title: Intercultural Mediations: Cross-Cultural Collaborations in Early Twentieth-Century First Nations Literature

contributor:
Department of English
Master of Arts
Dr. Carrie Dawson
Dr. Carrie Dawson
Dr. David Evans
Dr. Dean Irvine
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
First Nations literature
Juxta Commons
Versioning theory
Franz Boas
Pauline Johnson
Chief Sepass
Eloise Street
Chief Capilano
Henry Tate
Digital repatriation
Salvage ethnography

abstract:
This thesis examines the implications of three early twentieth-century First Nations
collaborations that were produced in the context of salvage ethnography and attributed
mainly to their non-aboriginal collaborators: Henry Tate and Franz Boas’s
Tsimshian Mythology (1916), E. Pauline Johnson and Chief Joe Capilano’s Legends of Vancouver (1912), and Chief William K’HHalserten Sepass and Eloise Street’s
Sepass Poems (1911-15). By using a versioning framework to attain a “fluid” reading across variants, I can identify the intercultural mediations across versions and attempt to engage in a form of digital repatriation. Through digital archives like Kimberly Christen’s “Mukurtu” project, these cultural documents can be repatriated and accessed only by those who, following cultural protocols, should have access. Ultimately, an analysis of variants suggests that while salvage ethnography privileged the non-aboriginal collaborators, the changeability of these narratives across versions functions to perpetually unfix these texts from a static concept of aboriginal identity.


title: Protecting The Aged Heart During Cardiac Surgery: Use of del Nido Cardioplegia Provides Superior Functional Recovery in Isolated Hearts

contributor:
Department of Physiology & Biophysics
Master of Science
Camille Hancock-Friesen
Robert Alan Rose
Evgeny Pavlov
Alexander Quinn
Stacy O'Blenes
Received
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Myocardial protection, aged heart, ischemia reperfusion injury, cardioplegia

abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if del Nido cardioplegia provides superior protection for aged and young adult hearts. We used our isolated working heart model of cardioplegic arrest and reperfusion to compare functional recovery in both senescent and young adult rat hearts, with delivery of del Nido or our standard cardioplegia. In the aged hearts, use of del Nido cardioplegia prevented spontaneous contractions during arrest, reduced troponin release, and provided superior functional recovery during working heart. In contrast, in the young adult hearts, although stroke work was higher in the del Nido group, there were no significant differences in spontaneous activity, troponin release, and cardiac output between del Nido and standard cardioplegia, suggesting that del Nido cardioplegia did not provide superior functional recovery in the young adult heart. Del Nido cardioplegia has the potential to provide superior myocardial protection for elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery.


title: "Does Not Fempute": A Critique Of Liberal And Radical Feminism In Three Novels By Ursula K. Le Guin

contributor:
Department of English
Master of Arts
Dr. Carrie Dawson
Dr. Kathy Cawsey
Dr. Alice Brittan
Dr. Jason Haslam
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Ursula K. Le Guin
feminist criticism
feminist science fiction

abstract: Ursula K. Le Guin is often called a feminist science fiction author. Drawing on such theorists as bell hooks and R. W. Connell, I analyze three novels by Le Guin from a social constructivist feminist perspective. I discuss The Dispossessed as it relates to gender and the family in utopian writing, The Lathe of Heaven with respect to gender and race, and Lavinia and gender within the context of the overall trajectory of Le Guin’s writing. I conclude that these novels depict gender in ways that often essentialize identity, whether the novels’ presentations of gender align with liberal or radical feminist ideas, and sometimes represent characters more conservatively than the label “feminist author” might imply. I propose that Le Guin’s status as a feminist writer requires more specific qualification that accounts for the variety of beliefs in existence in contemporary feminist discourse.


title: Francophone and Acadian Experiences in the Primary Health Care System in Halifax, Nova Scotia

contributor:
School of Health & Human Performance
Master of Arts
Paula Kristmanson
Lynne Robinson
Donald Langille
Debbie Martin
Susan Tirone
Received
No
No

subject:
health
health services
linguistic minority
francophone
Acadian

abstract:
Objectives:
This research explored the experiences of francophones and Acadians who received primary healthcare in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Approach:
Semi-structured interviews were completed with 15 self-identified francophones or Acadians. Participants provided feedback on the preliminary phenomenological analysis and final results were determined based on the analysis and participant feedback.

Results:
Language, culture and community were central in participants’ experiences but despite the high importance placed on receiving French language health care services, participants often had to compromise and access services in English. Other influences included the strategies they developed to utilise English services and their perception of health care professionals’ sensitivity for their linguistic barriers and needs.

Conclusion:
Though it was not always easy or straightforward participants in the study were able to utilise health services but not always in French. Creating situations that may require them to relinquish their language and, to some extent, their cultural identity.


title: Alternative Delivery Approaches for Levothyroxine

contributor:
College of Pharmacy
Master of Science
Dr. Emad Massoud
Dr. David Jakeman
Dr. Pollen Yeung
Dr. Remigius Agu
Dr. Ali Imran
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Cell Culture
Drug Delivery
Hypothyroidism
In vitro
Levothyroxine
Respiratory
T4
Transdermal

abstract: Hypothyroidism affects almost 2-5% of the world population and requires lifelong thyroxine replacement therapy. Oral Administration of levothyroxine (T4) encounters enormous pathophysiological and pharmacological challenges that sometimes lead to therapeutic failure. The aim of this study was to conduct proof-of-principle studies which enables possible development of non-invasive (respiratory, transdermal) T4 delivery systems. Preformulation (solubility, stability) and biopharmaceutical (in-vitro absorption, gene expression) studies were conducted using Calu-3 (respiratory cell line) and Strat-M® (artificial skin membrane). Transport of T4 across Calu-3 cells suggested involvement of active transport systems which correlated with expression of thyroxine transporters (MCT8, MCT10, OATP1A2, OATP4A). However, T4 permeation across Strat-M® was non-existent even after using chemical absorption enhancers. In conclusion, data from these studies indicated that T4 may be successfully delivered via the respiratory route. However, successful transdermal delivery may require a reversible, but mildly invasive approach.


title: VOICES IN AN EDUCATION TRAP:  Linguistic Deficit Theory in Nova Scotia Assessments

contributor: Department of Sociology & Social Anthropology

subject:
African Nova Scotian
Ebonics
Education
Literacy
Sociolinguistics
Sociology

abstract: Research in the area of sociolinguistics, African Nova Scotian Ebonics, and literacy achievement never truly developed in Nova Scotia. Unlike previous literacy outcome research, this research study employs a qualitative content analysis and Critical Pedagogy to examine the process of assessment and the Linguistic Deficit Theory embedded within the education system. The sociolinguistic hierarchy of Standard English has caused numerous misconceptions, which impacts the Ebonics speech community across the African diaspora. Yet, previous research found that the promotion of code-switching between Standard English and Ebonics in an anti-racist empowering environment promotes higher literacy achievement among Ebonics speakers. My research findings suggest that the Nova Scotia education system has implemented cultural and linguistic diverse curriculum policies. However, the Linguistic Deficit Theory resurfaces in several sections of the assessment process. These findings suggest that future research should focus on in-classroom participation or observing the assessment practices for more detailed and generalizable findings.


title: Computational Models of Organotin-Mediated Alkylation of Diols

contributor: Russell Boyd, Bruce Grindley, Axel Becke

subject:
Organotin Chemistry
Computational Chemistry

abstract:
Dialkylstannylene acetals are tin-containing species employed extensively as intermediates to facilitate high-yielding and regioselective monosubstitution reactions of diols or polyols with various electrophiles, which is an important application of organotin compounds in organic synthesis. Although an abundance of experimental studies of these reactions have been reported, the mechanism of the reaction has not been well defined.
High-level theoretical methods are used in this thesis to investigate the chemistry of organotin systems at a molecular level. This involves the exploration of the geometry characteristics of the gas-phase structures along the reaction paths in order to understand the mechanism of the organotin-mediated alkylations of diols. Alkylation reactions which require strict conditions can be dramatically enhanced by the presence of nucleophiles. The effects of added nucleophiles were examined computationally by comparing reaction profiles obtained for alkylations of dimethylstannylene acetals in the presence of different nucleophiles.


title: SIT-TO-STAND TRANSFER MECHANICS: THE EFFECT OF AGE AND LIFTING-SEAT DEVICE DESIGN

contributor:
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Master of Applied Science
Dr. Scott Landry
Dr. Sarah Wells
Dr. Derek Rutherford
Dr. William D. Stanish
Dr. Cheryl Hubley-Kozey
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
biomechanics
aging
electromyography
rehabilitation
assistive device
sit-to-stand
seat height

abstract:
Objective: Lifting-seat devices are designed to raise the seat height to reduce biomechanical and neuromuscular demands of a sit-to-stand (STS). The goal of this thesis was to understand how seat height and lifting-seat devices with different mechanisms affect trunk, hip, and knee biomechanics and neuromuscular activity of surrounding muscles, and determine whether the effects are altered by age. Four conditions were tested; 1) no device normal seat height (ND-normal), 2) Seat Assist™
(SA), 3) Power Seat™ (PS), 4) no device raised height (ND-raised). Using a cross-sectional design, two objectives were completed. Objective one compared ND-normal and ND-raised to determine the effects of seat height. Objective two compared ND-raised, PS, SA to determine the effects of lifting-seats. Design: 10 healthy older and 10 healthy younger adults performed five trials of each STS condition. Bilateral lower limb and trunk three-dimensional motion, ground reaction forces and electromyography
(EMG) from five muscles were collected.


title: Bridging The Gap: A Healthier City Through Green Belts, Parks and Recreation

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Brian Carter
Steve Parcell
Diogo Burnay
Roland Hudson
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Bridge
Architecture
Parks
Recreation
Green Belt

abstract:
This thesis investigates the architectural role of green belts and recreational zones as
one solution to urban sprawl, ultimately creating healthier, more livable cities. A list of
concepts and guidelines will be derived from both historical and modern green belt efforts,
for the development of a more livable city in the 21st century. These concepts will then
be tested as a tool on the city of Halifax. The concepts and guidelines will be used in the
development of a green belt master plan. The plan will connect Halifax through existing
and proposed parks and recreation. Secondly, it will develop a series of networks and
connections enhancing the ability for alternate methods of transportation into and out of
the urban core, facilitated by the design of a pedestrian bridge. Finally, a second design
will support the existing program of mountain biking and create a unique architectural
cycling experience for both the user and the observer.


