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In today's globalized world wood-based products are often imported from countries other than those where the wood was grown. Bilateral trade statistics are thus only of limited help for getting a better understanding of how production-related environmental impacts are caused by consumption elsewhere. This study presents a novel physical accounting model that allows flows of wood-based products to be traced along international supply chains, therefore making it possible to consistently relate the consumption of wood-based products to the origin of roundwood. In comparison to previous studies, the proposed method covers entire supply chains, including finished wood and paper products, such as furniture and printed matter, and also accounts for flows of processing residues and recovered paper. The main results of the accounting model are detailed country-by-country matrices indicating the locations of origin of the products consumed in a given nation. For instance, it is revealed that out of the finished wood products consumed in the USA in 2018, 75.6% originated domestically, 10.7% from neighbouring Canada and the remaining 13.7% from other countries. Potential applications and extensions of the presented approach are also discussed. • The accounting approach traces flows of wood-based products along supply chains. • The method has a high regional resolution and covers 16 different products. • Processing residues, recovered paper and finished products are also accounted for. • Matrices indicate the origin of the raw material contained in consumed products. • The model is useful for investigating the theory of unequal ecological exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detectors is often severely degraded in clutter edge and under multiple target interference. CFAR detection in the above environments often uses generalised likelihood ratio method or mean ratio method to find out the clutter edge demarcation line and suppress the sharp increase of false alarm rate, or remove the interference and modify the threshold factor to suppress the interference and improve the detection performance, but this sacrifices the detection gain from the number of clutter samples. In this paper, the feature information is fused to construct feature vectors, and the edge location is judged by the modulus of the cross product of the feature vector pair (MCPFVP), this edge demarcation line detection method fusing with features can be implemented without the need of clutter statistical distribution information. In addition, this paper reconstructs the sea clutter masked by multiple target interference by fusing the sea clutter amplitude correlation information, and these reconstructed sea clutter samples are used for power estimation together with the unmasked sea clutter without changing the threshold factor. This method can not only suppress the target masking effect of multiple target interference as the censoring type CFAR detector, but also maintain the detection gain from the number of clutter samples, which is not possible with the traditional censoring type CFAR detector. In addition, the relative weighted ratio summation (RWRS) is proposed to detect the multiple target interference, which takes into account the asymmetry of the shape of the statistical distribution. Both simulated and real sea clutter data are used to validate the above methods. The measured data are obtained from radar data collected at Yantai Yangma Island, China, Darmouth, Canada and Grimsby, Canada. (The latter two datasets are collected by the IPIX radar - Ice Multiparameter Imaging X-Band Radar). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulp and paper industry use biomass residues, such as paper sludge and bark as fuel to provide energy for their plants. However, issues such as high-water content or low heating value limit the amount of energy that can be utilized. Processes to improve heat generation include biomass densification, which facilitates transportation and handling and can increase energy yield. However, the technical feasibility of briquetting is a function of the feedstock and preprocessing. This study introduces a novel approach to briquette production from biomass residues by utilizing wet biomass with water as a natural binder, contrasting with conventional methods that require forced drying and/or the addition of binders. The objective of this research was to investigate the impact of briquetting both unprocessed biomass and post-hydrothermal carbonization. The study focused on manufacturing briquettes derived from different sources, including bark (Balsam fir), paper sludge, and hydrochar of paper sludge. The feedstock was characterized for ash content and higher heating value. Biomass particle size (range), moisture content (range), process temperature (range), process pressure (range), and process residence time (range) were varied in briquetting experiments to determine conditions to produce high-quality briquettes with minimal energy input. Moisture content as high a 50 wt% in feedstock produced technically feasible briquettes, with appropriate physical-mechanical properties (durability, volumetric expansion and apparent density), and energetic potential (calorific value). The addition of heat (pressing temperature of 150 °C) during the pressing process resulted in briquettes with enhanced physical-mechanical, and energetic properties, surpassing those produced at room temperature. Further tests with additional steps in the production process are required to meet commercialization standards in Canada, but the treatments conducted in this study effectively improved the energy potential of biomass for internal industrial energy gains. • Wet briquettes (20 wt% and 50 wt%) production was technically feasible. • Briquettes with added heat (150 °C) exhibited superior properties. • All biomass briquettes exhibited improved energy potential. • Hydrochar briquettes showed superior energy content and durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The global uniform exponential stability is established for zero-order delayed systems. • The stability results for impulsive dynamical networks are obtained. • The event-triggered impulsive control (ETIC) is designed to stabilize dynamical networks. • ETIC has lower impulse frequency and control cost than the classic impulsive control. • A non-instantaneous ETIC is proposed to improve the instantanity and discontinuity of ETIC. This paper studies the stability for impulsive dynamical networks (IDN) where different nodes may have different impulse time sequences. By deriving the conditions of global uniform exponential stability for zero-order delayed systems, the criteria of stability for IDN are established. The stability results for IDN are then used to design event-triggered impulsive control (ETIC) for stabilization of continuous-time dynamical networks (CDN). In every node of CDN, three levels of event-triggering conditions are set for ETIC. The exponential stabilization of CDN is shown to be achieved by the designed ETIC and it also shows that the ETIC is robust w.r.t. time-delays. Moreover, a non-instantaneous ETIC (NI-ETIC) is proposed for the stabilization of CDN. Three examples with numerical simulations are given to show that the designed ETIC has lower impulse frequency and cost of control than the classic time-triggered impulsive control. It is also shown that the discontinuity and the instantanity of ETIC are improved by the NI-ETIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Developing a new optimization model for designing a tire closed-loop supply chain. • Presenting a Spherical fuzzy logic method to calculate the importance of suppliers. • Discussing the application of the model in Greater Toronto Area, Canada. • Solving the multi-objective model using the augmented ε -constraint method. • Performing extensive sensitivity analyses and analyzing the results. For tire manufacturers to remain profitable while fulfilling environmental and social obligations such as producer responsibility, the opportunity lies in designing a tire Closed-Loop Supply Chain (CLSC) which combines forward and reverse supply chains. In this paper, a new multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model is proposed to configure and optimize a multi-echelon, multi-product, multi-period tire CLSC network based on multiple recovery options and markets. For one of the objectives of the model, the weighting factors (importance) of suppliers are determined according to a unique framework of qualitative criteria. In this respect, a novel decision-making method based on Spherical fuzzy logic is developed. Finally, the solution approach is devised based on the formulation of the augmented ε -constraint method for finding efficient solutions. The application of the model is illustrated focusing on the region of Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada. The optimal quantities for the flows of products, and number and locations of open facilities of the network are computed. The results show that the selected suppliers and allocated orders from them are impacted by considering multiple objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the relationships among the important process parameters that impact Post-combustion Carbon Capture (PCC) carbon dioxide (C O 2) separation. A better understanding of the complex relationships among those parameters can support optimization and performance enhancement of the separation process. Being able to precisely predict the process parameters will enable the operator to determine the current state of the process, forecast any potential changes or events, and adjust process parameters to enhance the plant's performance. With the objective of studying the process parameters' correlations in the amine-based PCC process, we modeled the multi-year historical production data of the Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute (CETRi) (formerly known as the International Test Center for PCC or ITC) in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, using a Decision Forest approach. The