MSpace

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.

 

Recent Submissions

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Open Access
Transient stability assessment of grid-connected inverters using decision tree classifier
(2024-03-15) Terulun, Terulun; Kordi, Behzad (Electrical and Computer Engineering); Filizadeh, Shaahin (Electrical and Computer Engineering); Annakkage, Udaya
The complexity of power networks is increasing rapidly due to the growing use of power electronic devices and the expansion of new energy sources. As a result, ensuring the stability of power systems has become increasingly important. Grid-connected inverter systems play a crucial role in modern power systems, and studying their stability can aid in developing new tools for stability analysis. Transient stability assessment (TSA) involves analyzing the behavior of system variables during and after disturbances. It's preferred to express stability boundaries as nonlinear functions of system variables, which traditional analytical methods struggle to achieve. In recent decades, Machine Learning (ML) techniques have been proposed. However, most studies focus on synchronous generator-based systems, utilizing physical data such as power flow, voltage, and current. In addition to using physical quantities, the stability status of the entire power system can be determined by either the state variables or a subset thereof. This thesis introduces an analysis method based on statistical method and machine learning to determine the stability status of the inverter connected to the gird. The analysis method focuses on the examination and selection of appropriate state variables in inverter that can be used for rapid and accurate predict the stability. The dataset was generated by simulating disturbances and capturing the variables at the disturbance's clearance and the multiple simulations of a modified 12-bus system using the electromagnetic transient simulation tool, PSCAD/EMTDC. The research framework, established through a detailed literature review, includes describing the test system and modifications for inverter-based system. It explores gird-following inverter modeling and uses statistical methods for effective transient stability assessment.. The decision tree classifier is the machine learning approach utilized in this research. The constructed classifier correlates variables with system stability, reducing the required variables for TSA without compromising accuracy. The variables in outer reactive power control, q-axis current control, and phase locked loop exhibit notable correlation with system stability. This study contributes to proposes a methodology to identify a subset of state variables in inverters that significantly influence transient stability, and this identified subset is then utilized to assess the stability.
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Open Access
Experiences of Indigenous people with bariatric surgical care in Manitoba
(2024-01-30) Whyte, Marta; Hatala, Andrew (Community Health Sciences); Fowler-Woods, Melinda (Surgery); Shingoose, Geraldine (Indigenous Elder); Hardy, Krista
Background Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are growing global health concerns associated with significant morbidity, mortality and increasing healthcare expenditures. Indigenous peoples are at higher lifetime risk of both and poorer health outcomes. This work aimed to explore the experiences of Indigenous who had undergone bariatric surgery. Methods We established relationships with Indigenous community leaders. A mixed methods scoping review of experiences and outcomes of Indigenous patients undergoing bariatric surgery was conducted. Guided by an Indigenous Elder, we gathered knowledge through Sacred sharing circles, ceremony and Traditional teachings in a decolonized way. Results Scoping review found Indigenous patients have poorer access to bariatric surgery with similar weight loss outcomes and strong motivators for pursuing bariatric surgery. Relationship building, community involvement, and honoring tradition are crucial when conducting research with Indigenous communities. Indigenous people undergoing bariatric surgery in Manitoba had positive experiences, strong motivators, and felt that more cultural supports were needed. Conclusion Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and T2DM. Research with Indigenous communities to close gaps in health outcomes must be done in a good way, rooted in Indigenous methodologies. Indigenous patients have strong motivators for pursuing surgery, and have a desire for non-surgical, culturally relevant supports along the bariatric pathway. Culturally sensitive care is necessary for Indigenous patients in bariatric clinic settings.
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Open Access
Indicators of peace: in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada “it depends who you are:” an exploratory case study of the saliency of quantitative positive peace measures
(2024-02-21) Lindsay, Preston; Senehi, Jessica (Peace and Conflict Studies); Milgrom, Richard (City Planning); Broome, Benjamin (Arizona State University Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict); Byrne, Sean
Winnipeg is a city regarded in Canada as the city in the middle. It is, in fact, geographically at the heart of the North American Continent. It is also situated currently as a city of prevalent racism and injustice. It is also a city where there is consistent and prevalent peace work as well. It would seem Winnipeg is a city divided. Winnipeg served for thousands of years as a place for Indigenous Nations to gather, trade, and share culture. The decades and centuries that followed first contact replaced these systems with infrastructures and cultures of oppression and violence, exacting painful tolls on Indigenous Peoples and people of colour more generally. Over the last century, however, there have been social, economic, and political shifts in the city toward accepting and embracing the cultural differences it once demonized, effectively beginning the process of erecting shared cultures of peace. The purpose of the exploratory research in this study is to gauge the relative levels of positive peace or social justice in Winnipeg. To accomplish this, I drew four salient quantitative indicators from the proventive critical positive peace assessment known as the peace poles, to test their viability. To serve as a counterweight and balance to test of the measure’s saliency, representatives from four Winnipeg social organizations were undertaken to explore their ideas about positive peace in Winnipeg as the city in the middle. These four organizational representatives come from a few of the most systemically engaged organizations in the city. In this research I explored the ways in which these persons and organizations engaged in the city regarding peace, while afterward running the numbers derived from the peace poles assessment published in the Palgrave Handbook of Positive Peace in 2022. These positive peace metrics—connectivity, political voice, the gini index, and sense of belonging—only further grounded and supported the themes discovered in the interviews.
