This thesis describes the results of three studies that used different measures of bacterial numbers in retail ground beef (n=309) collected across different locations in Saskatchewan within a one-year period (May 2011 – May 2012). The measurements were compared among three sample categories: 1 - ground beef displaying government inspection information on the label legend (n=126), 2 - originating from facilities licensed by local health regions and thus not subjected to government inspection (n=80), or 3 - processed and repackaged at the retail level thus carrying no government inspection information on the label (n=103). The first study reports baseline levels of bacteria in Saskatchewan retail ground beef as measured by traditional (total aerobic plate count (TAPC) and total E. coli plate count (TEPC)) and culture-independent methods (estimate of total bacterial load (TBL) by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction). After accounting for season and whether the samples were fresh or frozen at purchase, the lowest TAPC (log10 4.9 culture forming units per gram (cfu/g); 95% CI log10 4.7 to log10 5.1 cfu/g), TEPC (log10 0.58 cfu/g; 95% CI log10 0.39 to log10 0.77 cfu/g), and TBL in frozen ground beef (log10 4.5 target copies per gram (tc/g); 95% CI log10 4.0 to log10 4.9 tc/g) were observed in samples originating from federally regulated or provincially licensed facilities. In the second study, presence of known Enterobacteriaceae virulence factors (stx1, stx2, and eae) was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and compared between samples originating from three different regulatory and inspection environments as well as collected during different seasons of the year, and purchased fresh or frozen. One hundred and twelve out of all tested samples (n=308) were positive for the presence of at least one virulence marker with stx1 identified in 107 samples, stx2 - in 8, and eae - in 26. No significant associations were found between the virulence markers presence and sample category, state or season of purchase. The third study investigates the presence and diversity of Campylobacter spp. organisms in the same pool of 309 retail beef samples as detected by molecular methods. Fifty samples (16.2%) tested positive for Campylobacter genus-specific DNA in conventional PCR and 49 samples (15.9%) tested positive for at least one Campylobacter species DNA presence in real-time qPCR, but the crude agreement between the two methods was less than 50%. C. coli DNA presence was observed in 14 samples (4.5%), C. curvus – in 11 (3.6%), C. fetus – in 6 (1.9%), C. hyointestinalis – in 24 (7.8%), C. jejuni – in 12 (3.9%), C. rectus – in 6 (1.9%), and C. upsaliensis – in 9 (2.9%). There was no difference in the frequency of Campylobacter identified among the three sample categories, fresh and frozen, or samples purchased during the cold or warm season. These studies provide data on prevalence of bacteria in retail ground beef offered for sale in Saskatchewan and compare differences between samples presented to the consumer as originating from federally regulated or provincially licensed facilities, locally licensed facilities, or repackaged and processed directly at a retail outlet. The information on baseline levels of bacteria in retail ground beef and the comparisons among different categories can be used in prioritising food safety improvement efforts in Saskatchewan.

