Areas In Southwestern Ontario Research Articles

Temporal Behavior of Glacially Induced Stresses and Strains at Potential Sites for Long‐Term Storage of Used Nuclear Fuel in Canada

AbstractContinental‐scale glaciations cause deformation, geopotential, rotation and stress changes of the Earth. Subsurface stress changes have implications to future activities such as carbon capture and storage, enhanced oil recovery and deep geological disposal of nuclear waste. We model glacially induced stresses, strain changes and deformation for North America, with emphasis on the two potential sites for long‐term storage of used nuclear fuel in Canada (Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON)‐South Bruce area in southwestern Ontario and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON)‐Ignace area in northwestern Ontario). We apply a revised, high‐resolution ice history of the past glacial cycle from the University of Toronto Glacial Systems Model, assumed to be representative for future glacial cycles, together with a set of seven different one‐ and three‐dimensional earth structures. We find that glacially induced stresses and strains can vary strongly throughout a glacial cycle, whereas especially the horizontal components can change from tensional to compressive in nature. Such changes can happen within a few 1,000 years, caused by drastic and rapid ice thickness increase or decrease above the potential site. Despite SON‐South Bruce being located further away from the ice sheet center than WLON‐Ignace and temporarily in the forebulge of the developing ice sheet during glaciation, stresses and strains are very similar in magnitude and range at both sites. We also see the potential that the glacially induced stresses can alter the direction of the pre‐existing maximum horizontal stress at SON‐South Bruce. These results will be incorporated in the site safety and site selection process.

OAC Stirling soybean

OAC Stirling is a semi-determinate large-seeded food-grade soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar with high yield potential, high seed protein concentration, and resistance to soybean cyst nematode. OAC Stirling is developed and recommended for soybean growing areas in southwestern Ontario with 3100 or greater crop heat units and has a relative maturity of 2.3.

OAC Union soybean

The OAC Union cultivar of soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is semi-determinate, has large seeds suitable for food-grade purposes, and offers high yield potential with elevated concentrations of seed protein and oil. Additionally, it displays resistance to soybean cyst nematode. OAC Union is developed and recommended for soybean-growing areas in southwestern Ontario with 2800 or greater crop heat units and has a relative maturity of 1.4.

Knowledge of viral load, PrEP, and HIV-related sexual risk among men who have sex with men in the Waterloo region

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) remain most disproportionately affected by HIV in Canada. HIV-related sexual risk behaviours have been linked to high HIV risk among GBMSM, but prior research has not focused on knowledge of viral load, and the risk it presents for HIV acquisition. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between HIV-related sexual risk behaviour and knowledge of viral load among GBMSM. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample of individuals age 16 and older who self-identified as LGBTQ and lived, worked, or resided in the Waterloo region, an urban-rural area in southwestern Ontario ( N = 526). Responses were analyzed from those identifying as GBMSM ( N = 269). Logistic regression models were created to explore sociodemographic, outness, social support, and HIV-related sexual risk variables associated with knowledge of viral load. Multivariable regression models were built to explore the same associations while controlling for confounders. HIV risk was not associated with knowledge of viral load in bivariate or multivariable analyses. Point estimates for low/negligible (odds ratio [OR] 1.10; 95% CI 0.46–2.51) and high risk (OR 1.88; 95% CI 0.68–5.20) suggest trends of higher knowledge with increased HIV risk. Men who engage in sexual risk behaviour may have increased sexual health literacy and awareness of biomedical interventions (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP) that reduce HIV risk. Policies are needed that promote acceptance of sexual orientation, improve awareness and access to PrEP, and ensure optimal delivery of HIV education to at-risk groups prior to engagement in higher risk activities.

Knowledge of viral load, PrEP, and HIV-related sexual risk among men who have sex with men in the Waterloo region

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) remain most disproportionately affected by HIV in Canada. HIV- related sexual risk behaviours have been linked to high HIV risk among GBMSM, but prior research has not focused on knowledge of viral load, and the risk it presents for HIV acquisition. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between HIV-related sexual risk behaviour and knowledge of viral load among GBMSM. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample of individuals age 16 and older who self-identified as LGBTQ and lived, worked, or resided in the Waterloo region, an urban-rural area in southwestern Ontario ( N = 526). Responses were analyzed from those identifying as GBMSM ( N = 269). Logistic regression models were created to explore sociodemographic, outness, social support, and HIV-related sexual risk variables associated with knowledge of viral load. Multivariable regression models were built to explore the same associations while controlling for confounders. HIV risk was not associated with knowledge of viral load in bivariate or multivariable analyses. Point estimates for low/negligible (odds ratio [OR] 1.10; 95% CI 0.46–2.51) and high risk (OR 1.88; 95% CI 0.68–5.20) suggest trends of higher knowledge with increased HIV risk. Men who engage in sexual risk behaviour may have increased sexual health literacy and awareness of biomedical interventions (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP) that reduce HIV risk. Policies are needed that promote acceptance of sexual orientation, improve awareness and access to PrEP, and ensure optimal delivery of HIV education to at-risk groups prior to engagement in higher risk activities.

