title: Between the panels: How anti-Black racism has recycled myths of the Black body in comic books

contributor: Social Justice and Equity Studies Program

subject: Racism Psychoanalysis Tropes Folklore

abstract: Anti-Black racism continues to be a widespread problem, and as such deserves investigation and elimination. As Jackson (2006) says; “There is a hyperawareness…of the negative inscriptions associated with the Black masculine body as criminal, angry and incapacitated.” (2) To continue the study of the changing face of racism, the researcher must be well equipped with a contemporary methodology which is adaptable and exploratory. Due to the malleability of racism, research into its elimination must make inroads to areas that have heretofore been neglected and overlooked by traditional academic study. This project achieves a unique perspective by undertaking a theoretical exploration of racist stereotypes and motifs in the world of mass produced superhero comic books, a genre of comics which has neither yet been thoroughly investigated for the use of racist stereotypes nor been the focus of anti-racist scholarship.


title: Entering Youthwork Through Love's Many Pathways: A Poetic Rendition

subject:
Sufism, Spinoza, poetry, youthwork
love, immanence, becoming

abstract:
Entering Youth work Through Love's Many Pathways is a text that wanders and digresses to places where, through poetic inquiry and a Spinozist and Sufi framework, the concepts of immanence, love and becoming can be explored.
This thesis is framed as a walk through which the researcher / youth worker along with the reader, traverses through five pathways that she considers necessary in cultivating a meaningful relationship with the youth: opening, strength, listening, trust and unconditional compassion. By means of engaging the “self”, this thesis approaches youth work as a field that is relational and socially interconnected.
In this sense, this poetic inquiry seeks to rupture predictable patterns of behaviour. One of the ways I do this is through found poetry. Through this specific form of poetic inquiry, I bring together various voices, an assemblage – Rumi, Rilke, Whitman, Lalla, Mirabai and Song of Songs – in order to find my voice and by extension, to help the youth find their voice through a human connection that goes beyond colour, race, gender etc. In other words, my aim is to actualize the experiences of becoming youth worker while being in a field of immanence where similarities are understood and differences respected.
My hope is that this project may offer an example of understanding, celebration, and engagement of our mutual differences, while still being able to relate to one another through the many pathways of love.


title: Understanding the Origin of Selectivity in the Asymmetric Lithiation Reaction of N-Heterocycles: A Theoretical Study

subject:
Asymmetric Lithiation
N-heterocycles
Theoretical Studies

abstract:
The natural abundance of the N-heterocycle containing compounds has pushed the synthetic community toward the invention of new synthetic methods that result in the structural diversity of N-heterocycles. Among this, is the efficient and highly selective diamine mediated asymmetric lithiation process. Amongst the diamine chiral ligands, (-)-sparterine, which is a naturally occurring alkaloid proved to be an efficient one. Many successful, good yielding and highly selective lithiation reactions have been accomplished with the mediation by this chiral diamine base. Although, there are some examples of experimental and theoretical mechanistic studies in the literature, there is a lack of detailed understanding as to how it exactly induces the chirality.
In this thesis is described a systematic investigation of how (-)-sparteine influences the stereoselectivity in the course of asymmetric lithiation reaction. This led us to the establishment of the function of A-ring’s β-CH2 effect and D-ring effect. Consequently, the importance of the A-ring and D-ring portions of (-)-sparteine in the stereoselectivity is unraveled. Another part of this thesis deals with the asymmetric lithiation of BF3-activated N,N- dimethylaminoferrocene in the presence of (1R, 2R)-N1,N2-bis(3,3-dimethylbutyl)-N1,N2-dimethylcyclohexane-1,2-diamine ( a (R,R)-TMCDA surrogate) with i-PrLi. Computational findings were in full accord with the experimental observations. Subsequently, the theoretically provided insights into the mechanism of the reaction were exploited in computational design of a new ligand. Unfortunately, the outcome of this design was not experimentally robust and an updated approach towards a successful design was explained.


title: Developing Life Skills through Physical Activity: A Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Model Approach

subject: Physical Activity

subject: Life Skills

subject: Marginalized Youth

abstract: Ethnographic methods were used to study a weekly after-school physical activity program over an eight-month period. Based on Hellison’s Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model, the program sought to foster positive life skills amongst youth.  The study investigated how the developed program influenced this life skills education experience. Several themes were identified from the data revolving around culture, life skills, pedagogy, and lessons learned.  Data suggests that the positive environment developed within the program positively influenced youths’ life skill education experience. The topic of ethnicity as it relates to the experience of marginalized youth in physical activity settings is also discussed. This study supports TPSR literature and suggests that effort to establish caring relationships and empower youth contribute to the establishment of a positive atmosphere where life skills education can occur. Beyond this, practical tools were developed through this study to help others deliver life skill education.


title: The effect of a segmental, localized lower limb cooling protocol on muscular strength and balance

subject:
Star excursion balance test
cold water immersion
isokinetic strength

abstract: The human neuromuscular system is susceptible to changes within the thermal environment. Cold extrinsic temperatures can significantly reduce muscle and nervous system function and communication, which can have consequences for motor performance. A repeated measures design protocol exposed participants to a 12°C cold water immersion (CWI) up to the ankle, knee, and hip to determine the effect that reduced skin and muscle temperature had on balance and strength task execution. Although a linear reduction in the ability to perform balance tasks was seen from the control condition through to the hip CWI, results from the study indicated a significant reduction in dynamic balance (Star Excursion Balance Test reach distance) performance from only the hip CWI (P<0.05). This reduced performance could have been due to an increase in joint stiffness, increased agonist-antagonist co-contraction, and/or reduced isokinetic muscular strength. Reduced physical performance due to cold temperature could negatively impact outdoor recreational athletics.


title: Alternative splicing of DNA polymerase beta in vertebrates

subject:
Alternative Splicing
DNA Polymerase Beta
TRPV1
Lifespan

abstract:
Alternative splicing (AS) is the predominant mechanism responsible for increasing eukaryotic transcriptome and proteome complexity. In this phenomenon, numerous mRNA transcripts are produced from a single pre-mRNA sequence. AS is reported to occur in 95% of human multi-exon genes; one specific gene that undergoes AS is DNA polymerase beta (POLB). POLB is the main DNA repair gene which performs short patch base excision repair (BER). In primate untransformed primary fibroblast cell lines, it was determined that the splice variant (SV) frequency of POLB correlates positively with species lifespan. To date, AS patterns of POLB have only been examined in mammals primarily through the use of cell lines. However, little attention has been devoted to investigating if such a relationship exists in non-mammals and whether cell lines reflect what is observed in vertebrate tissues. This idea was explored through cloning and characterization of 1,214 POLB transcripts from four
non-mammalian species (Gallus gallus domesticus, Larus glaucescens, Xenopus laevis, and Pogona vitticeps) and two mammalian species (Sylvilagus floridanus and
Homo sapiens) in two tissue types, liver and brain. POLB SV frequency occurred at low frequencies, < 3.2%, in non-mammalian tissues relative to mammalian (>20%). The highest POLB SV frequency was found in H. sapiens liver and brain tissues, occurring at 65.4% and 91.7%, respectively. Tissue specific AS of POLB was observed in L. glaucescens, P. vitticeps, and H. sapiens, but not G. gallus domesticus, X. laevis and S. floridanus.The AS patterns of a second gene, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), were compared to those of POLB in liver and brain
tissues of G. gallus domesticus, X. laevis and H. sapiens. This comparison was performed to investigate if any changes (either increase or decrease) observed in the AS of POLB were gene specific or if they were tissue specific, in which case similar changes in AS would be seen in POLB and TRPV1. Analysis did not reveal an increase or decrease in both the AS of POLB and TRPV1 in either the liver or brain tissues of G. gallus domesticus and H. sapiens. This result suggested that the AS patterns of POLB were not influenced by tissue specific rates of AS. Interestingly, an increase in the AS of both genes was only observed in X. laevis brain tissue. This result suggests that AS in general may be increased in the X. laevis brain as compared to liver tissue.
No positive correlation between POLB SV frequency and species lifespan was found in non-mammalian tissues. The AS patterns of POLB in human primary untransformed fibroblast cell lines were representative of those seen in human liver tissue but not in brain tissue. Altogether, the AS patterns of POLB from vertebrate tissues and primate cell lines revealed a positive correlation between POLB SV frequency and lifespan in mammals, but not in non-mammals. It appears that this positive correlation does not exist in vertebrate species as a whole.


title: Dynamic Upper Leg Strength and Neuromuscular Function in Children, Adolescents and Adults

subject: Children Strength Electromyography Isometric Isokinetic

abstract: This study examined muscle strength, muscle performance, and neuromuscular function during contractions at different velocities across maturation stages and between sexes. Participants included pre-pubertal, late-pubertal and adult males and females. All completed 8 isometric and 8 isokinetic leg extensions at two different velocities. Peak torque (PT), rate of torque development (PrTD), electromechanical-day (EMD), rate of muscle activation (Q30), muscle activation efficiency and coactivation were determined. Sex, maturity, and velocity main effects were found in PT and PrTD, reflecting greater values in men, adults, and isometric contractions respectively. When values were normalized to quadriceps cross-sectional area (qCSA), there was still an increase with maturity. EMD decreased with maturity. Adults had greater activation efficiency than children. Overall, differences in muscle size and neuromuscular function failed to explain group differences in PT or PrTD. More research is needed to investigate why adults may be affected to a greater extent by increasing movement velocity.


