HARVEST
University of Saskatchewan's Repository for Research, Scholarship, and Artistic Work
Welcome to HARVEST, the repository for research, scholarship, and artistic work created by the University of Saskatchewan community. Browse our collections below or find out more and submit your work.
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Recent Submissions
Examining Adult Attachment- and Psychopathy-Related Variables Within the Social Communication Model of Pain
(2024-07-02) Morrison, Kelsey Brynn; McWilliams, Lachlan A; Olver, Mark E; Prime, Steve L.; Kowalski, Kent C.; Craig, Kenneth D; Dejardins, Michel
The Social Communication Model of Pain (SCM; Craig, 2009, 2015) offers a framework for understanding the social processes involved in perceiving and communicating pain. Attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969) has also emerged as a promising conceptual framework for examining the social aspects of pain. This study aimed to determine whether individuals displaying high pain behavior (HPB) were perceived differently than those displaying low pain behavior (LPB), and whether observer characteristics, such as attachment insecurity and psychopathy, influenced these perceptions. A university sample of 201 participants took part in a study involving questionnaires, computer-administered tasks, and video presentations of individuals with chronic back pain exhibiting high or LPB. Participants rated these individuals on various dimensions and completed a recognition memory task. Consistent with hypotheses, individuals depicted in HPB vignettes were perceived less positively, as more vulnerable, and as less mentally healthy than those in the LPB vignettes. The HPB vignettes also received higher support worthiness ratings. Overall, the correlation and regression analyses yielded modest associations, offering limited support for the hypotheses. The psychopathy-related variables exhibited stronger associations with the dependent variables compared to attachment insecurity, suggesting the construct of psychopathy may be a particularly important influence on observers’ reactions to strangers experiencing pain. Further research is required for a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interpersonal and intrapersonal factors that influence pain communication and responses to those in pain. Past research on the SCM primarily focused on variables associated with the degree of concern, compassion, and judgment directed towards individuals in pain. The findings from the current study highlight the need to consider pain, particularly when it is accompanied by high levels of pain behavior, as a potential susceptibility to exploitation.
3D Bioprinted Respiratory Tissue Scaffolds for Disease Modelling Applications
(2024-07-02) Zimmerling, Amanda; Chen, Xiongbiao; Zhou, Yan; Zhang, Chris; Montgomery, Julia; Zhu, Ning; Dhar, Neeraj; Huang, Yong; Gerdts, Volker
Respiratory tissue engineering (RTE) aims to develop functional tissue constructs for regenerative
or modelling applications by using engineering approaches. Among these approaches, the recently
emerging technique of bioprinting is promising as it allows for the repeatable creation of
hierarchical cell-containing structures, thus providing the ability to create functional tissue
constructs/ models. However, there are still challenges in the use of this approach in RTE, primarily
related to generating physiologically relevant constructs that recapitulate the complexity of native
tissues. Aspects including biomaterial selection, incorporating accurate biomechanical stimuli, and
providing natural biochemical signals are all different facets requiring consideration in increasing
the physiological relevance of bioprinted respiratory tissues. Based on the promise of RTE, this
thesis aims at developing novel in vitro respiratory tissue constructs by means of bioprinting. To
address research issues in the field of RTE, four specific objectives are set in this thesis including,
(1) synthesis and characterization of an optimal bioink, (2) incorporation of biomechanical stimuli
mimicking the native respiratory environment, (3) incorporation of biochemical stimuli through
use of a nanoparticle-controlled release system, and (4) proof of concept application of the
developed constructs in disease modelling.
Objective (1) involves the investigation and synthesis of bioinks from hydrogels and
characterization of the bioinks in terms of mechanical properties, printability, and biocompatibility.
Alginate was selected as the base material due to its lack of biotoxicity and its ability to undergo
ionic cross-linking, which allows for a high degree of printability; however, alginate expresses
negligible cell-adhesion motifs. As collagen type I is the primary protein found throughout the
connective tissue of the respiratory tract, its addition increases biocompatibility and cell adhesion.