title: Mimicry, Imitation, and Double Consciousness: The Absence and Presence of Black Heroines in The Woman of Colour and William Earle's Obi

contributor:
Department of English
Master of Arts
Dr. Carrie Dawson
Dr. Judith Thompson, Dr. Kathy Cawsey
Dr. Marjorie Stone
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Heroine, nineteenth century, ambivalence, double consciousness, mimicry, gender-reversal, William Earle, Obi, The Woman of Colour, Maria Edgeworth, The Grateful Negro, John Thelwall, Incle and Yarico

abstract: This thesis demonstrates how two early nineteenth century British novels, William Earle’s Obi, or The History of Three-Fingered Jack (1800) and the anonymously-written The Woman of Colour; A Tale (1808), feature prominent women of colour that move beyond the silenced, enslaved, minor representations of black and mixed race women made popular in previously published texts throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The progression of Amri and Olivia’s positions through the use of literary strategies, such as Homi K. Bhabha’s mimicry, Paul Gilroy’s double consciousness, and gender-reversals reveal the inherent ambivalence of the women’s positions in each narrative and the importance of these representations against the hegemonic female position. Although I argue that neither author succeeds in overturning traditional limitations of representing women of colour in literature of the period, investigating these texts is crucial to understanding the autonomous, influential women of colour in later nineteenth century literary works.


title: Hopeless Poetics in Ecological Poetry

contributor:
Department of English
Master of Arts
Carrie Dawson
Steven Burns
Carrie Dawson, Travis Mason
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: poetry hopelessness

abstract: In this thesis I theorize hopelessness in contemporary Canadian ecological poetry in contrast to capitalist ideology and activist discourse.  Drawing on Tim Lilburn’s work, I identify two varieties of hopelessness: despair and penthos.  The former is characterized by disappointment, a sense of injustice, and calculations for redress.  The latter is avoids these states in its hopelessness, and it is characterized by the pursuit of apokatastatic desire: the desire to eliminate human desires in the interest of identifying with other-than-human beings.  Penthos is opposed to both capitalist ideology, which is premised on the desire to consume, and the activist impulse, which is closely related to states of despair.  Examining Sina Queyras’s Expressway, the poetry of Don McKay, Rita Wong’s forage and Sharon Thesen’s The Good Bacteria, I develop the idea of penthos in the contemporary Canadian iteration of the lyric.


title: EXTRACTION OF SULFATED GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS FROM MACKEREL AND HERRING FISH WASTE

contributor: Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science

subject: Sulfated glycosaminoglycans, enzymatic extraction, Polysaccharide , Mackerel and herring.

subject: Polysaccharide

subject: Enzymatic extraction

subject: Mackerel and herring.

abstract: Marine capture fisheries contribute over 50% of total world fish production and more than 70% of this production is utilized for processing. The Canadian commercial fishing industry is one of the world’s most valued industries but generates large quantities of solid waste and wastewater. The increasing growth of the fish processing industry, the need for reduction of pollutants and the need to increase returns on raw material has led fish processors to adopt new ways of utilizing the wastes.  In particular, efforts have focused on converting the biological substance in solid fish processing waste to various valuable compounds including both nutritional and non-nutritional products. Sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) are heteropolysaccharide molecules with potential therapeutic applications and anticoagulant properties. Anticoagulants are responsible for curing major death-causing diseases such as strokes and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to develop an economically feasible technique to extract sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) from fish processing waste. Two different fish (mackerel and herring) were used to optimize the extraction of sGAG. The effects of hydrolysis time (3, 6, 12 and 24 hrs) and papain concentration (15 and 20u/ml) on the extraction of sGAGs from different fish parts (whole fish, flesh, head, gut, fins and tails, skin and bones) were evaluated. The highest concentration of sGAGs (206.7 mg/g) was obtained from the mackerel head sample at 6 hrs of hydrolysis time and 20 u/ml of enzyme concentration while the highest concentration of sGAGs (236.3 mg/g) was obtained from herring gut at 12 hrs of hydrolysis time and 20 u/ml of enzyme concentration. The concentration of sGAG obtained from other part of mackerel were flesh (23.96 mg/g), waste (163.23 mg/g), fins and tail (86.63 mg/g), gut (203.52 mg/g), skin (105.45 mg/g) and bones (97.2 mg/g). However, the concentration of sGAG obtained from other parts of herring were flesh (39.34 mg/g), waste (130.15 mg/g), head (162.76 mg/g), fins and tail (148.53 mg/g), skin (65.89 mg/g) and bones (75.57 mg/g). Comparing the overall concentration of sGAG in waste samples of the fish, the mackerel produced higher sGAG than the herring.


title: Nova Scotia Layer Industry: Energy Use and Innovation Through LED Lighting

contributor:
Faculty of Agriculture
Master of Science
Dr. Michelle Adams
Dr. Dian Patterson
Dr. Bruce Rathgeber
Dr. Peter Havard
Dr Kenneth Corscadden
Received
Yes
Yes

subject:
Energy
LED Lighting
Poultry

abstract: This thesis aimed to identify the energy use within the Nova Scotia Layer Industry, through auditing and evaluating layer farms.  Using the data collected, energy benchmarks were determined; providing a guide for achieving a measure of energy efficiency on farm.  Focusing on lighting use within layer barns, this research aimed to identify how lighting is used and offer an innovative method of achieving reduced energy use without impacting hen performance or production levels.


title: FAST-Mediated Pore Expansion: Novel Roles For Annexin A1 and Plasma Membrane Architecture

contributor:
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Doctor of Philosophy
Dr. William Snell
Dr. Brent Johnston
Dr. Craig McCormick
Dr. Chris Richardson
Dr. Catherine Too
Dr. Roy Duncan
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Yes

subject: Membrane fusion, pore expansion, measles, influenza, reovirus

subject: Reovirus

subject: Influenza

subject: Measles

subject: Pore expansion

abstract: Two approaches investigating the contribution of cellular factors to syncytiogenesis mediated by viral fusogens are reported in this thesis.  These include architecture of plasma membrane curvature and the role of annexin A1.  I analyzed the effects of membrane shape modifiers on reptilian reovirus p14- and influenza hemagglutinin-mediated pore formation and expansion. By adding lysophosphatidylcholine following pore formation but prior to syncytiogenesis, I was also able to capture a p14- and HA-mediated ‘stalled pore’ phenotype. I also examined the role of annexin A1 during p14- and measles (F)-mediated cell fusion. Knockdown of AX1 and chelation of intracellular calcium impaired p14- and F-mediated pore expansion but not pore formation.  Additionally, a calcium-dependent interaction between p14 and F with AX1 was detected.  I conclude that intracellular AX1 and calcium play an important role in the resolution of pores generated between fused cells. These lines of evidence suggest a converging mechanism of pore expansion.


title: The maladaptive threats of identity limbo and cohesion resistance: A qualitative case study examining the challenges of over-inclusion and status and dominance confusion

contributor:
Interdisciplinary PhD Programme
Interdisciplinary PhD
Dr. Jean Helms-Mills
Dr. William Barker
Dr. Liesl Gambold; Dr. Richard Apostle
Dr. Jack Duffy; Dr. Elizabeth Kelley
Received
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Social cohesion resistance
Knowledge workers
Mergers and acquisitions
Organizational identity
Social identity theory
Dominance
Status

abstract: qualitative case study

abstract:
This doctoral thesis examines the construct of organizational identity of knowledge workers involved in a merger or acquisition, to gain insights into the complex social-behavioural responses of participants to perceptions of imposed integration of social groups.  Following a qualitative case study methodology, this study used observation and interview data collection to capture the authentic experiences of participants from the host firm, and from the two acquired groups.    The central curiosity guiding this study asked if continuity in subordinate identities, that transition relatively seamlessly from acquired to host organizations, offers the same adaptive or insulating effect against identity threat as superordinate identification.  The central thesis proposed that despite the relative consistency between subgroup identities, the involuntary introduction of new members into a work team would continue to arouse perceptions of identity threat and provoke associated efforts to resist assimilation through withholding cohesion-building behaviours.

The data were analysed using Atlas-ti to draw out key themes and patterns.  The results suggested a relationship between the different integration strategies applied to the two acquisitions, and the participants’ perceptions of the integration.  The data also suggested a relationship between levels of identity and reluctance to extend and engage in cohesion-building behaviours among host and adopted participants.  Serendipitous findings pointed to potential triggers for the identity-related resistance, that most notably included status and dominance confusion that interfered with perceptions of identity continuity, and resistance to over-inclusion in superordinate and principle identities that lacked salience and distinctiveness.

