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https://hdl.handle.net/10388/14348

Areas of research and scholarship that bring the University of Saskatchewan distinct recognition and help to position USask among the most distinguished universities in Canada and among the very best in the world.

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A 1000-Year Record of Temperature From Isotopic Analysis of the Deep Critical Zone in Central China
(Wiley Open Access [Commercial Publisher]; American Geophysical Union [Client Organisation], 2023) Wang, Hongxiu; Li, Han; Xiang, Wei; Lu, Yanwei; Wang, Huanhuan; Hu, Wei; Si, Bing Cheng; Jasechko, Scott; Mcdonnell, Jeffrey
Temperature proxies for paleoclimate reconstruction have been made typically via ice cores, tree rings, stalagmites, and lake sediments. While extremely useful, these proxies can be limited spatially. Here we sampled a 98 m “soil core” from Loess Plateau of China and examined the relationship between pore water isotopic values and hydroclimate history. We extracted soil pore water for δ 18O, δ 2H, and 3H and measured chloride concentration. The 3H-peak at 6 m and chloride mass balance were used to turn depth into calendar year. A 1000 year span was revealed. δ 18O and δ 2H values between 14–50 m were anomalously low—bracketing well the Little Ice Age period from 1420 to 1870. The identification was consistent with other standard proxies in the region and showed the same temporal dynamics of temperature anomalies. Our study shows the potential of stable isotopes of soil water for paleoclimate reconstruction in deep soils.
A 350 14C yr discrepancy between bone and tooth dates from the same grave at the Early Neolithic cemetery of Shamanka II, Lake Baikal, southern Siberia: reservoir effects or a misplaced mandible?
(Radiocarbon, 2025-01) Schulting, Rick; Scharlotta, Ian; Lieverse, Angela; Jessup, Erin; Bronk Ramsey, Christopher; Bazaliiskii, Vladimir I; Weber, Andrzej
A 350 14C yr discrepancy was found between dates on postcranial remains and mandibular teeth on what was thought to be the same individual from the Early Neolithic cemetery of Shamanka II, Lake Baikal. Stable nitrogen isotope results suggested a major shift in diet between childhood (when the teeth formed) and adulthood (represented by the postcrania), which could have resulted in different 14C ages through a freshwater reservoir effect. Subsequent additional dating on the mandible and postcranial elements, however, indicated that the mandible actually belonged to a different individual. More subtle reservoir effects can be seen on the sequentially forming teeth and mandible. The practice by prehistoric hunter-gatherers of Lake Baikal of re-opening graves and removing cranial elements has long been known, but this is the first evidence for the inclusion of a mandible from a separate individual, though whether it was intentional or incidental is uncertain. As well as providing new insights into mid-Holocene mortuary practices in the region, our findings raise a cautionary note for the examination of disturbed graves.
A case study of the patient wait experience in an emergency department with therapy dogs
(Patient Experience Journal, 2019) Dell, Colleen; Stempien, James; Broberg, Lindsey; Husband, Alicia; Jurke, Lacey
The quality of patient healthcare is a growing concern in Canada’s hospital emergency departments (ED) due to increasing wait times and associated adverse outcomes. A developing body of literature indicates that therapy dogs can positively impact the patient experience. In 2016, members of our team partnered with the Royal University Hospital (RUH) in Saskatchewan to become the first ED in Canada to integrate a visiting therapy dog to positively impact the patient wait experience. The aim of this preliminary case study was to examine if and how this unique initiative impacted patients’ feelings during their ED wait. A brief questionnaire was completed with one-hundred and twenty-four patients pre and post-therapy dog visit and a research observer documented the encounters. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data revealed that visiting with a therapy dog in the ED appeared to improve patients’ feelings. Specifically, patients’ perceived comfort levels increased and their distress levels decreased, and the encounters were considered by patients to be a welcome distraction from the stressful ED environment. Our team, comprised of clinicians, researchers, therapy dog handlers and patient advocates documented the advantages and challenges of implementing the initiative. The outcomes support further study of patients’ wait time experiences in the ED and the utility of a visiting therapy dog.
