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MSpace is the University of Manitoba’s Institutional Repository. The purpose of MSpace is to acquire, preserve and provide access to the scholarly works of University faculty and students within an open access environment.

 

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Reconciliation may occur: treaty narratives as entwined disconnection
(2025-03-26) Monkman, Dane; Patzer, Jeremy (Sociology and Criminology); Rounce, Andrea (Political Studies); Ladner, Kiera
This thesis presents an in-depth exploration of Treaty Number One and its broader implications regarding the conflicting narrative frameworks that shape Indigenous-settler relations in Canada. Central to this exploration is the understanding that Treaty Number One, the first Numbered Treaty signed between Indigenous nations and the Canadian state, embodies narratives that remain unresolved and contested. Further I argue that these narratives are multifaceted and oftentimes irreconcilable due to their distinct cultural, historical, and political contexts. In developing this argument I demonstrate how the treaty was perceived by the Crown as a means to assert colonial control and expand settlement, while Indigenous perspectives considered it an agreement beginning a relationship of coexistence and mutual respect. Next, utilizing critical and decolonial theories, I explore the utility in conceiving of Indigenous peoples as subaltern groups resisting the hegemonic narrative of the colonial state and argue that Canada’s approach has been one of reinforcing its dominance through coercion and assimilation. Finally engaging with the TRC’s Calls to Action, I propose that reconciliation cannot be achieved by combining or assimilating narratives into one dominant story. Instead, I call for an ongoing dialogue valuing diverse perspectives that acknowledge the complex interplay of narratives that constitute our understanding of treaties. Ultimately, this thesis concludes that a more comprehensive understanding of treaties can only be achieved through recognizing and valuing the multiplicity of narratives, grounded within material conditions and understanding of colonial power dynamics. In other words, a reconceptualization of treaty relations that embraces the possibility of multiple truths coexisting, rather than striving for a singular reconciled narrative which defines the nation.
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Open Access
Establishment of a regional Mpox surveillance network in Central Africa: shared experiences in an endemic region
(BMC, 2025-03-05) Vakaniaki, Emmanuel H.; Merritt, Sydney; Linsuke, Sylvie; Malembi, Emile; Muyembe, Francisca; Lunyanga, Lygie; Mayuma, Andrea; Kwete, Papy; Kalonji, Thierry; Madinga, Joule; LeBreton, Matthew; Nakoune, Emmanuel; Kalthan, Ernest; Shang, Sevidzem; Nwobegahay, Julius; Ehiakhamen, Odianosen; Dibongue, Elsa; Kankou, Jean-Médard; Erima, Bernard; Byarugaba, Denis K.; Kinzie, Paige R.; Mebwa, Franck; Baelongandi, Francis; Kayolo, Aimé; Nabugobe, Pépin; Mwamba, Dieudonné; Malekani, Jean; Nguete, Beatrice; Kaba, Didine; Hensley, Lisa E.; Kindrachuk, Jason; Liesenborghs, Laurens; Shongo, Robert; Muyembe-Tamfum, Jean-Jacques; Hoff, Nicole A.; Rimoin, Anne W.; Mbala-Kingebeni, Placide
Abstract To address the underreporting of mpox cases in endemic regions, a regional surveillance network, known as the Mpox Threat Reduction Network (MPX-TRN), was established between five neighboring countries in Central and West Africa in 2022. One direct outcome of the MPX-TRN has been the strengthening of regional mpox surveillance. This consortium has facilited open communication channels, detection of cross-border mpox cases, and improvements of the detection and diagnosis of mpox in Central Africa and worldwide. Importantly, the MPX-TRN provides a scalable model for addressing underreporting of diseases, such as mpox.
