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High-Rate Organic Electrode enabled by Ethylene Diamine-assisted Molecular Stacking – Unlock Reaction Mechanism via in-situ ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy
No full textThe quest for sustainable and efficient energy storage technologies has led to increased interest in
aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), which offer a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally
friendly alternative to traditional lithium-ion systems. As global demand for energy storage
systems continue to rise, ZIBs offer an attractive solution for a variety of applications ranging from
consumer electronics to large scale grid storage. Organic electrode materials are gaining
considerable attention in energy storage applications, especially in ZIBs, due to their unique
advantages over traditional inorganic counterparts. Research in organic electrode materials for
ZIBs is paving the way for batteries that are safer, more sustainable, and potentially more efficient.
Continued innovations in molecular design, electrolyte composition, and material hybridization
hold promise for realizing high-performance ZIBs with organic electrodes. As advancements
continue, organic materials may play a transformative role in flexible, eco-friendly energy storage
technologies. Herein the tale of two promising organic electrode material PTCDA and PTCDI are
presented. This study investigates the electrochemical behavior of these organic materials as
electrodes for ZIBs, examining their capacity, cycling stability, kinetics and charge storage
mechanism. By optimizing the molecular design of these organic compounds, we demonstrate
improved zinc-ion insertion/de insertion mechanisms, leading to enhanced conductivity, stability,
performance and kinetics. Various spectroscopic and electrochemical methods such as ATR-FTIR,
PXRD, TGA, DSC, SEM, CV, EIS, GITT have been employed to understand the electrochemical,
kinetic and structural behaviour of these materials. Our findings provide valuable insights into the
role of organic materials in advancing the performance and sustainability of ZIBs, paving the way
for the next generation of green, flexible, and high-performance energy storage devices
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in Ghana: Exploring Ways to Improve HPV Vaccination Practices and Inform Policy
No full textBackground: Low-resource countries like Ghana face a significant burden from HPV-related cancers, accounting for 84% of global cases and 88% of deaths. In Ghana, cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates are alarmingly high, at 32.9 and 23.0 per 100,000 women, respectively, which is almost three times the global average. HPV vaccination is a key preventive measure, and between 2013 and 2018, the Gavi global vaccine partnership piloted a vaccination project in preparation for nationwide implementation. However, Ghana currently lacks a publicly funded HPV vaccination program, limiting access to private options and exacerbating inequities. Most HPV vaccination research in Ghana focused on vaccine knowledge and acceptance, with insufficient attention given to strategies for promoting equitable access to vaccination. This gap of strategic ways to improve HPV vaccination highlights the need for more comprehensive research to improve practice and inform policy the forthcoming national program.
Aim: The overarching aim of this paper-based dissertation project was to explore ways to improve HPV vaccination in Ghana and to generate evidence to inform policy on a national HPV vaccination program. This dissertation consists of two related studies. Study 1 focused on identifying, describing, and synthesizing existing evidence regarding HPV education strategies in low- and middle-income countries, specifically tailored to be applicable in Sub-Sahara Africa, including Ghana. Study 2 examined the challenges and inequities in a privately funded HPV vaccination program to obtain lessons to inform practice and policy.
Methods: Study 1 used the scoping review methodological framework by Arksey and O’Malley advanced by Levac et al. Four electronic health sciences databases were searched for relevant reports published between January 2006 and January 2021. Study 2 used the qualitative case study research design guided by the intersectionality theory, and involved interviews with vaccinators, policy/program leaders, and HPV vaccine recipients in a hospital-based privately-funded vaccine program.
Results: In Study 1, a search yielded 1,757 reports, with 48 from low- and middle-income countries. Of these, 39 were interventional studies, primarily targeting females. Most educational strategies aimed to enhance HPV knowledge and were delivered by health professionals through various methods, including in-person sessions, text materials, media, theater, and online formats. Study 2 identified significant challenges in the privately-funded HPV vaccination program, including a lack of guiding policies, reliance on sexual history for eligibility, and insufficient education for providers and recipients. Findings revealed that the privately-funded program is largely inaccessible to underprivileged individuals, influenced by gender, socioeconomic status, and conservative sociocultural norms hindering discussions about sexual health.