A comparative analysis and evaluation of PEN-3 cultural model and Leininger’s theory
(International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 2024-06) Opara, Uchechi; Bassendowski, S; Petrucka, Pammla
Using a theoretical framework in nursing research is vital to promote understanding of a theory, its major concepts, and the relationship between concepts in research. We propose to conduct a study focusing on “Women’s Experiences of Cultural Beliefs and Practices that Influence Their Use of Maternal Health Services in Nigeria.” The PEN-3 cultural model, a non-nursing theory that exhibits the characteristics of mid-range nursing theories, will be used as a theoretical framework. As a nursing research, Leininger’s Culture Care Diversity and Universality Theory also known as Culture Care Theory would have been best suited for the proposed research. However, as a grand theory, the Culture Care Theory has limited applicability in the proposed study due to its abstraction and complexity. A critical analysis and evaluation of both theories were conducted to enhance a deep understanding of the PEN-3 cultural model and the Culture Care Theory in supporting the proposed research. This critical evaluation is vital, especially for potential users of the PEN-3 cultural model, to understand the model’s potential usefulness in guiding nursing research and explaining nursing situations.
A comparative study of the long-term aqueous durability of brannerite (Ce0.94Ti2O6–δ) and glass-brannerite (Fe-Al-BG-Ce0.94Ti2O6–δ) composite materials
(Applied Surface Science, 2025-01) Mikhchian, Mehrnaz; Grosvenor, Andrew
The long-term aqueous corrosion behavior of Fe-Al borosilicate glass-brannerite (Fe-Al-BG- Ce0.94Ti2O6–δ) composite material as a potential nuclear wasteform has been investigated to understand how the corrosion behavior of these materials can be compared to current nuclear wasteforms (i.e., borosilicate glass). It was found that the aqueous corrosion behavior of the Fe-Al-BG-Ce0.94Ti2O6–δ composite material resulted from a combined corrosion behavior of the individual Fe-Al-BG and Ce0.94Ti2O6–δ phases when these materials were exposed to deionized water. A combination of surface and bulk analyses has demonstrated that the surface composition and chemistry of Ce0.94Ti2O6–δ and Fe-Al-BG-Ce0.94Ti2O6–δ composite materials were affected by aqueous corrosion, whereas the long-range (i.e., bulk) structure of these materials remained stable over 365 days of exposure to deionized water. This study has shown that the corrosion resistance of Fe-Al-BG-Ce0.94Ti2O6–δ composite material is comparable to Fe-Al-BG, which suggests that this composite material could be further investigated as a potential substitute for borosilicate glass nuclear wasteforms.
A comparison of seasonal flexibility in pectoralis muscle fiber type and enzyme activity in migratory and resident sparrow species
(Journal of Experimental Biology, 2024-02) Lewicki, Louisa M.; Zhang, Marina; Staples, James; Guglielmo, Christopher G.; Ivy, Catherine
The pectoralis muscle in birds is important for flight and thermogenesis. In migratory songbirds this muscle exhibits seasonal flexibility in size, but whether this flexibility reflects changes in muscle fiber type has not been well documented. We investigated how seasonal changes in photoperiod affected pectoralis muscle fiber type and metabolic enzymes, comparing among three closely related sparrow species: two seasonal migrants and one year-round, temperate climate resident. We quantified fast oxidative glycolytic (FOG) and fast glycolytic (FG) fibers histologically, and measured activities of citrate synthase (CS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the pectoralis muscle of the three species that were acclimated to long or short periods of daylight. In all species, FOG was the predominant fiber type, but song sparrows had FG fibers regardless of daylight conditions. By contrast, Lincoln's sparrows incorporated FG fibers only under short-daylight conditions, and house sparrows did not significantly express FG fibers, regardless of daylight length. Both migratory species increased LDH activity in short-daylight conditions but did not alter CS activity. In contrast, resident house sparrows did not alter CS or LDH activity with changes in daylight length. Our findings suggest that the presence of FG fibers is important for seasonal flexibility in LDH activity. Additionally, migratory species exhibited seasonal flexibility in muscle fiber type and enzyme activity, presumably to support migratory flight, while the resident species did not exhibit such seasonal flexibility, suggesting that this consistent phenotype is important year-round, despite changing thermogenic requirements.
