30921 research outputs found
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Adaptive re-use of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House to serve as a contemporary cosmopolitan center for adult third culture kids (ATCK) of Dubai
No full textThis practicum delves into the socio-economic and psychological landscape of Dubai, a rapidly expanding multicultural hub accommodating over 200 nationalities with its top-tier amenities and diverse lifestyles. It delves into the struggle of cultural identity experienced by both expatriates and locals amidst the cultural blend underlying its pseudo-cosmopolitanism. Despite the coexistence of myriad cultures in Dubai, genuine inter-cultural socialization and a sense of belonging are not assured. This project specifically targets the psychological and social hurdles confronted by Adult Third Culture Kids (ATCKs), individuals who have spent their formative years navigating Dubai’s evolving cultural milieu. It aims to comprehend their identity struggles and sense of belonging through a qualitative exploration of pertinent literature, translating insights into an interior spatial design concept tailored for the ATCK diaspora’s habitation.
The project honors and acknowledges the unique experiences of dwelling in Dubai, from navigating through a melange of foreign languages and Arabic dialects to appreciating the juxtaposition of sandy streets, palm trees, and remnants of dates scattered on pavements against a backdrop of traditional low-rise houses and modern towers. It aims to tackle the loss of identity and disorientation among the ATCK population, exacerbated by the UAE’s stringent economic policies that create an environment where expatriates feel insecure due to the unattainable citizenship.
Specifically targeting ATCKs aged between 25 and 35, who find themselves disconnected from both their home culture and unable to fully integrate into Dubai’s local culture, this practicum proposes the creation of Ma’an—a contemporary yet culturally relevant cosmopolitan center situated in the historic Al Fahidi district, re-purposing the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House Museum. This location, often overlooked yet culturally resonant for ATCKs, offers the potential for inclusive community space.
Informed by the theory of Adaptive Re-Use, Ma’an’s design draws inspiration from vernacular building techniques, materials, and programming. It accommodates regional performances and behaviours of the ATCK community to promote congruence of lifestyles among its members, taking cues from scholars like Barbara Allen and Kenneth Frampton. Furthermore, Shawn Ginwright’s Healing Centered Engagement theory informs the centre’s programming to address the embedded identity related tribulation within the ATCK population. This sociological approach extends to interior design, creating a positive, layered, and dynamic environment where everyone is respected for their intrinsic human attributes, transcending ethnic, cultural, and economic differences. Ma’an acknowledges the internal conflict of belonging that ATCKs grapple with and transforms this into a celebration of their culturally agile traits through design workshops and healing-centered groupactivities. The learning center focuses on educating and embracing the transient Third Cultural upbringing, turning it into a positive attribute that Adult Third Culture Kids can leverage to function in a healthier and happier manner.
Ma’an’s design aims to provide an evidence-based solution that fosters encounters, interactions, and engagement among ATCK youth in a judgment-free environment. By filling a gap in Dubai’s urban fabric, Ma’an acts as a bridge between nationalities, offering a space where a sense of belonging transcends citizenship.October 202
Design and fabrication of a custom scanning tunnelling microscope
No full textThe primary goals of this project are to design and fabricate a custom Scanning Tunnelling Microscope (STM). This STM will be a part of the Ultrafast Microscopy and Magnetism Laboratory and will be used to study sub-picosecond electronic and magnetic dynamics with atomic resolution. The design goals of the STM are to have high vibrational stability, low thermal drift, non-magnetic components in the STM head, and optical access to the tunnelling junction for coupling to THz light. The project has spanned multiple complete design and iterative prototyping cycles for the STM head design initially based on the Pan design. The primary parameters for the STM head design were to minimize mass while preserving rigidity and maximize the first resonant mode frequency. All the components were designed using the Computer-Aided Design software (CAD) Autodesk Inventor and tested for rigidity and resonant modes using Autodesk NASTRAN, a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. The tested prototypes were initially 3D printed and then milled out of Aluminum 6061 using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines for the final parts.
