Guiding trust: The role of labeling information in the market for gluten-free pasta (2019–2023)

Labeling transparency is crucial in today's consumer landscape, ensuring informed choices and trust. Food labels are the first piece of consumers' information and become critical when foods must meet dietary restrictions. Gluten-free pasta, with its widespread consumption, is a fitting model to evaluate labels’ contribution to food literacy. The scope of this study is to examine the clean status and transparency of gluten-free pasta labels in the global marketplace analyzing by ingredient composition, nutritional facts, nutritional claims, and the implementation of quantitative ingredient declarations (QUID). To achieve this, Mintel Global New Product Database (GNPD) was used to retrieve a total of 1188 products sold from 2019 to 2023. Findings revealed variations in gluten-free pasta ingredients, with fresh and dry types varying in nutrients. Branded and private-label pasta differed in salt content, while pulses-based pasta was fiber and protein-rich but pricier. Organic pasta did not consistently show superior qualities, and whole grains did not change nutrition or price. Vegan options were similar in nutrition and price to vegetarian choices. While nutritional claims generally complied with regulations, inconsistent use of QUID usage highlighted the need for stricter labeling standards to ensure product transparency and support consumer decision-making. Our findings underline the critical role of clear and accurate labeling in empowering consumers and advocate for enhanced regulatory oversight

Formers’ understandings of why they engaged with and disengaged from violent social movements in settler-colonial North America and Europe

This qualitative research studied how former violent extremists understand the drivers that led them into and out of violent extremist, and terrorist movements in Canada, the USA and Europe, which are continents that are also affected by settler-colonialism. The PI is also a former extremist and used critical autoethnographic, intersectional feminist and Indigenous methodologies. Methods included gathering from interviews with former Incel, Neo Nazi, anti-government and violent, political Islamists, their family members, and non-governmental organizations (NGO) staff, and a talking circle/focus group with formers. The research findings increase knowledge about how to better prevent and intervene into violent extremist and terrorist social movements with more effective practitioner efforts at micro, meso and macro levels of society. Research results demonstrated complex and intersecting drivers of entry and exit from violent social movements, and the importance of systemic policies and praxis, such as improved anti-bullying, mental health and educational resources, policy, and PVE/exit programming to teach effective critical thinking training, cross cultural conflict resolution and dialogue skills. Key findings also suggest that mental health and faith systems assist communities affected by intergenerational effects of colonialism/occupation, war, racism, and patriarchy to build identities, cultural and gender relationships where there is equity and powersharing.May 202

Effect of polyphenols from Ascophyllum nodosum seaweeds on the rheology and digestion of corn starch gels and gluten-free bread features

The main objective of this work is to study the effect of polyphenols, from the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum, on the structure and digestion behaviour of gels at two corn starch concentrations (1.95 and 5.00% w/w) as well as the structure, color and texture features of crumbs from gluten-free breads. Adsorption isotherms of polyphenols on native and gelled starches were carried out and modelled by means of Langmuir and Henry models, respectively. The formation and characteristics of tested gels were rheologically monitored by means of heating ramp, time sweep at high temperature, cooling ramp and frequency sweep at 25 ◦C. Elastic modulus values decreased with the presence of polyphenols. Additionally, the polyphenols significantly decreased the digestion rate, measured by both chemical and rheological procedures, and the final concentration of digested starch. Finally, the presence of polyphenols in breads increased the hardness and chewiness values and decreased the cohesiveness and resilience values as well as the crumb hardening during storage

Inverter-based resources controlled as a virtual synchronous machine for improved system dynamic performance and stability

The large-scale penetration of Renewable Energy Resources (RES) will displace conventional synchronous machine-based power generation, reducing the overall system inertia and resulting in lower Short Circuit Levels (SCLs) at the locations where RES connect to the grid. RES, such as wind and solar PV, are interfaced with the power system through power electronic inverters. Operating inverter-based equipment under low inertia and SCLs presents several challenges, including poor fault recovery response, unstable oscillatory interactions, and the impact on torsional oscillations of thermal generating units. This research investigates the effectiveness of inverters controlled as Virtual Synchronous Machines (VSMs) in addressing some of these issues. In this research a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) inverter is controlled as a VSM, with input signals derived from solving the time-domain equations of a synchronous machine. The responses of the exciter, governor, and power system stabilizer are also incorporated into the VSM control strategy. The dynamic characteristics of the proposed VSM are validated using a Single Machine Infinite Bus (SMIB) test model. The effectiveness of the VSM approach in mitigating specific technical challenges is verified through dynamic response studies conducted on several test systems, including a representative European transmission system. The VSM's response is compared to that of a conventional synchronous machine in all test cases, demonstrating a close correlation in dynamic behaviour. Additionally, the proposed VSM concept was implemented on a solar PV plant inverter operating in grid-following mode. The simulation results highlighted a hybrid method that combines the technical advantages of both typical grid-following and VSM-based inverter control designs. In all test scenarios, the simulation results confirm that the VSM performs as expected and can effectively mitigate stability issues related to low system inertia and low short circuit strength. Furthermore, this research explores the adaptability of VSM controls in providing essential functionalities, such as inertial and fast frequency response, to enhance grid stability, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with grid code requirements.October 202

