title: A Critique of Critical Race Theory: a Textual Analysis of the ‘Mr. Gaijin’ Mask

contributor:
Levine-Rasky, Cynthia
Aziz, Sylvat
Cultural Studies

subject:
Critical Race Theory
Japan
Gaijin
Whiteness

abstract: Thesis (Master, Cultural Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-15 23:36:21.157

abstract: The thesis suggests the toy-like mask of a white man, ‘Hello, Mr. Gaijin,’ as a site of analysis where the culture of racisms is (re)produced in the specific context of contemporary Japan. Sold as a gig gift in Japan, the mask, consisting of two stickers for blue-eyes and a prominent plastic nose, embodies the popularized image of whiteness in Japan, and presents it as a source of fascination as well as ridicule and mockery. Approaching this mask as an analytical text, I ask: How is race manifested in the Japanese culture? C. W. Mills (1997) suggests that there exists a global system that privileges whites and normalizes their beneficial racial position. This trend is certainly omnipresent in contemporary Japan, where one observes the sense of superiority being affixed to the white body in the frequent use of white models in the media (Creighton, 1997). Yet, how is this theory of white supremacy significantly complicated by the particular representations of whiteness seen in the ‘Hello, Mr. Gaijin’ mask? Through mimicry, the power of whiteness is mocked and commodified into a sleazy toy mask. Critically engaging with these primary questions, the thesis situates the analysis of the ‘Hello, Mr. Gaijin’ mask within the particular history of racialization developed in Japan where the culture of whiteness holds its unique complexity and significance in the society. Drawing largely on the idea of ‘the culture of racisms’ that Goldberg (1993) suggests, the thesis argues that the seemingly contradictory sentiment towards whiteness embodied in the mask presents the key to the holistic understanding of Japan’s particular culture of racisms. Specifically, it analyzes three levels of transformation that the mask presents in embodying the particular culture of racisms: the discursive transformation of whites into gaijin; the temporal physical transformation of the user into Mr. Gaijin; the visual and material transformation of whites into the toy-mask.

abstract: M.A.


title: Comparison of stigmatizing experiences between Korean and Canadian patients with depression and bipolar disorders

contributor:
Milev, Roumen
Neuroscience Studies

rights: This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.

subject:
mood disorder
stigma

abstract: Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-17 12:23:14.762

abstract:
Stigma is one of the key barriers to mental health services and there has been growing efforts to develop anti-stigma programs. However, little research has been done on quantifying experiences of stigma and their psychosocial impacts in the perspectives of those that suffer from mental illnesses. It is essential to develop an instrument that quantifies the extent and impact of stigma. Therefore, we conducted a study to field-test The Inventory of Stigmatizing Experiences and measure the difference in perceived stigma and its psychosocial impacts on Korean and Canadian patients with Depression and Bipolar disorders.

A cross-sectional comparison study was conducted. Data collection took place at tertiary care hospitals located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada and Seoul, South Korea. In total, 214 Canadian and 51 Korean individuals with depression and bipolar disorder participated. Canadian participants reported significantly higher experience with stigma (p << 0.05) and its impact (p << 0.05) compared to Korean participants. Moreover, patients with bipolar disorder had significantly higher scores on both stigma experience and impact compared to patients with depression (p << 0.05). However, the diagnosis status was not a significant factor in the linear regression analyses, whereas nationality remained as a strong predictor of stigma. Age of symptom onset was also a strong predictor for both stigma experience and stigma impact. Marital status was also a significant factor for stigma impact. Both subscales of the inventory (the stigma experiences scale and the stigma impact scale) were highly reliable, with reliability coefficients of 0.81 and 0.93, respectively.

In conclusion, there seems to be higher level of stigma and impact in the Canadian population compared to the Korean population. In addition, bipolar disorder patients may experience more stigma and higher impact compared to patients with depression. These differences in stigma experience and its impact in different populations (by nationality and diagnosis) suggest the need to develop more tailored anti-stigma programs. The Inventory of Stigmatizing Experiences is a highly reliable instrument.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: An Investigation into the Sulphation Roasting of Enargite Concentrates

contributor:
Peacey, John
Pickles, Christopher
Mining Engineering

subject:
Roast Leach Electrowinning
Enargite
Enargite Concentrates
Arsenic
Arsenic Fixation
Sulphation Roasting

