our interactions with individuals with disabilities. We initiated a specialized vocational training program through our research with the British Council Pakistan that enabled us to know the top trades that have the highest possibility of job placements for persons with disabilities. We utilized public relations to highlight our partnership with the companies to push other organizations to come on board. We also organized campaigns like 100 Days, 100 Lives, which connected 100 persons with disabilities with 100 industry professionals to create job opportunities within 100 days. We encouraged government institutions to legally compel organizations to hire people with disabilities and highlighted us as a possible partner to help them with this journey. Our partnership with the State Bank of Pakistan was one of our biggest successes. It helped us draft a banking policy and convince banking institutions to lay out a three-year-long plan to make their organizations accessible for customers and employees with disabilities, allowing us to open doors to job placement for people with disabilities.May 202
Smart beehive system for measuring honey level and controlling temperature
No full textThe designs for a remote managed honey level and temperature control system for a beehive are presented in this thesis. These designs can be useful in beekeeping, as apiarists can have better understanding of environmental factors and stresses affecting the honeybee population. For monitoring honey level in the hive boxes, interdigitated capacitor sensors fabricated up on the frames in the hive box are presented. Simulations and experimental testing of prototypes are presented for measuring the level of honey on top of the frames. For the temperature control in the hive, various heater designs with performance simulations are presented to heat the brood in the hive to 35 ℃ regularly, and further increase temperature to kill Varro mites. This system will measure the temperature in each region of the frame board. If any mite is detected, the temperature will be increased on that region to kill the mite, and this can protect other honey regions from destroying and save energy. The prototype interdigitated capacitor sensors were built and experimentally tested in the lab to measure the level of water on the frames. They showed that the capacitance would increase with the level of water on top of the sensor from 1 mm to 10 mm. Electronics were constructed to record the data from the interdigitated capacitor sensors and record the data on an SD card.May 202
Phosphorus availability in organic-cropped Chernozemic soils as a function of struvite application timing and green manure crop species
No full textPhosphorus (P) is an essential crop nutrient. Dwindling phosphate rock reserves essential for P fertilizer manufacture are increasingly necessitating P recovery from waste and its recycling in fertilizer products. Struvite (MgNH4.PO4.6H2O), which is a slow-release fertilizer recovered from wastewater, holds potential as an alternative P fertilizer helping to close the P loop, particularly in organic crop production where soil P deficiency is pronounced. Research is needed to explore options for enhancing the dissolution dynamics of struvite and improving crop response, particularly in alkaline soils. Therefore, this thesis evaluated struvite for its capacity to supply plant-available P as affected by soil and different crop species in common crop rotations in the Canadian prairies. Field experiments conducted on alkaline soils in southern Manitoba under organic management examined the effect of struvite application timing and preceding green manure crop species on wheat crop response. A complementary growth room bioassay examined mechanisms controlling struvite-P mobilization as affected by struvite application timing and the presence of a buckwheat crop. Results from the field study demonstrated variability in responses of green manure species to struvite and the yield of a subsequent spring wheat crop. Response to struvite application was greater for buckwheat compared to field pea and faba bean. However, this differential response did not translate to a greater subsequent wheat crop response following struvite application to buckwheat. Applying struvite to the preceding green manures, compared to applying to the wheat crop did not produce a significant agronomic response in the wheat crop. Results from the growth room bioassay indicated no significant impact of a buckwheat crop on the availability to a subsequent crop of struvite-P applied to the buckwheat. Pre-seeding P application led to decreased cumulative P uptake by buckwheat from MAP relative to the at-seeding application of MAP but had no impact on P uptake from struvite. Our results suggest a lower agronomic response to struvite relative to MAP, regardless of timing of application. Although buckwheat appeared to be efficient in mobilizing struvite P, it may not effectively transfer sufficient P to support the growth of a following crop.
Keywords: Soil phosphorus, organic farming, alkaline soils, monoammonium phosphateOctober 202
Cannabis use in a Canadian long-term care facility: a case study
No full textBackground
Following the legalization of cannabis in Canada in 2018, people aged 65 + years reported a significant increase in cannabis consumption. Despite limited research with older adults regarding the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, there is increasing interest and use among this population, particularly for those who have chronic illnesses or are at end of life. Long-term Care (LTC) facilities are required to reflect on their care and policies related to the use of cannabis, and how to address residents’ cannabis use within what they consider to be their home.
