30921 research outputs found
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The importance of permanency planning from the Indigenous child welfare survivors’ perspective
No full textChild welfare agencies in Manitoba are facing critical challenges with the ongoing adverse outcomes for Indigenous children under their care. Addressing this issue, a comprehensive qualitative study was conducted, incorporating two Indigenous methodologies, the Talking Circle and The Visiting Way, to provide a culturally relevant and insightful perspective. This research aimed to rigorously evaluate the impact of permanent placement options on the well-being of Indigenous children. It sought to determine if these placements significantly improved outcomes and overall well-being, as experienced and reported by those navigating the child welfare system. The study's findings are pivotal in understanding and enhancing the care strategies for Indigenous children in Manitoba.
Significantly, the Talking Circle method, a cornerstone of this research, unexpectedly fell short in its effectiveness for data collection. Despite this, the study revealed critical insights. Participants consistently reported profound difficulties stemming from frequent transitions between various living environments within the foster care system. This constant movement severely undermined their sense of stability and predictability. Most notably, these unstable conditions had a profoundly adverse impact on the mental health and overall well-being of the participants, highlighting a crucial area for urgent intervention in the child welfare system.
This research unequivocally demonstrates that the lack of a stable, long-term home environment is crucial to participants' hardships. A consistent and secure living situation is not merely beneficial but crucial for fostering a sense of safety, belonging, and overall well-being among these individuals, as evidenced by the study's findings. Therefore, integrating these insights into policy and practice is imperative for transforming Manitoba’s Child Welfare system, particularly to enhance the outcomes for Indigenous children under its care. The paper culminates in a detailed analysis of these findings and proposes strategic directions for future research, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.February 202
The role of the oral microbiota and intrinsic host factors in peri-implant diseases: peri-implant mucositis versus peri-implantitis
No full textAim: To characterize and compare the role of the oral microbiota and host biomarkers in patients with peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.
Methods: Patients diagnosed with either peri-implant mucositis (N=13) or peri-implantitis (N=20) were recruited from the Dr. Sam Borden Graduate Periodontics Clinic at the University of Manitoba. Subgingival plaque samples and crevicular fluid samples were collected from diseased implant sites and healthy natural teeth to study the local microbiome and host biomarker profiles, respectively. 16 rRNA and ITS rRNA amplicon sequencing were performed to detect bacterial and fungal species. Eight different cytokines were isolated and analyzed: IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL8, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α.
Results: Bacterial differential abundance analysis indicated statistically significant differences in the abundance of 17 different bacterial taxa and species between sites with peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, most notably Tannerella forsythia was significantly more abundant at sites with peri-implantitis compared to sites with peri-implant mucositis. Fungal differential abundance analysis indicated that Malassezia species were significantly reduced in sites with peri-implant mucositis compared to sites with peri-implantitis. Cytokine analysis indicated no statistically significant differences in the crevicular concentrations of any cytokines analyzed between the peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis groups.
Conclusion: Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis have similar microbial communities and cytokine profiles; however, the presence of certain bacterial and fungal species may play a role in the transition between peri-implant diseases
Cardiovascular health risk indicators and their associations with meeting the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines for older females: a cross-sectional secondary data analysis of WARM Hearts cohort study
No full textBackground: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have been a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among older women worldwide. Lifestyle factors, including physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep patterns, have been identified as modifiable risk factors for CVD. The Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines (24HMG) provide comprehensive recommendations covering these behaviours, yet the association between guideline adherence and cardiovascular health in older females is not well understood.
Objective: This study investigates the association between meeting the Canadian 24HMG and cardiovascular health risk indicators among older females. By exploring this relationship, the study seeks to identify potential public health strategies to mitigate CVD risk in this population.
Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional secondary data analysis approach, this study analyzed the WARM Hearts cohort, comprising older females aged 55 and above. Key variables included adherence to specific and different combinations of the Canadian 24HMG (physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep) and cardiovascular health risk indicators (Framingham Risk Score, Body Mass Index, waist circumference, etc.). Statistical analyses assessed the associations between movement guideline adherence and cardiovascular health risks.