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Open Access
Doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy: role of endoplasmic reticulum stress
(2024-03-06) Malik, Akshi; Dhingra, Sanjiv (Physiology and Pathophysiology); Ravandi, Amir (Physiology and Pathophysiology); Wigle, Jeffrey (Biochemistry and Medical Genetics); Li, Ren-Ke (University of Toronto); Jassal, Davinder
Cancer and cardiovascular disease are the two leading causes of mortality in Canada. Unfortunately, these two diseases are intricately linked, as the anti-cancer drug, doxorubicin (Dox) can cause detrimental effects on the heart. Amongst the various potential mechanisms of Dox-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC), little is known about the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress which may lead to cardiomyocyte apoptosis and heart failure. We used rat cardiomyocytes as well as an in vivo murine model to characterize Dox-induced ER stress and subsequent changes in cardiac structure and function. To date, there are no approved pharmacological therapies for the prevention and/or treatment of DIC. We investigated the therapeutic potential of two compounds: 1) An anti-inflammatory cytokine, Interleukin-10 (IL-10); and 2) an anti-diabetic medication, Empagliflozin (EMPA), in the setting of DIC. In isolated cardiomyocyte studies, Dox (10 µM) induced ER stress and apoptosis. We identified cleaved activating transcription factor 6α (ATF6α) as the major ER transmembrane protein which is upregulated following Dox treatment. Dox-induced ER stress changes were mitigated by the pretreatment of both IL-10 (10 ng/ml) and EMPA (500 nM). IL-10 primarily worked through downregulating ATF6 cleavage and promoted cell survival by downregulating caspase-12 activation and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase. On the other hand, EMPA mitigated ER stress via activation of inositol-requiring kinase 1α (IRE1α) and downregulation cleavage of ATF6α. The effects of EMPA in decreasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were also noted. In the rat model of DIC (cumulative dose, 15 mg/kg), there was downregulation of ER chaperones followed by an increase in apoptosis. Prophylactic and concurrent treatment of EMPA (10 mg/kg body weight, daily) mitigated ER stress via upregulation of ER chaperones and downregulation of ER stress induced apoptosis. There were significant detrimental changes in the structure and function of the myocardium by the end of the experiment in the Dox group which were rescued by EMPA treatment. These preclinical studies suggest that ER stress plays an intermediary role in worsening DIC which can be modulated by IL-10 and/or EMPA. The molecular details in this study provide a rationale for the prophylactic use of EMPA to reduce DIC.
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Open Access
Development and characterization of a novel DC-targeting universal influenza vaccine
(2024-03-07) Olukitibi, Titus; Kung, Sam (Immunology); Kobasa, Darwyn (Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease); Mckinnon, Lyle (Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease); Cochrane, Alan (University of Toronto); Yao, Xiaojian
The highly contagious pandemic potential influenza virus causes around 650,000 annual deaths despite available vaccines. Developing a universal influenza vaccine is crucial for effective disease control. Leveraging Ebola glycoprotein's immunogenicity by targeting dendritic cells (DC) to enhance immune responses is advantageous. Likewise, conserved antigens like influenza HA stalk and M2e hold promise for a universal influenza vaccine but suffer from low immunogenicity, necessitating enhancement. To improve the immunogenicity of the influenza HA stalk and M2e, the DC-targeting domain of EboGP (EΔM) was fused with the influenza hemagglutinin stalk conserved epitopes (HAcs) from H1, H3, H5 and H7 (HAcs) and ectodomain matrix protein (M2e) derived from human origin to generate E∆M-HM2e. The EΔM was also fused with four copies of M2e (2 from humans, one from swine and one from avian) to generate E∆M-tM2e. Hypothetically, the E∆M would efficiently deliver the influenza HAcs, M2e or both to DCs and induce more robust immune responses against influenza virus strains. The first observations demonstrated that both E∆M-HM2e and E∆M-tM2e could efficiently target and enter the monocyte-derived DCs/macrophages. Secondly, in the investigation of their in vivo immunogenicity, HIV-1 Virus-like particle (VLP)- and recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV)-E∆M-HM2e and E∆M-tM2e elicited robust and broad humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in the serum of the immunized mice with the evidence of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Thirdly, the rVSV-E∆M-HM2e and E∆M- immunized mice challenged with mouse-adapted A/PR8/1934 (H1N1) or mouse-adapted A/Hong Kong/1/68 (H3N2) intranasally were fully protected except for rVSV-E∆M-HM2e, which gave 25% protection against a higher dose of H1N1. Fourthly, the UV-inactivated rVSV-E∆M-tM2e immunization yielded comparable immune responses with the live-attenuated rVSV-E∆M-tM2e and protected against the H1N1 lethal challenge. Finally, when the rVSV-E∆M-tM2e is combined with a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 spike in a bivalent vaccine, it maintains its ability to provide robust immunogenicity and protection against lethal H1N1 or H3N2 infection even in a single dose. In conclusion, this thesis strongly supports the development of a novel DC-targeted universal influenza vaccine, showcasing the effectiveness of E∆M-tM2e across diverse platforms and conditions. This vaccine holds potential for broad influenza virus protection and pandemic preparedness.
