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In the last few years, a serious effort has been initiated to develop standard methods for lignin characterization at the national and international levels. Thus, several Canadian and ISO standards were recently developed. The current results were generated in an effort to assist the ISO/TC6 Committee come up with a reliable standard method for the measurement of the dry solids content of lignins. In particular, this work investigated the drying of lignin using three different drying methods: conduction oven drying (105 °C), vacuum oven drying at (60 °C), and freeze drying. Ten different lignins were used in this study including wet and air-dried softwood and hardwood kraft lignins in the acid and base forms from the industrial LignoForce™ process and hydrolysis lignin from the TMP-Bio™ process. The results showed that 7 h, 48 h and 24 h were sufficient to reach a constant solids content in the case of all lignins when oven drying, vacuum oven drying under negative pressure (150 mbar), and freeze drying (25 mT) were used, respectively. Kraft lignins in the base form showed higher sensitivity to degradation compared to lignins in the acid form. The total hydroxyl group content of air-dried and wet hardwood lignins in the base form decreased by more than 50 % after vacuum oven-drying for 71.5 h or oven-drying for 16 h compared to freeze-drying for 68 h. The decrease in the total hydroxyl groups was more pronounced (70 %) when the wet softwood lignin in the base form was dried in the oven compared to freeze drying for 68 h., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study investigates the economic feasibility of replacing propane with biomass (solid biofuels) for grain drying under four scenarios. Two scenarios are based on the recently increased price of propane and the possible future changes in prices for propane and biomass. The other scenarios assess the impact of two policies on the cost of energy when carbon pricing is included and a financial incentive program is designed to share the purchase and installation cost of clean technologies such as biomass burners. A farm business in Canada is used as the case study to compare and contrast the energy cost of drying wheat grain over the range of 160 000–400 000 bushels (4355–10 890 t) using wood chip or wood pellet burners instead of propane. The results indicate that, under all scenarios, biomass burners are a more economic option than propane burners for drying grain. In the baseline scenario (no carbon pricing/financial support), cost reductions of 34–62% can be achieved by using a wood chip burner instead of a propane burner. This reduction is estimated to be 52–58% for wood pellet burners versus the propane burner. Every $10tCO2e‐1 increase in the carbon pricing adds about 1.7% to the total drying cost for the propane burner. This further increases the cost saving of switching from propane to biomass, as no carbon pricing is applied to biomass as a renewable energy source. A 50% cost sharing arrangement as a financial support to purchase and install biomass burners can provide a further 2–7% cost saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis is an important source of several bio molecules that possess medical applications. With the growing interest in cannabis processing in Canada, there is a need for innovation in this sector. At present, the cannabis industry relies on slow and inefficient drying practices that result in poor quality product. This review examines the state of the practices and challenges in cannabis drying, and the recent developments. Additionally, some prospective low temperature drying technologies of significance to cannabis industry are discussed. Non-isothermal, microwave-vacuum, electrohydrodynamic, radio-frequency, and freeze drying have been identified as potential candidates for industrial drying of cannabis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to summarize recent trends related to industrial kiln drying with especial emphasis on the drying of softwood dimension lumber in Canada. The paper explores future trends by analyzing the current market condition and wood products requirements. The paper also summarizes current research developments in the area of kiln lumber drying that was published by Canadian universities and research institutes. This includes basic research, such as wood physics and computer simulation, and applied research, such as non-conventional drying strategies and new technologies and sensors. A last note is also included to mention a kiln supervisor tool that was developed in Canada to analyze information related to kiln performance indicators. The kiln supervisor provides important trends for mills aiming to optimize their drying processes and realize gains without substantial investments in capital and other resources. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Randomized clinical trial data show that early plasma transfusion may save lives among trauma patients. Supplying plasma in remote environments is logistically challenging. Freeze-dried plasma (FDP) offers a possible solution., Study Design and Methods: A Terumo BCT plasma freeze-drying system was evaluated. We compared pooled frozen plasma (FP) units with derived Terumo BCT FDP (TFDP) units and pooled COVID-19 convalescent apheresis fresh-frozen plasma (CC-AFFP) with derived CC-TFDP units. Parameters measured were: coagulation factors (F) II; V; VII; VIII; IX; XI; XIII; fibrinogen; Proteins C (PC) and S (PS); antithrombin (AT); α 2 -antiplasmin (α 2 AP); ADAMTS13; von Willebrand Factor (vWF); thrombin-antithrombin (TAT); D-dimer; activated complement factors 3 (C3a) and 5 (C5a); pH; osmolality; prothrombin time (PT); and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in CC-AFFP and CC-TFDP units were compared by plaque reduction assays and viral protein immunoassays., Results: Most parameters were unchanged in TFDP versus FP or differed ≤15%. Mean aPTT, PT, C3a, and pH were elevated 5.9%, 6.9%, 64%, and 0.28 units, respectively, versus FP. CC-TFDP showed no loss of SARS-CoV-2 neutralization titer versus CC-AFFP and no mean signal loss in most pools by viral protein immunoassays., Conclusion: Changes in protein activities or clotting times arising from freeze-drying were <15%. Although C3a levels in TFDP were elevated, they were less than literature values for transfusable plasma. SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibody titers and viral protein binding levels were largely unaffected by freeze-drying. In vitro characteristics of TFDP or CC-TFDP were comparable to their originating plasma, making future clinical studies appropriate., (© 2021 AABB.)

