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Use of polymeric membranes for the treatment of oily wastewater: Modification using inorganic nanoparticles and optimization of filtration parameters
No full textA Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Applied Science in Process Systems Engineering, University of Regina. xii, 146 p.Polymeric membranes have proven to be an effective method for the treatment of contaminated waters. Many factors influence their performances including the operating parameters, fabrication process and conditions, and modifications using different additives. Introduced as additives, nanoparticles are capable of enhancing membrane performance via their intrinsic properties which include morphology, core size, and chemical nature. Nevertheless, common problems, such as nanoparticle agglomeration or leaching and the formation of defective areas, may occur during the membrane fabrication. These issues depend on several factors which were observed to influence the membrane morphology and structure and consequently influence the effectiveness of water treatment. Accordingly, different strategies were investigated to avoid effectiveness issues. In this work, we first reviewed the effects of three nanoparticles, namely, Titanium, Silica, and Aluminum on the performance of polymeric membranes devoted to the treatment of organic waste streams. Major effects related to fabrication conditions were investigated different strategies used to improve polymer performance were highlighted. Secondly, we studied the performance of PVDF membrane modified with silica, iron, and silica hybridized iron nanoparticles. As anticipated, amorphous silica showed great performance in the improvement of membrane hydrophilicity. However, this enhancement is associated, in most cases, with the drop in the rejection capacity due to the trade-off relation between permeability and selectivity. On the other hand, iron nanoparticles exhibited great results in the enhancement of the polymer rejection rate. In the experimental work, we proceeded to the hybridization of iron nanoparticles using silica nanomaterials through the modified Stöber process. The obtained membranes were characterized using AFM and SEM and the synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed via XRD and TEM microscope. The fabricated membranes were tested for the treatment of oily wastewater under stable operating parameters of transmembrane pressure (TMP) of 2 bars, cross-flow velocity (CFV) of 0.5 m/s, room temperature, and a feed pH of 7 to evaluate their performance in hydrophilicity, oil rejection rate, and Flux Recovery Ratio (FRR). PVDF/Fe@SiO2 membrane exhibited the highest pure water flux of 932.63 (L·m−2·h−1) with an oil rejection rate of 78.71% compared to 355.51 (L·m−2·h−1) and 52% for the bare PVDF. These enhancements demonstrate that the membrane modified with iron hybridized silica NPs was able to avoid the trade-off relation due to the combined effects of silica and iron on the improvement of the membrane’s performance. Finally, we proceeded to the optimization of the filtration operational parameters using the Taguchi method and we investigated the prediction of membrane flux using Artificial Neutral Network (ANN) modelling. Although the Taguchi method showed optimum filtration parameters at TMP of 2 bars, CFV of 0.75 m/s, acid pH of 5 and feed temperature of 35 °C, the ANN modelling was able to predict the permeate flux of the membrane at different operating conditions and confirmed an excellent fit with the experimental data.Studentye
The effectiveness of a brief internet-delivered behaviour change intervention among health middle-aged adults: a randomized controlled trial
No full textA Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology, University of Regina. vii, 65 p.The midlife is a time of opportunity for maintaining and improving one’s health. Health-promoting behaviours developed during the midlife have a large influence on health outcomes experienced in older adulthood. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the effectiveness of an Internet-delivered brief action planning goal-setting activity to increase physical activity levels among healthy middle-aged adults. At baseline, a total of 176 healthy middle-aged adults completed a set of online self-report questionnaires measuring psychosocial factors (i.e., control beliefs, emotion regulation, resilience, social support) as well as physical activity levels. A series of linear multiple regressions indicated that cognitive reappraisal significantly predicted walking, t(1,173) = 2.445, p = .015, support from friends significantly predicted moderate activities, t(1,173) = 2.104, p = .037, and resilience significantly predicted vigorous activities, t(1,173) = 2.139, p = .034. After completing the baseline questionnaires, participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (i.e., brief action planning goal-setting activity) or a control group (i.e., goal-setting activity without brief action planning). At the 4-week follow-up period, 38 participants completed the same online self-report questionnaire measuring physical activity levels that was completed at baseline. A series of independent samples t-tests indicated that changes in physical activity levels from baseline to the 4-week follow-up period were not significantly different across the experimental and control groups. While brief action planning may not result in changes in physical activity levels, further investigation into the role of cognitive reappraisal, support from friends, and resilience among health middle-aged adults is warranted.Studentn
Feature Story: Self-education and truth and reconciliation
No full textWhile classes are cancelled on September 30 for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the learning shouldn't stop.