This paper introduced two new concepts to the field of identity research, including principle identity, and resistance to cohesion building behaviors.  This paper also examined the perspectives of knowledge workers, as a distinctive cohort, to gain some insights into if and how a merger of like-professionals is experienced uniquely.  Finally, the qualitative case study methodology offered an opportunity to examine the macro-economic contexts of the two acquisitions for relevance, and these contexts were found to be significant to a holistic understanding of the experiences of the integrations.


title: Early exposure to parental bipolar illness and risk of mood disorder

contributor: Department of Community Health & Epidemiology

subject: Mood disorders

subject: Early environment

subject: Bipolar disorder, mood disorders, high-risk offspring, early adversity, early environment

subject: High-risk offspring

abstract: The objective of this thesis was to determine the association between exposure to parental BD during childhood and risk of mood disorder. Offspring of one parent with BD completed annual clinical assessments as part of a 16-year prospective cohort study. Clinical data in the parents from Ottawa and Halifax were mapped onto the first decade of their offspring’s life to estimate the timing, duration and severity of exposure to their illness. The duration of parental BD was associated with a 2 to 2.5 fold increased risk of any psychopathology (HR: 1.9, 95%CI: 1.0-4.0), and unipolar depression (HR: 2.6, 95%CI: 0.9-7.5), and a 7 fold increased risk of substance use disorders (HR: 7.1, 95%CI: 1.8-37.0). A longer duration of exposure to parental BD may be an important indicator of mood and non-mood psychopathology risk in offspring. This has implications for early intervention and preventive efforts in high-risk youth.


title: Effects of prefrontal cortex lesions on spontaneous sleep-wake patterns and compensatory response to sleep loss in rats

contributor:
Department of Medical Neuroscience
Master of Science
Kazue Semba
Gary Allen
William Baldridge
Benjamin Rusak
Kazue Semba
Received
No
Not Applicable

subject: Sleep, circadian rhythms, prefrontal cortex, sleep deprivation

abstract:
Recent evidence suggests a possible role for the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in sleep/wake regulation and sleep-related electroencephalogram (EEG) activity. This study investigated the effects of cell-specific ibotenic acid lesions to the PFC on sleep-wake patterns and the EEG under baseline conditions and during recovery from a 6 h period of sleep deprivation (SD) using gentle handling in rats. Control rats were injected with saline.
	PFC lesions had no effects on overall amounts of wake, non rapid-eye movement (NREM) sleep, or rapid-eye movement sleep. However, lesioned animals had fewer wake and NREM sleep episodes and longer mean durations of these episodes particularly during the dark phase. Following SD, no significant lesion effects were observed in sleep rebound or homeostatic increase in NREM EEG delta power (a measure of sleep intensity).
	These results suggest a role for the PFC in sleep-wake regulation, in particular behavioural state stability.


title: MATERNAL SENSITIVITY WITH THEIR INFANTS: THE ROLE OF EMOTION STATES, FATIGUE, AND INFANT ENGAGEMENT

contributor: Department of Psychology and Neuroscience

subject:
Sensitivity
Emotion States
Mother-Infant Interaction
Fatigue
Methodology
Positive Emotion
Negative Emotion

abstract: Early sensitive caregiver (typically mother)-infant interactions form an important foundation for infant development. When sensitive, mothers behave with the apparent goal to keep their infants happy and engaged. Mutual enjoyment is thought to motivate proximity and continued interactions. The main focus in the literature has been on the influence of stable/pathological maternal negative emotions on parenting, with parenting often assessed on one occasion, in an unnatural setting, or with a researcher present. The primary objective of this research was to explore what accounts for the variability in typical mothers’ sensitivity with their 15- to 28-week-old infants across interactions. Specific goals were to develop a novel methodology to increase the ecological validity and acceptability of assessments by having mothers themselves videotape their infant interactions in their homes, to explore the effect of mothers’ emotion states and fatigue on their ensuing sensitivity, and to evaluate if infant engagement determined whether mothers felt better (i.e., were reinforced) the more sensitively they behaved. A feasibility study was conducted with 9 mother-infant dyads, and a main study with an additional 40 dyads. Mothers completed a brief emotion and fatigue rating scale (Profile of Mood States – 15; Cranford et al., 2006) before and after each interaction, twice daily, over five to seven days. Interviews with feasibility study mothers indicated that most found the procedure acceptable, though not representative of their typical interactions. Little data were missing or uncodeable. Methodological changes are proposed to enhance the representativeness of observed interactions and to further minimize data loss. Contrary to predictions, pre-interaction emotion and fatigue states did not individually or jointly account for the significant within-subject variability in sensitivity across interactions. Mothers felt better after interacting and, the more sensitively they behaved, the more engaged their infants were, and the more positive mothers felt thereafter. However, infant engagement did not account for the relationship between sensitivity and how mothers then felt. Results suggest mothers can behave sensitively irrespective of how they feel; then, upon behaving sensitively, feel better regardless of their infants’ engagement. Interacting effects of maternal stress, cognitions, specific emotion behaviour relations, and methodology remain to be further investigated.


title: Settlement, Compromise, and Forgiveness in Canadian Income Tax Law

contributor:
Faculty of Law
Master of Laws
Michelle Kirkwood
Geoffrey Loomer
Faye Woodman
Kim Brooks
Not Applicable
Yes
Yes

subject:
Income Tax Law
Tax Administration
Tax Collection

abstract: This thesis looks at legal mechanisms allowing the non-collection of tax debts in the tax systems of Canada and the United States. The goal is to shed light on the choices made in Canada’s tax collection system by juxtaposing it with the American system. The comparison reveals differences in the ways in which the two jurisdictions allow taxpayers to participate in the tax system and differences in how the two jurisdictions choose to make decisions about the forgiveness of tax debts. Although Canada has generally rejected the idea of compromise within the tax system, there is a tax policy case to be made in favour of the compromise of tax debts in certain situations.


title: A NEW TEST TO BUILD CONFIDENCE REGIONS USING BALANCED MINIMUM EVOLUTION

contributor: Department of Mathematics & Statistics - Statistics Division

subject: Confidence Regions. Balanced Minimum Evolution. Weighted Least Square. Pairwise Distance Estimates.

abstract:
In phylogenetic analysis, an important issue is to construct the confidence region
for gene trees from DNA sequences. Usually estimation of the trees is the initial
step. Maximum likelihood methods are widely applied but few tests are based on
distance methods. In this thesis, we propose a new test based on balanced minimum
evolution. We  first examine the normality assumption of pairwise distance estimates
under various model misspeci cations and also examine their variances, MSEs and
squared biases. Then we compare the BME method with the WLS method in true
tree reconstruction under different variance structures and model pairs. Finally, we
develop a new test for finding a confidence region for the tree based on the BME
method and demonstrate its effectiveness through simulation.


title: COUNTERSTORYTELLING: INTERSECTIONS OF RACE AND AMERICAN LAW IN DERRICK BELL'S SCIENCE FICTION

contributor:
Department of English
Master of Arts
Dr. Carrie Dawson
Dr. Jason Haslam, Dr. Trevor Ross
Dr. Anthony Stewart
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: race, fiction, science fiction, law, scholarship

abstract: Recently, a division of legal scholarship, Critical Race Theory, began examining the law from a new perspective: creative literature. Within the legal community, CRT legal storytelling has received mixed reception; yet literary scholars have largely ignored this genre. This thesis aims to fill the research gap surrounding legal storytelling, examining the stories not only as works of legal scholarship, but as works of literature as well. Through application of literary theory and close-reading techniques, I argue for the value of literary works to legal scholarship, particularly civil rights. My research concerns four findings. First, literature broadens the scope of legal scholarship to examine how the law operates and our relationship to the law. Second, fiction allows for critique of the law and legal scholarship. Third, counterstories provide alternative strategies for the civil rights community. Finally, Derrick Bell’s science fiction contains elements of fantasy well-suited to judicial critique of racial inequality.


title: The Role of NCK in DCC-Sensitive Spinal Cord Circuits

contributor:
Department of Pharmacology
Master of Science
Ying Zhang
Jana Sawynok
Jana Sawynok
Jason McDougall
James Fawcett
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Molecular Biology
Spinal Cord
Development

abstract: Non-Catalytic region of tyrosine Kinase (NCK) adaptor proteins connect cell surface receptors to the actin cytoskeleton. In the central nervous system loss of NCK proteins leads to a hopping like phenotype¬. We were interested in examining the expression of these proteins in the spinal cord development and better defining their role in global processes of axon guidance. Further, since in vitro studies have shown that NCK associates with the netrin receptor Deleted in Colorectal Cancer (DCC) we set out to determine is loss of NCK affected DCC sensitive pathways in vivo.  Thus, the purpose of our study was to better define the in vivo role for NCK in the developing nervous system. Here we found NCK-deficiency causes growth cone defects and increased axon length. Together, these studies reveal the importance of NCK proteins in neuronal development, and show that NCK is required for normal guidance of DCC positive axons.


title: An Indigenist Perspective on the health/wellbeing and masculinities of Mi'kmaq men Tet-Pagi-Tel-Sit: Perceiving himself to be a strong balanced spiritual man

contributor: Dr. Blye Frank, Dr. Charlotte Loppie Reading, Dr. Ruth Martin-Misener

subject: Community based participatory action research, Indigenous health, Indigenous masculinities, Mi'kmaq culture

abstract:
Introduction: The lifespan of Mi’kmaq First Nations men continues to be eight years
less than that of other Canadian men. Therefore, this study examined the intersecting
relationships between the social determinants of gender, health practices and other factors
on the health of Mi’kmaq boys and men living in Elsipogtog First Nation.
Goal: To promote the health of Mi’kmaq men living in Elsipogtog First Nation and to
decrease the health disparities among Mi’kmaq men and other Canadian men.
Objectives: (a) To explore how Mi’kmaq men construct their masculinities across the
lifespan within Mi’kmaq culture; (b) To examine Mi’kmaq men’s perceptions of health
and health practices and how their practices of masculinity influence these practices; (c)
To explore how the experiences of illness and health influence Mi’kmaq men’s
perceptions of their masculinity and the configuration of its practices; (d) To contribute to
the scholarship of masculinities, health, culture, race, and inequity; (f) To build research
capacity among members of the community of Elsipogtog; and (e) To identify strategies
or programs that will support the health of Mi’kmaq men and their ability to care for their
own health.
Method: A community based participatory action research study based on an Indigenist
critical social theoretical approach was used to gather and analyze the data. A research
team of four Mi’kmaq people worked with me to analyze the data from an Indigenous
perspective. A community advisory committee advised the research team regarding
recruitment issues and the findings of the study. Thirty Mi’kmaq men and seven women
were interviewed.
Findings: The masculinities practices of Mi’kmaq men were: (a) respecting women, (b)
fathering their children, (c) providing for their families, (d) caring for the environment,
(e) respecting self and others, and (f) respecting sexually diverse family friends and self.
During their lifetimes, many participants dealt with multiple losses, addiction, racism,
sexual abuse, suicide attempts, and poverty. Their masculinity practices, culture, and
spiritual health practices served as resiliency factors that contributed to their health status
and practices
Conclusions: The masculinity practices of Mi’kmaq men were strengths in their health.