model validation process revealed that the Decision Forest model produced higher predictive accuracy than previous efforts. The Decision Forest models we developed also represent knowledge about the importance of parameters involved in the capture process, and such knowledge is useful for further optimization of the capture process in the future. • Modeling the parameters of the Carbon Capture process with machine learning (ML). • The ML models used Decision Forest with Gradient Boosting and Oblique Split. • The ML models achieved superior predictive accuracy compared to past efforts. • The ML models support interpretability by visualizing weights and prediction paths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geothermal systems installed at intermediate depths (∼1–2 km) in sedimentary basins represent an attractive option to provide low-carbon heat in cold countries, even where the geothermal gradient is low, using either closed- or open loop systems combined with heat pumps. However, the installation of such systems is costly and risky due to the uncertainty associated with the geological, hydrogeological and thermal properties of the targeted unit(s). Additionally, the performance of different types of systems is seldom compared in the literature for a given geological context. This paper presents a numerical approach to readily assess the maximum energy that could be produced by different geothermal systems (a deep borehole heat exchanger (DBHE) and three types of doublets) and compare their performance for preselection purposes. Since deep formations are often poorly characterized, the sensitivity of these systems to the most impactful site properties is evaluated. For each scenario of site properties, the systems were simulated for different operation flow rates. The maximum usable flow rate is determined from simulation results. The flow rate maximizing net energy production is used for the DBHE, while the maximum flow rate ensuring safe injection pressure has been selected for the doublets. The heating power produced per length drilled and system COP are calculated for each simulation and interpolated for the maximum usable flow rate to fairly compare the systems' performance. An illustrative case using the Bécancour area (eastern Canada) highlights that, even if the site stratigraphy and properties have been relatively well characterized previously, uncertainty regarding key properties significantly affects simulation results and, consequently, the choice of the geothermal system to install. Our numerical approach is intended as a decision-making aid in order to properly plan the installation of these expensive systems. [Display omitted] • New method for pre-selecting 1–2 km geothermal systems and assess heating potential. • Compares the DBHE and geothermal doublet performances for various designs. • Includes a sensitivity analysis to permeability, thermal conductivity and heat flux. • Determines the maximum usable flow rate for each system and scenario. • An application demonstrates the need to consider the uncertainty of rock properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The paper proposes accurate and representative multi-output regression method. • The method is based on polygon generation and deep generative modeling. • It learns the true distribution of complex industrial data. • The method expresses all interrelationships between data inputs and outputs (KPIs). • It is tested for KPIs' prediction using data collected from an industrial plant. This paper proposes an innovative multi-output regression method that processes and converts the numeric data variables into representative images (polygons) to build accurate predictive models in industrial applications with several dependent variables (responses). In this method, polygon images are generated from both the inputs and outputs of numeric data. The images representing the data inputs are then translated into those representing the outputs by training a conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN). The output images of the trained cGAN are then mapped into the outputs to get back the predicted numeric values. The advantage of the proposed method is that it makes use of the breakthrough of deep generative modeling to learn the true distribution of complex data, which is difficult to determine in many industrial applications. This is attributed to the fact that the generated polygons express all interrelationships between the data variables in the form of trustworthy representational images used to train the cGAN model. The performance of the proposed method was validated successfully using a complex industrial dataset acquired from a black liquor recovery boiler (BLRB) in a Kraft pulp & paper mill located in Canada. Three key performance indicators (KPIs), one economic and two environmental, are used as regression outputs in the BLRB dataset. The results of the proposed method demonstrate better performance than other comparable machine learning regression methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global call to address climate change and advance sustainable development has created rapid growth in research, investment, and policymaking regarding the renewable energy transition of Indigenous communities. From a rightsholder perspective, Indigenous Peoples' vision of sustainability, autonomy, and sovereignty should guide research on their energy needs. In this paper, we present a multi-method, inductive examination to identify gaps between Indigenous communities' expressed needs and rights, and the questions researchers and policymakers investigate in energy transition research conducted in the context of Indigenous communities located in Canada. We combine a systematic review of the extant literature, a scoping review of the grey literature on off-grid communities by Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments and non-governmental policy bodies, qualitative primary data collected via fieldwork, and an in-depth study of an Indigenous-led renewable energy transition study conducted by Haíɫzaqv Nation's Climate Action Team. We holistically examine these different perspectives and identify emergent themes to recommend ways to bridge the gaps between off-grid renewable energy research and stated Indigenous community priorities. Specifically, we recommend designing equitable research practices, understanding community worldviews, developing holistic research goals, respecting Indigenous data sovereignty, and sharing or co-developing knowledge with communities to align with community priorities closely. • There is a research-practice gap in Indigenous communities' energy transitions. • We used a multi-method inquiry integrating Indigenous and Western approaches. • Renewable energy literature diverges from the Indigenous community vision and goals. • Indigenous research methods can reduce the research-practice gap in high-tech fields. • Community-based approaches can use traditional laws to yield actionable outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permylene™ demonstration system (PDS), a membrane-based pilot unit for olefin/paraffin separation, is designed and fabricated by Imtex Membranes Corp. (Imtex). The PDS, equipped with pilot-scale Permylene™ elements, is capable of treating up to 3 kg/h of olefin/paraffin mixture. The PDS unit is installed in Imtex's testing lab in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Various plant-collected and lab-blended olefin/paraffin mixtures involving ethylene/ethane (C2), propylene/propane (C3), and butene/butane (C4) have been assessed on the unit. This paper is focused on the application of PDS for C3 separation, and a series of remarkable performances that have been achieved by the Permylene™ membrane and PDS unit. Propylene purity of over 98.5 vol% in the permeate/product stream has been reached over a wide range of propylene recovery rates, which could offer significant flexibility to meet various industrial operation conditions. Furthermore, the PDS unit demonstrates its stability and efficiency with 1200 hrs of continuous C3 permeation. Finally, a case study of recovering 90 % of propylene from 15,000 kg/h of C3 is performed to estimate energy consumption in commercial applications. The energy consumption of the Permylene™ process is calculated and compared with that of the distillation process. The result indicates that the energy consumption in PDS is extremely low, equal to only 8 % of that required in distillation. The study undeniably validates Permylene™'s remarkable capability for C3 separation, highlighting its potential as a viable and energy-efficient alternative to traditional distillation. [Display omitted] • The asymmetric membrane and solution replenishing overcome the instability. • This pilot unit is capable of treating up to 3 kg/h of olefin/paraffin mixture. • Propylene purity of 98.5 vol% is reached over a wide range of recovery rates. • Stable performance is shown in 1200 h of continuous C3 permeation. • The energy consumption in PDS equals 8 % of that required in distillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable construction project cost estimation relies on accurate quantity takeoffs (QTOs), traditionally done with error-prone 2-D drawings, but the emergence of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has improved QTO speed, accuracy, and reliability. However, the quality of BIM models can influence quantity accuracy, an aspect often overlooked in research on automating QTO with BIM. This paper develops an integrated framework to automatically extract and visualize construction quantities from BIM models. The system includes a Quantity Precision Check (QPC) module for automating more accurate QTO outputs. These outputs are then automatically transferred to an external database and visualized through a user-friendly dashboard on the Microsoft Power BI platform. This dashboard allows for comparisons between 2-D and BIM quantities and helps track changes in quantities over time due to design changes. The system was successfully validated in an infrastructure construction project in Canada, where it identified