Evidence-based conservation seeks to incorporate sound scientific information into environmental decision making. The application of this concept in urban forest management has tremendous potential, but to date has be...Evidence-based conservation seeks to incorporate sound scientific information into environmental decision making. The application of this concept in urban forest management has tremendous potential, but to date has been little applied, largely because existing scientific studies emphasize the importance of urban forests in large-scale ecological and anthropogenic processes, but in practice, scientific evidence is ostensibly incorporated into North American urban forest management only when deciding the fate of individual trees. Even under these disjunctive conditions, the degree to which evidence influences tree-level decisions remains debatable. In analyzing preliminary data from a case study from Toronto, Canada, we sought to test if and how scientific evidence factored into the decision to remove or preserve 53 trees, located in close proximity to a provincially significant area of natural and scientific interest (ANSI). We found that by far the strongest tree-level correlate of the recommendation to remove or preserve trees was whether or not an individual tree was in conflict with proposed development. In comparison, species identity, tree condition, and suitability for conservation were statistically unrelated to the final recommendation. Our findings provide the basis to expand our analysis to multiple case studies across Canada, and internationally. Furthermore, when interpreted with available research and policy, our preliminary (and future) analysis highlights clear opportunities where scientific evidence can and should be readily incorporated into urban forestry management and policy.展开更多
Modeling landscape with high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) in a geographic information system can provide essential morphological and structural information for modeling surface processes such as geomorphol...Modeling landscape with high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) in a geographic information system can provide essential morphological and structural information for modeling surface processes such as geomorphologic process and water systems. This paper introduces several DEM-based spatial analysis processes applied to characterize spatial distribution and their interactions of ground and surface water systems in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada. The stream networks and drainage basin systems were derived from the DEM with 30 m resolution and the regularities of the surface stream and drainage patterns were modeled from a statistical/multifractal point of view. Together with the elevation and slope of topography, other attributes defined from modeling the stream system, and drainage networks were used to associate geological, hydrological and topographical features to water flow in river systems and the spatial locations of artesian aquifers in the study area. Stream flow data derived from daily flow measurements recorded at river gauging stations for multi-year period were decomposed into 'drainage-area dependent' and 'drainage-area independent' flow components by two-step 'frequency' and 'spatial' analysis processes. The latter component was further demonstrated to relate most likely to the ground water discharge. An independent analysis was conducted to model the distribution of aquifers with information derived from the records of water wells. The focus was given on quantification of the likelihood of ground water discharge to river and ponds through flowing wells, springs and seepages. It has been shown that the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) is a unique glacial deposit that serves as a recharge layer and that the aquifers in the ORM underlain by Hilton Tills and later deposits exposed near the steep slope zone of the ridges of ORM provide significant discharge to the surface water systems (river flow and ponds) through flowing wells, springs and seepages. Various statistics (cross- and auto-correlation coefficients, fractal R/S exponent) were used in conjunction with GIS to demonstrate the influence of land types, topography and geometry of drainage basins on short- and long-term persistence of river flows as well as responding time to precipitation events. The current study has provided not only insight in understanding the interaction of water systems in the GTA, but also a base for further establishment of an on-line GIS system for predicting spatial-temporal changes of river flow and groundwater level in the GTA.展开更多
The Institute of Medical Science (IMS) was established as an institute within the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto in 1968 to serve as a graduate unit for the Clinical Departments in the Faculty...The Institute of Medical Science (IMS) was established as an institute within the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto in 1968 to serve as a graduate unit for the Clinical Departments in the Faculty of Medicine. In this role,the IMS offers a doctoral stream program in medical science leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Translational research,as a means of moving new discovery to improvement in patient outcome,has become a central theme of graduate education in our Institute. To this end,we have developed a curriculum offering which is intended to provide all new students with a defined skill set relevant to Translational Research and at the same time,to provide students with flexible offerings which would enhance their specific research programs. The course,spread over two years,will have three separate components:(1) there will be lectures focusing on research fundamentals and the basics of translational research; (2) there will be student presentations to hone presentation skills and get valuable feedback from fellow students and faculty mentors; (3) there will be elective modules,where students can select from a number of course offerings in order to round out training. These modules include subjects such as the fundamentals of clinical trials,the basics of qualitative research,an approach to the role of proteomics and genomics in research and the business of science. As part of this modular program,we have created a program 'clinical exposure for non-clinicians' with the hope that graduate students will be able to gain some understanding of the clinical relevance of their research activities. Over time,these modular offerings will be expanded based on a needs assessment from our students. The presentation will describe the IMS and its mission and will overview the structure and content of this course offering.展开更多
