Welcome to
The KNOWLEDGE SHARE FAIR 4th Annual Knowledge Exchange Day
A one-day symposium to share effective knowledge mobilization (KMb) and knowledge translation and transfer (KTT) tools, methods, and best practices to increase the impact and uptake of research knowledge. And to celebrate 5 years of KTT at OMAF MRA—UofG!
Keynote speaker(s)
Engaging Workshops
Student Video and Poster Presentations
Brought to you by the OMAF MRA-U of G Partnership Knowledge Translation and Transfer team and supported by Growing Forward 2 a federal-provincial-territorial initiative
Symposium Program
April 15, 2014 OMAF MRA Building 1 Stone Road, Guelph, ON
Feeling inspired? Be a Guest Blogger! Please take notes throughout the day (pages available at the back of this program) and then write your own blog. Blogs can be about talks, workshops, posters, booths or what you love about KTT and what you think it means to the future of research!
Afterwards, email your blog to kttadmin@uoguelph.ca and look for your guest blog on our website.
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Speaker Biographies Tim Nelson, CEO, Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) Tim has spent 30 years working with producers and producer groups in many different areas of the livestock and fruit and vegetables sectors. He has 20 years of experience running industry led R&D organizations in dairy and poultry sectors in Australia and Canada. As such, he has extensive experience developing and leading qualitative research and extension (KTT) programs.
Katrina Hitchman, Manager of Knowledge Mobilization and Training, Canadian Water Network Katrina joined Canadian Water Network in February 2009. Currently, she manages CWN’s research programs and knowledge mobilization initiatives. These initiatives include the development of end-user oriented research reports, and the development of knowledge mobilization tools and training for CWN researchers and end users. She is also leading a large-scale internal evaluation of CWN’s research programs to determine the value of CWN programs to end users, and to inform future program development. Before joining CWN, Katrina completed her masters and PhD in industrial and organizational psychology at the University of Waterloo.
Jacqui Empson Laporte, Environmental Specialist, OMAF and MRA Jacqui Empson Laporte is an environmental specialist with OMAF/EMB, working out of the Clinton Resource Centre. A large portion of her work includes linking researchers, volunteer groups and farmers together in the interests of environmental stewardship. She is a member of a team working on the development of performance measures for Ministry programs. As a pilot project for EMB, Jacqui is administrating a Twitter account and attempting to answer the questions - Is it worth the time? Is it an effective means of communication? Is it a way of engaging people in dialogue about agri-environmental issues?
Jonathan Newman, Professor and Director, SES, U of G Jonathan Newman is the Director of the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph. He has held previous faculty positions at Southern Illinois University and the University of Oxford. He is an editor for the Journal of Ecology and the Journal of Animal Ecology, as well as a member of the editorial board for the journal Global Change Biology. He is an ecologist and climate change biologist who specializes in invasive species and plant-animal interactions. He is the author of >100 papers, and the lead author of Climate Change Biology (2011, CABI).
Carol Perry, Research Enterprise and Scholarly Communication Librarian, U of G Carol currently provides oversight for three university-based preservation platforms, the Atrium institutional repository, the University of Guelph Research Data Repository and the Agri-environmental Research Data Repository. Carol was a member of the project team for the 2011 OMAFRA-KTT funded project to pilot the agri-environmental data repository project. She has been involved in research data management and curation issues locally and internationally for more than a decade.
Ian McDonald, Applied Research Coordinator, OMAF and MRA Ian specializes in on-farm research and demonstrations of crop technology applications for farmers. He works with farmers to help with weed control, plant fertility and crop performance and production.
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Mike Cowbrough, Weed Specialist, OMAF and MRA Mike Cowbrough is the weed specialist for OMAF and MRA, specializing in weed management systems for field crops. Mike as also the editor of Guide to Weed Control Publication 75, writes for Field Crop News and is the project lead for the weedinfo.ca database.
Elizabeth Shantz, Knowledge Mobilization Officer, Canadian Water Network Elizabeth Shantz is the Knowledge Mobilization Officer at the Canadian Water Network (CWN), where she designs tools and training programs in knowledge mobilization (KM), coordinates a KM funding program and supports the KM activities of all CWN funded researchers. Elizabeth holds a BA in English and Psychology from the University of Guelph and a MASc in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Waterloo, where she specialized in training design, group facilitation and interview and survey development. Before moving into her current role, Elizabeth researched best practices in knowledge mobilization as an intern at CWN and worked as a Research Shop Intern at the University of Guelph.
Julia Lalande, Research and Knowledge Mobilization Analyst, Ontario Ministry of Education Julia Lalande is the Research & Knowledge Mobilization Analyst in the Ministry of Education's Research and Evaluation Strategy Branch. She is responsible for the knowledge mobilization content of the branch's online capacity building tool (Evidence Framework) and provides advice and consultations to ministry staff in the context of building KMb plans and procuring KMb services. She supports the branch's research communication both internally and externally, for example through online tools, research events and symposia. She is a member of the Knowledge Network for Applied Education Research (KNAER) Planning and Implementation Committee and works with the University partners to mobilize tools and resources.
