University of Saskatchewan Research Archive
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Exploring Cultural Healing and Mental Wellness in a Northern Saskatchewan First Nations Community
No full textSeveral health inequities exist between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations in Canada. These disparities are a result of colonization, which aimed to disconnect Indigenous Peoples from their land, language, and connection to community. This forced assimilation severed connection between Indigenous Peoples and traditional methods of promoting wellness. Connecting to culture appears to play an important role in enhancing mental wellness among Indigenous individuals and communities.
The aims of this project were to: a) explore the role that culture has in promoting mental wellness for First Nations individuals from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB), b) empower young adults from the LLRIB to share their stories of connecting to culture and the impact that this has on their lives.
This community-based project was conducted in collaboration a Community Advisory Committee. Using purposive and subsequent snowball sampling, 5 participants between ages 18 and 25 from the LLRIB were recruited to partake in a two-part photovoice project. First, participants captured photographs representing their experiences with connecting to culture and the role that this has in improving their mental wellness. Following this, the participants attended a one-on-one discussion with the student researcher where they shared the stories behind the photographs they presented. Data were analyzed using narrative analysis.
Narratives were arranged into one of four overarching categories based on the First Nation Mental Wellness Continuum Framework: hope, belonging, purpose, and meaning. Taking a strengths-based approach, the positive influence of culture and community on individual wellbeing is evident and we gain an understanding of how connecting to culture acts as a protective mechanism when addressing suicide prevention.
Implications of findings contribute to a greater understanding of the role that connecting to culture has in improving the wellness of Indigenous Peoples. The results of this project could guide future research endeavours with Indigenous communities to explore wellness of other communities. Overall, the project improves understanding of the idea that Indigenous Peoples find strength and wellness within their culture from connection to community, land, and language
Production of texturized vegetable proteins (TVPs) from pulses and their application in meat products
No full textThe overall goal of this thesis was to examine the impact of extrusion parameters on the functional attributes of faba bean and lentil protein extrudates, and their utilization in vegan or hybrid burger applications. Such parameters include screw speed (300 to 450 rpm), die temperature (110ºC to 140ºC), and feed moisture (30, 35, and 40 g water/100 g feed). A lab scale twin-screw extruder was used to produce lentil and faba bean-based TVPs with a wide range of physical and functional properties. The extrusion conditions did not affect the protein content of the TVPs (~84% dry basis) compared to the raw material. For both TVPs the physical properties including color, showed a decrease in brightness with an increase in redness and yellowness attributed to the Maillard reaction. For the specific mechanical energy, there was a trend observed due to the changes in the viscoelastic properties of the raw material affected by all the extrusion variables.
For the functional properties, an increase in moisture showed a significant change in the bulk density of TVPs and in consequence in an increase in the rehydration ratio (~214% for lentil-based TVPs and ~308% for faba bean-based TVPs with 40% MC). A significant effect was observed with changes in moisture content and screw speed with no effect of temperature for water and oil holding capacity for lentil-based TVPs. In contrast, for faba bean-based TVPs the functional properties showed a significant effect with the increase of screw speed for water holding capacity and changes in oil holding capacity (<1 g of oil per g of protein) with the changes in temperature and moisture content. The texture profile showed that the changes in moisture content affected properties including hardness, gumminess, and chewiness, while the changes in screw speed affected springiness, cohesiveness and resilience.
