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Understanding the Experiences of Visible Minority Nursing Students: An Interpretive Description Study
No full textBackground: A nursing workforce that is reflective of Canada’s diverse population is critical in providing accessible and optimal healthcare for all members of society. To achieve a culturally competent workforce, efforts must be made to recruit individuals belonging to visible minority groups within Canada into nursing education programs, and to retain visible minority individuals in the nursing profession. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of visible minority nursing students in Canadian undergraduate programs. Methods: In this Master of Nursing thesis, an Interpretive Description (Thorne, 2016) study was designed to address the research objectives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted amongst six visible minority nursing students actively enrolled in Canadian undergraduate nursing programs. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Conclusion: The findings of this thesis suggest that visible minority nursing students continue to face multiple barriers in their nursing education that may contribute to an increased attrition rate. This study provides valuable insights for nurse educators and leaders into the experiences of visible minority nursing students that can be used to create a more supportive and inclusive learning environment. Key words: visible minority, nursing student, diversity, inclusion, education, interpretive descriptio
Norepinephrine recruits astrocytes of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus to regulate corticotropin-releasing hormone neuron activity during fear learning
No full textAstrocytes, long underappreciated as passive support cells, are now recognized as active regulators of circuit function and behavior. Nowhere is this more consequential for survival than in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, a core integrator of stress and neuroendocrine responses. This thesis investigates how norepinephrine recruits PVN astrocytes during aversive experiences and how this glial activation modulates the excitability of corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons, shaping the strength and persistence of fear memory. Using a combination of single-photon miniscope imaging, fiber photometry, two-photon imaging of acute brain slices, and in vivo pharmacology, I show that PVN astrocytes exhibit rapid and stimulus-specific calcium responses to a range of aversive stimuli. These calcium dynamics evolve across fear learning and recall, increasing in complexity after conditioning and reflecting oscillatory anticipation of threat. Pharmacological blockade of α1-adrenoceptors abolishes this learning-dependent recruitment, implicating norepinephrine as a critical upstream modulator. Using a genetic loss-of-function approach to chronically suppress astrocyte calcium signaling, I demonstrate that PVN astrocytes are required to constrain CRHPVN neuron activity during stress, and support perfusion and normoxia during stress. Together, these findings reveal that astrocytes of the hypothalamic PVN are not merely reactive, but serve as dynamic, neuromodulator-sensitive integrators that are poised to shape both the encoding and expression of fear. By exploring a norepinephrine-driven, purinergic signaling mechanism in a major stress effector node, this work advances a new framework for understanding glial contributions to threat processing
Towards Practical and Resource-Efficient Volumetric Video Streaming
No full textVolumetric video offers immersive, six-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) experiences but presents significant challenges in streaming due to its massive data size, high bitrate demands, and computational complexity. This thesis proposes two systems to address these challenges. First, we present VV-DASH, an end-to-end framework for adaptive volumetric video streaming over DASH. VV-DASH introduces a codec-agnostic segment format (DVV) that consolidates compressed volumetric content into DASH-ready segments, improving streaming throughput by 13.2% and reducing bandwidth demands. It also features a parallel accelerator that enables real-time decoding—achieving up to 183 fps for Draco and 30 fps for V-PCC—while supporting flexible integration with diverse codec pipelines. Next, we introduce TARS, a temporal-spatial adaptive streaming solution for dynamic point cloud videos that reduces temporal redundancy by exploiting inter-frame correlations. TARS employs a Field-of-View (FoV)-aware approach to intelligently avoid the retransmission of redundant regions across consecutive frames, leveraging a specialized Point Cloud Structural Similarity metric for precise similarity assessment. Experiments show that TARS reduces bandwidth usage by up to 66% while maintaining high visual quality (MSE as low as 0.145), and boosts decoding speed by up to 2.42x compared to decoding all I-frames. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of VV-DASH and TARS for enabling practical, real-time, and resource-efficient volumetric video streaming
Functional analysis of FH variants of uncertain significance using Caenorhabditis elegans model