title: UN NOUVEAU PARI DES LUMIÈRES: LE LIEU COMMUN DE LA CONVERSION RELIGIEUSE DU MORIBOND DANS LE DISCOURS FICTIONNEL AU DIX-HUITIÈME  SIÈCLE

contributor:
Department of French
Master of Arts
Raymond Mopoho
Driss Aïssaoui, Christopher Elson
Vincent Masse
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Conversion, religion, dix-huitième siècle, mort

abstract: Cette étude est fondée sur deux propositions a priori inconciliables : d’un côté le siècle des Lumières; le triomphe de la raison et l’affranchissement de l’homme qui accède en masse à l’avènement de la libre-pensée. Et de l’autre, une scène récurrente dans la littérature de l’époque – un véritable lieu commun –, où un philosophe se convertit à la religion juste avant de mourir. Ce paradoxe s’impose d’emblée comme la marque d’un échec du projet des Lumières. Toutefois, l’analyse de la conversion religieuse sur le lit de mort dans la littérature française du dix-huitième siècle, qui oppose un personnage hétérodoxe (mauvais chrétien, parfois athée) à un personnage orthodoxe (souvent une figure religieuse), révèle un rapport plus complexe entre l’apologétique chrétienne et la littérature attribuables aux philosophes, et démontre la fonction singulière du médium littéraire dans l’exploration de nouveaux paradigmes spirituels au seuil de la modernité.

abstract: This essay is founded on two seemingly irreconciliable propositions. On one hand, the Enlightment; the triumph of Reason and man’s increasingly wide access to the spirit of free-thinkin. And on the other hand, a recurring scene in the literature from the time – a true commonplace occurrence –, where a philosopher converts himself to religion before he dies. This paradox obviously appears to be a sign of failure of the Enlightement’s project. However, the investigation of religious deathbed conversion in Eighteen century French literature, which opposes a heterodox character (a heretic, sometimes atheist) to an orthodox character (often a religious figure), reveals a more complex relation between Christian Apologetic and the Philosopher’s literary production, and it demonstrates the singular function of literature in the exploration of new spiritual paradigms at the threshold of Modernity.


title: Spatial Optimisation for River Restoration Planning in Nova Scotia, Canada

contributor: School of Resource & Environmental Studies

subject:
river restoration
optimisation
cumulative effects
fish passage
geographic information systems
river barriers

abstract: Master's Thesis

abstract: River restoration is believed to have the greatest chance of success when action is considered in the broader context of the riverscape. However, methods are lacking to fully integrate systemic connectivity into decision-making. Optimisation, a method of prioritisation, is capable of accounting for longitudinal connectivity, spatial interdependence, and cumulative effects of anthropogenic barriers such as dams and culverts. In addition, optimisation can help ensure that limited restoration funds are efficiently allocated. Despite these advantages, it remains under-employed. I present optimisation models for maximising connectivity within a river network (i.e., undirected connectivity) and connectivity between the network and its outflow (i.e., directed connectivity) and demonstrate their application on three river networks in Nova Scotia, Canada. Non-additive cumulative effects of barriers and key budget thresholds that yielded better returns on investment were observed. The methods and models address current challenges in implementation of the optimisation approach to systematic river restoration planning.


title: USING A TRANSGENIC ZEBRAFISH MODEL TO IDENTIFY DOWNSTREAM THERAPEUTIC TARGETS IN HIGH-RISK, NUP98-HOXA9-INDUCED MYELOID DISEASE

contributor:
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Master of Science
Dr. Wenda Greer
Dr. Brent Johnston
Dr Jason Berman
Dr. Brent Johnston
Dr. Rob Liwski
Dr. Jason Berman
Received
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
acute myeloid leukemia
Decitabine
dnmt1
epigenetics
Valproic Acid
Wnt/Beta-Catenin

abstract:
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetic disease whereby sequential genetic
aberrations alter essential white blood cell development leading to differentiation arrest
and hyperproliferation. Pertinent animal models serve as essential intermediaries between
in vitro molecular studies and the use of new agents in clinical trials. We previously
generated a transgenic zebrafish model expressing human NUP98-HOXA9 (NHA9), a
fusion oncogene found in high-risk AML. This expression yields a pre-leukemic state in
both embryos and adults. Using this model, we have identified the overexpression of
dnmt1 and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as downstream contributors to the
myeloproliferative phenotype. Targeted dnmt1 morpholino knockdown and
pharmacological inhibition with methyltransferase inhibitors rescues NHA9 embryos.
Similarly, inhibition of β-catenin with COX inhibitors partially restores normal
hematopoiesis. Interestingly, concurrent treatment with a histone deacetylase inhibitor
and either a methyltransferase inhibitor or a COX inhibitor, synergistically inhibits the
effects of NHA9 on embryonic hematopoiesis. Thus, we have identified potential
pharmacological targets in NHA9-induced myeloid disease that may offer a highly
efficient therapy with limited toxicity – addressing a major long-term goal of AML
research.


title: Exploring the Dissociations between Overt and Covert Mechanisms of Spatial Attention and Inhibition of Return

subject:
Attention
Orienting
Inhibition of Return
Oculomotor Readiness Hypothesis

abstract: Prompted by oculomotor theories of attention, the present experiments explore the role of saccade activation in the generation of two cueing effects: exogenous capture (Experiment 1) and inhibition of return (IOR; Experiment 2). Exogenous capture is shortlived and marked by faster responding toward recently stimulated locations, whereas the longer-lasting IOR manifests as slower responding toward those locations. Within each experiment, Group A performed in a dual-task in which on most trials a peripheral target had to be identified but infrequently a central arrow probe called for an eye movement instead, while for Group B the tasks were the same except saccade trials were frequent and target identification trials were infrequent. In Experiment 1, for group A uninformative cues captured attention as measured by faster digit identification at the cued location, an effect not accompanied by saccade activation. For group B, cues generated saccade activation without capturing attention. Thus saccade activation need not accompany exogenous covert capture, and covert capture need not accompany saccade activation. In Experiment 2, group A exhibited IOR which slowed digit identification, but did not affect saccadic responding, while Group B exhibited no IOR in either digit identification or eye movement trials. This finding provides converging evidence that IOR can be dichotomized into two forms; one which delays motor production itself (Evidenced amply elsewhere, e.g., Taylor & Klein, 2000) and another which delays responding by applying inhibition at a perceptual-motor interface which can operate in independence from its motoric cousin.


title: Canadian University Presidents on Sustainability: Definitions, Roles and Ways Forward

subject: Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Sustainability in Higher Education, Higher Education, Canada, President, University

abstract:
Increasingly, universities are being tasked with leading the way to a sustainable future. Yet little is known about how Canadian university presidents conceptualize sustainable development and the role of the university in this endeavor. With studies demonstrating that it is important for university stakeholders to share common understandings of sustainability, and that administrators are especially instrumental in the pursuit of a sustainable university, these stakeholders’ perspectives and values around the concept of sustainability in higher education are significant.
This study, which included in-depth interviews with 26 Canadian university presidents, revealed that presidents have substantially high levels of eco-literacy surrounding the concept of sustainable development and understand sustainability in higher education in measures relevant to their jurisdiction. Barriers were primarily financial, although cost-savings through energy reduction was also noted as a benefit, along with it being “the right thing to do” and worthwhile because of its perceived significance to students. The piece ends with recommendations for practitioners of sustainability, policy makers, researchers and university administrators.


title: "Every kid from Brazil is not a soccer star": Exploring race as a factor for service provision for immigrants in Truro, Nova Scotia

subject:
systemic racism
white privilege
immigration
service provision
Canada
Nova Scotia

abstract: This study reviews the literature on systemic racism in Canada, how it is perpetuated through white privilege and how it influences national immigration policy. Using a qualitative exploratory approach, this study then examines how larger forces of institutionalised racism might influence immigration and services on offer in the small, rural community of Truro, Nova Scotia. Service providers' perspectives on race as a factor for service provision for immigrants in Truro were gathered through a one-on-one interview process. Identified as a successful community, in terms of attraction and retention rates, this study looks at what is unique to Truro's approach to welcoming and supporting that might allow it to deviate from norms born of systemic racism. This study posits that 'social' issues such as systemic racism are inherently linked with sustainability and must be addressed in combination with 'environmental' issues.


title: Integrative laterality mapping with MEG and fMRI for presurgical evaluation in epilepsy

subject:
epilepsy
presurgical mapping
magnetoencephalography
functional magnetic resonance imaging
non-invasive neuroimaging
multimodal neuroimaging
language
laterality

abstract: In cases of temporal lobe epilepsy, seizures are often controlled by anterior temporal lobe resection. However, an assessment of the impact of surgery on language is required. Currently-used assessments are either non-specific within regions or use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which can suffer signal distortion in the temporal lobes due to the presence of airways. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) shows a complimentary sensitivity, but has not been used for laterality assessment. We present a method that combines fMRI with MEG for optimized sensitivity. MEG activation maps were generated using a beamformer, showing activity in the anterior temporal lobes and lateral occipital cortex. fMRI showed activation in medial temporal lobe regions, the frontal poles and the hippocampus, an area of clinical concern during surgical planning. The present study introduces a method for integrating MEG and fMRI activation to create high-resolution laterality maps in regions of concern for epilepsy.


title: The Determinants of Health Care Costs in Older Adults Undergoing Non-Elective Abdominal Surgery

subject:
Health Economics
General Surgery
Geriatrics
Health Resource Utilization
Costing

abstract:
Health care spending in Canada has been increasing faster than the rate of gross domestic product (GDP).  A disproportionate amount of the health care spending is allocated to care of older adults.  Non-elective abdominal surgery is an expensive area of care for older adults.  Despite this, the factors associated with cost in this patient population remain unclear.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of this study was to estimate the association between perioperative factors (age, American Society of Anesthetists (ASA) classification, operative severity (OS), frailty index (FI), complication severity) and health care costs among older adults undergoing non-elective abdominal surgery.  The secondary objectives were: 1. to provide a comprehensive description of costs based on patient-level resource utilization; and 2. to examine the relationship between hospital costs and adverse events (non-fatal complication severity, mortality, and change in living arrangement).
METHODS
	This study was an observational prospective cohort study.  Over a 15 month period all patients 70 years or older who underwent non-elective abdominal surgery at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Nova Scotia, were enrolled. Data were collected on patient demographics, investigations, treatments, and outcomes. Direct hospital health care costs (2012 $CAD) were calculated by tabulating patient-level resource use and assigning specific costs.  The association between five perioperative factors and costs were analyzed using univariate non-parametric tests and multiple linear regression.  The associations between adverse events and costs were assessed using univariate non-parametric tests and multiple linear regression.
RESULTS
	During the study period, 212 patients who underwent abdominal surgery (median age 78 years (range 70-97)) were enrolled. The median costs of care were $9,166 (range $1,993-$104,403).  The largest proportions of spending were non-procedural costs (65% [$2,176,875]) and intensive care costs (16% [$554,523]).  The perioperative factors ASA classification (p=0.0010), OS (p<0.0001), FI (p=0.0002) and complication severity (p<0.0001) were all independently associated with health care costs, while age was not (p=0.5330).  The following adverse events were independently associated with health care costs: non-fatal complication severity (p<0.0001), change in living arrangement (p=0.0002), and mortality (p=0.0337).  Non-fatal complications had the strongest association with hospital costs (standardized β coefficient = 0.3931).
CONCLUSION
Four perioperative factors (ASA, OS, FI and complication severity) are associated with costs; therefore, representing a potential cost prediction model for this patient group.  This study is important for health care administrators, identifying targets for cost reduction. Cost reduction strategies and research should concentrate on mitigating or preventing complications and high cost areas, such as non-procedural costs and intensive care, in order to achieve cost savings.


