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Item type: Item , Access status: Embargo , Low-Cost HBV Diagnostic Development and G-Quadruplex–Based Targeting of Hepatitis B and C Virus Genomes(2025-12-01) D'souza, Simmone; Coffin, Carla S.; Patel, Trushar R.; Corcoran, Jennifer A.; Marle, Guido vanChronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections remain a significant global health burden, affecting over 300 million people worldwide. These infections claim over 1.3 million lives annually due to liver-related complications from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine against HBV and direct-acting antivirals that can achieve sustained virological response for HCV, challenges such as delayed diagnosis, limited access to treatment, and persistent viral reservoirs impede eradication efforts. To address the high costs associated with clinical HBV diagnosis and antiviral drug screening, I developed economical in-house assays for quantitative HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV DNA detection. These assays are critical in diagnosing HBV infection and monitoring disease progression. Validation was performed by testing plasma from 35 HBV+ patients and in HBV+ cell cultures treated with the antiviral Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). While TDF effectively suppresses circulating HBV, rebound occurs with treatment cessation due to the persistence of intranuclear covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) reservoir. Our previous research identified a guanine quadruplex (G4) secondary structure within the HBV PreCore (PreC) promoter of cccDNA as a potential antiviral target due to its role in regulating viral RNA production. To target this G4, we developed a single-domain antibody (sdAb), S10, that binds the PreC G4 structure on HBV cccDNA. Biophysical and cellular studies demonstrate that S10 effectively recognizes this G4 structure with strong affinity and high specificity, highlighting its potential as a cccDNA targeting therapeutic strategy. Further, I characterized a previously described G4 in the HCV genome within the stem-loop IIy’ region of the negative strand 3’ UTR. Using biophysical techniques and sequential mutational analysis in an HCV replicon system, I demonstrated that this structure, assumed to form a hairpin, likely adopts a G4 that plays a crucial role in promoting genomic RNA synthesis. In summary, my PhD research contributes to the HBV and HCV fields by developing cost-effective diagnostic tools and uncovering key nucleic acid structures that govern viral replication. These findings not only support affordable diagnostic strategies but also highlight promising avenues for future therapies against chronic viral hepatitis.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Bridging Energy Security and Climate Goals in Oil and Gas Countries: (A Legal Roadmap for Expanding LNG as a Low-Carbon Marine Fuel)(2025-11-17) Zeraatgar, Sara; Tscherning, Rudiger; Stewart, Fenner; Ingelson, AllanAs international climate policies become more stringent, the maritime sector faces increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A key obstacle is regulatory arbitrage, where strict environmental rules in regions such as the European Union drive shipping operations toward jurisdictions with weaker enforcement. This undermines the effectiveness of global climate objectives. The Persian Gulf region must balance its dependence on fossil fuels with international decarbonization obligations. As a leading exporter of oil and gas, it needs to maintain energy security while advancing toward low-carbon transitions. LNG presents a practical opportunity to reduce maritime emissions, but achieving this requires coherent and enforceable legal frameworks. This thesis employs doctrinal and comparative legal methods to analyze inconsistencies between maritime and energy law. It recommends the creation of regional legal pathways and governance frameworks in the Persian Gulf to regulate LNG as a marine fuel, close enforcement gaps, and align national laws with global climate commitments.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Exploring the leadership development of midlevel leaders within social work programs in Western Canadian universities.(2025-11-25) Marshall, Natalie Alana; Spring, Erin; Friesen, Sharon; Mac Gregor, Stephen; La Rose, Tara; Kuzhabekova, AliyaThe purpose of this dissertation was to gain a deeper understanding of the leadership development experiences of midlevel leaders in social work programs at Western Canadian universities. Despite the increasing importance of midlevel leadership in academic institutions, a significant gap remains in research focused specifically on this group, underscoring the need for this study. Utilizing a narrative inquiry methodology and semi-structured interviews, the research involved seven participants, all of whom held midlevel leadership positions at Western Canadian universities. The conceptual framework included the social work leadership framework, attachment theory, and leadership development. Key findings revealed that participants described their leadership development as emerging through personal and professional relationships, transferable skills acquired from previous frontline social work practice or non-academic leadership roles, and experiential learning—developing leadership capacity while actively performing their roles within academia. Additionally, participants provided recommendations for enhancing leadership development pathways. These suggestions included topics for current and future midlevel leaders, along with proposed enhancements to bachelor’s and master’s level social work curricula to better prepare emerging leaders.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Mental Health Challenges for Recent African Immigrant Men in Alberta, Canada(2025-11-25) Wanjiru, Eric Kagwi; Shankar, Janki; Samson, Patricia; Archer-Kuhn, Beth; Gulbrandsen, Carolyn; Milaney, KatrinaThis qualitative study utilizes a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to explore the challenges faced by recent African immigrant men in Alberta during their settlement, how those challenges affect their mental health and daily life, and how they respond. Eight men were recruited, and semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted. The data was analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, guided by Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, and Social Determinants of Health frameworks. The findings underscore the interconnected challenges of employment precarity, racial discrimination, identity redefinition, cultural expectations, loneliness, and transnational financial pressures. Masculinity norms, mental health stigma, and cultural perceptions of formal services shaped help-seeking. This study highlights the importance of intersectional, anti-racist, and culturally humble, relationship-centred social work practice that acknowledges the structural determinants of health and the protective roles of cultural identity, familial responsibility, and spirituality. Rather than pathologizing lower uptake of formal services, practitioners should prioritize relationship-based continuous care, integrate cultural conceptions of wellness, and collaborate with faith and community organizations as co-creators of care. Policy recommendations include enhanced system navigation support (digital, financial, and employment), reforms to credential recognition, and newcomer employment supports that address racialized institutional barriers.Item type: Item , Access status: Open Access , Early Career Supports for Teachers in Alberta(2025-12-04) Nogueira, Bruna; Jivani, Raisa; Thomas, Christy; Brown, Barbara; Lawson (Crawford), KathrynJob satisfaction and retention among teachers are critical issues globally, yet limited research has examined how to effectively support teachers during the early years of their careers, particularly beyond the first year. In Alberta, Canada, teachers face escalating workloads, large class sizes, and inadequate resources, creating a pressing need to understand which early career supports foster job satisfaction and retention. This study aims to investigate new teachers’ perceptions of professional supports accessed during their first five years in the profession, addressing the following main question: what are new teachers' perceptions about the early career supports that are helping them as they transition into the teaching profession? Using a case study approach, this research combines quantitative surveys with semi-structured interviews and qualitative artifacts to capture in-depth perspectives from new teachers. By foregrounding teachers’ voices, this research will advance understanding of retention challenges, inform evidence-based strategies for teacher support, and contribute to scholarly literature and professional practice in teacher education and early career development.