No full textThe FH gene encodes for fumarase, an essential metabolic enzyme responsible for energy production and genome stability in humans. FH loss causes fumarase deficiency (FD), a rare metabolic pediatric onset disease, and hereditary leiomyomastosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC). Genetic testing has uncovered many FH variants of uncertain significance (VUSs). Early intervention is crucial for disease management, the presence of VUSs can delay diagnosis, making variant interpretation a clinical priority. Due to its essential nature, fumarase is present in C. elegans, encoded by the highly conserved ortholog fum-1. We aimed to establish C. elegans as a multicellular model to reclassify FH VUSs in an efficient manner utilizing their genomic manipulability and rapid life cycle. ClinVar-prioritized FH missense variants of different significances, pathogenic, benign, and VUS, were induced using CRISPR-Cas9 techniques. Strain viability and propagability under different conditions determined variant pathogenicity. Model robustness was demonstrated as FH variant pathogenicity was consistent between worms and humans: known pathogenic variants caused lethality and a benign variant had no visible effect. 20 FH missense VUSs were prioritized and modeled. Consistent with other studies classifying VUSs, majority of the variants (75%) did not display any effects on worm viability and development, while 25% were pathogenic. 75% of the strains behaved normally under all tested conditions, while pathogenic variants caused various phenotypes affecting strain development and viability. The quick generation cycle, ease of strain creation, and straightforward phenotypic readouts position C. elegans as an efficient, reliable high throughput model for teasing apart variant effects. This project demonstrates C. elegans as a valuable multicellular model for VUS assessment and disease mechanism analysis, with potential to improve patient diagnosis and care
Uncertainty and entropies of classical channels
No full textIn this thesis, I studied a mathematical development to define and quantify the uncertainty inherent in classical channels. This thesis starts with the introduction and background on how to formally think about uncertainty in the domain of classical states. The concept of probability vector majorization and its variants, relative majorization and conditional majorization, are reviewed. This thesis introduces three conceptually distinct approaches to formalize the notion of uncertainty inherent in classical channels. These three approaches define the same preordering on the domain of classical channels, leading to characterizations from many perspectives. With the solid foundation of uncertainty comparison, classical channel entropy is then defined to be an additive monotone with respect to the majorization relation. The well-known entropies in the domain of classical states are uniquely extended to the domain of channels via the optimal extensions, providing not only a solid foundation but also the quantifiers of uncertainty inherent in classical channels
Understanding Video Interview Experiences and ADHD
No full textAsynchronous video interviews (AVI) are a one-sided interview alternative to the traditional face-to-face format. The decisions made about how an AVI is designed can influence the candidate’s perception of their opportunity to perform to the best of their abilities in the interview. Of interest in this research is how neurodivergence influences a host of reaction measures to the AVI experience. Particularly, we focus on the experience of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We know that adults with ADHD experience challenges in the workplace, but no research has been done on their perceptions of the recruitment process, specifically AVIs. Study One (N = 108) surveys both adults with and without a diagnosis of ADHD on their perceptions of five design features of AVIs and how these facilitate one’s opportunity to perform. Results indicate that altering features in combination leads to an optimally designed AVI. Study Two (N = 137) examines the impact of AVI design (optimal compared to standard) on performance outcomes and perceptions of system usability, global fairness ratings, interview anxiety levels, and ease of use. Using a between-group design (optimal versus standard design), we found that optimal design proves superior to standard design on system usability and ease of use perceptions. Regardless of design, adults with ADHD report higher levels of interview anxiety and lower levels of both global fairness and ease of use. This was unexpected, as the goal of the optimal design was partially to reduce discrepancies between ADHD and non-ADHD participants. However, in both AVI designs, there were no significant performance differences between ADHD and non-ADHD participants, which was encouraging. Recommendations are made to contribute to AVI design best practices. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, especially surrounding the importance of inclusive and fair design and recruitment processes
From Plagiarism to Postplagiarism: Navigating the GenAI Revolution in Higher Education
No full textHigher education is undergoing a seismic shift with the advent of Generative AI (GenAI) technologies. In this session we explore the transformative impact of GenAI on teaching, learning, and assessment practices in a rapidly evolving academic environment.
Join us as we explore challenges and opportunities presented by GenAI, examining how it reshapes our understanding of academic integrity, student agency, and authentic assessment. Dr. Sarah Elaine Eaton will discuss innovative strategies for integrating GenAI into educational practices while maintaining the core values of academic integrity, critical thinking, and original scholarship.
This webinar is essential for educators, administrators, and policymakers who are grappling with the implications of AI in higher education and seeking proactive approaches to harness its potential.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the concept of post-plagiarism as an impact of GenAI on traditional concepts of plagiarism and academic misconduct in higher education.
2. Identify strategies to foster student agency and critical thinking skills in an AI-augmented learning environment.
3. Formulate approaches to uphold and promote academic integrity in the context of widespread GenAI use in higher education.
