MacEwan Open Journals (MacEwan University)
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Small Gifts
No full textThis poem touches on a perfect moment where the world stands still and you take everything in. This precious moment is one that is taken for granted and one that we don\u27t recognize or even care for in the moment and watch as it passes us by. It also touches on the loss of a loved one and letting go and the bliss that comes with it
Radicalizing Online: An overview of the role the internet plays in radicalization into extremism
No full textRadicalization is the transition into acceptance and approval of extremist beliefs and actions, including condoning or committing acts of violence. In recent decades, the internet has played a crucial role in the radicalization of extremists and terrorists, as well as facilitating radical groups\u27 recruitment efforts. The present review briefly discusses what radicalization is and how it unfolds in a general sense, before exploring how the internet is involved in three kinds of radicalization. The first is the deliberate radicalization and recruitment of new members into formally organized extremist groups (e.g. white supremacist militias and radical Islamic terror groups), and the second is self-radicalization via the internet, wherein unstable, discontent, and/or disenfranchised individuals pursue increasingly radical ideas and communities online until they condone or commit acts of violence on their own, without formal membership into an organized group. The third type of radicalization explored is stochastic or probabilistic radicalization, in which individuals encounter seemingly or actually benign ideas, beliefs, and pundits online, and are slowly radicalized via increasingly bold and dramatic content being suggested by the recommendation algorithms of Google and Youtube. The review clarifies some distinctions between the three types, before a brief summary and discussion.
Content warnings: discussions of violence, bigotry, and hate
The Effects of Hemin at Varying Concentrations on the Differentiation in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Cell Line K562
No full textChronic myeloid leukemia (CML) results from a chromosomal abnormality that leads to uncontrolled division of red blood cell precursors. Typically, these cells undergo erythrocytic differentiation during the production of new blood cells. However, due to uncontrolled cell division, these immature and non-functional cells are unable to undergo differentiation and, as a result, build up in the bone marrow. Hemin, a compound derived from blood, has been shown to induce differentiation in CML cells stopping their uncontrolled division by making these cells mortal. This study aimed to further characterize hemin and determine the optimal concentration that can induce differentiation in a CML cell line, K562, as evidenced by an increase in the expression of the molecular marker gamma-globin. To identify the optimal hemin concentration, the rate of proliferation and the level of gamma-globin expression were monitored in response to hemin concentrations of 20 uM, 40 uM, 60 uM, and 80 uM with DMSO or dilute NaOH as the solvents. We performed a growth curve analysis and assessed the level of hemoglobin expression using benzidine staining. A clear trend was observed for hemin in DMSO, showing that concentrations of 40 uM and higher decreased cell proliferation and viability. In addition, an increase in benzidine staining was seen between DMSO and 20 uM hemin, indicating elevated levels of hemoglobin expression. To verify that the observed increase in hemoglobin level corresponds to increased expression of gamma-globin, western blotting was used. Overall, it was determined that the optimal concentration for hemin to induce differentiation in K562 cells may be solvent-dependent but falls between 20 uM - 60 uM. These findings will help characterize differentiation therapy as an alternative treatment for CML, in which cells are induced to undergo differentiation and then controlled cell death. This development is important since current treatments (Imatinib and related compounds) are susceptible to loss of efficacy due to the development of drug resistance.
Department: Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nina Bernstei
Promoting Positive Change with Blood Glucose Entry Error and Documentation in Acute Care
No full textIn the clinical setting of NURS 479 leadership, the issue of incorrect blood glucose entry error and documentation arose as a challenge in regards to safe patient care in the nursing environment. Patient care had the potential to be affected in adverse ways. Risks of differing patient care plans, and the concept of unequal health equity came to be possible scenarios due to these errors. Stakeholders, and structural and human factors all played a part in the circumstances present, and from there, it was questioned what could be done to positively adjust this issue. Posters were created to be put in place within various locations of the clinical setting, striving to educate stakeholders, (nurses, physicians, management) and maintain the overall goal of decreasing blood glucose entry error and documentation. Three weeks following the poster implementation, the results revealed that there was a 3-5% decrease in cases of error. Therefore, the established intervention did create a positive change, by reducing the numbers of data entry error and documentation: overall patient management, care, and safety were improved. Going forward, it is important to keep in mind what actions do create meaningful change in the clinical setting, and what steps one can take as a nursing student when seeking to establish positive change. When concluding this project, the ability to be equipped with original information and education moving forward into future nursing practice was recognized. This presentation will overview the steps taken, outcomes determined, and evaluation of a NURS 479 Nursing Practice/Professional Roles project.
Department: Nursing
Faculty Mentor: Tanya Paanane
Human chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells undergo erythrocytic differentiation and cell cycle interruption in response to PMEA (9-(2-Phosphonyl-methoxyethyl)-adenine)
No full textDisruption during cellular differentiation can cause hematopoietic stem cells to proliferate uncontrollably, resulting in the development of cancer. Differentiation therapies are being investigated as a type of cancer treatment which involve inducing agents that promote the differentiation of cancer cells into those with similar properties to normal blood cells. These cells can then undergo apoptosis at an accelerated and controlled rate compared to cancer cells, making this a potential therapeutic technique. In this study, the ability of human chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells to undergo cellular differentiation in response to the inducing agent 9-(2-Phosphonyl-methoxy ethyl)-adenine (PMEA) is investigated. PMEA has previously been shown to disrupt cell replication, and promote erythrocytic differentiation in K562 cells. In order to further test the effectiveness of this inducer, cell proliferation was measured with a cell growth curve, hemoglobin presence was measured with benzidine staining, and gamma-globin expression (a protein subunit of fetal hemoglobin) was measured in both induced and uninduced K562 cell cultures via RT-qPCR and western blotting. The results indicate that PMEA slows cell replication, and promotes hemoglobin (and subsequently gamma-globin) expression in treated cells. In summary, the findings support the conclusion that PMEA is able to promote erythrocytic differentiation in K562 cells, and provides information that supports differentiation therapies as a method for cancer treatment.