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mining Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-17 20:14:36.292

abstract:
Potential new ore deposits containing significant levels of enargite, a copper arsenic sulphide mineral, are being considered for development. The processing of high arsenic copper concentrates directly in copper smelters is difficult due to environmental concerns. This thesis investigates a process using sulphation roasting as an alternative method for processing enargite concentrates; copper is recovered from the calcine by acid leaching, gold is extracted from the leach residue by conventional cyanidation and arsenic is either fixed in the calcine or precipitated from process emissions. In this research, sulphation roasting between the temperatures of 300-800oC, with varying oxygen and sulphur dioxide partial pressures, was investigated.
Experiments indicated that high levels of copper extraction, as well as arsenic fixation, could be achieved from the produced calcines through hydrometallurgical processes. At operating temperatures between 400-550oC copper sulphate, copper arsenate, iron sulphate, hematite and iron arsenate form in the calcine, as well as some arsenic being volatilized as arsenic trioxide. At processing temperatures between 475-575oC, greater than 80% of the arsenic was retained in the calcine as copper and iron arsenates. Copper arsenate would be weak-acid soluble and fixed in an effluent treatment plant along with arsenic captured in the wet-gas scrubber bleed solution. As operating temperatures increase above 650oC copper sulphates were converted into oxysulphates, oxides and ferrites, hematite production was favoured, and arsenic was primarily volatilized. Increasing the sulphur dioxide addition in the reaction atmosphere resulted in additional sulphate formation and increased sulphate stability at higher temperatures.
Sulphation roaster heat balances were developed for calcines produced at two temperatures, 500 and 750oC. They indicated that while high copper extraction and arsenic fixation rates could be achieved, the sulphation roasting reactions are highly exothermic and significant cooling water would need to be added. Due to these issues, it is likely that partial roasting operations would be economically favourable in greenfield operations. However, niche applications of this process in operations with existing copper SX/EW facilities in good acid markets, have the potential to be economically favourable.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: An Automated Approach for the Determination of the Seismic Moment Tensor in Mining Environments

contributor: Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering

subject:
Seismology
Earthquakes
Seismic moment tensor

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-17 23:08:32.198

abstract:
A study was undertaken to evaluate an automated process to invert for seismic moment tensors from seismic data recorded in mining environments. The data for this study was recorded at Nickel Rim South mine, Sudbury, Ontario.

The mine has a seismic monitoring system manufactured by ESG Solutions that performs continuous monitoring of seismicity. On average, approximately 400 seismic events are recorded each day. Currently, data are automatically processed by ESG Solution's software suite during acquisition. The automatic processors pick the P- and/or S-wave arrivals, locate the events and solve for certain source parameters, excluding the seismic moment tensor. In order to solve for the moment tensor, data must be manually processed, which is laborious and therefore seldom performed.

This research evaluates an automatic seismic moment tensor inversion method and demonstrates some of the difficulties (through inversions of real and synthetic seismic data) of the inversion process. Results using the method are also compared to the inversion method currently available from ESG Solutions, which requires the manual picking of first-motion polarities for every event.

As a result of the extensive synthetic testing of the automatic inversion program, as well as the inversion of real seismic data, it is apparent that there are key parameters requiring greater accuracy in order to increase the reliability of the automation. These parameters include the source time function definition, source location (in turn requiring more accurate and precise knowledge of the earth media), arrival time picks and an attenuation model to account for ray-path dependent filtering of the source time function. In order to improve the automatic method three key pieces of research are needed: (1) studying various location algorithms (and the effects of increasing earth model intricacy) and automatic time picking to improve source location methods, (2) studying how the source time pulse can be accurately extracted from the seismic records, as well as the validity of various source models, and (3) studying how attenuation can be modeled more accurately to account for the filtering of the seismic waves through the earth media (in particular distortion to the source time function).

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Development of an Innovative Solar Absorber

contributor:
Harrison, Stephen J.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Thermal
Roll Bond
Solar
CFD

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-13 12:36:58.588

abstract: Solar thermal systems have great potential to replace or reduce the dependence of conventional fossil fuel based heating technologies required for space and water heating. Specifically solar domestic hot water systems can contribute 50-75% of the annual thermal load. To date residential users have been slow to purchase and install systems, primarily due to the large monetary investment required to purchase and install a system. Recent innovations in materials design and manufacturing techniques, offer opportunities for the development of absorber plate designs that have the potential to reduce cost, increase efficiency and reduce payback periods. Consequently, this design study was conducted in conjunction with industrial partners to develop an improved absorber based on roll bond manufacturing that can be produced at reduced cost with comparable or greater thermal efficiency.

abstract: Some of the material within the document is covered under an NDA agreement with Novelis. Please contact Stephen Harrison (harrison@me.queensu.ca) for further information.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Computational study of rovibrational spectra of Van der Waals dimers and their isotopologues

subject:
Potential Energy Surface
Intermolecular Forces
Wave Functions
Rotational-Vibrational States
Schroedinger Equation

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-23 13:19:45.294

abstract:
A new intermolecular potential energy surface, rovibrational transition frequencies, and line strengths are computed for OCS-OCS and CO2-CS2. The potentials were made by fitting energies obtained from explicitly correlated coupled-cluster calculations and fit using an interpolating moving least squares method. Rovibrational transition frequencies are also calculated for four isotopologues of the N2O dimer using a previously presented potential energy surface. The rovibrational Schroedinger equation for all three dimers is solved with a symmetry-adapted Lanczos algorithm and an uncoupled product basis set. All four intermolecular coordinates are included
in the calculation.

