MacEwan Open Journals (MacEwan University)
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Development of Chondromalacia Patellae (CP) in Martial Arts Athletes
No full textAttention to the development of Chondromalacia Patellae (CP) in endurance and aerobic athletes has developed, yet its progression in martial arts and anaerobic activities remains overlooked3. Chondromalacia Patellae characterized by the degeneration of cartilage behind the patella through excessive wear on the patellofemoral joint. This wear is a result of imbalanced and improper mechanics of the knee, hip, and foot in the greater kinetic chain4,5. Although cases of CP progression are well documented, its progression in non-aerobic athletes has not been granted the same attention3. Indiscriminate cartilaginous degeneration in aerobic and non-aerobic athletes ensues from universal mechanics of the musculoskeletal system4. Likened to how aerobic athletes are affected, repetitive stresses exerted on the body in martial arts can ultimately result in CP if an athlete’s body is compromised by vulnerable mechanics of the kinetic chain3. Chondromalacia Patellae is insidious as it develops in subtle misalignments of obscured joint structures2; although martial artists and runners are exposed to different stresses and actions, they share the same kinetic relationships intrinsically governed by the musculoskeletal system. Functional, therapeutic, and morphological studies conclude CP is a chronic structural affliction. Imbalances of muscular strength, ligamentous integrity, and bone morphology each contribute to excessive pressure which causes cartilage wear and chronic knee pain associated with CP5. Its severity can be mitigated, or its progression reversed through correcting improper mechanics. Surrounding musculature can be strengthened to manage structural or functional imbalances through isotonic resistance training, isometric exercises, and isokinetic rehabilitation1,2,5. In addition to functionally balancing the patellofemoral joint, stabilization of the knee and the kinetic chain can be achieved with patellar tracking sleeves, orthotics, or a variety of surgical modalities5. Further study needs to be directed towards diversifying current understandings of CP beyond aerobic athletics, and martial arts provides a frontier where this can be achieved.
Department: Allied Health and Human Performance
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dave Kat
Trusting Science in the Face of Disease: COVID-19 and 19th Century Cholera
No full textThis essay highlights the similarities between the cholera pandemic in 19th century Britain, and the COVID pandemic that we are currently facing. It mostly covers the changing practices in science and how the cholera pandemic can be used as a case study to help with the modern reactions towards COVID-19.
Discipline: History
Faculty mentor: Dr. Aidan Fort
Komorebi
No full textJapanese for describing when sunlight filters through trees, Komorebi can create a sense of connection to nature. Our connection to nature is with us throughout our lives and this pandemic has allowed many to go back and fully experience nature again. This image depicting one lonely leaf signifies that although many of us may feel alone, we are always connected to something much bigger
At the Dawn of Covid-19
No full textMy name is Prosper Gashusho, a student at Grant MacEwan University in the Social Work Program 1st year. The picture I am sending for the competition was taken on February 27, 2020, at Oliver Square in Insight Medical Imaging-Oliver Square. I was wearing a MacEwan Hoody. On that day, I left the class English as a Second Language-ESL Program at 2 pm to help my family with the appointment at Insight Medical Imaging-Oliver Square. After the appointment, my daughter Danielle and I sat on the bench while eating her apple. We took that opportunity to take that picture wearing the face masks. The World Health Organization-WHO did not yet declare Covid-19 a pandemic for each government to mobilize to wear face masks or shields masks. I read the information about Covid-19 and how to prevent its propagation on the internet.
The submission title indicated that it was "at the dawn of Covid-19." Indeed, the pandemic was not known on a large scale by Edmontonian. At that time, the Canadian or Albertan governments did not take any action to fight against the global threat. As an illustration, it was even peculiar to pause with a face mask, I saw security coming to see what happened while we were taking the picture, but they said nothing. When we left, people were inquisitive to see someone wearing a face mask on the bus alone. I was not aware that later, it would be a rule for everyone to wear a face mask to stop the proliferation of Covid-19.