Canada established the federal statutory holiday last year to honour the Indigenous children who never returned home from, and the children who survived the abuse of the federally-run residential school system, as well as their families, and communities.
Between 2008 and 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada - which was created following a legal settlement between survivors and the parties responsible for the schools - documented the painful history and lasting legacy of the residential schools system.Staffn
Feature Story: Congratulations to the recipients of the 2022 Alumni Crowning Achievement Awards!
No full textIt was a celebratory scene at the 2022 ACAAs on Thursday, October 13 as the University community gathered to toast this year's five outstanding recipients.Staffn
Release: U Prairie Challenge kicks off with Rams-Huskies rivalry during Football Weekend in Saskatchewan
No full textStaffn
Feature Story: U of R student on Ukraine's frontlines
No full textAlex Nau is sitting in a garage waiting patiently for repairs to be done to the van he has been using to provide aid and transport to Ukrainians affected by the war.
The shop is in the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine approximately 40 kilometres from the Russian border. While Russian forces have failed to capture the capital city, the region has been partially occupied by Russian forces since their full-scale invasion began in February.
From Alex's calm demeanor on the video call as he awaits the all-clear from the mechanic, you would never guess that his life has been in danger since the day he arrived eight months ago to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.Staffn
Saskatchewan Aboriginal Storytelling 2022
No full textLynne Cote is an ānihšināpēhkwē from Cote First Nation. She is a mother of 4 sons and grandmother of 4 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. She obtained a BA of Saulteaux Language Studies from First Nations University of Canada and a MA in Canadian Plains Research from the Univ. of Regina. Lynn is an Assistant Professor at First Nations University of Canada where she teaches the Saulteaux language, history, culture and literature. She is co-author of a book titled Mācī-anihšināpēmowin: Beginning Saulteaux, published in 2020 by the U of R Press
Mental Health Disorder Symptoms among Canadian Coast Guard and Conservation and Protection Officers
No full textCanadian public safety personnel (PSP) screen positive for one or more mental health disorders, based on self-reported symptoms, at a prevalence much greater (i.e., 44.5%) than the diagnostic prevalence for the general public (10.1%). Potentially psychologically traumatic event (PPTE) exposures and occupational stressors increase the risks of developing symptoms of mental health disorders. The current study was designed to estimate the mental health disorder symptoms among Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and Conservation and Protection (C&P) Officers. The participants (n = 412; 56.1% male, 37.4% female) completed an online survey assessing their current mental health disorder symptoms using screening measures and sociodemographic information. The participants screened positive for one or more current mental health disorders (42.0%; e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, alcohol use disorder) more frequently than in the general population diagnostic prevalence (10.1%; p < 0.001). The current results provide the first information describing the prevalence of current mental health disorder symptoms and subsequent positive screenings of CCG and C&P Officers. The results evidence a higher prevalence of positive screenings for mental health disorders than in the general population, and differences among the disorder-screening prevalence relative to other Canadian PSP. The current results provide insightful information into the mental health challenges facing CCG and C&P PSP and inform efforts to mitigate and manage PTSI among PSP. Ongoing efforts are needed to protect CCG and C&P Officers’ mental health by mitigating the impacts of risk factors and operational and organizational stressors through interventions and training, thus reducing the prevalence of occupational stress injuries.This research was funded by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada.Facultyye
Motivators of recreational Cannabis consumption in Canada
No full textA Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Economics, University of Regina. vi, 58 p.Using Canada’s National Cannabis Survey, we analyze the behaviour of self-reported consumers and non-consumers of both legal and illicit recreational cannabis, post-legalization. Using a two-part hurdle model, we find that: males are more likely to consume legal cannabis than not consume at all, but are not more likely to consume illicit cannabis than none at all; and that teens are more likely to consume illicit cannabis and less likely to consume legal cannabis. Once consuming, males consume the same amount of illicit cannabis as non-males, but more legal cannabis than non-males. Being retired or being unemployed have no effect on whether consuming small or large amounts of cannabis, whether legal or illicit. People who live in rural settings may consume more illicit cannabis than people who do not live in rural settings, but this makes no difference for legal cannabis. Finally, the own-price elasticity of demand for illicit cannabis is -0.37 and -0.38 for legal cannabis: both inelastic.
