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Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have been investigated for biomedical applications in medical imaging due to their fluorescent properties, overall long-term stability, and excellent cytocompatibility and biocompatibility. Lignin is an organic polymer in the tissues of woody plants. It is also considered a byproduct of the wood and pulp industries. Hence, it presents as a renewable source of carbon nanoparticles. In this study, we report the synthesis and material and biological characterization of two colloidal suspensions of CQDs in water derived from lignin-based carbon. One was the native form of CQDs derived from lignin carbon, and the second was doped with nitrogen to evaluate material differences. Material characterization was carried out using various commonly used techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), emission and absorbance spectra, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thin films of CQDs were formed on glass and silicon substrates to assess the in vitro cytocompatibility with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Observations suggest that the two forms of CQDs promote cell attachment within 24 h and sustain it for at least 7 days. The overall structure and shape of cells suggest a lack of any adverse or toxic effects of CQDs. The data lay down the novel foundation to support the use of lignin-derived CQDs in tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canadian charities have a history of advocating for social and policy change. With the 1985 Income Tax Act, charities became restricted to using up to 10% of their resources toward nonpartisan political activities. They subsequently underwent an audit initiated by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2012. The legal climate changed again when the 10% rule was dropped in 2018, enabling charities to pursue political activities with no predefined limit. In this article, we examine grey literature on the political advocacy 'situation' of charities between 1983 and 2021, guided by Adele Clarke's situational analysis methodology (2005). Our findings and discussion center around the prevalent discursive positions taken and not taken in the situation and the assumptions and rationalities that inform them. We explore what turns out to be a non-linear situation influenced by an assemblage of rationalities and practices that primarily foster distrust in the charitable sector and call for enhanced discipline-oriented regulation. Particular attention is paid to the neoliberal logics that underlie these positions. Alternative conceptualizations of charitable sector advocacy are also offered through appeals to democratic participation and freedom of expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Disability Studies is the property of Canadian Disability Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: College students are vulnerable to risks associated with unhealthy behaviors. Considering the role that colleges play in facilitating lifelong health and wellness behaviors of college students, health-related fitness (HRF) courses are being offered using multiple delivery formats. Purpose: There is a need to better understand the relationship between course delivery format and perceived wellness; thus, the purpose of this study was to assess perceived wellness among college students who self-selected into various delivery formats of a required university HRF course. Methods: The Perceived Wellness Survey was used due to its previously established reliability and validity for college populations. Participants included 378 college students enrolled in a HRF course. Results: Students with higher perceived wellness were more likely to be enrolled in online and hybrid course formats rather than face to face. Discussion: The results of this study provide a better understanding of the perceived wellness of college students enrolled in various course delivery formats of a HRF course that go beyond that of demographic differences. Translation to Health Education Practice: With this information, those delivering HRF courses have the opportunity to capitalize on this trend by tailoring instructional activities accordingly.

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Disability Studies is the property of Canadian Disability Studies Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)