Finally, the addition of 10% TVP to a traditional meat patty formulation showed a significant increase in cooking yield with a significant decrease in thickness and diameter changes. Overall, the findings suggested that the combination of extrusion variables can affect the functional and physical properties of lentil and faba bean-based TVPs. Also, the data collected suggested that lentil and faba bean-based TVPs are a suitable partial or complete replacement for animal meat in terms of functionality and yield, but future studies are needed to investigate the sensory and nutritional aspects of the final product
Targeting regulatory T cells in experimental colon cancer with radioimmunotherapy
No full textColorectal cancer remains a formidable threat to human health around the world and has become the third most common cancer worldwide. However, over the past 20 years, there has been a lack of breakthroughs in the treatment of colorectal cancer, especially for advanced colorectal cancer. Only a limited number of treatment options are available, and treatment outcomes significantly vary. Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors while becoming a game changer for various types of cancer, produces mixed results in colorectal cancer with only a small number of patients experiencing long term progression-free survival. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an immunosuppressive subset of T lymphocytes, and a particular subset of Tregs, so called tumor infiltrating Tregs (ti-Tregs) can interfere with immunotherapy mechanism of action resulting in decreased efficacy. In recent studies, CCR8, or C-C motif chemokine receptor 8, has emerged as a highly expressed cell surface protein found exclusively in tumor-infiltrating Tregs, including those in colorectal cancer tumors. This makes CCR8 a promising target for radioimmunotherapy (RIT) to selectively eliminate ti-Treg cells. RIT allows for precise delivery of highly cytotoxic radionuclides to localized or systemic cancer deposits. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that using CCR8 as a target in RIT could eliminate ti-Tregs within colorectal tumors, potentially enhancing the success of subsequent immunotherapy. We validated the ability of our antibodies to bind to ti-Tregs in colorectal cancer tumors in mouse tumor models by microSPECT/CT imaging and confirmed a reduction in ti-Treg cells post-RIT with 225Actinium-labeled anti-CCR8 antibody within the experimental group's tumor samples through immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. Subsequent combination therapy experiments with 225Actinium-labeled anti-CCR8 antibody and anti-CTLA4 immunotherapy established the feasibility of the combination therapy in mouse colorectal cancer models, revealing a synergistic effect of the RIT and immunotherapy combination. The results of these combination therapy experiments suggest a more effective strategy for colorectal cancer treatment which can also be a viable approach for various other cancer types. In other words, choosing CCR8 as a treatment target for RIT to enhance the success of subsequent immunotherapy holds significant promise, regardless of the specific cancer type, if high CCR8 expression ti-Tregs exists within the tumor microenvironment
Tribological and Corrosion Behavior of Cold Sprayed Fe-Based Bulk Metallic Glass Coating on Aluminum Alloy
No full textThe abstract of this item is unavailable due to an embargo
Microbial Pretreatment of Camelina Straw and Switchgrass for the Production of Solid Biofuel Pellets and Bioethanol
No full textThe abstract of this item is unavailable due to an embargo
Surface Sensitive Studies of Interfacial Water Structure in Saturated Aqueous Solution of NaClO4
No full textOver the past years, it has been found that understanding the metal/water interaction plays a vital
role in multidisciplinary fields ranging from heterogeneous catalysis and electrocatalysis to water
in salt systems for advancing commercial battery technologies. It is also believed that the main
properties of the WiS (water in salt) electrolytes are mainly linked to the chemical and physical
properties of the interfaces between the water molecules in the WiS system and the metal electrode.
This research focuses on conducting surface-sensitive studies on interfacial water in WiS systems,
and the main approach of these experiments is to investigate water interaction and orientation as a
function of the surface charge and NaClO4 concentration at the water/Gold electrode interface.
In pursuit of this objective, ATR (attenuated total reflectance) was utilized to gain knowledge
about the structure of water molecules in the solution as the concentration of NaClO4 increasing
Additionally, ATR technique can provide an insight into the hydrogen bonding in the water in salt
system.