Linda Nicolson, Research Strategy Project Lead, OMOE Linda Nicolson is Research Strategy Project Lead in the Ministry of Education's Research and Evaluation Strategy Branch. She is responsible for much of the communications activity both within the ministry, and from the ministry out to the sector, related to education research. Some of her work involves sharing international research with colleagues in the ministry, bringing in researchers to speak about their latest work, and supporting a panel of research champions in the broader education sector who are committed to mobilizing research and evaluation knowledge to support evidence-based policy and program decisions and practices. Paula Menzies, Associate Professor, OVC, U of G Dr. Paula Menzies is a Professor of Small Ruminant Health Management in the Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College University of Guelph. She is a Diplomate in the European College of Small Ruminant Health Management and is the current Vice President of the International Sheep Veterinary Association. She is a clinician in the Ruminant Field Service group, providing emergency and flock health services to the practice, and teaches sheep and goat health management to DVM students. Current and research activities and interests include: control of gastrointestinal nematode parasites; anthelmintic resistance; control of Coxiella burnetii infections in sheep and goats; diagnosis of Johne’s disease in small ruminants; risk factors for Cysticercus ovis infection; and diagnosis of maedi visna infection. She has developed health management programs for sheep and goats including the Ontario Maedi Visna Flock Status program; the Ontario Sheep Health program; the Handbook for the control of internal parasites of those species; and most recently on a guide for udder health of dairy sheep and goats. She has been on numerous small ruminant national committees including sheep and goat biosecurity, sheep on-farm food safety, the scientific committee for the Sheep Code of Practice, and the national Q fever committee for US State Public Health Veterinarians.
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Steve Roche, PhD Candidate, OVC, U of G Steven Roche is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. He is set to defend his PhD on May 9th, which focuses on the development, implementation, and mixed-methods evaluation of novel communication and extension approaches to improve the adoption of on-farm management practices to prevent and control Johne’s disease in the Ontario dairy industry. Steven is passionate about understanding the antecedents of human behaviour as they relate to health and disease, and how knowledge transfer, communication, and stakeholder engagement can facilitate changes to promote disease prevention and control.
Bruce Kelly, Environmental Program Lead, Farm and Food Care Ontario Bruce manages a new branch of environmental programming at Farm and Food Care, the Water Resource Adaptation and Management Initiative (WRAMI). WRAMI is a jointly Canada-Ontario co-funded program to research and develop strategies and technologies related to climate change, water conservation and low water issues for agriculture in Ontario. Bruce and the team at Farm and Food Care are working with government and industry partners over a two-year term to help develop the capacity of Ontario's agricultural sector to conserve and effectively use water and better adapt to climate change. Other projects of interest include: phosphorus leachate in the Great Lakes Basin, pesticide use, and best management practices related to minimizing nutrient movement. Farm and Food Care Ontario is a coalition of agricultural organizations representing tens of thousands of farmers and related food business with a mandate to provide credible information on food and farming in Ontario. Gord Surgeoner, President, Ontario Agri-Food Technologies Dedicated leader is perhaps the best way to describe Gord Surgeoner. During his 30-year career, he has worked tirelessly to promote initiatives and champion causes that he believes are important to the well-being of the agri-food industry. After completing his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1971 at the University of Guelph, Dr. Surgeoner went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Economic Entomology in 1973, also from Guelph and a Ph.D. in Forest Entomology in 1976 from Michigan State University. Gord became an esteemed professor at the University of Guelph in Environmental Biology and Plant Agriculture, where he remained on faculty until his retirement in 2004. Since his secondment from the University of Guelph in 1999, Gord has been the President of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, a non-profit organization consisting of members from farm associations, universities, industry and governments. The organization focuses on ensuring that Ontario producers have access to the latest technologies to compete globally and to develop new market opportunities, many of which are beyond food. In September, 2005 Dr. Surgeoner was invested with the Order of Ontario. This distinguished award recognizes Dr. Surgeoner's significant contribution to Ontario's agri-food sector. In addition, Gord has also received the 2011 Life Sciences Ontario Community Service Award, the 2007 University of Guelph Alumnus of Honour Award, the 1989 Distinguished Teaching Award from the Ontario Agricultural College Alumni Association, the 1994 T.R. Hilliard Award for Notable Contribution to Agricultural Extension in the Province of Ontario, an endowed Chair of the University of Guelph bearing his name, the 2002 Award for Contribution to Advancing the Benefits of Biotech for Canadians, and is a recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Awards. Gord is a strong advocate for Canadian agriculture, the Canadian regulatory system and the opportunities Canada has in a global marketplace.
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Erin Skimson and Tyler Whale, The Catalyst Centre, University of Guelph Erin Skimson is the Director of the Catalyst Centre. Erin oversees the Catalyst Centre team, and all functions of the technology transfer managers and the Industry Liaison Officer. She has a strong background in management, marketing, and technology and business development having served for over 10 years in various management roles at Stryker Canada LP and Serono prior to joining U of G. She holds a B.Sc. in Health Education from Dalhousie University and an MBA from McMaster University. Erin is an alumna of the Guelph/Wellington Community Leadership program and has a strong interest in both community and international work. Her focus as director is on building partnerships to advance innovation at the University of Guelph. Tyler Whale has a background in primary agriculture, molecular biology and business. He has been with the University of Guelph’s Catalyst Centre since 2008. During that time he has worked in both Technology Transfer and more recently as an Industry Liaison Officer, a role that facilitates Industry and Academic collaborations in R&D with a strong focus on OMAF/ MRA related research priorities. Ricardo Ramírez, Adjunct Faculty, SEDRD, U of G Ricardo Ramírez is an independent researcher and consultant based in Guelph, Ontario with 30 years of experience. His current consulting and research contracts include communication planning, participatory research, and evaluation and capacity development. He works domestically, with First Nations, and internationally. Ricardo began his career in agricultural sciences (Crop Science, OAC ’82). He worked with sustainable agriculture projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. His interest in adult education and training that led him to work with the Communication for Development group at FAO, Rome. He worked for two year in the Netherlands as Information and Communication manager of a global project on sustainable agriculture. He has since collaborated with non-governmental organizations, with consulting firms and several multi-lateral organizations. His PhD in Rural Studies (Guelph) focused on how rural and remote communities in Ontario harnessed information and communication technology for rural development. For two years he was associate professor in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph where remains as adjunct. He is co-leader of DECI-2 (Developing Evaluation and Communication Capacity in Information Society Research) an IDRC-funded research project that mentors researchers in Utilization-focused Evaluation and Research Communication methods. He is co-author of Communication for another development: Listening before telling (Zed Books, London 2009) and of Utilization-focused evaluation: A Primer for evaluators (Southbound, Penang, 2013).