The influence of the drying conditions on protein structural properties and its impact on Chinese dried noodles (CDN) quality properties is addressed in this study. The CDN were produced under nine different drying conditions utilizing combination of three temperatures (40°C, 60°C, and 80°C) and three relative humidities (65%, 75%, and 85%). The color, texture profile analysis of uncooked and cooked noodles, shrinkage ratio, and cooking quality of CDN were assessed. SEM and FTIR microimaging were investigated to determine the changes in the gluten structural properties. Drying temperature and relative humidity have significant effects on quality characteristics of CDN. However, the influences on different indicators were different. Drying temperature was the main influencing factor of the quality of CDN and protein microstructure. After the drying temperature exceeded 60°C, proteins began to aggregate, and the surface protein distribution became uneven. Compared with cross section, the uniformity of protein distribution on the surface of noodles showed a significant decrease. A high temperature (60°C) could improve the quality of CDN products. The quality of CDN products could be adjusted by the combination of drying temperature and relative humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper succinctly presents new developments, preliminary statements and a number of energy results in the area of high-temperature heat pump technology for wood drying in a Canadian economic environment. A hybrid (electricity/fossil), high-temperature technology has been investigated and then field tested over the last two years. Several technical developments were achieved at the level of fluid selection, refrigerant flow control and system stability, variable dehumidifying capacity and appropriate drying schedules. The present study demonstrates that the thermodynamic efficiency and specific energy performance of the developed high-temperature drying heat pumps have generally reached the initial designed targets. Refinements of the integrated control methods involving variable speed and electronic devices are currently being undertaken in order to avoid undesired operating conditions that could cause mechanical failures or inefficient dehumidifying processes. The current research program aims at diversifying the applicable thermodynamic cycles, testing new environmentally friendly refrigerants and advanced components, and developing more advanced drying control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dried roots of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) are highly valued by Asian cultures as an herbal medicine. In Ontario, there is smallscale, commercial processing of ginseng, typically using modified tobacco kilns to dry freshly harvested root to about 10% moisture. The objective of our research is to improve control of the drying process so that quality factors (e.g., ginsenoside content, colour and shape) are preserved and drying time is reasonable.The first part of this research showed that three-stage (38–50–38 °C) temperature control reduced drying time by 40% relative to conventional practice which sets a maximum drying air temperature of 38 °C. Quality in terms of root colour and ginsenoside concentrations was comparable for the three-stage and constant 38 °C processes. Red striations (i.e., “red” root) did not develop on root surfaces as long as the drying air temperature was low when moisture content was above 55% (wet basis). Internal colour, measured as average L&ast; values of root cross-sections, was not significantly different for the two drying processes. Dried roots contained about 75% of the total ginsenoside levels of fresh roots but there was no significant difference between the two drying processes. The two ginsenoside fractions with substantial reductions were the Re fraction (50% lower in dried roots) and Rb1 fraction (18% reduction). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Wetlands worldwide are under threat from anthropogenic impacts. In large protected North American areas such as Yellowstone and Wood Buffalo National Parks, aquatic habitats are disappearing and wetland-dependent fauna are in decline 1-3 . Here we investigate population dynamics of an indicator species in Canada's Peace-Athabasca Delta ("the delta"), a World Heritage Site. Based on population surveys, habitat mapping and genetic data from 288 muskrats, we use agent-based modeling and genetic analyses to explain population expansion and decline of the semi-aquatic muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus). Simulations quantify a large population (~500,000 individuals) following flood-induced habitat gains, with decreased size (~10,000 individuals) during drying. Genetic analyses show extremely low long-term effective population size (N e : 60-127), supporting a legacy of population bottlenecks. Our simulations indicate that the muskrat population in the delta is a metapopulation with individuals migrating preferentially along riparian pathways. Related individuals found over 40 km apart imply dispersal distances far greater than their typical home range (130 m). Rapid metapopulation recovery is achieved via riparian corridor migration and passive flood-transport of individuals. Source-sink dynamics show wetland loss impacts on the muskrat metapopulation's spatial extent. Dramatic landscape change is underway, devastating local fauna, including this generalist species even in a protected ecosystem.

A Lumber Quality Model developed to predict lumber grade after drying was applied and validated in industry. The model was calibrated with a 198-piece lumber package that was dried at a local sawmill in British Columbia, Canada, and 30 sawmill grade reports were recorded from 2008 to 2010. The calibrated model was then used to predict the target moisture content that would result in the maximum lumber value. It was predicted that lumber value should increase by approximately 17 CAD (Canadian dollars) m−3 if the target moisture content were reduced from the historic 17% to an optimum of approximate 13%. The sawmill implemented the recommendations and the predictions were validated with another seven industrial drying runs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While a few years ago the cost and availability of energy was not an important issue for the Canadian lumber industry, this situation has recently changed. Today, companies that have operated trouble-free for many years using the same technologies and practices may now have to adapt to the rising cost of fossil fuels and concerns about greenhouse gas emissions. This article addresses this problem for the particular case of the softwood lumber industry. The study describes the most important sources of energy losses in conventional drying and proposes a number of strategies and technologies to reduce kiln energy demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2001, climatic conditions have been notably drier than normal across large areas of the western Canadian interior, leading to widespread impacts on the forests of this region. This poses a major concern for the future, given climate change projections for continued warming and drying. We conducted tree-ring analysis in 75 pure stands of white spruce ( Picea glauca) across Alberta and west-central Saskatchewan to examine the effects of recent climatic drying on the growth of this important boreal tree species. Allometric equations were used to calculate annual growth in aboveground tree biomass ( GBM) from ring width measurements. Results showed an increasing trend in GBM from the 1960s to the 1990s, followed by a sharp decline during the severe drought of 2001-2002. Of the 75 stands, only 18 recovered sufficiently to cause an increase in mean GBM from the predrought decade of 1991-2000 to the subsequent decade of 2001-2010. The remaining 57 stands exhibited a decline in mean GBM between these decades. Climatic drying was a major cause of the growth decline, as shown by the significant stand-level relationship between percentage change in decadal mean GBM and the change in decadal mean values of a climate moisture index from 1991-2000 to 2001-2010. Subsequent analyses of boreal stands sampled across Alberta during 2015 revealed that white spruce growth had declined even further as drought conditions intensified during 2014-2015. Overall, there was a 38% decrease in mean GBM between 1997 and 2015, but surprisingly, the percentage decrease was not significantly different for young, productive stands compared with older, less productive stands. Thus, stand ageing cannot explain the observed decline in white spruce growth during the past quarter century, suggesting that these forests are at risk if the trend towards more frequent, severe drought continues in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canada's federal carbon tax currently applies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Farmers in these provinces lack consistency on the tax, which is differentially applied to agricultural fuels. They must navigate between distinct sets of rules depending on the type of fuels they're using and what those fuels are used for. Some fuels are eligible to be fully exempt from the carbon tax; others may be allowed a partial exemption, and still others may force farmers to face the full amount of the carbon tax. The most significant agricultural fuel sources facing the full amount of the carbon tax are natural gas and propane used for grain and oilseed drying and for the heating of barns and other farm buildings. The burden of these tax payments on farmers is unclear. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada reports carbon tax cost estimates for grain and oilseed drying that range from an average of $210 per farm in Alberta to $774 per farm in Saskatchewan. Individual farmers, in contrast, have reported carbon tax costs of up to $10,000. Agriculture's sector-level emissions and trade flows are comparable to those of many industries in Canada that meet the criteria for being labelled an emissionsintensive and trade-exposed (EITE) industry. EITE industries are typically eligible to receive carbon pricing support on all priced emissions as part of either the federal government's output-based pricing system (OBPS) or similar provincial government programs. Agriculture is typically excluded from these programs because of the thousands of small producers in the sector, most of whom remain below the minimum emissions thresholds required for participation. As a result of this exclusion, agricultural subsectors have generally not been evaluated to see whether they meet EITE criteria. With all federal parties in favour of additional carbon pricing support for farmers, it is likely that support will soon be expanded to additional fuel uses. Future support to the agriculture industry is best offered via a mechanism that maintains the full incentive of the carbon tax. Two options that satisfy this objective are either a lump sum rebate to farmers or an output-based rebate system specific to agriculture. With both options it is important that any rebate amount is divorced from emissions and fuel use, A third option, which does not maintain the incentive of the carbon tax, is to expand farm-fuel exemptions. All of these options come with advantages and disadvantages, which would need to be carefully weighed. It would also be informative to complete an EITE assessment for agriculture that is based on all of the sector's combustion emissions being subject to the carbon tax. This would help to inform the potential impact of the carbon tax on agricultural production costs, farm profitability and the global competitiveness of Canada's farmers. Such an assessment would provide important insights on how to best support Canada's agricultural competitiveness without undermining its overall emissions reduction plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In central Ontario, elevated SO4 concentrations and export have been measured in both upland and wetland-draining catchments following summer droughts, although the source of excess SO4 is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of drying and re-wetting and temperature, respectively, on the release of SO4 from the primary S pools in wetlands (Sphagnum and peat) and uplands (forest floor and mineral soil), using material collected from the PC1 catchment in Haliburton County, and from catchment S50 in the Turkey Lakes Watershed. Peat exhibited the most marked response to drying of the four materials considered, and within 24 h of re-wetting dried peat from both catchments released 3–4 times more SO4 (50–67 mg kg−1 S-SO4) than continuously moist peat (16 mg kg−1 S-SO4), although temperature had only a marginal effect on SO4 concentrations. There was no immediate response of Sphagnum to either drying or temperature, although S-SO4 concentrations in Sphagnum tended to increase over the 30-day (d) incubation. There was a small but immediate increase in S-SO4 concentrations in forest floor material (LFH) from both catchments within the first 24 h of incubation, which was greatest in treatments that were dried and/or incubated at a higher temperature. In contrast, neither temperature nor drying appeared to affect SO4 release from mineral soil collected from either site. Results of laboratory incubations suggest that increases in SO4 concentration that have been reported in wetland-draining streams immediately following summer dry periods may be quantitatively explained by drying and re-wetting of peat rather than increased mineralization in Sphagnum. Similarly, the higher SO4 concentrations that have been measured in upland streams following summer droughts may in part be due to enhanced SO4 release from the forest floor following drying and re-wetting. In contrast, while the mineral soil constitutes a large pool of total S, it does not appear to be responsive to changes in moisture or temperature in the short-term (<30 d) and therefore likely does not contribute to reported climate-related temporal variations in stream SO4. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Grains (common term referring to cereal grains, oilseeds, pulses) are usually harvested at high moisture content and then dried to straight grade (dry) or safe storage moisture levels. Grain drying in freestanding, corrugated galvanized steel or welded steel bins using natural air is the most cost effective drying method with optimum grain quality. Adverse weather conditions and inappropriate fan control strategies may result in poor drying, higher drying cost (electricity and fuel), and grain spoilage. Several traditional fan control (continuous ON, only Day ON, only Night ON) and automated fan control (Natural Air Drying (NAD) and Self- Adapting Variable Heat (SAVH)) strategies were investigated using IntegrisPro model software (OPIsystems Inc.) for their drying potential for wheat using 30 years of historical weather data (1983-2012) from 14 locations in Western Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan provinces) which cover nearly 75% of Canada's farming area. Effects of initial wheat moistures (20, 18, and 16%), start dates (August 20th, September 1st, September 15th, and October 1st), locations, airflow rates (0.52, 0.78, and, 1.04 m3min-1t-1) and supplemental heat on drying performance were studied. High moisture wheat (18-20%) can only be dried effectively with sufficient airflow rate (0.78, and, 1.04 m3min-1t-1) and early drying start date (September 15th or earlier). Without automated control, Continuous ON fan control was a better control strategy. The SAVH control strategy gave the optimized results in terms of fan run hours, target moisture, moisture spread, and shrink (over-drying). The Night ON fan control strategy gave the poorest drying results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the southeast Canada and northeast USA region, a peak in sulphate (SO) concentration has been reported for some streams following periods of substantial catchment drying during the summer months (ON, Canada; VT, NH and NY, USA). However, it is currently unclear if a SO response to seasonal drying is widespread across the broader region, or to what extent the level of response varies among catchments. In our study, SO response to seasonal drying was compared in 20 catchments from 11 locations across southeastern Canada (ON, QC and NS) and northeastern USA (NH, NY, VT, WV and ME). Using long-term monitoring data of stream discharge and chemistry, the number of days for each month of the dry season (# d) when discharge (Q) was below a threshold level (25th percentile; Q) was calculated for each catchment to give a measure of 'seasonal dryness' (# d Q < Q). A SO response score ( rs) was then calculated for each catchment based on linear regression analysis of # d Q < Q versus either the annual SO concentration, or the residual of annual SO concentration as a function of time (year). The final rs values for each catchment provided an estimate of the proportion of variation in annual SO concentration which could be explained by seasonal drying (possible rs range = 0-1). Of the 20 catchments, 13 exhibited some level of a SO response to seasonal drying ( rs = 0.04-0.72) with an additional two catchments exhibiting a SO response for one or more seasons. SO response scores were positively related to percent wetland area ( w) ( rs = 1.000 − 0.978e, r = 0.44) and percent saturated area (sat) ( rs = 0.481 − 0.488e, r = 0.54) indicating that wetlands/saturated areas were an important driver of regional variation in the SO response to seasonal drying. Our results suggest that any shift towards drier summers as a result of climate change could impact SO dynamics in a large number of catchments throughout the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most Canadian grain (>70% of harvests) is stored on the farm. High moisture content of grain at harvest rapidly leads to spoilage and occasionally the production of the mycotoxins sterigmatocystin, ochratoxin A, or citrinin. Near ambient drying systems that consist of an electrical fan at the base of a granary blowing air into a plenum beneath a perforated floor under stored grain is relatively economical. Heat produced by the fan