After synthesis, rheological characterization was used to inform selection of printing parameters
and printability was assessed to ensure consistent structures that closely recapitulated the design
could be created. Bulk compression testing was carried out to determine the compressive modulus,
while tensile testing of printed scaffolds was used for determination of the 3D printed lattice
properties. These mechanical properties were compared to that of native respiratory tissues to
determine similitude. Finally, human pulmonary fibroblast proliferation and viability within the
materials was assessed to ensure biocompatibility. The cumulation of all of these results was then
used to select the most promising alginate/collagen biomaterial for further use in creation of a
respiratory tissue construct.
Work then continued in Objectives (2) and (3) to increase the physiological relevance of the
engineered construct through two different pathways. First, a bioreactor mimicking the pressure
changes and airflow conditions of the human lung was developed and tested to determine the effect
that biomechanical stimulus had on cell growth within the construct. Conditions recapitulating
shallow, normal, and heavy breathing were tested to determine the effect on degradation, tensile
properties, and human pulmonary fibroblast and bronchial epithelial cell proliferation and viability.
These experiments provided insight into the influence of mechanical stimulus on cell growth and
ECM production, with normal breathing conditions leading to an increase in cell proliferation.
Second, a nanoparticle system for controlled release of growth factor was developed and tested to
determine the effect of including relevant biochemical stimulus had on cell development within the
bioprinted construct. For investigation into biochemical stimulus, a chitosan-coated alginate
nanoparticle system was synthesized using an emulsion technique. These particles were loaded
with growth factor aimed at stimulating epithelial growth. Initially, release kinetics of the particle
system were tested comparing coated/uncoated and static/dynamic conditions. Rheology and
printability of the bioink containing the loaded particles was tested along with tensile properties of
the printed scaffolds. Finally, the bioactivity of the loaded nanoparticles was assessed to determine
the functionality of the controlled release system. Although cell proliferation appeared unaffected,
confocal imaging demonstrated an increase in the formation of an epithelial barrier layer.
Finally, in Objectives (4) the application of the designed constructs, including both biomechanical
and biochemical stimulus, in disease modelling was then investigated. The bioink used was varied
slightly through the addition of gelatin and characterized accordingly in terms of rheology,
mechanical properties, printability, and biological properties. Following this, structures containing
human pulmonary fibroblasts and monocytes were printed before seeding with human bronchial
epithelial cells. These structures were cultured at an air-liquid interface before being infected with
an influenza A virus. Cell viability, metabolism, and chemokine release were measured to
determine the ability of these constructs to function as a disease model.
This thesis presents comprehensive work on the creation of bioprinted respiratory tissue scaffolds
for disease modelling applications. This work may pave the way to improving disease modelling
and therapeutic screening pathways by providing a humanized intermediary between 2D and
animal models.
Canadian Family Wellness: Exploring Caregiver Perceptions of Physical Wellness of Families with Children Ages 2 to 8
(2024-07-02) Kiefer, Britt; Hellsten, Laurie-Ann; McIntyre, Laureen; Humbert, Louise
In this thesis, the focus is on caregivers’ perceptions and experiences of family physical wellness in the context of play, outdoor interactions, and physical activity in relation to two theoretical frameworks: Swarbrick and Yudof’s (2015) eight dimensions of wellness and the five domains of the social determinants of health (SDOH) (WHO, 2008; Healthy People 2030, n.d.-c). According to Prilleltensky and Nelson (2000), family wellness denotes caregivers' enjoyment of both physical and intellectual wellness, alongside having adequate financial wellness resources and a supportive environment for both the child and caregiver’s wellness. In semi-structured qualitative interviews, nineteen caregivers (n = 19) were asked about their family physical wellness, inclusive of four physical wellness dimensions (exercise, healthy eating, time away from TV and screens, sleep). Currently, there is minimal research exploring caregivers’ perceptions and experiences of their own wellness as a well as their family’s wellness. This study aims to determine the contribution of the caregiver in their family’s wellness and their perspectives and shared insights as to how they are doing. The results of this study, through thematic analysis, revealed four significant themes and several subthemes and sub subthemes that were important to caregivers and families: (1) Environmental Wellness with subthemes (a) location matters, (b) impact of weather, and (c) outdoor interactions; (2) Physical Wellness with subthemes (a) exercise, (b) healthy eating, (c) time away from TV and screens, and (d) sleep; (3) Self-care with subthemes (a) the shoulds and societal pressures, and (b) conscious self-care advocates; and (4) Play with subthemes (a) learning through play, (b) outdoor play, (c) social and family connections, and (d) playful life balance. The implications of these shared themes, in connection to current literature, provides future research directions in the realm of family wellness.