Brita Ball, Manager, Safe Food Handling Program, Food Banks Canada Brita Ball has a Master of Science in Rural Extension Studies from the University of Guelph, and a PhD in Food Science in which she combined her expertise in extension with her knowledge food safety practices. She had an 18 year career with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (plus and minus Rural Affairs), and has managed KTT projects at the University of Guelph. Currently, Brita helps stakeholders in the agri-food industry increase productivity and revenue by streamlining their processes and adopting innovative practices. The focus of her workshop is on the evaluation component of the Animal Production Systems KTT project I coordinated.
Susan Raymond, Communication and Programs Officer, Equine Guelph, U of G In addition to spending time on both the communication and education programs of Equine Guelph, I am also the instructor and course co-creator of the “Management of the Equine Environment” and “Stewardship of the Equine Environment” online courses, part of the Equine Diploma program. I have been involved with the horse industry for many years. Formerly, I was involved in developing an area of specialization in air quality research. A primary goal of this area was to provide practical recommendations to the horse industry to improve air quality in the stable through stable design and management. I believe that this is very important as design and management of our stables directly influences the health of our horses and the power to make changes is directly in our hands, their care-givers. I feel that industry education is of great importance. In addition, my PhD work involved investigating the effects of exposure of horses to mycotoxins. More recently, I have completed the Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue both Awareness and Operations Levels.
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Other course development and instruction include; equine biosecurity and horse behavior and safety. I am a keen rider. I have had a variety of experiences within the horse industry, from exercising young racehorses to jumping, dressage and trail rides. Most recently, I have had the opportunity to work with endurance horses and have even competed in a number of “ride and ties�. Horses are not only part of my professional life but are my true passion and take up much of my social life.
Dan Gillis, Assistant Professor, SoCS, U of G Dr. Daniel Gillis is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science (SoCS) at the University of Guelph. Over the past two years he has worked with senior undergraduate students in the SoCS, the Institute for Community Engaged Scholarship/Research Shop, and the Guelph-Wellington Food Round Table to develop the Farm To Fork system - a program designed to facilitate conversations between emergency food providers and donors, to get the right food to the right people at the right time. The collaborative work has received attention across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Australia. Dr. Gillis continues to foster student development through community engaged scholarship in the classroom.
Anne Bergen, Knowledge Mobilization Coordinator, Institute for Community Engaged Scholarship, U of G Drawing on her PhD training in applied social psychology and background in community based research, Anne builds knowledge mobilization and knowledge translation capacity within ICES/ the Research Shop and the College of Social & Applied Human Sciences.
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Poster Abstracts #1 Presenter: Katharine Bishop-Williams Title: Heat waves increase dairy cow mortality in southern Ontario Abstract: In Southern Ontario, climate change has increased the number of heat waves which can cause heat stress. A heat wave is a 3-day period with temperatures of 32°C and above. Heat stress is a measure of discomfort and can cause death. Heat stress levels can be measured with the heat stress index, using temperature and humidity. Heat stress negatively impacts dairy cow survival at levels above 70 units. Maps were used to show the distribution of heat stress in Southern Ontario. Using data from the CanWest Dairy Herd Improvement Program, on-farm death records for 3 heat wave and 6 control periods were retrieved and compared. As heat stress increases, a 2% increase in the number of deaths among dairy cows is predicted. Fewer deaths are predicted for northern farms during heat waves. A heat wave in Southern Ontario increases on-farm dairy cow deaths by 15%. This study is the first to consider the impact of extreme heat on dairy cow survival in Southern Ontario. Results from this research can be used by dairy farmers and policy makers to develop extreme heat preparedness plans.
#2 Presenter: Katharine Bishop-Williams Title: Using heat stress maps to predict increased emergency room visits in rural southern Ontario (2010-2012) Abstract: In southern Ontario, climate change has increased the number of heat waves which can cause heat stress in the public. A heat wave is a 3 day period with temperatures of 32°C and above. Heat stress is a measure of discomfort and can cause death. Heat stress levels can be measured with the heat stress index, using temperature and humidity. When heat stress is above the level 70, we expect negative impacts on the population. Maps were used to show the distribution of heat stress in southern Ontario and differences between regions. Hospitals in rural communities (less than 100,000 individuals) were recruited by telephone for a heat stress study. The number of people visiting the emergency room or 24-hour urgent care service was collected for 27 days, including three heat waves and six 3 day control periods from 2010-2012. Heat stress levels at the hospital were estimated using heat stress maps. The number of visitors to the emergency room was compared between heat waves and control periods. During a heat wave, hospitals were twice as likely to have more visitors to the emergency room than during a control period. This study is the first to look at impacts of heat stress on health in rural communities in Canada. This research can be used by local public health units and rural hospitals to prepare for increases in admissions to the emergency room during summer heatwaves.
