SFU Library Digital Publishing (Simon Fraser University, Vancouver)
Not a member yet
4841 research outputs found
Sort by
Comparing touchscreen-based tests of pattern separation for rodent models
Full text linkOne of the challenges in developing treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is referred to as the “translational gap” because treatments or findings in rodent models have not successfully translated to effective treatments for humans. Improving the translation of cognitive testing methods used with rodent models is an attempt to shrink this “translational gap”. Researchers have developed touchscreen-based cognitive testing methods for rodents to improve translation between preclinical studies and clinical trials. A translational approach in rodent testing is achieved by simulating the stimuli (images on the screen) and reaction (touch) in human testing methods, such as the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Touchscreen training involves animals responding to visual stimuli on a touch-sensitive screen for rewards, relying on rodents' natural exploration tendencies and daily training for task completion.
The hippocampus region of the brain is most vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease. One of the functions of the hippocampus is pattern separation, which is the process of encoding similar inputs in memory in a way that distinguishes them from one another. There are two touchscreen-based cognitive tests that are designed to evaluate pattern separation: (1) the Location Discrimination (LD) task and (2) the Trial-Unique Non-Matching to Location (TUNL) task. Both tests can be administered in Bussey-Saksida Chambers. In our study, we compare these two touchscreen-based tests of pattern separation, based on data quality, training time, and difficulty.
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Brianne Kent, Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser Universit
Co-designing Programmable Fidgeting Experience with Swarm Robots for Adults with ADHD
No full textIndividuals with ADHD grapple with elevated stress levels, emotional regulation challenges, and difficulty sustaining focus. Fidgeting, a behaviour traditionally frowned upon, has been shown to help people with ADHD in concentration, emotional and mental state management, and energy regulation. However, traditional fidgeting devices have limited fixed affordances providing cookie-cutter style fidgeting experience to all despite individual differences. Recognizing the uniqueness of individual fidgeting tendencies, we use small tabletop robots to provide a customizable fidgeting interaction experience and conduct co-design sessions with 16 adults diagnosed with ADHD to explore how they envision their fidgeting interactions being changed with these programmable robots. We examine core elements defining a successful fidgeting interaction with robots, assess the significance of customizability in these interactions and any common trends among participants, and investigate additional advantages that interactions with robots may offer. This research reveals nuanced preferences of adults with ADHD concerning robot-assisted fidgeting.
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Lawrence Kim, School of Computing Science, Simon Fraser University
The Challenges of Hearing Disability and Age-Informed Citizen Science During COVID-19
Full text linkThe World Health Organization estimates that by 2040, one in every ten people will experience a hearing disability (World Health Organization, n.d.). In 2017, 3.6% of working adults and 12.2% of older adults in Canada had a form of hearing disability (Morris, 2017). Older adults are notably affected as hearing disabilities increase with age (Morris, 2017). The built environment creates barriers for those with hearing disabilities, especially in older adults (Kochtitzky, 2011). There is a lack of research examining the effects of the built environment on people with hearing disabilities (Davies et al., 2001; Prescott et al., 2020). Current research tools focus on objective, quantifiable measures of the built environment rather than the subjective perspectives of disability populations who use the built environment (Kan et al., 2020). Researchers often lack disability-specific knowledge when collaborating with disability populations (Kelly-Corless, 2020; McKee et al., 2012; Singleton et al., 2014). The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing environmental barriers for people with hearing disabilities and influenced the process of collaborative research (Tremblay et al., 2021). Future research on people with hearing disabilities and the built environment requires researchers to collaborate with the population of concern to ensure future changes are tailored to their needs
Healing In The Shadow Of Intergenerational Trauma
Full text linkThis piece revolves around the topic of mental health, specifically my own experiences with anxiety, intergenerational trauma and my path to healing. Being raised by parents that suffer PTSD from fleeing a war-torn nation and moving to a foreign country, I hadn’t realized how negatively their untreated trauma affected me, until my anxiety started to manifest during my youth. I had a difficult time navigating my mental wellbeing and I didn't reach out for help, until I reached a breaking point during my senior year in highschool. After that event, I started my road to recovery. I reflected on my family's life and what led them to make the harmful choices they did. As I learn more about myself and my family, I'm learning how to forgive and lead a healthier and happier life while hoepfully deviating from the cycle.
My story is not only centered around my struggles with intergenerational trauma, but it also sheds light on my healing process. Furthermore, it underscores my belief that the younger generation in my family can break free from this vicious cycle and achieve a healthier mental health. Ultimately, I hope my piece serves as a source of inspiration, guiding others towards their own paths of healing and breaking free from the shackles of intergenerational traum
The Effects of Aromatase Inhibitors and Growth Hormone Therapy on Early Puberty and Height: A Randomized Control Trial (RCT) Study Proposal
Full text linkThis study investigates the effectiveness of growth hormone (GH) therapy and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in managing early puberty and promoting height growth in children aged 6-9 years. Participants are randomized into GH therapy, AIs, or placebo groups. The study's primary outcomes include assessing the delay in puberty onset and measuring height growth through standardized methodologies. The research aims to shed light on these treatments' potential benefits and comparative efficacy in addressing precocious puberty
Pardon
Full text linkthe healthy, stable love, always there, come rain or shine ;
the same people who would cry when I'm gone.
I hope you’ll forgive me, sometimes I forget about you
A Peaceful Rise: How China Sees its Global Role in 2024
Full text linkOn March 21st, 2024, Dr. Reza Hasmath presented A Peaceful Rise: How China Sees its Global Role in 2024 for the CASIS March 2024 Digital Roundtable. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS Vancouver executives. The key points discussed were the views of the Chinese population regarding international actors, their positioning in relation to Chinese international cooperation, their understanding of these relationships with Canada, and how Canada can play an important role in binding China to the West.
Received: 02-20-2024
Revised: 03-02-202