HARVEST
University of Saskatchewan's Repository for Research, Scholarship, and Artistic Work
Welcome to HARVEST, the repository for research, scholarship, and artistic work created by the University of Saskatchewan community. Browse our collections below or find out more and submit your work.
Communities in HARVEST
Select a community to browse its collections.
- Automated deposits from publishers
Recent Submissions
Exploring the diversity, taxonomy, and host range of the Fusarium solani species complex infecting pulse crops in Canada.
(2026-02-24) Pontes de Azevedo, Ana; Banniza, Sabine; Chatterton, Syama; Warkentin, Tom; Peng, Gary
Root rot caused by isolates of the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) is an escalating threat to pulse crop production worldwide, as yield losses in severely infected fields can reach 100%. Members of this complex are also capable of infecting humans, which results in stricter biosafety requirements, adding complexity and increased cost for agricultural research. Despite decades and of efforts worldwide, the taxonomy and diversity of the FSSC infecting Western Canadian fields and elsewhere remains poorly understood as the complex contains numerous closely related and rapidly evolving members. To better understand the identity and behavior of the isolates affecting pulse crops in the Canadian Prairies, this research combined multilocus phylogenetic analyses with pathogenicity testing on several host plant species. A total of 41 isolates collected from symptomatic roots of different pulse crops were sequenced based on five phylogenetically informative protein-coding genes, which had been identified and used in previous taxonomy studies. These sequences were compared with reference sequences representing known FSSC clades. All isolates were identified to belong to Clade 3 of the complex which also includes human-infecting species, demonstrating that plant and clinical isolates are intermixed and cannot be distinguished without detailed molecular species identification. Three phylogenetic species were identified: the common F. vanettenii, the human-infecting F. solani sensu stricto, and an undescribed species designated F. species novum. Pathogenicity testing of 15 isolates representing these three species demonstrated that virulence varied, even among isolates belonging to the same phylogenetic species. Isolates did not consistently cause the most severe disease on their host of origin and were all capable of infecting each of the pulse crops tested. In contrast, barley, wheat, and canola showed only mild symptoms highlighting their value as potential rotation crops for managing soil inoculum levels. The report of an undescribed species and the overlap found between agricultural and clinical isolates emphasizes the urgent need for improved diagnostic frameworks, coordinated monitoring, and a clearer communication across plant and medical mycology. The pairing of extensive molecular data and pathogenicity results provides a first picture of how FSSC populations are structured and how they interact with Western Canadian pulse crops, providing valuable information for breeding, laying the foundation for future within-species diversity and resistance breeding studies, as well as for disease management efforts.
A Mixed-Methods Scoping Review of Innovative Long-term Care Facility Design and Associated Outcomes
(Oxford Academic, 2025) Pywell, Elizabeth; Ottley, Katherine M.; Dolatabadi, Azin; Maza, Joshua; Lawrenz, Kayley; Hutchinson, Jim; Ward, Heather; Wickson-Griffiths, Abigail; Hunter, Paulette V.
Background and Objectives
As people live to late older adulthood, their reliance on disability supports and services increases. While these supports and services can often be provided at home, many people spend a period of their lives in long-term care, and the quality of long-term care environments is of great significance to those who make this transition and to those who support it. The objective of this study was to survey the range of design innovations in long-term care and to consider outcomes for residents, family caregivers, employees, and healthcare organizations.
Research Design and Methods
To achieve these goals, we conducted a systematic scoping review and analyzed results using a convergent segregated mixed-methods approach. We summarized 75 articles on the topic of long-term care home building design by classifying structural design features and associated outcomes.
Results
We identified 3 innovative design types (small-scale homelike models, large-scale homelike models, and special small-scale approaches). A wide range of potential positive outcomes were identified for residents, families, and staff. These outcomes included outcomes of central significance for long-term care, including improved quality of life, improved family satisfaction, and improved staff engagement in work.
Discussion and Implications
Based on these results, environmental design is a critical contributor to long-term care quality.