title: The Informational Value of Corporate Credit Ratings

subject: Credit Ratings

abstract:
This thesis examines the quality of credit ratings issued by the three major credit
rating agencies  - Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s and Fitch. If credit ratings are
informative, then prices of underlying credit instruments such as fixed-income
securities and credit default insurance should change to reflect the new credit risk
information. Using data on 246 different major fixed income securities issuers and
spanning January 2000 to December 2011, we find that credit default swaps (CDS)
spreads do not react to changes in credit ratings. Hence credit ratings for all three
agencies are not price informative. CDS prices are mostly determined by historical
CDS prices while ratings are mostly determined by  historical ratings. We find that
credit ratings are marginally more sensitive to CDS than CDS are sensitive to ratings.


title: South Asian Women's Identities: A Media and Personal Narrative Analysis

subject:
Racism
Sexism
South Asian Culture

abstract:
This study examines issues of racism and sexism through the lens of Critical Race Theory
and the interaction of personal and composite narratives. Specifically, the study explores
how mainstream media’s hegemonic portrayal of South Asian culture and the 2007 socalled honour killing of Aqsa Parvez contribute to post-9/11 Islamophobia. The
researcher presents a personal narrative that draws upon her experiences growing up in
Dubai, U.A.E., and in Ontario, Canada and critically analyzes majoritarian stories related
to Parvez as well as “counter-perspectives” that challenge such views. Study findings
highlight the impact of 9/11 and Parvez’s murder on the researcher’s identity formation,
and how media portray Muslim women as oppressed beings who live under the yoke of
patriarchy. Results also indicate that although certain articles offer a counter-perspective
that challenge dominant narratives, most recent media representations of the Parvez story
equate Islam with honour killings and thus foster continued Islamophobia.


title: Crystal Growth and Characterization of Li0.9Mo6O17

subject: Crystal Growth, Purple Bronze, Low Dimensionality, Superconductivity

abstract: Purple bronze Li0.9Mo6O17 has attracted researchers for its low dimensionality and corresponding properties. Although it has been studied for nearly two decades, there are still some unsolved puzzles with this unique material. Single crystals of Li0.9Mo6O17 were grown using the temperature gradient flux technique in this research. The crystal growth was optimized by experimenting different conditions and good quality crystals were obtained. X-ray diffraction results have confirmed the right phase of the crystals. Resistivity measurements and magnetic susceptibility measurements were carried out, and anomalous electronic behaviors were found. All of the samples showed the metal-insulator transition near 20K, followed by behavior that differs from sample to sample: either superconducting, metallic or insulating behavior was observed below 2K. Li0.9Mo6O17 was considered as a quasi-one-dimensional crystal and also a superconducting crystal, which implies a dimensional crossover may occur at the metal-insulator transition. A two-band scenario of the Luttinger liquid model was used to fit the resistivity data and excellent results were achieved, suggesting that the Luttinger theory is a very good candidate for the explanation of the anomalous behavior of Li0.9Mo6O17. In addition, the susceptibility measurements showed Curie paramagnetism and some temperature independent paramagnetism at low temperature. The absence of any anomalous magnetic feature near 20K where the resistivity upturn takes place, suggests that a charge density wave mechanism, which has been proposed by some researchers, is not responsible for the unique properties of Li0.9Mo6O17.


title: Clinician-Perceived Bridges and Barriers to Parental Implementation of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): An evaluation.

subject: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Picture Exchange Communication System, Mediator Model, Parent Training, Parental Adherence.

abstract:
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is an augmentative and alternative
communicative system that improves communication and decreases problem behaviors in children with Developmental Disabilities and Autism. The mediator model is a validated
approach that clinicians use to train parents to perform evidence-based interventions.
Parental non-adherence to treatment recommendations is a documented problem. This
qualitative study investigated clinician-perceived factors that influence parental
adherence to PECS recommendations. Three focus groups (n=8) were conducted with
Speech Language Pathologists and Behavior Therapists experienced in providing parents with PECS recommendations. Constant comparison analysis was used. In general, clinicians believed that PECS was complex to implement. Thirty-one bridges were identified to overcome complexity. Twenty-two barriers and 6 other factors also impacted parental adherence. Strategies to address these factors were proposed based on a review of the literature. Future research will be performed to validate these findings using parents and a larger sample size.


title: Unchained Minds: Self-Accounts of Madness

subject:
madness
foucault
self-Narratives
textual Analysis

abstract: This thesis explores the connection between the historical and social construction of madness in relation to how society currently views madness and schizophrenia. The anti-psychiatry movement has been outlined using the work of anti-psychiatrists David Cooper, R. D. Laing and Franco Basaglia. Foucault’s work regarding madness and the asylum is also reviewed to give an overarching analysis of madness, including analysis of its creation. With the help of Basaglia, madness as class warfare and social disease are explored. By connecting this analysis to the medicalization of schizophrenia and the use of counter-narratives, this thesis uses the work of Deleuze and Guattari to illustrate how mental illness can be redefined through deterritorialization, reterritorialization and lines of flight. Specifically, this thesis uses a Foucauldian textual analysis to examine self-narratives of schizophrenia including, the films A Beautiful Mind and The Best of Youth, and the books Two Accounts of a Journey Through Madness, The Center Cannot Hold and Living With Voices. These self-narratives illustrate the importance of considering an individual’s voice when determining treatment options for mental illness. Overall, a shift in thinking is needed. The findings suggest self-help groups are not enough on their own and should be combined with medical intervention. Self-narratives are an important step in the recovery process as it allows one to come to terms with their voice hearing experiences. As well, self-narratives are useful in the treatment process as a tool that can help to redefine dominant conceptualizations of schizophrenia and mental illness today.


title: Determinants and Consequences of Dehumanization: An Interspecies Model of Prejudice

subject:
Dehumanization
Prejudice
Human-Animal Relations

abstract: Dehumanizing ideologies that explicitly liken other humans to “inferior” animals can have negative consequences for intergroup attitudes and relations. Surprisingly, very little is known about the causes of dehumanization, and essentially no research has examined strategies for reducing dehumanizing tendencies. The Interspecies Model of Prejudice specifies that animalistic dehumanization may be rooted in basic hierarchical beliefs regarding human superiority over animals. This theoretical reasoning suggests that narrowing the human-animal divide should also reduce dehumanization. The purpose of the present dissertation, therefore, was to gain a more complete understanding of the predictors of and solutions to dehumanization by examining the Interspecies Model of Prejudice, first from a layperson’s perspective and then among young children. In Study 1, laypeople strongly rejected the human-animal divide as a probable cause of, or solution to, dehumanization, despite evidence that their own personal beliefs in the human-animal divide positively predicted their dehumanization (and prejudice) scores. From Study 1, it was concluded that the human-animal divide, despite being a robust empirical predictor of dehumanization, is largely unrecognized as a probable cause of, or solution to, dehumanization by non-experts in the psychology of prejudice. Studies 2 and 3 explored the expression of dehumanization, as well as the Interspecies Model of Prejudice, among children ages six to ten years (Studies 2 and 3) and parents (Study 3). Across both studies, White children showed evidence of racial dehumanization by attributing a Black child target fewer “uniquely human” characteristics than the White child target, representing the first systematic evidence of racial dehumanization among children. In Study 3, path analyses supported the Interspecies Model of Prejudice among children. Specifically, children’s beliefs in the human-animal divide predicted greater racial prejudice, an effect explained by heightened racial dehumanization. Moreover, parents’ Social Dominance Orientation (preference for social hierarchy and inequality) positively predicted children’s human-animal divide beliefs. Critically, these effects remained significant even after controlling for established predictors of child-prejudice (i.e., parent prejudice, authoritarian parenting, and social-cognitive skills) and relevant child demographics (i.e., age and sex). Similar patterns emerged among parent participants, further supporting the Interspecies Model of Prejudice. Encouragingly, children reported narrower human-animal divide perceptions after being exposed to an experimental prime (versus control) that highlighted the similarities among humans and animals. Together the three studies reported in this dissertation offer important and novel contributions to the dehumanization and prejudice literature. Not only did we find the first systematic evidence of racial dehumanization among children, we established the human-animal divide as a meaningful dehumanization precursor. Moreover, empirical support was obtained for the Interspecies Model of Prejudice among diverse samples including university students (Study 1), children (Studies 2 and 3), and adult-aged samples (Study 3). Importantly, each study also highlights the promising social implication of targeting the human-animal divide in interventions to reduce dehumanization and other prejudicial processes.


title: Neuromotor Mechanisms Involved in the Recovery from Local Muscular Fatigue

subject:
Muscle Fatigue
Recovery
Electromyography
Kinesiology

abstract:
The phenomenon of over-recovery consists of a participant’s maximal force levels returning to values above initial levels. The present study examined the presence and causes of over-recovery following local muscular fatigue. Fourteen males completed two fatigue protocols consisting of maximal isometric dorsiflexion contractions. Upon completion of the fatigue protocol participants’ force was monitored over a 15 minute recovery period. Dorsiflexion force and surface electromyography (sEMG) from the tibialis anterior and soleus were monitored concurrently.
Following the two fatigue conditions (10 and 20% force decrement) force recovered to 100.5 and 99.5% of initial levels for each condition, respectively. Surface EMG root-mean-square amplitude and MPF exhibited changes consistent with a warm-up effect. It was concluded that over-recovery was not present in the tibialis anterior following a local muscular fatigue. However, the return in force to initial values, rather than a persistent decrement as normally observed, was mediated by the warm-up effect.