Methods
Using an exploratory case study design, this study aimed to understand how one LTC facility in western Canada addressed the major policy shift related to medical and non-medical cannabis. The case study, conducted November 2021 to August 2022, included an environmental scan of existing policies and procedures related to cannabis use at the LTC facility, a quantitative survey of Healthcare Providers’ (HCP) knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cannabis, and qualitative interviews with HCPs and administrators. Quantitative survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data.
Results
A total of 71 HCPs completed the survey and 12 HCPs, including those who functioned as administrators, participated in the interview. The largest knowledge gaps were related to dosing and creating effective treatment plans for residents using cannabis. About half of HCPs reported providing care in the past month to a resident who was taking medical cannabis (54.9%) and a quarter (25.4%) to a resident that was taking non-medical cannabis. The majority of respondents (81.7%) reported that lack of knowledge, education or information about medical cannabis were barriers to medical cannabis use in LTC. From the qualitative data, we identified four key findings regarding HCPs’ attitudes, cannabis access and use, barriers to cannabis use, and non-medical cannabis use.
Conclusions
With the legalization of medical and non-medical cannabis in jurisdictions around the world, LTC facilities will be obligated to develop policies, procedures and healthcare services that are able to accommodate residents’ use of cannabis in a respectful and evidence-informed manner
Plant species-specific Effects on Boreal Soil Fertility in Mature and Fire-Disturbed Forest
No full textSoil fertility is the ability for soil to meet the requirements for plant growth. The soil fertility is influenced by both fire disturbance and plant species. Competitive species contribute higher quality leaf litter than stress-tolerant species in the boreal forest which influences aspects of soil fertility. The effect that plants with different life history strategies have on soil fertility has not been studied in the context of high-severity fire. Soil fertility variables including organic layer depth, soil temperature, soil respiration rate, pH, inorganic nitrogen content, percent soil organic matter, and percent water retention were compared between soil samples from replicate plots in the boreal forest near Churchill Manitoba, and soil samples from replicate plots in a fire-disturbed site in the boreal forest. Additionally, soil fertility variables were compared between soils sampled from competitive species (Salix candida) and stress-tolerant species (Empetrum nigrum and Vaccinium uliginosum) growing in the two sites. Statistical differences in soil variables were found between soil samples from the boreal forest and soil samples from a fire-disturbed site. High-severity fire reduces the organic layer depth and decreases the pH, soil respiration rate, and available nutrients. Inorganic nitrogen content and relative growth rate of sea lyme grass grown in soil samples were statistically different between the competitive plant Salix candida and the stress-tolerant plants. Salix candida influences soil fertility by increasing the inorganic nitrogen content and fostering soils that increase the relative growth rate of sea lyme grass. As the frequency, intensity, and severity of fires in the boreal forest are increasing due to climate change, it is important to understand how species impact soil fertility
Migration and health study: a socio-ecological analysis of sexual health among migrants in Manitoba, Canada
No full textBackground
To develop effective public health policies, programs, and services tailored to the unique sexual health needs of migrant populations, it is essential to understand the myriad socio-ecological factors that influence their sexual health. This qualitative community-based participatory study aimed to explore factors influencing migrants’ sexual health at different socio-ecological levels in a Canadian setting.
Methods
Participants (n = 34) from African, Caribbean, Black; Latin American; South Asian; Middle Eastern, as well as East and Southeast Asian communities were recruited across Manitoba using printed flyers, community organizations, and social media. Individual interviews, conducted in English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog, Arabic, Swahili, and Tigrinya languages, explored questions relating to sexual health and experiences with service providers. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and socio-ecological systems theory.
Results
The study uncovered a range of individual, interpersonal, institutional, and socio-structural factors that affect the sexual health of migrants in Manitoba. Individual factors such as sexual health knowledge and testing practices, interpersonal factors like the type of sexual partnerships, institutional factors such as sexual health information needs, language, and service access barriers, and structural-level factors like gender norms and HIV stigma exerted a significant influence on the sexual health practices of study respondents. Sexual health awareness was influenced by various factors including length of time in Canada and involvement in community-based services. Study respondents identified issues related to access to HIV testing and sexual health information, as well as language barriers, racism in healthcare, and HIV stigma. Gender and social norms played a significant role in discouraging communication about sex and safer sex practices.