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Open Access
Assessment of helical pile performance in lacustrine clay and glacial till deposits: a load testing study in Winnipeg, Manitoba
(2024-03-08) Roadley, Jenna; Bassuoni, Mohamed (Civil Engineering); Yuan, Qiuyan (Civil Engineering); Alfaro, Marolo; Bartz, James
This comprehensive research seeks to validate the application of helical piles in the distinctive geological and construction landscape of Winnipeg. The region's geological complexity, characterized by glaciolacustrine soils, glacial till deposits, and variable bedrock conditions, necessitates the development of innovative foundation solutions. This research delves into helical pile design and highlights the importance of static load testing as a reliable method for assessing and validating their performance. Furthermore, it specifically addresses the need for localized data on helical pile load-bearing capacities under unique soil conditions in Winnipeg. The exploration of capacity predictions, load testing results, and their implications for practical applications underscores the research's contribution to validating the use of helical piles in Winnipeg's geological context. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the significance of evidence-based decision-making and the continuous research which is necessary to adapt helical piles to Winnipeg's geological complexities, ultimately validating their effectiveness as a foundation solution for the region.
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Open Access
The impact of COVID-19 on services for Indigneous people who use substances and are living with HIV in Winnipeg, Manitoba
(2024-03-08) Christianson, Tara; Bonnycastle, Marleny (Social Work); Luo, Hai (Social Work); Souleymanov, Rusty
Manitoba currently has the second highest rate of HIV in Canada. Among those recently diagnosed, Indigenous people and injection drug users are overrepresented. As the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted service delivery, Indigenous people living with HIV (IPLH) who use substances may have been disproportionality negatively impacted. This Master of Social Work thesis focuses on the stories shared within the Gigii-Bapimiin project by IPLH in Winnipeg, Manitoba who use substances and accessed health and social services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Stories from those with lived experience as well as service providers were gathered using semi-structured interviews to help facilitate conversation. The goal of the research was two-fold, firstly to advance the understanding of the impact COVID-19 had on service delivery. Secondly, to provide recommendations for change and inform post-pandemic service delivery and policies to optimally support IPLH who use substances in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A decolonizing Two-Eyed Seeing approach and Indigenous Storywork were used as overarching frameworks to guide this research. A community guiding circle comprised of eight IPLH, many of whom previously or currently used substances, were involved in the research from design to dissemination. Elder Albert McLeod and Knowledge Holder Gayle Pruden ensured the project remained grounded in Indigenous ethical space and helped incorporate ceremony into the research process. Due to its epistemological alignment with Indigenous knowledges, stories were analyzed using thematic analysis. Through this process, three common themes were identified. Firstly, the deeply engrained colonial practices within health and social services and the barriers individuals experienced pre-pandemic having been exacerbated throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, neoliberal narratives and polices were the primary contributors to the harms linked to substance use rather than the personal drug use behaviours of individuals. Lastly, successful service delivery existed throughout the pandemic and was identified by participants as having been wholistic in nature and grounded within Indigenous knowledges. These organizations continued to offer support to IPLH in a meaningful way while adhering to public health orders. As a result, recommendations for social work practitioners, policy makers, advocates, and healthcare professionals are provided on how to enhance service delivery for IPLH who use substances.