These findings are important for anyone with an interest in discouraging consumption of either legal recreational cannabis, illicit recreational cannabis, or both. Given the inelasticity of demand, increasing prices will do little to deter consumption. Focus should therefore be put on other non-price policies for discouraging consumption based on the negative effects that cannabis can have, especially heavy use of cannabis consumption and the associated cannabis-use disorder.
For those with an interest in maximizing profits from the sale of cannabis, the inelasticity of demand is important. Given that demand is inelastic, increases in price will result in increasing profits and increased tax revenues in the legal market.Studentye
Increasing prosocial behaviour in community-dwelling older adults through phone visiting programs: A systematic review
No full textOlder adults represent 17.5% of the Canadian population and experience high rates of loneliness and social isolation. Loneliness impacts quality of life, mental health, physical health, and mortality rates. There is a need to examine ways to reduce loneliness and social isolation. Phone visiting programs may provide partial solutions. Several organizations provide phone visiting programs for older adults yet little research has been done to evaluate the effectiveness of phone visiting on loneliness and /or mood or to study the optimal implementation of phone visiting programs.
Objectives
The objectives of this systematic review were to explore information pertaining to the optimal implementation of phone call programs for community-dwelling older adults and synthesize existing studies that examined the impact of phone visiting programs on mood and/or loneliness.
Methods
The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for mixed methods systematic review. A peer reviewed search strategy was created by the librarian team member.
Selection Criteria
All original qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods published articles, theses, and dissertations were included in any language. Population- Older adults 60 years and over living in the community. Studies were excluded for those older adults in hospital or receiving 24-hour care. Intervention/Phenomenon of Interest- The particular research being addressed was one-on-one voice-only phone visiting programs for socialization. Outcomes- The research specifically addressed the experience of participating in a phone visiting program and/or loneliness, and/or mood.
Study Selection
After duplicate articles were removed each title and abstract was reviewed by two team members for inclusion/exclusion. All included articles at title and abstract screening were read in full by two team members to determine inclusion/exclusion.
Results
A total of 8741 records were found resulting in 11 articles being included after exclusion criteria were applied.
Quantitative Meta-analysis
Upon meta-analysis a statistically significant reduction in loneliness was found. Positive observed effects of phone programs on reducing depression were found. However, true effects were inconclusive. There were not enough studies that examined stress or anxiety to show any significant results.
Qualitative Meta-Aggregation
Three qualitative studies were found all showed positive findings which resulted in three themes:
1) Makes You Feel Better, 2) Needing Connection (Knowing Someone is Out There, Need for Relationships), and 3) Beyond the Phone Call (Getting Over a Hurdle, Finding Meaning).
Implications
More research is needed to strengthen the findings of this systematic review. There is a need to expand phone visiting programs and create best practice documents and orientation packages to optimize existing phone visiting programs and establish new ones. Further, we need to establish an information sharing platform to connect researchers and leaders to put research into practice.
Conclusion
There is evidence to support the use of phone visiting programs to reduce loneliness, make older adults feel better and more connected, and this continues into other aspects of their lives. More research is needed to strengthen the findings.Social Sciences and Humanities Research CouncilFacultyn