title: SMALL-ANGLE X-RAY SCATTERING STUDIES OF NANOSTRUCTURED RESPIRATOR AND BATTERY MATERIALS

contributor: Department of Physics & Atmospheric Science

subject: SAXS SnCoC IACs

abstract:
This work represents a small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) investigation into the structure of two rather different materials: chemically impregnated activated carbons (IACs) and the nanostructured alloy of tin-cobalt-carbon.
Five impregnant species, namely sodium benzoate, potassium biphthalate, zinc chloride, potassium carbonate, and silver nitrate, were impregnated into activated carbon using the incipient wetness or imbibing method to various loadings and examined. Using a modified version of the Kalliat model and a suitable interpretation, two different impregnant behaviours arose: one marked by good chemical dispersion over all classes of carbon pores, the other characterized by a formation of large grains but little deposition in micropores or formation of small grains.
A special apparatus was constructed to collect SAXS data of Li-ion coin cells with beryllium windows using a nanostructured SnCoC electrode. When one such cell was charged and discharged, the entry and exit of lithium atoms into the SnCoC material caused structural deformations, which were visible in SAXS data through the use of the modified Kalliat model. The size of the SnCo grains changed as lithium was inserted and removed from the SnCoC electrode. However, when the cell voltage was less than 0.2 V the SnCo grain size was constant, suggesting lithium insertion and removal below 0.2 V was occurring in the carbon matrix.


title: Spatial distribution, spawning stock biomass and the development of spatial reference points

contributor:
Department of Biology
Master of Science
Dr. Lorenzo Cianelli
Dr. Hal Whitehead
Dr. Sandra Walde
Dr. Nancy Shackell
Dr. Jeffrey Hutchings
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
spawning stock biomass
fisheries
reference point
spatial distribution
density-dependent habitat selection
maximum sustainable yield
Scotian Shelf
Spatial indicator
high density areas
fish

abstract: The relationship between spawning stock biomass (SSB) and 3 spatial distribution metrics (SDMs), measuring range, concentration, and density, using fisheries independent survey data for 10 demersal Northwest Atlantic fish populations (9 species), show metrics of density offer the best correlate of SSB. The concave, positive relationship between high density area (HDA) and SSB indicates that a decline in HDAs beyond a spatial threshold is associated with disproportionately large SSB declines in 6 populations. HDAs might indicate highly productive areas and/or positive fitness consequences, enhancing the ability of individuals to successfully spawn, locate prey, and evade predators. HDAs can help to assess the status of a population’s spatial structure and serve as a spatial reference point. By comparing spatial reference point locations relative to existing biomass reference points (based on MSY), scenarios are described wherein spatial reference points contribute to biomass reference points and to a precautionary approach to fisheries management.


title: LEARNING FROM NATURE: AN ECO-INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVED FOOD AND ENERGY SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN THE PROVINCE OF SANTIAGO DE CUBA

subject: Cuba, eco-industrial development, industrial symbiosis

abstract: Recently, one of the more significant measures on the part of the Cuban government to enhance resiliency of the existing economy was the announcement of a series of economic and social policy proposals referred to as lineamientos. These emphasize the importance of achieving long-term solutions for sustainable development, including, among other things, a need to improve food and energy self-sufficiency for the country. This research explores the possibility that an eco-industrial development approach could support these goals with a focus in the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors. Two concepts were applied to this intended new paradigm; namely integrated food and energy systems (IFES) and industrial symbiosis (IS). Three municipalities of the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba provided the regional basis for the research and were explored using an asset mapping approach to identify key facilities, material inputs, outputs and flows, infrastructure, and skills sets. Consultations with various stakeholder groups were conducted to gain insight in the current relationships and existing operational conditions that could inform the types of barriers and opportunities related to undertaking exchange and collaborative activities. The findings show that residues and by-products flows from various agricultural and agro-industrial operations can provide the basis for symbiotic networks that enable the generation of energy and added -value products of use to the region. The symbiotic linkages among agricultural and agro-industrial actors can give rise to an integrated food and energy production network (IFEPN) in the region where existing agricultural cooperatives, along with other emerging forms of social enterprise can support the development of this network. Considered a vital approach to solve problems in Cuba, collaboration is their most valuable asset for the successful development of the network.


title: 180: Developing Countries' About-Face in the Uruguay Round

contributor:
Department of Political Science
Doctor of Philosophy
Dr. Jennifer Clapp
Dr. Katherine Fierlbeck
Dr. Peter Arthur and Dr. Gilbert Winham
Dr. David Black
Received
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: International Trade, Developing Countries, Uruguay Round, Trade Negotiations, General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), Seminal Events, Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI), Liberal Trade Theory, Economic Reforms, Dependency Theory, External Forces, Constructivism, Epistemic Communities, Single Undertaking, Inequitable Grand Bargain, Demonstration Effect

abstract:
International trade ties the world together and is hypothetically fair and equal.  In reality, it is highly asymmetrical and poses a significant challenge for developing countries.  A massive sea change occurred in the international trade regime during the Uruguay Round of negotiations of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) from 1986 to 1994.  Developing countries as a whole began to embrace liberal trade policies which seemed to be the only alternative to failing import substitution industrialization (ISI).  An historical comparative account describing and explaining this transformation of developing countries’ attitudes toward the GATT is used in this dissertation to provide an alternative explanation for the transition of developing countries from having little interest in the Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations to sharply changing course and adopting neo-liberal policies which supported the conclusion of the Round. Three theoretical approaches seek to explain why this change occurred, including: liberal trade theory (economic reforms), dependency theory (external forces) and constructivism (the role epistemic communities).

The Uruguay Round negotiations were dynamic and heavily influenced by two power-house developing economies, India and Brazil, who were initially opposed to the Round itself.  Kenya found itself in a starkly different situation with minimal ability to participate or influence negotiations.  These three countries constitute the study’s illustrative case studies.  As negotiations progressed, India and Brazil changed course and agreed to the Round’s ‘single-undertaking’ and the ‘inequitable Grand Bargain’ between the developed and developing economies.  This subsequently led to other developing countries following suit through a powerful demonstration effect in a trade-off between the inclusion of trade in services and intellectual property for reforms in agriculture and textiles & clothing.  While economic reforms began to occur and attitudes began to change during the Uruguay Round itself, assessing developing countries during the Round found that no single theoretical approach can explain developing countries’ transformation; rather each had their own trajectory for their economic reforms.  A multi-dimensional conclusion provides the most comprehensive account of this transformation of the global trade regime.


title: Speculation and Return Volatility: Evidence from the WTI Crude Oil Market

contributor:
Department of Economics
Master of Arts
Peter Burton
Professor Yonggan Zhao
Professor Dozie Okoye
Professor Kuan Xu
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

abstract: Based on the data of the Commitments of Traders reports from 2000 to 2013, this paper investigates the impact of speculative futures trading on the return volatility of WTI crude oil. The threshold GARCH specification associated with proxies and dummy variables is employed to measure the crude oil return volatility. The Granger-causality tests and impulse response analysis are used to estimate the influence of speculative futures trading on the spot return volatility of crude oil through Vector of Autoregression technique. The results from the TGARCH model indicate that the onset of futures trading reduces the conditional volatility of oil returns by 30.6%. The results further indicate that there is a lead-lag relationship between speculators’ positions change and the oil return volatility, but the Granger-causality does not exist for the opposite direction. The results also suggest that a sudden change in speculators’ positions does not contribute a large shock on forecasting the future changes in oil spot return in an economic sense, followed by impulse response analysis.


title: Vilma Espín: Her Role in The Federation of Cuban Women and the Evolution of Women’s Roles in Revolutionary Cuba, 1960-1975

contributor: John Kirk, Denis Kozlov, Justin Roberts and Colin Mitchell

subject: Cuba Women Vilma Espin Federation of Cuban Women Revolution

abstract: In 1960, Fidel Castro’s newly founded revolutionary government created the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) in an attempt to bring women into the revolutionary process. Vilma Espín, herself a former revolutionary, was asked to lead the FMC in the changes that it brought to women living all over Cuba. This thesis will examine the personal influence that Espín had on the FMC, analyzing her significance in the running of the mass organization, and assessing how during these early years of the revolution women’s roles evolved under the guidance of the FMC.


