title: PERINATAL WELLBEING IN AN ABORIGINAL CONTEXT:  UNDERSTANDING THE HEALTH BELIEFS AND CULTURAL PERCEPTIONS OF GRANDMOTHERS FROM THE SIX NATIONS RESERVE IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO

contributor:
ANAND, SONIA
Health Research Methodology

subject:
Perinatal health
Aboriginal Health
Qualitative Research
Constructivist Grounded Theory
Grandmothers' advice

abstract:
Background:  Aboriginal peoples face disproportionate health inequalities in comparison to non-Aboriginal Canadians, especially in regards to cardiovascular disease risk factors. Evidence illustrates that the propensity to develop these chronic diseases happens during the perinatal period.  Related to this are maternal health behaviours—which are influenced by grandmothers’ advice.  Very few studies have explored Aboriginal grandmothers’ beliefs around perinatal health or how they translate into maternal health behaviours.

Objectives: The objectives of this thesis were to:
1) Qualitatively explore the beliefs and cultural perceptions around prenatal and postnatal health behaviours from the accounts of Grandmothers from the Six Nations reserve;
2) Incorporate the emergent themes to develop a theoretical framework;
3) Design and apply culturally-respectful avenues for knowledge translation.

Methods: Qualitative, semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with grandmothers from the Six Nations reserve.  Sampling of participants used non-probabilistic methods. Recruitment was achieved through the leadership of community members and continued until saturation. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and underwent thematic analysis.  A Six Nations community member was involved with the coding process and additional interviews were conducted to ensure member-checking.

Results: Six Nations grandmothers identified three primary perinatal beliefs: 1) Pregnancy is a natural phase of the life course that is not an illness nor a “comfort zone”; 2) Pregnancy is a sacred period where balance is key; 3) Optimal perinatal health is achieved through immunity, security, comfort, social development, and parental responsibility.  This knowledge is shared via storytelling and observational teaching.  In addition, the grandmothers identified local community responsibilities required to uphold optimal health.  Consultation with the community resulted in an integrated knowledge translation component (short film) for key stakeholders.

Conclusion: Building resilience and strength through culturally-generated interventions will guide the future of community-based programs and policies that aim to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors in this Aboriginal community.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Multi-scale modelling of geomechanical behaviour using the Voronoi cell finite element method (VCFEM) and finite-discrete element method (VCFEM-DEM)

contributor:
Stolle, Dieter
Guo, Peijun
Civil Engineering

subject:
geomechanics
granular material
finite element
discrete element
multi-scale modelling
coupled modelling
Voronoi cell

abstract:
The present work applies the hybrid Voronoi cell finite element method (VCFEM) within geomechanics. Coupled seepage and deformation analysis using the VCFEM incorporating body forces allows accurate analysis of earth dams. The development of a novel approach for simulating granular material behaviour using the combined finite-discrete element method (VCFEM-DEM) provides new insights into strain localization in granular materials.
Chapter 1 provides background including summary literature reviews for all concepts in the title including seepage analysis, micromechanical and continuum mechanics theory, Voronoi diagrams, finite elements (FEM), discrete elements (DEM) and combined FEM-DEM. Chapter 1 concludes by detailing the contributions of the present work.
Chapter 2 presents the VCFEM for seepage analysis. The numerical examples include an investigation of mesh sensitivity and a comparison of conforming shape functions. Polygonal elements with more than four nodes show a decrease in mesh sensitivity in free surface problems, compared with four-node quadrilateral elements. The choice of conforming shape function within the VCFEM analysis did not affect the results.
Chapter 3 formulates and applies the VCFEM-DEM, showing that strain localization effects in granular materials are important at all scales. The VCFEM-DEM captures shear banding in biaxial compression tests, demonstrating that global shear strains and inhomogeneities in the shear stress field present after consolidation are early precursors to the failure mode. At the field scale, strain localization can lead to significant non-uniformity in subsurface stress distribution owing to self-weight.
Chapter 4 presents the coupled VCFEM for seepage and deformation. A practical example of the design of an earth dam demonstrates the application of general body forces within a hybrid formulation, notably lacking in the literature.
Chapter 5 concludes by summarizing the key observations of the present work, and providing direction for future research. The Appendix provides additional details related to numerical integration within the VCFEM.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: The focus of the present work is the simulation of geomechanical behaviour at multiple scales. This ranges from simulating the interaction of grains of sand in a laboratory compression test to the seepage of water through and deformation of a large dam constructed of granular material. The simulations use a numerical tool called the Voronoi cell finite element method (VCFEM), which the present work extends to allow accurate analysis of the flow of fluid through a porous medium, deformation of a granular material under load and coupled analysis of these phenomena. The development and testing of this numerical tool for use in geomechanical analysis is itself a contribution. The present work also contains new insights into how localized stresses and strains in a granular material that are present well before the peak strength can have an important influence on the mode of failure.


title: Finding Balance: An Exploration of Factors Related to Balance Impairment in Children after Concussion

contributor:
DeMatteo, Carol
Health Sciences

subject:
Balance Impairment
Children
Concussion

abstract:
Introduction: Balance impairment is a commonly reported symptom of concussion. Very little research has been undertaken regarding the complexities of balance impairment after concussive injury in the pediatric population.
Purpose: The objectives of this study were: 1) to identify the factors that are associated with balance impairments in children with concussion; 2) to review and evaluate four commonly used balance measures; and 3) to provide recommendations for the best methods of clinical evaluation of balance in children and youth after concussive injury.
Methods: A cross-sectional balance evaluation was completed on 104 children, ages 5-18 who had a confirmed diagnosis of concussion. Four balance measures were examined to determine which was the most appropriate for evaluating balance post-concussion.
Results: 37% of children were found to have balance impairment according to the BOT-2. The full logistic regression model was found to be not statistically significant however, mechanism of injury with an odds ratio of 2.1 and 95% CI [0.810, 5.027] indicates that children with sport-related injuries are twice as likely to have balance impairment than those with a non-sports-related injury. Chi-Square analyses showed a statistically significant association for mechanism of injury (χ2=11.05, p = 0.03) and age (χ2 = 0.04, p =-0.02) for children who presented with balance impairments and those who did not. Children with balance impairment may present with different symptom profiles than children without.
Conclusion: Using a single method of assessment may not provide an accurate representation of balance impairment in children and youth after concussion. Based on the comparison of measurement properties and application of each measure to 104 children with concussion, the BOT-2 and the CB&M when used together provide the most comprehensive assessment of balance and postural instability in children with concussive injury. Age, mechanism of injury and site of impact may be leading factors in the development of balance impairment.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science Rehabilitation Science (MSc)


title: THE EFFECT OF POROSITY ON FATIGUE CRACK INITIATION AND PROPAGATION IN AM60 DIE-CAST MAGNESIUM ALLOY

contributor:
Wilkinson, David S.
Kang, Jidong
Materials Science and Engineering

subject:
AM60 Mg alloy
High pressure die casting
X-ray computed tomography
porosity
fatigue

abstract: The AM60 Mg alloy has been used in the automotive industry to help achieve higher fuel efficiency. However, its products, mostly fabricated via high pressure die casting process, are inherently plagued with porosity issues. The presence of porosity impairs mechanical properties, especially fatigue properties, and thus affects the product reliability. We have therefore studied the effect of porosity on the fatigue behavior of samples drawn from a prototype AM60 shock tower by conducting strain-controlled fatigue test along with X-ray computed tomography (XCT). The 3D analysis of porosity by XCT showed discrepancies from 2D metallographic characterization. Fatigue testing results showed the machined surface is the preferential site for crack initiation to occur, on which pores are revealed after specimen extraction. A large scatter in fatigue life was observed as crack initiating at a large pore situated on the surface will result in a significantly shorter fatigue life. SEM fractography showed fracture surfaces are generally flat and full of randomly orientated serration patterns but without fatigue striations. The observations and measurements of porosity and fatigue cracks made by XCT were confirmed by SEM, supporting it as a reliable characterization tool for 3D objects and has value in assisting the failure analysis by SEM. Fatigue life was found to decrease with the increase of fatigue-crack-initiating pore size. The same trend was also found between the fatigue life and the volume fraction of porosity. The pore shape and pore orientation should be taken into account when determining the pore size as they can result in the difference in pore size between 2D and 3D measurement.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Performance Models for Legacy System Migration and Multi-core Computers - an MVA Approach

contributor:
Down, Douglas G.
Al-Azzoni, Issam
Computing and Software

abstract:
Computer system architecture and design have witnessed continual change, with resulting challenges for performance modeling. In this thesis, we explore performance evaluation and modeling using queueing networks and Mean Value Analysis (MVA) approaches. We first investigate scenarios where legacy systems are migrated to newer platforms. We apply a novel MVA-based method - PELE - to address performance evaluation for the migrations. We extend the applicability of PELE with several case studies. Through the experiments, we demonstrate that the MVA algorithm is an efficient technique for computer system performance modeling. However, we find that it fails to address some features of multi-core platforms. To solve those
problems, we present another MVA-based method - APEM. In APEM, we propose an approximation to estimate service demands, and use a flow-equivalent aggregation technique to approximate non-product-form networks. To validate the application of our method, we investigate three case studies of a closed, an open and a semi-open system, respectively. We show that our method achieves better accuracy compared with other commonly used MVA algorithms. In addition, we propose an approximate MVA algorithm - SMVA - to address the numerical instability of MVA that we encountered in previous case studies. Future research may use SMVA as a starting point to continue improvement of numerically stable MVA algorithms.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: GUADELOUPE ET MARTINIQUE : COLONIES OU TERRITOIRES FRANÇAIS ?

contributor:
Nshimiyimana, Eugène
French

abstract: Anciennes colonies, la Guadeloupe et la Martinique sont passées au statut de département français en 1946. Qu’est-ce qui justifie que ces îles fassent encore partie de la République française ? En partant de l’hypothèse d’une continuité coloniale, cette recherche va explorer la relation entre la France Métropolitaine et les Antilles françaises. Le processus de décolonisation a-t-il vraiment eu lieu ? La Guadeloupe et la Martinique ont-elles toute leur place au sein de la République française ?