#3 Presenter: Harpreet Kambo Title: Strength, Storage and Combustion Characteristics of Densified Lignocellulosic Biomass Produced via Torrefaction and Hydrothermal Carbonization Abstract: Lignocellulosic biomasses are potential feedstock for producing heat, power, fuels, and chemicals. However, poor structural heterogeneity, non-uniform physicochemical properties, low bulk density, low energy density, high fibrous nature, high alkali and alkaline content, high moisture content and hydrophilic nature of biomass are major limitations in its efficient and economic transportation, handling, storage, combustion and its conversion to bio-based materials for bioenergy development. Combined torrefaction and pelletization (TOP) has aroused a great deal of interest worldwide in recent years. As such, pellets produced via TOP process have improved physicochemical properties than raw biomass and regular “white pellets”, but are still not comparable to that of coal. Moreover, these TOP-pellets fails to meet all user-end requirements as they are weak in strength, lesser-durable, generates dust upon handling causing risk of explosion and most importantly high alkali content in ash still remains a challenge for biomass combustion. As an alternate, a comparatively new process called hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) during which biomass is heated with water in a confined system at elevated temperatures shows promise. As the HTC process is carried out at the presence of water therefore eliminates the pre-drying requirement of feedstock, which is a huge energy intensive and financial load during TOP-process. The primary goal of the work in this study will present the comparative analysis of densified product produced from miscanthus via both thermal pre-treatments. The results will demonstrate that HTC is a highly advance process technique that can produce pellets with reduced alkali content, high hydrophobicity, high friability, high energy density, high durability and high strength without any expense of binders or adhesives, and have potential to replace coal at thermal power plant without any modifications.
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#4 Presenter: Acharya Bimal Title: Torrefaction of Ontario Lignocellulosic Biomass using TGA-FTIR Abstract: Global warming due to greenhouse gas emission is a current issue generated by the excessive use of fossil fuel which can be minimized by using the renewable resources. Biomass, a carbon neutral renewable energy resource, has potential to substitute fossil fuel in the future. Canada, with about 42% of forest land and 6.8% of agricultural land, is one of the leaders in producing biomass products. The long term energy vision of Ontario is to produce a clean, affordable and reliable energy system including 10.7 Gega watts from renewable sources of wind, solar and bioenergy by 2021.There are number of limitations in the direct applications of biomass in the coal fired power plants. Possibility of replacing coal by processed biomass needs to be explored. Torrefaction, one of the thermochemical treatment methods to enhance the fuel properties of lignocellulosic biomass, is a mild pyrolysis process at 200-300ᴼC in an inert environment for reasonable length of residence time. In this study, Willow and Miscanthus are torrefied in a macro Thermo-gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) and micro-TGA coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The gaseous products released during the torrefaction are analyzed using FTIR and the weight loss characterization during the torrefaction is analyzed using TGA. The decomposition, characterizations of two different biomass are analyzed.
#5 Presenter: Lisa Emiljanowicz Title: Development, reproductive output, and population growth of the invasive fruit fly Drosophila suzukii. Abstract: Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is a fruit pest of Asian origin that invaded North America in 2008. Despite the widespread economic impact of this species, much of the biology and general life history of this pest remains largely unknown. Under optimal laboratory conditions (22 °C, approx. 25% RH) we measured development, survival, fecundity, hatch rate, and sex ratio of a North American ecotype of D. suzukii. Life history traits were used to construct a life table and reproductive schedule, and to calculate the intrinsic rate of population increase (r). The mean (± SE) total lifespan (egg to adult mortality) was 86.1 ± 4.25 days, with a maximum value of 153.7 days. On average, females produced 5.7 ± 0.24 eggs per day, with a mean total lifetime production of 635.6 eggs. The intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) was 0.179. The stable age distribution (cx) was comprised of 51% larvae, 25% eggs, 16% pupae, and 8% adults. The sex ratio over time was approximately 1:1. These data can be used in future modeling systems, and the implications of these results can help with monitoring and controlling this pest.
#6 Presenter: Carolyn Augusta Title: How Do Infectious Diseases Spread? Abstract: As an infectious disease emerges, policymakers must react quickly to implement control policies. To make informed decisions, it is key to identify both important risk factors and how fast the disease is spreading. Typically, infectious disease models to facilitate this are fitted using Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC), which allows incorporation of prior knowledge. Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) can be an alternative if we have reliable data on infectious times and good disease reporting systems. Here we compare the performance of MCMC and MLE approaches via simulation studies for a spatial infectious disease model. Using MLE instead of MCMC can allow better-informed decisions regarding the control of disease, benefiting policymakers, industry, and the general public.
#7 Presenter: Nicholas Hotz Title: Investigating Bioplastic Improvement through Co-Injection Moulding Abstract: Bioplastics are biodegradable and/or bio-based polymers. These qualities help promote sustainability by reducing landfill waste and reducing reliance on dwindling petroleum resources. Like many conventional plastics, expanding the commercial use of these green alternatives will require modifications that enhance their mechanical and thermal properties. One common practice is melt blending, where two materials are mixed together into a final product that compromises their complementary characteristics. Polylactic acid, sourced from corn and biodegradable, is a plastic with strong and stiff tensile properties, but is brittle and breaks easily under impact; polycaprolactone, biodegradable and petroleum-sourced, is a weak polymer under tensile stress, but its ductility and flexibility make it very resilient to impact forces. Blending these two polymers can create a mix that is both moderately strong and impact resistant. However, literature indicates that the co-injection process may be able to combine them with better results. Co-injection moulding involves injecting polymer melts in series which results in a layered product with distinct core and skin phases; this novel structure has the potential to lead to improved mechanical properties. The success of a co-injection product depends on proper part formation and good inter-phase adhesion, and ensuring these will be a necessary part of the development of these types of materials.