a 39% inconsistency in wall elements' material quantities and reduced steel quantity by 10% due to design changes. Overall, the system offers a speedy, reliable, and efficient tool for construction estimators, site managers, and cost control teams to provide accurate quantities to the procurement team and make swift decisions in response to design change impacts on construction costs. • This study introduces an automated QPC/QTO system for architectural and structural BIM models. • A QPC/QTO system workflow was developed to automatically calculate their quantities and check their accuracy in the BIM model. • The Data Extraction and Analysis Module was developed to automatically calculate, and check the accuracy of the quantities of each category. • The Data Visualization Module was developed to visualize the final QTO results and inconsistencies in BIM parameters after each update. • The system can be used as a fast and reliable tool for construction estimators to provide accurate quantities to the procurement team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We investigated how individuals generate, share, and learn safety knowledge. • Members of a culinary and hospitality arts program were interviewed. • Safety knowledge was shared and learned via social and identity mechanisms. • Safety knowledge sharing relied on novices and experienced members interacting. • A deep, collective understanding of what safety meant was labeled "common sense". • Common sense is shared, developed via practice, and enables a professional identity. Introduction: This paper investigates how members of a culinary and hospitality arts program generate, share, and learn safety knowledge via social and identity mechanisms. Method: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 participants of varying roles and experience (i.e., students, culinary instructors, and restaurant chefs) in the culinary and hospitality arts program at a large polytechnic in western Canada. Results: The emergent themes from these interviews indicated that the circulation of safety knowledge relied on the interaction among individuals with various levels of experience, such that those who were more experienced in the culinary arts were able to share safety knowledge with novices, who had less experience. Comparing safety knowledge gleaned from within the school against that gleaned from within the industry highlighted differences between the construction of safety in the two contexts. Notably, many aspects of safety knowledge are not learned in school and those that are may not apply in the industry context. We found that safety knowledge was shared through informal means such as storytelling, a process that allowed members to come to a deep, collective understanding of what safety meant, which they often labeled "common sense." Conclusion: We found that safety knowledge was a currency through which participants achieved legitimacy, generated through continual practical accomplishment of the work in interaction with others. Practical Applications: Our findings provide novel insights into how safety knowledge is shared, and we discuss the implications of these findings for classroom, work-based learning, and other forms of curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Icing losses encountered in a wind farm are very hard to assess as they can vary by a factor of three from year to year. This inter-annual variation is a critical issue from the assessment phase to the operation of wind turbines in cold climate. To mitigate the effects of this issue, a proposed solution is to define an ice index to yield a reference for icing conditions based on historical values. Knowing that icing frequency has an inter-annual variation 5 times greater than the wind speed, the definition of an ice index is long overdue. This paper proposes a simple and accessible method for defining an ice index based on cloud base height measured at a weather station. A similar strategy is already used in the industry for other purposes such as estimating the long-term average icing frequency in icing maps. The novelty of the proposed method lies in the description of the variation in icing frequency rather than its long-term average. The ice index proposed in this paper is shown to be representative of the icing losses in 6 wind farms located in eastern Canada. Moreover, it was also shown that the ice index is strongly correlated to the icing measurements made on wind turbine nacelle. In this paper, the yearly and monthly ice indexes, from September 2007 to December 2021, are shared. These indexes are based on the meteorological data from Valcartier weather station near Quebec City. This definition of an ice index directly responds to a critical need of the wind industry in cold climate, a common reference for icing frequency. Ice indexes could be publicly shared each month in cold climate areas to guide wind farm owners and operators in their decisions and analysis of performances. Such an index could also be used to asses the long-term variation of the ice index and the effect of climate change on icing frequency and impacts on the wind energy production in cold climate. • Definition of an icing frequency index based on publicly available could base height measurements. • Relationship between the ice index and icing losses in six wind farms. • Relationship between the ice index and the meteorological icing frequency measured on a wind turbine nacelle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel bridge weigh-in-motion method is presented using parametric dynamic bridge-vehicle interaction formulation. • Modal parameters extracted from ambient vibration tests are used to accurately simulate the bridge structures. • The formulation offers superior computational efficiency since it eliminates the need for calibrated finite element models. • The proposed method resulted in accurate estimations even when the vehicle travel path differs from calibrations. • The Proposed method was validated using a full-scale case-study arterial highway bridge in Canada. Dynamic bridge weigh in motion systems use models that can simulate the dynamic behaviour of a bridge subjected to moving traffic. Currently available models use complex and computationally expensive Moving Force Identification (MFI) methods that utilize finite element models to estimate the bridge torsional and transverse dynamic behaviour. This paper presents a novel dynamic parametric BWIM method that utilizes the experimentally estimated modal parameters for simulating the response of a bridge structure to moving loads. The estimated modes of an in-situ structure inherently capture the true bridge behaviour for any generalized geometry, boundary conditions and load position. Therefore, it enables the complex torsional and transverse bending behaviour of the bridge to be captured. In this paper, the mathematical derivation of the analytical model is presented in detail, then model calibration and weighing procedures are outlined, followed by the validation of the proposed method using a full-scale case study arterial highway bridge in the Canadian Province of New Brunswick. The proposed dynamic BWIM method offers a novel solution for the development of real-time BWIM systems that is efficient to calibrate and accurate in vehicle identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy goat kid rearing is the foundation of future milk production, yet little is known on this topic. References available to producers are limited, making it more difficult for dairy goat farms to reach their full production potential. This review paper aimed to identify the current recommendations on dairy goat kid rearing practices for intensive production systems and to assess whether the different recommendations were based on scientific literature. Recommendations on dairy goat kid rearing practices, from birth to weaning inclusively, were presented and compared between countries under similar intensive production systems, including Canada, the United States, and France. The different areas of rearing investigated included kidding management, colostrum management, liquid and solid feeding, health management, disbudding, housing, weaning, and growth monitoring. Gaps in the literature were identified in all areas except for disbudding. More research on the topic of goat kid raising practices would be beneficial to refine and validate current recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses cutbacks to a post-secondary funding program for Indigenous peoples in Canada to understand how changes in the costs of higher education affect the educational attainment and labour market outcomes of Indigenous groups. I exploit exogenous variation in exposure to student aid across cohorts and ethnicities to show that increasing the costs of post-secondary education not only affects post-secondary attainment but can also lead to a sizable decrease in high school graduation rates. After reductions in targeted student aid in the late 1980s, high school graduation rates declined by five percentage points on Indian reserves. I suggest that this finding is consistent with a model of human capital acquisition in which the return to a high school degree is low. In this framework, some students complete high school in order to attend a post-secondary institution. When post-secondary education is no longer affordable, some students may no longer find it worthwhile to complete high school. In the long-run, the program cutbacks had lasting adverse effects on labour supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broiler breeders are subjected to feed restriction programs to control excessive growth. However, current levels of feed restriction and concomitant growth restriction are becoming severe, raising welfare and suboptimal reproductive performance concerns in underfed breeders. To circumvent the issue, our previous studies investigated the effects of new strategic growth curves, with various degrees of relaxed growth restrictions, on broiler breeders and their progeny's performance. The broiler breeder study was conducted with 40 Ross 708 broiler breeder pullets