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First-line managers’ perspectives of employee engagement, burnout, and active disengagement during the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textThe COVID-19 global pandemic created unprecedented rapid change and increased organizational stress, especially in healthcare organizations. Employee engagement rates decrease during times of change and organizational stress, such as the pandemic. Positive patient outcomes, including lower mortality rates, are attributed to engagement. Germane to this study is that first-line managers are key to maintaining and improving employee engagement. The concept of employee engagement is consistent; however, the concepts that are opposite to engagement including burnout and active disengagement differ. The question central to this study is, if different concepts are described as opposite to employee engagement, how are these concepts identified, understood, and subsequently addressed through management interventions, and do the phenomena require different interventions? If first-line nurse managers are expected to positively impact employee engagement and minimize burnout and active disengagement post-pandemic, further exploration of how this triad of concepts is understood, perceived, and experienced by first-line nurse managers is essential. The study occurred in a Western Canadian province impacted by the global pandemic. Using interpretive descriptive methodology, interviews were conducted with first-line healthcare managers to gain an understanding of participants’ perspectives of the phenomena integral to the study. This study is significant because there is a dearth of research regarding the triad of phenomena, active disengagement, burnout, and engagement, despite the influence of the outcomes of the concepts on staff, patients, and organizations. Understanding what engagement is not, and how first-line managers can address staff engagement is paramount to recruiting and retaining healthcare workers.October 202
Armstrong strain lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection after accidental laboratory exposure
No full textBackground
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a human pathogen naturally present in wild rodents. In addition, LCMV is routinely used in immunology research as a model of viral infection in mice. The Armstrong common laboratory strain and the Clone-13 variant induce acute and chronic infections in mice, respectively. The frequent use of this virus in laboratory settings is associated with a risk of human infection for laboratory personnel. In contrast to LCMV Clone-13, few human laboratory infections with LCMV Armstrong have been reported, leading to a poor understanding of symptoms related to infection with this specific LCMV strain.
Case presentation
A researcher accidentally infected herself percutaneously with LCMV Armstrong. Symptoms including headaches, dizziness, eye pain and nausea appeared seven days post-exposure and lasted ten days. LCMV-IgM antibodies were detected at 28 days post-infection and IgG seroconversion was observed later. Complete recovery was confirmed three months post exposure.
Conclusions
Research involving live viruses comes with the risk of infection for research personnel. This case is the first reported accidental human infection with LCMV Armstrong. The symptoms differed from reported infections with LCMV Clone-13, by the absence of fever and vomiting, and presence of leg numbness. This report will therefore help clinicians and public health authorities to recognize the symptoms associated with LCMV Armstrong infections and to offer appropriate counselling to individuals who accidentally expose themselves
Pre-treatment and extraction techniques for improving the recovery of canolol and related phenolics in mustard and canola co-products
No full textThe objectives of the thesis were to study convective heating (air frying) for improving the extraction of phenolics from mustard and canola co-products, and to assess how micro-emulsion (ME) and supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) processing techniques affect phenolics contents in canola co-products. Mustard and canola seeds were air-fried at temperature-time combinations of 160, 170, 180, or 190 °C for 5, 10, 15 or 20 min. Oil was extracted using the Soxhlet method and the de-oiled meal was air-dried at room temperature. Oil-soluble phenolics were extracted from the oil by hexane/70% methanol mixture, while meal-derived phenolics were isolated using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with 70% (v/v) methanol. Phenolics were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The antioxidant potential of both the oil and defatted meal extracts was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and metal ion-chelation (MIC) assays. The extraction of major oil-soluble and meal-derived phenolics in all the mustard and canola co-products showed a temperature-time dependency. The highest canolol content in the oil was obtained after air frying the seeds at 170 and 190 °C for 15 min, for mustard and canola oil, respectively. Oil extracts from both mustard and canola showed improved antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP) but poor MIC. On the other hand, canola meal extracts showed better MIC. Canola press cake (CPC) from two different sources was treated with different SC-CO2 and ME protocols to remove varying levels of oil. The partially de-oiled meals were extracted using UAE-70% (v/v) methanol. The phenolic-rich extracts were analyzed and quantified by HPLC-DAD. The results were compared with phenolic extracts from canola meal de-oiled using standard industrial hexane extraction (HE). ME was effective in sinapine removal, while SC-CO2 showed better TPC values than HE and ME. Also, ME extracts showed better MIC while SC-CO2 extracts exhibited better DPPH and FRAP values. The outcomes of the thesis will contribute to value-added processing strategies for canola and mustard to generate antioxidants and produce functional canola meal proteins with potential applications in the food and agro-allied industries.Agriculture Development Funds, Saskatchewan
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of CanadaMay 202
Can you sell millions of lipsticks in 5 minutes? A multi-method analysis of winning strategies of livestreaming influencers
No full textLive-streaming is an innovative marketing strategy that has enabled top influencers to sell millions of products in a very short space of time. This study analyzes how rhetoric, voice, and facial expression lead to winning strategies for these influencers. In this work, we employ text, audio, and image analyses to discover top influencers' winning strategies based on 24 pretest videos of 6 influencers from Taobao with the follow-up experiment and 600 videos of 50 influencers from Douyin. Our study 1 (pretest on Taobao videos) identified three strategies – clarified jargon, voice arousal, and happy facial expression - employed by top influencers. In the follow-up experiment (study 2), we looked at the literature on persuasion and sales and formed the hypothesis that top influencers’ strategies could benefit purchase intention through credibility, product evaluation, and audience emotions. We designed the experiment videos mocking top, middle, and bottom influencers, and our results supported all hypotheses. Lastly, our study 3 (big data on Douyin) demonstrates how sales performance is affected by clarified jargon, voice arousal, and happy facial expressions in the influencer’s live-streaming content. We employ a multi-modality analysis and discover the significant result of employing clarified jargon, voice arousal, and happy facial expressions. Two interaction effects on sales were discovered: the interaction of clarified jargon and voice arousal, and the interaction of voice arousal and happy face. This research is one of the first to employ a multi-method approach to examine the content and non-verbal strategies in livestreaming marketing. It has important implications for influencers and influencers-to-be, for brands, and for platform companies hosting both influencers and brands.October 202
The use of oxytocin in experimental models of the human female genital tract with implications for HIV susceptibility
No full textIntroduction: Oxytocin has been implicated in reductions in inflammation at skin and gut epithelia, as well as improved wound healing outcomes in small animal models and clinical trials of skin wounds. Susceptibility to HIV infection at the female genital tract (FGT) has been associated with increased levels of inflammation and breakdown of the epithelial barrier. I sought to investigate whether oxytocin could 1) reduce inflammation and improve wound healing of FGT epithelial cells and 2) reduce susceptibility to vaginal HIV infection in a humanized mouse model.
Methods: VK2/E6E7 (Vk2), Ect1/E6E7 (Ect1), and End1/E6E7 (End1) cell lines were used to model vaginal, ectocervical, and endocervical cells, respectively. Inflammation was assessed by the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine transcripts and secreted protein. The effect of oxytocin on wound healing was assessed using scratch assay models. Immunologically humanized mice treated longitudinally with oxytocin vaginal gel were challenged with HIV-1 and followed for ≥ 63 days. Cervicovaginal lavage, blood samples, and lymphatic tissues were collected for analysis. Additional analysis of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) expression of the FGT cell lines was performed using qPCR, Western blot, confocal microscopy, mass spectrometry, and calcium flux.
Results: Media formulations for FGT epithelia were found to contain oxytocin. After correction of this factor using alternative culture media, it was found that oxytocin modulated pro-inflammatory cytokine transcript and protein levels in Ect1 and End1 cells and inhibited wound healing in Vk2 and End1 cells. OXTR validation in Vk2, Ect1, and End1 cells revealed non-significant mRNA protein levels, with oxytocin also failing to elicit calcium flux. Intravaginal administration of oxytocin gel had no effect on leukocyte activation or regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine expression in our humanized mice. Control mice did not succumb to HIV-1 infection, preventing conclusions on susceptibility.