Listeria monocytogenes is the etiological agent of a life-threatening, opportunistic infection caused by the ingestion of contaminated foods. Although L. monocytogenes is divided into 13 serotypes, 98% of human illness is caused by serotype 1/2a, 1/2b and 4b strains, with serotype 4b accounting for almost all the major outbreaks of human listeriosis. The principle objective of this work was to develop surface-binding monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) highly specific for serotype 4b, as well as characterize their antigen targets to aid in the detection and isolation of serotype 4b strains using an antibody based procedure. To create such antibodies, mice were immunized with formalin killed whole cells of L. monocytogenes serotype 4b strain LI0521. A total of 15 MAbs reactive to serotype 4b isolates were shown to recognize a ~77 kDa surface antigen subsequently identified by mass spectrometry as surface associated autolysin, IspC. Epitope mapping experiments further revealed that each of the 15 MAbs bound to the cell wall binding GW domain of IspC and can be essentially divided into 4 major groups based on epitope localization. ELISA analysis of the reactivity of each of the MAbs with various L. monocytogenes serotypes indicated that several MAbs were 100% specific for serotype 4b isolates. Surface plasmon resonance experiments showed that the affinity constants for each of these MAbs fell within the range of 1.0 x 10-7 to 6.4 x 10-9 M. To determine whether IspC, shown to be well conserved among various serotype 4b strains, is a useful diagnostic marker with antibody-based methods, the expression of IspC was assessed in L. monocytogenes cultured under normal and stress conditions. A functional promoter directing the transcription of ispC gene was identified immediately upstream of the ispC open reading frame by constructing the promoterless lacZ gene fusion with the putative ispC promoter region and by 5'RACE analysis. Data obtained with the lacZ reporter gene system and immunofluorescent microscopy revealed that IspC is expressed on the cell surface under all growth conditions tested (temperature, osmotic stress, pH, ethanol, oxidative stress, anaerobic conditions, carbon source and enrichment media) that allow for cellular division, although the level of ispC gene expression varies. In addition, a significant effort were put into elucidating the hydrolytic bond specificity of IspC by HPLC and mass spectrometry analysis of muropeptides released from IspC-mediated hydrolysis of L. monocytogenes peptidoglycan (PG). The results demonstrated that IspC functions as an N-acetylglucosaminidase capable of cleaving the β-1,4-glycosidic bond of the PG glycan strand. Furthermore, IspC was more efficient at hydrolysing fully Nacetylated PG from a PG deacetylase gene (pgdA) deletion mutant of L. monocytogenes than partially de-N-acetylated wild-type PG, indicating that modification of PG by de-Nacetylation of GlcNAc residues renders PG resistant to IspC hydrolysis. In conclusion, the surface autolysin IspC with the N-acetylglucosaminidase activity is a novel diagnostic marker for the 4b serotype strains, which can be explored , in conjunction with specific MAbs developed here, for detection and isolation of L. monocytogenes serotype 4b strains directly from food, environmental and clinical samples with the need for minimal or no culture enrichment.

This study explored how public health nurses (PHNs) work to address health inequities. Cultural safety was used as a theoretical lens. Methods for interpretive description were relied on for data collection and analysis. Data sources included interviews with 14 staff from an urban public health unit and document review of three policies. Two themes emerged: building relationships and working within a frame. Building relationships involved: delivering the message, taking the time, being present, the right nurse and learning from communities. The public health frame influenced the capacity of PHNs to address health inequities through: culture and stereotypes, public health standards, setting priorities, inclusion of priority populations, responding to change and (re)action through reorganization. Discursive formations of priority populations, and partnership and collaboration, were revealed. Findings highlighted downstream public health approaches to addressing health inequities. Importantly, embedding cultural safety as a framework for public health practice can guide upstream action.

With a primary focus on Health Canada (HC) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), this thesis describes the state of microbial related public involvement and risk communication undertakings. The findings show that HC engages with experts to a far greater extent than with the lay public and that HC has not upheld its stated commitment to transparency. Furthermore, both HC’s and the CFIA´s approach to risk communication is overly general, has failed to provide opportunities for dialogue with vulnerable groups and is not rooted in foodborne surveillance data. Public involvement in food safety governance would be improved if HC provided the lay public with a seat on advisory committees and improved its reporting methods. HC and the CFIA could also make improvements by creating opportunities for dialogue between officials and the general public, and by exploring the potential use of alternative risk communication vehicles, such as food labels.

The purpose of this research is to examine the effectiveness of the Bill C-45 amendments to the Criminal Code in addressing workplace fatality incidents. This research involved both qualitative and quantitative research and utilized two research methods. The first method involved a secondary analysis of thirty-eight Incident Investigation Reports completed by WorkSafeBC. These were supplemented with additional case information about these incidents provided via the Freedom of Information offices in British Columbia. The second method utilized nine semi-structured interviews with respondents in the field of occupational health and safety and corporate criminality who were familiar with the Bill C-45 amendments. The study found that employers could be found liable in half of the cases examined; that there appeared to be unique characteristics of British Columbia that effect the use of criminal charges; that the criminal law is not very effective in cases of criminal negligence for workplace fatality; and that improvements could be made to the criminal law.