Conclusions: The privately-funded HPV vaccination program is inaccessible to underprivileged individuals and faces structural challenges. Without a guiding policy, its quality and efficiency are limited. Standardized guidelines are needed to support evidence-based practices and promote advocacy to stimulate political interest in policy-making. Additionally, these findings underscore the need for a comprehensive, publicly funded program that addresses both access and education, incorporating culturally sensitive strategies to overcome socio-cultural barriers and ensure equitable coverage
Insight into government, September 5, 2025
No full textAlberta's independent newsletter on government & politics
Transport and Accumulation of Blockage-Related Solids in Urban Sewers: Wet Wipes and FOG (Fat, Oil and Grease)
No full textThe accumulation of sewer solids significantly reduces the hydraulic capacity of urban sewer networks, ultimately leading to sanitary or combined sewer overflows. Recent studies and media coverage have identified wet wipes and FOG (fat, oil, and grease) deposits as two predominant solids contributing to sewer blockages; however, their transport and accumulation mechanisms remain poorly understood. This thesis aims to address this knowledge gap and propose mitigation strategies for blockages caused by wipes and FOG in sewers.
First, the transport of wipes with different densities and sizes was systematically studied in a circular pipe (Chapter 2). Previous studies have primarily focused on quantifying wipe abundance in sewer networks, while their movement processes remain unexplored. The critical shear stress and flow velocity for the incipient motion of wipes were found to increase with increasing wipe density and with decreasing relative wipe size. Non-dimensional equations were developed to characterize the incipient motion using the critical Shields number and the particle Froude number. The mean wipe velocity and mean ambient flow velocity were accurately described by a power relationship. Wipe movement modes were classified based on the ambient cross-sectional average velocity.
Next, wipe blockage due to a vertical obstruction was studied (Chapter 3). Blockages resulting from the interactions between instream solids and encountered obstacles have been extensively studied for other rigid materials; however, existing theories may not apply to flexible wipes in sewers. This study employed a vertical rod to simulate sewer obstructions. Stochastic interactions among wipes, turbulent flow, and the obstruction were studied in a circular pipe (diameter D = 25 cm), with systematic variations in flow Froude number (Fr), wipe length (L), flow depth (H), submerged rod length (hrod), and rod diameter (drod). The mean area ratio of wipes (ratio of projected area to original surface area) ranged from 0.14 to 0.30. The entrapment probability P (ratio of entrapped to released wipes) for a single wipe was strongly correlated with Fr, H/D, L/H, drod/H, and hrod/H. As more wipes were released, the influence of the obstruction on wipe accumulation processes became negligible. New equations were developed to characterize entrapment probability, blockage length, and backwater rise, which can be used to predict the development of wipe blockages and sewage levels.
Afterwards, the influence of suspended solids on FOG deposit formation was studied (Chapter 4). The presence of suspended solids is a critical feature of wastewater, yet its effects have often been overlooked. This study examined the physicochemical properties of FOG deposits formed from oleic acid and palmitic acid in the presence and absence of suspended solids. Results show that palmitic acid solidified more rapidly and formed larger masses. Saponified FOG, metal silicates (calcium/magnesium silicates), and crushed concrete can trigger deposit formation by providing heterogeneous nuclei, facilitating adsorption, and leaching hydroxide/metal ions, respectively. Glass beads reduced deposit formation by 30% under a velocity gradient of 88.7 s-1 and 4-hour reaction time by forming a physical barrier. The asymmetric vibration of the carboxylate group was a suitable indicator for determining the percent saponification (PS). The saponification degree exhibited clear stratification, with PS reaching up to 69% in the inner layer of FOG deposits adjacent to the concrete surface and lower PS (7%–29%) in the outer layer.
Last, the hydrodynamic effects on the FOG deposit formation were investigated (Chapter 5). Previous studies used constant flow conditions and did not correlate hydrodynamic parameters with FOG formation. This study analyzed the spatial distribution, growth behavior, and chemical composition of FOG deposits under varying flow conditions. Results show that the velocity magnitude (V), turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and vorticity (|ω|) of the FFA-oil mixture were 15%, 22%, and 2% higher than those of water, respectively. Rather than accumulating in all low-velocity areas (V < 0.1 m/s), FOG deposits tended to form in vortex regions with |ω| > 20 s-1. Higher TKE (> 0.0037 m2/s2) near the concrete surface inhibits FOG accumulation. Increased TKE promoted outer layer growth and reduced inner layer thickness, indicating competitive formation processes.