Conclusions: Oxytocin was found to alter pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and reduce wound healing in FGT epithelial cells in vitro, despite the absence of detectable OXTR expression. Additionally, FGT media formulations were found to confound previous oxytocin studies due to inherent oxytocin levels. Vaginal oxytocin gel did not affect leukocyte activation or cytokine levels in humanized mice, with further work on HIV-1 susceptibility needed.February 202
I did it for the maktaaq: exploring Indigenous methodologies around beluga research in two communities in Inuit Nunaat
No full textQilalugait, beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), are a circumpolar whale species. There are an estimated 21 distinct populations, many of which exist within Inuit Nunaat (homelands). Much of the current knowledge on beluga whales, outside of zoos and whales found dead on shore, come from samples obtained from Inuit harvests. These samples are often treated as representative of the populations from which they originate, and while statistical analyses can account for samples from wildlife of different ages or length, the local contexts are often not considered, which can affect data interpretation. In this thesis, I use a combination of qualitative and quantitative, as well as Indigenous and Western methods, to examine how local contexts can inform interpretation of wildlife health data. I and community-based collaborators conducted interviews in Arviat, NU and Tuktoyaktuk, NT in the appropriate language with active harvesters to determine similarities and differences in harvester preferences between the two communities. In the first publication, Chapter 3, I show how two holistic research methodologies, One Health and Indigenous methodologies, are similar yet fundamentally different in their origins and epistemologies, and in their application to wildlife research in Inuit Nunaat. In the second publication, Chapter 4, I compare beluga hunting seasons, size preferences, food preferences, and research priorities and observations between the two communities who harvest beluga and collect samples for this research. Finally, the last publication (Chapter 5) exemplifies how to consider local contexts when interpreting mercury concentration findings in beluga tissues. These findings show why and how different cultural preferences that are local to each region, community, and even family unit should be included when interpreting results of wildlife contaminant and health research.Garfield Weston Family Foundation, ArcticNet Network of Centres of Excellence Canada, Nunavut Wildlife Management BoardFebruary 202
Influence of weather, environment, and infection on gastropod intermediate hosts of parelaphostrongylid nematodes
Get PDFTemporal and spatial variation in the transmission of parelaphostrongylid nematodes (brainworm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis), muscle worm (Parelaphostrongylus andersoni)) is regulated by the environment and their hosts. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are the primary ungulate host, depositing first-stage larvae into the environment. Gastropods (slugs and snails) are required by these parasites for development to the stage that infects ungulates. Gastropod distributions vary temporally and in response to environmental variation, but further characterization is needed. Habitat preferences of infected gastropods remain unknown due to low prevalence observed in naturally infected hosts. The first chapter used transect sampling to investigate the effect of temporal variation and several environmental factors on gastropod presence and abundance in habitat where moose (Alces alces) are recovering after population decline. Site and month influenced gastropod species composition, driven by three host species (Deroceras laeve, Succinea ovalis, Zonitoides arboreus). Statistical modelling explained gastropod presence better than abundance. Presence varied spatially and was positively correlated with soil pH and humidity, being most likely at a site where deer are absent, indicating that transmission risk would increase if deer were to begin occupying it. The second chapter concerned gastropod microhabitat preferences and vertical climbing behaviour in an urban park and forest inhabited by deer infected with parelaphostrongylids. From June-October, gastropod presence increased and was associated with higher humidity. Abundance also increased over time, and was associated with higher humidity, along with lower air temperature and soil moisture. Infected gastropods were found, but none exhibited vertical climbing behaviour. These results bring further insight into parelaphostrongylid transmission by identifying factors that influence the gastropod habitat selection, which play a significant role in the life cycles of these parasites. Population declines in wild North American ungulates of conservation concern may be caused in part by the pathology and mortality resulting from infection with parelaphostrongylid nematodes.Moose Study Stewardship Program (https://www.hydro.mb.ca/environment/wildlife/#moose)October 202
The barriers to motherhood for disabled women in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya
Get PDFWhile motherhood is a privilege for all women who desire it and make the decision to pursue the same, the narrative may be different for disabled women. Women with disabilities face diverse challenges in realizing their reproductive health rights and their desire to become mothers. The research explores the barriers to motherhood for disabled women in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya. The study specifically explores attitudes, superstition, culture, religion, gender roles, rate of disability among women in sub-Saharan Africa, womanhood expectations, sex education and violence, accessibility, gender discrimination and maternal health care.
The social model of disability was used to understand better the barriers that disabled women face to becoming mothers. The research was carried out using a qualitative scoping review approach. An in-depth literature review on motherhood barriers among disabled women in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya was done. Over three months, the findings were analyzed and discussed.
The findings indicated that women with disabilities faced challenges in accessing maternal healthcare facilities due to physical barriers, negative attitudes and stigma, socio-economic factors, discrimination and lack of comprehensive policies and social identities.