Sedimentology and ichnology of a shallow-marine clastic system from the Silurian-Devonian Furada Formation of Asturias, Spain: Benthic response to event deposition and environmental disturbance
(2024-06-28) Thue, Katherine L; Buatois, Luis A; Mangano, M G; Sproat, Colin D; Dorador, Javier; Eglington, Bruce
The Furada Formation of Asturias, Spain, represents a clastic, wave-dominated shallow-marine unit deposited during the middle Silurian to the Early Devonian. This formation contains abundant evidence of event deposition and non-uniform distribution of bioturbation structures representing a benthic response to multiple stressors. The 170 m-thick succession was measured and described, and the ichnotaxa were recorded and associated with lithofacies. Most shallow-marine environments are characterized by periodic events of environmental disturbance, mainly by episodic deposition, which may be recorded by a change in both the degree of bioturbation and
ichnodiversity. The general depositional setting for this formation has been previously interpreted as a wave-dominated and storm-influenced shallow-marine environment. However,
sedimentologic features described in this study such as anomalous heterolithic units and fluid mud flow deposits suggest the influence of fluvial discharge, making it a more complex depositional setting. Body fossils are restricted to a single subfacies and include disarticulated and fragmented echinoderms, brachiopods and bryozoans. The trace-fossil assemblages of this formation reflect environmental stress factors introduced by fluvial input (e.g., sedimentation rate, hydrodynamic energy, substrate consolidation), resulting in reduced ichnodiversity and low abundance. The overall trace-fossil content of the Furada Formation is generally representative of the Cruziana Ichnofacies. Integration of sedimentologic and ichnologic datasets allows for a refined depositional interpretation of the formation and greater understanding of the environmental diversity of wave-dominated shallow marine clastic systems, including middle Paleozoic shallow-marine benthos and their responses to event sedimentation and environmental disturbance.
THE ICHNOLOGICAL AND DEPOSITIONAL CONTEXT OF BIOERODED TRICERATOPS BONES FROM THE MAASTRICTHIAN FRENCHMAN FORMATION OF SOUTHERN SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA
(2024-06-28) Milligan, Jack R; Buatois, Luis A; Mangano, Gabriela; Bamforth, Emily L; Sproat, Colin; Pirrone, Cecilia; Eglington, Bruce
Previous studies on osteic bioerosion trace fossils on dinosaur bones have contributed to our understanding of Mesozoic terrestrial paleoecology and depositional environments. In many cases, body fossils of the inferred tracemaker are either exceedingly rare or absent from the fossil record due to taphonomy. However, studies of bioerosion on dinosaur material conducted on Canadian specimens are uncommon, which is surprising given the volume of dinosaur material collected each year in the country. The ceratopsid Triceratops prorsus is the most common dinosaur fossil from the latest Maastrichtian Frenchman Formation in Saskatchewan, represented by thousands of specimens. Classifying osteic bioerosion trace fossils on Triceratops bones from the Frenchman Formation using established ichnotaxobases coupled with sedimentological data allows for insight into the hidden invertebrate diversity within the Frenchman Formation, as well as how plants used dinosaur bones as a nutrient source.