This thesis provides critical insights into sewer blockages caused by wipes and FOG. The findings can help municipalities and utility firms assess sewer blockage risks, optimize maintenance strategies, and implement targeted mitigation measures, ultimately enhancing sewer system efficiency and resilience
The Politics of Implementation Knowledge: A Research of the Implementation Framework of the Free Senior High School Policy in Ghana
No full text“The Politics of Implementation Knowledge: A Research of the Implementation Framework of the Free Senior High School Policy in Ghana” investigates how actors’ understanding of the implementation processes influences the outcomes and impact of education policies. This study addresses a pressing issue, especially at a time when there is increased call for attention to African policy research and implementation studies to generate holistic and nuanced knowledge on how to achieve successful implementation. The history of public policy implementation in Africa reflects a pattern of unrealized goals, with many policies aimed at tackling persistent developmental challenges falling short in practice. This recurring cycle of failure have sparked significant concerns, prompting questions about why policies often fail during the implementation phase.
Using an interpretive approach and drawing on insight from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Studies (CFIR), a theoretical heuristic that suggests the need for a multi-analytic approach, this study investigates the intricate interplay between social, technical and political factors that shape implementation outcomes.
By synthesizing perspectives from interviews and cross-disciplinary literature, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of policy implementation, emphasizing the critical role of context and the importance of context-specific differences. This extensive and in-depth exploration of the implementation framework of an educational policy in the African context provides penetrating insight into the necessity of fostering linkages, alignment and coordination among diverse actors and systems across multiple levels. to achieve high system performance in policy implementation
Investigation of Anchor Ice Evolution: Numerical Simulations, Field Measurements, and Laboratory Experiments
No full textFrazil ice is generated in the supercooled turbulent water column during river freeze-up, and as it accretes to submerged surfaces, anchor ice forms. Anchor ice formation is known to significantly influence sediment transport, fish habitats, operation of water intakes, hydropower generation, and river hydrodynamics. Important advancements have been made in understanding the environmental conditions leading to anchor ice initiation and release, the impact of anchor ice, and anchor ice structures and properties. However, in-situ measurements of anchor ice evolution are very rare both in the field and laboratory environment. Existing river ice models include an algorithm for simulating anchor ice growth, decay, and release, but there are still many empirical elements and significant uncertainties in the model that influence the accuracy of anchor ice simulations. The motivation for this thesis was to better understand anchor ice evolution under varying hydraulic and meteorological conditions and to improve the accuracy of simulations of anchor ice processes made using numerical models.
The anchor ice modeling algorithm was evaluated by comparing to the measurements of two anchor ice events collected during the 2019 freeze-up period in the North Saskatchewan River. The University of Alberta’s River1D model was used to facilitate the analysis. The frazil accretion rate and anchor ice porosity in the equation for simulating anchor ice growth and decay were calibrated to be 1.0 × 10-3 m/s and ~80%, respectively. The calibrated model was able to simulate anchor ice initiation and release times and growth rate for one event accurately, but it failed to predict the timing of another event. This failure was shown to be largely due to the inaccurate simulation of the corresponding supercooling event.
Uncertainties in simulations of water temperatures during river cooling and freeze-up periods were then systematically assessed using the University of Alberta’s River1D Ice Process model and field measurements. In particular, the choice of the heat transfer model and the proximity of the weather station to the study reach were investigated. Results showed that the full energy budget model using local weather data was overall the most accurate in simulating water temperatures. The full energy budget model was more accurate than the linear heat transfer model during the freeze-up period when using remote weather data. The linear heat transfer model was insensitive to local versus remote weather data and performed better in predicting the freeze-up starting time. Neither model was able to consistently and accurately simulate the timing and magnitude of observed supercooling events.