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Open Access
Navigating MNE control and coordination: A critical review and directions for future research
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2023-03-08) Zeng, Rong
Control and coordination efforts are at the heart of MNE functioning. Yet, our review reveals that the literature on MNE control and coordination lacks conceptual clarity, which may hamper the development of the field. In this critical review, we synthesize the literature over the past decade using a conceptual framework rooted in new internalization theory. Research remains fairly coarse regarding how various configurations and interactions of control and coordination mechanisms affect intended outcomes. We note a paucity of multilevel studies, direct investigations of microfoundations, and comparison studies between intra- and inter-MNE relationships. Insufficient attention has been paid to adaptation issues and the impact of external dynamics on the need for, and operationalization of, control and coordination mechanisms. These gaps are concerning, since external trends are changing the organizational landscape and MNE boundaries are becoming increasingly fuzzy. Going forward, a more nuanced conceptualization of outcomes is needed, one that specifies proximal outcomes which mediate the achievement of distant goals. We use our augmented conceptual framework to identify other key areas for future research. We also call for more research on how disruptive forces affect both the use and outcomes of organizational mechanisms aimed at achieving control and coordination.
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Open Access
Quantification of movement of Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Laemophloeidae) adults in one-dimensional columns under different storage conditions in stored wheat
(2024-03-07) Thangarasu, Anukiruthika; Paliwal, Jitendra (Biosystems Engineering); Hervet, Vincent (Entomology); Phillips, Thomas (Entomology, Kansas State University); Jayas, Digvir; Jian, Fuji
Grain storage is a complex ecological system influenced by various factors, demanding a nuanced understanding of effective management. This research addresses knowledge gaps in insect movement within grain columns, crucial for refining storage strategies, particularly regarding one of the economically impactful pests, the rusty grain beetle (Cryptolestes ferrugineus), infesting stored wheat in the Northern United States and Canada. The study analyzed the temperature and moisture response of C. ferrugineus adults in 1- and 2-m wheat columns, revealing a diminished response with increased column length. Subsequent experiments focus on the insects' sensitivity to small temperature (0 to 6°C) and moisture (1 percentage point) differences. Results indicated that the insects could detect a 1°C temperature difference and a 1 percentage point moisture difference within 0.5 m in 24 h. The study extended to (i) additional moisture responses, exploring the impact of 3 or 5 percentage-point differences in wheat moisture content over various movement periods and column lengths. Moisture responses were effective up to approximately 0.25 m; and (ii) to additional temperature responses, exploring the impact of 1 to 20°C temperature differences in 12.5% moisture content wheat over various movement periods and column lengths. Temperature responses were effective up to approximately 0.45 m. Further investigations examined synergistic and antagonistic effects of nonlinear temperature and moisture differences on insect movement. The study confirmed adult responses to both conditions and employed mathematical modeling to calculate diffusivity and bias movement velocity, dependent on temperature, moisture, column length, and movement period. Findings highlighted the direct proportionality of diffusivity to temperature difference and its inverse relationship with moisture difference, column length, and movement period. Bias movement velocity notably decreased in longer columns under various temperature differences. The study underscores that insect movement is influenced not only by temperature and moisture differences but also by storage structure dimensions. Insights gained could contribute to the three-dimensional modeling of insect movement, aid in the design of insect monitoring tools, and guide decisions on sampling frequency and locations. Overall, this research advanced our understanding of the intricate dynamics within grain storage systems, facilitating the development of more effective stored grain management practices.
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Open Access
COVID-19 vaccinations among incarcerated populations in North America: a mixed-methods systematic review
(2024-02-12) LeGras, Nicole; Martin, Donna (Nursing); Doupe, Malcolm (Community Health Sciences); Woodgate, Roberta
Correctional facilities are susceptible to infectious disease outbreaks, as evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Achieving a high and sustained rate of COVID-19 vaccination is essential to control future outbreaks and safely resume normal activities within correctional facilities. This mixed-methods systematic review synthesized the literature on the associated social determinants of health, the facilitators, and the barriers of COVID-19 vaccination in incarcerated populations in North America. A search of five databases was performed on October 11th, 2023. Peer-reviewed, primary quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies published in English in the years following 2020, focusing on COVID-19 vaccination in incarcerated populations in North America were included in the review. A total of 15 studies were included in the review. Data from the included studies was extracted and synthesized using a segregated approach to data synthesis. The quantitative findings include two individual and group-level determinants, three health-related determinants, four correctional determinants, and one policy-level determinant of COVID-19 vaccination. According to the review’s findings, target groups for COVID-19 vaccination interventions should include younger and healthier adults, Black/African American and Indigenous individuals, those who recently refused the Influenza vaccine and who report low medical trust, individuals in jail facilities who are single-celled and have a medium to maximum-security classification, and populations not prioritized for early vaccination in vaccination policies. The qualitative findings include seven synthesized findings on the barriers and facilitators of vaccination in incarcerated populations and the correctional setting. Barriers of vaccination include vaccination-programme related factors, a lack of vaccine knowledge, social pressure and negative social norms, universal distrust, risk perceptions, beliefs about health and immunity rendering vaccination unimportant, and not perceiving one’s vaccination as impactful. Facilitators of vaccination include the right type of vaccine recommendation, positive social norms, belief in the protective benefits of vaccination, and vaccine incentives.