Life performance

This thesis attempts to show the inextricable relationship between art and life by combining individual life experiences and reflections, different periods from my art practice, and its contextualization within the history of art. The first chapter will be set in the context of my art practice prior to my MFA program at the University of Manitoba. From painting to jewellery to performance, these seemingly huge leaps are actually traceable, and these changes correspond to certain periods in art history. In this process, I took my life as a source of inspiration for my art practice and materialized it until I found a way to dematerialize it. The second chapter will introduce my artistic practice during my MFA program at the University of Manitoba, which can be broadly divided into language, image and sound. I will cite different works in each section and discuss theoretical reflections related to them. The third chapter will focus on my graduate exhibition at the School of Art Gallery, which involves the topics of technology, humans and space. I consider the exhibition as a work of art in its own right, rather than a vessel for other works.October 202

Incorporating Citation Justice within Citation Instruction

As librarians, we spend a great deal of time teaching students how to create proper citations and abide by the rules set out in various style guides. When participating in this kind of work, it can be easy to focus on the advantages, such as helping learners avoid academic misconduct and gain skills that will benefit them in assignment completion and even beyond their academic studies. This type of support is frequently requested by students and instructors alike, but it does not come without its challenges. In recent years, there has been much attention on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) including the emergence of citation justice. Citation justice aims to address the citation gap of minority researchers due to systemic failures. This concept involves “the deliberate act of citing more work authored by people from marginalized communities in society and in academia” such as individuals who identify as BIPOC or S2LGBTQIA+ (Coalter, 2023, p. 62). According to Mott and Cockayne (2017), “the choices we make about whom to cite – and who is then left out of the conversation – directly impact the cultivation of a rich and diverse discipline” (p. 955). Therefore, citation justice offers students an opportunity to establish positive change by highlighting scholars in their own work that have traditionally been excluded. This topic has the potential to influence the types of sources our students find, read, use, and ultimately cite. Citation justice affects our students’ research and writing processes in profound and complex ways, yet are these elements integrated into citation-related resources and services? And if not, why is replicating appropriate style guide information our only goal? How can we foster critical thinking and encourage students to reflect on why and how citations are disseminated? In considering such questions, two librarians began a research project focused on these very things. In the fall of 2023, they completed an evaluation of citation support offered by the top 15 research-intensive Canadian universities (known as the U15) combined with a thorough literature review. Inspired by their findings, the librarians decided to introduce citation justice by adding new content to the library's primary citation LibGuide as well as integrating it into a new workshop for undergraduate and graduate students. Citing is so much more than simply writing a reference, and as librarians, it is crucial for our practice to evolve to help students understand and learn from historical and emerging citation challenges . Librarians can assist students in developing the skills to make informed and thoughtful decisions about which citations they use, and how to be aware of and apply citation justice within their own writing. As scholars themselves, it is only right for students to learn to be critical, curious and informed about the sources they encounter. In this session, presenters will share their own experiences in moving beyond traditional citation instruction and share strategies to help participants transform their own resources and services to support student learning in a holistic way

Logos, sin, and moral transformation in Origen’s De Principiis 3.1

Origen of Alexandria’s treatise on “self-determination” (De Principiis 3.1) has proven highly influential for subsequent theological and philosophical discussions of free will. There is still considerable debate about the finer points of Origen’s understanding of “self-determination” (to autexousion) and where his notion of it fits within the broader Ideengeschichte of free will. In this thesis I examine the free will treatise, but focus instead on the role of the Logos in his understanding of human freedom and moral transformation. In chapter one, I trace the historical development of the Logos concept from Heraclitus and the Stoics through Middle Platonism and the Biblical Platonists, particularly Philo and Clement of Alexandria, to provide a contextualization of Origen's doctrine. Then, on the basis of this contextualization, I argue (in chapters two and three) that Origen's Logos is not a neutral rational faculty but possesses a paraenetic quality, actively prompting moral agents toward virtuous action. By analyzing Origen's psychology of self-determination, especially his use of aphormē (“prompting”), I demonstrate how the Logos influences the moral choices of rational beings. In chapter four I articulate and motivate what I call the "problem of noetic sanctification" in Origen's theology, and in the fifth and final chapter I propose a solution to the problem on Origen’s behalf in which the Logos within each rational being provides a persistent, pre-cognitive motivation towards goodness, thereby facilitating noetic sanctification through interaction with Christ as the cosmic Logos and "light."May 202

