MacEwan Open Journals (MacEwan University)
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It\u27s a Burden But... Having a Sibling with Prader Willi Syndrome: Stress, Growth and Perceived Burden
No full textPrader Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 15000 live births worldwide that presents a spectrum of physiological and neurological-related health challenges. PWS has been extensively studied as it affects parents, however, research on sibling interaction is limited. This study examined to what extent neurotypical siblings with a brother or sister with PWS experience stress in daily life, is there a feeling of growth as a result, and are feelings of burden higher when compared to the general population. Using the Perceived Stress Scale 10, the Post Traumatic Growth Inventory, and the Zarit Burden Interview questionnaires, a comparison between families with a neurotypical -PWS sibling dynamic and non-PWS – sibling dynamic was conducted. The findings between the control and experimental groups indicated similar stress levels, and both groups indicated a moderately high level of stress. No statistically significant difference in personal growth was present. The perception of burden was significantly higher for the neurotypical-PWS group versus the control group. The details of the results indicated that the relationship dynamic between PWS-neurotypical siblings requires further research, and the use of different survey tools may be warranted to better explore this population.
Department: Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sean Roger
The Acute Effects of Cannabis Terpenes on Zebrafish Anxiety-Like Behaviour
No full textDepartment: Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Trevor Hamilto
Motivations and perception of others in political disagreement
No full textAn important part of being a participating citizen in a democracy is to share alternative perspectives. However, political conversation can be highly polarizing, and any ensuing conflict can damage relationships. Therefore, it is valuable to understand why these conflicts sometimes occur in order to design suggestions to reduce the intensity of such conflict. This project examines the motivations people bring to political discussions when talking to people we disagree with. We are interested in how we perceive other people’s motivations, and how those motives may differ from our own. We will also explore the way that stronger or weaker relationships with the other person can impact these perceptions. MacEwan University students will be asked participants to think about political conversations they have had with people they disagreed with, and to indicate their perceptions of the other person. We expect that people will perceive themselves to be motivated to learn and persuade others, and will perceive people they have a strong relationship with to have the same motivations. However, we expect that people with weaker relationships will perceive the other person to be less motivated to learn, but still motivated to persuade. With strong relationships, there is trust and familiarity, which allows for openness towards new information. However, there is a lack of trust with weaker relationships, which can create some defensiveness in discussion. Therefore, we perceive the other person to be less willing to learn about our opinion and are primarily concerned with persuading us.
Department: Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Craig Blat
The Kids are Alright: Student Productivity and Covid-19
No full textThe purpose of this study is to explore the degree to which student productivity has been impacted due to the presence of Covid-19, and what coping strategies, if any, students implemented to maintain or increase productivity during the pandemic. The sample consisted of 730 introductory psychology students between 18-53 years (mean = 21.9 , SD = 5.83) and primarily women (n = 457). In addition to questionnaires on self and time management four scales were used to measure various ways in which the pandemic may have impacted students including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Irrational Procrastination Scale (IPS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Time Structure Questionnaire(TSQ). Correlational analysis was used to determine what factors may have impacted GPA. Weak correlations were found between GPA and; TSQ (r = .20); IPS (r = -.18). No meaningful correlation was found between GPA and ESS or PSS or any of the other questionnaires. Preliminary analysis of qualitative responses by students indicate to students being aware of and implementing a variety of well established coping strategies.
Keywords: productivity, covid-19, student, coping
Department: Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Rodney Schmalt
A Spectrum of Freedom of Speech
No full textThis presentation will explore the notion of freedom of speech by cross comparing the current events on the Ukraine and Russia war with Canada. Through the lens of a sociological perspective this presentation will demonstrate how freedom of speech can be affected by world wide events such as wars and protects. The primary focus will illustrate how freedom of speech can be on a spectrum ranging from full freedom to absolute government control of all communication within the country.