The study suggested the urgent need for concerted efforts towards physical, social, economic, and policy-related factors to address the motherhood barriers faced by disabled women in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya.February 202
Effects of ground predators, abiotic factors and plant density on the flea beetles, Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze) and Phyllotreta striolata (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Get PDFThe crucifer flea beetle, Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and the striped flea beetle, Phyllotreta striolata (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), are prominent economic pests to canola crops, Brassica napus, (L.) (Brassicaceae) in the Canadian prairies, by defoliating canola seedlings, resulting in recurring yield losses. Current management strategies in the Canadian prairies rely heavily on chemical control via both seed-coated and foliar spray treatments. To limit chemical pesticide applications due to potential adverse environmental effects, there has been a focus on alternative flea beetle management strategies including altering plant density and determining potential natural enemies. In addition, few studies have demonstrated how temperature and plant density affect flea beetle feeding and there is little known about the factors affecting stem feeding on canola seedlings. Laboratory studies in petri dishes and microcosms were completed to examine effects of temperature, plant density and predators on cotyledon and stem feeding by both species of flea beetles in terms of damage intensity and prevalence. Both species defoliated similar amounts, suggesting no feeding difference in species. Feeding increased with temperature and more defoliation occurred on the underside of the cotyledons. Pterostichus melanarius and Pardosa spp. reduced flea beetle abundances as well as total cotyledon defoliation. In addition, there was less cotyledon and stem damage at higher plant densities. Field studies were completed in four regions of the Canadian prairies (Lethbridge and Peace River, AB; Saskatoon, SK; and Carman, MB) over 4 years (2018 – 2021). Evidence of both the resource concentration hypotheses and a dilution effect was found as flea beetle abundance increased with plant density, yet defoliation levels generally decreased. Yield increased with plant density regardless of the management treatment or region. The knowledge gained on how flea beetles’ feeding on stems and cotyledons is affected by temperature, plant density, and predators will help for in-field scouting and assessment ratings and provide information for future research into biological control potential with the tested predators. In addition, using plant density as a flea beetle management strategy either combined with current chemical practices or as an alternative, is effective to protect yield while limiting chemical applications.Canola AgriScience Cluster Program (Project ASC-02)
University of Manitoba Graduate Student Completion AwardOctober 202
Validation of calypso surface beacons for deep inspiration breath hold radiotherapy
Get PDFIntroduction: Post-surgical breast radiation therapy (RT) is effective in reducing the recurrence of cancer but is known to increase long-term risk of cardiovascular events in patients. Deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) is one method to mitigate these risks of RT by spatially separating radiation sensitive targets from the treatment field. Calypso (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) is an electromagnetic (EM) tracking system that allows localization and monitoring of transponders during RT.
Purpose: The current research was conducted with the objectives of (a) to confirm the known accuracy of Calypso surface beacons while tracking a phantom in motion and to quantify effects of eddy currents in the presence of metallic objects, (b) to validate the use of the Calypso surface beacon as a method of tracking chest wall motion in volunteers with under 5 mm total uncertainty, and (c) to determine if there exists a measurable difference in reproducibility of DIBH between coaching methods.
Methods: A phantom study was conducted to investigate the electromagnetic interference via metallic objects placed within the electromagnetic field used by the Calypso array. Different configurations of conductive objects were used to test eddy current interference effects. A volunteer study with five healthy volunteers was conducted with 10 - 20 breath holds per session, each with 20 second duration while surface beacon position was monitored.
Results: The total of positional uncertainty in the phantom study was 0.062 cm, 0.059 cm, and 0.061 cm for the lateral, anteroposterior (AP), and superior-inferior (SI) dimensions respectively. The uncertainty introduced by the presence of conductive objects was below 0.1 mm across all tested scenarios and thus considered clinically insignificant. Volunteer intrafraction error was dominated by inconsistency in achieving target DIBH levels. No statistically significant difference in breath hold consistency or variance was found across the volunteers between coaching methods. Mean intrafraction errors in AP and SI beacon tracking were 0.11+/- 0.06 cm and 0.10 +/- 0.05 cm, respectively. The overall uncertainty was below the targeted 3 mm standard error in all volunteer cases.Advanced Degrees in Medicine Program, Rady Faculty of Health SciencesMay 202