30921 research outputs found
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Stockyards wetland park: filtering the Mission Creek watershed
No full textIn a time of rapidly escalating climate change and increasing urbanization, cities are becoming a microcosm of climate change effects that require a response through the built environment to mitigate these issues. In Winnipeg, this will mean more intense storm events year-round and a variation between droughts and floods yearly, among other problems such as prolonged heat waves in the summer months. With more precipitation predicted for Winnipeg and the continued use of the combined sewer system causing sewage overflows into Winnipeg’s rivers, there is a need to look to green infrastructure to assist or replace Winnipeg’s grey infrastructure for water management. Green infrastructure in the form of constructed wetlands can be strategically incorporated along many of Winnipeg’s creeks to help manage higher volumes of water and purify it before it is released into the rivers. Constructed wetlands can help clean the Red, Assiniboine, and Seine Rivers, positively affecting the endangered Lake Winnipeg downstream, and double as park spaces to add to Winnipeg’s park system. This practicum investigates sites around Winnipeg that provide the potential for implementing constructed wetlands. It also contains a site design concept to show the possibilities of constructed wetlands and how they could be used in Winnipeg to improve the city’s water management system through green infrastructure.May 202
Introgression of blackleg resistance genes from related Brassica species to B. napus
No full textCanola (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important oilseed crops, contributing more than 1 billion in yield losses globally. There are different disease management strategies, and using resistant cultivars is one of the economically viable and environmentally sustainable approaches. There are reports of a breakdown of blackleg disease resistance in Australia, France, and Canada due to severe pathogen pressure. Twenty-two blackleg-specific resistance genes have been identified in different Brassica species. Out of these, the B-genome blackleg-specific resistance genes provide resistance throughout a plant's life. This thesis addresses the identification of putative novel sources of resistance from Brassica juncea and hexaploid Brassica into B. napus. In the first project, different B. juncea UM lines were used to identify a high level of resistance against blackleg disease and were screened with L maculans isolate 03-15-03 (AvrLm2, AvrLm3, AvrLm5-9, AvrLm6, AvrLm10, and AvrLm11) and PG4-1-M (AvrLm2, AvrLm5-9, AvrLm6, AvrLm10, and AvrLm11). Plants were inoculated with different L. maculans (AvrLm3 and avrLm3; AvrLm5 AvrLm6, AvrLm5 avrLm6, and avrLm5 avrLm6) isolates to identify the novel source of resistance in Brassica napus Westar x Brassica juncea UM3073 (UMBJ16) genotypes. For genotyping, UMBJ16 genotypes were tested for all the available blackleg-specific resistance gene-linked Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) (Rlm1, Rlm2, Rlm3, Rlm4, Rlm7, Rlm9, LepR1, LepR2, LepR3, and LepR4) and Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) markers (Rlm6 and rjlm2). In the second project, the B-genome blackleg-specific resistance genes were introgressed from hexaploid Brassica into B. napus. Similar phenotyping and genotyping approaches were followed to identify the putative novel source of resistance against L. maculans isolate 03-15-03 and PG4-1-M in Brassica napus Westar x hexaploid Brassica crosses (BNHB16). This resulted in the identification of a putative novel source of resistance against L. maculans isolate PG4-1-M in UMBJ16 and BNHB16 genotypes. This newly developed germplasm will help to develop blackleg-resistant breeding material in canola and rapeseed breeding programs.University of Manitoba
Canola Council of Canada
Agriculture and Agri-Food
Bunge
NutrienOctober 202
Characterization of the oxygen binding properties of hemoglobin from the ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
No full textWeighing only between 2.5 and 4.8 g, the ruby-throated hummingbird (A. colubris) has one of the highest known mass-specific metabolic rates among birds. Despite this, there is a lack of available data on the oxygen binding properties of their hemoglobin (Hb). Here I measured the effect of allosteric effectors, pH and temperature on the O2-affinity (defined as the O2 partial pressure required for 50% Hb O2 saturation; P50) of ruby-throated hummingbird Hb, while also estimating their Hb buffering capacity. A comparison of Hb-O2 affinity (i.e. P50 values) between A. colubris and its sole congener, the black-chinned hummingbird (A. alexandri), revealed differences likely attributed to two β-chain amino acid substitutions. Under treatment conditions resembling the natural physiological state of hummingbird blood, A. colubris exhibited a similar Bohr effect (-0.401) and buffering capacity (4.88 mol H+ mol Hb4-1 pH-1) to those of other hummingbird species, though both variables were among the lowest values previously reported for birds. Nonetheless, the low buffering capacity is modelled to enhance the efficiency of their (relatively low) Bohr effect and may enable a high blood [Hb], which together with a relatively low blood O2 affinity is shown to markedly increase tissue O2 delivery. I also found that O2 binding of A. colubris Hb was thermally insensitive under natural physiological conditions. This thermal insensitivity could help ensure adequate O2 delivery both during and upon arising from torpor, while minimize heat loss at the lungs. These findings highlight the various O2 binding properties of A. colubris that together facilitate the efficient delivery of O2 to the tissues irrespective of temperature