The final aluminum STM head prototype has been designed, fabricated, and assembled. The lowest calculated resonant frequency of the head is 1.12 kHz. The STM head was tested for coarse motion and failed to produce sufficient displacement. The tests with the aluminum STM head led to a revised design for the 3D-printed titanium STM head and have guided the design methods for future designs that make even more use of 3D printing. The titanium STM head is designed and fabricated and is waiting to be assembled and tested.October 202
Diet characterization of Hudson Bay ringed seals in a changing sub-arctic marine environment
No full textRapid environmental change in the Arctic can influence food web structure and dynamics. Ice- obligate species, such as ringed seals (Pusa hispida), are particularly vulnerable to decreased sea ice extent. In this thesis, I examined the patterns and foraging plasticity of ringed seals in Hudson Bay, an ecosystem undergoing rapid ecological change, to make inferences on possible changes to the Arctic marine food web dynamics. To examine ringed seal diet, I used muscle and liver tissues from subsistence harvested seals, and vibrissae segments from live captured ringed seals. Specifically, I investigated spatial, temporal, and within-individual variation in the diet of ringed seal populations. I used long-term datasets from two Nunavut communities over the years of 2003 – 2017 to quantify the general increase in isotopic niche breadth for seals in western Hudson Bay and a decrease in eastern Hudson Bay, despite having similar diet proportions. Using chronological tissue sampling, I then revealed high variation among individuals rather than within individuals of seals in the same age and sex class, indicating that these generalist feeders are foraging with individualized strategies. Lastly, I compared ringed seal diet signatures with two other Hudson Bay phocid species and indicated that ringed seal diets do not generally overlap with harbour seals (Phoca vitulina). I then determined reliable estimates of sympagic and pelagic algal carbon sources to the diets of the three seal species and found that ringed seals have more pelagic algal content and less sympagic algal carbon in their diet compared to harbour seals and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus). Overall, this thesis highlights the limits to foraging plasticity and spatio- temporal feeding patterns of ringed seals in a changing environment.February 202
Allay embrace: transitional supportive housing for adult women struggling with homelessness
No full textThis practicum project investigated the relationship between gendered spaces and the themes of home, community, and self, as well as re-defining the idea of a shelter based on the activities shared and the organization of private and shared spaces. Drawing on the analysis of theories of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Placemaking, Adaptive Reuse, and the concept of Safe Housing, design strategies have been developed for a transitional supportive housing system that adapts to the needs of homeless single adult women. This was done to create a short-term residence that redefines what a home could mean to homeless women while also providing skills to aid these individuals in transitioning into more permanent, stable, and secure housing. The proposed project examined how interior design could assist in alleviating the social issue of homelessness through attaining a sense of community, empowerment, comfort, and security, as it introduced the Adaptive Reuse of the Roslyn Court Apartments as Allay Embrace.
The design of Allay Embrace was focused on re-defining the model of a gendered shelter through the development of shared spaces, which featured the inclusion of a communal kitchen and dining space, a making library and workshop, a skill training center, and lounges, among other shared spaces that examined the potential of such spaces to foster a sense of community and belonging within the building. The development of private spaces also aided in the re-establishing of the idea of a gendered shelter through the use of the residence, lounges, and making library and workshop to help the occupants define and personalize their spaces to develop what a home means to them, which could aid to foster a sense of self. In doing so, the project Allay Embrace explored how interior design can redefine the idea of a home in a gendered space to accommodate activities and private space that improve the quality of life for the occupants and allow for opportunities for them to regain their self-worth, identity and empowerment within the shelter while informing them of ways to develop interpersonal skills and gain permanent, secure, and stable housing in the broader community.
Diverse research methodologies were used to investigate this project, considering the themes of home, self, and community in the practicum project and design programme. These methodologies include literary analysis, design precedent analysis, site analysis, and a photographic walkthrough. Each exploration aided in informing the design process, programme, and proposal of Allay Embrace, 40 Osborne Street. This practicum project is only the beginning of a multiple-step process of alleviating the complex social issue of homelessness.October 202
Developing a human-centric strategy for the future design of agricultural tractor cabs: optimizing user interaction and ergonomics
No full textThe evolution of tractor cab design has transitioned from a focus solely on functionality to a more holistic approach that prioritizes human-centered design principles. This research delves into the ergonomic considerations necessary for the design of semi-autonomous tractor cabs, aiming to enhance operator comfort, safety, and efficiency. The study begins by exploring ergonomic shortcomings in current tractor cab designs, highlighting issues such as awkward seating postures, frequent neck and back twisting. Observational techniques, usability assessments, and interviews with design engineers were employed to gain insights into these ergonomic challenges. The study also incorporates anthropometric modeling to understand the active range of motion for key joints, classifying these movements into comfortable, acceptable, and unsatisfactory zones. The RAMSIS software was employed for evaluating comfort and discomfort as well as determining the optimal visual field. This information is vital for guiding the placement of controls and features within the cab, ensuring that human comfort is prioritized.
The research further ranks tasks performed by operators in both on-road and field modes, evaluating them based on frequency of use, task priority, and safety concerns. This prioritization guides the strategic placement of controls, ensuring that high-priority tasks are easily accessible. Recommendations are provided for the optimal placement of features, such as speed control, steering, and emergency systems, within the operator's comfort zones. The study also emphasizes the need for adjustable features to accommodate different operator sizes and preferences.