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Behavioural Effects of Chronic Immune Activation on Drosophila Aging and Sensitivity to Acute Stress

contributor:
Campos, Ana
Biology

subject:
Chronic Innate Immunity
Aging
Neurodegeneration
Blood-Brain Barrier
Genetics
Drosophila
Glia
Acute Stress

abstract:
The immune response is a complex series of cell-mediated reactions by which an organism combats infection, responds to injury, external stresses, or disease.  In both Drosophila melanogaster and vertebrates, aging is associated with progressive declines in physiological functions as well as susceptibility to stress and disease. Naturally, the immune activity is increased with age, yet the efficacy of this response is reduced with age. Conversely, when the immune activation is artificially-induced by Lipopolysaccharide, aging is accelerated. Like aging, neurodegeneration is also associated with increased immune activity. The Blood-Brain barrier (BBB) is a physical barrier with highly selective permeability that isolates the brain from the rest of the body. This barrier is essential for ion homeostasis, and exclusion or efflux of exogenous chemicals. The exclusion properties of the Dm BBB are facilitated by paracellular septate junctions of subperineural glia (SPG), which prevent diffusion into or out of the brain.
Using the GAL/UAS system in Drosophila, we found that activation of a glial-specific immune response in either immunodeficiency (IMD) or Toll pathways led to reductions in lifespan and age-dependent negative geotaxis. These reductions were also correlated with an early sensitivity towards oxidative and thermal stresses. Furthermore, we found that a SPG-specific immune response of the Toll pathway or disruption of the paracellular BBB itself was sufficient to show the same reductions as pan-glial activation. In short, we found that flies with CNS-specific immune activation showed an inability to cope with long-term and acute forms of stress, and that SPG-specific Toll Activation was sufficient to show these effects. This implicates chronic immune response as a negative factor during aging, neurodegenerative disease, and brain homeostasis.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Transitioning into Clinical Practice:  Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Graduates' Perceptions of Clinical Competence

contributor:
Jung, Bonny
Health Science Education

subject: competence, unregulated health care professionals, transitioning, clinical practice

abstract:
Health care changes, including increased hospital admissions, an aging population and the chronicity of diseases and conditions have led to increased collaboration with unregulated professionals.  Within the professions of occupational therapy and physiotherapy, there is a paucity of literature that addresses the perceptions of Occupational Therapist Assistants and Physiotherapist Assistants (OTAs and PTAs) with respect to their competence in clinical practice.
This research study investigates the perceptions of clinical competence of OTA and PTA graduates from one Ontario community college.  A phenomenological theoretical framework was used to explore the participants’ lived experiences. Eight individual in-depth interviews were used to gather data representing the graduate OTAs and PTAs’ perspectives.  In addition, the viewpoints from a stakeholder focus group of eight participants comprised of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and administration personnel from one Ontario hospital were used to triangulate the data..
Four themes emerged: 1) employing effective communication, 2) emerging knowledge, skills and competencies in clinical practice, 3) transitioning into clinical practice, and 4) developing confidence as an OTA and PTA.  The Person Environment Occupation (PEO) model (Law et al., 1996) was used to organize the themes and to assist in determining the optimal fit between the themes. Confidence was articulated as a continuous concept that facilitated the graduates’ competence in their clinical skills.
Proficiency in their roles, a supportive transition, and demonstrated competence were the presenting factors that empowered the graduate OTAs and PTAs to affirm their competence in clinical practice.  This research study is foundational for future research related to OTAs and PTAs in the areas related to use of title, educational credentialing, and collaborative competency documentation.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract: Currently, there are changes in health care services that require modifications to the delivery of the treatment.  Occupational Therapist Assistants and Physiotherapist Assistants (OTAs and PTAs) work within patient rehabilitation; however, their perceptions of competence have not been assessed.  This study reviews the perceptions of the OTAs and PTAs when completing their role with patients by interviewing them and interviewing the staff that work with them.  The data from this thesis will provide us with an enhanced understanding of the perceptions of OTAs and PTAs and the supports they believe enable them to be competent and confident health care professionals.  This information will facilitate the identification of the next steps in research specific to OTAs and PTAs in the areas of competency and educational programs.


title: Optimal Ordering Decision and Incentives for Yield Improvement under Random Demand

contributor:
Parlar, Mahmut
Business

abstract:
In this thesis, we focus on the applications of incentive mechanism design in operations and supply chain management (OSCM). Most significant--and interesting--topics arising in OSCM are concerned with the management of relationships among supply chain members under asymmetric information. Since the incentive mechanism design based on the principal-agent model deals with asymmetric information in a satisfactory way, it has become an important tool in investigating OSCM-related asymmetric information problems.
    We start with an introduction in Chapter 1. In this chapter, we briefly describe the theory of incentive mechanism design and its applications to OSCM, and the organization structure of this thesis. In Chapter 2, we study the optimal wage scheme and effort level in a contracting problem where both the principal and the agent are risk-averse. This chapter is a starting point for analyzing the buyer's optimal ordering decision and incentives for yield improvement in Chapters 3 and 4. Chapter 3 investigates the buyer's optimal ordering decision and incentives for yield improvement in the setting of random yield for the critical component and uncertain demand for the finished product. In Chapter 4, we assume the supplier's effort and yield become continuous and study a continuous optimization problem where the buyer decides the optimal order quantities and incentives for yield improvement under random demand. Our thesis ends with a conclusion and addresses the future research in Chapter 5.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Finding Approximate Repeats in DNA Sequences Using Multiple Spaced Seeds

title: Finding Approximate Repeats with Multiple Spaced Seeds

contributor:
Smyth, William F.
Computational Engineering and Science

abstract:
In computational biology, genome sequences are represented as strings of characters defined over a small alphabet. These sequences contain many repeated subsequences, yet most of them are similarities, or approximate repeats. Sequence similarity search is a powerful way of analyzing genome sequences with many applications such as inferring genomic evolutionary events and relationships. The detection of approximate repeats between two sequences is not a trivial problem and solutions generally need large memory space and long processing time. Furthermore, the number of available genome sequences is growing fast along with the sequencing technologies. Hence, designing efficient methods for approximate repeat detection in large sequences is of great importance.
In this study, we propose a new method for finding approximate repeats in DNA sequences and develop the corresponding software. A common strategy is to index the locations of short substrings, or seeds, of one sequence and store them in an efficiently searchable structure. Then, scan the other sequence and look up the structure for matches with the stored seeds. A novel feature of our method is its efficient use of spaced seeds, substrings with gaps, to generate approximate repeats. We have designed a new space-efficient hash table for indexing sequences with multiple spaced seeds. The resulting seed-matches are then extended into longer approximate repeats using dynamic programming. Our results indicate that our hash table implementation requires less memory than previously proposed hash table methods, especially when higher similarities between approximate repeats are desired. Moreover, increasing the length of seeds does not significantly increase the space requirement of the hash table, while allowing the same similarities to be computed faster.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Electrophysiological evidence for the integral nature of tone in Mandarin spoken word recognition

contributor:
Connolly, John F.
Moro, Anna L.
Cognitive Science of Language

subject:
N400
PMN
P200
EEG
ERP
Mandarin
Chinese
tonal language
phonological mapping negativity
electroencephalography
event-related potentials
spoken word recognition
semantic access
speech perception

abstract: Current models of spoken word recognition have been predominantly based on studies of Indo-European languages.  As a result, little is known about the recognition processes involved in the perception of tonal languages (e.g., Mandarin Chinese), and the role of lexical tone in speech perception.  One view is that tonal languages are processed phonologically through individual segments, while another view is that they are processed lexically as a whole.  Moreover, a recent study claimed to be the first to discover an early phonological processing stage in Mandarin (Huang et al., 2014).  There seems to be a lack of investigations concerning tonal languages, as no clear conclusions have been made about the nature of tonal processes, or a model of spoken word recognition that best incorporates lexical tone.  The current study addressed these issues by presenting 18 native Mandarin speakers with aural sentences with medial target words, which either matched or mismatched the preceding visually presented sentences with medial target words (e.g, 家 /jia1/ “home”).  Violation conditions involved target words that differed in the following ways: tone violation, where only the tone was different (e.g., 价 /jia4/ “price”), onset violation, where only the onset was different (e.g., 虾 /xia1/ “shrimp”), and syllable violation, where both the tone and the onset were different (e.g., 糖 /tang2/ “candy”).  We did not find evidence for an early phonological processing stage in Mandarin.  Instead, our findings indicate that Mandarin syllables are processed incrementally through phonological segments and that lexical tone is strongly associated with semantic access.  These results are discussed with respect to modifications for existing models in spoken word recognition to incorporate the processes involved with tonal language recognition.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Apollo and the Mundus of Caere: An Interpretation of the Palm Tree Frescoes of the Hypogaeum of Clepsina