Field measurements of anchor ice evolution were collected using an underwater imaging system and an artificial substrate. The hydrometeorological data and frazil ice concentrations were also measured. It was found that the temporal evolution of anchor ice occurred in one of three stages: growth, stable, or decay. The variation of the net air-water heat flux was found to be a reliable indicator of the timing of these three stages. Anchor ice growth was mainly through a combination of frazil accretion and in-situ crystal growth, resulting in event-averaged growth rates from 0.48 to 1.77 cm/h. Anchor ice grew solely through frazil accretion when snowfall occurred, with event-averaged growth rates from 1.64 to 3.53 cm/h. The frazil accretion rate was estimated to vary from 2.6 × 10-3 to 6.0 × 10-3 m/s during one event when snow was falling. Anchor ice decay occurred through the thermal thinning of accumulations at average decay rates varying from –0.48 to –2.52 cm/h.
Laboratory experiments were conducted in a frazil ice tank to investigate the impacts of steady and varied heat flux conditions on anchor ice evolution. Results showed that the initial, transitional, and final stages occurred in sequence in steady heat flux cases, and an additional heat change stage occurred after increasing the heat flux in the varied heat flux cases. The peak anchor ice growth rate reached a threshold of ~9 cm/h when the air-water heat flux exceeded ~300 W/m2. Anchor ice growth rates during the transitional and final stages increased approximately linearly with the air-water heat flux. The anchor ice growth rate during the heat change stage was 260% larger on average than during the preceding transitional stage, and it was not significantly influenced by the timing or method of varying the heat flux
Understanding Post-Secondary Educational Experiences of Academically High-Achieving Graduate Students with Learning Disabilities: An Interpretive Case Study
Get PDFStudents with learning disabilities (SLD) face a variety of barriers while pursuing education throughout their lifetime (e.g., Paul, 2000). These barriers range from ineffective instruction for those with learning disabilities (LD), to a lack of accommodations (i.e., adaptations such as additional time to complete assignments and the availability of assistive technology) (e.g., Skinner, 1999). Such impediments have been shown to influence students’ development adversely, thus affecting their overall education and life outcomes (e.g., Goldberg, Higgins, Raskind & Herman, 2003). Impediments continue at the post-secondary level, affecting even high-achieving SLD where, despite the advent of inclusive policies, pedagogy, and research agendas, SLD continue to experience disparate challenges and outcomes when compared to their non-disabled peers (e.g., Statistics Canada, 2012, 2022). Barriers specific to higher education include being unable to advocate for themselves or may be unwilling to disclose their LD necessary to access accommodations (e.g., Skinner, 1999; Troiano, 2003).
While barriers facing SLD in elementary and secondary school have been widely studied, there remains a key gap in our understanding of how SLD in post-secondary studies experience, contend with and think about school, including the meaning and significance of their schooling experiences. Not only are their voices largely underrepresented in the literature, but existing research is primarily quantitative and limited in breadth and depth. The few qualitative studies do not address the multi-faceted dimensions of disability experiences and are often framed by at-risk or deficit models of disability. This research addresses this gap by exploring the perceptions and experiences of academically high achieving SLD in post-secondary education.
To examine such perceptions and experiences, an interpretive inquiry was conducted (specifically, a qualitative interpretive case study) guided by hermeneutics (Merriam, 1998; Ellis, 2006). This involved interviewing two female and one male university students who self-identify with LD, and who are high-achieving nonetheless. A case study was developed for each student before studying similarities and differences within and among the three cases. The case studies
employed the format by Ellis (2009): a) an introduction or narrative portrait that offers a holistic sense of the person; b) an introduction to the site(s) – i.e., the programs, institutions, times and places – in which the students’ experiences occurred; c) examples of these experiences; and d) the participant’s expressed views about the experiences. The interviews included four clusters of open-ended questions on the following topics: a) their lives in general; b) their earlier years; c) their school experiences from kindergarten through grade 12; and d) their university experience. In follow-up interviews, the participants could either provide more information, or expand on what they already provided.