Utilizing ATR-SEIRAS (Attenuated Total Reflectance Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption
Spectroscopy) in the subsequent phase of the project could potentially demonstrate valuable data
about potential-dependent water adsorption as well as changes in hydrogen network strength in
the double layer region as a function of the applied potential. The outcomes from the ATRSEIRAS
technique provided a representation of the possible orientation of water molecules in
different potentials. The hydrogen-oriented upward arrangement for water molecules is proposed
in positive potentials, while in negative potentials, the hydrogen atoms of water are closer to the
surface. Subsequently, the hydrogen network is stronger on the positively charged surface
The Efficacy of Individualized Last Repetition Velocities for Autoregulating and Monitoring in Resistance Training
No full textTraditional resistance training (RT) methods often involve a fixed prescription based on a pre- determined percentage of one-repetition maximum (1RM); however, a plethora of variables may impact an individual’s performance on a micro- and macro-level: fitness, fatigue, readiness, amongst several others. Autoregulated resistance training has developed as a potential framework to rectify traditional methods by systematically measuring and adjusting the programming prescription on a short-, medium-, and long-term monitoring basis according to an individual’s performance and context-specific goals. Although initial findings have provided some evidence to support the efficacy of autoregulation on muscular adaptations in college-aged resistance- trained males, the available evidence is unclear whether autoregulation indeed provides a greater advantage over traditional methods for additional neuromuscular adaptations, performance outcomes, and functional measures in varying populations and females. Therefore, the primary purpose of this PhD thesis/dissertation was four-fold. The initial purpose was to systematically review and meta-analyze the existing evidence on the effect of load and volume autoregulation on muscular strength and hypertrophy adaptations. Autoregulated compared to traditional load prescription resulted in significantly greater increases in 1RM strength. Autoregulating volume with lower and higher magnitudes of intra-set fatigue were most effective for improving 1RM strength and hypertrophy; respectively. The second purpose was to conceptualize a theoretical velocity-based training model based on the advantages and limitations of the current traditional and autoregulation methods: the Individualized Last Repetition Velocity Model (LRV Model), which is described in a narrative review. The third purpose was to compare the accuracy of subjective estimations to objective velocities (an iteration of the LRV Model) at quantifying proximity to failure for the bench press in resistance trained males and females across numerous parameters, in which objective velocities displayed significantly greater accuracy. The final purpose was to compare the efficacy of traditional methods, subjective autoregulation, and objective autoregulation (the LRV Model iteration) for load prescription on neuromuscular adaptations, performance outcomes, and functional measures in older adult males and females. Objective autoregulation elicited the best improvements in bench press strength and knee extensor hypertrophy. This thesis provides novelty regarding the efficacy of individualized average concentric last repetition velocities for autoregulating and monitoring
Voices for Change: Qualitative Content Analysis of Environmental Activists with Autism in the News
No full textPeer ReviewedThree activists have played key roles in recent climate activism in the UK: Greta Thunberg, Dara McAnulty, and Chris Packham. Through qualitative content analysis of popular news coverage, this study explores the messages conveyed about these activists and the social inequities prevalent in media portrayals of activism more broadly. The analysis revealed that while there was content explaining and defining the causes championed by these activists, it was often overshadowed by subject-centric portrayals. The news coverage tended to emphasize the agency and influence of these individuals, while also placing undue focus on their various identity constructs. The coverage also adopted personalized and sensationalized writing strategies. Although this news coverage offered a more inclusive representation of activists in terms of disability, age, and gender, it simultaneously reinforced stereotypes, prejudice, and the authority of White, middle- to upper-class activists from the global North. These findings highlight tensions between reinforcing and challenging the privileged few who are typically allowed to represent and capture public attention and action on pressing issues
The Regulation of Social Media in Nigeria and its Effect on Free Speech: Perspectives from Constitutional Law and International Norms
No full textThis thesis explores the multifaceted and evolving topic of social media regulation, with a focus on Nigeria. As social media platforms have become central to communication, information dissemination, and public discourse, concerns have arisen about their impact on individuals, society, and democracy. The research question addressed in this thesis is whether the Nigerian bills on restriction of social media can legally restrict false speech and hate speech without overreaching on the right to freedom of expression, and if not, what measures can be taken to improve these bills.
The thesis begins by analyzing three key theories for the justification of freedom of expression, which show that freedom of expression is essential to the discovery of truth, self-autonomy, and promotion of an open and vibrant democratic discourse. However, these theories are not an absolute justification and may be restricted. The thesis also examines the conditions for justification of limits on freedom of expression in Nigeria, which is that the law must be shown to be within reasonable limits permissible in a democratic society. Section 45 of the Nigerian Constitution states specific grounds for the restriction of freedom of expression, but the section is vague as it gives no further direction as to how Nigerian courts should balance competing interests, such as freedom of expression on the one hand and public interest on the other.
