Policy capacity research: An overview and bibliography of the international literature, 1978 to 2023

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview and bibliography of international policy capacity research that has developed over the past 40 years and to highlight themes that constitute the field. Through an international and multi-disciplinary synthesis of 311 English abstracts in 172 peer-reviewed journals, we find that policy capacity research has been driven by a handful of widely cited researchers, maintained a predominantly qualitative methodology, and focused on governments located in the West. Empirical research is needed to understand the dynamics of policy capacity outside of governments in the West, with a focus on developing actionable recommendations for practitioners to improve the quality of public policy in their respective jurisdictions. This paper fulfils the need for a comprehensive bibliography of policy capacity research for use by both academics and practitioners

A review of machine learning techniques in agroclimatic studies

The interplay of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) within the agroclimatic domain is pivotal for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change on agriculture. This paper embarks on a systematic review to dissect the current utilization of ML and DL in agricultural research, with a pronounced emphasis on agroclimatic impacts and adaptation strategies. Our investigation reveals a dominant reliance on conventional ML models and uncovers a critical gap in the documentation of methodologies. This constrains the replicability, scalability, and adaptability of these technologies in agroclimatic research. In response to these challenges, we advocate for a strategic pivot toward Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) frameworks. AutoML not only simplifies and standardizes the model development process but also democratizes ML expertise, thereby catalyzing the advancement in agroclimatic research. The incorporation of AutoML stands to significantly enhance research scalability, adaptability, and overall performance, ushering in a new era of innovation in agricultural practices tailored to mitigate and adapt to climate change. This paper underscores the untapped potential of AutoML in revolutionizing agroclimatic research, propelling forward the development of sustainable and efficient agricultural solutions that are responsive to the evolving climate dynamics

Organic acid-assisted organosolv fractionation of sawdust and using the fractionated lignin to prepare activated carbon pellets for high-temperature applications

In present, activated carbon (AC) pellets that are commonly prepared by petroleum-based binders have been used to control NOx, SOx, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions in the iron/steel industry. However, the use of petroleum-based binders leads to great challenges toward sustainability and environment. Alternatively, lignin as a natural bio-binder derived from biomass and organic waste can act as a potential additive for preparing AC pellets. Therefore, in this study, pinewood sawdust was initially fractionated into crude cellulose and lignin by organosolv fractionation method at 90–120 °C for 180 min in an acetic acid/formic acid/water mixed solvent of 3/5/2, 3/6/1, and 5/4/1, vol%/vol%/vol%. Afterward, the fractionated crude lignin was used as bio-additive to substitute 50 wt% of petroleum-derived phenol to synthesize phenol-formaldehyde resole resins (PLPF) and compared with those prepared using 100% petroleum-derived phenol resole resins (PF). PLPF and PF resins were further fabricated to AC pellets by thermal treatment/curing at 150 °C and different loadings of resins (i.e., 10–50 wt%), followed by carbonization at 400 and 700 °C. In the fractionation, it was found that temperature played a role in determining the yield and purity of crude cellulose and lignin, while the effect of solvent composition was insignificant. PLPF resins (loading of 50 wt%)-based AC pellets obtained from thermal treatment at 150 °C followed by carbonization at 400 °C showed a relatively higher compressive strength, which meets the national standard and could ensure their uses as an emission control method in the iron/steel industry. Overall, it can be concluded that lignin-derived from woody biomass by organosolv fractionation in acetic acid/formic acid/water mixture is an alternative bio-binder to prepare AC pellets for emission control at high temperatures

Truth in reconciliation: a discussion of Indigenous scholars' inclusion in the academy

In April 2023, Universities Canada released their “Commitments to Truth and Reconciliation” document, which outlines six commitments in response to the TRC Calls to Action. This marks a critical first step in national commitment to reconciliation within higher education. The current literature to date, as well as our research, have uncovered incomplete and varied response patterns and initiatives from universities across Atlantic Canada with regards to support for Indigenous faculty in higher education. While the TRC calls for full participation of Indigenous Peoples in all levels of education, the degree to which universities have been able to create space for Indigenous positionality remains largely unknown. Our project aimed to gauge the levels of intentionality, action and accountability expressed by Atlantic Canadian universities. Our methodology involved both interrogation of public documents, such as strategic plans and collective agreements, but also listening to Indigenous scholars who described their experiences working in higher education

Improving horse welfare in Prince Edward Island through welfare assessment and benchmarking

There 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

Our 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

An overview of biostimulant activity and plant responses under abiotic and biotic stress conditions

Currently, 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

Retrospective study on the occurrence of Salmonella serotypes in veterinary specimens of Atlantic Canada (2012–2021)

Aim: 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