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#8 Presenter: Emmanuel Ogunsona Title: A Flammability Study on Ontario Agro Fiber Based BioComposites for Durable Applications Abstract: Polymer natural fiber composites (PNFC) have been well investigated for their mechanical and thermal properties and as a potential substitute to conventional synthetic polymers for use in various applications like furniture making and auto industry because of their like weight, renewable source from agricultural residue and environmental friendliness. Flammability of these materials has not been widely explored which is critical to the applications in which they will be used for. This study investigates the flame properties of Ontario agro fiber based biocomposites from Miscanthus, aspen, willow, switch grass, hemp, wheat straw, oat and soy hull, soy stalk and meal, coir and flax. In this study, the burn rate and the flammability were analyzed using a flame chamber equipped with a burn rate test fixture and a limiting oxygen index tester respectively before and after aging.
#9 Presenter: Rajendra Muthuraj Title: Effect of Compatibilizer on Performance of Ontario Miscanthus Fibre Based Green Composites Abstract: In the recent years, natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites have gained great interest in the material applications because of the significant environmental benefits compare to the synthetic fiber reinforced composites. In this context, developing an efficient and biodegradable polymer composite with reinforcing renewable resources fiber is quite attractive for both application and environmental aspects. Hence, the aim of the present work was to fabrication and characterization of poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) and 30 wt% miscanthus fiber based composites. However, due to weak interfacial adhesion between the fiber and matrix leads to reduce some of the mechanical properties in the resulting composites compared to their PBS matrix. The fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion can be improved by adding a compatibilizer. Therefore, a reactive compatibilizer was used to improve fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion in the present work. Also, the effect of compatibilizer concentration (3, 5, and 10 wt%) was investigated in the composites. The improved fiber-matrix adhesion has been confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was also observed that all the compatibilized composites had significant improvement in mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties compared to the uncompatibilized composites.
#10 Presenter: Eshan Behazin Title: Characterization of biochar derived from Ontario based Perennial grasses Abstract: Biorefinery facilities have been developed as a response to increasing demands of bio-energy. Further growing of biorefineries, however, has resulted in producing the significant amount of by-products. These low value by-products become a thread for viability and sustainability in long term. In this work, characterization of biochar obtained from miscanthus and switchgrass was introduced as the first step to find a value added application for the by-product of biorefinery thermochemical processes. The compositional analysis of ball milled biochar of both perennials grasses, indicated that there were about 3 times more inorganic material in switchgrass biochar compared to miscanthus biochar while combustible and volatile matter were higher in miscanthus biochar than switchgrass biochar. The specific surface area, and the functional group identification were also investigated.
#11 Presenter: Ghodsieh Mashouf Roudsari Title: Study Curing of a Bio-based Epoxy Resin for Applications in Housing and Transportation Abstract: The demand of using bio-based materials is increasing due to environmental concerns, limitation of renewable resources, and global warming. Increasing the bio-based content of the thermoset resins while simultaneously improving the cost, performance ratio of final product is one of the most significant challenges in this area. Understanding curing kinetic of thermoset resin is crucial to optimize curing cycles in industrial process. It can be also useful quality improvement. There are various methods to investigate the curing kinetics of thermoset resins such as, dielectric analysis (DEA), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultrasonic methods. Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) is among the most common methods in the determination of kinetic parameters. The goal of this research was the study of kinetics of reaction of a commercial bio-based epoxy and bio-based hardener. Nonisothermal DSC and model free isoconversional method was used to analyze the curing kinetic data and determine the activation energy of the reactions. Various isoconversional models such as Friedman, Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) and Starink methods were used to determine the curing kinetic parameters of the biobased thermoset resin.
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#12 Presenter: Oscar Valerio Title: Influence of glycerol composition on thermal and mechanical properties of poly (glycerol succinate). Abstract: Crude glycerol is the main co-product of biodiesel industry, one of the most readily available biofuels, with an approximate generation of 1 Kg of crude glycerol for each 10 Kg of biodiesel produced at a cost of about $0.1/Kg crude glycerol and an annual production estimate of 5.8 billion lbs. for 2020. The heterogeneous nature of this feedstock has prevented the development of biobased materials with industrial applications which could enhance the sustainability of biodiesel production. Our aim was to investigate the effect of glycerol composition on chemical and mechanical characteristics of biopolyesters synthesized from different glycerol sources and succinic acid. It was found that the composition of glycerol source can greatly influence the mechanical properties of the biopolyesters synthesized due to different presence and incorporation of monomers and impurities on the chemical structure of the polymers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of different end groups on the materials synthesized from different glycerol sources. Structural models of the synthesized biopolyesters are proposed which further explain the influence of impurities incorporation on synthesized materials. This work provides insights about the role of purity of glycerol source in the physical and chemical properties of biopolyesters synthesized from it.
#13 Presenter: Ben Adams Title: Lignin Based Biocomposites: Providing Value for Industrial Green Byproducts Abstract: In this study lignin has been compounded with bio-based plastic poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), and biodegradable synthetic plastic poly(caprolactone) (PCL) and Lignin have been formed into test samples using a micro-injection molding device. Depletion of natural petroleum sources, and concerns over the impacts of climate change have led to a growing demand for renewable-sourced products in the market. In recent years, one promising solution to this problem has been the development of products based on renewable sources. The development of a strong agricultural-based biofuel industry has resulted in large quantities of potential available lignin. Development in this area is expected to promote additional value chain for components of biofuel crops. Thermal degradation and melt behaviour were of the polymers and blends were analysed in order to determine processing conditions and characterize the blends. Samples were then tested for tensile, flexural, and impact behaviour. While the properties of the resulting blends were dependant to the amount of each plastic in the blend, the addition of PCL resulted in reduced mechanical loss from lignin.