The thesis argues that the importation of proportionality analysis and international standards is necessary to restrict hate speech and false speech in Nigeria while protecting the right to freedom of expression. The delicate balance between preserving freedom of expression and addressing harmful content, such as hate speech and false information, is a critical consideration in social media regulation.
The thesis suggests that drawing from Canadian law and international standards could enhance Nigeria’s regulation of free speech on social media. The thesis concludes that the protection of freedom of expression is crucial, especially in a diverse cultural, political, and socio-economic landscape such as Nigeria
Morphological, Histological, And Developmental Features Of Perichondral Bone In Skates And Sharks Suggest That Modern Cartilaginous Fishes Make Bone
No full textBone is a mineralized (or calcified) tissue type and a defining feature of the vertebrate skeleton. Ancestral vertebrates made bone and most modern vertebrates including bony fishes and tetrapods retain bone. However, bone has never been characterized in modern chondrichthyans (sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras), and modern chondrichthyans are hypothesized to have lost the ability to make bone during their evolution. Previous studies show that sharks have mineralized tissues with some morphological and histological features that are consistent with vertebrate perichondral bone. These mineralized tissues in sharks have been described as bone-like and occur in neural arches and a specific histological region (i.e., cap zone) of discretely mineralized tesserae. While these observations in sharks challenge the hypothesis that modern chondrichthyans lack bone, it remains debated whether other modern chondrichthyans like skates and chimaeras have bone-like tissues. Because bone-like tissues have been characterized mostly in adult sharks, it is not known whether important developmental features of perichondral bone such as cartilage maturation is demonstrated by bone-like tissues. Besides bone-like tissues, chondrichthyans also display a unique areolar mineralized tissue in the vertebral body (centrum). These chondrichthyan mineralized tissues display distinct mineralization patterns such as a classic polygonal pattern of tesserae, a compact bone-like pattern of neural arches, and a compact pattern of areolar mineralized tissue. These chondrichthyan mineralization patterns have been described in sharks and skates, but relevant data from chimaeras needed to assess whether all groups of modern chondrichthyans demonstrate these morphological features are lacking. This thesis addresses these and other knowledge gaps in the skeletal biology of modern chondrichthyans by testing the hypothesis that bone-like tissues are shared by modern chondrichthyans and are homologous to perichondral bone in other modern vertebrates. Comparative morphology and embryology were the two main approaches adopted to test this hypothesis. Specifically, mineralized tissues in two skate species (the little skate Leucoraja erinacea and the Eaton’s skate Bathyraja eatonii), a shark (the catshark Scyliorhinus canicular), and a chimaera (the spotted ratfish Hydrolagus colliei) were characterized using desktop and synchrotron micro-CT imaging, histological, histochemical, and immunofluorescence assays. Micro-CT renderings showed a bone-like mineralization pattern in neural arches of the skates and the shark, but this was absent in neural arches of the spotted ratfish. Micro-CT renderings and histological analyses of tesserae showed that the bone-like cap zone was present only in the skates, and the polygonal tesseral mineralization pattern was associated with large and laterally extensive bone-like cap zones. Another mineralization pattern described herein as trabecular tesseral was characterized in several endoskeletal regions of the skates, the catshark, and the spotted ratfish. The trabecular tesseral pattern was morphologically distinct from the polygonal tesseral pattern which is classically associated with the chondrichthyan endoskeleton. Micro-CT renderings and histological data also showed that areolar mineralized tissue, which has been described in only sharks and skates, was also present in the spotted ratfish. Perichondral bone formation in other modern vertebrates is driven by cartilage maturation. Developmental data from the little skate showed that the main histological features of cartilage maturation, such as chondrocyte hypertrophy and initiation of matrix mineralization by hypertrophic chondrocytes, were associated with the development of bone-like tissue in neural arches. In addition to limited reports of bone-like tissues in sharks, data in this thesis showed that other modern chondrichthyans like skates have bone-like tissues. Developmental features of perichondral bone demonstrated by neural arch bone-like tissue suggest that bone-like tissues and perichondral bone are homologous