With the rapid development of flexible wearable electronics,the demand for stretchable energy storage devices has surged.In this work,a novel gradient-layered architecture was design based on single-pore hollow lignin...With the rapid development of flexible wearable electronics,the demand for stretchable energy storage devices has surged.In this work,a novel gradient-layered architecture was design based on single-pore hollow lignin nanospheres(HLNPs)-intercalated two-dimensional transition metal carbide(Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) MXene)for fabricating highly stretchable and durable supercapacitors.By depositing and inserting HLNPs in the MXene layers with a bottom-up decreasing gradient,a multilayered porous MXene structure with smooth ion channels was constructed by reducing the overstacking of MXene lamella.Moreover,the micro-chamber architecture of thin-walled lignin nanospheres effectively extended the contact area between lignin and MXene to improve ion and electron accessibility,thus better utilizing the pseudocapacitive property of lignin.All these strategies effectively enhanced the capacitive performance of the electrodes.In addition,HLNPs,which acted as a protective phase for MXene layer,enhanced mechanical properties of the wrinkled stretchable electrodes by releasing stress through slip and deformation during the stretch-release cycling and greatly improved the structural integrity and capacitive stability of the electrodes.Flexible electrodes and symmetric flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors capable of enduring 600%uniaxial tensile strain were developed with high specific capacitances of 1273 mF cm^(−2)(241 F g^(−1))and 514 mF cm^(−2)(95 F g^(−1)),respectively.Moreover,their capacitances were well preserved after 1000 times of 600%stretch-release cycling.This study showcased new possibilities of incorporating biobased lignin nanospheres in energy storage devices to fabricate stretchable devices leveraging synergies among various two-dimensional nanomaterials.展开更多
Objective To report the development,validation,and findings of the Multi-dimensional Attention Rating Scale(MARS),a self-report tool crafted to evaluate six-dimension attention levels.Methods The MARS was developed ba...Objective To report the development,validation,and findings of the Multi-dimensional Attention Rating Scale(MARS),a self-report tool crafted to evaluate six-dimension attention levels.Methods The MARS was developed based on Classical Test Theory(CTT).Totally 202 highly educated healthy adult participants were recruited for reliability and validity tests.Reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability.Structural validity was explored using principal component analysis.Criterion validity was analyzed by correlating MARS scores with the Toronto Hospital Alertness Test(THAT),the Attentional Control Scale(ACS),and the Attention Network Test(ANT).Results The MARS comprises 12 items spanning six distinct dimensions of attention:focused attention,sustained attention,shifting attention,selective attention,divided attention,and response inhibition.As assessed by six experts,the content validation index(CVI)was 0.95,the Cronbach's alpha for the MARS was 0.78,and the test-retest reliability was 0.81.Four factors were identified(cumulative variance contribution rate 68.79%).The total score of MARS was correlated positively with THAT(r=0.60,P<0.01)and ACS(r=0.78,P<0.01)and negatively with ANT's reaction time for alerting(r=−0.31,P=0.049).Conclusion The MARS can reliably and validly assess six-dimension attention levels in real-world settings and is expected to be a new tool for assessing multi-dimensional attention impairments in different mental disorders.展开更多
文摘Evidence-based conservation seeks to incorporate sound scientific information into environmental decision making. The application of this concept in urban forest management has tremendous potential, but to date has been little applied, largely because existing scientific studies emphasize the importance of urban forests in large-scale ecological and anthropogenic processes, but in practice, scientific evidence is ostensibly incorporated into North American urban forest management only when deciding the fate of individual trees. Even under these disjunctive conditions, the degree to which evidence influences tree-level decisions remains debatable. In analyzing preliminary data from a case study from Toronto, Canada, we sought to test if and how scientific evidence factored into the decision to remove or preserve 53 trees, located in close proximity to a provincially significant area of natural and scientific interest (ANSI). We found that by far the strongest tree-level correlate of the recommendation to remove or preserve trees was whether or not an individual tree was in conflict with proposed development. In comparison, species identity, tree condition, and suitability for conservation were statistically unrelated to the final recommendation. Our findings provide the basis to expand our analysis to multiple case studies across Canada, and internationally. Furthermore, when interpreted with available research and policy, our preliminary (and future) analysis highlights clear opportunities where scientific evidence can and should be readily incorporated into urban forestry management and policy.
文摘Modeling landscape with high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) in a geographic information system can provide essential morphological and structural information for modeling surface processes such as geomorphologic process and water systems. This paper introduces several DEM-based spatial analysis processes applied to characterize spatial distribution and their interactions of ground and surface water systems in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada. The stream networks and drainage basin systems were derived from the DEM with 30 m resolution and the regularities of the surface stream and drainage patterns were modeled from a statistical/multifractal point of view. Together with the elevation and slope of topography, other attributes defined from modeling the stream system, and drainage networks were used to associate geological, hydrological and topographical features to water flow in river systems and the spatial locations of artesian aquifers in the study area. Stream flow data derived from daily flow measurements recorded at river gauging stations for multi-year period were decomposed into 'drainage-area dependent' and 'drainage-area independent' flow components by two-step 'frequency' and 'spatial' analysis processes. The latter component was further demonstrated to relate most likely to the ground water discharge. An independent analysis was conducted to model the distribution of aquifers with information derived from the records of water wells. The focus was given on quantification of the likelihood of ground water discharge to river and ponds through flowing wells, springs and seepages. It has been shown that the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) is a unique glacial deposit that serves as a recharge layer and that the aquifers in the ORM underlain by Hilton Tills and later deposits exposed near the steep slope zone of the ridges of ORM provide significant discharge to the surface water systems (river flow and ponds) through flowing wells, springs and seepages. Various statistics (cross- and auto-correlation coefficients, fractal R/S exponent) were used in conjunction with GIS to demonstrate the influence of land types, topography and geometry of drainage basins on short- and long-term persistence of river flows as well as responding time to precipitation events. The current study has provided not only insight in understanding the interaction of water systems in the GTA, but also a base for further establishment of an on-line GIS system for predicting spatial-temporal changes of river flow and groundwater level in the GTA.