contributor:
Pope, Spencer
Colivicchi, Fabio
Classics

subject:
Hypogaeum of Clepsina
Caere
Apollo
mundus
palm tree
chthonic
Roman religion
Etruscan religion

abstract:
At the heart of the Etruscan city of Caere exists the Hypogaeum of Clepsina, an underground ritual chamber which scholars theorize to be a mundus, a liminal space linking the earthly realm with the underworld. It was a place where chthonic rituals were conducted in honour of the infernal gods and the ghosts of the ancestors, and its creation was tied to notions of civic foundation. The hypogaeum was constructed or renovated around 273 BC, at the time when the city of Caere was officially converted into a Roman praefectura. As one of the earliest projects undertaken in the newly established Roman Caere, the hypogaeum likely had a symbolic significance, reinforcing the establishment and stabilization of the territory under Roman control. Consequently, gaining a deeper understanding of the mundus of Caere, especially in terms of the cult worship and rituals that occurred within it, contributes to our knowledge of the role that religion played in Roman expansion in Italy during the Republican period.
One of the most remarkable features of the hypogaeum is its painted niche, which is adorned with frescoes of two large palm trees. This thesis will explore the symbolic meaning of the palm trees, since these frescoes provide important clues as to the deity originally worshiped within the ritual chamber. The connection between the palm tree motif and Apollo will be investigated, as the god’s cult was imbued with strong solar, oracular, and chthonic associations in Etruria and Central Italy. He was syncretized with the Italic deity, Soranus, otherwise known as Śuri, a deity who received cult veneration at the important sanctuary of Caere’s port settlement, Pyrgi. Apollo Soranus, or Śuri, was a chthonic deity equated with the ruler of the underworld, and thus was a god altogether fitting to preside over the mundus of Caere.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)

abstract: The Hypogaeum of Clepsina is an underground ritual chamber in Caere, which scholars theorize to be a mundus, a liminal space where chthonic rituals were enacted in honour of the infernal gods. The mundus was tied to notions of civic foundation, which suggests that the hypogaeum’s construction (or renovation) around the year 273 BC, the time when the city of Caere was officially converted into a Roman praefectura, was a statement of Rome’s re-establishment of Caere. Thus, gaining a deeper understanding of the hypogaeum, especially the cults worshiped within it, contributes to our knowledge of the role that religion played in Roman expansion during the Republican period. The palm tree frescoes decorating the niche of the hypogaeum provide important clues as to the identity of the deity worshiped in the mundus. They are a reference to the god, Apollo Soranus, or Śuri, who was a chthonic deity fitting to preside over the mundus of Caere.


title: Proportion and Apportionment: A Study in Homeric Values

contributor:
Corner, Sean
Classics

subject:
Ancient Greek History
Cultural History
Ethical and Political Values
Homer and history

abstract: The aim of this thesis is to elucidate Homeric aesthetical, ethical, and political values; the relation between these values and those of the polis; and what this relation tells us about the place of Homeric society in our account of the development of the polis. I argue that the system of value that we find in the Iliad and the Odyssey is predicated on the ideas of portion, proportion, and proper distribution. These ideas, I contend, animate the Homeric conception of justice and of appropriateness. Further, I argue that this system shares much ground with the middling ideology of the polis, but is different from this ideology in respect of the discourse of sōphrosunē and of being mesos/metrios. From this, I maintain that the Homeric worldview reflects the social and material conditions of a world that shares the basic values of the polis but is not as sociologically complex as the polis.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: HIV Among Older Adults: Quality of Life and Disability Experiences in Sub- Saharan Africa

contributor:
Solomon, Patty
Global Health

subject:
HIV
AIDS
Older adult
Disability
Qualitative Research
Phenomenology
Scoping Review
Quality of life

abstract: In 2014, UNAIDS published the Gap Report that identified adults aged 50 years and older as a vulnerable group being left behind in HIV treatment and prevention efforts (UNAIDS, 2014). This manuscript thesis is composed of two data chapters that aim to address the gap in the HIV, aging, and disability literature by exploring what is known about the quality of life and disability experiences of older adults aged 50 years and older living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The purpose of the scoping review was to map out published literature on quality of life among older adults living with HIV in SSA. Following Arksey & O’Malley’s framework for conducting scoping reviews, 6 databases were searched resulting in 1021 titles and abstracts that were screened for inclusion resulting in a total of 8 articles included for review and synthesis. The review confirmed a dearth in research literature on older adults living with HIV in SSA as included studies were only conducted in 2 out of 47 countries in the region. The qualitative study addressed this gap in knowledge by exploring the disability- related experiences of 10 older men and women living with HIV in Zambia. The qualitative study identified 5 major themes: 1. Multiple Symptoms and Impairments: Variation in Onset and Duration; 2. Daily Activities and Participation: Shaped by Gender Roles; 3. HIV Status Disclosure: Hindered by Stigma, Driven By A Purpose; 4) Poverty and Food Insecurity: Precarious Employment; and 5) Managing An Altered Uncertainty: Changes Resulting From A Prolonged Life. These findings demonstrated that while participants were benefiting from antiretroviral therapy, many still experienced disability. The component studies in this thesis complement one another and advance dialogue about the quality of life and experiences of disability in older adults living with HIV in SSA and points to a need for further research so that fewer people are left behind.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: A Hybrid Software Change Impact Analysis for Large-scale Enterprise Systems

contributor:
Wassyng, Alan
Maibaum, Tom
Computing and Software

subject:
software impact analysis
static analysis
dynamic analysis
reachability analysis
alias analysis
program analysis

abstract:
This work is concerned with analysing the potential impact of direct changes to large- scale enterprise systems, and, in particular, how to minimise testing efforts on such changes. A typical enterprise system may consist of hundreds of thousands of classes and millions of methods. Thus, it is extremely costly and difficult to apply conventional testing techniques to such a system. Retesting everything after a change is very expensive, and in practice generally not necessary. Selective testing can be more effective. However, it requires a deep understanding of the target system and a lack of that understanding can lead to insufficient test coverage. Change Impact Analysis can be used to estimate the impacts of the changes to be applied, providing developers/testers with confidence in selecting necessary tests and identifying untested entities. Conventional change impact analysis approaches include static analysis, dynamic analysis or a hybrid of the two analyses. They have proved to be useful on small or medium size programs, providing users an inside view of the system within an acceptable running time. However, when it comes to large-scale enterprise systems, the sizes of the programs are orders of magnitude larger. Conventional approaches often run into resource problems such as insufficient memory and/or unacceptable running time (up to weeks). More critically, a large number of false-negatives and false-positives can be generated from those approaches.In this work, a conservative static analysis with the capability of dealing with inheritance was conducted on an enterprise system and associated changes to obtain all the potential impacts. Later an aspect-based dynamic analysis was used to instrument the system and collect a set of dynamic impacts at run-time. We are careful not to discard impacts unless we can show that they are definitely not impacted by the change. Reachability analysis examines the program to see “Whether a given path in a program representation corresponds to a possible execution path”. In other words, we employ reachability analysis to eliminate infeasible paths (i.e., miss-matched calls and returns) that are identified in the control-flow of the program. Furthermore, in the phase of alias analysis, we aim at identifying paths that are feasible but cannot be affected by the direct changes to the system, by searching a set of possible pairs of accesses that may be aliased at each program point of interest.
Our contributions are, we designed a hybrid approach that combines static anal- ysis and dynamic analysis with reachability analysis and alias/pointer analysis, it can be used to (1) solve the scalability problem on large-scale systems, (2) reduce false-positives and not introduce false-negatives, (3) extract both direct and indirect changes, and (4) identify impacts even before making the changes. Using our approach, organizations can focus on a much smaller, relevant subset of the overall test suite instead of blindly doing their entire suite of tests. Also it enables testers to augment the test suite with tests applying to uncovered impacts. We include an empirical study that illustrates the savings that can be attained.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Pre-Clinical Radiobiological Studies of Murine Brain and Brain Cancer Cells to Synchrotron X-rays and Gamma Irradiation

contributor:
Mothersill, Carmel
Medical Physics

subject: Bystander Effects, Brain, Synchrotron microbeam radiation, glioma, Hyper-radiosensitivity, DNA damage

abstract:
This thesis demonstrates the relevance of bystander effect mechanisms after exposure to two Synchrotron modalities – Microbeam Radiation Therapy and Pencilbeam – that are currently at the preclinical stage but aim to treat brain tumours. We elucidate the relationship between the hyper-radiosensitivity phenomenon and radiation-induced bystander effects by studying the dose response of three glioma cell lines. The relevance of these low-dose effects for both Synchrotron modalities is because the tissue exposed to low valley-doses is predicted to be where hyper-radiosensitivity and bystander effects might be expected to predominate.
In vivo experiments were conducted in the European Synchrotron radiation Facility in Grenoble, France and also in the University of Freiburg’s Hospital in Freiburg, Germany. Experiments conducted in vitro were performed at McMaster University.
The most relevant results of this thesis revealed that the low-dose hyper-radiosensitivity phenomenon can coexist with radiation-induced bystander effects and evidence points towards bystander signalling mechanisms as the primary cause of cell killing during hyper-radiosensitivity. Bystander and abscopal effects can occur in rats and even in immune-compromised nude mice after exposure to Synchrotron Microbeam Radiation and Pencilbeam. Bystander effects can be communicated from irradiated rats to healthy unirradiated cage mate rats and the presence of a tumour modulates both the bystander and abscopal responses. The γ-H2AX biomarker can successfully be used for the detection of DNA damage in the brain of rodents after Synchrotron Radiation.
In conclusion, this thesis considerably expands the understanding of the role of bystander effects in cells lines, tissues, and animals exposed to Synchrotron radiation. It is suggested that further exploration of the role of bystander effects and hyper-radiosensitivity during Synchrotron treatments could identify new targets leading to better tumour control.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Science  (PhD)