can dry grain by 2% moisture content in 2 months at a cost for electricity of Can. $0.87/tonne. Hot air dryers are used on wet grain at harvest to rapidly lower 21% moisture content maize to 15% moisture content at a cost of Can. $7.80/tonne for propane plus aeration costs to cool the grain. Procedures for safe storage of grain are outlined and the capabilities and planned use of a new grain storage research facility at the University of Manitoba are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A three-dimensional, triangular-mesh, finite element model has been adapted to allow for the flooding and drying of intertidal areas. The new algorithm sets velocities in dry areas to zero and removes elements from the computation when they are completely dry. Model tests simulating an idealized sloping beach that includes a tidal pool and a narrow deep channel laterally bounded by shallow drying sides, give qualitatively reasonable results. A simulation of the Quoddy region of the Bay of Fundy also gave good results when calibrated against available observations. This region includes extensive intertidal flats, tidal pools and channels that are blocked at low water by emerging shallows. The model is a clear improvement over a three-dimensional linear model and a fully nonlinear model without the drying routines using the same model grid. The drying model reproduces the tidal elevations with higher accuracy and has more realistic tidal currents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mathematical models in engineering play an important role in understanding and predicting the behavior of a system. A mechanistic coupled liquid water, water vapor and heat transfer model incorporating kinetic phase change accounting for real‐time interfacial area between water and gas phases was developed to predict coupled subsurface processes and evaporation (drying) rates from bare soils. To enhance the model capability to predict evaporation rates, the air resistance associated with the viscous sublayer was implemented in energy and mass exchange across the soil‐air interface (the land‐atmosphere boundary condition [BC]). The atmospheric stability condition was also considered in the calculation of sensible heat and vapor fluxes at the ground surface. This comprehensive model was validated against measured field data from bare soil test plots from a green roof study, during temperate summer conditions in Canada, demonstrating that the model captured the main coupled processes in the subsurface of bare soil during drying periods. A sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the importance of various components of the comprehensive model. Removal of viscous sublayer resistance in the vapor transfer BC resulted in poorer predictions of evaporation (drying) rates. Incorporating the atmospheric stability function accounting for real‐time atmospheric conditions did not improve the predictive capability for the simulated drying events compared to the case when only a neutral atmospheric condition was implemented. Neglecting heat transfer associated with hydrodynamic dispersion of water vapor in the subsurface had limited impact on subsurface temperature predictions. Key Points: The developed non‐equilibrium based model adequately predicted subsurface non‐isothermal processes under various weather conditionsThe inclusion of viscous sublayer resistance in ground surface vapor transfer boundary condition improved the predicted evaporation ratesA lack of incorporation of some subsurface processes in coupled model has limited impact on the simulation of evaporation for bare soils [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of an intramammary infusion, containing tilmicosin phosphate, to an infusion of a negative control intramammary placebo for preventing new intramammary infections (IMI) during the dry period. Cows were enrolled from 24 dairy herds from three geographical regions of Canada. Data from 248 cows and 938 bacteriologically negative quarters at drying-off are summarized. Overall, the rate of new IMI during the dry period was 16.7% of quarters. The new infection rates for quarters that received intramammary tilmicosin compared with the intramammary placebo were 14.4 and 19.4%, respectively. The majority of new IMI was caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci (49%) and environmental streptococcal organisms (26.8%). The probability for quarters to develop new IMI in the dry period was significantly increased when cows had higher milk production before drying-off (P = 0.04), when cows had longer dry periods (P = 0.02), and when dry cows were housed in tie-stall barns (P = 0.002). Higher parity cows and those that had a linear score somatic cell count (SCC) above 4 on the last DHI test were also at increased risk for new IMI (P < 0.10). Administration of intramammary tilmicosin appears to be an efficacious therapy for prevention of new IMI; however, there is currently no approved intramammary formulation of this product available. Use of blanket dry cow antibiotic therapy compared to selective dry cow therapy, as well as the importance of identifying risk factors and managing the environment of dry cows are discussed.

The Canadian Drought Code (CDC) is an empirical soil-drying model adapted to high-latitude forests and commonly used by Canadian fire managers and researchers to predict the water content of the organic soil layer. Better knowledge of the capacity of the CDC to predict the effect of droughts on the water content of the mineral soil could improve our capacity to predict the future response of Canadian boreal forests to future changes in drought frequency and intensity. We tested the capacity of the CDC to predict mineral soil water content (SWC) and droughts against long-term (14-16 years) daily mineral SWC data from time domain reflectometry probes in multiple stations within three forest ecosystems of Eastern Canada respectively dominated by sugar maple, balsam fir and black spruce. Droughts were defined as SWC values lower than one standard deviation from their historical mean. The drought intensity and frequency of each growing season were computed as the sum of daily SWC departures from normal and the sum of days of drought, respectively. Our results show that the CDC is a reliable predictor of mineral SWC ( r = 0.6-0.8), drought frequency ( r = 0.5-0.9) and intensity ( r = 0.7-0.9) for high-latitude forest ecosystems of Eastern Canada. Lower correlations were due to the poor accuracy of the model at predicting mild droughts at the sugar maple stand due to the SWC values close to the drought threshold. We detected a higher susceptibility to droughts at the black spruce stand due to a 1-month-earlier occurrence of severe droughts. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroalgae are a new food source in the Western world. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of harvest months and food processing on cultivated Saccharina latissima (S. latissima) from Quebec. Seaweeds were harvested in May and June 2019 and processed by blanching, steaming, and drying with a frozen control condition. The chemical (lipids, proteins, ash, carbohydrates, fibers) and mineral (I, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe) compositions, the potential bioactive compounds (alginates, fucoidans, laminarans, carotenoids, polyphenols) and in vitro antioxidant potential were investigated. The results showed that May specimens were significantly the richest in proteins, ash, I, Fe, and carotenoids, while June macroalgae contained more carbohydrates. The antioxidant potential of water-soluble extracts (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity [ORAC] analysis–625 µg/mL) showed the highest potential in June samples. Interactions between harvested months and processing were demonstrated. The drying process applied in May specimens appeared to preserve more S. latissima quality, whereas blanching and steaming resulted in a leaching of minerals. Losses of carotenoids and polyphenols were observed with heating treatments. Water-soluble extracts of dried May samples showed the highest antioxidant potential (ORAC analysis) compared to other methods. Thus, the drying process used to treat S. latissima harvested in May seems to be the best that should be selected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to develop a natural food ingredient based on maple sugar powders (MSP) enriched in polyphenols. By incorporating 0.01% (wt/vol) of hot water extract (hot water extraction: 90°C and 1 hr; bark/water, 1/10 wt/vol) from sugar and red maple bark into substandard quality maple syrup, the latter was enriched by 13–20% in total phenolic content (TPC). The mixtures (syrup and extracts) were dehydrated using freeze‐drying (FD: at −36°C for 15 hr and subsequently at 30°C for 10 hr) or vacuum double‐drum drying (VDD: at 80°C and 660 Torr) to obtain the powders. Influence of drying processes on TPC, antioxidant capacity, and physical properties of powders was studied. Both drying processes caused a decrease in TPC and antioxidant capacity of MSP. Nevertheless, bark extracts contributed to higher