Stratigraphic sections of the Frenchman Formation were measured in four localities containing Triceratops specimens. All bioeroded specimens of Triceratops identified were preserved in organic-rich mudstone and siltstone deposits, representing floodplain paleosols. Soils are the ideal habitat for terrestrial invertebrate scavengers that serve as the decomposers of decaying animal matter during the early dry stages of decay. The large ichnodiversity of osteic bioerosion trace fossils preserved in Triceratops bones from the Frenchman Formation are the result of pupation chamber construction and necrophagous, and possibly osteophagous terrestrial invertebrates, likely beetles based on comparisons of extant carrion beetle behaviour. Rhizoetchings on bone can be attributed to ancient plant roots directly associated with the Triceratops bones. Established plant communities that utilize soils therefore have a significant ichnological footprint on post-mortem Triceratops bones following burial. Different degrees of preservation of Triceratops bones within floodplain and overbank deposits including poorly drained or water-logged paleosols indicate different taphonomic pathways. This thesis serves as a template for future taphonomic studies of vertebrate body fossils material, considering sedimentological and ichnological evidence on the bones.
Ethics, Privacy and Beyond: A Habermasian Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Discourses in Canadian Healthcare
(2024-06-26) Diego Chavez, Cristina; Dickinson, Harley; Downe, Pamela
This paper examines the challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Canadian healthcare by employing Jürgen Habermas's three-dimensional theory of rationality (Cognitive-Instrumental, Aesthetic-Expressive and Moral-Practical) as a framework for analysis. Through a review of both peer-reviewed and grey literature from 2018 to 2023, the research reveals an interconnection among ethical, privacy, technological, and legal concerns. This reflects the validity and applicability of Habermas's three-dimensional theory of rationality as a useful framework to assess the multifaceted discourses on AI in healthcare. Ethics and privacy are identified as central to navigating AI's implications in healthcare, suggesting their foundational role in shaping policies and practices.
Aster Yellows Phytoplasma, Aster Leafhopper And Canola: Development And Application Of Improved Molecular Methods For Pathogen Detection And Genetic Characterization Provide Increased Understanding Of Aster Yellows Disease
(2024-06-26) Pusz-Bochenska, Karolina H; Wist, Tyler; Gray, Jack; Philiips, Iain; Prager, Sean; Yangdou, Wei; Niyogi, Som; Groves, Russell; Dumonceaux, Tim
Phytoplasmas are insect-vectored, difficult-to-culture bacterial pathogens that infect a wide variety of plants. They are associated with diseases connected with severe yield losses in global agricultural production, including Aster Yellows (AY). Aster Yellows phytoplasma (AYp) is primarily transmitted by the aster leafhopper (ALH), Macrosteles quadrilineatus Forbes, and AY outbreaks in Western Canada tend to damage canola crops most severely. Even though there are several methods to control AYp spread, the most common method is insecticide spray, which can damage the environment if used unsustainably.
Tools that can rapidly diagnose phytoplasma infection and accurately identify phytoplasma strains are of critical importance for disease management. Currently, detecting AYp involves a time-consuming process of transporting insect samples and extracting DNA, and this method often delays the application of mitigative measures. A rapid and field-adaptable diagnostic method was developed, which uses Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) PlantSaver paper cards to extract insect DNA followed by a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. This approach successfully detected AYp in under an hour, and its application could be expanded to a wide range of insect-transmitted pathogens. Disease management can also be improved by identifying and understanding the various species, strains, groups, and subgroups of phytoplasma. PCR-based methods targeting universal taxonomic markers (e.g., 16S rRNA) are commonly used to identify phytoplasmas in plant and insect tissues; however, these methods provide limited resolution of phytoplasma strains. In response to these limitations, a PCR-independent, hybridization-based multilocus sequence typing (MLST) assay was developed to precisely characterize phytoplasmas through the concurrent sequencing of seven taxonomic markers. This novel approach could serve as a standardized method for phytoplasma identification and may inform the understanding of phytoplasma spread in crop plants worldwide.