title: Classification-based Adaptive Image Denoising

contributor:
Shirani, Shahram
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Image denoising
Noise reduction
Seam energy
Seam carving
Saliency
Support vector machine
Classifier
Colour variance

abstract: We propose a method of adaptive image denoising using a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to select between multiple well-performing contemporary denoising algorithms for each pixel of a noisy image. We begin by proposing a simple method for realistically generating noisy images, and also describe a number of novel and pre-existing features based on seam energy, local colour, and saliency which are used as classifier inputs. Our SVM strategic image denoising (SVMSID) results demonstrate better image quality than either candidate denoising algorithm for images of moderate noise level, as measured using the perceptually-based quaternion structural similarity image metric (QSSIM). We also demonstrate a modified training point selection method to improve robustness across many noise levels, and propose various extensions to SVMSID for further exploration.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: The Optimal Placement of Shutoff Rods in CANDU Nuclear Reactors (Part A)

contributor:
Roshd, M. H. M.
Engineering Physics

subject: CANDU, optimal, power reactors, rods, reactivity

abstract: The optimal placement of shutdown systems in power reactors is investigated, in particular, the placement of mechanical and liquid shutoff rods. Two CANDU reactor cores were used as a basis for evaluation. The optimal shutdown system was defined here to be one which, with the least number of rods, maximizes the reactivity depth of the system with the two most effective rods assumed to be absent. It was found that rows of rods placed parallel to the fuel channels were more effective and four of these rows were required in a simple core. For real cores where positions are limited six or seven rows were needed to obtain a large system worth. (Time analysis was not done to evaluate insertion rate and delay effects on the power transient in the case of an accident.)

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Genetic Variation and its Influence on Drosophila Social Behaviour

contributor:
Dukas, Reuven
Psychology

subject:
Animal Behaviour
Ecology
Evolution
Drosophila

abstract: Social interactions can have profound influences on an individual’s fitness. As part of a long-term research program on the mechanisms and functions of social behaviour in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), we addressed two main questions. First, we asked whether social behaviour is positively correlated between the larval and adult stages. We quantified genetic variation in social behaviour by measuring aggregation among larvae and adults taken from each of 29 inbred, wild-derived lines. We found significant genetic variation in social behaviour in both larvae and adults. While these lines also showed significant genetic variation in baseline locomotor activity, it had no significant influence on social behaviour. We found that neither social behaviour nor activity were correlated between larval and adult flies. This is consistent with the hypothesis that metamorphosis adaptively decouples the expression of genes between distinct life stages in animals with complex life cycles. That is, genetic variation in social behaviour during each life stage may reflect adaptation to the specific ecological settings during that stage. Our second question was whether social behaviour in adult flies was influenced by indirect genetic effects (IGEs), defined as the effect an individual’s genotype has on the phenotype of an interacting partner. IGEs can have profound effects on the rate of phenotypic evolution. We found that groups of 6 focal males maintained shorter inter-individual distances among themselves when interacting with 12 males from a line previously identified as highly social than when paired with 12 males from the least social genotype. Overall, our results indicate that heritable genetic variation influences an individual’s predisposition to engage in social behaviour as well as its effect on social interactions among other individuals it encounters.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: A SEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF ENGLISH COPY RAISING CONSTRUCTIONS

contributor:
Kučerová, Ivona
Cognitive Science of Language

subject:
copy raising
modal semantics
evidentiality
perspective-sensitivity
truth conditions
logophoricity
situation semantics

abstract:
This thesis is an investigation of the structural and formal semantic properties of
copy raising constructions in English, as well as their expletive counterparts. The
 first main claim is that contrary to what has been previously assumed, the perceiver
of the event (i.e. the Pgoal in Asudeh & Toivonen's 2012 terms) is an obligatory
syntactic and semantic argument of the matrix verb. I argue that the identification
of the Pgoal is not left to pragmatics, but rather that is represented as a silent
pronoun in the structure: one that picks up a logophoric antecedent. The result
of this is that the material in the embedded clause is semantically interpreted with
respect to the Pgoal's perspective. The second major claim of the thesis is that
this perspective-sensitivity is most appropriately captured using a modal semantic
framework (Kratzer, 1977, 1981 von Fintel & Heim, 2002). Specifically, I argue
that each of the different copy raising verbs encodes a different accessibility relation
between possible worlds or situations, while the Pgoal's information state provides
the relevant domain of worlds. Using these insights, I propose truth conditions for
these constructions, which ultimately are sensitive to a kind of stereotypical ordering,
and account for inter-speaker variability. Finally, I discuss the anomalous class of
copy raising constructions with non-thematic subjects, and argue that overlapping
discourse functions may have resulted in a shift away from modal semantics in these
cases.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract: This thesis investigates the linguistic meaning associated with the "copy raising" sentence construction, e.g. "Your cat looks like she wants to go outside."  I argue that the interpretation of these sentences is dependent on establishing the individual whose perspective is conveyed in the sentence, which does not need to be the speaker.  After examining the range of contexts in which various different copy raising constructions can be used, I propose an analysis of their core meaning that draws on the philosophical idea of possible worlds, and the psychological notion of stereotypicality.  I also address the question of whether these constructions are related to the phenomenon of evidentiality, a property of certain languages which allows the speaker to linguistically mark the source of evidence for their claim.


title: Printing, Stabilization and Optimization of Odour-Generating Sensors

contributor:
Filipe, Carlos
Pelton, Robert
Chemical Engineering

abstract:
This thesis describes the development, production, optimization and use of two types of odour-generating sensors, which in the presence of specific targets release odorous molecules that are easily detectable by the human nose. The first sensor was based on our previous work using an enzyme-based odour-generating system. This sensor consists of two enzymes, pyridoxal kinase and tryptophanase, that when combined lead to the generation of methyl mercaptan (easily detectable by the human nose) in a manner that is proportional to the presence of the target, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In this thesis, I took three steps towards making this sensor more relevant from an application point of view.

Our previous sensor was solution-based, a format that is not useful from a practical point of view – it is much more appealing to have the sensor in a solid support. My first contribution was to inkjet-print a fully functional sensor on a paper surface to create, what we call “Smell-Tell” paper or swab. Paper is an attractive support for biosensors because it is inexpensive, readily available and can be discarded after use. Inkjet printing is a scalable technology that will allow producing these sensors in large-scale. Printing the sensor on paper is an important step improving sensor usability. The printed paper sensors were active for at least 48 days when stored in the fridge (4°C).

Keeping the sensors refrigerated to preserve activity is a substantial drawback towards usability of these sensors. My second contribution was to demonstrate that the enzymes and substrates needed for the “Smell-Tell” paper could be preserved at room temperature, with minimal loss of activity, when immobilized in a pullulan film. Pullulan is a readily water-soluble nonionic polysaccharide and our group has previously reported the ability of this material to preserve the activity of enzymes and other molecules at room temperature. I have shown that it is also possible to prepare “Smell-Tell” pullulan tablets, which provide an instrument-free one step assay for on-site detection of ATP, and that the tablets are stable for at least 2 months when stored at room temperature.

The two-enzyme system used is quite complex and no previous effort had been made to optimize the conditions under which it works best, with minimum use of reagents. Fractional factorial design, a statistical method, was used to optimize the system and to investigate the influence of different variables including enzyme concentration, reaction duration, temperature, etc. Based on human smell tests and a designed scoring system, the conditions were optimized in an efficient manner.  I found that the most important factor affecting the ability to detect the target (ATP) was the time of reaction (the longest time provided lower detection levels). Using this statistical method, it was possible to decrease the amount of enzymes used by 30% without sacrificing the detection limit.