TPC (8–10%) and antioxidant capacity (>40%) compared to control MSP. The moisture content of VDD powders (0.63–0.71%, dry basis) was significantly lower than that of FD powders (4.10–4.40%, dry basis). MSP produced by FD were amorphous and those produced by VDD crystalline. FD powders had instant‐like properties (dissolution time of 12–13 s), whereas those produced by VDD were less cohesive (Hausner ratio, 1.13–1.21), with excellent flowability. Practical Applications: Consumers are increasingly attracted by natural food products. Canada is the world major producer of maple syrup, a nutritious natural sweetener exclusively obtained from maple trees sap. Unfortunately, a "very dark" color syrup is accumulated as surplus in large quantity in Canada as it is considered of substandard quality. In this research, freeze‐drying (FD) and vacuum double‐drum drying (VDD) techniques were studied to produce maple sugar powders (MSP) from this substandard surplus syrup. This syrup was additionally enriched in polyphenols by adding hot water extracts from maple barks. The obtained polyphenol‐enriched MSP have shown interesting qualities for application as natural sweeteners, such as free flowing or instant‐like powder. Our results indicate that FD and VDD are suitable techniques for substandard syrup conversion into value‐added maple product. MSPs have a huge potential of application as natural food ingredients of instant drinks, cereal mix, cookies, and energy bars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For economic reasons operators of geologic storage projects are likely to inject CO2 at the largest possible rates into the smallest number of wells. Thus a typical CO2 injection well is likely to run at the largest bottomhole pressure that is safe. Operators will also tend to prefer thicker, higher permeability target formations. However, a constant-pressure well exhibits a varying rate of CO2 injection for two reasons: classical multiphase flow effects, and long-term injection of CO2 removes water from the nearwellbore region. Drying precipitates dissolved salts, so the permeability of the dry rock need not equal the initial aquifer permeability. Mobility of CO2 in the dried rock and mobility of CO2 and brine the two-phase flow region determine the variation of injectivity with volume of CO2 injected. We find a four-fold variation in injectivity when seven different CO2/brine relative permeability curves [B. Bennion, S. Bachu, Relative permeability characteristics for supercritical CO2 displacing water in a variety of potential sequestration zones in the western Canada sedimentary basin, Paper SPE 95547 at SPE Annual Technical Conference an Exhibition, Dallas, 2005] are used, holding all other reservoir parameters the same. Since the product of formation permeability and formation thickness is relatively easy to measure, once a well has been drilled, uncertainty in relative permeability will therefore be a large contribution to uncertainty in achievable rates in CO2 storage projects. We develop analytical expressions for the injectivity variation in terms of phase mobilities and the speeds of saturation fronts. Classical theory (Buckley–Leverett) does not account for the drying front; using only Buckley–Leverett yields both quantitative and qualitative errors. The expressions are consistent with detailed reservoir simulations using commercial software (CMG’s GEM) that account for the full physics and complete phase behavior. The expressions can refine the estimated number of wells needed for a target overall injection rate. This analysis also enables an operator to assess the value of retrieving core and measuring relative permeability in a prospective storage target. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Global coupled climate models are in continuous need for evaluation against independent observations to reveal systematic model deficits and uncertainties. Changes in terrestrial water storage (TWS) as measured by satellite gravimetry missions GRACE and GRACE‐FO provide valuable information on wetting and drying trends over the continents. Challenges arising from a comparison of observed and modelled water storage trends are related to gravity observations including non‐water related variations such as, for example, glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA). Therefore, correcting secular changes in the Earth's gravity field caused by ongoing GIA is important for the monitoring of long‐term changes in terrestrial water from GRACE in particular in former ice‐covered regions. By utilizing a new ensemble of 56 individual realizations of GIA signals based on perturbations of mantle viscosities and ice history, we find that many of those alternative GIA corrections change the direction of GRACE‐derived water storage trends, for example, from gaining mass into drying conditions, in particular in Eastern Canada. The change in the sign of the TWS trends subsequently impacts the conclusions drawn from using GRACE as observational basis for the evaluation of climate models as it influences the dis‐/agreement between observed and modelled wetting/drying trends. A modified GIA correction, a combined GRACE/GRACE‐FO data record extending over two decades, and a new generation of climate model experiments leads to substantially larger continental areas where wetting/drying trends currently observed by satellite missions coincide with long‐term predictions obtained from climate model experiments. Plain Language Summary: The satellite gravimetry missions GRACE and GRACE‐FO measure changes in the lateral distribution of water stored on Earth. These data give important insight into climate‐driven wetting and drying on the continents and can thus be applied to evaluate the output of climate models designed to simulate current and future changes in the Earth system. However, GRACE/‐FO are not only sensitive to changes in water storage, but also to other mass change processes such as glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA). GIA refers to the uplift of the land surface, which is still ongoing after the melting of the heavy ice cover from the last ice age. To isolate climate‐induced water storage trends, the GIA effect has to subtracted from the GRACE/‐FO time series. With 56 different GIA models, we show that the choice of this correction affects the direction of the GRACE‐derived water storage trend from wetting to drying (or vice versa). Therefore, it is crucial for the dis‐/agreement of the observed trend direction and climate models, particularly in the previously ice‐covered regions of Canada. With the revised data processing scheme, the satellite observations document long‐term changes in terrestrial water storage in various regions that are in line with climate model projections. Key Points: A glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) model ensemble characterizes the uncertainty of GIA corrections on GRACE‐derived water storage trendsThe GIA correction critically impacts the dis‐/agreement between GRACE and climate model wetting/drying trends in Eastern CanadaSpatially coherent regions of agreement between observed trends and climate model predictions have grown substantially over earlier studies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasticizers can persist during the treatment of wastewaters in sewage treatment plants (STPs) and can be discharged in effluents and/or accumulated in sewage sludges. For example, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a common plasticizer that is now considered a priority pollutant and is known to accumulate in sludges. This may add constraints to the exploitation of the beneficial uses of sludges that contain significant quantities of plasticizers. Recently, it was demonstrated in studies with pure cultures that the biodegradation of plasticizers including DEHP and di-ethylhexyl adipate (DEHA) generates toxic metabolites including 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 2-ethylhexanol, and 2-ethylhexanal. However, the environmental impacts and fate of the degradation products arising from plasticizers are unknown. Therefore, this work investigated the concentrations of DEHP and DEHA and their metabolites in the sludges from several STPs in Quebec, Canada. DEHP and DEHA were found in concentrations ranging from 15 to 346 mg kg-1 and 4 to 743 mg kg-1, respectively, in primary, secondary, digested, dewatered or dried sludges. Metabolites were detected in almost all sludges, except those that had undergone a drying process at high temperature. It is concluded that sludges can represent significant sources of plasticizers and their toxic metabolites in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) pose a significant threat to Canadian fresh, estuarine, and marine waters and threaten Canada's biodiversity, economy, and society. To prevent the introduction and spread of AIS by water-based commercial and recreational activities, many government and non-government organizations encourage owners and operators to voluntarily Clean, Drain, and Dry (CDD) their watercraft, trailers, and equipment. In some cases, an additional