Para-hydroxybenzyl isothiocyanate (p-HBIT) formed in yellow mustard following hydrolysis of the glucosinolate, sinalbin, is a natural antimicrobial agent. p-HBIT is not dependably available commercially, and a small amount was synthesized for use in beaker sausage fermentations. For these trials stabilized p-HBIT was used in dry sausage meat batter to reduce the viability of inoculated Escherichia coli O157:H7. A >4 log CFU/g reduction of E. coli O157:H7 was achieved in the beaker sausage containing p-HBIT. For sensory evaluation of fermented sausages containing ≤ 4% (w/w) yellow mustard powder, consumer preference tests were done. Deodorized (deheated) yellow mustard was added at 1,2,3 and 4% (w/w) to dry-fermented sausage and it was found that 3% and 4% mustard negatively affected the flavour, texture and overall acceptability of the fermented sausage. Dry-fermented sausage containing 1% and 2% mustard had a slight change in flavour, texture and overall acceptability.

Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The title of this research is: “The nature of safety and security in public secondary schools”. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to determine the nature of safety and security in public secondary schools of Matlosana Area Office’s (AO) area of responsibility, with a view to developing a more comprehensive set of recommendations on how to improve the safety and security policy – to the benefit of educators, learners and visitors to school premises. The study was carried out in the North West Province’s department of Education. An empirical research was conducted to gather data from the respondents regarding the safety and security of educators, learners and visitors in public secondary schools of the Matlosana Area Office’s area of responsibility. The target groups were the AO Manager, the Safety Co-ordinator, the Safety Officer, the School Management Teams, educators, learners, School Governing Bodies and Adopt-a-Cop members. The investigation also analysed the extent to which public secondary schools are complying with the statutory and regulatory frameworks governing safety and security. The study employed a quantitative approach, using a structured questionnaire. In this study, the research is concluded with a presentation of the findings. Amongst others, it was found that some learners carry dangerous objects on school premises, because the Adopt-a-Cop programme is not effectively implemented. Conclusions were drawn on the basis of the findings; and finally, recommendations for further research were suggested. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

Cultural Safety is an educational framework and pedagogy developed by Maori nursing scholar, Dr. Irihapeti Ramsden (2002). Through this research, I explored the application of Cultural Safety to the Greater Victoria School District’s Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement. My research question is: What are the key elements that would be included in the development of a Cultural Safety Agreement for the Greater Victoria School District? This research is grounded in decolonizing, Indigenous and action research methods. Theoretically, it employs critical and decolonizing perspectives to critique the appropriateness of public education curriculum and teaching practices for Indigenous students. This study utilized a qualitative research method called Action Research and used an existing community council, the Aboriginal Education Council of Greater Victoria (AEC) as a focus group. Data was collected from the focus groups and enhanced through an individual interview with the coordinator of Aboriginal Education in the Greater Victoria School District (GVSD). An outcome of this research is a draft framework for cultural safety in the school district. The framework has now become the property of the Aboriginal Education Council of the Greater Victoria School District. / Graduate

Handover from one healthcare professional is an essential component of patient care. This can be a challenge in community care where staff provide interventions in the patient’s home and do not have the benefit of face-to-face interactions with colleagues. The purpose of this quantitative study was to explore the perceptions of nurses working in community care about handover and their views on using an electronic handover tool as opposed to their current email system. The goal of the study, to assess whether nurses would have a greater understanding of their patients’ needs through standardized reporting as opposed to emailed narratives of time and tasks was studied. Nurses completed a pre, post likert-type survey, and reviewed an electronic handover tool. Both surveys were analyzed by nursing professional designation and age to explore whether either factor influenced opinions. Nurses reported that handover was important and they supported a standardized communication tool as opposed to relying on an email system without structure. / Graduate / 0569 / nmichaudhamilton@gmail.com