Department: Biology
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Kim Harcombe and Dr. Nina Bernstei
A Course-Based Qualitative Inquiry into the Lived Educational Experience of Child and Youth Care in Becoming More Authentic
No full textThe basic contention of the relational-centred philosophical foundation of CYC practice is that being “authentic” runs much deeper than the notion to “just be yourself”. Being oneself can mean that a self-centred, uncaring person can be authentic by being true to their self-centeredness, which is not the case. From a relational-centred CYC perspective, authenticity is a life‐long process of self‐discovery, humility, and in some instances healing and forgiveness potential.
Department: Child and Youth Care
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Gerard Bellefeuill
Album Design: : Roya
No full textThe component designs draw on themes of connection, contemplation, stillness, and motion. Blue aquatic hues and abstract lines invoke thoughts of flowing water or gusts of air, relating to the tile “Breath and Being.” When near water, it can calm and connect us, enhance self-discovery and insight, and even heal; these reflect ideas found throughout her music. The artist’s music encourages the listener to explore several emotions with her and be open and introspective. The music and visuals are tied together using water as a unifier. The jacket focuses on fluidity and motion. The lines create organic shapes that feel compelling and alive, flowing from one side of the album to the other like waves. This is a visual representation of the energetic or uninhibited self. A structured geometric typeface was used for the artist’s name, contrasting the background’s natural contours. A luminous pink brings attention to the name through contrast as the focal point. However, the album’s title also lives in the same space and exists in parallel, and brings the theme of connectedness forward. The typeface’s form is complementary to the name and has a light, geometric, and elegant feel that plays throughout the album design. Opposing the jacket, the insert takes a moment to catch a breath, a moment of introspection, and time to reflect on the contents using visual sparsity. Text and imagery are reduced in size, giving a light, airy appearance.
Department: Design Studies
Faculty Mentor: Constanza Pache
Conscious - Record Cover Design for Roya Yazdanmehr
No full textComplete understanding of oneself stems from deep within. Genuine connection with one’s body, mind, and soul can be achieved through introspection, understanding, and forgiveness of one’s hardships. This album cover features a drawing representing connecting with one’s inner child — an essential step leading to the spirit’s nourishment. Emotional and spiritual healing allows people to recognize their growth and acknowledge their worth. Empowering them to honour themselves, fearlessly be themselves, and accept others’ appreciation for being who they honestly are. The pattern in the illustration can be visually interpreted as movement. It is a visual metaphor representing how the human mind constantly flows with thoughts, innovations, creativeness, and feelings. The cover can be appreciated as a visual message, each aspect working with the other. A sense of ease is brought to the overall design through the use of a limited colour palette. The deep shade of plum, white text, and negative black space contrast each other with a solid effect. The pairing of a cursive typeface and a lightweight sans-serif presents delicate femininity and balance. The insert and centre labels remain cohesive with the rest of the design by repeating the illustration presented on the cover. Clear hierarchies created through type assist in differentiating the front of the insert from the back. The centre labels still provide enough variation for sides A & B to be differentiated while presented similarly.
Department: Design Studies
Faculty Mentor: Constanza Pache
MacEwan Book of the Year Design Series: : "Foe"
No full textThe postcard design was created to embody each of the three main characters’ essence. Throughout the story, we are presented with hints that suggest ideas of importance to take note of as to fully understand the final events that will unfold. Junior’s postcard design was to embody this idea of desire, desire to feel something, to feel alive. The chosen image was of a bathroom, which is a recurring place wherein Junior would try and do extreme things to inflict pain upon himself. This can be seen as a way of him creating a sense of validity that he is alive and he is Junior. Which suggests that in a way he knows he is a replacement. In the case of Hen, The chosen image is that of a bound woman. This imagery is backed up by Hen’s cold interactions and seemingly instances of venting out her frustrations to the replacement Junior. Her sense of longing for freedom and a chance to be given a voice within this relationship is felt throughout the story, and with this finally leading up to her decision of leaving in the end. As for Terrence, the design direction was to fully encapsulate his disruptive presence whenever he shows up in the story. through the orientation of the postcard to the grim smile. This facade of passion for his work is pretty much all we know about him, whether this is his entirety or not we will never know. Thus the choice of this deep darkness surrounding him, which amplifies this sense of mystery and the unknown that he and the organization he is representing exudes out from the very pages of the book itself.
Department: Design Studies
Faculty Mentor: Constanza Pache
Use of Stored Snow for Summer Cooling Loads
No full textClimate change is one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. One of its effects will be hotter summers and therefore an increased demand for indoor cooling systems. Unfortunately, these cooling systems can exacerbate climate change in two ways. The first is that these systems require a large amount of electricity to generate the cooling load; this electricity is currently made from fossil fuel burning power plants. The second, is they require potent greenhouse gases, in the form of refrigerants, to circulate within the system; these gases are often released into the atmosphere at the end of the system’s life. Alternative systems that are less energy intensive and make use of cleaner resources can help alleviate these issues. This research explores how stored snow can be used as a cooling source for buildings. A feasibility study was conducted for Edmonton to assess the viability of these snow cooling systems in Canada. Snowfall and weather statistics were gathered to find whether Edmonton has enough snow and the right weather conditions for the implementation of these cooling systems. One of the important findings was how previous research on the preservation of snow in alpine ski resorts could be applied to these systems, resulting in more efficient snow storage management. The implication from this research is that these cooling systems could reduce carbon emissions, and alleviate the challenges of climate change.
Department: Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jeff Davi