The second odour-reporting sensor described in this thesis is a dual-signaling sensor that reports the presence of water (as little as 50 µL) through the generation of both odour and colour signals. This type of sensor can be used to report intrusion of water into difficult to reach electrical panels, or to detect and report water leakage in individual boxes stored in large containers (such as those used to ship meat in trucks). In addition to experimentally validating the approach, we used modeling to simulate the evaporation and diffusion of the odorous signal and the results demonstrated the possibility of using an odour signal as the reporting signal even in a large room. Proof-of-concept was therefore obtained for instrument-free multi-sensory reporters employing odorous signals.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Adaptive Cruise Control on an Electric Robotic Vehicle

contributor:
Yan, Fengjun
Mechanical Engineering

subject: ACC RLQR RCNF ADRC

abstract:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), mostly equipped on high end vehicles, is an
optional cruise control system which automatically adjusts the vehicle speed and maintains
a safe distance ahead. The control strategy for ACC, which has been developed for decades, is still well worth being researched. In this thesis, a hierarchical control system architecture was proposed, which divides the controllers into supervisory ones and vehicle level ones. Three control methods, named linear quadratic regulator (LQR), robust LQR (RLQR), and
robust composite nonlinear feedback (RCNF) control, were applied as supervisory controllers respectively. And the active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) was chosen as the vehicle level controller. An electric robotic vehicle was built for demonstration and validation. Simulations and experiments were carried out with detailed discussions, which provide a guidance towards future research.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: A COMPARISON OF SOIL NITROGEN AVAILABILITY ALONG HILLSLOPES FOR A PREVIOUSLY MINED RECLAIMED WETLAND AND TWO NATURAL WETLANDS IN FORT MCMURRAY, ALBERTA

contributor:
Carey, Sean
Geography and Earth Sciences

subject:
Soil Nitrogen Availability
Nitrogen Mineralization
Oil Sands Reclamation
Boreal Region
Wetland Hillslopes
Biogeochemistry
PRS probes
Fen

abstract: In situ measurements of soil nitrogen dynamics is a potential method for evaluating the health of constructed wetlands following oil sands mining. The objective of this study is to measure and compare the soil nitrogen availability of a reclaimed fen (Sandhill fen) with a nutrient-rich reference fen (Poplar fen) and a nutrient-poor reference fen (Pauciflora fen) in the Athabasca oil sands region of northern Alberta. Total Nitrogen (TN), Nitrate (NO3-) and Ammonium (NH4+) supply rates were determined along wetland hillslope transects using Western Ag Innovations Plant Root Simulator (PRSTM) probes at all three sites in 2014. Net N mineralization, net nitrification and net ammonification were determined simultaneously using the buried polyethylene bag sampling method. Overall, TN supply rates were greatest at the poor fen and least at the constructed Sandhill fen. In contrast, mineralization was greatest at the rich fen but again least at the Sandhill fen. Mineralization at the Sandhill fen was controlled evenly by ammonification and nitrification, whereas the two natural sites were controlled by ammonification. Relatively low N supply rates and mineralization at the Sandhill fen were likely due to lower soil organic matter and limited soil moisture in these newly constructed substrates. Spatial differences along the hillslopes also varied among sites. The Sandhill fen had higher TN supply rates at the upslope positions but no significant differences in net N mineralization rates along the hillslopes. The rich fen also had higher TN supply rates at the upslope but greatest mineralization rates downslope. These results highlight the importance of N storage and transport processes and offer insight into the N status of a constructed fen.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Effects of Various Molecules on the Structure and Dynamics of Lipid Membranes

title: Molecules in membranes: Where they are, what they do

contributor:
Rheinstadter, Maikel C.
Physics and Astronomy

subject:
X-ray diffraction
neutron diffraction
anomalous diffusion
anisotropic diffusion
hydration water
model membranes
ethanol
cholesterol
structure
dynamics

abstract:
In my time at the Laboratory of Membrane and Protein Dynamics at McMaster University, it has been our goal to investigate the fundamental properties of model membranes and how some common membrane molecules, namely water, ethanol, and cholesterol, interact with the bilayer. Our studies employ highly-oriented, solid-supported membranes in order to extract unambiguous structural information perpendicular to and in the plane of the membranes, with the exception of the hydrated powder samples used in probing the effects on ethanol. Both X-ray and neutron scattering were employed to investigate the structural properties of the membranes and neutron scattering was used to infer the dynamical properties.
A variety of neutron scattering techniques were used to determine the properties of hydrated
lipid bilayers, as described in the first two publications listed. Instruments including a neutron
backscattering spectrometer, reflectometer, and time-of-flight spectrometer were used to observe bilayer structure, lipid/water coupling, and water diffusion. We found that hydrated, solid-supported single-bilayers showed no strong coupling between hydration water and lipid tails and the out-of-plane structure of stacked fluid bilayers as well as the anisotropic and anomalous behaviour of hydration water compared to bulk water.
Both X-ray and neutron scattering experiments were done to determine the effect of a 2mol%
concentration of ethanol on a hydrated lipid powder. X-ray scattering was used to determine
the structural changes due to the addition of ethanol and the location of ethanol within the bilayer.
This was accomplished by determining areas of increased electron density in the head group and among the acyl tails. The presence of ethanol also attributed to a decrease in lateral lipid diffusion constant in the gel phase, while no significant change was found in fluid bilayers. In the final study outlined in this thesis, the result of a 32.5% concentration of cholesterol in
a hydrated, fluid phospholipid membrane is discussed. Coarse-grained molecular simulations and measurements of the lateral structure of the membrane via neutron spectrometry were able to determine the heterogeneous nature of the liquid-ordered phase and the structure of each of the domains in the membrane.
The following thesis will introduce model membranes, their relevant components and the scattering of X-rays and neutrons from such matter. Next, experimental techniques, sample constituents, sample preparations, and instruments used in experiments will be described. Then, each study will be introduced and discussed which will showcase the progress made in the field of model membranes.
Lastly, an overview of the studies will lead in to future directions for each model system in  terms of suggested experiments and general path.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Tensions in Care: Caregiving for an Adult Child with Developmental Disability

contributor:
Campbell, Lori
Sociology

subject: caregiving; developmental disability; tensions in care; life course

abstract: For this research, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with primary caregivers that have adult children with disabilities. These interviews explored the lived experience of caregiving of primary caregivers. Three main themes surrounding care were found, all falling within the larger context of tensions in care. The first theme captures tensions in policy that promote empowerment but also produce disablement. Second, tensions exist between service agencies and lived experience of care.  Lastly, tensions exist between were between the burdens and rewards of caregiving.  It is these three themes and tensions that impact caregiving experiences at a personal level with the participants. These tensions are explored at a qualitative level and are illuminated by the lived experiences of the participants. Through this research the complex and understudied world of disability and care are explored. This research has implications for future policy development of support services for families that have an adult child with developmental disabilities. Further, these tensions illuminate the complex world of caregiving for those with disabilities in a way that examines life course impacts on caregivers themselves.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: CONTINUOUS MISSING PARTICIPANT DATA IN RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS

contributor:
Guyatt, Gordon
Health Research Methodology

subject:
Missing participant data
Randomized controlled trials
Continuous outcome

abstract:
Background and Objectives:
Missing participant data are likely to bias the results of randomized control trials (RCTs) when the reason for missingness is associated with status on the outcome of interest. Unlike dichotomous MPD in RCTs, which have been thoroughly investigated, knowledge regarding continuous MPD in RCTs is much more limited. Our objectives were 1) using an adapted checklist, to assess the reporting quality of simulation studies comparing methods to deal with continuous MPD; 2) identify optimal methods proposed by biostatisticians and tested in simulations studies for continuous MPD in RCTs; 3) evaluate how authors report MPD, and how they plan and conduct analyses to deal with MPD in RCTs.
Methods:
We conducted two systematic surveys. The first identified methods papers published till 2015 January that compared statistical approaches to deal with continuous MPD in RCTs using at least one simulation.  In this sample, we considered both the quality of reporting and the results.   The second survey identified a representative sample of individual RCTs published in 2014 in core journals reporting the results of at least one continuous variable addressing a patient-important outcome.

Results and conclusion:
Our survey identified important limitations in reporting quality of simulation studies that compared statistical approaches to deal with continuous MPD, particularly in the reporting of simulation procedures. Only one of 60 studies reported the random number generator used and none reported starting seeds or failures during simulation.  Less then half reported software used to perform simulation (41.7%) or analysis (48.3%), and only 4 (5%) reported justification of number of simulations. When facing continuous MPD in RCTs, results of simulation studies demonstrate that trialists seeking optimal approaches may choose robust regression or mixed models and avoid using last observation caring forward.  Continuous MPD frequently occurs in RCTs and the extent is typically substantial (median greater than 10%). Methods sections in trial reports typically do not provide adequate detail on how they dealt with MPD in their primary analysis. Among methods actually implemented to deal with MPD, most authors use only available data, thus excluding MPD from the analysis. Seldom do investigators apply statistical approaches to impute or taking into account of MPD nor conduct sensitivity analysis to address the impact of it.
A comprehensive knowledge synthesis summarizing current available statistical approaches and its relative merits, as well as the current used methods in RCTs provide clear implications on how the practise of using methods to handle continuous MPD should shift in individual RCTs. Trialists should use mixed models and robust regressions and avoid using last observation caring forward method.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Free Radical Polymerization of Styrene in a Batch Reactor up to High Conversion

contributor:
Hamielec, A. E.
Chemical Engineering

subject: batch, reactor, radical, polymerization, diffusion, viscosity, styrene

abstract:
 The transient behaviour of a batch stirred-tank reactor (BSTR)
for free radical polymerization of styrene in toluene has been studied experimentally and theoretically. A kinetic model applicable to high conversions was developed using data from measurements of monomer conversion and molecular weight distribution (MWD). Significant improvement over the conventional kinetic model is obtained when the viscosity or gel effect is accounted for. The termination rate constant and catalyst efficiency are allowed to vary with viscosity. The findings agree with the general theory of diffusion-controlled reaction which predicts that viscosity is the most important parameter.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: UNDERSTANDING FLOW PATHWAYS, MAJOR CHEMICAL TRANSFORMATIONS AND WATER SOURCES USING HYDROCHEMICAL DATA IN A CONSTRUCTED FEN, ALBERTA CANADA.