Recommended citation:
Eaton, S. E. (2025, January 29). From Plagiarism to Postplagiarism: Navigating the GenAI Revolution in Higher Education Centre for Artificial Intelligence Ethics, Literacy, and Integrity (CAIELI): Generative AI Workshops, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. https://hdl.handle.net/1880/12064
Suicidal ideation among mental health patients at hospital discharge: prevalence and risk factors
No full textAbstract Background Evidence indicates that suicide risk is much higher for psychiatric patients in the weeks immediately following discharge from the hospital. It is, therefore, crucial to evaluate suicide risk accurately at discharge to provide supportive and lifesaving interventions as appropriate. Aim: In this study, the prevalence and risk factors for suicide ideations were examined among patients ready to be discharged from psychiatric units in Alberta province, Canada. Methods Researchers conducted face-to-face meetings with potential participants to determine if they were interested in participating. Eligible individuals in this epidemiological cross-sectional study used an online quantitative survey to assess suicide ideations using the appropriate question contained in the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale. Information was also gathered regarding patient demographics, clinical information, and responses to the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) questionnaires. Results We recruited 1,004 patients from an initial pool of 1,437 patients. We found that the prevalence of suicidal ideation among patients about to be discharged was 48.9%, i.e., nearly half of all patients had active suicidal thinking prior to discharge. We found that factors that were most significantly associated with this were age, ethnicity, employment status, primary mental health diagnoses, anxiety, and poor well-being at baseline. Conclusion Here, in a large cohort of psychiatric patients in Alberta, Canada, we found that nearly half of patients being discharged from an acute psychiatric unit reported suicidal ideation. Given the increased short-term risk to this group, there is an urgent need for additional research on the underlying reasons and reliable predictors of suicidal ideation in these patients. Additionally, appropriate interventions and supportive services must be provided both prior and after discharge to mitigate this substantial risk
Associations Between Socioeconomic Position and Mental Health and Mental Health Disorders Among Adults in Canada from 2005 to 2022
No full textIntroduction: Socioeconomic position (SEP) is a fundamental determinant of mental health, often measured by income and education. Poor mental health and mental health disorders are more prevalent among adults with a lower SEP. Examining trends in associations between SEP and mental health outcomes can inform policies to reduce mental health inequities, yet these trends remain understudied. I aimed to examine (1) associations between SEP and mental health outcomes in 2022 and (2) trends in associations from 2005-2022. Methods: I used data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (2005, 2007-2022) to examine associations between SEP (annual household income, educational attainment) and mental health outcomes (fair/poor self-reported mental health (SRMH), mood disorders, anxiety disorders) among adults (≥23 years) in the ten provinces using multivariable logistic regression. I adjusted for sex, age, marital status, immigration status, race/ethnicity, and Indigenous identity and tested for modification by sex. I repeated logistic regression models for each cycle and assessed trends with random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression. Results: In 2022, the odds of all mental health outcomes were lower with high and middle than low income and education. Associations were stronger with income than education and persisted after mutual adjustment. High income was more protective against poor/fair SRMH and mood disorders among males than females, while high education was more protective against anxiety disorders among females than males. Income and education were associated with all mental health outcomes from 2005-2022. Associations with poor/fair SRMH weakened in 2020-2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before 2020. Associations with mood disorders remained stable from 2005-2022. Trends with anxiety disorders were mixed. Conclusion: Higher income and education were associated with lower odds of adverse mental health outcomes in 2022. My study was the first to examine trends in associations and found that inequities persisted from 2005-2022. Inequities in poor/fair SRMH weakened in 2020-2022, while most inequities in mood and anxiety disorders remained stable. Policies that increase household incomes and support higher educational attainment may help reduce inequities. Future research may investigate policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic that may have reduced certain mental health inequities in 2020-2022
Collagen structure within aneurysm tissue in bicuspid aortic valve patients
No full textAortic aneurysms pose a substantial clinical problem, especially in individuals with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease, as aneurysm formation is 50% more common in these populations. Although the exact cause of aortic aneurysms in BAV patients is still unknown, a growing body of research points to changes in the elastin and collagen composition of the aneurysm tissue as a key component influencing the course of the disease. The purpose of this thesis is to clarify collagen's contributions to aneurysm development, progression, and clinical consequences by examining its presence and type within aneurysm tissue in BAV patients and exploring the relationship between collagen content and type and its mechanical characteristics assessed on the same tissue patients. For this purpose we followed three steps including 1) developing a protocol to extract the protein from the tissue and performing ELISA tests; 2) examining the changes in the structure of the tissue before and after the tissue processing using SEM images for a representative sample, and 3) comparing the ELISA results to the mechanical properties obtained on the same tissue specimens -same region and same layer - to explore the possible correlation between the collagen content and the mechanical properties. The analysis of collagen composition and mechanical properties on the same tissues revealed some interesting results; first of all, high Wall Shear Stress (WSS) in the greater curvature region correlated with lower collagen content in Greater Curvature (GC). Further, we found that higher collagen contents correlated with stiffness but not strength. Moreover, results for both collagen-I ɑ-2 and collagen-III showed a bimodal distribution with a clear patient effect: for each patient with a high amount of collagen-III, the amount of collagen-I ɑ-2 was also high, regardless of layer and region, suggesting that collagen deposition could be different in different patients, possibly on account of the different stage/progression of the disease, as well as differences in genetics. These findings suggest a specific collagen signature associated with aortic pathophysiology in BAV patients. Further studies should clarify whether the patient-specific differences observed are associated with disease development and if lack of collagen renewal plays a role in aneurysm progression