reared on 1 of 10 target growth trajectories using a precision feeding (PF) system. The growth trajectories were designed with 2 levels of the amount of prepubertal BW gain and 5 levels of pubertal growth timing. The prepubertal BW gain (g 1) was estimated from the breeder-recommended standard BW gain (Standard g 1) target, or 10% higher (High g 1). The pubertal growth timing (I 2) was advanced such that it happened at I 2 -0% = 22.29 wk, I 2 -5% = 21.16 wk, I 2 -10% = 20.05 wk, I 2 -15% = 18.94 wk, I 2 -20% = 17.82 wk of age. Two broiler experiments with different maternal ages (35 and 42 wk) were conducted as the extension of the breeder experiment to evaluate the intergenerational effects of a reduced degree of maternal prepubertal phase growth restriction and earlier maternal pubertal phase growth on offspring growth and development. The current paper investigated the economic aspects of implementing the growth curves using the partial budget analysis. Increasing prepubertal BW gain by 10% and advancing the pubertal growth phase by 20% (scenario 10) could increase margin over feed and chick cost for the hatching egg producers by CDN$1.97/hen. For broiler chicken supply chain as a whole, the highest differential margin over feed and chick cost was for maternal growth scenario 10 from 42-wk-old hens. The latter margin over feed and chick cost was greater than that of breeder-recommended maternal growth (from 35-wk-old hens) by $0.1053/kg live chicken under the current economic situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Column height is the parameter with more impact on longitudinal displacements. • Deck skew is the parameter with lesser influence on the seismic response. • Minimum required support lengths by actual codes are found to be very conservative. • The period is a more accurate parameter to predict longitudinal displacements. • An equation is proposed to estimate the required support length from the period. Loss of bridge deck supports is one of the major failures observed during past earthquakes. Deck collapse due to loss of support has been observed mainly on simply supported bridge structures with insufficient support length at expansion bearings. To accommodate the large displacements induced by seismic movements and to avoid bridge collapse, modern seismic standards and regulations require a minimum support length at expansion deck bearings. This paper presents the state of knowledge on the empirical support length equation and the main geometric parameters influencing the required support length at deck expansion bearings. It also presents the results of the parametric study performed on typical existing single and multi-span simply supported bridges subjected to seismic loads typical of Eastern Canada. The results allowed to identify and describe the key geometric parameters influencing the nonlinear responses of existing bridges, evaluate their relative influence in terms of displacements and ductility associated with the loss of deck supports. It also compares the current empirical equation with predicted displacements and proposes an equation more suitable for predicting expected displacements (lower than code values) in an evaluation framework for judging the seismic vulnerability of existing such as the bridge models considered in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing variability of the illicit drug market has imposed serious health risks for people who use drugs (PWUD), particularly due to the increasing co-occurrence of opioids and etizolam (or other benzodiazepines) in some jurisdictions. A miniature mass spectrometer (MS) equipped with paper capillary spray ionization was evaluated for its ability to quantify fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, carfentanil, and etizolam in illicit drug samples. Prior to testing actual drug samples, inter- and intra-day reproducibility, calibration linearity, and analytical sensitivity were assessed. The development of a continuous spray solvent delivery system improved MS/MS quantitation by prolonging ionization stability. A simple, rapid and quantitative tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and employed for the analysis of real-world illicit drug samples provided by PWUD at a harm reduction site in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Limits of detection ranged from 0.001 to 0.24% w/w of illicit analyte in the original solid drug samples. Target analytes were detected and quantified via the miniature MS system for samples where conventional on-site drug checking technologies were not always effective. These promising results demonstrate the potential role for miniature mass spectrometer systems for on-site drug checking services that can be both sensitive to trace, toxic levels as well as adaptable/selective for new drug threats as they appear in the illicit drug supply. [Display omitted] • The increased variability of the illicit drug market has imposed serious health risks for people who use drugs (PWUD). • A rapid & quantitative miniature MS method was developed and employed for the analysis of real-world illicit drug samples. • Target analytes were quantified via miniature MS, where other on-site drug checking technologies were not always effective. • Miniature MS systems for on-site drug checking services are sensitive, adaptable and selective for new drug threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike typical soils, sensitive clays undergo extensive post-peak strength degradation with increasing strain and finally disintegrate into a remolded liquid state. Realization of post-peak stress-strain behavior of sensitive clay up to large strains is vital in assessing large deformation problems such as landslides and mud flows. The conventional experimental approaches are uncertain about accurately determining the post-peak stress curve up to large strains (>100%) owing to rapidly increasing testing problems at increasing strains. This necessitates the exploration of an alternative scientific approach to predict the complete stress-strain curve for sensitive clays, which is addressed in this paper. Post-peak stress-strain curves of sensitive clays for different sites are obtained by converting remolding index vs. strain energy curves. Using site-specific data from eastern Canada sites, a mathematical expression is proposed to predict the complete stress-strain curve. Subsequently, an equation is developed for predicting remolding energy based on the stress-strain curve. Finally, it is observed that the post-peak stress-strain behavior is highly site-specific and can be mathematically expressed with a combination of exponential and linear strain-softening curves. Overall, the knowledge of the complete stress-strain behavior contributes greatly to the prediction of post-failure movements closer to reality. • Determination of complete post-peak behavior of sensitive clays up to remolding. • Limitations of the generalized application of existing strain softening equation. • The proposition of a new site-specific strain softening equation with its application in some real-case scenarios. • The proposition for an equation to determine remolding energy as well as an equation to estimate the retrogression distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents ten lessons that I learned in designing rates for electricity over four decades. It is based on designing, reviewing and evaluating rates in multiple jurisdictions around the globe. The rates I helped designed spanned a wide cross section including inclining block rates, time-of-use rates and dynamic pricing rates. The paper reflects my experience as an expert witness in nearly seventy rate cases in the US and Canada. It is also based on I learned from my appearances before government agencies, legislative bodies and regulatory bodies on six continents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Physical salt attack (PSA) is a key damage mechanism of concrete in salt-bearing environments. • The current paper presents a case study analyzing the condition of repaired concrete piles in 47-year-old administrative building. • Deterioration of the concrete piles was observed above the ground level and repair zones. • Thermal, mineralogical and microscopy analyses showed that the underlying mechanism of damage was PSA. • The repair concrete could not stop the progress of PSA on the concrete above it. • Recommendations for future repair strategies are made. Physical salt attack (PSA) is a key damage mechanism of concrete in salt-bearing environments. Multiple case studies were reported throughout literature on PSA of concrete; yet, without any case on the performance of repaired concrete elements. The current paper presents a case study analyzing the condition of repaired concrete piles in 47-year-old administrative building in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, after 22 years from repair works. Deterioration of the concrete piles was visually observed above the ground level and repair zones, in the form of scaling, crumbling and reduction of cross section. In addition to fluid transport and pore structural features tests, mineralogical, thermal and microscopy analyses were performed on concrete chunks/cores extracted from the piles to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of damage. The repair concrete was capable of mitigating chemical and physical sulfate attacks; however, it could not stop the progress of PSA on the concrete above it, urging for careful design of repair strategies for elements subjected to PSA. Recommendations for future repair in this case are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In geotechnical engineering, the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) approach has been recommended as an alternative to the global factor of safety method. In this paper, the geotechnical resistance factors for the ultimate and serviceability limit states (ULS and SLS) of laterally loaded piles under wind loading are calibrated using a reliability-based method. Both cohesive and frictional soils are considered. Parametric studies are performed to investigate the effects of