30921 research outputs found
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Dry needling latent upper trapezius myofascial trigger points and the immediate effects on cervical motor performance: a randomized controlled pre-post clinical trial
No full textBackground: Dry needling (DN) is an efficacious intervention for recurrent cervical pain. However, there is a paucity of research on the impact of DN on motor performance using quantitative objective outcome measures.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of DN compared to a sham needling procedure on latent upper trapezius (UT) myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in participants with a recurrent history of neck pain.
Method: A blinded pre-post clinical trial was performed. Thirty-six volunteers (mean age 35) with recurrent neck pain and latent MTrPs in UT were randomly assigned to a DN or a penetrating sham group. A single needling intervention was performed. Clinical outcomes included active range of motion (ROM), pain with the visual analogue scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and pain pressure thresholds (PPT). A Fitts’ Law-based head turning task assessed motor outcomes.
Results: Immediately following treatment both groups showed no change in pain (p > 0.05) or ROM (p > 0.05) while PPT was increased (p < 0.001). Pain was reduced at the one-week follow up (p < 0.001). Movement time (MT) was reduced in both groups after the intervention (p < 0.001). Both constant and variable error were also reduced post-intervention (p < 0.001, p = 0.002; respectively). An interesting trend was found with movement initiation (peak velocity and peak acceleration), where after the DN intervention participants’ initial movement was faster; this trend was not seen in participants in the sham procedure group.
Conclusions: Needling interventions can impact central pain processing resulting in decreased pain perception, with subsequent reductions in MTs. These data suggest that DN triggered a sensorimotor response that altered or reset muscle activation patterns leading to different movement strategies.October 202
Genome-wide association analysis within The Manitoba Personalized Lifestyle Research study
No full textOverall Abstract
Background: Obesity is a major public health challenge worldwide and in Manitoba. An estimated 40-70% of obesity is heritable; however, these genetic associations are poorly investigated in the Manitoban adult population using the “gold standard” Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) to assess obesity phenotypes. The Manitoba Personalized Lifestyle Research (TMPLR) project enabled a genetic association study in middle-aged Manitobans. Obesity phenotypes considered are total, gynoid, android, arms, legs, and trunk fat mass.
Objectives:
1. Perform a systematic review to determine genes associated with obesity phenotypes assessed by DXA in middle-aged cohorts.
2. Develop a “pipeline” to conduct Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) within the TMPLR.
3. Conduct a GWAS on obesity phenotypes within TMPLR.
4. Compare the genes from the systematic review to those from TMPLR data analysis.
Methods: The Covidence platform was used for the systematic review. Publications up to July 2023 sourced from Embase and Medline. The methods for the TMPLR project have been published. A GWAS pipeline was established using the Biodata Catalyst bioinformatics platform and the Seven Bridges R studio version 4.1.
Results: Out of 94 and 25 studies obtained from Medline and Embase respectively, 14 studies met the eligibility criteria and 13 genes were identified that are associated with obesity-related phenotypes. No significant genome-wide association with obesity was established in the TMPLR cohort. However, 23 loci have had suggestive associations with the obesity phenotypes.
Conclusion: There is a lack of high-quality genetic studies that use DXA data and adult populations. No genome-wide associations were reported in TMPLR, likely due to the limited sample size of the cohort. However, a bioinformatics pipeline to analyze genome-wide associations in TMPLR cohort is established and can be used for larger cohorts, such as UK biobanks.Biodata Catalyst Pilot FundsFebruary 202
Designing enabling interior environments: a rehabilitation clinic optimizing movement controls for people with Parkinson’s
No full textPhysical environments, whether purposefully built or naturally existing, present significant challenges to those with Parkinson’s. The relationship between Parkinson’s Disease and interior design is an area of study that requires increasing attention due to the physical challenges and environmental risks associated with the surrounding environment. Examining this subject further can foster a better understanding of how interior design can be leveraged to support individuals with Parkinson’s and how it can be used to create safer and more accessible spaces.