title: The role of regulatory T and B cells in host responses to Chlamydia genital tract infection

contributor:
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Doctor of Philosophy
Dr. Megan Levings
Dr. Brent Johnston
Dr. Andrew Stadnyk
Dr. Robert Fraser
Dr. Thomas Issekutz
Dr. Jun Wang
Dr. Scott Halperin
Received
Yes
Yes

subject:
Chlamydia
Immunology
Infectious diseases

abstract: The existence of regulatory T and B cells as important cellular entities in immune responses to infection has been established. The focus of this study was to dissect the role of regulatory T and B cells in regulating the pathogenesis of Chlamydia infection, a common cause of immunopathological disease sequelae. The functional role of CD4+Foxp3+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in host responses to Chlamydia was investigated in an in vitro co-culturing system and a murine model of Chlamydia genital tract (GT) infection. Remarkably, Chlamydia infection subverted the immune suppressive role of CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs; instead of hampering immune responses, Tregs promoted pathological T helper (Th17) responses to Chlamydia in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody treatment depleted Tregs prior to Chlamydia GT infection and markedly reduced the frequency and the total number of Th17 but not T helper 1 (Th1) cells at both immune induction and memory phases. Importantly, Treg-depleted mice displayed significantly attenuated neutrophilic inflammation and reduced severity of oviduct pathology. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that the level of endogenous host Tregs has a major impact on the development Chlamydia-associated diseases. In addition to Tregs, we investigated the role of B cells as a source of counter-regulatory IL-10, an immunosuppressive anti-Th1 cytokine, in host responses to Chlamydia.  B cells were major IL-10 producers in response to Chlamydia in vitro. In particular, an IL-10+ CD43- B cell subset strongly suppressed CD4+ T cell proliferation and IFN- production in vitro. Notably, dendritic cells were required for the generation of CD43- IL-10+ B cells in response to Chlamydia in vitro. Importantly CD43-IL-10+ B cells were potently expanded in the local draining lymph node by day 5 following Chlamydia GT infection and selective deficiency of IL-10 in B cells markedly enhanced Th1 responses and decreased bacterial burden, reducing the severity of oviduct pathology. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating a regulatory role for IL-10+ B cells in Chlamydia infection. Collectively, these results demonstrate that regulatory T and B cells have critical and distinct roles in modulating protective and pathological immune responses to Chlamydia.


title: Partial social cost benefit analysis of Three Gorges Dam: impact assessment update and a greenhouse gas externality component study

contributor:
Department of Economics
Master of Arts
Peter Burton
Catherine Boulatoff
Teresa Cyrus
Ruth Forsdyke
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
GHG
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Three Gorges Dam

abstract: This study reviews the literature and updates qualitative and quantitative impacts based on new research and applies a partial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cost benefit analysis to the Three Gorges Dam Project (TGDP) in China. The results of CBA suggested a 22.305 billion dollars net present value (using Nordhaus’s 2007 optimal carbon price trajectory with assumed average social discount rate (SDR) of 4% assumptions) and a 440.324 billion dollars net present value (based on Nordhaus’s Model using Stern’s assumption with 1% SDR). This sensitivity analysis indicates that social discount rates highly affect the final results. This study extends the GHG emissions impact component by updating carbon prices and calculation methods, thereby updating the GHG component of Morimoto and Hope’s 2004 study. Although the CBA is limited to the GHG component, a review of recent literature and preliminary impact analysis provides the groundwork for a more comprehensive analysis for future study.


title: A Novel Drug Delivery System: Adenosine-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles

contributor: Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science

subject: Drug delivery system, chitosan, nanoparticles

abstract:
Adenosine is currently limited in its application as a treatment for various cancers since intravenous infusion has not been successful due to enzymatic degradation. Entrapment/association of adenosine into chitosan nanoparticles offers a possible solution to this problem.  Chitosan nanoparticles which are formed by ionotropic gelation.

The size, zeta potential, morphology, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release were investigated. In the swollen state, nanoparticle had an average size between 425 to 515 nm and a positive zeta potential, as measured by dynamic light scattering.  Particle size measured by transition electron microscopy varied between 135 to 183 nm.  Average entrapment efficiency in the range of 72 to 78% was achieved depending on initial adenosine loading and an average association efficiency of 84%.  Release studies show that more than 98% of the adenosine remained entrapped/associated with the chitosan nanoparticles for at least 120 hours in PBS (pH 7.4).


title: Évaluation de la production de quatre systèmes traduction automatique

contributor:
Department of French
Master of Arts
Raymond Mopoho
Jasmina Milićević
Christopher Elson
Raymond Mopoho
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Machine translation
Google
Bing
Promt
Babylon

abstract: This thesis aims to contribute to the improvement of online machine translation software. We identify errors in the process of translation between English and French and make recommendations. The systems evaluated are Promt, Babylon, Google Translate and Bing and the reference corpus is taken from BankGloss. Promt made the most errors, followed by Babylon, Bing and Google. The systems together produced a total of 147 grammatical errors, 74 semantic errors, 17 lexical errors, and 6 stylistic errors. To improve Promt, we suggest expanding its dictionary. For Babylon, we advise adding more grammar rules. In order to reduce the number of semantic errors in Bing and Google, the software should learn to identify words according to context. Machine translation is not an end in itself, but a good aid in accomplishing translation tasks.


title: Observation of the fundamental exciton in low-temperature grown GaAs using four-wave mixing spectroscopy

subject: Nonlinear spectroscopy, LT-GaAs, defects, four-wave mixing

abstract:
The nonlinear optical response of low-temperature (LT) grown GaAs were studied
using four-wave mixing techniques. Through measurements of the four-wave mixing
response as a function of pulse delay and photon energy, a strong optical response
was identi ed associated with the fundamental band gap exciton. These experiments
therefore demonstrated the importance of the exciton in understanding the ultrafast
nonlinear optical response of LT-GaAs despite the absence of any evidence of the
exciton in past linear absorption studies in this material. Measurement of the fourwave
mixing response as a function of pulse delay and the polarization states of the
two excitation pulses shows that the dominant contribution to the exciton signal is
tied to excitation-induced dephasing. Four-wave mixing experiments in which the
sample is exposed to an additional laser pulse indicate that the exciton signal may be
strongly diminished due to a combination of screening and a reduction in the total
dephasing time. The short temporal duration of the above e ect provides evidence
of an ultrashort (< 100 fs) electron trapping time in this system tied to arsenic
related defects introduced during low-temperature growth. These  ndings are of
importance to the understanding of the optical properties of LT-GaAs and will aid
in the development of optoelectronic devices using this material system.


title: Microbial Source Tracking in Two Nova Scotia Watersheds

contributor: Dr. Lisbeth Truelstrup-Hansen and Dr. Rob Jamieson

abstract: Halifax Water (HW) manages two source water systems, Lake Fletcher and the Musquodoboit River, where elevated levels (>200 CFU/100 mL) of Escherichia coli are common. Host-associated Bacteroidales order 16S rRNA gene-based microbial source tracking markers and human and cow mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers were used to determine sources of fecal contamination in both watersheds. Human Bacteroidales markers were found at all sites except for the upper woodland site in the Lake Fletcher watershed. Higher rates of Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter jejuni and E. coli O157:H7 were detected in the Middle Musquodoboit (MM) watershed. Serogrouping of presumptive L. monocytogenes isolates showed the IIa (1/2a, 3a serovars) and IIb (1/2b, 3b serovars) serogroups were prevalent in both watersheds. Detection of E. coli weakly predicted Campylobacter and Salmonella occurrence in both watersheds (OR >1, p-value <0.001). Results suggest failing onsite wastewater systems are the leading cause of fecal pollution in both watersheds.


title: Venezuela's Medical Revolution: Can the Cuban Medical Model be Applied in Other Countries?

contributor: Department of International Development Studies

subject:
international development
human development
health care as a human right
Venezuela
Cuba
South-South cooperation
Mission Barrio Adentro
Mission Sucre
Latin American social medicine
Hugo Chávez
medical internationalism
structural violence
health care as a human right
medical education
preventive and proactive care
medical accessibility
community-oriented primary care
rural-urban health disparity
health in all policies
political will
transnationalization of policy learning
capacitation
soft policy tools
polarization
non-traditional medical backgrounds
marginalized populations
poverty
conciencia
bio-psycho-social spheres of health

abstract: This thesis analyzes the Cuban medical adaptation in Venezuela called Misión Barrio Adentro (MBA) and seeks to answer the question of whether MBA shows promise as a health system that improves medical accessibility for impoverished and marginalized populations. In many cases MBA succeeds by: utilizing a free universal health care system; locating health centres in previously underserved areas; providing medical education scholarships to populations from non-traditional backgrounds; creating a catchment system based on medical accessibility; scaling up the medical workforce to 60,000 community doctors by 2019; and broadening the very praxis of what health means in a Latin American social medicine approach. However, some challenges remain including issues of corruption, fragmentation, and polarization. Issues regarding internal and external migration of Misión Sucre-trained physicians remain to be comprehensively evaluated. However, the capacitation of non-traditional medical personnel, imbued with conciencia, is significant and could well become an important example for other countries.


title: UTILIZATION OF RECYCLED PLASTICS AS BINDER MODIFIERS FOR USE IN HOT-MIX ASPHALT PAVEMENT

contributor:
Department of Civil Engineering
Master of Applied Science
Dr. Lei Liu
Dr. Christopher Barnes
Dr. George Jarjoura
Dr. Nouman Ali
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
asphalt binder modification
recycled plastics in asphalt binder
binder modification
recycled plastics in HMA
recycled plastics in pavements

abstract:
Atlantic Canadian highways are vulnerable to impacts of climate change, including more frequent cycles of both wetting and drying, and freezing and thawing. These climate impacts coupled with continued increases in truck traffic can cause more severe and premature permanent deformation at high service temperature, fatigue and thermal cracking at low service temperatures, surface wear resistance, and ageing of the pavement. Such negative impacts can be mitigated with changes to the binder. However, replacing a local binder with a different imported binder can increase construction costs and cause supply problems. Alternatively, modifying agents can be used to adjust binder properties as required, but can also cause an increase in construction costs mainly due to their high cost and the need for highly specialized production techniques. The objective of this research project was to investigate the feasibility of utilizing underutilized household and packaging recycled plastics, that are generated in Atlantic Canada, as more cost effective alternatives or as co-modifiers to displace the amount of virgin modifiers used in hot mix asphalt application.
The research study entailed analyzing physical characteristics of an array of modified binders and hot mix asphalt mixtures containing recycled low-density polyethylene, recycled polystyrene and the typical engineered virgin modifier (styrene-butadiene-styrene). The analysis included tests used commonly in pavement engineering to evaluate binders and asphalt mixtures. Results of this study suggests that these recycled plastics can be successfully utilized in asphalt binder as modifiers to enhance the functional properties of the mixture and reduce construction costs, thus creating an engineered value-added application of these underutilized resources as opposed to a disposal mechanism.