Biomimetic vibroprobes for lunar and terrestrial subsurface exploration

Space exploration presents challenges, particularly in adapting soil drilling tools for efficient subsurface investigation of the Moon and other extraterrestrial bodies. Traditional tools used on Earth are impractical due to payload restrictions in space missions. To address this issue, the development of light and compact probes is essential for overcoming payload barriers. This research focuses on the development of two concepts for subsurface investigation tools: 1) the utilization of subsonic projectile probes, which can be launched from a lunar orbiter or lander to the surface of the Moon, and 2) bio-inspired vibroprobes, which can be mounted on a lunar rover. As such, in the first part of this thesis, an analytical model is developed to predict the deceleration rate and final penetration depth of a rigid projectile probe under perpendicular subsonic impact. The analytical model, developed based on the spherical cavity expansion theory, considers plastic and elastic stress fields by incorporating the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion. The proposed solutions in the subsonic range have been validated using field ground-based experimental data found in the literature. This validation confirms the model’s reliability in estimating the dynamic motion of the penetrator and highlights its potential as a benchmark for more complex, sophisticated numerical calculations. The second part of this thesis involves the development of a biomimetic vibro-based probe, which deploys energy-efficient high-power vibrations to enhance penetration into granular materials. This is carried out by drawing inspiration from observed bending vibrations in biological mechanisms such as snakes, horned lizards, and sandfish. First, the influence of vibration frequency, amplitude, and probe head on penetration resistance is assessed computationally using the discrete element method. The simulation outcomes suggest that high-frequency lateral vibrations hold promise in decreasing the required overhead load for the penetration of probes into granular media. Then, the impact of lateral vibration is physically investigated by developing proof-of-concept bio-inspired vibroprobes in the laboratory. The probes are equipped with thin piezo patches to induce lateral vibration, manifesting as bending vibrations in the structure of the probes. Through experimental testing, the capability of the vibroprobes to reduce penetration force and enhance the penetration process into granular materials is assessed. The experimental results demonstrated a significant reduction in penetration force, reaching up to 42%, when employing bi-directional bending vibrations in the circular cross-section probe. This highlights the effectiveness of bending vibration in developing compact subsurface drilling tools. These two concepts provide a promising strategy for overcoming soil drilling challenges in remote subsurface investigations.May 202

Innate cGAS-STING signaling in Doxorubicin cardiomyopathy

Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used to treat a variety of human cancers. However, a well-known but poorly understood side effect of DOX treatment is its cardiotoxic properties, which trigger cardiac cell death and heart failure. Autophagy is a cellular process responsible for the removal and degradation of damaged cellular components and proteins through a lysosomal regulated pathway. Previous research demonstrated that autophagy is impaired in cancer patients and mice treated with DOX. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) - stimulator of interferon genes STING (cGAS-STING), is part of the innate immunity signaling pathway activated by cellular DAMPs such as nuclear DNA and chromatin associated HMBG1. Activation of cGAS-STING leads to cytokine production and cell death. However, the involvement of cGAS – STING pathway in DOX-cardiomyopathy is not well understood. Herein, we investigated the role of cGAS-STING pathway in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, as well as explore potential therapeutic interventions. Methods: Neonatal cardiac myocytes (NCMCs) were isolated from 1-2 days old Sprague-Dawley rats and were treated with DOX in increasing doses (0.5µM, 1µM, 2.5µM, 5µM and 10µM). After eighteen hours of treatment, the cells were processed for Western blot analysis to evaluate the protein expression of protein markers involved in the innate immune pathway. To assess the impact of cGAS and STING inhibition on DOX-induced toxicity, cell viability and mitochondrial function assays were performed in presence and absence of the inhibitors on DOX treated cardiomyocytes. Results and conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that in contrast to vehicle treated cells, DNA is present in the cytosol of cardiac myocytes when treated with DOX. This coincided with activation of cGAS-STING pathway, accompanied by elevated expression of NLRP3 and Bnip3 proteins leading to wide spread cell death. Notably, pharmacologic inhibition of cGAS or STING independently suppressed DOX-induced cardiac cell death. Our data reveal for the first time the involvement of cGAS-STING innate signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of DOX cardiotoxicity. We suggest that therapeutic interventions that modulate the innate immune pathway may prove beneficial to preserving cardiac function and mitigating cardiotoxicity in cancer patients treated with Dox.May 202

Beyond expectations: investigating nilotinib’s potential in attenuating neurodegeneration in alzheimer’s disease

Abstract Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), pose a formidable global challenge. While therapeutic options are available, their limitations are significant, necessitating the development of innovative treatment approaches. Here, we highlight the importance of repurposing drugs and discuss the future of drug treatments for AD. We review the potential of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) for mitigating AD pathology and symptoms, as well as neurodegenerative processes more broadly. We focus on nilotinib, a selective BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which has unique mechanisms of action involving the modulation of cell responses and removal of toxic proteins associated with AD pathogenesis. Encouraging studies have demonstrated its efficacy, calling for further investigation through clinical trials to assess its potential in various neurodegenerative conditions. However, despite these promising preclinical findings, no clinical studies have yet conclusively demonstrated its efficacy in treating AD. Considering the future directions in AD research, personalized medicine approaches hold promise by incorporating patient-specific factors, including sex and gender differences, to tailor nilotinib treatment for improved efficacy and safety profiles