A comparison of seasonal flexibility in pectoralis muscle fiber type and enzyme activity in migratory and resident sparrow species
(The Company of Biologists, 2025-02) Lewicki, Louisa M.; Zhang, Marina; Staples, James F.; Guglielmo, Christopher G.; Ivy, Catherine
The pectoralis muscle in birds is important for flight and thermogenesis. In migratory songbirds this muscle exhibits seasonal flexibility in size, but whether this flexibility reflects changes in muscle fiber type has not been well documented. We investigated how seasonal changes in photoperiod affected pectoralis muscle fiber type and metabolic enzymes, comparing among three closely related sparrow species: two seasonal migrants and one year-round, temperate climate resident. We quantified fast oxidative glycolytic (FOG) and fast glycolytic (FG) fibers histologically, and measured activities of citrate synthase (CS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the pectoralis muscle of the three species that were acclimated to long or short periods of daylight. In all species, FOG was the predominant fiber type, but song sparrows had FG fibers regardless of daylight conditions. By contrast, Lincoln's sparrows incorporated FG fibers only under short-daylight conditions, and house sparrows did not significantly express FG fibers, regardless of daylight length. Both migratory species increased LDH activity in short-daylight conditions but did not alter CS activity. In contrast, resident house sparrows did not alter CS or LDH activity with changes in daylight length. Our findings suggest that the presence of FG fibers is important for seasonal flexibility in LDH activity. Additionally, migratory species exhibited seasonal flexibility in muscle fiber type and enzyme activity, presumably to support migratory flight, while the resident species did not exhibit such seasonal flexibility, suggesting that this consistent phenotype is important year-round, despite changing thermogenic requirements.
A comparison of wild boar and domestic pig microbiota does not reveal a loss of microbial species but an increase in alpha diversity and opportunistic genera in domestic pigs
(American Society for Microbiology, 2024-08-20) Rahman, Rajibur; Fouhse, Janelle; Ju, Tingting; Fan, Yi; Schultz Marcolla, Camila; Pieper, Robert; Brook, Ryan K.; Willing, Benjamin Peter
The microbiome of wild animals is believed to be co-evolved with host species, which may play an important role in host physiology. It has been hypothesized that the rigorous hygienic practices in combination with antibiotics and diets with simplified formulas used in the modern swine industry may negatively affect the establishment and development of the gut microbiome. In this study, we evaluated the fecal microbiome of 90 domestic pigs sampled from nine farms in Canada and 39 wild pigs sampled from three different locations on two continents (North America and Europe) using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Surprisingly, the gut microbiome in domestic pigs exhibited higher alpha-diversity indices than wild pigs (P < 0.0001). The wild pig microbiome showed a lower Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio and a higher presence of bacterial phyla Elusimicrobiota, Verrucomicrobiota, Cyanobacteria, and Fibrobacterota when compared to their domestic counterparts. At the genus level, the wild pig microbiome had enriched genera that were known for fiber degradation and short-chain fatty acid production. Interestingly, the phylum Fusobacteriota was only observed in domestic pigs. We identified 31 ASVs that were commonly found in the pig gut microbiome, regardless of host sources, which could be recognized as members of the core gut microbiome. Interestingly, we found five ASVs missing in domestic pigs that were prevalent in wild ones, whereas domestic pigs harbored 59 ASVs that were completely absent in wild pigs. The present study sheds light on the impact of domestication on the pig gut microbiome, including the gain of new genera, which might provide the basis to identify novel targets to manipulate the pig gut microbiome for improved health.