Reducing barriers to Covid-19 vaccines among structurally disadvantaged populations: the role of public health nurses in promoting health equity
No full textIn Canada, the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing social inequities and has further contributed to the morbidity and mortality of individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Access to evidence-based services, such as Covid-19 vaccinations, is paramount to population health promotion and health equity advocacy. Health equity can be achieved through the promotion of equitable access to healthcare services and equal distribution of resources. Addressing health inequities during the Covid-19 pandemic is a major goal and moral imperative in the public health sector. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the practice roles of public health nurses (PHNs) during the pandemic in regard to their contribution to reducing barriers to Covid-19 vaccines and promoting health equity for structurally disadvantaged clients. A greater understanding of the PHNs’ role in promoting health equity during the pandemic can contribute to excellence in nursing practice, improve client outcomes, and increase awareness about the importance of social justice and health equity action. Interpretive description by Dr. Sally Thorne was chosen as the methodology for this study to explore and understand the roles of PHNs delivering Covid-19 vaccines through the Focused Immunization Team (FIT). The WRHA Public Health Nursing Professional Practice Model by Dr. Cheryl Cusack was used in scaffolding this study. The literature search was completed using PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. The articles used in this study were published in English from 2012 to 2024. The literature reviewed included peer-reviewed journal articles, books, as well as grey literature obtained from professional organizations’ websites. A conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 FIT PHNs. During this process, 11 major themes were identified and categorized into five sections. Although the literature on promoting health equity during the pandemic by prioritizing Covid-19 vaccines for vulnerable populations is abundant, there is no sufficient evidence regarding PHNs’ role on the outreach FIT team in the local context of Manitoba. These study results have implications for future PHN practice, research, education, and administrative domains. It is necessary to further explore how local public health outreach programs can optimize equitable service delivery and improve health outcomes for vulnerable clients during global public health outbreaks.October 202
Can the sustainable development goal 9 support an untreated early childhood caries elimination agenda?
No full textBackground
Early childhood caries (ECC) is a global public health challenge that requires innovation, infrastructure, and health system influences to bolster initiatives for its management and control. The aim of this scoping review was to investigate the published evidence on the association between ECC and the targets of the Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG9) concerned with industry, innovation, and infrastructure development.
Methods
The scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus between July and August 2023 using a search strategy related to the promotion of resilient infrastructure, sustainable industries, scientific research and innovation, access to the internet and ECC. Only English language publications were included. Studies that solely examined ECC without reference to the SDG9 targets were excluded.
Results
The search yielded 933 studies for review. After screening for the eligibility and removing duplicates, 916 unique articles remained for further screening. However, none of the identified studies provided data on the association between resilient infrastructure, sustainable industries, scientific research and innovation, access to the internet and ECC.
Conclusion
There were no primary studies that assessed the association between ECC and SDG9, even though the plausibility of a potential relationship exists. Future studies are needed to generate evidence on the link between ECC and SDG9 as this link may contribute to the reduction in the proportion of children with untreated ECC
Current Impacts of The Health at Every Size Model Upon Adolescent Health Outcomes: A Literature Review
No full textIntroduction:
Child and adolescent obesity is a global concern. The number of youths with obesity is
increasing exponentially with subsequent increases in obesity related co-morbidities. Current
approaches to treat obesity include weight-normative style interventions which provide no longterm
benefits and have increased risk of physical and psychological harms. The Health at Every
Size (HAES) model is a safe and inclusive alternative to traditional diet and exercise
prescriptions. This approach has been shown to improve patients’ overall health within adult
populations. Based on these prior studies, HAES shows great promise for use in adolescent
health.
Objective:
The purpose of this review is to consolidate the current literature available pertaining to use of
Health at Every Size and other weight-inclusive strategies within the adolescent population.