#14 Presenter: Christine O'Reilly Title: Money-Saving Muck: The Nitrogen Value of Anaerobic Digestate Abstract: Anaerobic digesters accept farm, food, and municipal wastes to produce methane for electricity generation. This also creates a nutrient-rich by-product, digestate, that has potential for use as plant fertilizer. The purpose of this research was to determine the nitrogen benefit of applying digestates produced by facilities in Ontario to an agricultural soil for crop production. The objectives of this field study were: 1) to compare fertilizer nitrogen equivalency of raw and digested dairy manure and; 2) to determine apparent nitrogen recovery of maize fertilized with these nitrogen sources. Soils planted with maize were treated with digestate or manure at a rate equivalent to 150 kg N ha-1. Both the fertilizer nitrogen equivalency (FNE) and the apparent nitrogen recovery (ANR) indicate that digestate promotes corn plant growth comparable to manure. Better understanding of the nutrient availability from digestate will help policy-makers develop best management practices. Farmers will benefit from accurate information for utilizing digestates most effectively on crop land. Agribusinesses will be able to market their by-product as a commodity.
#15 Presenter: Keisha Davis Title: The Cross-over Effects of Ethno-cultural Vegetables (ECV): Examining the Guelph Consumers Abstract: The goal of this research was to examine the position of the Guelph consumers relevant to the cross-over effect of ethno-cultural vegetables. The research gives stakeholders a better understanding of the potential market demand that exist for these vegetables through its examination of consumer vegetable purchasing decisions and their perceptions of local vegetables within the specific locale.
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#16 Presenter: Vida Poursorkhabi Title: Giving value addition to byproduct of biomass conversion by electrospinning Abstract: Annually a large amount of biomass is processed in the pulp and paper industry. The major part of the residue of the lignocellulosic material after pulping is lignin. Development of cellulosic ethanol industry, has added to the annual production of lignin. Lignin currently has limited applications and is mainly used as filler or a low cost additive. Its major drawback as a raw material is the variability in its structure and property which is the result of different biomass processing conditions. The excess of lignin is burnt or is discarded in landfill. Considering the percentage of lignin in the biomass, which can go up to 30%, a noticeable percentage of biomass is left underutilized after processing. In the materials applications, micro to nano-scale carbonized fibers prepared from bio-based polymers are attracting attention to replace the petroleum based fibers. Lignin is a suitable bio-based polymer which has the potential to be a replacement of the non-renewable carbon. In this study, electrospinning process is utilized to spin lignin from different sources. The processing conditions are studied to optimize the spun fibers and study the sensitivity of the fiber production and quality to the variations in the lignin structure. Electrospinning is an emerging technology to produce micro-nano scale fibers which compared to the other methods has the capability of being scaled up for large volume production. Carbonized electrospun fibers have a wide range of applications in high value products such as energy storage devices.
#17 Presenter: Zhaohui (Crystal) Ma Title: Is BioABS with Soy Hull Financially Feasible? Abstract: Industries heavily dependent on the use of petroleum-based plastics are seeking lower cost, green materials to replace these existing products for financial and environmental reasons. An example is BioABS, which is a light weight and recyclable sustainable green composite made from engineered soybean hulls. BioABS is a potential replacement for ABS in a number of transportation applications. The purpose of this study is to assess the financial feasibility of BioABS for automotive applications relative to the petroleum-based ABS composite. The first step in the project is a description of the production process for traditional ABS and a comparison to the bio-based alternative. The differences in inputs required for traditional ABS and BioABS will be determined. The next step is to price the inputs and outputs using a technical cost model. Finally, the break-even price for each composite will be determined to ascertain if BioABS is financially feasible. The cost comparison will be subject to a sensitivity analysis to see how price changes could influence the results. The cost comparison will indicate to the auto industry whether BioABS is financially feasible alternative and, if not, what improvements are required to make it attractive to the current composite.
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LOLmythesis LOL Thesis Title: Tell me your name and I will tell what it means and where it comes from Full Thesis Title: An onomastic study of the Fang ethnic group in Equatorial Guinea. Student: Grace Gomashie Abstract: My study seeks to prove that proper names have meaning in the social, cultural and linguistic context of a community. You may not find meanings of names in dictionaries but history and culture provide us with clues.
LOL Thesis Title: What if agriculture, you know the thing that grows what we eat, didn't destroy the planet, but instead healed it? Maybe the soil microbes know. Full Thesis Title: Effects of diverse perennial crops on microbial communities in temperate apple-based food forest systems in southern Ontario Student: Paul Wartman Abstract: The way civilizations grow food has caused them to either collapse or thrive. We’re still tinkering with trying to provide enough food for the growing population while also keeping our planet hospitable. Introducing Food Forests. They grow food with perennial plants, like fruit and nut trees, in a system that integrates food production with ecosystem services, financial diversity and environmental regeneration. Specifically, I’ll be exploring the effects that groups of perennial, functional plants have on soil microbes. Some lab stuff and probably some statistics will happen, and then philosophical discussion about saving the world.
LOL Thesis Title: Reduce emissions, reuse waste, recycle nutrients - Anaerobic digestates are growing a-maize-ing things! Full Thesis Title: Characterization of anaerobic digestates for their nitrogen fertility value and improved nutrient management Student: Christine O'Reilly Abstract: The purpose of this research was to determine the nitrogen fertility benefits of anaerobic digestates (AD) applied to agricultural soils for crop production. Plant-available nitrogen from AD was measured in the soil over a growing season to see what changes occurred. About 65% of the total nitrogen in AD is ammonium, which is plant available. Very little organic nitrogen became plant available during one growing season. Grain and silage yields from corn were also measured to compare AD with applications of urea and liquid dairy manure. The AD released plant-available nitrogen in similar amounts to the manure, and resulted in comparable corn yields.