Decontamination step may be applied (CDD+D) which has species-specific treatment parameters to achieve AIS mortality and/or removal. To date, a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of CDD+D protocols used in Canada for marine and freshwater AIS has not been conducted. This research document provides a review, by species, of effective decontamination treatments identified in the scientific literature and suggests treatment guidelines aimed to kill the greatest number of target AIS taxa. The effectiveness of recommendations in existing freshwater and marine CDD+D protocols used in AIS management across Canada or abroad were also assessed. Lethal decontamination treatments for AIS of interest from different functional and taxonomic groups (e.g., bivalves, gastropods, zooplankton, macrophytes, macroalgae, crabs, and tunicates) were evaluated and included physical (e.g., hot water spray/immersion, pressure washing, air-drying, and freezing) and chemical (e.g., sodium hypochlorite, acetic acid, quaternary ammonium compounds, salt water, Virkon©, brine, and hydrated lime) sprays/immersions or a combination of these. The scientific literature showed that several decontamination treatments can be lethal for AIS but only if applied for specific exposure times and conditions. Recommendations in government or state protocols mostly echoed the scientific literature and underline that CDD campaigns should continue to be supported across the country. In some cases, when additional decontamination is required, (e.g., a watercraft is at high risk of transporting AIS), temperature, pressure, and/or chemical treatments may need to be adjusted to ensure 100% mortality of a greater number of target AIS. Although numerous species-or environment-specific decontamination treatments were identified as effective at killing or removing AIS, no single decontamination treatment was applicable to all freshwater and marine AIS or to all watercraft and equipment. The results from this study will help develop national CDD+D recommendations and provide advice to Fisheries and Oceans Canada's regulatory programs and to the Canadian public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Canadian Journal of Forest Research is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Changes are projected for the boreal biome with complex and variable effects on forest vegetation including drought‐induced tree mortality and forest loss. With soil and atmospheric conditions governing drought intensity, specific drivers of trees water stress can be difficult to disentangle across temporal scales. We used wavelet analysis and causality detection to identify potential environmental controls (evapotranspiration, soil moisture, rainfall, vapor pressure deficit, air temperature and photosynthetically active radiation) on daily tree water deficit and on longer periods of tree dehydration in black spruce and tamarack. Daily tree water deficit was controlled by photosynthetically active radiation, vapor pressure deficit, and air temperature, causing greater stand evapotranspiration. Prolonged periods of tree water deficit (multi‐day) were regulated by photosynthetically active radiation and soil moisture. We provide empirical evidence that continued warming and drying will cause short‐term increases in black spruce and tamarack transpiration, but greater drought stress with reduced soil water availability. Plain Language Summary: This research explores how climate change could impact the water stress experienced by black spruce and tamarack trees in the western boreal forest of Canada. We focused on a key measure called "tree water deficit" to understand if the trees were under stress due to insufficient water. We examined how tree water deficit relates to environmental factors such as temperature, sunlight, and soil moisture. The findings revealed that, on a daily basis, factors like sunlight and temperature cause trees to release more water into the air. However, over longer periods (days to weeks), the amount of water in the soil becomes crucial, suggesting that trees might face water stress during dry spells. So, while trees could grow more on hotter, sunnier days, they could also experience water stress and reduced growth if the soil becomes too dry for an extended period. This study helps us grasp how various factors interact to influence tree water stress in the boreal forest, providing insights important for managing these ecosystems in a changing climate. Key Points: A novel approach to determine environmental controls of tree water deficit across time scales with wavelet analysis and Granger causalitySoil moisture emerges as a significant control of tree water deficit in boreal trees at longer scales (multi‐days)Daily productivity gains with warming will be mitigated by decreased soil water availability in longer periods of tree water deficit [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timely release of flow from upstream hydropower generation facilities on the Peace River can enhance potential ice-jam flooding near the drying Peace–Athabasca Delta (PAD), a Ramsar wetland of international importance and homeland to Indigenous Peoples. An important consideration in deciding whether and when to commence a release is the celerity of the breakup front as it advances along the Peace River. Relevant historical data for a key stretch of the river are analyzed to determine average celerities, which can vary by an order of magnitude from year to year. Seven breakup events are identified that might have been candidates for a release, and the predictability of associated celerities is explored in terms of antecedent hydroclimatic variables, including cumulative winter snowfall, snow water equivalent on 1 April, ice cover thickness, coldness of the winter, and freezeup level. It is shown that celerity can be predicted to within a factor of two or less, with the freezeup level giving the best results. Three of the seven "promising" events culminated in PAD floods and were associated with the three highest celerities. The empirical findings are shown to generally align with physical understanding of breakup driving and resisting factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought projections on seasonal to annual time scales are presented for Canada over the twenty-first century, based on the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). Results make use of bias-corrected temperature and precipitation projections from 29 global climate models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5), and include three different forcing scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Large differences in projected drought changes are observed among different regions. On the annual time scale, southwestern Canada and the Prairies may experience an increase in drying under a warmer climate. On the other hand, coastal regions, including northern Canada, the northwest Pacific coast and the Atlantic region, show a small increase in wetness. Winter and spring SPEI results depict an increase in wetting, reflecting the projected country-wide winter and spring precipitation increases under climate change. For the most part, autumn and summer show increases in drying. The largest relative changes in both summer drying and winter wetting were found over northern regions, but the offsetting seasonal effects typically balance out to yield various degrees of wetting on the annual scale for this region. The projected drought responses are relatively modest in the weak forcing scenario (RCP2.6) for most Canadian regions. In addition, even for regions most affected, a marked increase in surface water deficit might not occur until the second half of this century. Inter-model variation (a crude measure of projection uncertainty) typically increases with forcing intensity and lead time, and is generally greater in northern and western Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three hundred and sixty two Malus accessions from the Canadian Clonal Genebank of Plant Gene Resources of Canada were cryopreserved as dormant buds at the USDA-ARS National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation in 1996. According to grafting data collected on 165 of these accessions in 1999, 80 percent of the accessions had at least 40 percent viability. A subsample of these accessions was processed for cryopreservation by either adjusting the moisture content of the budwood sections containing dormant buds to 32 or 37 percent moisture (fresh weight basis) or by not drying the budwood sections (46 percent moisture fresh weight basis) prior to cooling. Budwood sections were then slow-cooled at 1 degree C per hour to -3 degree C, held for 24 h at -30 degree C and then rapidly transferred to the vapour phase of liquid nitrogen. Cryopreserved buds from 13 accessions that were dried using the various techniques were warmed and grafted in both 1999 and 2006 to determine viability. Overall, bud viability was high at both storage times. At the 10 year time point, some accessions had higher bud growth when they were desiccated prior to slow-cooling when compared to those that were not.