Crop Monitoring and Classification Using Polarimetric RADARSAT-2 Time-Series Data Across Growing Season: A Case Study in Southwestern Ontario, Canada

Multitemporal polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) has proven as a very effective technique in agricultural monitoring and crop classification. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of crop monitoring and classification over an agricultural area in southwestern Ontario, Canada. The time-series RADARSAT-2 C-Band PolSAR images throughout the entire growing season were exploited. A set of 27 representative polarimetric observables categorized into ten groups was selected and analyzed in this research. First, responses and temporal evolutions of each of the polarimetric observables over different crop types were quantitatively analyzed. The results reveal that the backscattering coefficients in cross-pol and Pauli second channel, the backscattering ratio between HV and VV channels (HV/VV), the polarimetric decomposition outputs, the correlation coefficient between HH and VV channelρ ρHHVV, and the radar vegetation index (RVI) show the highest sensitivity to crop growth. Then, the capability of PolSAR time-series data of the same beam mode was also explored for crop classification using the Random Forest (RF) algorithm. The results using single groups of polarimetric observables show that polarimetric decompositions, backscattering coefficients in Pauli and linear polarimetric channels, and correlation coefficients produced the best classification accuracies, with overall accuracies (OAs) higher than 87%. A forward selection procedure to pursue optimal classification accuracy was expanded to different perspectives, enabling an optimal combination of polarimetric observables and/or multitemporal SAR images. The results of optimal classifications show that a few polarimetric observables or a few images on certain critical dates may produce better accuracies than the whole dataset. The best result was achieved using an optimal combination of eight groups of polarimetric observables and six SAR images, with an OA of 94.04%. This suggests that an optimal combination considering both perspectives may be valuable for crop classification, which could serve as a guideline and is transferable for future research.

LiDAR DEM Smoothing and the Preservation of Drainage Features

Fine-resolution Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data often exhibit excessive surface roughness that can hinder the characterization of topographic shape and the modeling of near-surface flow processes. Digital elevation model (DEM) smoothing methods, commonly low-pass filters, are sometimes applied to LiDAR data to subdue the roughness. These techniques can negatively impact the representation of topographic features, most notably drainage features, such as headwater streams. This paper presents the feature-preserving DEM smoothing (FPDEMS) method, which modifies surface normals to smooth the topographic surface in a similar manner to approaches that were originally designed for de-noising three-dimensional (3D) meshes. The FPDEMS method has been optimized for application with raster DEM data. The method was compared with several low-pass filters while using a 0.5-m resolution LiDAR DEM of an agricultural area in southwestern Ontario, Canada. The findings demonstrated that the technique was better at removing roughness, when compared with mean, median, and Gaussian filters, while also preserving sharp breaks-in-slope and retaining the topographic complexity at broader scales. Optimal smoothing occurred with kernel sizes of 11–21 grid cells, threshold angles of 10°–20°, and 3–15 elevation-update iterations. These parameter settings allowed for the effective reduction in roughness and DEM noise and the retention of terrace scarps, channel banks, gullies, and headwater streams.

Geographic accessibility to primary care providers: Comparing rural and urban areas in Southwestern Ontario

This research examines geographical accessibility to primary care providers (PCPs) across urban and rural areas of Southwestern Ontario and examines variations in the distribution of PCPs in relation to the senior population (aged 65 years and older). Information about PCP practices was provided by the HealthForceOntario Marketing and Recruitment Agency. Population data were obtained from the 2016 Census of Canada. To calculate scores for accessibility to PCPs (i.e., PCPs/10,000 population), we applied the enhanced 2‐step floating catchment area method with distance decay effect within a global service catchment of 30‐minute drive time. A geospatial mapping approach revealed disparities in the distribution of PCPs with a pattern of higher spatial accessibility in or around major urban areas in Southwestern Ontario. Comparative analyses were performed in association with the seniors’ population to identify how accessibility scores were mismatched with the population needs. The outcome of this study will assist researchers and health service planners to better understand the distribution of existing PCPs to address inequalities, particularly in rural areas.

OAC Bruton soybean

OAC Bruton is an indeterminate large-seeded food-grade soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar with high yield potential, high seed protein concentration, and resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN). OAC Bruton is developed and recommended for soybean growing areas in southwestern Ontario with 2950 or greater crop heat units. OAC Bruton is classified as a maturity group 1 (MG1) cultivar with a relative maturity of 1.8.