subject: Hydrology, reclamation, oil sands, salinity, sodium, fen, constructed fen

abstract: Bitumen extraction in the Athabasca oil sands causes significant disturbance of landscapes originally rich in wetland and forest ecosystems, which now require reclamation as mandated by the Alberta Government. However, most research to date has focused on upland-forest ecosystems with little attention on wetland-peatland ecosystems, which are considered more challenging to construct due to salinization potential from ubiquitous salts used in the oil sands extraction and treatment processes; with particular focus on elevated Na+ due to its detrimental ecological effects. Syncrude Canada Ltd. (SCL) has constructed an upland-wetland system, the Sandhill Fen Watershed (SFW), to advance the understanding of wetland reclamation in the oil-sands region. The SFW is a highly engineered and managed system. Water is supplied from an artificial fresh water source and drainage is enhanced through a constructed surface outlet and an under-drain system intended to provide a downward hydraulic gradient to inhibit the upward movement of salts from the underlying waste material. The objective of this research is to understand the hydrochemical response of the SFW to variations in hydrological management with respect to sources, flow pathways and major chemical transformations of water as it moves throughout SFW. Through surface and pore water sampling, the electrical conductivity and major ions were measured throughout the growing season of 2013 and 2014. Results indicate that the combination of freshwater inflow, flushing of the system with the outflow pump and open underdrains in 2013 kept the overall salinity within the SFW relatively low, with most lowland sites under 1000 µS/cm. Major ion results indicate that most water throughout the SFW classified as Ca-HCO3 or Ca-SO4 in 2013, with higher concentrations in the uplands however Na+ concentrations did not exceed 250 mg/L at any sampling sites. With minimal management in 2014 and consequent limited freshwater input and flushing of the system, the overall salinity of the SFW increased considerably and EC at most sites in lowlands exceeded 1000 µS/cm. Na+, Ca+2, SO4-2 and HCO3- concentrations increased across the SFW, with higher concentrations in the uplands than the lowlands. Although most sites classified as Ca-SO4, the most notable change in 2014 was the presence of several Na+ “hotspots” along the southern hummocks in the SFW, where water samples classified as Na-SO4 and Na+ concentrations reached as high as 886 mg/L. Results provides evidence of modelled upward movement of Na+ from underlying waste materials and subsequent seepage from hummocks with limited pump management in the SFW.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: On the Definition of Intraurban Mobility Concepts

contributor:
Papageorgiou, G. J.
Geography

subject: intraurban, mobility, concepts, equilibrium, utility

abstract:
 Several concepts have been developed recently in the intraurban mobility literature. Among them the concepts of aspirations, place utility and stress are of particular importance. Nevertheless, their definition appears to be not very clear.

 This paper aims to clarify them by employing concepts from the consumer choice theory as they are used in equilibrium models in Geography. With this purpose in mind the world of a specific equilibrium model is used. The distinction between the hypothetical world of this model and the real world is continuously emphasized.

 In order to clarify further the concepts mentioned above a particular example is given. In this example a Cobb-Douglas is used as a utility function.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Child Development and the Built Environment: An Investigation of Neighbourhood Physical Disorder & Child-Friendliness

contributor:
Dunn, James R
Health and Aging

subject:
Neighbourhood Disorder
Child Development
Structural Disadvantage

abstract: The past several years have witnessed significant interest in the role that residential neighbourhoods play in shaping child development. There is evidence that contextual attributes of neighbourhoods exert an influence on development, over and above compositional characteristics. These findings suggest that neighbourhood-based interventions may be successful at improving population-level child development outcomes, over policy aimed at individual-based change. However, the reliance on respondent perception of neighbourhood attributes in the existing research is vulnerable to bias. Thus this research employing a quantitative approach to the study of the neighbourhood built environment addresses a significant gap. Drawing from independent sets of data, linked geographically (Early Development Instrument, Google Street View-Systematic Social Observation of a random sample of street segments in each census tract, and the Canadian Marginalization Index), I use correlation and regression analysis to examine the link between neighbourhood physical disorder and child-friendliness, structural disadvantage, and child development at the census tract level in Victoria, B.C. Results indicate physical disorder is the neighbourhood attribute having the most salient impact across multiple domains of child development. Furthermore, the link between neighbourhood child-friendliness and most EDI domains was not in the direction or as significant as hypothesized. This may suggest the need for a more detailed measurement tool to assess quality of each feature as well as presence or absence. Findings also indicate that physical disorder and structural disadvantage may be on the same causal pathway towards shaping children’s health and wellbeing.Overall, this research improves our understanding of the complex interaction between children and their neighbourhoods, and its contribution to healthy development. By identifying the need for a more detailed measurement tool, this research provides evidence for the design of future studies. Furthermore, findings from this study provide evidence in support of population-level intervention to promote healthy child development through improvement of neighbourhood aesthetic.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Energy Dependence of Transition Probabilities and Level Densities Determined from the (n,γ) Reaction

contributor:
Kennett, T. J.
Physics

subject: energy, transition, level, densities, reaction, radiation, nuclei

abstract: High resolution lithium-drifted Germanium detectors have been used to study the γ radiation emitted after thermal neutron capture in ten odd-proton even-neutron nuclei in the mass range 56 ≤ A ≤ 204. From the energies and intensities of these radiations, the energy dependence of the partial radiative widths to bound states with excitation energies in the region 0 to 2.5 MeV have been deduced. The energy dependence for the average spacing between the levels populated in this reaction have also been deduced over the same region of excitation energies. The energy dependence of the partial radiative widths are in agreement with the single particle estimate for dipole radiation and the energy dependence of the average level spacing favours the constant temperature model.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The Mathematical Modelling of Mixing in Natural Streams

contributor:
Norman, J. D.
Chemical Engineering

subject: mixing, modelling, natural, streams, volume

abstract:
 A method of modelling the mixing phenomenon in natural streams is presented. A wide range of mixing situations can be characterized using a lumped parameter model consisting of a network of ideally mixed components. The components represent two ideal states of mixing: complete mixing of the total component volume, and the other extreme where no mixing occurs in the direction of flow through the component volume. The use of frequency response techniques to match the mathematical model to the real situation is also discussed.

 Experimental work was carried out on a small natural stream to illustrate how the method is to be applied. The frequency response was obtained using sinusoidal, pulse, and impulse inputs and fluorometric dye tracing techniques. The non-linear model parameters were evaluated using the principles of least squares. The mathematical model chosen for this particular stream illustrates how the phenomenon of stagnant or slow moving regions can be included. The necessary data was collected on several days under different flow conditions to show how the model can be made a function of stream flow.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Revisiting a Community Health Centre Movement

contributor:
Baker Collins, Stephanie
Social Work

subject:
Community Health Centre
Social Change
Social Action
Social Determinants of Health
Social Movements
Primary Health Care
Advocacy
Activism

abstract:
This thesis explores the role and functionality of the Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre (HUCCHC) within the context of advocacy and activism to understand how this institution can contribute a pathway for social change in public health. This qualitative case study uses an interpretive lens to analyze primary health care at the HUCCHC, and how it is being used to improve the social determinants of health (SDH). The study investigated participants’ understandings of how the HUCCHC demonstrates that a community health centre can be a catalyst for social change. Moreover, this research project asked what sorts of conditions or circumstances are necessary to foster an environment conducive for community organizing for social change. This study employed field observation and interview techniques to gather data.
Findings suggest that building equitable relationships based on dignity and respect, and community engagement were the foundational aspects necessary to provide the conditions conducive for community organizing. However, the outcomes from these relations put the HUCCHC at risk of becoming marginalized. Findings further suggest that equitable relationships and community engagement also provided a foundation for social action. The HUCCHC demonstrated that it is a catalyst for social change by embracing a primary health care model that also fosters a social action approach to health care.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: Hydrostratigraphy of the Paris Moraine in the Guelph Area, Ontario, Canada

type: Dataset Image Map Thesis

contributor:
Smith, James
Geography and Earth Sciences

subject:
hydrostratigraphy
hydrogeology
sediments
quaternary
Paris Moraine
Guelph
hydraulic conductivity
Kozeny Carman
vulnerability
aquifer
aquitard
unsatruated
saturated
overburden

abstract: Many growing southern Ontario communities, including Guelph, rely on fractured bedrock aquifers for drinking water. Contamination and overexploitation pose a threat to these water resources, necessitating characterization of vulnerability, risks, and recharge areas. Quaternary sediments southeast of the City of Guelph, including the Paris Moraine, were investigated in order to delineate hydrostratigraphy. This was achieved through study of 9 cored-holes, as well as existing MOE, GRCA, and University of Guelph data. Falling head permeameter measurements and empirical grain-size distribution measurements and analysis were employed for determination of 𝐾𝑠𝑎𝑡 values, which were used to construct a hydrostratigraphy. Of 19 methods evaluated, The Kozeny-Carman empirical grain-size method for determining 𝐾𝑠𝑎𝑡 was found to be more representative of measured values for the study area. The area is dominated by a conductivity regime of 2.72x10-7 – 1.40x10-6 m/s with local heterogeneity present on the scale of 10’s to 100’s of meters. The Paris Moraine, particularly its backslope, is at higher risk due to its relatively high conductivity, greater occurrence of aquifer units, as well as prevalence of small-scale topographic (hummocky topography), and bedrock topographic lows.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Human Beings in a Posthumanist World