title: Using the Reliable Change Index Statistic to Analyze Developmental Changes in Infants at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder

subject:
Autism
Parent report
Reliable change
Longitudinal
Siblings

abstract: Longitudinal studies of the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) provide an understanding of which variables may be important predictors of an ASD. The objective of the current study is to apply the reliable change index (RCI) statistic to examine whether the Parent Observation of Early Markers Scale (POEMS) is sensitive to developmental change, and whether these changes can be quantified along a child’s developmental trajectory. Ninety-six children with older siblings with autism were followed from 1-36 months of age. Group-based RCI analysis confirms that the POEMS is capable of detecting significant changes within pre-defined diagnostic groups. Within-subject analysis suggests that ongoing monitoring of a child at-risk for an ASD requires interpretation of both significant intervals identified by the RCI statistic, as well as the presence of repeated high (i.e., >70) scores. This study provides preliminary evidence for a reasonably sensitive and specific means by which individual change can be clinically monitored via parent report.


title: Compensatory Arm Reactions in Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

subject:
Parkinson's disease
Reaching
Balance
Electromyography
Kinematics

abstract: This study examined how perturbation-evoked compensatory arm reactions in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are influenced by explicit verbal instruction. Ten individuals with PD and 15 older adults without PD responded to surface translations with or without specific instruction to reach for and grasp the handrail. Electromyographic (EMG) and kinematic recordings were taken from the reaching arm. Results showed that individuals with and without PD benefitted similarly from explicit instruction. Explicit instruction resulted in earlier (p=0.005) and larger (p<0.001) medial deltoid EMG responses in comparison to no specific instructions. Compensatory arm reactions also occurred with a higher peak medio-lateral wrist velocity (p<0.001) and higher peak shoulder abduction angular velocity (p<0.001) with explicit instruction. Explicit instruction positively influenced compensatory arm reactions in individuals with and without PD. Future research is needed to determine whether the benefits of instruction persist over time and translate to a loss of balance in real life.


title: The identification and characterization of inter- and intra-species genetic diversity derived from retrotransposons in humans

subject:
retrotransposons
human specific retransposons
genetic diversity

abstract: Retrotransposons, which used to be considered as “junk DNA”, have begun to reveal their immense value to genome evolution and human biology due to recent studies. They consist of at least ~45% of the human genome and are more or less the same in other mammalian genomes. Retrotransposon elements (REs) are known to affect the human genome through many different mechanisms, such as generating insertion mutations, genomic instability, and alteration in gene expression. Previous studies have suggested several RE subfamilies, such as Alu, L1, SVA and LTR, are currently active in the human genome, and they are an important source of genetic diversity between human and other primates, as well as among humans. Although several groups had used Retrotransposon Insertion Polymorphisms (RIPs) as markers in studying primate evolutionary history, no study specifically focused on identifying Human-Specific Retrotransposon Element (HS-RE) and their roles in human genome evolution. In this study, by computationally comparing the human genome to 4 primate genomes, we identified a total of 18,860 HS-REs, among which are 11,664 Alus, 4,887 L1s, 1,526 SVAs and 783 LTRs (222 full length entries), representing the largest and most comprehensive list of HS-REs generated to date. Together, these HS-REs contributed a total of 14.2Mb sequence increase from the inserted REs and Target Site Duplications (TSDs), 71.6Kb increase from transductions, and 268.2 Kb sequence deletion of from insertion-mediated deletion, leading to a net increase of ~14 Mb sequences to the human genome. Furthermore, we observed for the first time that Y chromosome might be a hot target for new retrotransposon insertions in general and particularly for LTRs. The data also allowed for the first time the survey of frequency of TE insertions inside other TEs in comparison with TE insertion into none-TE regions. In summary, our data suggest that retrotransposon elements have played a significant role in the evolution of Homo sapiens.


title: Provocative Innocence: Deconstructing Youth Sexuality through a Patriarchal & Immanent Framework

subject: post-modernism Immanence sexuality youth

abstract: The purpose of this exploratory study is to deconstruct dominant discourses of youth’s sexuality through the exploration of a cultural text. Patriarchal and immanent frameworks form the theoretical basis for a deconstructive textual analysis and systematic mise en scène analysis of the chosen text, the film, Thirteen (Hardwicke, 2003). I intend to explore the portrayal of youth sexuality by deconstructing discourses of sexuality that are simultaneously reflected and interrogated in the above mentioned media text. I have chosen this approach in order to deconstruct socially constructed ways of knowing and experiencing sexuality in order to uncover a multitude of possibilities for sexuality. In other words, this project will use deconstruction in order to reconceptualize sexuality.


title: Exploring Reciprocity in International Service Learning Programs

subject:
International Service Learning
Reciprocity
Host Community

abstract: Using aspects of grounded theory methodology, this study explored the perceptions and practical implementation of reciprocity in International Service Learning (ISL) Programs. Data were collected through interviews with nine ISL practitioners representing a variety of organizations offering international service learning programs. Findings suggest that multiple conceptualizations of ISL programs exist. ISL programs are interdisciplinary in nature and that using reciprocity as a guiding framework is problematic. Further attention is needed in relation to shifting the guiding framework of ISL programs from reciprocity to interdependence.


title: Unveiling Shi’i Religious Identities: Case Studies of Hijab in Culturally Homogeneous Canadian Schools

contributor: Department of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in Education

subject: Female Shi’i Muslim Canadian Students; Hijab; Monocultural; Elementary Public School; Intersectionality; Ritual Stories; Feminism; Religious Identity

abstract: This qualitative case study explored 10 young female Shi’i Muslim Arabic-Canadian students’ experiences associated with wearing the Hijab (headscarf) within their home, community, and predominantly White Canadian public elementary school environments. The study integrated several bodies of scholarly theories in order to examine the data under a set of comprehensive lenses that more fully articulates and theorizes on the diversity of female Shi’i Muslim Canadian students’ experiences. These theories are: identity theories with a focus on religious identity and negative stereotypes associated with Muslims; feminism and the Hijab discourses; research pertaining to Muslims in school settings; and critical race theory. In order to readdress the dearth of information about Shi’is’ experiences in schools, this study provides an in-depth case study analysis in which the methodology strategies included 10 semi-structured in-depth interviews, 2 focus-group meetings, and the incorporation of the researcher’s fieldnotes. Data analysis revealed the following themes corresponding to participants’ experiences and values in their social worlds of home, community, and schools: (a) martyrdom and self-sacrifice as a means for social justice; (b) transformational meaning of the Hijab; (c) intersectionality between culture, religion, and gender; and (d) effects of visits “back home” on participants’ religious identities. Additional themes related to participants’ school experiences included: (a) “us versus them” mentality; (b) religious and complex secular dialogues; (c) absence of Muslim representations in monocultural schools; (d) discrimination; (e) remaining silent versus speaking out; and (f) participants’ strategies for preserving their identities. Recommendations are made to integrate Shi’i Muslim females’ identity within the context of Islam and the West, most notably in relation to: (a) the role of Muslim community in nondiverse settings as a space that advances and nurtures Shi’i Muslim identity; and (b) holistic and culturally responsive teaching that fosters respect of others’ religiosity and spirituality.  This study makes new inroads into feminist theorizing by drawing conceptual links between these previously unknown connections such as the impact of the historical female exemplary role model and the ritual stories on the experiences of Muslim females wearing the Hijab.


title: Understanding Workplace Essential Skills: A Student's Perspective

subject: Workplace Essential Skills Case Study Learning

abstract: An instrumental case study was conducted to explore the perspective of recent graduates from a Greater Toronto Area community college experience in relation to Workplace Essential Skills (WES). Five participants who graduated from a business school within the last 4 years were interviewed twice over a 4-month period to gain a deeper understanding of this relationship. This qualitative approach used semi-structured interviews to elicit stories about their experiences, their relationships in school, and the development of skills that were useful in the workplace. The analysis of data involved the 3-step coding process of open, axial, and selective coding consistent with the approach used by Neuman (2006). The analysis revealed that the overall experience of attending college contributed to the learning that took place. The participants gave greater significance to the life experience in learning WES and the networks associated with learning than the formal aspects of education. It is also important to acknowledge that the research identified a significant opportunity for educators’ to positively impact the learning experience.


title: The Meaning of the Virtual YMCA After School Program for Former Participants: An Exploratory Study

subject:
child development
marginalized
after school programs
community recreation
outcomes

abstract: Research has shown that after school programs can provide children with opportunities that help foster positive development and adaptation. Current research meets the need for identifying short term outcomes, program standards, and short term evaluation techniques, however less understood is the lasting meaning of participation for previous participants after their participation. The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning and perceived impacts of participation in a preventative, skill-building after school program for former participants. Using an exploratory case study approach, interviews were conducted with six previous participants of the Virtual YMCA and a former school principal. Reconstructed narratives and analyzed transcripts show that participants do still derive meaning and significance from their participation in the program, although highly individualized. Significant aspects of the program are identified, as well as the participant’s perceived impacts which are still present today. Discussion for practitioners, researchers, and funders is provided.


title: Sport Commitment in Wheelchair Basketball: An Interpretive Look into the Lives of Individuals with Physical Disabilities

subject: Sport commitment, physical disabilities, adaptive sport, interpretivism, enjoyment

abstract: It is estimated that over 4.4 million people are living in Canada with a reported disability. Due to a number of risk factors associated with potential health concerns and sedentary lifestyles, it is important for people with physical disabilities to lead an active lifestyle. Recreation and leisure pursuits are a great outlet for this to take place. However, in order to gain the long terms benefits of these pursuits one must be committed to an activity. With the use of a collaborative interview method, with the Sport Commitment Model serving as the guiding framework, this study sought to find the underlying factors for continued participation for people with physical disabilities in wheelchair basketball. Through utilizing an interpretive approach it was found that enjoyment, social support, perceived ability and to some extent involvement opportunities, were the main contributors to overall commitment. Criticisms and suggestions for future research are also provided.