This research provides a comprehensive framework for the human-centered design of semi-autonomous tractor cabs. By integrating ergonomic principles and prioritizing operator needs, the proposed design aims to enhance the overall user experience, ensuring that future tractor cabs are not only functional but also comfortable and safe for operators.Half of the funding for this project was received by Buhler Versatile.October 202
Translanguaging and language maintenance among Arab students: immigrants and refugees
No full textAs Canada experiences an influx of immigrants and refugees, K-12 classrooms are becoming increasingly multilingual. Providing educational materials and resources in multiple languages does not guarantee that students new to Canada will become bilingual in their native languages (L1) and Canada’s official language (L2). Therefore, it is necessary to re-evaluate best practices from the late 1970s and early 1980s, when using the native language in language-teaching classrooms was deemed unacceptable. This study examines English/Arabic translanguaging and language maintenance practices by Arab immigrant students and those from refugee backgrounds. Using positioning theory, this research focuses on participants’ development of positions and translingual identities, and on analyzing the distribution of rights, duties, and obligations through conversations and narratives. This research further examines how Arab students employ their linguistic abilities to acquire knowledge, enhance comprehension, and foster global identities. Using English, Arabic, and translanguaging in different contexts among immigrants and students from refugee backgrounds reveals similarities and differences influenced by their diverse experiences, cultural heritages, and social environments. These students need help communicating in their non-dominant language, and they often encounter stereotypes and misunderstandings regarding their linguistic proficiency. However, both groups recognize the immense value of bilingualism as it offers numerous advantages for personal, social, cognitive, and educational growth.October 202
Short-term effects of a park-based group mobility program on increasing outdoor walking in older adults with difficulty walking outdoors: the Getting Older Adults Outdoors (GO-OUT) randomized controlled trial
No full textAbstract
Background
We estimated the short-term effects of an educational workshop and 10-week outdoor walk group (OWG) compared to the workshop and 10 weekly reminders (WR) on increasing outdoor walking (primary outcome) and walking capacity, health-promoting behavior, and successful aging defined by engagement in meaningful activities and well-being (secondary outcomes) in older adults with difficulty walking outdoors.
Methods
In a 4-site, parallel-group randomized controlled trial, two cohorts of community-living older adults (≥ 65 years) reporting difficulty walking outdoors participated. Following a 1-day workshop, participants were stratified and randomized to a 10-week OWG in parks or 10 telephone WR reinforcing workshop content. Masked evaluations occurred at 0, 3, and 5.5 months. We modeled minutes walked outdoors (derived from accelerometry and global positioning system data) using zero-inflated negative binomial regression with log link function, imputing for missing observations. We modeled non-imputed composite measures of walking capacity, health-promoting behavior, and successful aging using generalized linear models with general estimating equations based on a normal distribution and an unstructured correlation matrix. Analyses were adjusted for site, participation on own or with a partner, and cohort.
Results
We randomized 190 people to the OWG (n = 98) and WR interventions (n = 92). At 0, 3, and 5.5 months, median outdoor walking minutes was 22.56, 13.04, and 0 in the OWG, and 24.00, 26.07, and 0 in the WR group, respectively. There was no difference between groups in change from baseline in minutes walked outdoors based on incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) at 3 months (IRR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.47, 1.14) and 5.5 months (IRR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.44, 1.34). Greater 0 to 3-month change in walking capacity was observed in the OWG compared to the WR group (βz-scored difference = 0.14, 95% CI 0.02, 0.26) driven by significant improvement in walking self-efficacy; other comparisons were not significant.
Conclusions
A group, park-based OWG was not superior to WR in increasing outdoor walking activity, health-promoting behavior or successful aging in older adults with difficulty walking outdoors; however, the OWG was superior to telephone WR in improving walking capacity through an increase in walking self-efficacy. Community implementation of the OWG is discussed.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03292510 Date of registration: September 25, 2017
Focused allergic rhinitis practice parameter for Canada
No full textAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent disease in Canada that affects both children and adults. Several guidelines for the management of AR have been published by professional allergy societies worldwide. However, there are regional differences in the clinical management of AR, and regulatory approval of some AR pharmacotherapies varies among countries. Thus, six research questions specific to the treatment of AR in Canada were identified for this focused practice parameter. Reviews of the literature published since 2016 were conducted to obtain evidence-based support for the responses of the Work Group to each research question. In response to research question 1 “In patients with symptoms indicative of AR, is serum-specific IgE sufficient to identify candidates for immunotherapy or is a skin prick test mandatory?” the Work Group concluded that either sIgE testing or skin prick test are acceptable for diagnosing AR and guiding immunotherapy. In response to research question 2 “When taking into account the preferences of the patient and the prescriber (stakeholder engagement) should second-generation oral antihistamine (OAH) or intranasal corticosteroid (INCS) be first line?” the Work Group concluded that existing guidelines generally agree on the use of INCS as a first-line therapy used for AR, however, patient and provider preferences and considerations can easily shift the first choice to a second-generation OAH. In response to research question 3 “Is a combination intranasal antihistamine (INAH)/INCS formulation superior to INCS plus OAH? Do they become equivalent after prolonged use?” the Work Group concluded that that the combination INAH/INCS is superior to an INCS plus OAH. However, there was insufficient evidence to answer the second question. In response to research question 4 “Do leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) have a greater benefit than OAH in AR for some symptoms to justify a therapeutic trial in those who cannot tolerate INCS?” the Work Group concluded that LTRAs have inferior, or at best equivalent, daytime or overall symptom control compared with OAH, but LTRAs may improve nighttime symptom control and provide benefits in patients with AR and concomitant asthma. In response to research question 5 “Should sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets be considered first-line immunotherapeutic options over subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) based on the evidence of efficacy?” the Work Group concluded that the choice of SLIT or SCIT cannot be made on efficacy alone, and differences in other factors outweigh any differences in efficacy. In response to research question 6 “Based on efficacy data, should ALL patients seen by an allergist be offered SLIT or SCIT as a treatment option?” the Work Group concluded that the efficacy data suggests that SLIT or SCIT should be used broadly in patients with AR, but other clinical concerns also need to be taken into consideration
Factors influencing the diversity and abundance of grassland birds in the Waterton Foothills Parkland, Alberta, Canada
No full textGrassland birds are among the most imperilled taxa in North America, with declines being primarily associated with the widespread conversion of grasslands for agriculture. However, alteration of existing vegetation communities and the landscape context in which habitats occur can be important factors affecting the use of remaining grassland habitats by birds. The Waterton Foothills Parkland region in southern Alberta, Canada is characterized by complex topography consisting of native grassland-forest-wetland mosaics. In this thesis, I used naturally occurring landscape heterogeneity and management-relevant habitat metrics to evaluate multi-scale ecological responses of grassland birds. I evaluated how the presence, abundance, and diversity of grassland birds responded to their habitat using Autonomous Recording Units, in-field vegetation surveys, and spatial landscape assessments. I found that the grassland bird community mostly responded to grassland fragmentation and topography within 400 to 800 m extents. Fragmentation increased the total diversity of grassland birds because spillover of facultative grassland birds at edges was greater than decreases in the diversity of a limited pool of obligate species in more fragmented landscapes. Sites with more rugged terrain was autocorrelated with native grasslands, suggesting that landscape-scale responses of grassland birds to terrain ruggedness were associated with the distribution of different grassland types. Local measures of grassland type represented by the percent composition of non-native species and rangeland health were key determinants of the grassland bird community. Healthy, native grasslands supported higher abundances of Vesper and Clay-coloured Sparrows and unhealthy, modified grasslands supported more Savannah Sparrows and Western Meadowlarks. This research supports that sections and quarter-sections of land are informative units for examining the abundance and diversity of grassland birds in the Waterton Foothills Parkland based on responses of the grassland community to grassland fragmentation, topography, non-native vegetation invasion, and range health.https://apply-accelerate.mitacs.ca/October 202
Using a targeted metabolomics approach to explore differences in ARDS associated with COVID-19 compared to ARDS caused by H1N1 influenza and bacterial pneumonia
No full textRationale
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening critical care syndrome commonly associated with infections such as COVID-19, influenza, and bacterial pneumonia. Ongoing research aims to improve our understanding of ARDS, including its molecular mechanisms, individualized treatment options, and potential interventions to reduce inflammation and promote lung repair.
Objective
To map and compare metabolic phenotypes of different infectious causes of ARDS to better understand the metabolic pathways involved in the underlying pathogenesis.
Methods
We analyzed metabolic phenotypes of 3 ARDS cohorts caused by COVID-19, H1N1 influenza, and bacterial pneumonia compared to non-ARDS COVID-19-infected patients and ICU-ventilated controls. Targeted metabolomics was performed on plasma samples from a total of 150 patients using quantitative LC–MS/MS and DI-MS/MS analytical platforms.
Results
Distinct metabolic phenotypes were detected between different infectious causes of ARDS. There were metabolomics differences between ARDSs associated with COVID-19 and H1N1, which include metabolic pathways involving taurine and hypotaurine, pyruvate, TCA cycle metabolites, lysine, and glycerophospholipids. ARDSs associated with bacterial pneumonia and COVID-19 differed in the metabolism of D-glutamine and D-glutamate, arginine, proline, histidine, and pyruvate. The metabolic profile of COVID-19 ARDS (C19/A) patients admitted to the ICU differed from COVID-19 pneumonia (C19/P) patients who were not admitted to the ICU in metabolisms of phenylalanine, tryptophan, lysine, and tyrosine. Metabolomics analysis revealed significant differences between C19/A, H1N1/A, and PNA/A vs ICU-ventilated controls, reflecting potentially different disease mechanisms.
Conclusion
Different metabolic phenotypes characterize ARDS associated with different viral and bacterial infections