Little is conclusively known about the long-distance dispersal patterns of ALH, but gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the species could positively influence the development of AY control strategies. A panel of 22 microsatellite markers for ALH was developed and used in multiplex format to explore the genetic makeup of Saskatchewan ALH populations. This initial investigation into ALH genetics indicated a wide range of genetic variation within populations. In addition, there was no correlation between genetic and geographic distances, suggesting that Western Canada is a melting pot for North American ALH populations. While this study is a pioneering work and cannot be compared to reference data, it is a critical step in furthering knowledge of ALH. In the context of Western Canada, while researchers explore knowledge gaps in AYp identification and ALH origins, this work has determined that the best approach to AY management is, and may remain, prompt detection of AYp using field-adaptable molecular diagnostic methods.
Aster Yellows Phytoplasma, Aster Leafhopper And Canola: Development And Application Of Improved Molecular Methods For Pathogen Detection And Genetic Characterization Provide Increased Understanding Of Aster Yellows Disease
(2024-06-26) Pusz-Bochenska, Karolina H; Wist, Tyler; Gray, Jack; Philiips, Iain; Prager, Sean; Yangdou, Wei; Niyogi, Som; Groves, Russell; Dumonceaux, Tim
Phytoplasmas are insect-vectored, difficult-to-culture bacterial pathogens that infect a wide variety of plants. They are associated with diseases connected with severe yield losses in global agricultural production, including Aster Yellows (AY). Aster Yellows phytoplasma (AYp) is primarily transmitted by the aster leafhopper (ALH), Macrosteles quadrilineatus Forbes, and AY outbreaks in Western Canada tend to damage canola crops most severely. Even though there are several methods to control AYp spread, the most common method is insecticide spray, which can damage the environment if used unsustainably.
Tools that can rapidly diagnose phytoplasma infection and accurately identify phytoplasma strains are of critical importance for disease management. Currently, detecting AYp involves a time-consuming process of transporting insect samples and extracting DNA, and this method often delays the application of mitigative measures. A rapid and field-adaptable diagnostic method was developed, which uses Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) PlantSaver paper cards to extract insect DNA followed by a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. This approach successfully detected AYp in under an hour, and its application could be expanded to a wide range of insect-transmitted pathogens. Disease management can also be improved by identifying and understanding the various species, strains, groups, and subgroups of phytoplasma. PCR-based methods targeting universal taxonomic markers (e.g., 16S rRNA) are commonly used to identify phytoplasmas in plant and insect tissues; however, these methods provide limited resolution of phytoplasma strains. In response to these limitations, a PCR-independent, hybridization-based multilocus sequence typing (MLST) assay was developed to precisely characterize phytoplasmas through the concurrent sequencing of seven taxonomic markers. This novel approach could serve as a standardized method for phytoplasma identification and may inform the understanding of phytoplasma spread in crop plants worldwide.
Little is conclusively known about the long-distance dispersal patterns of ALH, but gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the species could positively influence the development of AY control strategies. A panel of 22 microsatellite markers for ALH was developed and used in multiplex format to explore the genetic makeup of Saskatchewan ALH populations. This initial investigation into ALH genetics indicated a wide range of genetic variation within populations. In addition, there was no correlation between genetic and geographic distances, suggesting that Western Canada is a melting pot for North American ALH populations. While this study is a pioneering work and cannot be compared to reference data, it is a critical step in furthering knowledge of ALH. In the context of Western Canada, while researchers explore knowledge gaps in AYp identification and ALH origins, this work has determined that the best approach to AY management is, and may remain, prompt detection of AYp using field-adaptable molecular diagnostic methods.
Fostering FASD-Informed Practice with Incarcerated Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Towards More Informed, Strengths-Based, Investigative and Connected Correctional Environments
(2024-06-21) Buttinger, Pam R; Dell, Colleen; Mela, Mansfield; Olver, Mark; Buhler, Sarah; Sharp, Maegan; Reid, Natasha; Ahmed, AG; Brooks, Carolyn
The capacity to foster an FASD-informed environment is predicated on the ability of those within the said environment to make their own practice and interactions FASD-informed. The aim of this study was to critically consider how Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)-informed practice could be fostered within Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) facilities. The study aimed to identify, first, the receptiveness of CSC staff towards adopting FASD-informed practices, and second, the essential elements of an FASD-informed environment and whether they could be applied to a correctional environment. To do so, the researcher carried out the research using a three-part, mixed-methods design that combined a traditional survey, an open-ended survey with a modified Delphi approach follow-up, and interviews with three separate professional groups. The groups included CSC frontline staff, professionals working within intervention and research for FASD, and CSC staff who work within an institution that also houses an FASD diagnostic clinic. The results indicated that FASD-informed environments employ practices and people who (a) are informed about the disorder, (b) are willing to employ strengths-based approaches, (c) are relentlessly investigative in their pursuit to help the individuals they work with find success, and (d) value the role of connection and relationships.