A Critical Comparison of Focused Ethnography and Interpretive Phenomenology in Nursing Research
(Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 2024-03) Opara, Uchechi; Petrucka, Pammla
Choosing an appropriate qualitative methodology in nursing research is a researcher’s first step before beginning a study. Such a step is critical as the selected qualitative methodology should be congruent with the research questions, study assumptions, data gathering and analysis to promote the utility of such research in enhancing nursing knowledge. In this paper, we compare focused ethnography by Roper and Shapira and interpretive phenomenology by Benner. Though these methodologies are naturalistic and appear similar, both have different methodological underpinnings. The historical, ontological, epistemological, and axiological philosophy guiding each methodology are described. In addition, the methodological underpinnings of both methodologies and a justification for use in nursing research are provided. This paper will assist future researchers who aim to employ these methodologies in nursing research.
A Highly Sensitive Chitosan-Based SERS Sensor for the Trace Detection of a Model Cationic Dye
(MDPI, 2024-08-28) Vafakish, Bahareh; Wilson, Lee
The rapid detection of contaminants in water resources is vital for safeguarding the environment, where the use of eco-friendly materials for water monitoring technologies has become increasingly prioritized. In this context, the role of biocomposites in the development of a SERS sensor is reported in this study. Grafted chitosan was employed as a matrix support for Ag nanoparticles (NPs) for the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Chitosan (CS) was decorated with thiol and carboxylic acid groups by incorporating S-acetyl mercaptosuccinic anhydride (SAMSA) to yield CS-SAMSA. Then, Ag NPs were immobilized onto the CS-SAMSA (Ag@CS-SAMSA) and characterized by spectral methods (IR, Raman, NIR, solid state 13C NMR with CP-MAS, XPS, and TEM). Ag@CS-SAMSA was evaluated as a substrate for SERS, where methylene blue (MB) was used as a model dye adsorbate. The Ag@CS-SAMSA sensor demonstrated a high sensitivity (with an enhancement factor ca. 108) and reusability over three cycles, with acceptable reproducibility and storage stability. The Raman imaging revealed a large SERS effect, whereas the MB detection varied from 1–100 μM. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) of the biocomposite sensor were characterized, revealing properties that rival current state-of-the-art systems. The dye adsorption profiles were studied via SERS by fitting the isotherm results with the Hill model to yield the ΔG°ads for the adsorption process. This research demonstrates a sustainable dual-function biocomposite with tailored adsorption and sensing properties suitable for potential utility in advanced water treatment technology and environmental monitoring applications.
A methodology for selection of solid desiccants in energy recovery ventilators
(Elsevier, 2025-01-15) Krishnan, Easwaran N.; Ramin, Hadi; Gurubalan, A.; Muneeshwaran, M.; Li, Kai; Nawaz, Kashif; Simonson, Carey
Controlling indoor humidity levels is essential for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality in buildings. The use of energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) is an energy-efficient way to regulate indoor air humidity. Fixed-bed regenerators and rotary wheels are widely used ERVs because of their high sensible and latent effectiveness. These ERVs are made of desiccant-coated substrates, which enable them to transfer moisture between the supply and exhaust air streams. However, the moisture transfer ability of ERVs depends on the physiochemical and sorption properties of desiccants. Extensive, full-scale experiments are required to determine the best desiccant material for these systems. This paper presents a simplified method of selecting suitable desiccant materials for ERVs. The methodology involves important characterization methods, literature correlations for performance prediction, and cost-effective testing methods prior to full-scale testing, and full-scale test methods are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the performance of a few newly derived materials is evaluated and compared with that of conventional desiccants such as silica gel and molecular sieves. The highest latent effectiveness was obtained for composite of super absorbent polymer (SAP) with potassium formate (SAP-HCO2K-50 %), all-polymer porous solid desiccant (APPSD) and metal organic framework (MOF)–MIL–101 (Cr), followed by activated carbon fibre felt (ACFF) Silica sol-LiCl30, SAP, silica gel, MOF–303, and molecular sieve. Researchers and manufacturers would benefit from the proposed methodology and presented data in developing new desiccant materials for ERV applications.