Department: Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Gulayet
How Did Legal Aid Come to Be? A Cross Comparison of Canada\u27s and Ukraine\u27s Legal Aid Implementation
No full textLanguage Ideologies and Discourses Surrounding Self-Usage of Computer Mediated Communication: A Look at Gendered Differences
No full textThis work aims to outline the ways in which we view our own texting habits, in terms of gendered differences. After interviewing participants, this study compares the answers provided to actual texting samples to see if ideologies are reflected in the actual manners in which we text.
Department: Anthropology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jenanne Ferguso
Stitching with Stories: Learning to Bead Through Embodied Knowledge
No full textI have created beadwork that reflects my embodied knowledge and allows me to connect with my Métis culture. I have spent the semester exploring the history of Métis beadwork with guidance from strong Indigenous women, who are proud of their heritage and have graciously shared their knowledge and skills with me. Through their teaching, I have learned how I can use beadwork as both an artistic outlet and as a way to feel more connected to my culture. I use my beadwork to reflect on my family’s heritage and the pieces I create are connected to loved ones, be it through the design or the function of the piece. I work with a vibrant rainbow of seed beads on various materials to create organic patterns. I emulate traditional beadwork and samples of my family’s work while adding my own design elements that reflect my experiences as I reconnect with my Métis roots. There are four pieces to my display. Firstly, a five-petal flower pin, the first piece of beadwork that I made for this project, highlights the growth that I have experienced. Secondly, a pair of bridal earrings made for my good friend’s wedding. Thirdly, a pair of moccasin vamps that I recreated, based on a design made by my great grandmother.
Finally, a decorative piece that serves as a cumulative reflection of both the skills that I have learned and the stories that I have learned.
Department: Arts and Cultural Management
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Heather Fitzsimmons-Fre
Developing Microsatellite Markers for Cypripedium passerinum
No full textIn the age of the Anthropocene, there has been a steady and exponential decline in global plant biodiversity leading to an increase in conservation efforts. Key to an effective conservation strategy is an assessment of the genetic diversity of the vulnerable population. One of the tools to assess genetic diversity is microsatellites. Microsatellites are a type of tandem repeat found in the DNA of all eukaryotes that have proven useful in assessing genetic diversity because of their genomic abundance, high mutation rate, and resulting high levels of polymorphism. This project aimed to develop microsatellite markers for the endangered orchid, Cypripedium passerinum, to elucidate genetic variation in populations within the Wagner Natural Area in central Alberta. Fast Isolation of AFLP Sequences Containing Repeats (FIASCO) was used to generate three different microsatellite-enriched libraries using AC, AT, and AAG probes. Of the 687 clones in these libraries, 175 have been sequenced with 429 microsatellite sequences identified. Primer pairs have been developed for 13 of the identified microsatellites. Currently, these designed primer pairs are being evaluated for their ability to detect polymorphisms within the C. passerinum population at Wagner Natural Area. This project’s findings will help contribute to the existing knowledge and conservation of C. passerinum individuals within and outside of the Wagner Natural Area.
Keywords: Cypripedium passerinum, Microsatellites, Genetic Diversity, Orchids
Department: Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Dr. David McFadye
Characterization of a Novel BMP3 Mutants Implicated in Ocular Coloboma
No full textBMP3 is a diffusible morphogen that is relevant to various critical developmental processes, and changes to this protein may result in disruptions to the signaling pathways and subsequent phenotypes of the organism. For example, a BMP3 mutation in zebrafish has been shown to result in ocular and skeletal abnormalities (Fox et al., 2022). To further elucidate the impact of mutation at the cellular level, we will investigate the effects of three novel BMP3 mutations previously implicated in the ocular disease coloboma on downstream cellular signaling mechanisms. To do this, we will utilize a tissue culture system to analyze each mutant’s ability to be secreted and subsequently activate downstream cellular signaling. Overall, this research will aid in our understanding of BMP3 secretion and signaling and will expand on how changes to these essential processes can be related to disease and abnormal phenotypes previously discovered.
Department: Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Lisa Prichar