Results: The study found significant associations between adherence to the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines and cardiovascular health indicators in older females. Only 2.1% of the sample met all three guidelines, while 44.8% of the sample met one component and 13.5% of the sample met two. Meeting at least one recommendation was linked to better cardiovascular health outcomes, including lower Framingham Risk Score (FRS), reduced waist circumference, lower Body Mass Index, and improved cholesterol levels. The group meeting all three guidelines showed better waist circumference and BMI than those meeting fewer guidelines. The findings suggest increased adherence to the guidelines is associated with better cardiovascular health outcomes. Meeting physical activity was significantly associated with better cardiovascular health indicators when only one of the three components of the 24HMG was met. Additionally, meeting physical activity and sleep were significantly associated with better cardiovascular health outcomes when any two of the three components of the 24HMG were met.
Proposed Impact: The findings will inform public health interventions and policy-making by identifying the importance of promoting a holistic approach to daily movement behaviours in reducing cardiovascular health risks. By providing data to support the merits of evidence-based recommendations to promote the health of older female adults, this study contributes to the broader goal of enhancing cardiovascular health and well-being in aging populations.October 202
Using RNAi to improve the collection of male-only pupae for SIT of the mosquito, Aedes aegypti
No full textThe sterile insect technique (SIT) is a chemical-free approach to insect control that involves the mass release of sterile male insects into natural populations to reduce the number of offspring in subsequent generations by outcompeting wild males during mating. SIT has been effective against various insect species, but for the mosquito Aedes aegypti, eliminating females from the pool of sterile males is crucial for successful large-scale release programs. Current methods rely on automated sorting to separate larger female pupae from smaller males before sterilization. However, these methods still suffer from high levels of female contamination, which could worsen disease transmission. Notably, female Aedes aegypti pupae are not only larger but also emerge later than males, suggesting that sex-specific genes play a role in larval development. Identifying and targeting these genes using RNA interference (RNAi) technology could potentially alter larval development and be useful for SIT.
Through transcriptomic analyses, 168 female-biased transcripts were identified, of which we selected 33 for RNAi knockdown experiments using gene-targeting short-hairpin RNA (shRNA). The results demonstrated that knocking down 23 of these genes had a significant impact on larval development, a subset of which drastically altered pupation times between males and females. These differences could aid sex-sorting efforts by allowing a higher proportion of male-only pupae to be collected before any females emerge, potentially improving the effectiveness of SIT for mosquito control.October 202
Indigenous youth in sport and recreation on the Canadian prairies: mentor perspectives beyond the game
No full textWestern research methods and ideologies have been shown to be incompatible with Indigenous culture, imposing righteous perspectives of what needs fixing and how to fix it. Indigenous youth have been subjects of research centralized around physical activity, sport and recreation, revealing common participation barriers. Previous research shows dominant social practices in sport/physical activity, including barriers to involvement/engagement, the notion of development, and various impacts of overcoming stereotypes. However, scholars often avoid linking these contextual factors to the root causes of oppression contributing to participation and engagement. In the literature review, I outline ways in which information regarding Indigenous populations has, historically, been gathered, analyzed, and applied through a Western framework, highlighting the absence of subjectivity impartiality’s role in perpetuating the oppression of minority populations within research/academic and governmental institutions (Wilson, 2008; Young, 1990). Through storytelling and personal experience, this study uncovers successes and trials experienced by individuals involved in coaching/mentorship roles for First Nations youth within the Canadian prairie provinces. Four participants gathered virtually for a focus group surrounding experiences of inclusion, exclusion, and leadership, followed up with one-to-one interviews. Personal journaling includes documentation of the researcher's perspective and progression throughout the project.
Critical Thematic Analysis is a way of examining data within the data by identifying statements or ideas that are repetitive and forceful (Lawless & Chen, 2019), and comparing them to larger themes or theories. Primary analysis focuses on Young's (1990) five faces of oppression: exploitation, marginalization, powerlessness, cultural imperialism, and violence. The focus group and interviews were examined for repetitive and forceful statements, with the lens of the five faces as pre-determined themes/theories of investigation.