A Micro Financing Framework for Rural Water and Sanitation provisioning in Sub-Saharan Africa
(UNU-INWEH, 2014) Mengueze, Sandrine; Mbuvi, Dorcas; Dickin, Sarah; Schuster Wallace, Corinne
Across rural regions in particular, inadequate access to water supply and sanitation (WSS) services negatively affects women more than men. Women and girls are twice as likely as men (and boys) to bear the burden of water collection that requires walking long distances in search of improved sources. Collecting and carrying large amounts of water is physically demanding and limits time available to pursue educational, professional and leisure activities. Indeed, women lose about forty billion hours each year in daily water collection in SSA - time that could be redirected towards other socio-economic and productive activities. Moreover, women and girls risk physical and sexual assualt when collecting water or trying to find a dignified location to relieve themselves. Given the need for sustainable access to WSS in rural Sub Saharan Africa for improved quality of life, universal access becomes a moral and practical imperative. Water is necessary for health, food production, economic activities and environmental integrity. In order to attain national water supply and sanitation (WSS) Millennium Development Goal targets by 2015, developing country governments need to advance their rural WSS services coverage. In Sub Saharan Africa in particular, scaling up functional, quality, reliable and affordable WSS facilities among rural populations is a significant impediment. Moreover, in most cases rural households find it difficult to raise up-front capital that is often required for the construction of facilities. Self-sustaining micro financed facilities can be realized for equitable and safe rural WSS provision. A systematic model through which sustainable rural WSS-related micro financing can be attained is currently lacking. Self-supply, while contested with respect to issues of responsibility, is a feasible option given that there is money to be made in service delivery and the fact that many rural families pay considerably more for their drinking water through informal water providers, without any guarantee of quality. This does not have to undermine government responsibility for provision; rather accelerate the scale up and out of rural access and put community-based mechanisms in place for sustainable interventions that can be incorporated into national WSS strategies as they become established. Moreover, it overcomes the primary challenge in self-supply – that of up front funds for infrastructure. Given that key principles of successful microfinance (including shared solidarity and mutual accountability, access to capital, capacity development and ownership) are similar to and supportive of the principles of sustainable WSS interventions (community engagement and ownership, capacity development, financial accountability), it makes sense to explore this as a mechanism for self-supply in rural settings in order to increase access in a timely manner. A co-operative microfinance framework would potentially share the financial and social costs and benefits between communities and governments. Many of the benefits that accrue through WSS access are realized by the community (through increased health, school attendance and time savings) and the government (through reduction in requirements for other services, such as healthcare, and improved productivity that supports national growth). The framework demands active and coordinated government support through specific related ministries (water and sanitation, health, finance, rural development, public works, etc.). It relies on continued village demand for improved WSS facilities and willingness to effectively engage in the revolving RoSCA schemes. Additionally, it is founded on clear division of responsibilities among four main stakeholders for the transparent and accountable operationalization of interventions. The revenue generated, in addition to paying for the operation and maintenance of the system(s) can be used to acquire or expand additional basic household services. As a result, co-operative members are able to engage in other water and non-water related entrepreneurial activities, to add on to the WSS-fund and strengthen the local economy more generally. However, the framework is flexible and not limited to WSS provisioning.
