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Concrete-filled coupled composite plate shear walls (also known as as SpeedCore walls) are gaining acceptance for construction in seismic region throughout North America. Design provisions for this lateral load-resisting system have already been added to ASCE 7-22 and to the American Institute of Steel Construction Seismic Design Provisions. Adequacy of the seismic design parameters used for this structural purpose has been validated in the USA using the FEMA P695 methodology. An interest was expressed by the practicing engineering community to use these walls in Canada, which requires demonstration of satisfactory seismic performance within the Canadian context. As such, new analyses are needed using Canadian-specific sets of ground motions to confirm the adequacy of the seismic design parameters proposed for implementation of these composite walls in the National Building Code of Canada. This paper presents the results of these analyses, showing that the proposed seismic performance factors are appropriate for this structural system in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A full-scale, two-tiered steel buckling-restrained braced frame (BRBF) was tested to evaluate experimentally the seismic behavior of steel multitiered BRBFs, namely, column stability response, column seismic demands, and tier deformations under a loading protocol representing earthquake ground motions. The test specimen consisted of diagonal braces oriented in opposing directions in the two adjacent tiers to create the most critical multitier response. The test frame was designed in accordance with the 2010 AISC Seismic Provisions as a lateral load-resisting system of a single-story building. The frame was subjected to a three-phase loading protocol consisting of lateral displacement time histories corresponding to a far-field ground motion record and a near-field ground motion record applied sequentially achieving total frame drifts in excess of 3.5%, followed by a final monotonic lateral displacement corresponding to 4.5% story drift. The test frame exhibited a stable response despite a non-uniform distribution of frame inelastic deformation between the tiers, which induced significant in-plane bending moments in the columns. Flexural bending, combined with a large axial compression force, led to partial yielding in the columns. Large deformation demands were also observed in the BRB yielding in tension and attracting the majority of frame lateral deformation. On the basis of test results, a displacement-based analysis approach was proposed to relate column in-plane bending and flexural stiffness to relative inelastic tier deformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This brief technical note compares the adjusted collapsed margin ratios for concrete-filled coupled composite plate steel walls, as obtained from the FEMA P695 methodology, separately considering only subduction zone earthquakes and only shallow earthquakes. For shallow earthquakes, collapse margin ratios were similar to those obtained in prior studies, but they were substantially smaller for the set of subduction earthquakes. While both sets of collapse margin ratios were considered to provide satisfactory seismic performance, this study provides insights into the impact of considering subduction earthquakes in FEMA P695 studies and, by inference, on expected collapse margin ratio for subduction earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the significance of effective communication skills for veterinarians who work with food animals. It emphasizes that communication is not only about educating clients, but also about facilitating change. The article suggests that understanding clients' general personality characteristics can help veterinarians present new ideas and suggestions in a manner that is more likely to be accepted and adopted. It also explores different communication styles based on personality types and provides tips for better communication with clients and colleagues. The article concludes by highlighting the potential for individuals to adapt their communication styles to better match the preferences of others. Additionally, the text discusses the benefits of implementing communication training in a clinic setting, particularly with clinic staff and colleagues. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring communication to match the style of clients, which can improve relationships and increase client uptake of recommendations. The author also shares their experience with small group meetings as a way to facilitate change in clients' management decisions, highlighting the power of information shared between farmers. The text provides tips for maximizing knowledge transfer in small group meetings, including asking open-ended questions and involving all participants in the discussion. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of using communication skills routinely and provides information on submitting photographs for the cover of The CVJ. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the significance of training farmers and farm workers in euthanasia techniques for livestock. It acknowledges the complexity of euthanasia in veterinary practice, particularly in food animal systems where non-veterinarians often perform the procedure. The article emphasizes the need to consider animal well-being and economic health when making end-of-life decisions, while also recognizing the stress and discomfort experienced by care providers. It highlights the importance of proper training to ensure humane euthanasia and shares insights from veterinarians experienced in training animal care providers. The article specifically focuses on the importance of euthanasia training for individuals working with cattle and small ruminants, emphasizing the need for sensitivity, empathy, and understanding of the trainee's background knowledge, skill, and comfort level. It provides guidance on key points to cover during euthanasia training, including equipment familiarity, animal anatomy, proper restraint, and applying a secondary kill step. The article suggests that veterinarians can play a crucial role in providing leadership and training in on-farm euthanasia. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides an overview of the working life of veterinarians in aquaculture, specifically focusing on salmon farming in Canada. It explains the two phases of salmon farming, the challenges of providing veterinary care in aquaculture, and the importance of water quality and environmental monitoring. Vaccination and routine disease screening are crucial tools used to prevent diseases in farmed salmon. The article also discusses the use of antibacterial and antiparasitic drugs in aquaculture, the regulations surrounding their usage, and the challenges faced by aquaculture veterinarians. It acknowledges the controversies surrounding salmon net-pen farming and concludes by highlighting the importance of fish farming in sustainable food production and coastal communities in Canada. [Extracted from the article]