Through analysis of current evidence, this literature review aims to determine which of the five
principles of the Health at Every Size model are effective for improving overall health in the
adolescent population.
Methods:
A literature search using PubMed, Wiley Online Library and the University of Manitoba Online
Library databases was conducted using key terms pertaining to Health at Every Size ideology
and its associated principles. Eleven articles and one clinical practice guideline were found to
meet the inclusion criteria and were included in this literature review.
Results:
Common themes found across the twelve documents reviewed included positive outcomes in
both mental health and sustainable personal care practices in the weight-inclusive intervention
groups. Both weight-inclusive and weight-normative groups found improvements in physical
health measures. There were minimal improvements in participant weight biases and
stigmatization in intervention groups.
Conclusion:
The Health at Every Size approach to adolescent obesity and health enhancement is effective for
improving physical and psychological health. In addition, it teaches sustainable health practices
with very little risk to the patient. Adolescence is a time of great change and vulnerability and
using an approach that is protective of long-term physical and psychological health outcomes is
of the utmost importance. Further research is required on promotion and incorporation of this
strategy into primary adolescent care
Identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with lodging resistance in Brassica napus L.
No full textBrassica napus L. (canola and rapeseed) is the world’s second-largest oilseed crop, and it has significant economic importance to Canadian agriculture. However, lodging in canola is a significant agronomic issue, making maintaining high yield and oil quality in B. napus difficult. Discovering genetic regions associated with lodging resistance is essential to understand the mechanism controlling lodging. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis using the composite interval mapping method (ICIM) was conducted using two different doubled haploid (DH) populations. Genomic regions that govern lodging resistance, flowering date, plant height, and maturity date were successfully identified. Within the two populations (Z/B and L/R, which correspond to chapters three and four), QTLs associated with lodging explained 3.34 to 17.31 % and 5.6 to 11.52 % of phenotypic variation, respectively. QTL for lodging were identified on A01, A03, A05, A07, A10, and C01 in the Z/B population, and on A05, C02, C04, C05, and C07 in L/R population. Co-localization of QTL for lodging (LODG), day-to-flower (DTF), plant height (HT), and day-to-maturity (DTM) were found on A01 in Z/B, while no co-localization of QTL between different traits were observed in L/R. Most QTL identified for lodging were aligned with QTL for stem lignin, stem hemicellulose, branch number, sclerotinia stem rot, plant height, stem diameter, and stem breaking force in previous studies. Several of these QTL identified in this study appeared novel, which could be useful for future breeding programs to enhance lodging resistance in B. napus, resulting in improved yield and oil quality. QTL for lodging identified in the current study with phenotypic variation explained over 10 % were utilized to screen for potential candidate transcripts. Transcripts involved in plant cell wall biosynthesis/ modification, root development, cellulose activities, ethylene, auxin gibberellic acid and brassinosteroid signaling are promising candidate genes.Nutrien, Bunge, NSERC, and AAFC Canada.October 202
Carbon cycling and ocean acidification studies in Baffin Bay and Nares Strait
No full textThe marine carbon cycle in Canadian Arctic waters, particularly in Nares Strait and Baffin Bay, is undergoing rapid change due to a shifting climate. Despite this, there's been a paucity of research into the carbonate chemistry and biogeochemical processes in these regions. This thesis addresses this gap by investigating the complex carbon dynamics in these waters, critical for understanding their role in the global carbon cycle.
The first research chapter evaluates the strength of the biological carbon pump during the spring ice-edge bloom in Baffin Bay. We found stark differences in springtime net community production (NCP) between Arctic and Atlantic water domains, in western and eastern Baffin Bay, respectively. Arctic outflow waters exhibited low spring NCP (< 1 mol C m-2) due to persistent sea-ice cover and strong stratification of the upper water column, whereas the Atlantic water domain displayed high NCP rates (up to 5.7 mol C m-2).
The first comprehensive examination of the marine carbon dynamics in Nares Strait is also presented. Using a multi-tracer linear mixing model, we distinguished the role of physical and biological processes on the distribution of dissolved inorganic carbon in Nares Strait. We identified water mass mixing as the dominant control on marine carbon dynamics, with primary production also playing an important role in decreasing surface pCO2. Importantly, this investigation also provided the first documented evidence of Siberian river waters arriving in Nares Strait.