Wood is a living material with a dimensional stability problem. White spruce wood is a Canadian non-permeable wood that is used for siding applications. To improve this property, white spruce wood was treated with organosilanes sol-gel treatment with different moisture content (oven dried, air dried, and green wood). No major morphological changes were observed after treatment. However, organosilanes were impregnated into the cell wall without densifying the wood and without modifying the wood structure. Si-O-C chemical bonds between organosilanes and wood and Si-O-Si bonds were confirmed by FTIR and NMR, showing the condensation of organosilanes. The green wood (41% moisture content) showed only 26% dimensional stability due to the presence of too much water for organosilanes treatment. With a moisture content of 14%–18% (oven dried or air dried wood), the treatment was adapted to obtain the best improvement in dimensional stability of 35% and a 25% reduction of water vapor sorption. Finally, impregnation with organosilanes combined with the appropriate heat treatment improved the dimensional stability of white spruce wood by up to 35%. This treated Canadian wood could be an interesting option to validate for siding application in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfills represent important sources of local emissions of organic contaminants, including halogenated (HFR) and organophosphate ester (OPE) flame retardants used in a large variety of consumer products. Gulls foraging in landfills may be exposed to elevated atmospheric concentrations of HFRs and OPEs that may vary spatially and temporally within a landfill site, thus modulating their exposure. The objective of the present study was to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of HFR and OPE concentrations in air samples collected from a major landfill in the Montreal area (QC, Canada) that is frequently visited by gulls for foraging. Miniature stationary passive air samplers (PASs) and high-volume active air samplers (AASs) were deployed in six different areas within this landfill site for 34 days to collect HFRs and OPEs in air. During the same period, wild-caught ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) were equipped on their back with a similar miniature PAS that was deployed in the landfill along with a GPS datalogger to monitor their movements for ten days. Elevated concentrations of certain OPEs (e.g., tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate and tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate) and brominated diphenyl ether (BDE)-209 were measured in stationary PASs and AASs, although they were homogenously distributed within this landfill site. Temporal variability was observed for concentrations of BDE-209, -99 and -47 measured in AASs as well as tributyl phosphate during the 34-day deployment period. Moreover, air concentrations of BDE-209, -207 and -206 and selected OPEs (tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate and tris(methylphenyl) phosphate) determined using AASs were positively correlated with ambient air temperatures. Gulls that visited a landfill at least once exhibited significantly greater concentrations of BDE-47 measured in PASs they carried on their back, suggesting that landfill air may represent a source of exposure to PBDEs for these birds, and potentially other urban-adapted wildlife using these sites for foraging. Image 1 • Elevated levels of certain flame retardants were found in air of a major landfill. • Flame retardant levels in air were homogenously distributed within this landfill. • Positive correlations were found between air temperatures and flame retardants. • Greatest air PBDE levels were found in samplers carried by gulls visiting landfills. Elevated levels of halogenated flame retardants and organophosphate esters were measured in air of a major landfill and were associated with gull exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish stranding is of global concern with increasing hydropower operations using hydropeaking to respond to fluctuating energy demand. Determining the effects hydropeaking has on fish communities is challenging because fish stranding is dependent on riverscape features, such as topography, bathymetry and substrate. By using a combination of physical habitat assessments, hydrodynamic modelling and empirical data on fish stranding, we estimated the number of fish stranding over a 5‐month period for three model years in a large Prairie river. More specifically, we modelled how many fish potentially stranded during the years 2019, 2020 and 2021 across a 16 km study reached downstream from E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station on the Saskatchewan River, Canada. Fish stranding densities calculated from data collected through remote photography and transect monitoring in 2021 were applied to the daily area subject to drying determined by the River2D hydrodynamic model. The cumulative area subject to change was 90.05, 53.02 and 80.74 km2 for years 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively, from June to October. The highest number of stranded fish was estimated for the year 2021, where estimates ranged from 89,800 to 1,638,000 individuals based on remote photography and transect monitoring fish stranding densities, respectively, 157 to 2,856 fish stranded per hectare. Our approach of estimating fish stranding on a large scale allows for a greater understanding of the impact hydropeaking has on fish communities and can be applied to other riverscapes threatened by hydropeaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 31 million tons of animal by-products are generated by livestock and poultry farming, meat processing, and retailing in the U.S. and Canada each year. Utilizing rather than discarding these resources prevents the release of large amounts of GHGs into the atmosphere. Renderers reclaim the carbon from these by-products and transform them into 6.3 million tons of refined animal fats and 8.9 million tons of rendered protein meals for use as animal food ingredients annually. In 2019, 1.5 million tons of rendered protein meals and 289 thousand tons of animal fats were used in pet food, and another 1.83 million tons of fresh and frozen meat and poultry by-products and organ meats were used in pet food without first being rendered. Rendering cookers break down tissues so that fats can be pressed out of muscle, bone, and connective tissues. Rendered products are safe from biological hazards as cooking is done at higher temperatures for longer times than necessary for food safety. The Prioritization of food safety in both rendering and pet food industries in recent years have delayed emphasis on some quality factors. Many citations in literature document that excessive heat damages proteins and decreases their quality and digestibility. Research is planned to provide guidance to renderers on cooking procedures that would meet the needs for processing and food safety without sacrificing quality and digestibility. Other factors that impact the availability and usability of rendered products include parts available for rendering after fresh parts are selected for pet food, upstream human food safety interventions, time and temperature conditions between slaughter and rendering, cooling, drying, storage, transport, and the use of antioxidants, antimicrobials, and other processing aids. Opportunities exist to modernize plants and processes to provide high quality ingredients. Renderers have invested with the pet