various parameters on the estimated failure probability, and the required resistance factors for ULS and SLS are provided. The results indicate that the effect of the limiting maximum pile head deflection on the required resistance factor is negligible and that the "worst case" correlation length depends on the pile length. In addition, the required resistance factor for ULS design is 0.55 to 0.78, suggesting that the value of ϕ g = 0.50 stipulated by geotechnical code provisions in Canada is relatively conservative. Considering the target lifetime failure probability of 0.01 for SLS, the required resistance factor is around 0.60 for both clay and sand, which is smaller than the recommendation of ϕ g = 0.80 by the design codes in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposing a Green Vehicle Routing Problem (GVRP) for diesel and electric trucks. • Formulating a new bi-objective programming model for the GVRP. • Calculating GHG emissions for heavy-duty diesel trucks. • Developing novel solution approaches based on metaheuristic algorithms. • Applying the model for short-haul distances in Ontario, Canada. This paper considers a Green Vehicle Routing Problem (GVRP), which includes heavy-duty electric and conventional trucks. We develop a new bi-objective programming model defined on a set of vertices, including a depot, a group of customers, and a set of charging stations. The first objective function is the minimization of the total cost of transportation. To meet the growing environmental concerns, we also consider a second objective function which minimizes total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. To solve the bi-objective problem, we integrate three multi-objective solution methods (i.e., weighted-sum, ε-constraint, and hybrid methods) with the Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search (ALNS). We thereby generate a set of instances based on real-world locations in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and some parts of Ontario in Canada. These instances are then solved by applying the proposed solution methods. The obtained numerical results from the designed experiments revealed that by enhancing the charging power from 90 kW to 350 kW, transportation costs could decrease by up to 5 %. In addition, by doubling the number of stations in the same service area, delivery companies could lower their transportation costs by 2 %. Furthermore, a slight increase (less than 3 %) in transportation costs leads to a remarkable reduction (more than 18 %) in GHG emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bibliometric analysis of heat and mass transfer and its management in PEMFC was carried out. • The number of annual publications has experienced a process of increasing, decreasing and increasing. • J Power Sources, J Electrochem Soc and Appl Energy are the authoritative journal in this field. • Water and heat management needs to be further optimized. Heat and mass transfer and its management is an important part of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), which has a decisive impact on the performance and durability of PEMFCs. In order to comprehend the research progress and hotspots in heat and mass transfer and its management of PEMFC, 3977 literatures related to this field (up to 26th July 2022) were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Based on the mapping knowledge domain (MKD) and the VOSviewer visualization software, the number of publications, citation frequency, keyword co-occurrence, and clustering were counted and analyzed. The research progress, hotspots, and trends in the field of heat and mass transfer and its management of PEMFC were then summarized. The results show that since 2000, the annual quantity of publications in this field has experienced a period of increasing, decreasing, and then increasing, while in recent years, it is in a period of rapid growth. This field has received extensive attention in China, the United States and Canada, with many researchers, among which the quality of publications from Canada is relatively high. Related studies have been published in energy and electrochemistry journals such as the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy and the Journal of the Electrochemical Society. The Journal of Power Sources is the authoritative journal in this field with the largest total number of publications and total citation frequency. According to the keyword co-occurrence network map, there are four clusters in this field, and each cluster has a different research focus. Among them, cluster 4 has only one keyword, humidification. This field can be roughly divided into three research stages, namely, the exploration of gas–liquid two-phase flow characteristics in PEMFC, the development of PEMFC heat and mass transfer and its management, and the water and heat management and performance optimization of PEMFC. In order to achieve the development goals of high-power density, high reliability and long-life of PEMFC, the research of the third stage should be further deepened in future work. This paper will provide reference for scholars engaged in the field of PEMFC heat and mass transfer and its management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differential impacts of policies or changes in environmental conditions on people is a growing area of interest to decision-makers, yet remains an often neglected area of study for the environmental valuation literature. Using data from a large national survey of over 24,000 people conducted in Canada, this paper implements a latent class Kuhn-Tucker recreation demand model to assess differences in preferences and values for nature-based activities. Preferences are disaggregated by self-reported Indigeneity, immigration status, and gender. We find that Indigenous people receive 63% greater benefits from participating in nature-based activities compared to non-Indigenous people living in Canada. Immigrants have the lowest participation in, and benefits associated with, nature-based activities. Similarly, women receive 21% lesser benefits associated with nature-based activities when compared to men. These results demonstrate that Indigenous peoples may be more vulnerable to adverse impacts on nature-based activities such as land-use changes, climate change, and government policies. The study also highlights the importance of disaggregated data and incorporating aspects of identity in the ecosystem service literature towards more equitable decision-making and reconciliation. • Preferences and values for nature-based activities differ among people • Indigenous people gain greatest benefit from nature-based activities • Disaggregated data are critical towards equitable decision-making • Greater benefit also means greater vulnerability to adverse impacts on nature [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seismic design parameters are proposed for the Moment-resisting Knee-braced Frame. • The study is carried out within the framework of Canadian standards. • All potential hazard sources expected on the Canadian west coast are considered. • The MKF shall be designed as a moderately ductile system. • Overstrength and ductility factors of 1.6 and 3.0 are proposed for the MKF system. • The proposed seismic design parameters are verified by comprehensive nonlinear analyses. This paper proposes and verifies the seismic design parameters, including overstrength-related force modification factor, ductility-related force modification factor, deflection amplification factor, and design period, for the steel Moment-resisting Knee-braced Frame (MKF) system. The building selected in this study is an office located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in which MKFs act as the lateral load-resisting system. 14 prototype frames spanning a wide range of geometrical configurations are designed following the requirements of the 2015 National Building Code (2015 NBC) of Canada. Nonlinear static analyses are carried out on the prototype frames to determine the preliminary ductility and overstrength factors. Six new MKFs (assessment frames) are designed using the proposed overstrength and ductility factors, and their seismic and collapse performances are examined by comprehensive numerical analyses, considering the effects of the potential sources of ground motion expected on the Canadian west coast, namely subduction intraslab, subduction interface and shallow crustal events. The results of this study suggest that the MKF system shall be designed as a moderately ductile system using overstrength and ductility factors of 1.60 and 3.0, respectively, with a height not exceeding 40 m in regions of high seismicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A framework is developed to assess overheating in existing building in whole summer. • Calibration simulation model is used using field measurements of indoor temperature. • Overheating risk in existing school building is assessed. • Climate change effect is studied using current and future extreme RSWY years. • Effective passive mitigation measures are provided for future extreme climates. Canadian buildings have been primarily designed to withstand cold and long winters, not hot summers. With climate change and the increase in the intensity and severity of heatwaves, it has become important to investigate overheating in buildings. However, there are limited studies on assessing and mitigating the overheating risk in existing buildings that house vulnerable populations in cold climates, especially in Canada. This paper provides a framework for the systematic assessment of overheating risks and the development of passive mitigation strategies to reduce the overheating risks without increasing cooling energy consumption under current and future climates with simulation models that are calibrated based on measured indoor air temperatures and outdoor weather conditions. The framework is applied to a school building built in 1958. The calibrated building model achieved an RMSE of less than 0.6 °C compared with measurements, a Maximum-Absolute-Difference of less than 1.9 °C, and a 1 °C Percentage-Error of less