Stories from participants affirmed barriers (i.e., transportation) as hindrances to participation. Moreover, discriminatory coaching and exclusionary leadership tactics impacted how mentors coach youth athletes, who expressed heightened compassion when working with Indigenous youth. Storytelling showed a strong sense of resilience and determination alongside a passion for improving communities. Journal entries (from the researcher) presented a day-to-day view of the project as a neurodivergent woman, articulating frustrations with self and within institutions (i.e., the academy), as well as reflections of confusion, and happiness/optimism.GETS funding from SSHRC as research assistantOctober 202
Exploring fathers’ experiences of caring for a child with complex care needs through ethnography and arts-based methodologies
No full textBackground
Although the number of children living with complex care needs (CCN) is increasing worldwide, there is limited data on the experience of fathers caring for children with CCN. This paper reports on findings specific to fathers’ experiences of caring for their child with CCN and highlights recommendations provided for parents of children with CCN, service providers, and policymakers. The findings emerged from a larger study designed to examine how Canadian families of children with CCN participate in society.
Methods
We used the qualitative research approach of ethnography and arts-based methodologies (ecomaps and photovoice) as well as purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Four parents were engaged as advisors and twenty-nine fathers participated in interviews (all were married or in a relationship; age range of 28 to 55 years). In line with an ethnographic approach, data analysis involved several iterative steps including comparing data from the first, second, and third set of interviews and refining themes.
Results
One overarching theme, striving to be there for the child with CCN, was identified. Five supporting themes further exemplified how fathers strived to be there for their child: 1) contributing to the parental team through various roles; 2) building accessibility through adaptation; 3) engaging in activities with the child; 4) expressing admiration and pride in their children; and 5) meaning making. Recommendations for parents included making and nurturing connections and asking for help while recommendations for healthcare and social service providers included communicating authentically with families and listening to parents. Fathers also indicated that leadership and funding for programs of families of children with CCN should be priorities for policymakers.
Conclusions
In addition to documenting fathers’ active involvement in their child’s care and development, our findings provide new insights into how fathers make participation in everyday life accessible and inclusive for their children. Study findings also point to 1) priority areas for policymakers (e.g., accessible physical environments); 2) factors that are critical for fostering collaborative care teams with fathers; and 3) the need for complex care teams in the adult health care system. Implications for those providing psychosocial support for these families are noted as well as knowledge gaps worthy of future exploration such as the role of diversity or intersectionality in fathering children with CCN
Effects of aspect ratio on flow characteristics on free surface-mounted rectangular cylinders
No full textThe turbulent flow characteristics around free surface-mounted rectangular cylinders of different
streamwise aspect ratios (AR = 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, and 8 denoted as AR1, AR2, AR2.5, AR3, AR4,
AR5, and AR8, respectively) at a Reynolds number based on the freestream velocity and cylinder
height, Re = 11100, were investigated experimentally using a time-resolved particle image
velocimetry system. The results reveal distinct flow behaviors for different aspect ratios. The
separated shear layer is shed directly into the wake for AR1, while AR2 and AR2.5 exhibits
intermittent reattachment on the cylinder and direct shedding into the wake. However, for AR ≥ 3
cylinders, the separated shear layer reattaches onto the cylinder and is later shed into the wake
after subsequent separation from the trailing edge of the cylinder. Comparative analysis with
previous studies on rectangular cylinders in uniform flow and wall-mounted conditions
demonstrates similarities in reattachment behavior on the cylinder to uniform flow cases and wake
reattachment mechanism akin to wall-mounted cylinders subjected to a thin turbulent boundary
layer. The Reynolds stresses, turbulence production, and vortex shedding patterns examined with
frequency spectra and proper orthogonal decomposition of velocity fluctuations exhibit significant
dependence on streamwise aspect ratio.October 202
The modified pressure bulb theory considering boundary effect
No full textThis study investigates the behavior between Finite Element Analysis (FEA) results and the modified Westergaard equation, taking into consideration of the boundary effect on stress distribution around the loading area of a mechanical part with limited dimension. The Westergaard equation, a definitive problem-solving method in elasticity of pavement with ‘boundary at infinity approximation’, serves as the theoretical basis while a modified advancement is introduced to optimize parameters and address differences between theoretical assumptions and FEA results. The study emphatically included boundary effects in the analysis, acknowledging their effect on stress patterns.