title: The Terroir of Winter Hardiness:  Investigation of Winter Hardiness, Water Metrics, and Yield of Riesling and Cabernet Franc in the Niagara Region Using Geomatic Technologies

subject:
Geomatics
Water relations
Soil moisture
Berry composition
Yield components

abstract: Grapevine winter hardiness is a key factor in vineyard success in many cool climate wine regions. Winter hardiness may be governed by a myriad of factors in addition to extreme weather conditions – e.g. soil factors (texture, chemical composition, moisture, drainage), vine water status, and yield– that are unique to each site. It was hypothesized that winter hardiness would be influenced by certain terroir factors , specifically that vines with low water status [more negative leaf water potential (leaf ψ)] would be more winter hardy than vines with high water status (more positive leaf ψ). Twelve different vineyard blocks (six each of Riesling and Cabernet franc) throughout the Niagara Region in Ontario, Canada were chosen. Data were collected during the growing season (soil moisture, leaf ψ), at harvest (yield components, berry composition), and during the winter (bud LT50, bud survival). Interpolation and mapping of the variables was completed using ArcGIS 10.1 (ESRI, Redlands, CA) and statistical analyses (Pearson’s correlation, principal component analysis, multilinear regression) were performed using XLSTAT. Clear spatial trends were observed in each vineyard for soil moisture, leaf ψ, yield components, berry composition, and LT50. Both leaf ψ and berry weight could predict the LT50 value, with strong positive correlations being observed between LT50 and leaf ψ values in eight of the 12 vineyard blocks. In addition, vineyards in different appellations showed many similarities (Niagara Lakeshore, Lincoln Lakeshore, Four Mile Creek, Beamsville Bench). These results suggest that there is a spatial component to winter injury, as with other aspects of terroir, in the Niagara region.


title: Oxygen exchange in galls of Eurosta solidaginis (Diptera: Tephritidae)

subject:
Eurosta solidaginis
hypoxia
oxygen exchange
Solidago
insect gall

abstract: Hypoxia in plant tissue should affect animals living within. Gallmakers stimulate their plant hosts to produce the gall they inhabit and feed on, and also influence the gall phenotype for other adaptations, such as defense against predators. The potential for hypoxia in galls of Eurosta solidaginis was studied in the context of potential adaptations to gall oxygen level, using a combination of direct measurement, mathematical modelling, and respirometry on both gallmakers and hosts. Modelling results suggested mild hypoxia tolerable to the larva persists for most of the growth season, whereas more severe hypoxia may occur earlier in fully-grown young galls. Field data from one of the two years studied showed hypoxia more severe than expected, and coincided with adverse weather conditions and high larval mortality. The hypoxia may be related to host response to adverse weather. Whether hypoxia directly caused larval mortality requires further study.


title: Square Root Finding In Graphs

subject: Graph Powers, Graph Roots, NP-completeness.

abstract:
Abstract: Root and root finding are concepts familiar to most
branches of mathematics.
In graph theory, H is a square root of G
and G is the square of H if
two vertices x,y have an edge in G if and only if
x,y are of distance at most two in H.
Graph square is a basic operation
with a number of results about its properties in the literature.
We study the characterization
and recognition problems of graph powers.
There are algorithmic and computational approaches to answer the
decision problem of whether a given graph is a certain power of any graph.
There are polynomial time algorithms to solve this problem for square of graphs with girth at least six while the NP-completeness is proven for square of graphs with girth at most four.
The girth-parameterized problem of root fining has been open in the case of square of graphs with girth five.
We settle the conjecture that recognition of square of graphs with
girth 5 is NP-complete.
This result is providing the complete dichotomy theorem for square root finding problem.


title: Freshwater dinoflagellates as proxies of cultural eutrophication: a case study from Crawford Lake, Ontario

subject:
dinoflagellates
cultural eutrophication
dinocysts
Parvodinium
Peridinium

abstract: Crawford Lake, Ontario, provides an ideal natural laboratory to study the response of freshwater dinoflagellates to cultural eutrophication. The anoxic bottom waters that result from meromixis in this small (2.4 ha) but deep (24 m) lake preserve varved sediments that host an exceptional fossil record. These annual layers provide dates for human activity (agriculture and land disturbance) around the lake over the last millennium by both Iroquoian village farmers (ca. A.D. 1268-1486) and Canadian farmers beginning ~A.D. 1883. The well established separate intervals of human activity around Crawford Lake, together with an abundance of available data from other fossil groups, allow us to further investigate the potential use of the cyst of freshwater dinoflagellates in studies of eutrophication. Cyst morphotypes observed have been assigned as Peridinium willei Huitfeldt-Kaas, Peridinium wisconsinense Eddy and Peridinium volzii Lemmermann and Parvodinium inconspicuum (Lemmermann) Carty. The latter two cyst-theca relationships were determined by culturing and by the exceptional preservation of thecae of P. inconspicuum in varves deposited at times of anthropogenic reductions in dissolved oxygen.


title: Utilizing a Phenomenological Approach to Examine the Experience of Sexuality for Women Concerned about Urinary Incontinence following Spinal Cord Injury

subject: Spinal cord injury, women, sexuality and sexual function, incontinence, quality of life

abstract:
Sexuality after spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex issue that is influenced by a number of social, psychological and physiological factors, one of which is urinary incontinence (UI). Using a phenomenological approach, seven mixed methods interviews combining both the interview guide and standardized open-ended approaches were conducted to examine the experience of sexuality for women who are concerned about UI following SCI. Sexual function was one of the top priorities for the women after SCI, and UI was one of the main concerns the women had regarding sexuality.
The findings of this study demonstrate that various dimensions of intimacy and the sexual experience as a whole were affected by UI, and the women discussed both physical and psychological concerns. The main issues regarding sexuality included concerns related to relationships, frustrations with limited sexual activities and the difficulty of being sexually satisfied, the number of unanswered questions and concerns, and a fear of being hurt or injured while participating in sexual activities. The main concerns regarding UI were embarrassment, the work and inconvenience involved with the clean-up of UI, bladder infections, the lack of accessible washrooms, and the negative effects of UI medications. When examining sexuality and UI together, the major issues were the constant comparison to the way things were before SCI, as well as the new concerns that the women did not have to worry about previously, worrying about how their partner would react if UI were to occur during sexual activity, and the impact of their own feelings toward UI on sexuality, a connection between pleasurable sexual sensations and UI as well as difficulty differentiating between the sensation of UI with the sensation of UI, dealing with infected urine during sexual activity, having to discuss UI with a new potential sexual partner, and a fear of rejection. Other identified issues included those related to body image, a lack of resources, Doctors who were inadequately educated regarding SCI, and issues related to both having and raising children.
There is a significant shortage of information available for women with SCI to use as a resource regarding sexual function in general, and sexual function as it relates to UI. It is necessary that future work focus on creating resources to assist in this area, and that the dissemination of those resources becomes both appropriate and effective. Addressing sexual function and UI which are among the top concerns for this population has the opportunity to greatly improve quality of life (QOL) for these individuals.


title: “Illegal Aliens” and the Inconspicuous Geographies of US Immigration and Border Policing within 100 Miles of the US-Canada Border

subject:
Political geography
border patrol
"aliens"
US-Canada border
border policing

abstract: Legal provisions in the US have extended the idea of the border to the inside of US territory. Border Patrol Agents confront people in different spaces to inquire about their status. I examine border policing along the northern border of the United States through textual and discourse analysis. This thesis asks: How do border agents exercise power and control the movement of people within 100 miles of the border? In whose interest is the border, the “nation,” secured? The spaces in which these mobile borders are practiced become the sites where “citizens” and “aliens” are produced, reproduced and contested. These border policing practices create the illusion of a “nation” that is secured for “our” interests. However, the interests of these vulnerable groups are not reflected in the immigration policy and along the “border. Therefore the very existence of immigrants and their basic right to be in the US is undermined.


title: Generalization of the BTK Theory to the Case of Finite Quasiparticle Lifetimes

subject: BTK Generalization Lifetime Quasiparticle Finite

abstract:
A generalization to the BTK theory is developed based on the fact that the quasiparticle lifetime is finite as a result of the damping caused by the interactions. For this purpose, appropriate self-energy expressions and wave functions are inserted into the strong coupling version of the Bogoliubov equations and subsequently, the coherence factors are computed. By applying the suitable boundary conditions to the case of a normal-superconducting interface, the probability current densities for the Andreev reflection, the normal reflection, the transmission without branch crossing and the transmission with branch crossing are determined. Accordingly the electric current and the differential conductance curves are calculated numerically for Nb, Pb, and Pb0.9Bi0.1 alloy.
The generalization of the BTK theory by including the phenomenological damping parameter is critically examined. The observed differences between our approach and the phenomenological approach are investigated by the numerical analysis.


title: Competing and Conflicting Land Uses at the Rural-Urban Interface: Understanding the Impacts of Residential Development on Agricultural Landscapes

subject: Land Use Planning

subject: Rural-Urban Interface

subject: Agricultural and Residential Development

subject: Greenbelt

subject: Ontario

abstract: Rural communities are currently undergoing rapid restructuring as globalization impacts the future viability of many small towns.  Agricultural regions throughout Canada, in particular, Niagara-on-the-Lake, are forced to adapt to changes within the industry.  In addition to these challenges, sprawling residential developments from nearby urban centres are changing the dynamic of this town, resulting in conflicts between the residential and agricultural land uses. This thesis explores these conflicts from the perspective of the residents and the farmers.  It was found that the initial sources of conflict related to noise-generating farm activities are no longer a concern, while the use of pesticide have become a source of contention among the residents. The farmers, alternately, were found to be proactive and strived to limit the potential for conflict with adjacent residents.  Lastly, it was determined that planning legislation aggravates land use conflicts within Niagara-on-the-Lake and need to better address these land use conflicts.