than 10 %. The simulation results from the calibrated model predicted 110 overheating hours during the year 2020. The use of exterior blind roll or a combination of night cooling and other mitigation measures that reduce solar heat gain can achieve acceptable thermal conditions. In 2044 (the future extreme midterm year), night cooling with the exterior blind roll shading would be required during extreme heat events. Whereas during 2090 (the future long-term extreme year), additional mitigation measures such as a cool roof may be required to achieve an acceptable level of thermal conditions in the school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development projects have increased infinite property regeneration and construction projects in the developed countries. This study aims to examine the current construction waste management literature, including key authors, university networks, and relevant information systems, considering four selected countries, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This paper uses a set of novel metrics, query-based search, and social network analysis techniques for evaluating a dataset of 2337 papers published in a decade by authors from different countries investigating the topic of recycling and reuse of construction and demolition waste in order to identify prominent researchers, influential universities, collaboration practices, and research trends. The dataset of publications is collected from Scopus and analysed using a set of network analysis techniques and statistical analysis. An additional dataset of keywords was collected from the Twitter pages of engineering firms and other relevant industry organisations to assess any possible connection between industry interests and research trends. In order to present a solid analysis of the current investigations in the field, a scientometric analysis along with a rigor statistical method was adopted to carefully identify trends, detailed sub-topics, and the materials investigated in the literature. A probit regression model for testing differences between countries in recycling practices was utilised in the STATA environment. The findings show a set of network analysis and clusters that can help scholars to set their future studies based on the current advances and limitations identified in the literature. Within the dataset, 42% of publications referred to concrete waste, whilst only 2.2% included glass, 2.5% included brick, 4.3% included steel and none included wood, which shows the most common building materials have not been fully covered in the literature. Only 48 publications, or 7.4% of the dataset, originated from the three selected concrete-focused journals. It was also found that information systems appeared in the database lately; however, there is less discussion in the literature on how the integration of Geographic Information System (GIS), Buidling Information Model (BIM), 3D Printing and geo-spatial data analysis can help waste management in the field of construction. The bibliographic analysis of the selected cases shows that universities in Canada and the US exhibit more evidence of domestic collaboration and industry partnerships than universities in Australia and the UK. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that publications with at least one industry co-author are more likely to address the issue of regulation. The outcome of this paper enables academics, engineers, and regulators to predict research trends, improve industry collaborations and utilise information systems and assign more research resources to address the identified gaps in the literature. • Developed a network of 1408 authors within the dataset and apply Total Publications metrics. • Examined the collaboration of 529 institutions within Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US. • Utilised a probit regression model for testing differences between countries in recycling practices. • Visualised an online GIS-based dashboard of landfills and recycling facilities using geo-spatial data. • Identified gaps in two different directions of material technology and management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgrids play an essential role in the integration of multiple distributed energy resources in buildings. They can meet critical loads in buildings while reducing peak loads and congestion and providing other types of ancillary services to the main electrical grid. Sizing the components of microgrids and scheduling their optimal operation while jointly integrating uncertain renewable energy generation and loads can significantly affect its ability to meet these objectives. In fact, microgrids face great challenges due to renewable energies and load uncertainties. In this paper, a two-stage stochastic programming model for optimal sizing and operation of various distributed energy resources for peak load shaving in district buildings is proposed. The first stage is related to the planning of photovoltaic panels and batteries, while the second stage aims to find the optimal operation of the system in grid-connected mode. The uncertainties are related to photovoltaic power generation and loads. The Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) is implemented to generate the scenarios of uncertain parameters, and the k-medoids classical method for scenario reduction is applied to decrease the number of scenarios. The proposed two-stage stochastic optimization is tested for a real case study of a university campus in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental radiation exposure in Canada has been monitored since 2002 by Health Canada's Fixed Point Surveillance network. The network consists of over eighty 7.6 cm × 7.6 cm sodium iodide spectrometers, and routinely reports to the public the environmental gamma radiation level throughout Canada. This paper describes the latest dose calibrations to air kerma and ambient dose equivalent for the future upgraded network. The calibration curves were developed using Monte Carlo techniques and further optimized via experiments in various reference fields. The dose calibration was validated over a wide range of gamma energy, dose measurement range, and angle of incidence under laboratory conditions. In environmental monitoring situations, the angular distribution of radiation exposure was analytically calculated by assuming a semi-infinite plume source, semi-infinite planar source, and infinite volume sources for the respective exposure scenarios of radioactive plume, ground contamination, and soil source. By coupling the resultant radiation angular distribution with detector's angular variation on dose response, the overall accuracy of dose measurement in each of these environmental scenarios was estimated. The accuracy is expected to be within ±3.7% for plume radiation, −5.6% for 137Cs ground contamination, and 0% to −17.1% for soil radioactive sources. The under-estimation for soil sources is mainly caused by absorption of radiation in the electronic system underneath the crystal. • The detectors of Health Canada's Fixed Point Surveillance network were calibrated to air kerma and ambient dose equivalent. • Dose calibration was based on Monte Carlo method and validated with empirical data. • The linearity, energy dependence and angular dependence of dose measurement were checked under laboratory conditions. • The overall accuracy of dose measurement was estimated in a few environmental monitoring scenarios. • The conformity of dose calibration to international standards on the dose response and accuracy was reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first image is a Mineral Prospectivity Map (MPM) produced using 35 input predictor variables (maps) and the Random Forest (RF) machine learning algorithm whereas the second image is the same except it was produced using the best 10 predictor variables calculated by the RF algorithm. [Display omitted] • Mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM) • Geology – Chibougamau, Quebec. • Gold (Au) model. Two mineral prospectivity maps (MPM) focusing on a general Au model for the Chibougamau region of Quebec, Canada, have been produced in this paper. The random forest algorithm has been used to integrate 35 evidence (predictor) layers which represent vectors to Au mineralization. The MPMs generated are robust as evidenced by efficiency of classification curves. The known zones of Au mineralization are well predicted; furthermore, new prospective areas with no known Au have been identified which are prime for exploration follow-up. The Chibougamau area is somewhat fertile with respect to Au and the strongest predictors are fault density and intersection density, contact density and Au anomalies in rock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the second part of a two-part study on the performance of ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) in single-family detached houses in Canada. In Part I the cooling performance of two GSHPs was tested, analyzed and evaluated over one cooling season. In this paper, the heating performance of three vertical closed-loop water-to-air GSHP systems installed in three new single-family detached houses in Innisfil (80 km north of Toronto, Canada) is monitored, analyzed and evaluated over one heating season. Results show that GSHP A , GSHP B and GSHP C were able to meet the peak heating load without using the auxiliary heating element. The seasonal coefficient of performance of heat pump of GSHP A , GSHP B and GSHP C is 4.2, 4.0 and 3.4, respectively, whereas the seasonal coefficient of performance of the GSHP system of GSHP A , GSHP B and GSHP C is 3.8, 3.4 and 2.7, respectively. GSHP A has the highest COP mainly because it is equipped with a variable speed compressor while GSHP B and GSHP C are equipped with two-stage compressors. The average temperature of water leaving the ground loop of GSHP A , GSHP B and GSHP C is 3.9 °C, 3.1 °C and 2.7 °C, respectively, where the average temperature of water leaving the ground loop varied by up to 6.3 °C throughout the heating season. The total power consumption and operating cost of GSHP A , GSHP B and