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Open Access
Association between pre-existing chronic conditions and severity of first SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms among adults living in Canada: a population-based survey analysis from January 2020 to August 2022
(BMC, 2025-03-12) Cheta, Nicholas; Zakaria, Dianne; Demers, Alain; Abdullah, Peri; Aziz, Samina
Abstract Background Individuals living with chronic conditions (CC) typically have a higher risk of more severe outcomes when exposed to infection. Although many studies have investigated the relationship between CCs and COVID-19 severity, they are generally limited to clinical or hospitalized populations. There is a need to estimate the impact of pre-existing CCs on the severity of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms among the general population. Methods Data from the Canadian COVID-19 Antibody and Health Survey – Cycle 2, a population-based cross-sectional probability survey across 10 provinces capturing the COVID-19 experiences of respondents from January 2020 to August 2022, were used to assess whether pre-existing CCs increased the odds of more severe self-reported infection symptoms among adults living in Canada. Multivariable regression modelling identified which CCs were independently associated with more severe infection symptoms after adjusting for sex, age at infection, and other significant covariates. Results Chronic lung disease (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.46), high blood pressure (aOR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.62), weakened immune system (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.98), chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia (aOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.39, 3.50), and arthritis (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.56) were associated with a higher odds of more severe infection, whereas osteoporosis (aOR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.87) was associated with a lower odds. Limiting modelling to adults with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections affected some of the variables retained and adjusted associations. Conclusion Our findings contribute to a growing evidence base of associations between pre-existing CCs and adverse outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Identifying factors associated with more severe infection allows for more targeted prevention strategies and early interventions that can minimize the impact of infection.
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Open Access
Perceived artificial intelligence readiness in medical and health sciences education: a survey study of students in Saudi Arabia
(BMC, 2025-03-26) Almalki, Manal; Alkhamis, Moh A.; Khairallah, Farah M.; Choukou, Mohamed-Amine
Abstract Background As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integral to healthcare, preparing medical and health sciences students to engage with AI technologies is critical. Objectives This study investigates the perceived AI readiness of medical and health sciences students in Saudi Arabia, focusing on four domains: cognition, ability, vision, and ethical perspectives, using the Medical Artificial Intelligences Readiness Scale for Medical Students (MAIRS-MS). Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between October and November 2023, targeting students from various universities and medical schools in Saudi Arabia. A total of 1,221 students e-consented to participate. Data were collected via a 20-minute Google Form survey, incorporating a 22-item MAIRS-MS scale. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 16.0. Cronbach alpha was calculated to ensure reliability, and least squares linear regression was used to explore relationships between students’ demographics and their AI readiness scores. Results The overall mean AI readiness score was 62 out of 110, indicating a moderate level of readiness. Domain-specific scores revealed generally consistent levels of readiness: cognition (58%, 23.2/40), ability (57%, 22.8/40), vision (54%, 8.1/15) and ethics (57%, 8.5/15). Nearly 44.5% of students believed AI-related courses should be mandatory whereas only 41% reported having such a required course in their program. Conclusions Medical and health sciences students in Saudi Arabia demonstrate moderate AI readiness across cognition, ability, vision, and ethics, indicating both a solid foundation and areas for growth. Enhancing AI curricula and emphasizing practical, ethical, and forward-thinking skills can better equip future healthcare professionals for an AI-driven future.
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Open Access
Evaluation of the Technological Performance of Soft Wheat Flours for Fresh-Pasta Production as Affected by Industrial Refining Degree
(Springer Nature Link, 2024-10-25) Iacovino, Silvio; Garzon, Rachel; Rosell, Cristina M; Marconi, Emanuele; Albors, Ana; Martin-Esparza, Maria Eugenia
Nowadays, whole grain and less refined flours deriving from higher extraction rate milling processes have received much attention due to the presence of the external parts of the grain constituting the bran, with well-known health benefits. The use of these flours can represent a rational option for the valorization of native bran with minimal by-product generation while improving the nutritional and functional profile of the end products. This work aims to evaluate the techno-functional characteristics of commercial soft wheat flours with different refining degrees (proximate composition, functional, rheological, and starch-related properties) and their relation to the produced fresh-pasta quality (cooking behavior, mechanical and optical properties, and sensory assessment). Specifically, water holding capacity, fat absorption capacity, and swelling ability of flours gradually decreased with the refining degree (up to 25%, 16%, and 36%, respectively). Regarding the starch properties, the overall gelatinization process resulted to be negatively influenced by higher extraction rates, leading to a lower consistency of the whole grain starch gels (~17% in the maximum force during heating and ~12.39% peak viscosity). Cooked pasta was darker and redder when increasing the extraction rate. In addition, whole grain-based pasta had 42% higher cooking loss, and it was 86% harder and 101% firmer, leading to the production of a less elastic fresh-pasta with lower swelling ability. However, a good quality end product with naturally high nutritional value can be produced with flours with low refining degree. Results are useful to assess the best productive destination of flours basing on their technological properties.