OAC Ramsay soybean

OAC Ramsay is an indeterminate large-seeded food-grade soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar with high yield potential, high seed protein and oil concentrations, and resistance to soybean cyst nematode. OAC Ramsay is developed and recommended for soybean growing areas in southwestern Ontario with 3050 or greater crop heat units and has a relative maturity of 2.2 (MG 2.2).

OAC Prosper Soybean

OAC Prosper is a semi-determinate food-grade soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivar with high yield potential, high seed protein concentration, and resistance to soybean cyst nematode. OAC Prosper is developed and recommended for soybean growing areas in southwestern Ontario with 2950 or greater crop heat units. OAC Prosper has a relative maturity of 1.8.

Lighthouse Common Bean

Lighthouse is an indeterminate, full-season navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar with an upright plant architecture, suitable for direct harvest, with a high yield potential, and a high level of resistance to common bacterial blight (CBB; caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli). Lighthouse is adapted to and recommended for the dry bean growing areas in southwestern Ontario.

Fathom common bean

Fathom (CFIA registration no. 7544) is a full-season navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar with a high yield potential, and resistance to anthracnose (caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum ) and common bacterial blight (CBB; caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli). Fathom is recommended for the dry bean growing areas in southwestern Ontario.

Yeti kidney bean

Yeti is a full-season white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar with tall bush plant architecture; high yield potential andgood cooking quality. Yeti is adapted to and recommended for the dry bean growing areas in Southwestern Ontario.

Bolt common bean

The breeding line ACUG10-1 named as Bolt (CFIA registration no. 7366) of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is resistant to anthracnose [caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. & Magnus)] with an upright plant architecture, suitable for direct harvest and high yield potential. Bolt is recommended for the dry bean growing areas in southwestern Ontario.

Rural Geriatric Glue: A Nurse Practitioner–Led Model of Care for Enhancing Primary Care for Frail Older Adults within an Ecosystem Approach

This article describes the implementation of the Care for Seniors model of care, an innovative approach to improving care coordination and integration, and provides preliminary evidence of effective use of specialist resources and acute care services. Retrospective. Primary care; cross-sector. Older adults living in a rural area in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Number of new geriatrician referrals and follow-up visits before and after the launch of the Care for Seniors program, number of Nurse Practitioner visits in a primary care setting, in-home, retirement home and hospital, number of discharges home from hospital and length of hospital stay between. In the 2years before the launch of the program, the total number of visits to the geriatrician for individuals from this FHT was relatively low, 21 and 15, respectively for 2005-06 and 2006-07, increasing to 73 for the 2011-12 year. Although the absolute number of individuals supported by the NP-Geri has remained relatively the same, the numbers seen in the primary care office or in the senior's clinic has declined over time, and the number of home visits has increased, as have visits in the retirement homes. The percentage of individuals discharged home increased from 19% in 2008-09 to 31% in 2009-10 and 26% in 2011-12 and the average length of stay decreased over time. This model of care represents a promising collaboration between primary care and specialist care for improving care to frail older adults living in rural communities, potentially improving timely access to health care and crisis intervention.

OAC Flight soft red winter wheat

Tamburic-Ilincic, L. and Smid, A. 2013. OAC Flight soft red winter wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 1261–1263. OAC Flight is a soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar registered for Ontario, Canada. It has high grain yield, with good pastry quality and similar resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) as the moderately susceptible check Emmit. OAC Flight is well adapted for the winter wheat growing areas of South Western Ontario.

OAC Emmy, soft white winter wheat

Tamburic-Ilincic, L. and Smid, A. 2013. OAC Emmy, soft white winter wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 965-967. OAC Emmy is a soft white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar registered for Ontario, Canada. It has high grain yield, with good pastry and biscuit quality and similar resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) as the moderately susceptible check Emmit. OAC Emmy is well adapted for the winter wheat growing areas of South Western Ontario.

OAC Emmy, soft white winter wheat

Tamburic-Ilincic, L. and Smid, A. 2013. OAC Emmy, soft white winter wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 965–967. OAC Emmy is a soft white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar registered for Ontario, Canada. It has high grain yield, with good pastry and biscuit quality and similar resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) as the moderately susceptible check Emmit. OAC Emmy is well adapted for the winter wheat growing areas of South Western Ontario.

OAC Flight soft red winter wheat

Tamburic-Ilincic, L. and Smid, A. 2013. OAC Flight soft red winter wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 1261-1263. OAC Flight is a soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar registered for Ontario, Canada. It has high grain yield, with good pastry quality and similar resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) as the moderately susceptible check Emmit. OAC Flight is well adapted for the winter wheat growing areas of South Western Ontario.