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Why is KTT Important? Accelerating research knowledge into use through effective and meaningful stakeholder engagement throughout the research process is a very important premise. In agriculture this approach of agriculture extension has historical roots at both the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) and Ministry of Rural Affairs (MRA) and University of Guelph (UoG). To up hold this priority, as part of the 2008-2013 partnership agreement between OMAF and MRA – UoG, the Knowledge Transfer and Translation (KTT) Program was established. The KTT Program is administered by the Office of Research - Strategic Partnerships at UoG, (known externally as the “Agri-Food and Rural Link.”) and acts as the hub for KTT activities related to partnership research. “Agri-Food and Rural Link” serves as a brand for events, print materials, social media and conventional communication. The Agri-Food and Rural Link website provides more information about the program as well as links to videos and further resources. You can also check us out on Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr and YouTube. What is Knowledge Translation and Transfer? KTT is an information exchange process that aims to get research knowledge “off the shelf” and into the hands of people who need it. The OMAF and MRA-U of G Partnership defines KTT as accelerating the transformation of knowledge into use through synthesis, exchange, dissemination, dialogue, collaboration and brokering among researchers and research users.
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OMAF MRA—UofG Partnership KTT Program Highlights
Summary of the Agri-Food and Rural Link Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT) Funding Program 2010-2013
KTT Funding Program: One of the key elements developed through Agri-Food and Rural Link is a funding program for KTT projects and initiatives. This funding program is enthusiastically received by faculty and government collaborators alike, and each of the past four funding calls were over-subscribed and highly competitive. In total, between 2010 and 2012, 68 KTT projects have been approved with total investment of $3.1 million. The KTT projects have covered a broad range of topics within the agri-food and rural areas of interest and also employed a diverse range of KTT techniques and methodologies such as smartphone apps, workshops, videos, knowledge exchange groups, and plain language posters. For more information about projects funded by the OMAF MRA—UofG Partnership KTT Program, please visit http://www.uoguelph.ca/omafra_partnership/ktt/en/agrifoodrurallink/ kttfundingprogram.asp to view executive summaries and casebooks.
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List of Registrants
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First Name
Last Name
Company / Account
Bimal
Acharya
University of Guelph
bacharya@uoguelph.ca
Ben
Adams
University of Guelph
adamsb@uoguelph.ca
Hanie
Ahmadi
University of Guelph
hahmadi@uoguelph.ca
Barb
Alves
OMAF and MRA
barb.alves@ontario.ca
Brittany
Anello
SEDRD
banello@uoguelph.ca
Carolyn
Augusta
University of Guelph
caugusta@uoguelph.ca
Kyra
Augustyn
Government of Ontario
kyra.augustyn@ontario.ca
Brita
Ball
University of Guelph
bball@uoguelph.ca
Eshan
Behazin
University of Guelph
ebehazin@uoguelph.com
Jackie
Bellamy-Zions
Equine Guelph
jbellamy@uoguelph.ca
Anne
Bergen
ICES, University of Guelph
bergena@uoguelph.ca
Katharine
Bishop-Williams
University of Guelph
kbishop@uoguelph.ca
Alison
Blay-Palmer
Wilfrid Laurier University
alison.blaypalmer@gmail.com
Andreas
Boecker
University of Guelph
aboecker@uoguelph.ca
Shelly
Bonte-Gelok
MOE
shelly.bontegelok@ontario.ca
Laura
Bowers
Poultry Industry Council
lbowers@poultryindustrycouncil.ca
Elysha
Brears
Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authorit
ebrears@nvca.on.ca
Carrie
Breton
University of Guelph Library
cbreton@uoguelph.ca
Mike
Cassidy
OMAF and MRA
mike.cassidy@ontario.ca
Taylor
Chamberlain
University of Guelph
chambert@uoguelph.ca
michael
collette
Whincorp
michaelc@whincorp.com
A.Erin
Connelly
HHNS University of Guelph
adele@uoguelph.ca
Dorienne
Cushman
OMAF
dorienne.cushman@ontario.ca
Allie
Dainow
University of Guelph
adainow@uoguelph.ca
Keisha
Davis
University of Guelph
kdavis11@uoguelph.ca
Laura
DeCoste
OMAF
laura.decoste@ontario.ca
Chris
Duke
OMAF
chris.duke@ontario.ca
Hilary
Dunn
Agri-food for Healthy Aging
hadunn@uwaterloo.ca
Lisa
Emiljanowicz
University of Guelph
lemiljan@uoguelph.ca
Jacqui
Empson Laporte
OMAF/MRA
jacqui.empsonlaporte@ontario.ca
Melanie
Epp
Freelance
melanie@melanierepp.com
Niloufar
Eslami
CRIFS
neslami@uoguelph.ca
Sara
Fisher
University of Guelph
sfishe01@uoguelph.ca
Charene
Gillies
Government of Ontario
charene.gillies@ontario.ca
Dan
Gillis
University of Guelph
dgillis@uoguelph.ca
Abigail
Gutteridge
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
agutteridge@abca.on.ca
Elin
Gwyn
OMAF and MRA