title: Influence of dietary nutrients on life history-related traits of black flies and mosquitoes

subject: Black flies, mosquitoes, diet, nectar, honeydew.

abstract:
The sugar-feeding ecology of dipteran vectors has recently been targeted because it
presents opportunities to inoculate common food sources for these dipterans with entomopathogenic bacteria as a means of controlling the population of host-seeking adult dipteran vectors. Whereas this approach to vector control holds some promise, differences in the nutrient composition and concentration in sugary food sources can influence the food selection pattern of dipteran vectors and potentially confound the outcomes of field trials on the efficacy of entomopathogenic bacteria as vector control agents. Further, nutrient components of bacteria-inoculated artificial diets may present unintended effects of extending the survivorship or fecundity of the target population and potentially render the whole approach counterproductive. The present study investigated the diet-specific factors that influence the foraging decisions of female Simulium venustum/verecundum (Diptera: Simuliidae) and female Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) on artificial nectar and honeydew. Paired choice experiments showed that the black flies forage more frequently from high calorie diets, which contained melezitose, or those diets that contained amino acids, compared to low calorie melezitose-free diets or amino acid-free diets. The mosquitoes however displayed a more random diet selection pattern. The effects of sugary diets on certain life-history traits considered to be important to the ecological fitness of the black flies and mosquitoes were also investigated. Sugary diets had no significant effect on the survivorship and fecundity of the black flies, but they influenced the resistance of Leucocytozoon-infected flies to the parasite. Amino acid-containing diets appeared to extend the survival of mosquitoes, and also allowed them to take more vertebrate blood when they blood fed.


title: The Future of Physical Education in Higher Education: A Delphi Investigation

subject:
Future
Physical Education
Higher Education
Kinesiology
Delphi

abstract: Despite the profound and widespread concern for the future of higher education physical education, there has been little systematic study on the topic. This research investigated the future by utilizing a two-round interview Delphi method. Five international experts were asked to project possible, probable, preferable and undesirable futures of the academic discipline in fifteen years time; specifically in regards to issues within the undergraduate degree programs, and the research sub-disciplines. The results of quantitative descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis reveal an ever-changing higher education environment in the postmodern information age, which presents a complicating future for the academic discipline. The experts expressed concern that some disciplinarians will be a-futuristic and unable to operationalize the vast potential of the discipline at the institutional level, by continuing to use outdated and inappropriate frameworks of a modern era gone by.


title: Starvation Induces Expression of the Plant-Adhesin Gene, Mad2, of the  Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium robertsii.

subject:
Fungus
Metarhizium robertsii
pathogenesis

abstract:
Metarhizium robertsii is an entomopathogenic fungus that is additionally plant
rhizosphere competent. Two adhesin-encoding gens, Mad1 and Mad2, are involved in
insect pathogenesis or plant root colonization, respectively. This study examined
differential expression of the Mad genes for M robertsii grown on a variety of insectand plant-related substrates. Mad1 was up regulated in response to insect cuticles and
up regulation of Mad2 resulted from root exudates, tomato stems and non-preferred
carbohydrates. A time course analysis that compared water, minimal media, and
nutrient rich broth revealed Mad2 gene expression increased as nutrient availability
decreased. The regulation of Mad2 compared to known stress-related genes (Hsp30,
Hsp70 and ssgA) under various stresses (nutrient, pH, osmotic, oxidative, temperature)
revealed Mad2 to be generally up regulated by nutrient starvation only. Examination
of the Mad2 promoter region revealed two copies of a stress-response element (S TRE)
known to be regulated under the general stress response pathway.


title: ORGANOSILICON BIOTECHNOLOGY: A BIO-INSPIRED APPROACH TO THE HYDROLYSIS OF ALKOXYSILANES and THE LIPASE-CATALYZED SYNTHESIS OF SILOXANE-CONTAINING  POLYESTERS AND POLYAMIDES

subject: biotechnology siloxane lipase silica biocatalysis

abstract:
The first part of this thesis studied the capacity of amino acids and enzymes to catalyze the hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethoxysilane and phenyltrimethoxysilane.  Selected amino acids were shown to accelerate the hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethoxysilane under ambient temperature, pressure and at neutral pH (pH 7±0.02).  The nature of the side chain of the amino acid was important in promoting hydrolysis and condensation.  Several proteases were shown to have a capacity to hydrolyze tri- and tet-ra- alkoxysilanes under the same mild reaction conditions.
	The second part of this thesis employed an immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B (Novozym-435, N435) to produce siloxane-containing polyesters, polyamides, and polyester amides under solvent-free conditions.  Enzymatic activity was shown to be temperature dependent, increasing until enzyme denaturation became the dominant pro-cess, which typically occurred between 120-130ᵒC. The residual activity of N435 was, on average, greater than 90%, when used in the synthesis of disiloxane-containing polyesters, regardless of the polymerization temperature except at the very highest temperatures, 140-150ᵒC.  A study of the thermal tolerance of N435 determined that, over ten reaction cycles, there was a decrease in the initial rate of polymerization with each consecutive use of the catalyst.  No change in the degree of monomer conversion after a 24 hour reaction cycle was found.


title: Exploring Perceptions of Accessibility, Necessity and Use of Social Support for Wilderness Therapy Field Instructors

subject: social support, turnover, phenomenology, field instructors, wilderness therapy

abstract: Organizations offering therapeutic wilderness programming have a responsibility to ensure the well-being of their front line employees. A system of social support that is formed through communication with others, either personally or professionally, can assist field instructors in effectively managing the demands arising from their work. Phenomenological analysis of semi-structured interview transcripts from seven participants provided insight on perceptions of necessity, accessibility and use of social support. Fourteen main themes and thirteen subthemes emerged from the data. Findings are presented using the six components of Parsons’ (1980) staff development model and strongly suggest program managers consider and apply specific measures aimed at increasing the social support for front line field instructors in a wilderness therapy work context.


title: The Transfer of Wilderness Trips to the Everyday Lives of Young People: A Case Study

subject: Transfer and Wilderness Trips

abstract: There has been considerable research that investigates the outcomes, benefits, and perceptions of wilderness trip experiences. However, the transfer of learning from a wilderness trip to the everyday lives of youth trip participants, that has deliberately explored post-trip experience, is minimal. Using a qualitative multi-case study approach, methods of data collection included interviews with six youth program participants, six parents/legal guardians, and three program staff, as well as document solicitation. Reports from the participants suggested that the key content transferred to a post-wilderness trip context were interpersonal skills; life skills; and instances of personal growth. Participants applied their learning content from the wilderness trip to school; sports; community and international volunteering; work and career aspirations; family and home life; and social life contexts. Implications for adventure programming and curriculum design, instruction, and transfer are considered.


title: Genetic Analysis of Taste in Homo Sapiens

subject: taste genetics PROP thermal TAS2R38

abstract: There are many known taste receptors specific to each taste attribute.  This thesis examines the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations (CNVs) in known taste and taste pathway receptors TAS2R38, Gustin, and TRPM5 and for PROP (6-n-propylthiouracil) taster status (PTS), thermal taster status (TTS), and orosensory sensation intensity ratings.  PTS is a proxy for general taste responsiveness, and the ability to taste PROP classifies individuals into three phenotypes: super (PST), medium (PMT), and non-tasters (PNT). Another taste phenotype, also serving as a proxy for general taste responsiveness, is TTS, classifying individuals as thermal tasters (TTs) or thermal non-tasters (TnTs).  DNA extractions from buccal cells obtained from 60 individuals were performed and analysis of TAS2R38, Gustin, and TRPM5 variations were conducted through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), sequencing for SNPs, and upQMPSF for CNV analysis of TRPM5.  Among the SNPs and CNVs studied, only TAS2R38 was found to be significantly associated with PTS and intensity ratings for sweet, bitter, and sour taste as well as astringency.  However, not all PROP phenotypic differences can be explained by the variations at these three SNP sites in TAS2R38, suggesting the involvement of additional genes.  No association was found between TTS and TAS2R38 or Gustin, confirming that PTS and TTS are not genetically associated.  The examined TRPM5 SNPs and CNVs did not correlate with TTS.  Therefore, further research is necessary into other factors contributing to PTS and TTS.


title: Accommodating College ESL Learner Communication Needs: Perceptions, Policies, and Practices

subject: English language - Study and teaching (Higher) - Foreign speakers.

subject: Community colleges - Curricula.

abstract:
The purpose of this qualitative inquiry was to determine how the Practical
Nursing and Pharmacy Technician programs in one southern Ontario community college could more effectively accommodate ESL learners' communication needs. The literature review examined (a) linguistic issues, such as language testing and second-language learning theories, (b) organizational matters, such as ESL curriculum and teacher training, and (c) affective issues, such as motivation for second-language learning, learning styles, and the student-teacher relationship. I gathered perceptual data from the programs' administrators, faculty members, and ESL learners. Eleven participants took part in individual interviews or a focus group session. The results suggest that ESL learners need assistance with discipline-specific vocabulary and cultural nuances. College ESL learners' weak communicative competence, together with misleading acceptance standards for ESL learners and limited support available to faculty members and to students, decrease opportunities for successful completion of the programs. The results point to re-assessment of the college's admission policies and procedures, program evaluation practices that consider the needs of ESL learners, discipline-specific language support, and strategies to enhance the ESL student-teacher relationship. The study highlights theory relating to ESL learners' self-perception and engagement, as well as the importance of including the voice of college ESL learners in educational research. The results suggest that despite ESL learners' perseverance in completing their studies, power imbalances remain. The college has yet to implement organizational strategies such as discipline-specific communications and ESL courses and extended language support that could meet the communication needs of ESL learners in the two programs.


