A Pilot Study: Integration of the skills of New Canadian farmers to improve functional food production and secondary product development in the agriculture sector in Newfoundland and Labrador

In the first year of this 2-year research project, we propose placing former refugee farmers with the requisite secondary processing skills on a farm in Newfoundland and Labrador to conduct research in order to diversify their production, as well as to increase their secondary product output. The second part of this project involves research of […]

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Examining Water Quality Parameter Testing Processes at Ontario Public Pools and Spas: Opportunities and Barriers

This research project aims to explore the experiences of public pool and spa staff in meeting the regulatory requirements for water parameter testing and understand user behaviours, needs, and attitudes towards pool and spa water testing equipment. Two groups of interest are Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) who are mandated to conduct inspections at public pools […]

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Advanced Oxidation Process in Fresh Produce Processing: Reducing water usage, extending shelf-life and enhancing food safety

Fresh produce remains the leading cause of foodborne illness and highlighted for carrying pesticide residues. Moreover, fruit and vegetables have been highlighted as one of the leading sources of food waste, in addition to a major user of water. Currently, post-harvest washing is used as a step to remove field acquired contamination. However, both microbes […]

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Therapeutic Properties in Landscape Design

This research project aims to review, analyze and build upon the current body of knowledge concerning the therapeutic potential of landscape design. It will review the health outcomes of natural settings at healthcare facilities and examine the design processes behind these. Project partner Virginia Burt Designs is a leading practitioner in this aspect of the […]

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Long-term rattlesnake population trends in response to land management regime changes

Monitoring of wildlife populations is essential for identifying declines or changes, especially in response to habitat changes or disturbance. By comparing historical and modern populations, we can quantify long-term trends. In this study we are comparing historical data from the mid-1980’s to modern to identify trends within a population of Western rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus). During […]

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An updated nutrient budget for the Lake of the Woods and options for management

The Lake of the Woods (LOW) is a large transboundary lake that frequently experiences toxic algal blooms that are caused by excessive nutrient inputs to the lake from its watershed. The objective of this research is to quantify nutrient delivery to the LOW from atmospheric deposition and rivers draining the Canadian portion of the basin […]

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Improving & Evaluating Aerosol PPE & Containment Devices for COVID-19 Virus

The coronavirus disease, COVID-19, has rapidly changed the way we live and work. Across Canada, many non-essential workplaces were directed to suspend normal operations and, though the pandemic continues, these restrictions are slowly being lifted, and workers are returning to work. Workers, employers, unions, and policy makers need guidance on how to best reduce exposure […]

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North Perth Ontario: Developing a Response Plan

The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are far-reaching and extend beyond the spread of the disease and efforts to quarantine it. With emergency management efforts underway, opportunities exist to develop more effective and efficient response measures to increase the resiliency of our communities amidst this and future public health crises. Developing impactful resilience strategies requires […]

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Geomicrobiological assessment of advanced customizable leach columns

Acid mine drainage (AMO) is a significant environmental concern at many hard rock mines. Laboratory-based predictive tests are used to determine if AMO will be generated by mine wastes, but these tests do not generally examine the role of microbes in acid-generating processes. This study will extend the capabilities of the advanced customizable leaching columns […]

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