elin.gwyn@ontario.ca
Lois
Harris
WordsWorkCommunications
wordswork@eastlink.ca
Ryan Rajib
Hayhurst Hazarika
SEDRD, UofG OMAF and MRA
rhayhurs@uoguelph.ca rajib.hazarika@ontario.ca
First Name
Last Name
Company / Account
Louise
Heyming
Grand River Conservation
lheyming@grandriver.ca
Katrina
Hitchman
Canadian Water Network
khitchman@cwn-rce.ca
Emily
Hope
University of Guelph
hopee@uoguelph.ca
Nicholas
Hotz
University of Guelph
nhotz@uoguelph.ca
Ann
Huber
Soil Resource Group
ahuber@srgresearch.ca
Harpreet
Kambo
University of Guelph
kamboh@uoguelph.ca
Bruce
Kelly
Farm & Food Care
bruce@farmfoodcare.org
Maxine
Kingston
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
maxine.kingston@agr.gc.ca
Mari
Komljanec
OMAF and MRA
mari.komljanec@ontario.ca
Paul
Kraehling
University of Guelph
pkraehli@uoguelph.ca
Anna
Krzywdzinski
University of Guelph
akrzywdz@uoguelph.ca
Pamela
Kuipers
Egg Farmers of Ontario
pamk@getcracking.ca
Marc
LaBerge
OMAF and MRA
marc.laberge@ontario.ca
Julia
Lalande
Ministry of Education
julia.lalande@ontario.ca
Esmira
Latifova
UoG
elatifov@uoguelph.ca
Mathias
Leon
University of Guelph
mleon@uoguelph.ca
Ken
Leslie
University of Guelph
keleslie@uoguelph.ca
Yin
Li
University of Guelph
yli18@uoguelph.ca
Anne
Loeffler
Grand River Conservation Authority
aloeffler@grandriver.ca
Zhaohui(Crystal) Ma
UOG, Dept of Food, Agri & Resource Econ
zhaohui@uoguelph.ca
Carmen
Maggisano
Ontario Ministry of Education
carmen.maggisano@ontario.ca
Edward
Malek
CFIA
edward.malek@inspection.gc.ca
Karen
Mantel
Ontario Veterinary College
kmantel@uoguelph.ca
Ghodsieh
Mashouf Roudsari
University of Guelph
gmashouf@uoguelph.ca
Jackie
McCall
OMAF
jackie.mccall@ontario.ca
Mary Ruth
McDonald
Univ. of Guelph
mrmcdona@uoguelph.ca
Darby
McGrath
Vineland Research and Innovation Centre
darby.mcgrath@vinelandresearch.com
Stephanie
McPhie
NVCA
smcphie@nvca.on.ca
Tylar
Meeks
OMAF MRA - UofG
tmeeks@uoguelph.ca
Paula
Menzies
University of Guelph
pmenzies@uoguelph.ca
Jamie
Minaret
University of Guelph
jminaret@uoguelph.ca
Emily
Moeller
University of Guelph
emoeller@uoguelph.ca
Rajendra
Muthuraj
University of Guelph
rmuthura@uoguelph.ca
Vidhya
Nagarajan
University of Guelph
vnagaraj@uoguelph.ca
Jonathan
Newman
School of Environmental Sciences, UoG
jnewma01@uoguelph.ca
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20
First Name
Last Name
Company / Account
Linda
Nicolson
Ontario Ministry of Education
linda.nicolson@ontario.ca
Emmanuel
Ogunsona
University of Guelph
eogunson@uoguelph.ca
Christine
O'Reilly
University of Guelph
oreillym@uoguelph.ca
Maude
Perreault
McMaster University
perreault.maude@gmail.com
Carol
Perry
University of Guelph Library
carolp@uoguelph.ca
Vida
Poursorkhabi
University of Guelph
vpoursor@uoguelph.ca
Nicole
Rabe
OMAF and MRA
nicole.rabe@ontario.ca
Ricardo
Ramirez
DECI-2 Project
rramirez@uoguelph.ca
Susan
Raymond
Equine Guelph
slraymon@uoguelph.ca
Steven
Roche
University of Guelph
sroche@uoguelph.ca
Valquiria
Ros Polski
GFRC - AAFC
vrospolski@gmail.com
Tracey
Ryan
Grand River Conservation Authority
tryan@grandriver.ca
Lilian
Schaer
Agri-Food Project Services
lilianschaer@agrifoodprojects.ca
Harold
Schooley
Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers Assoc.
schooley@kwic.com
Elizabeth
Shantz
Canadian Water Network
eshantz@cwn-rce.ca
Hui
Shao
University of Guelph
neo.shaohui@gmail.com
Paul
Smith
OMAF / MRA
paul.gr.smith@ontario.ca
Cailin
Stamarski
University of Guelph
cstamars@uoguelph.ca
Nael
Thaher
U of G
nthaher@uoguelph.ca
Lindsey
Thomson
ICES
lthoms03@uoguelph.ca
Jason
Tran
OMAF and MRA
jason.tran@ontario.ca
Clara
Tucker
MOE
clara.tucker@ontario.ca
Oscar
Valerio
University of Guelph
ovalerio@uoguelph.ca
Carla
Verwijs
In transition
carla.verwijs@gmail.com
Albert
Visser
Egg Farmers of Ontario
avisser@getcracking.ca
Tina
Wambach
University of Guelph
twambach@uoguelph.ca
Jenn
Willoughby
Canadian Water Network
willoughbyjenn@gmail.com
Bronwynne
Wilton
University of Guelph
bwilton@uoguelph.ca
Wanhong
Yang
University of Guelph
wayang@uoguelph.ca
Yuexi
Yang
Guelph Food Research Centre
yuexiyang526@hotmail.com
Oswald
Zachariah
OMAF MRA
oswald.zachariah@ontario.ca
Notes
Feeling inspired? Be a Guest Blogger! Please take notes throughout the day (pages available at the back of this program) and then write your own blog. Blogs can be about talks, workshops, posters, booths or whatever else you want to talk about! Afterwards, email your blog to kttadmin@uoguelph.ca and look for your guest blog on our website.
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Notes
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Notes
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Thank you for coming to the 4th Annual Knowledge Exchange Day: the Knowledge Exchange Share Fair! We hope that you enjoyed the day and learned something new about knowledge mobilization.
Brought to you by the OMAF MRA-U of G Partnership Knowledge Translation and Transfer team and supported by Growing Forward 2 a federal-provincial-territorial initiative