The practicum project took a comprehensive approach to analyzing the practical implications of intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with interior hazards. It examines the relation of these hazards with Parkinson’s Disease and its effect on individuals’ ability to interact with their environment. Current theories and literature are applied to a hypothetical project highlighting accessible design that optimizes movement control and user well-being for those with Parkinson’s while potentially minimizing fall-related injuries among these individuals.October 202
Development and validation of models to predict the risk of major cardiovascular events and death for people with kidney failure having non-cardiac surgery
No full textAbstract
Introduction: Patients with kidney failure undergoing non-cardiac surgery have a significantly higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events and mortality than the average population. Existing risk prediction tools are not valid for patients with kidney failure. Harrison et al. developed three risk prediction models to predict the risk of major post-operative events in individuals with kidney failure. We externally validated the Alberta models and developed and validated a ML model for MACE and mortality in kidney failure patients within 30 days of undergoing outpatient or inpatient non-cardiac surgery in Alberta and Manitoba, Canada.
Methods: Data was sourced from Manitoba Health, including adults (≥ 18 years) with kidney failure (eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73m2 or on maintenance dialysis) undergoing non-cardiac surgery, 2007-2019. The primary outcome was a composite of acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, ventricular arrhythmia, and all-cause mortality. The performance of the models was evaluated through AUC-ROC, AUC-PR, calibration, and other metrics. We externally validated Alberta models using two approaches: 1) Model deployment: Used coefficients from the Alberta models to predict outcomes on Manitoba data. 2) Model refitting: Re-estimated model coefficients using logistic regression on Manitoba data while maintaining the same variables as the AKDN models.
To develop a machine learning model, data was split into 70% (training), 15% (validation), and 15% (testing). The training set was used to tune the hyperparameters and train the models; the validation dataset for feature selection and evaluate model performance, while the testing set evaluated the model’s final performance. We used XGBoost and Random Forest, selecting a model with reasonable and balanced AUC-ROC and AUC-PR. The final model was externally tested using Alberta data.
Results: We identified 12,082 surgeries and 569 outcomes (5%). Model deployment performed well, with AUC-ROC ranging from 0.82 (model 1) to 0.87 (model 3) and good calibration. Once refit, discrimination remained strong with C-statistics ranging from 0.83 (model 1) to 0.86 (model 3) and calibration slope of 1. The XGBoost model (8 features) showed an AUC-ROC of 0.861 and AUC-PR of 0.304, and the random forest model (20 features) estimated an AUC-ROC of 0.863 and AUC-PR of 0.332 in the Manitoba cohort. External testing in Alberta showed similar performance. Calibration plots demonstrated good calibration.
Conclusion: Our study confirms the Alberta models' robustness in a geographically distinct Canadian population. Machine learning models demonstrated good performance, with improved parsimony compared to existing tools. Future work should compare these tools and test the impact of risk-guided approaches to perioperative care.October 202
“Mommy, can we speak English? Because it’s embarrassing to speak Farsi”: exploring identity construction in plurilingual Iranian-Canadian children
No full textIn this study, I examine the plurilingual identity constructions and expressions of generation 1.5 Iranian-Canadian minors living in Canada, focusing on their perceptions across diverse sociocultural and educational spaces. Using a qualitative multiple-case study approach and drawing on positioning theory, I investigate the impact of social position on language learning and the dynamic interplay among heritage language maintenance, access to resources, and cultural capital. I employ a multi-method qualitative approach, including interviews with parents and children, children’s visual representations, and value-laden artifacts, to explore three main ideas: parents’ access to resources and capital, the role of heritage language and identity, and the role of children’s families and communities in supporting them in their language development. Findings reveal a close link between access to resources and plurilingual education, the existence of mono-lingual mindsets in some Canadian schools, and discriminatory practices that hinder children’s plurilingual identity construction. Children demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, drawing upon their cultural capital and adapting to diverse social situations. Family language practices and emotional connections to relatives and the country of origin play crucial roles in supporting the development and maintenance of children’s heritage language and identity. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex processes involved in constructing and expressing plurilingual identities while highlighting the need for a better understanding of social contexts and the implementation of appropriate language and socialization strategies to address the challenges.October 202