title: A DYNAMIC SELECT SECTOR SPDRS ETFS PORTFOLIO OPTIMIZATION MODEL WITH REGIME-SWITCHING ECONOMIC INDICATORS

contributor:
Department of Economics
Master of Arts
Peter Burton
Leonard C. MacLean
Kuan Xu
Yonggan Zhao
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: REGIME SWITCHING

abstract: This thesis studies a dynamic Select Sector SPDRs ETFs portfolio optimization problem. The objective of the optimization model is to maximize the risk-adjusted expected return of a portfolio similar to a logarithmic utility maximization. The conditional value-at-risk measure is chosen to be an additional risk exposure constraint. The vector auto-regression (1) regime-switching economic factor model estimated with the expectation-maximization algorithm is employed to identify different market regimes over time. The expected ETFs returns and their variance-covariance matrix used in the objective function of the optimization model are generated by a regime-switching asset pricing model. Both regime-switching models have proven to be superior to respective single-regime models due to their greater predictive ability. The optimized portfolio performance evaluated by Sharpe ratio, Treynor ratio and Jensen’s alpha are all statistically significant compared to those of the equally weighted ETFs portfolio and S&P 500 stock index. This illustrates that incorporating the regime-switching technique, the portfolio optimization model is effective and successful under both bull and bear market conditions.


title: THE IMPACT OF OVEREDUCATION ON THE LIKELIHOOD OF CANADIAN GRADUATES TAKING CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR JOB OR CAREER PURPOSES

contributor: Yulia Kotlyarova, Mevlude Akbulut-Yuksel

subject: continuing education, overeducation, human capital theory, life-cycle study

abstract: The main purpose of this paper is to explore how the probability of taking continuing education programs towards no degree for job or career purposes after graduation will be affected by overeducation, which can be defined as having actual education levels that exceed requirements for the job. Using the data from the National Graduates Survey – Class of 2005-Public User Microdata File (PUMF) (Statistics Canada 2007), a probit model was estimated to test the hypothesis that graduates who are already overeducated would take fewer continuing education programs for job or career purposes. Possible reasons for the negative relationship between overeducation and the likelihood of taking continuing education programs after graduation were examined based on human capital theory.


title: Do Lower Extremity Biomechanics During Gait Predict Progression To Total Knee Arthroplasty?

contributor:
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy
Dr. Ron Zernicke
Dr. Sarah Wells
Dr. William Stanish
Dr. Michael Dunbar
Dr. Scott Landry
Dr. Cheryl Hubley-Kozey
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
knee osteoarthritis
biomechanics
gait
total knee arthroplasty

abstract:
Introduction: Gait biomechanics are associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA) structural progression, but no studies have included: i) all three lower extremity joints, ii) non-frontal plane factors, iii) temporal loading patterns, and iv) progression from structural and symptomatic perspectives. This dissertation addressed gaps in our understanding of lower limb biomechanics and their implication for determining whether we have identified and are targeting the most effective biomechanical variables in the development and evaluation of conservative interventions to slow knee OA structural and symptom progression (progression to TKA).
Methods: 54 patients with knee OA underwent baseline gait analysis. Three-dimensional hip, knee, and ankle angles and moments were calculated. Waveform characteristics were determined using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and knee adduction moment (KAM) peak and impulse were calculated. At follow-up 5-8 years later, 26 patients reported undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Unpaired Student’s t-tests detected differences in baseline demographic and gait characteristics between TKA and no-TKA groups. Receiver operating curve analysis determined discriminative abilities of these differences. Stepwise discrimination analysis determined which multivariate combination best classified the TKA group. Logistic regression analysis determined the predictive ability of the multivariate model.
Results: There were no baseline differences in clinical and spatiotemporal gait characteristics, but the TKA group showed significant gait biomechanical differences, including higher KAM magnitude (KAMPC1), less difference between early and mid-stance KAM (KAMPC2), higher KAM peak and impulse, reduced early stance knee flexion and late stance knee extension moments (KFMPC2), and reduced stance dorsiflexion moments (AFMPC4). The multivariate discriminant function with the highest classification rate (74.1%) combined KAMPC1, KFMPC2, and AFMPC4, with sensitivity of 84.6 and specificity of 71.4. A one-unit increase in the model score increased risk of progression to TKA six-fold.
Conclusion: Higher KAMPC1 scores suggest higher overall loading during gait. Lower KFMPC2 and AFMPC4 scores suggest inability to unload the knee and therefore sustained loading. Interventions reducing overall load and altering patterns of loading (i.e. increase unloading) may reduce risk of progression to TKA. Future research should determine how components of the discriminant model can be altered conservatively, and what impact alterations have on the risk of progression to TKA.


title: CD8+ T cells in the development of Allograft Vasculopathy and de novo allospecific memory formation

contributor:
Department of Pathology
Doctor of Philosophy
Dr. Reginald Gorczynski
Dr. Wenda Greer
Dr. Jennifer Merrimen
Dr. David Hoskin
Dr. Tim Lee, Dr. Greg Hirsch
Received
No
Yes

subject:
CD8+ T cell
Memory T cell
Allograft Vasculopathy
Immunosuppression

abstract:
Long-term survival of cardiac transplant recipients continues to be severely limited by the development of a pathological, chronic rejection process, termed allograft vasculopathy (AV). This remains to be the case despite dramatic improvements in the areas of surgical techniques, pre- and post-operative care, and immunosuppression.
To model the clinical setting we used calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) immunosuppression, the cornerstone of post-transplant immunosuppression, in a murine aortic interposition transplant model for our analysis of AV development. This model mimics the presentation of AV in human cardiac transplants through the development of a progressively occlusive neointimal lesion. Our previous work in this model has demonstrated that CD8+, but not CD4+, T cells play a role in neointimal lesion formation. Further investigation also highlighted a specific requirement for either CD8+ T cell-derived IFN-γ or direct cytotoxicity in the development of lesion formation. In the current study we confirmed that CD8+ T cell-derived IFN-γ also leads to the loss of medial smooth muscle cells, an event which inversely correlates with lesion formation. The Fas/FasL direct cytotoxic pathway was also significantly involved in neointimal lesion formation and medial remodeling. This work clarified the pathways utilized by CD8+ T cells in their role as mediators of AV development.
Recognizing the threat that CD8+ T cells pose to cardiac transplant recipients in the presence of CNI immunosuppression, and a growing concern with the presence of anti-donor memory T cells in transplant recipients, we next explored the development of memory CD8+ T cells in the presence of CNI immunosuppression. We first established that memory CD8+ T cells could not develop when CNI immunosuppression was initiated immediately post-challenge. Next, we hypothesized that the clinical practice of CNI delay post-transplant would permit the development of de novo memory CD8+ T cells. Immediate and early initiation was sufficient to prevent the development of de novo memory CD8+ T cells. However, later delay to within a clinically practiced timeframe did permit the development of de novo memory CD8+ T cells. Our analysis revealed that this population demonstrated equivalent functionality to de novo memory CD8+ T cells generated in the absence of CNI immunosuppression.


title: THE ROLE OF CASP IN NATURAL KILLER CELL IMMUNE FUNCTION

contributor:
Department of Biology
Master of Science
Dr Hal Whitehead
Dr. Sophia Stone
Dr. Jonathan Wright
Dr. Patrice Cote
Dr Bill Pohajdak
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Natural Killer Cell
Immunology
CASP

abstract: Natural Killer (NK) cells are highly mobile, specialized sub-populations of lymphocytic cells that survey their host to identify and eliminate infected or tumor cells. They are one of the key players in innate immunity and do not need prior activation through antigen recognition to deliver cytotoxic packages and release messenger chemicals to recruit immune cells. Cytohesin associated scaffolding protein (CASP) is a lymphocyte specific adaptor protein that forms complexes with vesicles and sorting proteins including SNX27 and Cytohesin-1. In this study I show that by using stably integrated shRNA, CASP has a direct role in the secretion of messenger cytokines including IFN-γ, and impedes NK cell motility and ability to kill tumor cells. I also show that CASP is post-translationally modified by ubiquitination and cleavage by granzyme B. CASP is an essential and multi-faceted protein, which has a very diverse role in NK cell specific immune functions.


title: GROUP 1 LATE EMBRYOGENESIS ABUNDANT (LEA) PROTEINS CONTRIBUTE TO STRESS TOLERANCE IN ARTEMIA FRANCISCANA

contributor:
Department of Biology
Master of Science
Dr. Hal Whitehead
Dr. Bill Pohadjak
Dr. Arunika Gunawardena
Dr. Thomas MacRae
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Anhydrobiosis
RNA interference (RNAi)
Artemia franciscana
Intrinsically unstructured proteins

abstract: The encysted embryos (cysts) of the crustacean Artemia franciscana have several molecular mechanisms to enable anhydrobiosis – life without water. This study examines the function of group 1 Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA) proteins, hydrophilic unstructured proteins which accumulate in the stress-tolerant cysts of A. franciscana. Group 1 LEA proteins were knocked down in cysts using RNA interference. Cysts without group 1 LEA proteins exhibited low survival following desiccation and/or freezing, suggesting a role for these proteins in tolerance of low water conditions. In contrast, cysts with or without group 1 LEA proteins responded similarly to hydrogen peroxide exposure , indicating little to no function in reducing damage due to oxidative stress. This is the first in vivo functional study of group 1 LEA proteins in an animal, and may have applied significance in aquaculture, where Artemia is an important feed source, and in the cryopreservation of cells for therapeutic applications.


title: The Bochner Integral and an Application to Singular Integrals

contributor: Department of Mathematics & Statistics - Math Division

subject:
Bocher Integral
Singular Integrals
Measure and Integration theory
Vector-valued analysis

abstract: In this expository thesis we describe the Bochner integral for functions taking values in a separable Banach space, and we describe how a number of standard definitions and results in real analysis can be extended for these functions, with an emphasis on Hilbert-space-valued functions. We then present a partial vector-valued version of a classical theorem on singular integrals.