The final research chapter of this thesis investigates the biogeochemical processes affecting aragonite saturation states (ΩAr), and the state of ocean acidification in Baffin Bay, with a focus on the west Greenland continental shelf region, which has remained under-studied in terms of its marine biogeochemistry. We identify two main depth-dependent processes shaping the ΩAr distribution throughout Baffin Bay; within the upper 200 metres, lower ΩAr coincides with increasing fractions of Arctic-outflow waters, while below 200 metres organic matter respiration is responsible for decreasing ΩAr. Surprisingly, substantial Arctic-outflow waters were identified on the west Greenland shelf, challenging what is currently known of circulation patterns in the bay, and underscoring the need for further research.Northern Scientific Training Program
ArcticNet
CERC Program at University of Manitoba (D. Dahl-Jensen)February 202
Exploring Canadian newcomer and immigrant parents’ usage and preferences for mental health services
No full textImmigrant and newcomer parents face significant barriers to accessing mental health care in Canada. The present exploratory study investigated the following questions: (RQ1) what motivators and barriers to accessing mental health supports in Canada are reported by immigrant parents, (RQ2) what features would they want included in an online resource, (RQ3) what are the relationships between stressful experiences, family resources, social support, and motivators/barriers reported by immigrant parents, and (RQ4) what are the differences in these variables between immigrant and Canadian-born parents? 152 Canadian immigrant parents were recruited using the online AskingCanadians platform where they were redirected to take an online survey via REDCap. Data was examined using descriptive statistics, correlations, regression, and independent samples t-tests. For RQ1, the highest endorsed motivator was wanting to improve one’s own parenting skills and the highest endorsed barrier was concerns about financial costs. For RQ2, parents reported wanting to access a shorter program via the web that was delivered and developed by psychologists. For RQ3, immigrant parents’ motivators and barriers were correlated with stressful experiences and social support. Regression and moderation analyses further explored these relationships. For RQ4, immigrant parents reported fewer stressful experiences, family resources, and motivators than Canadian-born parents. This research demonstrated that stressful experiences and social support could be worth investigating in future research as possible avenues for reducing barriers and increasing motivators. This study also provided a first step toward creating online resources for parent populations who have greater difficulty in accessing mental health care but are in critical need of it.October 202
“We are an active family”: a randomized trial protocol to evaluate a family-system social identity intervention to promote child physical activity
No full textAbstract
Background
Regular engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during childhood yields a myriad of health benefits, and contributes to sustained MVPA behaviors into adulthood. Given the influence of parents on shaping their child’s MVPA behaviour, the family system represents a viable target for intervention. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of two intervention conditions designed to increase child MVPA: (1) A standard education + planning intervention providing information about benefits, action planning, and coping planning; and (2) An augmented physical activity education + planning intervention that includes the components of the standard intervention, as well as a focus on family identity promotion and developing as an active member of the family.
Methods
A two-arm parallel single-blinded randomized trial will compare the two conditions over 6 months. Eligible families have at least one child aged 6–12 years who is not meeting the physical activity recommendations within the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (i.e.,<60 min/day of MVPA). Intervention materials targeting family identity promotion will be delivered online via zoom following baseline assessment, with booster sessions at 6-weeks and 3-months. Child MVPA will be measured by wGT3X-BT Actigraph accelerometry at baseline, 6-weeks, 3-months, and 6-months as the primary outcome. At these same time points, parent cognition (e.g., attitudes, perceived control, behavioral regulation, habit, identity) and support behaviours, and parent-child co-activity will be assessed via questionnaire as secondary outcomes. Child-health fitness measures will be also administered through fitness testing at baseline and 6-months as secondary outcomes. Finally, upon completion of the trial’s 6-month measures, a follow-up end-of-trial interview will be conducted with parents to examine parents’ experiences with the intervention.
Results
So far, 30 families have been enrolled from the Southern Vancouver Island and Vancouver Lower Mainland area. Recruitment will be continuing through 2026 with a target of 148 families.
Discussion
This study will contribute to the understanding of effective strategies to increase child physical activity by comparing two intervention approaches. Both provide parents with education on physical activity benefits, action planning, and coping planning supports. However, one intervention also incorporates components focused on promoting an active family identity and involving all family members in physical activity together. The findings from this study have the potential to inform the design and implementation of public health initiatives aimed at improving physical activity participation in children and guide the development of more effective interventions that leverage the crucial role of parents and the family system in shaping children’s physical activity behaviors.
Trial Registration
The clinical trial registration ID is NCT05794789. This trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov on March 2nd, 2023, with the last updated release on September 28th, 2023