The influence of directionality bias on vision for action and vision for perception
No full textI investigated the sensitivity of the visual system to directionality bias by manipulating the likely direction of a horizontally moving target. I went on to examine the generalizability of directionality bias on the visual system during perceptual tasks, for which an action was not required. Forty-eight participants completed a visuomotor task and two line bisections tests, one prior to the visuomotor task and one after it. The visuomotor task consisted of a two-dimensional rectangular target appearing in the middle of a monitor and horizontally translating toward the right or the left. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups, a rightward bias group (75% R – 25% L) or a leftward bias group (25% R – 75% L). Results revealed that participants did not make anticipatory fixations in the direction in which the target would move prior to its movement. However, I did observe that following the movement of the target, participants became better at following the target closer to its center, as they completed more trials. Nevertheless, for both, fixations before and after target movement onset, there was no significant difference between the rightward and leftward bias groups. Finally, contrary to my hypothesis, the line bisection task revealed a rightward bias, which was not affected by the directional bias introduced during the visuomotor task. These results suggest that a 75% – 25% bias ratio is not sufficient to cause the visuomotor system to produce anticipatory fixation behaviour. Moreover, the results of the line bisection task did not show pseudoneglect, but instead a rightward bias, providing support for the interhemispheric competition theory of visual attention.Research Manitoba (Master’s Studentship Award)February 202
Contextual factors influencing physiotherapists’ clinical reasoning related to older adult clients’ finance and economics
No full textIntroduction: Older adults experience age-related changes, including increased incidence of chronic health conditions, that can influence their participation in activities of daily living. Physiotherapists can address many of these changes associated with aging. However, older adults’ finances can limit their participation in physiotherapy services. Yet, little is known about if physiotherapists consider older adult clients’ finances in clinical reasoning.
Purpose: To examine if physiotherapists consider older adult clients’ finances in their clinical reasoning, factors influencing inclusion of finance in clinical reasoning, and how dementia might influence their clinical reasoning related to client finance.
Methods: I completed a descriptive qualitative study involving nine Manitoban physiotherapists. Participants completed one-on-one, in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio recorded and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Seven out of nine participants were women, and seven participants had practiced for over ten years. Multiple strategies were used to strengthen trustworthiness, including triangulation of perspectives in data analysis.
Results: I generated two themes by analyzing the interviews: (1) considering older adult clients’ finances in clinical reasoning depends on contextual factors internal and external to the physiotherapists, and (2) diagnosis of dementia adds another layer to contextual factors. Examples of internal factors included past client and personal experiences, perceptions of the finances of older adults as a sub-population, and perception of regulatory and ethical obligations. Examples of external factors included the clients not discussing their finances with the physiotherapists or the clients’ preference about including finance in clinical reasoning. Physiotherapists used a variety of approaches to address the needs of clients with less finances available for physiotherapy services, including modifying their care plan, emphasizing self-management strategies, and changing billing methods.
Conclusion: Including clients’ finances in clinical reasoning is a complex process. There were conflicts within each participant and across participants on if and how to consider clients’ finances in their clinical reasoning. More educational or professional development related to this clinical reasoning area could help clarify some of the confusion or concerns physiotherapists have about incorporating client’s finance in clinical reasoning. Doing so could help improve client access to needed physiotherapy services to optimize older adults’ health and well-being.May 202
Designing optimal object detection networks for detecting damages to canola kernels