I am very thankful to have taken the first buckler and shield to fight against the widespread Covid-19. Thank you to my daughter Danielle Umuringa Gashusho who joined the movement without knowing its meaning. Adults\u27 actions and reactions count more on children. Thank you
Intersectionality and Empathy in Afrofuturist Feminist Dystopian Narratives : Octavia Butler\u27s Parable of the Sower and Nalo Hopkinson\u27s Brown Girl in the Ring
No full text
This article analyzes dystopian fiction’s representation, critique, and attempted rectification of oppressive social structures related to violence against women, black motherhood, and (dis)ability. The 1990s novels Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler and Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson represent what dystopian critics call “patriarchy on steroids.”. Drawing on feminist narrative theory and Afrofuturism theory, this article extends the scholarly discussion of feminist elements in both texts by analyzing representations of physical and sexual violence, which critics have largely overlooked, and the intersectional representation of black motherhood. Although Butler and Hopkinson depict violence against women and black motherhood in different ways and use different narrative techniques, both offer amplified reflections of the real-world intersectional and diverse experiences of women. Butler’s and Hopkinson’s young female protagonists challenge the societal oppressions and inequities they face through empathic reasoning: Butler’s Lauren reframes her embodied hyperempathy (dis)ability as a gift, enabling her to found an equitable community amidst violent social collapse, and Hopkinson’s Ti-Jeanne reframes her temporary zombification as an opportunity to empathize with other characters’ trauma, enabling her to defeat the violent gang leader Rudy. Lauren and Ti-Jeanne thereby imagine new positions for themselves and for women in general
Investigating Inhibitors of a Phosphatase Enzyme
No full textAlkaline phosphatases are enzymes responsible for dephosphorylation of phosphate monoesters. They are involved in numerous biological processes but play a particularly important role in bone development and liver function. Abnormal levels of these enzymes can have detrimental effects on the corresponding processes. This study involved enzyme kinetic studies on bovine alkaline phosphatase to test the effects of substrate and enzyme concentrations, pH, and the addition of known and novel inhibitors. Increased substrate and enzyme concentrations increased the rate of catalysis and allowed for the determination of kinetic constants; Km and Vmax. The optimal pH was determining to be approx. 10, and from comparison of rates of catalysis between uninhibited and inhibited assays, the mode of inhibition was determined to be competitive for the known inhibitors: EDTA and phosphate. Several novel thiazole-based inhibitors with different substitution patterns were also synthesized and tested for their efficacy.
Department: Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tina Bot
Foe Apparel Packaging
No full textThis was a project I worked on in my second class of typography, it is inspired by the novel ‘Foe’ by Iain Reid. I decided to try something new and design apparel packaging for the main character “Junior”. This project was my first time designing a logo and cohesive.
Department: Design Studies
Faculty Mentor: Constanza Pache
Spectrograms: : Record Album Design for Kevin Dean\u27s "Going Down Slow"
No full textThis project was submitted to a record album design competition for Kevin Dean, a professor of jazz music at McGill University. His latest album, Going Down Slow, is an homage to the Blues.
Department: Design Studies
Faculty Mentor: Constanza Pache
Welcome to the Installation: : Package Design for MacEwan\u27s Book of the Year "Foe" by Iain Reid
No full textIn Foe, author Iain Reid explores a crumbling marriage set in a sci-fi world. This project attempts to bring to life the Installation, a cutting edge space station on which the protagonist, Junior, spends two years as part of a research project. It imagines what a welcome package for Junior could look like when he first arrives:
Leaning against a gift box is a greeting card. “Welcome to the Installation, Junior!” He shivers at his name. Rendered in a bold serif font set on a black background, the text is warm and personal. Intended to reflect the success of OuterMore, it sends shivers up his spine instead.
The box itself is supple to the touch and ringed by a band of gold. Unaccustomed to such luxury, Junior catches his vacant reflection in the embossed varnish of his name on the lid. It is surprisingly heavy, and he finds himself setting it gingerly aside.
“Existence is achievable,” the insert reads. In the same bold weight of the greeting card, the words are meant to inspire, but Junior feels only his back aching. Flipping the card over, OuterMore’s slogan, “Go Farther, Be Better,” is featured under a cross section blueprint of the Installation. Junior is momentarily intrigued by the details. Below them is a list of the included gifts, followed by instructions to expect three more orientation seminars.
With a groan, Junior tosses the insert and drops heavily into a chair. How the hell am I supposed to sleep without Hen?
Department: Design
Faculty Mentor: Constanza Pache
Chill and Jazz at the Lake: : Record Package Design for Roya\u27s "Breath & Being"
No full textThis project is an album design for Roya\u27s "Breath & Being," created for the Typography II course (DESN 231). This Canadian artist\u27s musical identity is an eclectic mix of styles that makes her songs cheerful and approachable while also alluding to her family roots. The design uses a casual aesthetic to transmit Roya\u27s self-expressive and lively music. One lonely figure sits on the edge of the lake, looking at their reflection in the water, as a metaphor for one\u27s self-observation and desire for connecting with people. Illustrations and text were hand-rendered to communicate self-expression. Elements such as brush strokes and gestural imprints reinforce the idea of a personal mark. These physical textures are also symbolic of musical textures, a fundamental aspect of Roya\u27s work. The use of organic shapes and bright colours make the design whimsical. A touch of orange in the palette provides coziness to counterbalance the cool-toned areas. Ripples in the water are dynamic and perform as visual representations of melody and harmony. They also appear in the center labels as concentric waves emanating from the record. The waves embody the dialogue between the singer and her audience: as the music plays, sound propagates to reach the listeners. The final piece is an engaging scenery that invites listeners to enjoy Roya\u27s art, combining visual rhythm and emotion in allusion to her music.
Department: Design Studies
Faculty Mentor: Constanza Pache