文摘The Institute of Medical Science (IMS) was established as an institute within the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto in 1968 to serve as a graduate unit for the Clinical Departments in the Faculty of Medicine. In this role,the IMS offers a doctoral stream program in medical science leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Translational research,as a means of moving new discovery to improvement in patient outcome,has become a central theme of graduate education in our Institute. To this end,we have developed a curriculum offering which is intended to provide all new students with a defined skill set relevant to Translational Research and at the same time,to provide students with flexible offerings which would enhance their specific research programs. The course,spread over two years,will have three separate components:(1) there will be lectures focusing on research fundamentals and the basics of translational research; (2) there will be student presentations to hone presentation skills and get valuable feedback from fellow students and faculty mentors; (3) there will be elective modules,where students can select from a number of course offerings in order to round out training. These modules include subjects such as the fundamentals of clinical trials,the basics of qualitative research,an approach to the role of proteomics and genomics in research and the business of science. As part of this modular program,we have created a program 'clinical exposure for non-clinicians' with the hope that graduate students will be able to gain some understanding of the clinical relevance of their research activities. Over time,these modular offerings will be expanded based on a needs assessment from our students. The presentation will describe the IMS and its mission and will overview the structure and content of this course offering.
基金supported by Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada(RGPIN-2017-06737)Canada Research Chairs program,the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFD0601005,2022YFD0904201)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51203075)the China Scholarship Council(Grant No.CSC202208320361).
文摘With the rapid development of flexible wearable electronics,the demand for stretchable energy storage devices has surged.In this work,a novel gradient-layered architecture was design based on single-pore hollow lignin nanospheres(HLNPs)-intercalated two-dimensional transition metal carbide(Ti_(3)C_(2)T_(x) MXene)for fabricating highly stretchable and durable supercapacitors.By depositing and inserting HLNPs in the MXene layers with a bottom-up decreasing gradient,a multilayered porous MXene structure with smooth ion channels was constructed by reducing the overstacking of MXene lamella.Moreover,the micro-chamber architecture of thin-walled lignin nanospheres effectively extended the contact area between lignin and MXene to improve ion and electron accessibility,thus better utilizing the pseudocapacitive property of lignin.All these strategies effectively enhanced the capacitive performance of the electrodes.In addition,HLNPs,which acted as a protective phase for MXene layer,enhanced mechanical properties of the wrinkled stretchable electrodes by releasing stress through slip and deformation during the stretch-release cycling and greatly improved the structural integrity and capacitive stability of the electrodes.Flexible electrodes and symmetric flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors capable of enduring 600%uniaxial tensile strain were developed with high specific capacitances of 1273 mF cm^(−2)(241 F g^(−1))and 514 mF cm^(−2)(95 F g^(−1)),respectively.Moreover,their capacitances were well preserved after 1000 times of 600%stretch-release cycling.This study showcased new possibilities of incorporating biobased lignin nanospheres in energy storage devices to fabricate stretchable devices leveraging synergies among various two-dimensional nanomaterials.
文摘Objective To report the development,validation,and findings of the Multi-dimensional Attention Rating Scale(MARS),a self-report tool crafted to evaluate six-dimension attention levels.Methods The MARS was developed based on Classical Test Theory(CTT).Totally 202 highly educated healthy adult participants were recruited for reliability and validity tests.Reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability.Structural validity was explored using principal component analysis.Criterion validity was analyzed by correlating MARS scores with the Toronto Hospital Alertness Test(THAT),the Attentional Control Scale(ACS),and the Attention Network Test(ANT).Results The MARS comprises 12 items spanning six distinct dimensions of attention:focused attention,sustained attention,shifting attention,selective attention,divided attention,and response inhibition.As assessed by six experts,the content validation index(CVI)was 0.95,the Cronbach's alpha for the MARS was 0.78,and the test-retest reliability was 0.81.Four factors were identified(cumulative variance contribution rate 68.79%).The total score of MARS was correlated positively with THAT(r=0.60,P<0.01)and ACS(r=0.78,P<0.01)and negatively with ANT's reaction time for alerting(r=−0.31,P=0.049).Conclusion The MARS can reliably and validly assess six-dimension attention levels in real-world settings and is expected to be a new tool for assessing multi-dimensional attention impairments in different mental disorders.