title: Menippean Satire and Technological Solipsism

contributor:
Adamson, Joseph
English and Cultural Studies

subject:
postmodern
Menippean satire
technology
solipsism

abstract: Although written in the late twentieth century, David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest takes place in the twenty-first century and is an extrapolation on social trends, namely the trend of ubiquitous technology and entertainment in American society. In this thesis, I explore, through a twenty-first century perspective, various topics in relation to the theme of technology in the novel. In order to show the all-encompassing influence of this theme, I divide my thesis into two main sections, by looking at the big picture (the structure of the novel) and the small picture (the individual characters and their relationships with one another). In the first chapter, I categorize Infinite Jest as a work of Menippean satire. In doing so, I suggest that the novel mimics the very culture it critiques, the fragmented culture of technology. In the second chapter, I look at the ways in which the characters communicate—or rather, don’t communicate—with one another. Through a discussion on the novel’s monologic quality, I then move into the third chapter, wherein I view the theme of solipsism as a product of the culture of technology. The fourth chapter is an examination of the role of the MacGuffin in the narrative. I argue that Wallace uses the MacGuffin and the novel’s lack of resolution as a metaphor for the search for meaning in a posthumanist world devoid of meaning and clarity. While each chapter contains a distinct discussion, ultimately the overarching goal of this thesis is to explore the effects, as depicted in Infinite Jest, of the posthumanist world on humanity. According to Wallace, good fiction shows the reader what it means to be a human being, yet in a technology and entertainment-driven world, wherein the line between reality and artificiality is blurred, the issue of what it means to be a human being is problematized.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Investigation of the Reactions of Aquatic Aluminum Through Fluorometry Using Lumogallion

contributor:
Kramer, J. R.
Geology

subject: fluorometric, lumogallion, aluminum, concentration

abstract:
 A fluorometric method using lumogallion has been shown to be adequate to measure the degree and rate of complexation of aluminum at low concentrations, (1.85 xl0^-6 M), by other ligands such as fluoride and citrate, at a pH of 5.2.

 The species H2PO4 -, H4SiO4 and SO4 2- do not compete with lumogallion for aluminum at this pH for concentration ratios of less than 100, (competing ion: lumogallion).

 A rate law for the destruction of the lumogallion complex by fluoride ion has been determined as -r = (-dC/dt)A = ((4.3 x 10^3)[F^-1]^1.8 CA)/(1 - (1.0 x 10^3)[F^-1]^-0.7 CA) where CA is the corrected concentration of the fluorescent complex at any time.

 This method is proposed to measure aluminum complexes in natural waters.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Bachelor of Science (BSc)


title: Role of Dynamics in Cyclic-Nucleotide-Modulated Allostery

contributor:
Melacini, Giuseppe
Chemistry

subject:
dynamics
allostery
cyclic nucleotide
cyclic nucleotide receptor
cAMP
cGMP
protein
EPAC
HCN
PKG
autoinhibition
activation
selectivity

abstract: Cyclic nucleotides such as cAMP and cGMP serve as intracellular second messengers in diverse signaling pathways that control a wide range of cellular functions.  Such pathways are regulated by key cyclic nucleotide receptor proteins including protein kinase A (PKA), the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC), the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide-modulated (HCN) ion channels, and protein kinase G (PKG), and malfunction of these proteins has been linked to a number of pathologies.  While it is known that cyclic nucleotide binding to these proteins leads to structural perturbations that promote their activation, the role played by dynamics in auto-inhibition and cyclic-nucleotide-dependent activation is not fully understood.  Therefore, in this thesis we examined dynamics within the cyclic-nucleotide receptor proteins EPAC, HCN and PKG, and found that dynamics are critical for allosteric control of activation and/or autoinhibition of all three proteins.  In particular, our findings for EPAC and HCN have highlighted dynamics as a key modulator of the entropic and enthalpic components, respectively, of the free-energy landscape for cAMP-dependent allostery, while our findings for PKG have highlighted dynamics as a key determinant of the cGMP-vs.-cAMP selectivity necessary to minimize cross-talk between signaling pathways.  Ultimately, we envision that the methods outlined in this thesis will reveal key differences in the regulatory mechanisms of human cyclic nucleotide receptors that can eventually be exploited in the development of novel therapeutics to selectively target a single receptor, and thus treat physiological conditions/diseases linked to malfunction of the target receptor.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: In this thesis, we examined cyclic-nucleotide-responsive proteins that regulate key physiological processes, and whose malfunction has been linked to cardiovascular and neurological disorders.  In particular, in three such proteins we examined dynamics, whose role in cyclic-nucleotide-responsive function is not fully understood.  We found that cyclic-nucleotide-dependent variations in dynamics play a critical role in the function of these proteins, with the results for each protein highlighting a different role played by dynamics.  Ultimately, we envision that the methods outlined in this thesis will reveal key functional differences among human cyclic-nucleotide-responsive proteins that can eventually lead to the development of novel therapeutics to treat certain diseases such as arrhythmias or epilepsy by selectively targeting a single cyclic-nucleotide-responsive protein.


title: Evaluation of the Load Path Through the Foot/Ankle Complex in Various Postures Through Cadaveric and Finite Element Model Testing

contributor:
Quenneville, Cheryl
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
Finite Element
Ankle
Biomechanics
Modeling
Posture
Foot
Lower Leg

abstract:
The foot/ankle complex (particularly the hindfoot) is frequently injured in a wide array of debilitating events, such as car crashes.  Numerical models have been used to assess injury risk, but most are minimally validated and do not account for variations in ankle posture that frequently occur during these events.  The purpose of this study was to develop an accurate finite element (FE) model of the foot and ankle that accounts for these positional changes.
The bone positions and load path in the foot and ankle were quantified throughout its natural range of motion.  CT scans were taken of a male cadaveric leg in five postures in which fractures are commonly reported, while strains were recorded by strain gauges attached to the hindfoot bones in response to quasi-static, sub-failure loading.  Substantial variations in bone displacements, rotations and strains were observed for all postures tested, highlighting the need for an FE model that accounts for these positional changes.
The CT scans were used as the basis of an FE model of the foot and ankle that was developed using TrueGrid® and LS-Dyna® software.  The model met rigorous mesh quality criteria, and its properties were optimized to best represent the experimental plantar tissue compression and surface strains.  The model was evaluated by comparing its bone position and strain responses to the experimental results in each posture.
The fracture thresholds and locations in each posture were estimated and were similar to those reported in the literature.  The least vulnerable posture was neutral, and the talus and calcaneus exhibited the lowest fracture thresholds in all postures.
This work will be useful in developing improved injury limits for the ankle and postural guidelines to minimize injury.  The model can be used to evaluate new protective systems to reduce the occurrence of lower leg injuries.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)

abstract:
Ankle fractures are common occurrences that can lead to severe disability.  Safety evaluations of the lower leg are often performed using computer models in a neutral ankle posture, which may underestimate the fracture tolerance in altered postures.  The purpose of this study was to develop a computer model of the ankle that accounts for these changes.
A cadaveric leg was used to determine how the locations of and strains in the bones of the foot and ankle varied as ankle posture was adjusted.  A computer model of the lower leg and ankle was developed, and its accuracy was evaluated by comparison with the experimental results.
The least vulnerable posture was neutral, and the hindfoot bones were the most likely to experience fracture in all postures.  This model can be used in the future to evaluate new protective systems and develop comprehensive injury criteria for these altered postures.


title: Change in Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) And Executive Function in Adolescent Males with Learning Disabilities

contributor:
Schmidt, Louis
Psychology

abstract: Learning disabilities (LDs) are often comorbid with self-regulation disorders such as ADHD and anxiety. Youth with LDs experience challenges with attention, impulsivity, and cognitive flexibility, and as a result of repeated failure, may display a pattern of experiential avoidance (EA) as a means of coping with a challenge. Integra Mindfulness Martial Arts [MMA] is a group treatment integrating mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy with martial arts training. While MMA has been shown to reduce externalizing behaviors and anxiety, we know little about its psychophysiological correlates. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is an index of heart rate variability that reflects individual differences in self-regulation, with lower levels associated with anxiety and ADHD. The sample included 26 males, aged 12 to 16 years diagnosed with LD and self-regulation challenges, enrolled in a 20-week MMA intervention (MMA; n=19), and waitlist controls (WL; n=5). Resting RSA was indexed at pre and post-intervention and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) parent-report measure was collected. After intervention, I found increased resting RSA in the MMA group only. However, this change was not statistically significant, possibly due to low statistical power. Youth in the MMA group significantly improved in their ability to independently generate appropriate problem-solving strategies from pre- to post-MMA. Youth also significantly improved in their ability to anticipate future events, plan steps towards attaining goals, and appreciate main concepts when communicating information. Findings suggest that MMA may improve self-regulatory mechanisms that support appropriate emotion and behaviour regulation, suggesting there may be plasticity within these systems. The present study provides preliminary evidence of the malleability of psychophysiological correlates of self-regulation and improvements in executive functioning in response to an MMA intervention within this population.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract: Integra Mindfulness Martial Arts [MMA] is a group treatment designed for youth with learning disabilities (LDs) and mental health challenges. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is a measure of variation in heart rate. Higher RSA has been linked to healthier emotion regulation, and lower RSA has been associated with anxiety and ADHD.  The present study examined how MMA may increase RSA and mental flexibility in adolescent males with LD and mental health challenges (i.e., anxiety, ADHD). 19 males received the 20-week MMA intervention and 5 males did not. I found a slight increase in RSA in the MMA group, but the change was not statistically significant. The MMA group improved in their ability to independently problem solve, as well as plan and organize. MMA may positively influence biological indexes of emotion regulation and improve mental flexibility. This study helps reveal the sensitivity of RSA and validate MMA as a promising intervention.