title: The Respect Circle: Ten Teachers, One Classroom Management Model

subject: Classroom management - Ontario.

abstract:
In this qualitative investigation, the researcher examined the experiences of 10
teachers as they implemented a classroom management model called the Respect
Circle. Through interviews and journal entries, the writer sought to understand how
the participating teachers developed their classroom management practice, using the
Respect Circle as a reference point. Data collection occurred over a 10-week period
from October to December.
The findings of this study demonstrate the multifaceted and complex nature of
classroom management. Participants identified relationships with their students as the
premier factor in establishing classroom management. Additionally, pro action,
professional reflection, adaptability, and consistency figured prominently in the
classroom management approaches taken by the participating teachers. Utilizing the
experiences and suggestions of the participants as a springboard, the Respect Circle
model was revised.
The findings underline areas of concern regarding classroom management and
suggest that teachers want a respectful, structured yet flexible model upon which to
base their classroom management. Suggestions for teachers, new and experienced;
school administrators; and developers of classroom management courses are
provided.


title: TGA2 dual activity: N-terminus regulation of reversible DNA binding influenced by NPRI and CK2

subject: Systemic Acquired Resistance

abstract:
TGA2 is a dual-function Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) transcription factor
involved in the activation and repression of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes. Recent
studies have shown that TGA2 is able to switch from a basal repressor to activator,
likely, through regulatory control from its N-terminus. The N-terminus has also
been shown to affect DNA binding of the TGA2 bZIP domain when phosphorylated
by Casein Kinase II (CK2). The mechanisms involved for directing a switch from
basal repressor to activator, and the role of kinase activity, have not previously been
looked at in detail. This study provides evidence for the involvement of a CK2-like
kinase in the switch of TGA2 activity from repressor to activator, by regulating the
DNA-binding activity of TGA2 by phosphorylating residues in the N terminus of the
protein.


title: DEFORMATION OF INTERIOR LAYERED DEPOSITS (ILD) AND THEIR ASSOCIATED LANDFORMS IN WEST CANDOR CHASMA, MARS: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE TIMING OF ILD DEPOSITION

subject: Mars (Planet) - Geology.

abstract:
On Mars, interior layered deposits (ILD) provide evidence that water was once
stable at the surface of the planet and present in large quantities. In West Candor
Chasma, the ILD and their associated landforms record the depositional history of the
chasma, and the deformation of those deposits provide insight into the stresses acting on
them and the chasma as a whole. The post ILD structural history of West Candor is
interpreted by analyzing the spatial relationships and orientation trends of structural
features within the ILD. Therecording of stresses through brittle deformation of ILDs
implies that the ILD had been lithified before the stress was imposed.
Based on the prominent orientation trends of deformation features, the orientation
of the stress regime acting upon the ILD appears to be linked to the regime that initially
created the chasma-forming faults. An additional minor stress orientation was also
revealed and may be related to large structures outside west Candor Chasma.
The late depositional history of Ceti Mensa is herein investigated by examining
the attributes and spatial relationship between unique corrugated, linear formations
(CLF). The CLFs appear to be aeolian in origin but display clear indications of brittle
deformation, indicating they have been Iithified. Evidence of lithification and the mineral
composition of the surrounding material support the interpretation of circulating water in
the area.


title: The form and function of aggressive subtypes: Relations with the goodness of fit between adolescent temperament and parent personality

subject:
Temperament in adolescence.
Parent and teenager
Personality

abstract:
The current research investigated whether the interaction between adolescent
temperament and parent personality, consistent with the goodness of fit perspective,
differentially predicted overt (e.g., kicking, punching, insulting) and relational (e.g.,
gossiping, rumour spreading, ostracising) forms of reactive (e.g., provoked, a response to goal blocking, unplanned and emotional) and proactive (e.g., unprovoked, goal-directed, deliberate and relatively unemotional) aggression. Mothers, fathers and their adolescent child (N = 448, age 10-17) from southern Ontario, Canada filled out questionnaires on adolescent temperament (i.e., frustration, fear, and effortful control) and aggression.
Parents reported on their own personality traits (i.e., agreeableness, conscientiousness,
and emotional stability). The form and function of aggression not encompassed by the
subtype under investigation were controlled in each regression analysis. Consistent with
the hypothesis, results indicated that a poor fit between adolescent temperament
vulnerabilities and lower parent personality traits, including agreeableness,
conscientiousness and emotional stability, was predictive of greater levels of
differentiated aggression. For instance, lower father conscientiousness strengthened the relation between higher frustration and reactive overt aggression. Unexpectedly in some cases, temperament risk factors were more strongly associated with aggression subtypes when personality scores were at higher levels, particularly agreeableness and
conscientiousness, traits normally considered to be at the optimal end of the dimension.
For example, higher father agreeableness strengthened the relation between higher
frustration and reactive relational aggression. At the main effects level, low fearfulness
was significantly associated with only the overt subtypes of aggression, and
unexpectedly, higher frustration and lower effortful control were related to both proactive
and reactive subtypes of aggression. A temperamentally vulnerable adolescent was also at greater risk of displaying aggressive behaviour when the father lacked emotional stability, but not the mother. These results are broadly consistent with the prediction that
temperament risk factors are more strongly associated with aggression subtypes when an adolescent predisposition does not fit well with parent personality traits. Mechanisms
pertaining to stress in the family environment and the fostering of self-regulation abilities
are discussed with respect to why a poor fit between temperament and parent personality is predictive of adolescent differentiated aggression.


title: Secondary School Department Heads as Teacher Leaders: A Study in Suburban Ontario

subject: High school department heads -- Ontario.

subject: Educational leadership -- Ontario.

abstract:
This study focused on the leadership perceptions of 6 department heads, the
conditions for their leadership role and their strategies, and supports for navigating their
role. Research participants engaged in 2 sets of semistructured interviews; this resulted in
a wealth of richly detailed data. It is clear that department heads do act as teacher leaders, even if they do not use this language to discuss their roles. Five elements of the role of the department head as teacher leader unfolded. The research participants perceived their leadership role to be rooted in teaching. They noted their management and leadership roles. They recognized the importance of support for their work and the support that they provide to others. In addition, they provided an overview of key strategies that they implement to lead in their individualized contexts. Department heads also noted the difficulties associated with their position and the effects that these challenges have on them as individuals. This research has resulted in a number of key recommendations for stakeholders. Department heads themselves need to openly discus's their leadership role with their colleagues and their administrators. In turn, administrators need to develop a deeper understanding of the role along with the potential for balkanization in schools. In addition, unions, school districts, and professional bodies need to develop a system of support for department heads and other teacher leaders. With ongoing meaningful communication and professional development, department heads will be more fully recognized as teacher leaders.


title: Second-Career Adults: Issues Encountered in Teacher Education Programs

subject:
Discrimination in education -- Ontario
Teachers -- Recruiting -- Ontario
Male teachers -- Training of -- Ontario

abstract:
The purpose of this case study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the
experiences of 3 second-career males prior to and during their participation in teacher
education programs. Case study research techniques were used to elicit data from 3
participants who had completed teacher education programs and were actively teaching
in various capacities in Ontario. Data were collected through an email questionnaire, 2
open-ended, one-on-one interviews, and the researcher's field notes and reflections of the
interview process. These data were coded, analyzed for emerging trends, collated, and
presented as a series of findings.
The study revealed that these 3 second-career males transitioning into teacher
education programs encountered a number of difficulties, some of which are a result of
the way program providers structure their recruitment processes and present their
curricula. Findings indicated that the second-career males in this study appeared to be
inadequately prepared to work in a female-dominated profession. The study also found
incompatibilities between associate teachers and these second-career candidates during
practice teaching sessions.
The findings and implications are of interest to teacher educators, school boards,
teacher federations, and prospective adult candidates that may be considering teaching as
an alternative second career.


title: Deconstructing Evidence-Based Practice and Its Application in Children to with Mental Health Disorders

subject: Evidence Based Practice Children Mental

abstract: This is a mixed methodology study that uses an autoethnographic approach to combine both an autobiography and a survey of practitioners who work in children’s mental health. It is largely about the implementation of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), and the questions, concerns, experiences that I have had, and compared them with those of my fellow practitioners. In addition, it is about my journey as a mental health professional, and how I have come to recognize that in order to achieve the goals I wanted to achieve, I needed to return to university to pursue a Master’s degree. Within the research, I identify and discuss different definitions of EBP and identify several themes. I deconstruct the implementation of EBPs through the lens of Foucault and his notions of governmentality. I offer policy and practice recommendations to improve the implementation of EBP and the services received by children facing mental health issues.


title: Creating a Space for Self-Transformation: Factors of Success for Adult Literacy Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties

subject: Functional literacy - Ontario - Case studies.

subject: Learning disabilities - Ontario - Case studies.

abstract:
A significant number of adults in adult literacy programs in Ontario have
specific learning difficulties. This study sought to examine the holistic factors
that contributed to these learners achieving their goals. Through a case study
design, the data revealed that a combination of specific learning methods and
strategies, along with particular characteristics of the instructor, participant, and
class, and the evidence of self-transformation all seemed to contribute to the
participant's success in the program. Instructor-directed teaching and cooperative
learning were the main learning methods used in the class. General
learning strategies employed were the use of core curriculum and authentic
documents, and using phonics, repetition, assistive resources, and using
activities that appealed to various learning styles. The instructor had a history of
both professional development in the area of learning disabilities as well as
experience working with learners who had specific learning difficulties. There
also seemed to be a goodness of fit between the participant and the instructor.
Several characteristics of the participant seemed to aid in his success: his positive
self-esteem, self-advocacy skills, self-determination, self-awareness, and the fact
that he enjoyed learning. The size (3-5 people) and type of class (small group)
also seemed to have an impact. Finally, evidence that the participant went
through a self-transformation seemed to contribute to a positive learner identity.
These results have implications for practice, theory, and further research in adult
education.