GSHP C are less than conventional air-source heat pumps by up to 46%, 40% and 24%, respectively. It is concluded that GSHPs operate at high COPs without operational problems even in very cold climates if designed, sized and installed correctly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents recent developments to River1D's (the University of Alberta's public-domain hydrodynamic and river ice process model) channel network modelling capabilities. While previous versions of the model assumed equal water surface elevations through the junction, the approach presented in this paper takes into account the significant physical effects at channel junctions (such as gravity and flow separation forces, and channel resistance). The adapted approach is also equipped with the ability to dynamically change junction configurations (i.e. diverging to converging or vice versa) as the result of flow reversals. The intent here was to develop an approach that would permit the simulation of flow in a channel network that includes the more important physical effects at junctions but without the need to adjust model parameters or redefine junctions should a flow reversal occur. This momentum based approach to simulate junctions is assessed using a series of steady and unsteady tests using a 2D model, the University of Alberta's River2D , for comparison. For the diverging junction tests, the proposed 1D network model performed very well with respect to the discharge split. The model accurately simulated the water surface elevation in the two receiving channels but tended to overestimate the water surface elevation immediately upstream of the junction, perhaps attributable to model discretization and/or neglecting the centrifugal forces acting on the main channel as the lateral channel branches off. For the two parallel channels with a perpendicular connecting channel tests, the 1D model agreed well with the 2D model for all steady and unsteady tests. The unsteady test results demonstrated how capable the 1D model is at handling transient flow reversals. The model is then applied to a network of channels in the Mackenzie Delta. The model was calibrated and validated for three open water events, and subsequently used to simulate flow conditions during the 2008 breakup. Model results agreed well with observed water level data collected using data loggers. A comparison of the model flows for the pre-jam and ice-jam conditions suggests that ice jamming can significantly impact the distribution of flow in the upper Mackenzie Delta. For the ice-jam conditions, the simulated flow reversal in the Peel Mackenzie Connector is consistent with observations in this channel during the 2008 breakup. • Simulation of flow conditions during the 2008 breakup in the Makenzie Delta. • Modelling of river channel junctions using 1D momentum conservation approach. • hydrodynamic modelling in ice covered river channel networks. • comparison of 1D and 2D approaches for simulating subcritical river channel junctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flood risk maps are essential sources of information for flood risk management (FRM) decisions. Commercial flood models used by the insurance industry are rarely studied in the academic literature which has led to difficulties in understanding their sources of uncertainty and opportunities for improvement. This paper compares regions and residential properties identified as exposed to floods by an insurance industry model and by government authorities responsible for FRM in three Canadian cities. Findings show that the insurance model is identifying substantially greater number of regions and properties as at-risk of flood, and little overlap exists between public and private flood maps. The paper discusses opportunities for data integration and increased data transparency for supporting flood resiliency efforts in Canada. • This study leverages flood maps used by governments and insurance companies to detect residential flood exposure. • Findings show large differences in the number and location of residential properties in flood zones recognized by each sector. • The paper discusses opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration in data management for improving flood risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many parts of the world experience severe episodes of flooding every year. In addition to the high cost of mitigation and damage to property, floods make roads impassable and hamper community evacuation, movement of goods and services, and rescue missions. Knowing the depth of floodwater is critical to the success of response and recovery operations that follow. However, flood mapping especially in urban areas using traditional methods such as remote sensing and digital elevation models (DEMs) yields large errors due to reshaped surface topography and microtopographic variations combined with vegetation bias. This paper presents a deep neural network approach to detect submerged stop signs in photos taken from flooded roads and intersections, coupled with Canny edge detection and probabilistic Hough transform to calculate pole length and estimate floodwater depth. Additionally, a tilt correction technique is implemented to address the problem of sideways tilt in visual analysis of submerged stop signs. An in-house dataset, named BluPix 2020.1 consisting of paired web-mined photos of submerged stop signs across 10 FEMA regions (for U.S. locations) and Canada is used to evaluate the models. Overall, pole length is estimated with an RMSE of 17.43 and 8.61 in. in pre- and post-flood photos, respectively, leading to a mean absolute error of 12.63 in. in floodwater depth estimation. Findings of this research are sought to equip jurisdictions, local governments, and citizens in flood-prone regions with a simple, reliable, and scalable solution that can provide (near-) real time estimation of floodwater depth in their surroundings. • Floodwater depth data is critical to search and rescue, and evacuation operations. • Current remote sensing methods yield large errors especially in urban environments. • In this paper, flood depth is obtained using image processing and deep learning. • Stop signs are utilized as ubiquitous measurement benchmarks in flood photos. • Flood depth is estimated with a mean absolute error of ~12″ in crowdsourced photos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste collection management plays a crucial role in controlling pandemic outbreaks. Electric waste collection systems and vehicles can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of sanitary processes in municipalities worldwide. The waste collection routing optimization involves designing routes to serve all customers with the least number of vehicles, total traveling distance, and time considering the vehicle capacity. This paper proposes a dynamic location-arc routing optimization model for electric waste collection vehicles. The proposed model suggests an optimal routing plan for the waste collection vehicles and determines the optimal locations of the charging stations, dynamic charging arcs, and waste collection centers. A genetic algorithm and grey wolf optimizer are used to solve the large-sized random generated NP-hard location-arc routing problems. We present a case study for the city of Edmonton in Canada and show the grey wolf optimizer outperforms the genetic algorithm. We further demonstrate the total number of waste collection centers, charging stations, and arcs for dynamic charging needed to ensure a minimum required service for electric vehicles throughout Edmonton's entire waste collection system. [Display omitted] • The waste collection routing optimization optimizes routes serving customers. • Optimized routes use minimum vehicles, distance, and time with capacitated vehicles. • A dynamic location-arc routing optimization is proposed for electric waste collection vehicles. • Genetic algorithms and grey wolf algorithms solve the large NP-hard problem. • A case study in Canada shows grey wolf algorithm outperforms the genetic algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces and assesses the seismic and collapse behavior of a new lateral load-resisting system referred to as steel Moment-Resisting Knee Braced Frame (MKF). A design method following the Performance Based Plastic Design (PBPD) procedure is proposed to analyze the structure and size the structural members. A prototype frame part of an office building located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is then selected to demonstrate the design method and evaluate the performance of the proposed system. The prototype MKF is also designed using the conventional elastic approach in accordance with the National Building Code (NBC) of Canada. The seismic performance and collapse response of the proposed system are examined using the nonlinear static analysis, nonlinear response history analysis (NLRHA) and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) performed on the prototype five-story MKF under potential sources of seismicity in the west coast of Canada including shallow crustal, subduction interface and subduction intraslab events. Fragility curves are finally developed using results of the IDA to obtain the collapse probability of the system. The results of the analyses are compared to those obtained from a steel Moment-Resisting Frame (MRF) counterpart designed in accordance with the PBPD and elastic approaches. Findings of the study show that the proposed steel MKF can efficiently satisfy the code-specified story drift limit and manifest the yielding mechanism assumed in design. The MKF designed according to the PBPD approach offers the lightest structure among all frames studied and yields a collapse probability lower than that of the MKF designed as per the elastic design method. The proposed system can be used in seismic design of steel multi-story buildings as an alternative to conventional steel MRFs. • A new steel lateral load-resisting system referred to as Moment-Resisting Knee Braced Frame (MKF) is introduced. • A Performance-Based Plastic Design method is proposed to design the system. • The