A multiplex PCR assay for the detection of six foliar fungal pathogens of faba bean
(Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology, 2025-02) Bruce, Margaret; Stratford, Ethan; Armstrong-Cho, Cheryl; Banniza, Sabine
ral foliar fungal diseases: ascochyta blight (Ascochyta fabae), alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria sp.), chocolate spot (Botrytis cinerea and Botrytis fabae), anthracnose (Colletotrichum lentis) and stemphylium blight (Stemphylium spp.). Under conducive conditions these diseases can cause significant economic losses. Visual diagnosis based on the appearance of lesions on faba beans is problematic, especially as they progress. The purpose of this study was to develop a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay to detect the causal organisms of these diseases. Five pairs of primers, AFF7/AFR7 for A. fabae, BCF1/BCR1 for B. cinerea, BFF2/BFR2 for B. fabae, ClF2/ClR2 for C. lentis and Stem_F_S/Stem_R_S for Stemphylium spp. were developed. The previously developed primer pair aagpf1/aagpr1 was used to detect Alternaria sp. The primers were tested for specificity to their target pathogen and primer pairs AFF6/AFR6, aagpf1/aagpr1, BCF1/BCR1, BFF2/BFR2 and ClF2/ClR2 identified their target pathogens. The primer pair Stem_F_S/Stem_R_S identified S. beticola, S. botryosum, S. eturmiunum and S. vesicarium. Identification of pathogens with primers was evaluated using DNA from mycelia and from infected faba bean leaves generated through artificial inoculations under controlled conditions and collected from the field. A multiplex PCR assay with six primer pairs allowed for detection of the target pathogens to the species level for five pathogens, and to the genus level for species causing stemphylium blight. This assay enables quick diagnosis of leaf spots on faba bean, and minimizing time and effort needed to identify the primary cause of the infection through traditional isolation procedures.
A neglected and emerging antimicrobial resistance gene encodes for a serine-dependent macrolide esterase
(PNAS, 2023-02) Dhindwal, Poonam; Thompson, Charis; Kos, Daniel; Planedin, Koa; Jain, Richa; Jelinski, Murray; Ruzzini, Antonio
The accumulation of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in specific environments, and eventually in pathogens, challenges the utility of antibiotics. Thousands of ARGs and resistance-conferring mutations are known and accessible in curated databases. Nevertheless, our catalog of ARGs is incomplete. Blind spots—novel and unreported ARGs—pose unknown risks to human health, animal wellness, and the sustainability of agriculture. A novel and unreported ARG is one that cannot be identified by homology-based inference. These unknown genes are absent from the ARG databases that serve antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance programs intended to inform clinical practice. Growing concerns related to antimicrobial use and efficacy prompted us to evaluate watering bowls as sentinel systems for ARG detection at a beef cattle feedlot. The identification and functional characterization of a neglected ARG that resulted form the basis of this report.
A new Late Devonian flora from Sonid Zuoqi, Inner Mongolia, northeastern China
(Cambridge University Press, 2021-10) Bai, Lingqi; Huang, Pu; Yang, Ning; Ju, Wenxin; Liu, Jianbo; Basinger, James F.; Xu, Honghe; Xue, Jinzhuang
The Silurian and Devonian plant fossil record is the basis for our understanding of the early evolution of land plants, yet our appreciation of early global phytogeographic evolution has been constrained by the focus of most studies on deposits from Europe, North America, and, more recently, South China. Devonian plants have been recorded rarely from northeastern China, and among previous records, few plants have been illustrated and formally described. In this article, megafossil plants representing a Late Devonian-aged (probably Famennian) flora are described from a locality at northern Sonid Zuoqi, Inner Mongolia, NE China. The flora includes Melvillipteris sonidia new species, Archaeopteris sp., and fragments of some other plants. The new plant shows main axes and two orders of lateral branches. The first-order branches of this plant show a typical zigzag appearance and are borne in pairs on main axes. Second-order branches are straight or slightly flexed, and are borne helically or alternately on first-order branches. Sterile ultimate appendages and fertile structures of M. sonidia n. sp. are borne alternately on second-order branches. An associated palynological assemblage, as well as U-Pb ages of detrital zircon grains from adjacent horizons, are also reported, indicating a Late Devonian age in accord with the megafossil plants. The present study contributes to our appreciation of the Devonian floristic diversity of the Xing'an Block, and, through our review of the record of early vascular plants from NE China, more broadly to the understanding of the mid-latitude vegetation of the Northern Hemisphere during the Late Devonian.