title: The effects of thermal, chemical and radiological stressors on embryonic development in lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis)

contributor:
Boreham, Douglas
Medical Physics

abstract:
Power generation relying on once-through cooling has the potential to release thermal, chemical and radiological stressors into the environment. These discharges may impact development in aquatic species that spawn near cooling water releases. This thesis explores the impacts that stressors associated with industrial cooling water discharges can have on lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) embryonic development.
In-situ incubation in custom designed chambers was used to examine development in thermally impacted areas near a nuclear power plant in Lake Huron. Temperatures at sites near cooling water discharges were significantly warmer and more variable compared to off-site reference locations but were below lethal levels. However, an accelerated development and potential earlier hatch was predicted at these sites based on temperature modelling and morphometric measurements on retrieved embryos.
Chemical (morpholine and sodium hypochlorite) and radiological effects were examined in laboratory reared embryos following both chronic and acute exposures. Embryos became more resistant to radiation as development progressed, while mortality from morpholine exposure was greatest close to hatch. Embryos were minimally impacted by incubation in sodium hypochlorite. Both a synergistic and protective effect were observed in percent mortality when stressors were examined in combination. Low dose sublethal exposure to morpholine and ionizing radiation resulted in changes in hatch timing and stimulation in growth.
Overall, this work helps to advance the understanding of how thermal, chemical and radiation exposure impacts embryonic survival and development, and evaluates potential effects of exposure at environmental levels on lake whitefish.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Nurses’ Oral Hygiene Care Practices With Hospitalized Older Adults In Post-Acute Settings

contributor:
Ploeg, Jenny
Kaasalainen, Sharon
Carter, Nancy
Nursing

subject:
oral hygiene care
nurses
frail older adults
qualitative case study

abstract:
Background and Purpose: Evidence now links poor oral hygiene to systemic and infectious diseases such as pneumonia. Hospitalized patients, who now retain their teeth into older adulthood, often rely on nurses to provide oral hygiene care. Nurses have the potential to impact oral health outcomes and quality of life by controlling plaque.  However, oral hygiene care practices of nurses in post-acute hospital settings are relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore how nurses provide bedtime oral hygiene care, how they decide on interventions provided, and how certain factors influence their ability to provide oral care.

Methods: A qualitative, exploratory multiple-case study was conducted with 25 nurses working on five inpatient units at different hospitals. Nurses were accompanied on their evening rounds to observe oral care practices, the physical environment, and workflow. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the case study data base including transcripts of guided conversations, field notes, and documents. Within-case analysis was followed by cross-case analysis.

Findings: Findings indicate that: (a) nurses often convey oral hygiene care to their patients as being optional; (b) nurses are inclined to preserve patient autonomy in oral hygiene care; (c) oral hygiene care is often spontaneous and variable, and may not be informed by evidence; and (d) oral hygiene care is not embedded into bedtime care routines.

Implications: Oral health history and assessment data are essential to the creation of individualized, feasible oral hygiene care plans that consider patient dignity. Knowledge of the health benefits of oral care, and skills related to assessment and approaches to oral care are required by nurses. Availability of effective products and supplies facilitates provision of oral care. The evidence for oral hygiene care practices, outcomes of nurse-administered oral care, and the role of nurses in influencing the oral health literacy of patients requires further study.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: When in hospital, older people often rely on nurses for help with oral care. Little is known about how nurses provide this type of care, but poor oral care can lead to pneumonia, gum disease, and other diseases of the body. In this study, nurses were accompanied as they provided bedtime oral care to patients. Findings showed that: (a) nurses let patients decide about doing oral care and do not encourage it, (b) nurses let patients do oral care themselves, even if they cannot do a good job, (c) the oral care given depends on the nurse, and (d) bedtime oral care, the most important time of day, is not part of the bedtime routine. Nurses should (a) ask patients about their oral health and inspect their mouths, (b) have the right supplies available so they can more easily provide effective oral care, and (c) teach their patients about the importance of oral hygiene.


title: Fourier Analysis of de Haas-van Alphen Effect Data

contributor:
Datars, W.R.
Physics

subject:
Fourier analysis
de Haas-van Alphen effect
Fourier transform
analytic program

abstract: A digital program has been developed to Fourier analyse the data obtained in experiments to study the de Haas-van Alphen effect. A physical account of the origin of this effect is given and the problem of analysing the data is explained. An account is given of the development of the program together with a consideration of the mathematical properties of the Fourier transform. General questions concerning the resolving power and accuracy of this method of analysis are discussed. The program was tested using artificial synthetic data of known analytic form and later applied to the analysis of data from a single crystal of mercury.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: The Effect of Urban Policies and Development Strategies on the Stimulation of Industrial Growth: A Case Study in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada

contributor:
Anderson, W. A.
Geography

subject:
Town of Ingersoll
South-West Oxford
County of Oxford
General Motors
Suzuki
agricultural society
industrial expansion
plant location
multinational corporation
infrastructure
zoning regulation

abstract: Several documents have been presented outlining the methods incorporated by large multinational corporations in their plant location process. These methods contribute to our knowledge of how companies choose a location in which to locate a manufacturing operation. The role of the region or municipality in preparing an appropriate atmosphere to coordinate with an industry's specific requirements has not been widely examined. The objective of this research paper is to examine the role played by the Town of Ingersoll, Township of South-West Oxford and County of Oxford in Southwestern Ontario in preparing a suitable land, infrastructure and zoning regulations package to facilitate the requirement for a joint General Motors and Suzuki automotive assembly plant. The results obtained from this research paper will aid in the awareness of the actions that occur to aid such a large industrial and economic expansions within a small agricultural society.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Bachelor of Arts (BA)


title: Dissecting the Determinants of cAMP Affinity in Protein Kinase A

title: Determinants of cAMP Affinity in PKA

contributor:
Melacini, Giuseppe
Chemistry and Chemical Biology

subject: Allostery Binding cAMP Dynamics HCN NMR PKA Selectivity Signalling STD

abstract: cAMP receptors contain highly conserved cAMP binding pockets, in part responsible for allosteric activation, yet CBDs exhibit a wide array of cAMP binding affinities. While several cAMP:CBD crystallographic structures have been solved, they are insufficient to explain differences in cAMP:CBD affinities. We hypothesize that it is the position of the apo autoinhibitory equilibrium and/or a change in the state-specific association constants of the active and inactive CBD forms that are primarily responsible for modulating ~1000-fold difference in cAMP affinities. Interestingly, we discovered that PKARIα and HCN2 have comparable state-specific association constants, suggesting that the position of the apo autoinhibitory equilibrium is primarily responsible for the large difference in observed cAMP affinities in these systems. In addition, the individual components of the cAMP binding pocket (i.e. BBR, PBC, and lid) show functional variability across different CBDs. In RIα, both the BBR and lid are dispensable for high affinity cAMP binding, leaving the PBC as the key determinant of cAMP affinity. Interestingly, in addition the PBC:cAMP contact side-chains, non-contact side-chains are also important in modulating cAMP affinity (ie. L201 and Y205). Further dissection of the contributions arising from the apo pre-equilibrium and the cAMP binding pockets is required to better understand cAMP affinity and selectivity.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Reasserting Private Authority in Times of Crisis: Technical to Moral Discourses in Anglo-American Finance

contributor: Political Science - International Relations

subject:
private authority
crisis
discourse
finance
governance
Anglo-America
professionals
morality
Islamic finance
environmental finance
inequality
institutionalism

abstract: Contemporary global governance has become reliant on the expert knowledge of professional actors. Yet governance systems based on technical forms of private authority have proven highly unstable and vulnerable to crisis. How is private authority re-configured following challenges and pressures for change in times of crisis? This dissertation explores the agency exercised by a range of professional actors seeking to legitimately reassert power during periods in which their expert knowledge has become unsettled. A two-prong thesis is advanced. First, in drawing on explicitly normative discourses professional actors seek to reassert moral authority, rather than addressing flaws in their expert knowledge and emphasising their technical authority. Professional actors express attention to and involvement with a wider array of overtly ethical issues that had previously been abstracted away. Second, reassertions of authority may depend not merely on more explicit positioning within normative debates but upon the underlying ideas and values prioritised. The authority of professional actors remains precarious when value sets linked to crisis are continuously emphasised. A genealogical analysis of professional actors in Anglo-American finance since the outbreak of the most recent financial crisis in 2007 is undertaken through a revised variant of the discursive institutionalist framework. Informed by primary documents from professional actors and their associations along with original interviews and secondary media documents, the changing underpinnings of the authority of financial services providers, economists, and advisories based in the United States and United Kingdom are examined. The study contributes to a wider emphasis on the changing authority of a range of private actors as well as to an enhaced stress on both discourse and ethics in International Relations, Global/International Political Economy, and Global Governance scholarship.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: This dissertation explores the persistent prominence of professional actors in Anglo-American finance since 2007. Though their legitimacy has become widely challenged with the outbreak of the most severe period of instability since the Great Depression, the power of these private actors has not entirely been dislodged. Professional actors have sought to legitimise such continued power in financial governance in novel manners since 2007. This study critically assesses attempts by professional actors to reconfigure their authority in the recent period of volatility. In interpreting how professional actors have sought to reconfigure authority, rather than explaining the ultimate success of their attempts to do so, efforts by professional actors to legitimise their power are scrutinised. Uncovering the precariousness of such attempts, this study casts further doubt on the legitimacy of both professionals as well as on-going efforts to reform financial governance that persistently rely on the authority of private actors.