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Open Access
Posttraumatic stress disorder and cannabis use: an in-depth examination of a nationally representative sample
(2025) Hogarth, Jessa; Reynolds, Kristin (Psychology); Fries, Christopher (Sociology and Criminology); Holens, Pamela (Clinical Health Psychology); Keough, Matthew; Mota, Natalie
Cannabis is among the top substances used by individuals with PTSD. Research regarding the effects of cannabis use on PTSD symptomatology is largely contradictory and unclear, claiming both the improvement and worsening of PTSD symptoms concurrently. Furthermore, cannabis use disorder (CUD) is increasing in prevalence, due to recent legalization of recreational cannabis use across much of North America. To date, relatively little is known about correlates of comorbid PTSD and CUD (PTSD-CUD), as well as the impact of comorbid PTSD-CUD on various areas of mental health functioning. Individuals with PTSD routinely experience barriers to acceptable and effective treatment, which may be further exacerbated by the co-occurrence of CUD. Three distinct research studies utilized a nationally representative sample of adult civilians (≥18 years) collected during the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions III (NESARC-III; N = 36,309) in 2012-2013. The aims of the proposed project were threefold: (1) to examine the sociodemographic profile of individuals with PTSD-CUD, (2) to identify distinct cannabis use profiles among individuals with PTSD, and (3) to examine rates of mental healthcare utilization among individuals with PTSD who use cannabis. This nationally representative sample provides the opportunity to examine the complex relationships between PTSD and cannabis use in comprehensive detail. Comorbid PTSD-CUD represents an increasingly frequent disorder combination that appears to impact treatment course and outcome. Improved understanding regarding the relations between PTSD and cannabis use is fundamental to reduce disorder durations, resolve healthcare disparities, and improve treatment interventions for this complex population.
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Open Access
Expanding the application of germinated wheat by examining the impact of varying alpha-amylase levels from grain to bread
(Elsevier, 2024-11-11) Kaur, Nancydeep; Gasparre, Nicola; Rosell, Cristina M
Controlled germination is recognized for its potential to enhance both the nutritional profile and functional properties of grains, but there is limited information about the level of wheat germination that promotes functional changes without losing breadmaking potential. This research aims to analyze the physicochemical changes in wheat during germination for 36 h, focusing on evaluating kernel changes, the flour breadmaking functionality, and bread characteristics. Pasting properties progressively decreased as the germination progressed, and apparent viscosity was barely detected after 36 h germination. Initial decline in gluten index was observed at 24 and 36 h germination, but gluten kept its aggregation capabilities. Optimal germination periods of 6–18 h significantly improved flour functionality, evidenced by increased Gluten Performance Index, gluten index, and enhanced dough mixing properties. Further, mini-breads, developed after optimizing breadmaking conditions, displayed increased 2D areas in 24 and 36 h and lower crumb hardness in 24 and 36 h of germinated bread compared to those obtained with sound wheat flour. Significant correlations were found among alpha amylase activity, Falling number, total and damaged starch content, RVA parameters, gelatinization enthalpy, and breadcrumb texture parameters. Developing mini bread using different levels of germinated flour demonstrates its viability for breadmaking offering a promising innovation within the whole-grain food industry.