Evaluation of the Strengthening a Palliative Approach in Long Term Care (SPA-LTC) programme: a protocol of a cluster randomised control trial
(BMJ Group, 2023) Kaasalainen, Sharon; Wickson-Griffiths, Abigail; Hunter, Paulette V.; Thompson, Genevieve; Kruizinga, Julia; McCleary, Lynn; Sussman, Tamara; Venturato, Lorraine; Shaw, Sally; Boamah, Sheila A.; Bourgeois-Guérin, Valérie; Hadjistavropoulos, Thomas; Macdonald, Marilyn; Martin-Misener, Ruth; McClement, Susan; Parker, Deborah; Penner, Jamie; Ploeg, Jenny; Sinclair, Shane; Fisher, Kathryn
Introduction Despite the high mortality rates in long-term care (LTC) homes, most do not have a formalised palliative programme. Hence, our research team has developed the Strengthening a Palliative Approach in Long Term Care (SPA-LTC) programme. The goal of the proposed study is to examine the implementation and effectiveness of the SPA-LTC programme.
Methods and analysis A cross-jurisdictional, effectiveness-implementation type II hybrid cluster randomised control trial design will be used to assess the SPA-LTC programme for 18 LTC homes (six homes within each of three provinces). Randomisation will occur at the level of the LTC home within each province, using a 1:1 ratio (three homes in the intervention and control groups). Baseline staff surveys will take place over a 3-month period at the beginning for both the intervention and control groups. The intervention group will then receive facilitated training and education for staff, and residents and their family members will participate in the SPA-LTC programme. Postintervention data collection will be conducted in a similar manner as in the baseline period for both groups. The overall target sample size will be 594 (297 per arm, 33 resident/family member participants per home, 18 homes). Data collection and analysis will involve organisational, staff, resident and family measures. The primary outcome will be a binary measure capturing any emergency department use in the last 6 months of life (resident); with secondary outcomes including location of death (resident), satisfaction and decisional conflict (family), knowledge and confidence implementing a palliative approach (staff), along with implementation outcomes (ie, feasibility, reach, fidelity and perceived sustainability of the SPA-LTC programme). The primary outcome will be analysed via multivariable logistic regression using generalised estimating equations. Intention-to-treat principles will be used in the analysis.
A Parallel Process of Staff–Family Distress in Long-Term Care: A Challenge to Collaboration
(Sage, 2024) Serrano, Diandra; Sussman, Tamara; Kaasalanien, Sharon; Wickson-Griffiths, Abigail; Thompson, Genevieve; Hunter, Paulette V.; MacIntosh, Health B.; Brazil, Kevin
Introduction
Supporting persons living with advanced dementia in long-term care (LTC) homes requires strong collaborative partnerships between staff, family members, and residents. Yet, relational tensions—such as differing expectations around care decisions—can inhibit the implementation of collaborative partnerships at this critical point in the trajectory of care.
Objective
This study aims to explore the emotional experiences of families and staff during shared decision-making processes for individuals with advanced dementia in LTC.
Method
Guided by interpretative description, this qualitative study investigated the experiences of staff (n = 12) and families (n = 16) collaborating in two Canadian LTC homes. Data was collected through semistructured interviews lasting 45–60 min, which facilitated a detailed exploration of participants’ narratives. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis facilitated by a combination of inductive and deductive approaches.
Results
Our analysis revealed a complex parallel process of trauma and grief including accumulated distress, isolation, and feelings of devalue that worked together to create distance between staff and families at a time when connection was critical. Our findings further suggested that a lack of time and space for reflection and validation for staff and family, resulted in a cycle whereby staff and families engaged in a push and pull dynamic with each viewing the other as adversaries rather than allies.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the critical need for reflexive opportunities in LTC homes to overcome and attend to the emotional barriers that interfere with true collaboration between staff and families. We hope that the proposed cycle serves as a preliminary framework to support staff in navigating difficult conversations and emotions, and fosters reflexive care that enhances, rather than obstructs, connections.