food sector to collaborate on strategies to improve safety, quality, and sustainability of pet food ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: During World War II, Charles H. Best utilized Charles R. Drew's plasma isolation and drying technique to lead Canada's initiative to provide dried serum as a means of primary resuscitation for British casualties on the frontlines. Serum was likely utilized over plasma for its volume expansion properties without the risk of clotting during prolonged storage. We reconstituted dried serum from 1943 and discovered intact albumin, as well as anti‐thrombin, plasminogen, protein C and protein S activity. Proteomic analysis identified 71 proteins, most prominent being albumin, and positive for hepatitis B by serological testing. Transmission of blood‐borne diseases ended the programme, until modern advances in testing and pathogen reduction revived this technology. We tested the latest iteration of Canadian freeze‐dried plasma (FDP), which was stored for 4 years, and demonstrated that its clotting capacity remained equivalent to fresh frozen plasma. We recommend that FDP is a strong alternative to contemporary prehospital resuscitation fluids (e.g. normal saline/lactated Ringer's) in managing prehospital haemorrhage where whole blood is unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of Hop latent viroid (HLVd) affecting cannabis plants in licenced production facilities in Canada during 2020–2023 was determined by RT-PCR analyses of 15 947 samples from nine provinces. Positive detection ranged from 5.3% to 92% of samples submitted, depending on province and year of sampling. The average country-wide HLVd infection incidence was 25.6%. Symptoms on affected plants varied with plant growth stage, and ranged from asymptomatic to mild leaf curl and mottling on stock (mother) plants and on vegetative plants, to extreme stunting and reduced inflorescence development on flowering plants. All symptomatic and some asymptomatic plants contained a 256 nucleotide RNA fragment with 100% sequence homology to HLVd from GenBank. The viroid was detected in various tissues of stock, vegetative, and flowering plants, including the uppermost leaves, at middle and lower positions in the canopy, and in the roots. The incidence of infection varied with the cannabis genotype. Flowering plants displayed yellowing or darkening of inflorescence leaves surrounding the pistillate flowers. Reductions of 12–42% in inflorescence stem lengths, fresh weights, and plant heights were observed in infected plants compared to noninfected plants, depending on the genotype. Levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and terpenes in diseased inflorescences were also significantly lower. The development of glandular trichomes which produce and store cannabinoids and terpenes was greatly reduced by HLVd infection. The affected trichomes had shorter stalk lengths and smaller glandular head sizes, and appeared shrivelled upon drying of the inflorescences. Hop latent viroid poses a significant economic threat to the cannabis industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent wetting in the Northern Great Plain (NGP) exerted strong influences on lakes and wetlands. However, the influence of recent increase in precipitation on spatiotemporal variation of surface water area is poorly understood in the Red River Basin (RRB, northern United States and southern Canada). Here, we used a high-resolution global surface water dataset to understand spatiotemporal dynamics of the annual, total, permanent, and seasonal water extent in RRB. Monthly surface water area is investigated to detect the change in seasonal surface water extent. We found four distinct phases of variation in surface water: Phase 1 (1990–2001, wetting); Phase 2 (2002- 2005, dry); Phase 3 (2006–2013, recent wetting); and Phase 4 (2014–2019, recent drying). A bare land to a permanent and seasonal water area switch is observed during Phase 1, while the other phases have experienced relatively little fluctuation. Findings have implications for nutrient concentration assessment in lakes and wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northern high latitudes are experiencing some of the greatest increases in air temperatures on Earth. Air temperatures (along with other modulating variables including precipitation and the onset of snowmelt) are influenced by atmospheric–oceanic circulation patterns, some of which are persistent and recurrent. One pattern in particular, the Arctic Dipole (AD) anomaly, is a persistent sea‐level pressure teleconnection pattern between the Canadian Archipelago and Barents Sea that has unknown impacts on local climate variability. These patterns may be important, especially in hydro‐ecologically sensitive areas such as Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada where permafrost thaw and ecosystem changes are influenced by interannual climate variability. The goal of this research is to determine the impacts of the AD on local climate (air temperature, precipitation, snowmelt) for a 66‐year period (1950–2015) spanning both latitudinal and longitudinal gradients across NWT from north to south and foothills to plains. Deviations during strong positive and negative modes of the AD index were calculated in reference to the complete 66‐year record. Results showed considerable year‐to‐year variability in the AD pattern, with more frequent strong negative modes during the 2000s. During 1950–2015, there were 64 and 56 occurrences of strong positive and strong negative AD modes, respectively, across all seasons. Spring and summer strong AD modes led to local air temperature anomalies of greater than 0.8°C compared with the long‐term (66 years) mean. Earlier onset of snowmelt, by an average of 3–5 days, was also noted during positive AD modes. Despite strong connectivity between the AD and local air temperature, we found less correspondence between the AD and seasonal precipitation. These findings improve understanding of the impacts of the AD on local weather and climate in NWT and suggest implications for ecosystem change, such as drying and shrubification of northern boreal peatlands and possible connectivity to teleconnection impacts on wildland fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal conductivity data of 40 Canadian soils at dryness (λdry) and at full saturation (λsat) were used to verify 13 predictive models, i.e., four mechanistic, four semi-empirical and five empirical equations. The performance of each model, for λdry and λsat, was evaluated using a standard deviation (SD) formula. Among the mechanistic models applied to dry soils, the closest λdry estimates were obtained by MaxRTCM (SD=±0.018Wm-1·K-1), followed by de Vries and a series-parallel model (S-||). Among the semi-empirical equations (deVries-ave, Advanced Geometric Mean Model (A-GMM), Chaudhary and Bhandari (C-B) and Chen’s equation), the closest λdry estimates were obtained by the C-B model (±0.022Wm-1·K-1). Among the empirical equations, the top λdry estimates were given by CDry-40 (±0.021Wm-1·K-1 and ±0.018Wm-1·K-1 for18-coarse and 22-fine soils, respectively). In addition, λdry and λsat models were applied to the λsat database of 21 other soils. From all the models tested, only the maxRTCM and the CDry-40 models provided the closest λdry estimates for the 40 Canadian soils as well as the 21 soils. The best λsat estimates for the 40-Canadian soils and the 21 soils were given by the A-GMM and the S-|| model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]