Parameters, such as stress measurement horizontal location (r) and stress measurement depth (Z), are systematically modified, and a new variable, load-to-boundary distance (LB), is introduced to achieve a more accurate alignment between FEA and the newly tuned Westergaard theoretical results. This finding noted the relevance of the original Westgaard model error as well as the boundary effect in tuning the original Westergaard equation, contributing to real-life engineering applications, especially on mechanical parts with limited dimensions. More specifically, the original Westergaard model is tuned by introducing polynomial constants (A and B factors) to correct its error in the application of mechanical parts with a single material. The boundary effects of mechanical structure with limited dimensions and its induced stress distribution error can be described by a Gaussian function with variable, LB.February 202
Patterns of mental health problems among children: multilevel joint latent class analysis
No full textChild and Adolescent mental health disorders (MHD) are a global issue that have significant impacts on individuals, families, society, and the economy. It is important to identify specific subgroups within children population and traditional methods of identifying subgroups using single informant may not be effective, leading to inaccurate findings. Multilevel latent class models are not yet explored for clustering schools with nested children exhibiting similar behavior patterns. The objectives of this thesis are: i) to analyze the mental health patterns among children using multiple informants and compare with those obtained from single informant; ii) to capture the heterogeneity of mental health patterns across schools and cluster schools based on these patterns; and iii) to assess the effect of school-level and individual-level factors on clusters of schools and mental health patterns of children respectively. We employed a proposed Latent Class Analysis (LCA) technique to classify students into latent mental health patterns, integrating assessments provided by both teachers and students in Manitoba Grade 5 Mental Health Survey. We extended the proposed LCA model to accommodate the nested structure of the data by specifying categorical latent variable to cluster schools. Additionally, we performed multinomial logistic regression to assess the effects of school-level and student-level factors. We identified six mental health classes (high, moderately high, medium, mild, mild internalizing and low risk) for each informant and three mental health patterns: high-risk, low-risk, and self-reported risk among students integrating both reports. Three mental health clusters: high-risk, low-risk and student-reported risk clusters among schools were identified. Male, Canadian-born, and those engaged in bullying activities reported by teachers had higher odds of being in high-risk pattern and a higher prevalence of bullying in school settings was associated with higher odds of being in the high-risk and student-reported risk school clusters. The proposed model provides a classification technique to analyze data from multiple informants within hierarchical structure by considering the possible correlations among assessments and within higher-level groups. The mental health patterns identified in this study guide policymakers in developing teacher training programs, offering insights into tailored interventions for students' specific needs.October 202
Sydkap Glacier, Canadian Arctic: tracking seven decades of change
No full textThe acceleration of glacier mass loss in the Canadian Arctic due to rising global temperatures over recent decades has significant implications for sea-level rise. Marine-terminating glaciers are particularly crucial to study because of their susceptibility to both internal and external controls, which complicates identification of the specific drivers of their retreat. Sydkap Glacier, located on Southern Ellesmere Island in the Canadian Arctic, is one of the larger glaciers in the region and has been undergoing terminus-driven dynamic change. This thesis aims to establish a historical record based on remote sensing observations to identify the primary driving forces behind the observed changes. The data include terminus change derived from optical satellite imagery, and vertical change obtained through a combination of recent digital elevation models and historical aerial imagery from 1959 and 1975 that were used to reconstruct past glacier extent using structure-from-motion photogrammetry methods. Additionally, velocity data were acquired from NASA’s ITS_LIVE composites of annual ice velocity, and an investigation of topographical controls was conducted. Collectively, this research provides a detailed record of Sydkap Glacier from 1959 to 2023. Sydkap Glacier experienced a topographically moderated retreat phase of a tidewater glacier cycle between 1972 and the early 2000s. Subsequently, regional trends of increasing temperatures and atmospheric forcing caused a regime shift from the tidewater glacier cycle to one dominated by surface mass balance processes and terminus retreat.Research Manitoba New Investigator Operating Grant (2021)
Faculty of Graduate Studies Research Masters Completion ScholarshipOctober 202