Resources to Support Decision-Making Regarding End-of-Life Nutrition Care in Long-Term Care: A Scoping Review
(MDPI, 2024) Alford, Heather; Anvari, Nadia; Lengyel, Christina; Wickson-Griffiths, Abigail; Hunter, Paulette V.; Yakiwchuk, Erin; Cammer, Allison
Resources are needed to aid healthcare providers and families in making end-of-life nutrition care decisions for residents living in long-term care settings. This scoping review aimed to explore what is reported in the literature about resources to support decision-making at the end of life in long-term care. Four databases were searched for research published from 2003 to June 2023. Articles included peer-reviewed human studies published in the English language that reported resources to support decision-making about end-of-life nutrition in long-term care settings. In total, 15 articles were included. Thematic analysis of the articles generated five themes: conversations about care, evidence-based decision-making, a need for multidisciplinary perspectives, honouring residents’ goals of care, and cultural considerations for adapting resources. Multidisciplinary care teams supporting residents and their families during the end of life can benefit from resources to support discussion and facilitate decision-making.
WAVELENGTH AND VISUAL FEATURE SELECTION FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION OF FUSARIUM HEAD BLIGHT IN WHEAT USING HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING
(2026-02-24) Tingstad, Grant D; Noble, Scott D; Noble, Scott D; Kutcher, Hadley R; Wiens, Travis
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a fungal disease affecting the heads of cereal crops and has caused significant economic losses in the Canadian prairie wheat industry. Although wheat breeding efforts to enhance resistance genes are ongoing, efficient and accurate detection of FHB remains critical for breeding programs and crop protection. This thesis presents the development of a custom hyperspectral scanner optimized for seed and kernel data acquisition and evaluates an extensive range of classification models trained on spatial–spectral features. The scanner captured hyperspectral scans of over 1,500 healthy and Fusarium-damaged kernels, from which statistical features were extracted at each wavelength. Classification models were trained to assess the contribution of individual wavelengths and statistical features to overall performance, and an exhaustive combinatorial analysis was conducted to identify high-performing feature pairs. The best-performing model achieved an accuracy of 99.7% using a large feature set. Lightweight models identified through feature analysis achieved accuracies of up to 97.3% and correctly classified up to 99.4% of Fusarium-damaged kernels using as few as two features.
Security Implications of Reflection across the Android Ecosystem
(2026-02-23) Khan, Faiyaz; Stakhanova, Natalia; Dutchyn, Christopher; Eager, Derek
The abstract of this item is unavailable due to an embargo.
Examining the Discourses That Shape Hate Crime Responses in Saskatoon
(2026-02-23) Wei, Lingqin; Dupeyron, Bruno; Farney, Jim; Yang, Yang; Jones, Nicholas; Beaulieu-Guay , Louis-Robert
This study examines how hate crime policy is discussed, defined, and implemented in Saskatoon through an analysis of both narratives from the community and institutions. Drawing on Fischer’s argumentative turn as a critical approach and Fairclough’s three-dimensional model of Critical Discourse Analysis, the research investigates how institutional narratives define the responsibility of addressing hate, define whose voices are included or excluded, and how these dynamics affect legitimacy and trust. Analysis with twenty-six excerpts (excerpts selected by recurring themes of discursive patterns) is presented in the findings. These excerpts were drawn from 12 interviews with representatives of community organizations or individuals involved in broader anti-hate discourse, and five city meeting transcripts that were selected because of their relevance to anti-hate policy. Findings reveal that police and city officials frequently portray themselves as neutral and proactive in anti-hate efforts. However, in their claims of effectiveness regarding their works, their choices and actions are primarily shaped by technocratic reasoning and constrained forms of transparency, and at times by tokenistic gestures of engagement.
In contrast, community representatives frequently move between personal experience and systemic critique, offering grounded insights into how hate-related harm can affect them personally in complex ways. As professionals supporting more vulnerable individuals from their own communities, they can also interpret the issues that affect their whole communities. The analysis shows the dissonant understanding of hate as an issue between the communities and the institutions, such as Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) and the city. It also shows the necessity of embedding community leaders into the design, implementation, and evaluation of hate crime policy, specifically because of the nature of how hate crimes and hate incidents are carried out.