seismic performance of proposed MKFs are evaluated and compared to conventional steel MRFs. • Compared to steel MRFs, the proposed MKF offers similar lateral stiffness and collapse behavior with reduced steel tonnage. • MKF can be considered as a viable alternative to conventional steel MRFs in multi-story buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aside from attracting tourists, there has been an increased interest in marketing to tourists who behave more sustainably as this can contribute to both a higher yield and overarching Sustainable Development Goals. This study investigates the contribution that intermediaries and the use of social marketing have on the sustainable attitudes and behaviour of Canadian tourists. Given their roles within the travel industry, examining the influence intermediaries might have on sustainable travel behaviour is an important objective. This paper applies both the Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviour (KAB) Theory and Social Marketing Theory (SMT) through a survey of 1003 Canadian holiday travellers. A quantitative study using exploratory factor analysis, correlations and regression are applied to reduce the data to manageable variables and to test their inter-relationship and effects on the travellers' sustainable behaviour. In doing so, a contribution to theory has been made through the identification of a more complex KAB paradigm and the usefulness of combining both theories. It was also found that using intermediaries and their social marketing platforms, such as local tourist destination websites, social media, and travel agencies, was a statistically significant contributor to more sustainable behaviour. The findings of this study address the gap in the literature related to combining SMT with the sustainable knowledge-attitude-behaviour paradigm and the lack of Canadian context in this regard. With sustainability behaviour by Canadian leisure travellers lacking and only one in two travellers having knowledge and attitudes for more-sustainable behaviour, the principal practical implication arising from this research is the need for intermediaries to enhance the promotion of sustainable travel behaviour within their social marketing strategies. [Display omitted] • Addresses theory on sustainable knowledge, attitude and behaviour. • Discusses Social Marketing Theory and its use in promoting sustainable behaviour. • Intermediaries can positively influence sustainable travel behaviour. • Confirms knowledge and attitude as predictors of sustainable travel behaviour. • Local tourism websites and social media have the most significant influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Demonstrate a novel concept of a hybrid artificial ground freezing (AGF). • Examine the impact of the proposed system on the sustainability of permafrost. • The system comprises a closed-loop thermosyphon and phase change material (PCM). • Comprehensive analysis of the energy consumption of passive and hybrid thermosyphons. • Hybrid AGF keeps ground temperature profile below the freezing point around the year. Permafrost degradation represents a severe challenge for mining operations in Northern Canada. The foundations of the infrastructures rely on the steadiness of the permafrost. Accordingly, changes in permafrost durability may contribute to destructive failures if not appropriately preserved. Thus, it is of the greatest interest to maintain the integrity of permafrost in the affected areas. One of the safest methods to sustain permafrost is by employing artificial ground freezing (AGF). The associated AGF system, in contrast, is usually designed to operate continuously to sustain permafrost stability. This non-stop mode of operation requires intensive energy consumption. Therefore, an innovative, reliable operational technique is crucial to ensure permafrost sustainability. This paper presents and illustrates a novel concept of a 'renewable energy'-based AGF system, with zero human-generated energy input, comprising a closed-loop thermosyphon coupled with a cold-energy storage tank that could be filled with a phase-change material (PCM). A mathematical model has been derived, validated, and exploited to simulate the AGF under various operating and design parameters. The results suggest that the employment of the coupled system of closed-loop thermosyphon and cold-energy storage unit reduces overall power consumption while maintaining the permafrost's thickness, notably during the summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The novel controlled rocking outriggered wall (CORW) is introduced. • CORW is efficiently designed using the novel equivalent energy-based design procedure. • Simulation results show CORW is a reliable system for tall buildings applications. Next-generation earthquake engineering design seeks to develop robust structural systems to limit structural and non-structural damage after strong earthquake shaking. In this study, an innovative high-performance tall building, named Controlled outriggered rocking wall (CORW) system is proposed. The CORW system improves the conventional reinforced concrete (RC) core wall by adding a damped outrigger system and a damped controlled rocking base. The CORW is designed using the novel Equivalent energy design procedure (EEDP) to meet different performance objectives for different shaking intensities. Detailed EEDP for the CORW system is presented in this paper. Three prototype buildings (with 25, 35, and 45 stories) located in Vancouver Canada were designed using the proposed procedure. Robust finite element models of the CORW systems were developed in OpenSees and subjected to a series of nonlinear time history analysis. The results of the nonlinear time history analysis indicate that the CORW system designed using EEDP performs well under different levels of earthquake intensities, where it can be used reliably as an effective seismic force resisting system for high-rise application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through tests conducted at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's (TRCA) Archetype Sustainable Houses, a hybrid residential space heating system with a supervisory controller was monitored and studied to evaluate its performance and effectiveness for the heating season. A high efficiency natural gas furnace (NGF) and an electric air source heat pump (ASHP) were coupled together to meet the space heating demand of the house. This integrated system is called the cloud based Smart Dual Fuel Switching System (SDFSS) that considers time-of-use (TOU) pricing, fuel cost, short-term weather forecast, and equipment efficiencies and capacities. This multi-variable decision-making process defines an optimal schedule for the hybrid system to run more cost effectively. This paper analyses two separate SDFSSs. According to these analyses, the SDFSS systems showed lower operating cost with respect to the furnace or the ASHP system alone with various carbon tax (CT) levels from $0 to $250/tonne of CT with an increment of $10/tonne of CT that were simulated, along with a significant GHG emission reduction relative to the conventional heating systems. Furthermore, with these technologies, Canada's residential sector could potentially meet Canada's Paris Agreement goals. The SDFSS technology is a is flexible, user friendly, ubiquitous technology for the smooth transition from today's natural gas dominated space heating system to the future's low carbon infrastructure powered by a heat pump and renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper documents a robust achievement gap between the math scores of Indigenous and white youth in Canada between 1996 and 2008. Using data from the restricted-access National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth we show that after controlling for a rich set of observables, students who self-identify as Indigenous perform 0.31 standard deviations lower on a standardized math test compared to their white counterparts. We find that this test gap emerges by the age of 12, and it did not decline between 1996 and 2008, despite the recommendations of the 1996 Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples to ameliorate the public education system for Indigenous students. Counterfactual estimates from the decomposition method of Lemieux (2002) suggest that the test gap among the lowest performing students would have been eliminated if Indigenous students faced the same level of and returns to observable characteristics as white students. This exercise does not result in a narrowing of the test gap in the upper tail, suggesting that unobservables, rather than observables, are driving the majority of the test gap among high achieving students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper advances a framework for evaluating mesh sensitivity in numerical models of systems involving strain-weakening materials, and demonstrates its application in the case study of the failure at the Mount Polley TSF in Canada. Numerical studies are combined with analytical arguments and physical evidence to establish that this failure was caused in part by the localisation of strain in a shear band with a thickness 0 < h sb ≤ 12.5 cm, and to rule out the possibility of slippage along a pre-sheared plane in the foundation. The range of model responses is bound by an upper limit representing the least conservative case of "no weakening," and a lower limit representing the most conservative case of strain localisation within an infinitely thin shear band, predicting the highest and the lowest stability levels, respectively. The limit states are discoverable using a new method presented here. The model's convergence is shown to vary at mesh discretisation levels above the minimum established by the upper limit state analysis; higher mesh resolutions yield lower stability levels, approaching asymptotically the floor value established by the lower limit state analysis. A conceptual relationship between a model's discretisation, the shape of the strain-weakening curve and convergence is formulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]