A novel biochar adsorbent for treatment of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) contaminated water: Exploring batch and dynamic adsorption behavior
(Journal of Water Process Engineering, 2024-11) Afrooz, Malihe; Zeynali, Rahman; Soltan, Jafar; McPhedran, Kerry
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are of concern worldwide given they are ubiquitous in the environment. In this study, the treatment of PFOA-contaminated water was assessed using biochar adsorbents produced from raw canola straw (RCS) through chemical activation with H3PO4 and ZnCl2 and microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MWP). MWP conditions were evaluated to create optimal H3PO4-treated (PBC) and ZnCl2-treated (ZnBC) biochar adsorbents with treatments determined using a central composite design (CCD) based on the response surface methodology (RSM) considering activator concentration, and microwave heating time and power. The highest PFOA removal efficiency for PBC (3.0 mol/L) was achieved at 92 % (368 μg/g), while for ZnBC (0.55 mol/L) it was 84 % (336 μg/g). In contrast, untreated biochar and RCS had markedly lower PFOA removals of 5 % and 1 %, respectively. Activation of biochar under optimal pyrolysis conditions (6 min at 600 W) led to increased chemical functional groups, porosity, and surface area, as confirmed by FT-IR, XPS, and BET. The kinetic study indicated that chemisorption was the primary PFOA adsorption mechanism, while the Freundlich isotherm model suggested heterogeneous multilayer adsorption for PFOA removal. Further, background salts enhanced PFOA adsorption through divalent bridges and salting-out mechanisms. PBC and ZnBC adsorbents performed well over a broad pH range of 3 to 9. Lastly, Yan and Yoon-Nelson models were used to assess adsorption breakthrough for a model fixed-bed adsorption system. This study exhibits that PBC and ZnBC adsorbents, derived from accessible biomass, offer an environmentally friendly solution to remove PFOA from contaminated water.
A Nutrition Education Intervention Positively Affects the Diet–Health-Related Practices and Nutritional Status of Mothers and Children in a Pulse-Growing Community in Halaba, South Ethiopia
(Children, 2024-11) Lombamo, Getahun; Henry, Carol; Zello, Gordon
Objective: We conducted a six-month nutrition education intervention focused on the consumption of pulses and other foods to assess the effect on knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) as well as the nutritional status of children and mothers from two pulse-growing communities in Halaba, south Ethiopia. Methods: About 200 mother–child pairs in each of two purposively selected communities participated in this intervention study. A six-month nutrition education programme, involving interactive monthly community meetings and home visits, was offered to one of the two communities and the other served as a control/comparison. This study incorporated the use of Health Belief Model constructs to assess the KAP/perceptions of mothers surrounding pulse and other food consumptions, as well as nutrition-related issues before and after the intervention. Objective measures included dietary diversity scores (DDSs), one-day weighed dietary intakes and nutritional status measures based on anthropometric information. Demographics and socioeconomic information were also collected at baseline and endline. Results: Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were found in the intervention group on the KAP and perceptions of pulse nutrition benefits among mothers, DDSs and pulse and animal source food consumption indexes for mothers and children and the mean body-mass-index-for-age Z-score and wasting among children. Conclusions: Community-based nutrition education interventions involving monthly interactive community meetings and home visits in pulse-growing communities from a resource-poor country like Ethiopia can be effective in improving mothers’ knowledge of pulse nutrition and consumption frequency, leading to improvements in the DDSs of children and mothers while decreasing child underweight and wasting.
A Parallel Process of Staff–Family Distress in Long-Term Care: A Challenge to Collaboration
(SAGE Open Nursing, 2024-12) Serrano, Diandra; Sussman, Tamara; Kaasalainen, Sharon; Wickson-Griffiths, Abigail; Thompson, Genevieve; Hunter, Paulette V.; MacIntosh, Health B.; Brazil, Kevin
Introduction Supporting persons living with advanced dementia in long-term care (LTC) homes requires strong collaborative partnerships between staff, family members, and residents. Yet, relational tensions—such as differing expectations around care decisions—can inhibit the implementation of collaborative partnerships at this critical point in the trajectory of care. Objective This study aims to explore the emotional experiences of families and staff during shared decision-making processes for individuals with advanced dementia in LTC. Method Guided by interpretative description, this qualitative study investigated the experiences of staff (n = 12) and families (n = 16) collaborating in two Canadian LTC homes. Data was collected through semistructured interviews lasting 45–60 min, which facilitated a detailed exploration of participants’ narratives. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis facilitated by a combination of inductive and deductive approaches. Results Our analysis revealed a complex parallel process of trauma and grief including accumulated distress, isolation, and feelings of devalue that worked together to create distance between staff and families at a time when connection was critical. Our findings further suggested that a lack of time and space for reflection and validation for staff and family, resulted in a cycle whereby staff and families engaged in a push and pull dynamic with each viewing the other as adversaries rather than allies. Conclusion Our findings highlight the critical need for reflexive opportunities in LTC homes to overcome and attend to the emotional barriers that interfere with true collaboration between staff and families. We hope that the proposed cycle serves as a preliminary framework to support staff in navigating difficult conversations and emotions, and fosters reflexive care that enhances, rather than obstructs, connections.