title: Stakeholders' Perceptions of Culinary Programs in Ontario Community Colleges

subject: Cooking - Study and teaching (Higher) - Ontario.

subject: Food service management - Study and teaching (Higher) - Ontario.

subject: Community colleges - Ontario - Curricula.

abstract:
The hospitality industry in Canada is growing. With that growth is a demand for
qualified workers to fill available positions within all facets of the hospitality industry,
one ofthem being cooks. To meet this labour shortage, community colleges offering
culinary arts programs are ramping up to meet the needs of industry to produce
workplace-ready graduates. Industry, students, and community colleges are but three of
the several stakeholders in culinary arts education.
The purpose of this research project was to bring together a cross-section of
stakeholders in culinary arts education in Ontario and qualitatively examine the
stakeholders' perceptions of how culinary arts programs and the current curriculum are
taught at community colleges as mandated by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and
Universities (MTCU) in the Culinary Program Standard. A literature review was
conducted in support of the research undertaking. Ten stakeholders were interviewed in
preliminary and follow-up sessions, after which the data were analyzed using a grounded
theory research design.
The findings confirmed the existence of a disconnect amongst stakeholders in
culinary arts education. Parallel to that was the discovery of the need for balance in
several facets of culinary arts education. The discussions, as found in Chapter 5 of this
study, addressed the themes of Becoming a Chef, Basics, Entrenchment, Disconnect, and
Balance. The 8 recommendations, also found in Chapter 5, which are founded on the
research results of this study, will be of interest to stakeholders in culinary education,
particularly in the province of Ontario.


title: Evaluating the Outcomes of a Peer-Mentoring Program for Transitioning Postsecondary Students

subject: Mentoring in education - Ontario.

subject: Education, Higher - Ontario - Evaluation.

abstract:
A peer-mentoring program was initiated in 2003 for students in an introductory
biology course at a university in Ontario, Canada. Students could attend up to 5 peer-mentoring sessions during the 12-week fall semester. Quantitative-survey, participation,
and academic data spanning 5 years were reviewed for the purpose of evaluating the
program. An objectives-oriented approach was used to determine if the program was
meeting its goals to improve students' introductory biology grades, facilitate transitioning
experiences, and encourage students to pursue studies in biology. Data analysis revealed
characteristics of participants and showed that students who participated in the program
felt that it was a valuable experience. Students attending 3 or more sessions performed
significantly better in their introductory biology courses than those attending fewer
sessions. There were no indications that the peer-mentoring program had any impact on
students' perceptions of transitioning to university or on their program selection
preferences. Recommendations are made to improve the peer-mentoring program to
better align its components and objectives.


title: The Nutritional Knowledge, Eating Habits, and Body Image of Adolescent Females

subject: Teenage girls - Nutrition.

subject: Teenage girls - Psychology.

subject: Body image in adolescence.

subject: Self-perception in adolescence.

subject: Nutrition|xStudy and teaching (Secondary) - Ontario.

abstract:
This mixed methods investigation examined the nutritional knowledge and habits
of adolescent girls in grades 9 through 12 at a secondary school in southern Ontario.
Through questionnaires, interviews, and the use of teaching and curriculum documents,
this study attempted to understand whether the current nutrition curriculum is influential
in developing students' nutritional knowledge, healthy eating habits, and a favourable
body image. Data collection occurred over a 2-month period, involving 90 female
participants, and the data analysis program SPSS was used for analysis of the quantitative questionnaire data. Interview data were organized into categories, and analysis of any emerging themes occurred. Teaching and curriculum documents were examined to determine any overlap and develop an understanding of the participants' exposure and experience within nutrition within the classroom setting.
The findings of this study suggest that the current nutrition education did have an
impact on the participants' nutrition knowledge. However, the impact on their eating
habits and body image was limited in the context it was measured and tested. The
knowledge learned within the classroom may not always be applied outside of the
classroom. This study suggests that improvement in the current nutrition curriculum may
be needed to have a bigger impact on adolescent females.
The findings from the study shine light on areas of improvements for educators as
well as development of future curriculum. Changes may need to be made not only in the
specific curriculum content and expectations but also the delivery of it by the classroom
teacher.


title: The Impact of Hospital Downsizing on Registered Nurses Displaced from Full -Time Employment

subject:
Downsizing of organizations.
Nurses - Dismissal of.
Nurses - Job satisfaction.

abstract:
This research identified and explored the various responses of ten women
Registered Nurses displaced from full-time employment as staff nurses in general hospitals in southern Ontario. These nurses were among the hundreds in Ontario who were displaced between October 1991 and October 1995 as a result of organizational
downsizing and other health care reform initiatives. The purpose of this research was to
document the responses of nurses to job displacement, and how that experience impacted
on a nurse's professional identity and her understanding of the nature and utilization of
nursing labour.
This study incorporated techniques consistent with the principles of naturalistic
inquiry and the narrative tradition. A purposive sample was drawn from the Health Sector
Training and Adjustment Program database. Data collection and analysis was a three-step
process wherein the data collection in each step was informed by the data analysis in the
preceding step. The main technique used for qualitative data collection was
semistructured, individual and group interviews.
Emerging from the data was a rich and textured story of how job displacement
disrupted the meaningful connections nurses had with their work. In making meaning of
this change, displaced nurses journeyed along a three-step path toward labour adjustment. Structural analysis was the interpretive lens used to view the historical, sociopolitical and ideological forces which constrained the choices reasonably available to displaced nurses while Kelly's personal construct theory was the lens used to view the process of making choices and reconstruing their professional identity.


title: An Exploration Into Doctoral Students' Sense of Community and its Influence on the Formation of Informal Mentoring Relationships

subject: Graduate students - Ontario - Socialization.

subject: Mentoring in education.

subject: Universities and colleges - Ontario - Graduate work.

abstract:
This exploratory mixed method research project was designed to investigate
an area of doctoral education that has received little attention in the past. This
research focused specifically on the non-intellectual, hoped-for by-products of
doctoral education; the dynamic processes of developing and maintaining both a
sense of community and informal mentoring relationships. The design of the study
captured the experiences of doctoral students and alumni at various time periods in
the doctoral program. Participants represented a diverse group of students with
differences in professional and academic backgrounds and life stages. A pilot study
for this research suggested that the presence of a sense of community and informal
mentoring may provide the necessary relationships to support this diversity. The
primary question at the forefront of this study was: Do doctoral students feel
connected to one another? Five subquestions were developed to address this research
topic: Does a sense of community already exist and flourish in doctoral education?
Are the programs and resources of the doctoral program organized to nurture the
creation and maintenance of a sense of community? Is a sense of community a
foundational element in the formation of naturally occurring relationships among
doctoral students? What educational and socio-emotional benefits are associated with
informal mentoring relationships during the doctoral experience? and Do doctoral
students perceive a change in their development as stewards of their discipline over
time? The principal methods used to investigate these research questions combined
both quantitative and qualitative techniques in a concurrent time sequence. The
quantitative portion of the study involved a questionnaire, while the qualitative portion involved two approaches; face-to-face interviews and an open-ended question
at the end of the questionnaire. Findings from the study indicated that the presence of
both sense of community and informal mentoring enhance the overall quality of
doctoral education. Program elements that enhanced or hindered connection between
students were identified. Both the dynamics and the emotional, social, and academic
benefits of informal mentoring were elucidated. Over time participants perceived
changes in their development of the qualities assqciated with stewardship. This study
brought the "hoped-for by-products" associated with doctoral education from the
background shadows to an illuminated position at the forefront of inquiry.


title: The Impact of a Text-Reader Support Program on Intermediate Students' Reading Comprehension

subject: Reading comprehension - Study and teaching (Elementary)

subject: Reading - Computer-assisted instruction.

abstract:
This study examined the efficacy of providing four Grade 7 and 8 students with
reading difficulties with explicit instruction in the use of reading comprehension
strategies while using text-reader software. Specifically, the study explored participants'
combined use of a text-reader and question-answering comprehension strategy during a
6-week instructional program. Using a qualitative case study methodology approach,
participants' experiences using text-reader software, with the presence of explicit
instruction in evidence-based reading comprehension strategies, were examined. The
study involved three phases: (a) the first phase consisted of individual interviews with the
participants and their parents; (b) the second phase consisted of a nine session course; and (c) the third phase consisted of individual exit interviews and a focus group discussion. After the data collection phases were completed, data were analyzed and coded for emerging themes, with-quantitativ,e measures of participants' reading performance used as descriptive data. The data suggested that assistive technology can serve as an instructional "hook", motivating students to engage actively in the reading processes, especially when accompanied by explicit strategy instruction. Participants' experiences also reflected development of strategy use and use of text-reader software and the importance of social interactions in developing reading comprehension skills. The
findings of this study support the view that the integration of instruction using evidence-based practices are important and vital components in the inclusion oftext-reader
software as part of students' educational programming. Also, the findings from this
study can be extended to develop in-class programming for students using text-reader
software.


title: Explorações educacionais (educational explorations) : schooling experiences of second-generation Portuguese Canadian students

subject:
Portuguese Canadians.
Portuguese - Canada
High school students - Canada.

