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

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

Community and malleable identity in the furry fandom

This thesis examines the social and personal aspects of identity creation in the furry fandom – a fandom centred around anthropomorphic characters. Based on data collected from 25 online interviews of furry community members, I learned that furries challenge and create social norms outside of the mainstream to find belonging within the furry fandom. The various furry spaces populated by members (e.g., furry-specific websites or conventions) encourage the safe exploration and assertion of identities that may be maligned in other spaces. The data is analyzed in two broad categories: external elements addressed in the sections on norms and belonging; and internal dynamics examined in the sections on fursona (anthropomorphic avatar) embodiment and identity. This thesis concludes that furries construct malleable identities through the creation and use of fursonas, and based on one interviewee’s assertion, fully explores the concept of identity as a form of collaborative fiction.May 202

CANreduce: Findings from a randomized controlled trial testing a novel online evidence-based intervention for individuals with heavy cannabis use

As cannabis use increases, so does the need for treatment. There is a current lack of evidence-based treatment programs for heavy cannabis use, and challenges around recruitment and retention for extant programs are common. The goals of this dissertation were to develop an online treatment program for adults with heavy cannabis use and examine the efficacy of a therapist-guided introduction. Study 1 (N = 152) was a 3-arm RCT examining the efficacy of CANreduce, a 6-week, self-guided program using principles of cognitive behaviour therapy and motivational interviewing. Participants were randomized into a motivational enhancement therapist guided (MET) introduction, a nontherapist (non-MET) research assistant guided introduction, or waitlist control. Assessment data were collected at baseline, end of treatment (6 weeks) and follow up (10 weeks). All participants reduced their cannabis consumption frequency, quantity, and cannabis-related problems at 6 and 10 weeks. Participants in the MET-therapist condition showed significantly greater reductions in cannabis quantity compared to the control. Participants in the non-MET research assistant condition showed significantly greater reductions in cannabis problems compared to control. There was no significant effect of condition on cannabis frequency, anxiety, depression or quality of life. Study 2 examined the challenges in recruiting and engaging individuals in the CANreduce program. Despite following the core elements of published treatment retention protocols, significant recruitment challenges were experienced. Of the 801 people that completed screeners, 31.3% (n = 251) were eligible for the program. Of those eligible, 54.3% (n = 51) assigned to the MET therapist condition and 45.7% (n = 43) assigned to the non-MET research assistant condition initiated treatment. Treatment initiation predictors included higher cannabis use problems score, lower family history density, increased alcohol use frequency, and more positive attitudes towards treatment. Treatment engagement (i.e., percentage of program completed) predictors included increased social motives for cannabis use and a more positive attitude towards treatment. Overall, this dissertation provided initial evidence for the Canadian CANreduce program, benefits of the MET therapist guided introduction, as well as provided insight into the difficulties recruiting and engaging individuals with heavy cannabis use in online treatment.May 2025Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (x2) James Gordon Fletcher Graduate Research Award in Arts, University of Manitoba Sam and Esther Sair Scholarship, University of Manitoba Alfred Rea Tucker Memorial Scholarship, University of Manitoba University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowshi

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

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

Dominant eigenvalue and universal winners of digraphs

Let A be a nonnegative irreducible matrix of order n and Ai(t) be the matrix obtained by increasing its ith diagonal entry by a positive number t. An index i ∈ [n] = {1, . . . , n} is called a universal winner for A, if, letting ρ(·) denote the spectral radius, ρ(Ai(t)) ≥ ρ(Aj (t)) for j ∈ [n] and for t ∈ (0, ∞). Let G be a strongly connected digraph with vertex set [n]. Let WG be the set of all nonnegative matrices whose underlying graph structure is G. We say a vertex u structurally dominates another vertex v in G, if ρ(Au(t)) ≥ ρ(Av(t)) for all t ∈ (0, ∞) and for all A ∈ WG. We characterize the class of digraphs G that do not have a vertex that structurally dominates all other vertices. We say two vertices u and v structurally tie if they structurally dominate each other in G. We supply an equivalent graph theoretic condition for the structural tying of two vertices in G. Let S ⊆ [n] be nonempty. We characterize the class of strongly connected digraphs G with vertex set [n] such that S is the set of universal winners for each A ∈ WG. We also characterize the strongly connected digraphs whose vertex set can be partitioned into subsets P1, P2, . . . , Pk such that vertices inside a part Pi structurally tie with each other and vertices of Pi structurally dominate vertices of Pj strictly (without tying) for i < j