title: THEODOR ADORNO'S THEORY OF LISTENER REGRESSION

contributor:
Department of Music
Master of Arts
Jerome Blais
Prof. Estelle Joubert
Jacqueline Warwick
Prof. Steven Baur
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Music
Adorno
Regression
Country music
fast food

abstract:
Theodor Adorno’s theory of listener regression describes the process by which music industry forces transform listeners from independent social creatures into passive, compliant consumers of musical product.  Listener regression is the basis of the broader theory of culture industry consumer regression which Adorno later developed, by which the culture industry creates and reinforces the passive compliance of consumers of all cultural products.  By further extension, it is my theory that listener regression is the key to understanding how the phenomenon of culture industry dominance over its consumers applies to the whole range of non-cultural as well as cultural consumer products.
	In the second chapter of this paper I discuss how listeners of music industry output are made to regress: through the standardization of musical form, the repetition which flows from standardization and the attention to musical detail which has no formal function.  I consider those childhood traits which constitute listener regression.  Freud’s theory of regression is discussed and distinguished.  It is important to filter out the negativity which infuses much of Adorno’s writing on listener regression.  That negativity arises arguably either from Adorno’s own acute musical perception which exceeds the average listener’s or from the era of growing totalitarianism in which he formed his views.  That negativity unnecessarily clouds the significance of the relationship between the music industry and average listeners, between the larger culture industry and its consumers, and between the exponentially larger consumer industry and all consumers generally.
	Country music as the epitome of the kind of “popular music” which Adorno argues results in the regression of its listeners is the topic of the third chapter.  I conclude that country music does meet Adorno’s criteria for listener regressive music.  I also conclude that within the confines Adorno finds so soul-depriving is amazingly creative music and musicality which responds to some of humankind’s most basic needs.
	In the last chapter, I discuss music as a fundamental component of human society which responds to some deep social need.  By showing us how one segment of the consumer industry has turned that need to its commercial benefit, Adorno’s theory can help show parallels with those profit-motivated forces within other segments of our consumer society, for instance with the manipulation of the basic need for sustenance by the fast-food industry.  The paper concludes with a number of observations about the manipulative nature of the powerful commercial pressure put on us as consumers, and offers a suggestion or two for dealing with that pressure.


title: Analogues of the Binomial Coefficient Theorems of Gauss and Jacobi

subject:
Number Theory
Binomial Coefficient

abstract: Two of the more well known congruences for binomial coefficients modulo p, due to Gauss and Jacobi, are related to the representation of an odd prime (or an integer multiple of the odd prime) p as a sum of two squares (or an integer linear combination of two squares). These two congruences, along with many others, have been extended to analogues modulo p^2 and are well documented. More recently, J. Cosgrave and K. Dilcher have extended the congruences of Gauss and Jacobi to analogues modulo p^3. In this thesis we discuss their methods as well as the potential of applying them to similar congruences found in the literature.


title: Investigating In-Situ Alloying During Blended Elemental (BE) and Master Alloy (MA) Sintering of Ti6Al4V

abstract: Despite an increasing body of research, there exists a lack of understanding about the alloying behaviour of PM titanium alloys.  Specifically, Ti6Al4V, which is the most common alloy, has not been investigated sufficiently to understand the behavior of alloying additions in the various forms that exist.  The objective of this research was to investigate the role of alloying additions via in-situ analysis with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).  Mixtures of Ti6Al4V were prepared using master alloy (MA) and blended elemental (BE) additions, and analyzed during sintering profiles where the specimens were heated to 1200°C and held for various amounts of time.  Of particular interest was the allotropic phase transformation that occurs during sintering, transforming from α-Ti to β-Ti on heating and then reversing on cooling.  The reverse transformation was analyzed in detail using DSC in hopes of understanding how the nature of the alloying additions and the sintering profile affected various characterisitics of this transformation.  Measurements of the onset, end, and peak temperature of the transformation were taken, along with the specific enthalpy and temperature span.  A full compositional and microstructural analysis was performed on these DSC specimens as well in order to corroborate the findings of the DSC.  Analysis of the binary BE mixtures of Ti6Al and Ti4V gave significant insight to the role of each alloying addition in the Ti matrix.  Aluminum was found to reach a homogeneous state within a 1hr, but significant porosity formed as a result of highly dissimilar diffusion rates between Ti and Al, creating titanium aluminides.  The binary Ti4V mixture required significantly more thermal exposure in order to reach homogeneity, but produced a denser product.  The ternary BE Ti6Al4V mixture exhibited many of the characterisitics of the two binary systems.  The measured enthalpy of transformation of the BE Ti6Al4V mixture was considerably lower than both MA mixtures, due to the porosity formed by the melting and spreading of the elemental Al additions.  Results from the DSC suggested that the use of coarse and fine MA additions led to relatively homogeneous specimens after more that 2hrs at 1200°C.  The smaller particle size of the fine MA led to faster homogenization than the coarse, however, in both cases the homogeneity of V in the matrix was the limiting factor.  Unlike the BE mixutres, the addition of Al in MA particle did not result in the formation of porosity because it was introduced as an intermetallic.  All DSC results were supported by both XRD and SEM/EDS analysis.  Overall, a more complete understanding of the alloying behavior of PM Ti6Al4V has been developed along with a methodology for the use of DSC to analyze the sintering behavior in-situ.


title: Patterns in Sex Ratios from Villeneuve-sur-Lot, 1610-1711

contributor: Dr. Cynthia Neville, Dr. Krista Kesselring

subject:
Sex Ratios
Infanticide
Early Modern France

abstract: This study analyzes sex ratios garnered from one hundred and one years of baptismal records from the south-western French town of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, between 1610 and 1711. It is the continuation of a larger project attempting to divine infanticide among married couples in early modern Western Europe. By comparing observed sex ratios (OSRs) in baptisms with the Universal Sex Ratio at Birth (USRB) established by Visaria (1967) it has been suggested a number of times that significant and patterned deviations represent sex-selective infanticide. In the case of Villeneuve, swift shifts between preponderances of girl children and boy children during crises suggest compensatory practice, purposefully engaged in to even out potentially imbalanced sex ratios among adults later. In this way it may be suggested that the preference for boys or girls in Villeneuve over time was balanced, based on circumstance, rather than some inherent perceived value of boys over girls.


title: Indentation and Wear Behavior of Superelastic TiNi Shape Memory Alloy

subject:
TiNi
Superelasticity
Dent resistance
Wear resistance
Sliding wear
Nanoindentation

abstract: TiNi shape memory alloy is characterized by shape memory and superelastic effects which occur due to reversible martensite transformation. It has been recently found that TiNi alloy has superior dent and wear resistance compared to other conventional materials. The stress-induced martensite transformation exhibited by this alloy contributes to its dent and wear resistance. Much work is required to establish the fundamental principals governing the superelastic behavior of TiNi under wear and indentation conditions. Understanding the superelastic behavior helps to employ superelastic TiNi in applications where high impact loading is expected as in gears and bearings. In this study the superelastic behavior of shape memory alloys under reciprocating sliding wear and indentation loading conditions was investigated. The deformation behavior of superelastic Ti-Ni alloys was studied and compared to AISI 304 stainless steel. Dominant wear and deformation mechanisms were identified.


title: IMPACT OF VARIABLE RATE SPLIT FERTILIZATION ON CROP PRODUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION IN WILD BLUEBERRY

contributor:
Faculty of Agriculture
Master of Science
Dr. Ali Madani
Dr. Dian Patterson
Dr. Arnold Schumann
Dr. Gordon Brewster
Dr. Richard Donald
Dr. Qamar Zaman
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Wild blueberry
field variability
leaching
variable rate technology
fertilization
environment
GIS
Volatilization
slope
nitrogen
lysimeter

abstract: The heavy rainfall, gentle to severe topography with high proportion of bare spots, and weed patches emphasize the need of variable rate split (VRS) fertilization in wild blueberry. Two commercial fields were selected in central Nova Scotia to evaluate the impact of VRS fertilization on ammonia volatilization, subsurface water quality, and crop productivity. Management zones were delineated based on slope variability, and different fertilizer rates were applied using global positioning system (GPS) guided prescription map. Ammonia huts were used to quantify the ammonia volatilization losses, while the lysimeters were installed in the fields to evaluate the impact of different fertilizer treatments on subsurface water quality. The VRS treatment significantly decreased the ammonia volatilization losses and nutrients leaching losses as compared to uniform treatment. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that VRS fertilization in wild blueberry fields could reduce environmental contamination and improve crop productivity.


title: PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF NEW AND ADVANCED NEURAL NETWORKS FOR SHORT TERM LOAD FORECASTING: CASE STUDIES FOR MARITIMES AND ONTARIO

contributor: Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering

subject:
Power Systems Optimization
Short Term Load Forecasting
Advanced Neural Networks

abstract:
Electric power systems are huge real time energy distribution networks where accurate short term load forecasting (STLF) plays an essential role. This thesis is an effort to comprehensively investigate new and advanced neural network (NN) architectures to perform STLF. Two hybrid and two 3-layered NN architectures are introduced. Each network is individually tested to generate weekday and weekend forecasts using data from three jurisdictions of Canada.
Overall findings suggest that 3-layered cascaded NN have outperformed almost all others for weekday forecasts. For weekend forecasts 3-layered feed forward NN produced most accurate results. Recurrent and hybrid networks performed well during peak hours but due to occurrence of constant high error spikes were not able to achieve high accuracy.


title: Architecture as Weaving: How Can Architecture Contribute to the Learning of Mi'kmaq Knowledge at Dalhousie University

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Andrea Kahn
Steve Parcell
Patricia Doyle-Bedwell
Sarah Bonnemaison
Richard Kroeker
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Architecture
Learning Space
First Nations Education
Mi'kmaq
University Buildings
Dalhousie Campus

abstract:
This architectural thesis proposes a Mi’kmaq Learning Centre on the Dalhousie University Campus in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
	Indigenous-led and Indigenous minded content in the post secondary environment creates space for cultural continuity and inter-cultural dialogue. First Nations faculties and support spaces are increasingly being established in post-secondary institutions across Canada. These buildings must negotiate the continental: North American First Nations culture, as well as the regional: in the case of this thesis, the Mi’kmaq culture.
	While the content and mode of First Nations and Mi’kmaq modes learning is hugely beneficial to all cultures, the architectural space for its application is often overlooked. This thesis project applies many methods of research and interpretation to interweave the ideas of Mi’kmaq land and First Nations learning, creating place for this pedagogy on Dalhousie University Campus.