Within CSC, many staff reported being receptive to adjusting their approach when working with individuals with FASD; however, promoting widespread FASD-informed attitudes and approaches will require changes to current practice, necessitating further training and exposure. Mainstreaming FASD training requires an understanding that not all staff need the same level of FASD knowledge. A tiered implementation model (foundation, knowledge base, action, and specialized service) is offered as a guide to fostering FASD-informed correctional environments. At a foundational level, working towards all institutions being trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based will be beneficial to all incarcerated individuals, not only those with FASD. This can be fostered by offering regular, multimodal training to all staff and fostering attitudes that promote interdisciplinary teamwork and safety. For those in specialized environments or disciplines, offering domain and discipline-specific intervention strategies and opportunities to practice them is suggested. Continued support of the FASD Diagnostic Clinic teams will also ensure continued diagnostic capacity, consultation, and specialized services. All four tiers in the tiered implementation model rely on strong managerial support and are strengthened through connections within the institution and the surrounding community. The implication of the findings within this study offers recommendations on how to respond to FASD within correctional systems that is consistent with CSC’s mandate to provide treatment aimed at rehabilitation and mitigating the risk offenders place on the safety of society. Given the overrepresentation of FASD within institutions, there is a need to provide employees with tools to work with this population and be responsive to these mandates. With top-level support to introduce sustainable training opportunities alongside recognizing that FASD requires frontline staff the room to be flexible and accommodating, a shift can begin towards fostering more FASD-informed correctional environments.
Comparing the vocabulary and grammatical structures of The Sims 4 with those of the Evolve 5
(2024-06-21) Habibi, Ashkan; Li, Zhi; Cenerini, Chantale; Koole, Marguerite
Using video games for language learning can be beneficial for language learners. While
previous studies have investigated the utility of video games for language learning, there are limited studies that compared the linguistic input in video games and that in existing language classes. This study delves into a comprehensive exploration of linguistic elements by comparing the vocabulary and grammatical structures present in the virtual realm of The Sims 4, a simulation video game, with those found in an English textbook called Evolve 5, published by Cambridge University Press targeting B2 or upper intermediate English language learners. The purpose of this study is to see whether the game has the potential to be used as an extramural activity outside the classroom along the book. The corpus of The Sims 4 script includes 323,555 words, and the Evolve 5 contains 294 targeted words or phrases, as featured in the textbook’s vocabulary sections and 20 grammatical structure groups distributed in 12 units.
In addressing the research questions of this study, two software tools were employed: LancsBox for identifying vocabulary and grammatical structure groups within the game script, and AntConc for visualizing the dispersion of words and phrases. The findings show that The Sims 4 is a valuable source for English language learning for both vocabulary and grammatical structures learning. The results show although The Sims 4 has a rich content for language learning, in terms of overall vocabulary coverage. However, the game seems to be most useful for teaching a few topics as only six out of 24 topics in the textbook show medium or higher coverage of vocabulary, that is over 45% of the targeted words or phrases in the corresponding topic appear six or more times in the game script. Regarding grammatical structures, it is an invaluable and appropriate source to be used as an extramural activity because out of 20 grammatical structures, 12 of them appear highly frequently in the script of the game (i.e., 40 or more occurrences). The findings of this research offer advantages to language learners and educators alike. By highlighting certain topics heavily featured in the game, educators can harness its potential to motivate learners to engage in it as an extracurricular activity beyond traditional classroom settings. Furthermore, the results emphasize the significance of incorporating digital gaming technologies into language education to promote immersive and engaging learning opportunities.