Conclusions
The study highlights the complex interplay of factors that influence the sexual health of migrants, and the need for targeted sexual health awareness campaigns and provision of sexual health information in languages spoken by migrants. Public health interventions focused on improving the sexual health outcomes for migrants should consider the socio-ecological elements identified in this study. These findings can inform public health campaigns to increase access to services and address sexual health inequities among migrant communities in Canada
Nostalgia facilitating positive attitudes towards racial/ethnic outgroups and reducing prejudice
No full textExisting research demonstrates that nostalgia is an effective strategy for reducing prejudice towards outgroup members. Recalling a nostalgic encounter with an outgroup member leads to an Inclusion of the Outgroup in the Self, eventually reducing prejudice towards the outgroup defined by weight, age, mental health status, and immigration (Turner et al., 2012; 2018; 2013; Gravani et al., 2018). However, no research has yet explored how nostalgia reduces prejudice towards racial/ethnic outgroups. In this study, I tested whether participants (N = 190) writing about a nostalgic (vs. ordinary) memory involving a racial/ethnic outgroup member reduces prejudice and enhances anti-racist attitudes towards the outgroup by increasing the cognitive Inclusion of the Outgroup in the Self. The primary results indicated that nostalgia does not lead to increased positive attitudes, reduced prejudice, or more anti-racist attitudes towards racial/ethnic outgroups, and the Inclusion of the Outgroup in the Self does not mediate this relationship. However, the exploratory analysis suggests that participant’s ethnicity may impact the effect of nostalgia, such that nostalgia may increase positive attitudes among White participants and increase the awareness of White privilege and anti-racist attitudes among racialized participants. Overall, the findings suggest that the effect of nostalgia to improve attitudes, reduce prejudice, and foster anti-racist attitudes towards racial/ethnic outgroups is affected by the ethnicity of the individual engaging in the nostalgic recall.October 202
Health Care Provider Perspectives during COVID-19 on Nutrition at End-of-Life in Long-Term Care
No full textIntroduction: Older adults are admitted to long-term care (LTC) homes with advanced disease progression, complexity and acuity. There is a need for starting end-of-life (EOL) conversations earlier. Poor communication surrounding anticipated decline may result in unwanted interventions for residents and leave substitute decision makers (SDMs) feeling unsupported during the dying process. COVID-19 increases the need for earlier conversations.
Objectives: (1) Examine current end-of-life nutrition related practices/standardized conversations in Canadian LTC homes with health care providers (HCPs) (2) Determine the acceptability of current EOL practices and timing of these practices in LTC homes among staff in Canada (3) Examine starting points for initiating informal EOL discussions between residents, substitute decision makers, and HCPs in LTC (4) Determine the impact of COVID-19 on EOL discussions.
Methods: An online survey was sent to LTC HCPs across Canada from April 21 to July 30, 2021. Participant demographics, facility characteristics, information on current EOL policy and practice, and changes during COVID-19 was collected. Seventy completed surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics (100% Female; 40.8 years ±11.54), Chi-Square and Fisher’s Exact Tests.
Results: Participants included registered dietitians (82.6%), nurses (10.1%), administrators (2.9%), speech language pathologists, social workers, and occupational therapists (4.2%). Most represented provinces included British Columbia (31.4%), New Brunswick (22.9%), and Manitoba (20.0%). Seventy-Two percent of respondents indicated their LTC home had no policy outlining who is responsible for initiating EOL conversations or when EOL conversations should occur (73.6%). HCPs ranked their preferred times to initiate EOL conversations as on admission, as requested by the SDM, or as identified by the HCP. Respondents indicated they were comfortable/confident with nutrition at EOL conversations with residents (77.4%) and SDMs (87.1%). A total of 19 variables were examined as contributing to HCP comfort/confidence. None were statistically significant (alpha 0.05). HCPs found nutrition at EOL conversations more stressful during COVID 19.
Conclusion: HCPs indicate they are comfortable/confident with nutrition at EOL conversations. However, HCPs feel timing of informal EOL conversations could start as early as on admission. During COVID-19, HCPs had feelings of increased stress with EOL discussions. This stress may be due to the government restrictions that were implemented resulting in understaffing, and increased workloads.Riverview Health CentreFebruary 202