A Review of Health Risks and Pathways for Exposure to Wastewater Use in Agriculture
(National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), 2016) Dickin, Sarah K; Schuster Wallace, Corinne; Qadir, Manzoor; Pizzacalla, Katherine
Background: Wastewater is increasingly being used in the agricultural sector to cope with the depletion of freshwater resources as well as water stress linked to changing climate conditions. As wastewater irrigation expands, research focusing on the human health risks is critical because exposure to a range of contaminants must be weighed with the benefits to food security, nutrition and livelihoods. Objectives: The goal of this paper was to review research examining health risks and exposure pathways associated with wastewater irrigation to identify research trends and gaps. Methods: We conducted a review of the literature and identified a total of 126 studies published from 1995 to 2013. Findings were summarized based on several themes including types of exposure pathways, wastewater contaminants, methodological approaches and the geographical distribution of research. Results: Only 23 studies used epidemiological methods, while most research applied alternative methods to estimate risk, such as quantitative risk assessment models or comparisons of crop contamination to established guidelines for wastewater reuse. A geographic breakdown demonstrated a focus on microbiological contaminants in specific regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, despite growing chemical risks associated with rapid urbanization and industrialization that may change the types and distribution of wastewater contaminants. Conclusions: To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the health risks of wastewater use in agriculture, future research should consider multiple exposure routes, long-term health implications, and increase the range of contaminants studied, particularly in regions heavily dependent on wastewater irrigation.
A review of paleobotanical studies of the Early Eocene Okanagan (Okanogan) Highlands floras of British Columbia, Canada, and Washington, USA
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2016-02) Greenwood, David R.; Pigg, Kathleen B.; Basinger, James F.; DeVore, Melanie L.
The history of plant fossil collecting in the Okanagan (Okanogan) Highlands of British Columbia and northeastern Washington is closely intertwined with the history of geological surveys and mining activities from the 1870s onward. The first descriptions of fossil plants from British Columbia were published in 1870–1920 by J.W. Dawson, G.M. Dawson, and D.P. Penhallow. In the United States, fossil leaves and fish were first recognized at Republic, Washington, by miners in the early 1900s. Many early workers considered these floras to be of Oligocene or Miocene age. C.A. Arnold described Canadian occurrences of conifers and Azolla in the 1950s. Palynological studies in the 1960s by L.V. Hills, G.E. Rouse, and others and those of fossil fish by M.V.H. Wilson in the 1970–1980s provided the framework for paleobotanical research at several key localities. Permineralized plants were first described from the Princeton chert in the 1970s by C.N. Miller, J.F. Basinger, and others, followed by R.A. Stockey and her students. W.C. Wehr and K.R. Johnson revitalized the study of fossils at Republic with the discovery of a diverse assemblage in 1977. In 1987, J.A. Wolfe and Wehr produced a United States Geological Survey monograph on Republic, and Wehr cofounded the Stonerose Interpretive Center as a venue for public collecting. Systematic studies of the Okanagan Highlands plants, as well as paleoecological and paleoclimate reconstructions from palynomorphs and leaf floras, continue to expand our understanding of this important Early Eocene assemblage.

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