abstract:
This study explores the stories and experiences of second-generation Portuguese Canadian secondary school students in Southern Ontario, Canada. The purpose of this
research was to understand the educational experiences of students, specifically the
successes, challenges, and struggles that the participants faced within the education
system. Questions were also asked about identity issues and how participants perceived
their identities influencing their educational experiences.
Six Portuguese Canadian students in grades 9 to 11 were interviewed twice. The
interviews ranged from 45 minutes to 90 minutes in length. Data analysis of qualitative,
open-ended interviews, research journals, field notes and curricular documents yielded
understandings about the participants' experiences and challenges in the education
system. Eight themes emerged from data that explored the realities of everyday life for
second-generatiop Portuguese Canadian students. These themes include: influences of
part-time work on schooling, parental involvement, the teacher is key, challenges and
barriers, the importance of peers, Portuguese Canadian identity, lack of focus on identity
in curricul:um content, and the dropout problem.
Recommendations in this study include the need for more community-based
programs to assist students. Furthermore, teachers are encouraged to utilize strategies and curriculum resources that engage learners and integrate their histories and identities.
Educators are encouraged to question power dynamics both inside and outside
the school system. There is also a need for further research with Portuguese Canadian
students who are struggling in the education system as well as an examination of the
number of hours that students work.


title: Ethnic Minority Parents' Involvement in Education: Exploring and Understanding Their Experiences

subject: Minorities - Education - Ontario.

subject: Education, Secondary - Parent participation - Ontario.

abstract:
Lopez, Scribner and Mahitivanichcha (2001) discuss the limited volume of
literature that directly addresses ethnic minority parents' involvement in their children's
education and they call upon researchers to fill this gap in the literature. This study is one
such positive step with its focus on exploring how ethnic minority parents of secondary
school students in southern Ontario understand their involvement in their children's
education.  Participants in the study included three ethnic minority parents recruited from
a local adult education centre, and my parents who, as ethnics minority parents, also
faced challenges trying to support their children as we progressed through the Ontario
educational system. Primary data were collected through in-depth, open-ended interviews
approximately one hour in length. Each of the five participants was interviewed twice.
Secondary data included Ontario Ministry of Education documents that addressed
programs, policies, and supports for ethnic minority students in Ontario secondary
schools. Fieldnotes and a research journal also provided secondary data.
The findings highlight, among other things, the challenges the participants faced
as ethnic minority parents with a deep desire to support their children's education, but
often lacking the cultural capital valued in the Ontario school system to meet that goal.
As well, I benefited greatly from this research learning about the various ways in which,
in my future work as a teacher of ethnic minority students, I can integrate the knowledge,
skills, and experiences of ethnic minorities into my practice to ensure that parents of the
non-dominant culture have an opportunity to become highly involved in the education of
their children.


title: Children's Bullying Experiences and Self-Worth Perceptions in a Private School

subject:
Bullying in schools - Ontario.
Self-esteem in children.
Self-esteem in adolescence.
Private schools - Ontario.

abstract:
This study explored children's bullying experiences (as bully, victim, and
bystander) and their self-worth perceptions in a private school in Ontario, Canada.
Forty students from 12 different countries participated in a mixed methodology (both
quantitative and qualitative) research design using a self-report questionnaire.
Students reported involvement in bullying as a bully, victim, and bystander. The
overall results reveal a pattern across the three roles where the degree of bullying
observed as a bystander is the highest (57%) followed by the experiences as a victim
(29%) and that performed as bully (21%). The bystanders reported direct bullying
being witnessed, bullies reported indirect bullying interventions as being used, and
victims of bullying reported indirect bullying being the most common type of bullying
they experienced. Decreased feeling of self-worth is reported in the qualitative
research data in regards to bullying. Boarding students reported issues regarding
personal safety, need for social relationships, self-worth, and unacceptability of
bullying. Implications for practice for the private school are discussed, focusing on
the outcome of this study.


title: Effectiveness of Self-Instructional Mediator Training in Applied Behaviour Analysis

subject:
autism spectrum disorders
Applied Behaviour Analysis

abstract: Interventions using applied behaviour analysis (ABA) are widely used with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Individuals who work with this population are important to target for ABA education. This study evaluated the efficacy of a self-directed program in increasing parent and student ABA knowledge and skills, self-efficacy, and new skill development in children with ASD. Study 1 was a pilot study of the newly developed evaluation materials. Study 2 tested the self-instructional package with three parents of children with ASD, three university students, and eight children diagnosed with ASD. Parents and students were given the Simple Steps ABA training package to use independently and were measured using a multiple baseline across participants and/or skills design. After training, ABA knowledge scores and self-efficacy showed variable improvement as did children’s appropriate behaviours. These results suggest that more research is needed to determine the efficacy of a self-instructional ABA package.


title: The Synthesis of Imidazole Fatty Acid Conjugates as Inhibitors of Apoptosis

subject:
Imidazole Fatty Acid Conjugates
Peroxidase Inhibitors
Apoptosis Inhibitors

abstract: Ionizing radiation is known to initiate apoptosis in mammalian cells by causing the transformation of cytochrome c into a peroxidase, which results in the specific peroxidation of the mitochondrial phospholipid cardiolipin. Here we report the design and synthesis of 8 imidazole fatty acid derivatives that bind to the cyt c:CL complex and inhibit the peroxidase activity required for the initiation of apoptosis. We postulate that imidazole acts as a sixth ligand to the haem iron and stops the interaction with H2O2. Two mitochondrially directed analogues (3-hydroxypropyl)triphenylphosphonium esters) of 12-imidazole-stearic acid and 12-imidazole-oleic acid not only were demonstrated to be peroxidase inhibitors in vitro, but were also extraordinarily effective in protecting mice from lethal doses (9 Gy) of ionization radiation. We studied the structure activity relationship to a group of triphenyl phosphonium derivatives containing imidazole at different positions on the fatty acid chain, and observed that the C8-imidazole stearate analogue had marginally better activity than the others. But overall, the structure activity result were remarkable “flat” with all compounds prepared having rather similar inhibitory strength. We also synthesized carnitine mono and di-esters of 12-imidazole fatty acids but full biological data is not yet available for these compounds.


title: The Effects of Drama on Oral Fluency and Foreign Language Anxiety: An exploratory study

subject:
Oral Fluency
Foreign Language Anxiety

abstract:
Previous research has suggested that drama has positive effects on learners' oral
communication and anxiety; however, it is unclear which dimensions, or to what extent,
they are affected by drama. This research narrows the investigation by examining how a
drama-based EFL program impacts three dimensions of oral communication: fluency,
comprehensibility, and accentedness, and one anxiety factor - foreign language speaking
anxiety (FLSA) -, over time. Speech samples were collected from EFL learners in a
treatment and a control group, and subsequently assessed by untrained Canadian-born
raters. FLSA levels were measured through questionnaires and interviews. Pre- and
post-test analysis indicate that learners in the treatment group made significant gains in
oral fluency while oral fluency among learners in the control group remained unchanged.
There was a significant reduction in FLSA levels among learners in both groups. Finally,
qualitative analyses suggest that drama activities, among others, enhance learners'
comfort levels in speaking English.


title: The Essence of Feeling a Sense of Community: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Inquiry With Middle School Students and Teachers

subject:
school belonging
psychological sense of community
phenomenology
hermeneutic
student

abstract: In contemporary times, there is a compelling need to understand the nature of positive community relationships that value diverse others. This dissertation is a hermeneutic phenomenological inquiry into the essence of what it means to feel a sense of community. Specifically, I explored this phenomenon from the perspective of middle school teachers and students through the following questions: What meanings do students and teachers ascribe to feeling, experiencing, and developing a sense of community in their classes? To what extent do students’ and teachers’ ideas about feeling a sense of community include the acceptance of individual differences? Together these questions contributed to the overarching question, what is the essence of feeling a sense of community? As the data pool for the research, I used 192 essays and 218 posters from students who had been asked to write or draw about their visions of a positive classroom community where they felt a sense of community. I conducted 9 teacher interviews on the topic as well. My findings revealed one overarching ontology, Being-in-Relation, which outlined a full integration between individuality and community as a “way of being.” I also found five attributes that are present when individuals feel a sense of community: Supporting Others, Dialogue, An Ethic of Respect and Care, Safety, and Healthy Conflict. Contributions from this research include extensions to the literature about community; clarity for those who wish to establish a strong foundation of community relationships within formal and non-formal educational programs; insight that may assist educators, leaders, and policy makers within formal educational systems; and an opportunity to consider the extent to which the findings may point toward broader implications.


title: Lived Experiences: An Exploration of Teachers' Thoughts and Feelings While Implementing an Antibullying Initiative

subject: Bullying in schools - Ontario - Prevention.

subject: Bullying - Ontario - Prevention.

abstract:
This qualitative case study explored elementary school teachers' lived experiences
and perceptions surrounding the implementation of an antibullying program within the public school system.
The purpose of this study was to share the individual stories of teachers who have
implemented an antibullying initiative and how their journey into the bullying phenomenon
changed their personal beliefs, their students, and their school climate. Five elementary
school teachers (3 female, 2 male) from 5 different public schools in a southwestern region of Ontario completed 8 closed-ended questions and participated in l-on-l semistructured interviews. All 5 teachers had implemented the "Imagine ... A School Without Bullying" initiative or were involved with its predecessor the "Good Kid Sid" pilot project. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. The data were coded, and broad themes were reduced to a smaller number of topics where a more in-depth analysis occurred.
Findings showed that reports of bullying existed at each of the schools. All 5 teachers
felt their initiative was making a positive difference in their school; however this did not
come without some resistance from staff. A common finding heard from all of their stories
was the need for more time. Implications for antibullying initiatives are discussed, and
advice to anyone beginning an antibullying initiative is offered by each of the 5 teachers
involved in this study.