No full textCanola is an essential Canadian crop that generated a revenue of $14.4 B from its export in the 2022 fiscal year. To consistently export the best quality canola and set the correct pricing that truly reflects the grade, it is crucial to invest in reliable, high speed, and accurate grading technologies. Leveraging the current progress in Artificial Intelligence algorithms, this research proposes a comprehensive end-to-end system to detect damage to canola kernels and grade them. The proposed system comprises an accelerated sample preparation setup, custom-built specialized AI models, and an edge-AI microprocessor for in-field use. This thesis mainly focuses on the development of specialized neural networks to accurately detect damaged canola seeds as it is the most complex part of the system. Two foundational object detection networks, You Only Look Once (YOLO) version 5 and version 7 were optimized to be compatible with resource-constrained hardware environments. The aim of developing the two optimal networks was to mitigate trade-offs among speed, accuracy, cost, and model size, thereby creating a more balanced and optimized network. Several architectural design options were explored to compress the network structure of the two models in terms of size and cost yet retain or improve the metrics of accuracy and inference speed. The results from the design choices indicate that reconstructing YOLOv5 with ShuffleNet as the backbone reduces its size and cost and increases the inference speed but negatively affects the detection accuracy. Replacing the Convolutional Blocks present in the Spatial Pyramid Pooling Cross Stage Partial and all the Efficient Layer Aggregation Network modules of YOLOv7 with the Ghost Convolutional Network and adding two Convolutional Block Attention Modules improves both mean average precision metric compared to the parent model and reduces the size and cost. To prepare the samples faster, a semi-automatic option was adopted and its effect on dataset quality and the overall time required was also studied. This study is a first step toward developing a commercially viable canola grading system.May 202
Multi-user detection with oversampled large antenna arrays and low-resolution ADCs
No full textThis thesis investigates the uplink scenario in millimetre-wave (mmWave) mas sive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems characterized by dense, uniform linear arrays (ULAs) of antenna elements tightly packed within a con fined space and equipped with low-resolution Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs). The primary focus of our study is to address the critical challenges of power con sumption reduction and hardware simplification while simultaneously improving the performance of quantized systems by exploring spatial oversampling. Due to the con sideration of subwavelength inter-element spacing in the ULA, extrinsic spatial thermal noise correlations arise due to significant coupling between adjacent antenna terminals. In addition to this correlated noise, the noise figure caused by hardware imperfections profoundly impacts signal recovery and cannot be dismissed as a negligible factor in system performance analysis. To tackle the problem of signal recovery in such high density ULAs with low-resolution ADCs, we propose a non-linear inference method based on Vector Approximate Message Passing (VAMP) and Belief Propagation. Addi tionally, we employ a state evolution analysis to investigate the algorithm’s asymptotic behaviour. The main objective of this algorithm is to reconstruct transmitted signals from the quantized measurements obtained by the coupled antennas. In this work, we demonstrate that employing oversampling techniques in the context of low-bit quan tized systems can substantially enhance system performance, bringing it closer to the ideal scenario with infinite-resolution ADCs. Remarkably, this performance improve ment persists even when the system is oversampled, emphasizing the potential of spatial oversampling as an effective strategy for enhancing the performance of low-resolution ADCs. We also analyze how the noise figure impacts the recovery in the context of oversampling, highlighting its significance in system design considerations.May 202
Employing air holes in an electrostatic force driven MEMS DC electric field sensor to improve performance
No full textManitoba Hydro International and The University of Manitoba have collaborated to develop a high voltage DC electric field sensor for monitoring high voltage power lines and power systems equipment in Manitoba. Different types of electric field sensors have been designed, fabricated and tested by electrical engineering graduate students in the Microsensors Research Lab. This thesis describes modifications made to a previous design, which utilizes electrostatic force to deflect a torsional force-driven oscillating membrane. The sensor utilizes a flexible PCB polyimide as a substrate, with a total device thickness of 34 μm. The intent of this thesis is to investigate the effects of air drag on the rotating membrane. By incorporating air holes in the sensing membrane the effects of air resistance are reduced. The sensor experiences less damping and an increased Q-factor, which results in less energy lost per cycle of oscillation and an increased maximum amplitude. Three sizes of sensors were designed and fabricated, and each size of sensor has three varieties. One variety has no air holes on the membrane, another has some air holes on the membrane, and the third variety has lots of air holes. The best performing sensor is the largest sensor with the most amount of air holes. This 5 mm × 5 mm sensing membrane was subjected to a 163 kV/m static electric field with a membrane AC bias of ±6 V operating at the resonance frequency of 72 Hz, and achieved an output voltage of 7.73 V. It has the best defined peak and lowest half-energy bandwidth of 7.5 Hz corresponding to a Q-factor of 10. The linear spring constant was measured to be 5.9 N/m. It is shown in this thesis through simulation and experiment, that the addition of air holes on an electrostatic force-based torsional PCB-MEMS electric field sensor will reduce air damping, increase the Q-factor, and allow for a larger maximum amplitude of oscillation.October 202