The case studies are interpretive in emphasis (Merriam, 1998). This means that the researcher made sense of the data in part by using their preconceptions and pre-understandings, and their own judgement to evaluate and clarify the interpretations (Ellis, 1998a). This was a rigorous process guided and informed by key ideas and metaphors in hermeneutics. These include the identification of whole-part relationships (i.e., gaining a clear understanding of the co-constituted inter-relationship between the individual and their world) (Patterson & Williams, 2002); heightened attention to language and discourse communities (i.e., the political and historical context in which the individuals speak) (Ellis, 2006); and the use of the hermeneutic circle in interpretation. Based on this analysis, a holistic account of each participant’s experience in school was prepared which offers insights into the complexity of that experience, uncovering nuanced data. Results highlight three key metathemes: 1) identity exploration, 2) experiences of trauma; and, 3) school as an unsafe environment.
The significance of this research lies in advancing our understanding of high-achieving SLD in post-secondary education. Accessing the voices of these students provides unique insight into the friction between policy, practice, and lived experience. This understanding can thus inform and enhance decisions regarding post-secondary institutional practices, pedagogy and policies to better enable students with learning disabilities to fully participate in higher education
GrEx-The Manual
No full textThe manual contains resources for excelling at SSHRC grant writing. Documents include information on SSHRC guidelines and criteria, university policies, strategies and worksheets for writing persuasively, and sample successful grant applications
Styled Across Continents
No full textGrowing up in Ghana, I was deeply immersed in African textiles, where prints weren’t just fabric but expressions of our history and culture. As a textile designer trained in this environment, I’ve come to see how these vibrant patterns and colors carry stories that transcend borders. The image portrays two participants wearing contemporary African garments made from African textiles as part of a study exploring cross-cultural appreciation and the fusion of different cultural clothing. These outfits highlight the fusion of African motifs with western fashion. The image aligns with the research’s focus on how non-Africans and Africans engage with culturally significant attire, capturing themes like aesthetics (bold colors, patterns), functionality (fit, comfort), and social reactions (curiosity, compliments). Participants’ experiences, documented via diaries and interviews, revealed increased cultural understanding alongside challenges like self-consciousness or external scrutiny. The image shows the study’s aim to bridge cultural identity through clothing, emphasizing how wearing garments with high cultural cues fosters reflection and dialogue on appropriation versus appreciation
Design and Development of Copper - Polydimethylsiloxane Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Wearable Biosensing Application
No full textTriboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) offer an innovative solution to the growing demand for sustainable energy sources by efficiently converting ambient mechanical energy to electricity. Their versatility, scalability, and ability to harvest energy from everyday activities make them one of the ideal choices for powering small electronics, wearable devices, and sensors. Conventional TENGs often involve complex manufacturing processes, toxic materials, and high energy consumption, making them less sustainable and harder to scale. A sustainable TENG design, as presented in this thesis, focuses on using biocompatible materials while adopting a simple and low-cost fabrication method that aids in reducing waste and energy consumption.This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also makes these devices more cost-effective and disposable. In biosensor device applications, where devices are frequently wearable or disposable, sustainability becomes a crucial factor. By simplifying manufacturing techniques and utilizing abundant, eco-friendly materials, sustainable TENGs meet the demand for green energy solutions while contributing to the current global need for green and sustainable technology.
A simple low-cost, flexible, stretchable copper-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) triboelectric nanogenerator is designed and developed to effectively sense mechanical motion from the human body in the form of subtle actions such as touch, tap, and press. By taking advantage of the triboelectric properties of copper and PDMS, the device can detect gentle mechanical stimuli while maintaining stable performance over repeated use. A simple fabrication method is employed to highlight the sustainability of the device.The structural simplicity of the TENG presented in this work allows for scalable production, ensuring its practicality for small-scale applications. The performance of the device is optimized using COMSOL Multiphysics® simulation, which analyzes electric field distribution, triboelectric layer thickness, and contact area.The simulation provided insights into the material properties and design parameters, enabling the precise tuning of the device’s output characteristics. Experimental validation confirmed that the copper-PDMS TENG can produce electrical signals that can be harvested to power small electronics and devices. This thesis highlights an important need for sustainable and efficient energy-harvesting solutions in biosensing technology. The lightweight, flexible, and durable design makes it also suitable for real-time applications. This development represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable, scalable, and cost-effective energy solutions for biosensing applications and beyond