Acceptability and preliminary effects of the volunteer-supported Meaningful Moments program to engage older adults with advanced dementia on a hospital-based specialized dementia care unit: a mixed methods study
(Springer Nature, 2024) Yous, Marie-Lee; Coker, Esther; Hunter, Paulette V.; Fisher, Kathryn A.; Sue, Joanna L.; Nicula, Marie; Kazmie, Nadia; Orsini, Theresa; Sussman, Tamara; Thompson, Genevieve; Kaasalainen, Sharon
Background
Namaste Care offers practical skills for healthcare providers, volunteers, and families to meaningfully engage individuals with dementia in activities (e.g., music, massage, reminiscing, socialization, aromatherapy, snacks). A hospital-based specialized dementia care unit for patients with mid- to late-stage dementia offered an adapted version of the Namaste Care program, which was called Meaningful Moments. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and preliminary effects of this novel approach using trained volunteers for older adults with mid- to late-stage dementia.
Methods
A mixed methods multiphase design was used. Qualitative description was used to explore acceptability of the Meaningful Moments program delivered over 6 months through focus groups (e.g., charge nurses, therapeutic recreationists, nurses, social workers) and individual interviews with one volunteer and two family members. A prospective pre-post-test study design was used to evaluate the preliminary effects of the program for patients with dementia and family members. Outcomes included quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and pain for patients with dementia and family carer role stress and the quality of visits for families. Data were collected from June 2018 to April 2019. Descriptive analyses of participants’ characteristics were expressed as a mean (standard deviation [SD]) for continuous variables and count (percent) for categorical variables. Focus group and individual interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The generalized estimating equations (GEE) method was used to assess change in the repeated measures outcome data.
Results
A total of 15 patients received the Meaningful Moments interventions. Families, staff, and volunteers perceived that patients experienced benefits from Meaningful Moments. Staff, volunteers, and families felt fulfilled in their role of engaging patients in the Meaningful Moments program. Individualized activities provided by volunteers were perceived as necessary for the patient population. There were no statistically significant improvements in patient outcomes. There was a statistically significant decline in family carer role stress.
Conclusions
Using a one-on-one approach by volunteers, patients experienced perceived benefits such as improved mood and opportunities for social interactions. There is a need for tailored activities for older adults with advanced dementia through practical strategies that can offer benefit to patients.
Supporting the “hallway residents”: a qualitative descriptive study of staff perspectives on implementing the Namaste Care intervention in long-term care
(Springer Nature, 2023) Li, Donny H.Y.; Yous, Marie-Lee; Hunter, Paulette V.; Coker, Esther; Just, Danielle; Dal Bello-Haas, Vanina; McAiney, Carrie; Wickson-Griffiths, Abigail; Kaasalainen, Sharon
Background
Long-term care (LTC) settings are becoming home to an increasing number of people living with advanced or late-stage dementia. Residents living with advanced dementia represent some of society’s most vulnerable and socially excluded populations and are thus at an increased risk of social isolation. A multisensory intervention tailored to this population, Namaste Care, has been developed to improve quality of life for residents living with advanced dementia in LTC homes. To date, limited research has explored the perspectives of staff in implementing the Namaste Care program with an emphasis on social inclusion of residents in Canadian LTC homes. This study aimed to describe the perspectives of LTC staff on the implementation facilitators and barriers of Namaste Care as a program to support the social inclusion of residents living with advanced dementia.
Methods
Using a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured interviews (n = 12) and focus groups (n = 6) were conducted in two LTC homes in Southern Ontario, Canada, over a 6-month period. Convenience sampling was used to recruit LTC home staff from the two participating sites. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data.
Results
LTC staff (n = 46) emphasized the program’s ability to recognize the unique needs of residents with advanced dementia, and also stated its potential to facilitate meaningful connections between families and residents, as well as foster care partnerships between staff and families. Findings indicated staff also perceived numerous facilitators and barriers to Namaste Care. In particular, providing staff with dedicated time for Namaste Care and implementing volunteer and family participation in the program were seen as facilitators, whereas the initial perception of the need for extra staff to deliver Namaste Care and identifying times in the day where Namaste Care was feasible for residents, families, and staff, were seen as barriers.
Conclusions
LTC staff recognized the need for formalized programs like Namaste Care to address the biopsychosocial needs of residents with advanced dementia and offer positive care partnership opportunities between staff and family members. Although staffing constraints remain the largest barrier to effective implementation, staff valued the program and made suggestions to build LTC home capacity for Namaste Care.