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Open Access
Exploring the functional potential of pea-based sourdough in traditional durum wheat focaccia: Role in enhancing bioactive compounds, in vitro antioxidant activity, in vitro digestibility and aroma
(Elsevier, 2024-11-26) Vurro, Francesca; Santamaria, Maria; Summo, Carmine; Pasqualone, Antonella; Rosell, Cristina M
Legume-based sourdough is gaining momentum. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of type I sourdough prepared with durum wheat semolina (S1), pea flour (S2) or 50:50 semolina/pea flour (S3) in improving the nutritional quality, antioxidant compounds, in vitro digestibility and aroma of traditional durum wheat focaccia. Six focaccias were prepared: three with 40 % of S1, S2 and S3, and three with the corresponding amount of unfermented flours. Pea sourdough increased the content of phenolic compounds (8.82 ± 0.12 mg GAE/g d.m. in focaccia with 40 % pea flour and 4.92 ± 0.41 mg GAE/g d.m. in unfermented semolina focaccia), and consequently increased the antioxidant activity. Focaccias with pea flour or pea sourdough were “source of protein” and “high fiber”, according to UE Reg. 1924/2006. Pea sourdough slowed down starch in vitro digestibility while enhancing protein digestibility and leading to a more complex volatile profile, with increased content of aldehydes, alcohols and Maillard reaction compounds.
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Open Access
Breadmaking Potential of Andean Roots and Tuber Starches from Ahipa (Pachyrhizus ahipa), Oca (Oxalis tuberosa), and Arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza)
(Wiley, 2024-08-28) Dini, Cecilia; Garzon, Raquel; Rosell, Cristina M
Aim is to explore the breadmaking potential for gluten-free goods of non-conventional starches from Andean crops ahipa, oca, and arracacha. Their characteristics and performance in breadmaking are compared with those of cassava, taken as a reference for conventional gluten-free root starch. Physicochemical properties of breads are studied along with the pasting and thermal properties, composition, and α-amylase hydrolysis of starches. Arracacha starch has the lowest amylose content (2.4%) and the highest water hydration (1.4 g g−1). Its batter shows adequate proofing, but the bread is highly adhesive, with dense crumb. Ahipa starch paste has the lowest peak, trough and final viscosities determined by rapid visco analyzer, and the highest hydrolysis rate (kRVA = 2.30 min−1). Its batter exhibits, along with oca, the highest volume increase during fermentation (193–197%), but structure collapses in the oven and no alveoli are observed in the crumb. Conversely, oca forms a crumb structure similar to cassava, but with higher cell density (131 alveoli cm−2), cohesiveness (0.95), and resilience (0.65) than the latter (71 alveoli cm−2, 0.88, and 0.45, respectively). Oca starch has lower pasting temperature (64 °C) and the starch paste has similar hydrolysis rate (kRVA = 1.92 min−1) compared to cassava (71.9 °C and 2.08 min−1, respectively), making it a suitable option for providing gluten-free yeast-leavened breads with improved technological properties and a comparable glycemic index.
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Open Access
Adult attitudes towards Dene Yati/Zhatié: a community questionnaire
(2025-03-27) Coates, Alice; Rosen, Nicole (Linguistics); Janzen, Terry (Linguistics); Loureiro-Rodriguez, Veronica
A comparison of language attitudes in adults from two Dene-speaking communities in Canada’s Northwest Territories describes attitudes which are broadly homogenous, with some variation dependent on demographics and beliefs regarding the language and language vitality. The results of the study show overall low attitudes among respondents in both communities, affected by the rating of the use of the language in workplaces and despite strongly positive attitudes in the affective dimension. Positive attitudes in an individual are associated with strength of Dene identity and proficiency in the language, with these conditions promoting one another. Concerns about language vitality are reflected in both communities’ focus on the importance of generational language transfer occurring in the home. The fact that the majority of survey respondents rate themselves as emergent speakers of the language may be indicative of low rates of language use, in turn contributing to concerns about vitality. However, the broad base of support for the language and language learning in the communities shows awareness of the situation and a keen understanding of the value of the language to cultural revitalization and its potential contribution to wellness amongst young learners.