On the OCS-OCS potential energy surface, a previously unknown, cross-shaped
isomer is found along with polar and non-polar isomers. For CO2-CS2, the previously found cross-shaped minima is found along with a slipped-parallel configuration. The associated wavefunctions and energy levels for each of these isomers is presented. To identify states that have a permanent dipole, both calculations of line strengths and vibrational parent analysis is used. For non polar states of, OCS-OCS, and N2O-N2O isotopologues, and all CO2-CO2 states, only vibrational parent analysis was used. Calculated rotational constants differ from their experimental counterparts by less
than 0.001 wavenumbers for OCS-OCS and CO2-CS2, and less than 0.002 wavenumbers for any N2O-N2O isotopologue.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Operation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells on Anaerobically Derived Wastewater Treatment Plant Biogas

contributor:
Champagne, Pascale
Peppley, Brant A.
Civil Engineering

subject: Biogas SOFC

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-31 15:38:28.122

abstract:
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) have been researched for operation on anaerobic digester (AD)-derived biogas at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). SOFCs can perform well on light hydrocarbon fuels and the use of AD-derived biogas provides an opportunity for biogas to be used as a renewable fuel.
Tests were conducted at three levels of H2 dilution (using N2, Ar and CO2 as diluent gases, plus H2O) to examine the performance of tubular SOFCs. When gases that are inert in SOFC reactions are used there is a decrease in cell performance. When CO2 was used the decrease in cell performance was higher due to the reverse water-gas shift (WGS) reaction reducing the partial pressure of H2. A computer simulation was developed to predict SOFC system efficiency and GHG emissions. The simulation indicated that the system electrical efficiency is higher for a S/C ratio of 2 then a S/C ratio of 1 due to the increased partial pressure of H2 in the reformate. The reduction in GHG emissions is estimated to be approximately 2,400 tonnes CO2, 60 kg CH4 and 18 kg N2O, annually.
Testing was conducted using a simulated biogas reformate mixture that was developed through a research initiative in which urban areas with populations over 150,000 in the United States and 50,000 in Canada were solicited to participate in a survey of biogas composition. The biogas reformate composition was determined to be 66.7% H2, 16.1% CO, 16.5% CO2 and 0.7% N2, which was then humidified to 2.3 and 20 mol% H2O. The reformate tests conducted at the higher humidification level yielded a better performance than those at the lower humidification because the WGS reaction produced more H2 when additional H2O was provided.
It was concluded that WWTP AD-derived biogas, when cleaned effectively to remove H2S, Si compounds, halides and other contaminants, could be reformed to provide a clean, renewable fuel for SOFCs. Biogas/SOFC systems could provide electricity and heat to WWTPs, as well as reduce GHG emissions, thus reducing their energy costs and environmental impact.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Numerical Simulations of Giant Planetary Core Formation

subject:
giant planet formation
planet formation
gas giant
core accretion
LIPAD
simulations
numerical integration

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-20 14:48:39.443

abstract:
In the widely accepted core accretion model of planet formation, small rocky and/or icy bodies (planetesimals) accrete to form protoplanetary cores. Gas giant planets are believed to have solid cores that must reach a critical mass, ∼10 Earth masses (ME), after which there is rapid inflow of gas from the gas disk. In order to accrete the gas giants’ massive atmospheres, this step must occur within the gas disk’s lifetime (1 − 10 million years).
Numerical simulations of solid body accretion in the outer Solar System are performed using two integrators. The goal of these simulations is to investigate the effects of important dynamical processes instead of specifically recreating the formation of the Solar System’s giant planets.
The first integrator uses the Symplectic Massive Body Algorithm (SyMBA) with a modification to allow for planetesimal fragmentation. Due to computational constraints, this code has some physical limitations, specifically that the planetesimals themselves cannot grow, so protoplanets must be seeded in the simulations. The second integrator, the Lagrangian Integrator for Planetary Accretion and Dynamics (LIPAD), is more computationally expensive. However, its treatment of planetesimals allows for growth of potential giant planetary cores from a disk consisting only of planetesimals. Thus, this thesis’ preliminary simulations use the first integrator to explore a wider range of parameters while the main simulations use LIPAD to further investigate some specific processes.
These simulations are the first use of LIPAD to study giant planet formation and they identify a few important dynamical processes affecting core formation. Without any fragmentation, cores tend to grow to ∼2ME. When planetesimal fragmentation is included, the resulting fragments are easier to accrete and larger cores are formed (∼4ME). But, in half of the runs, the fragments force the entire system to migrate towards the Sun. In other half, outward migration via scattering off a large number of planetesimal helps the protoplanets grow and survive. However, in a preliminary set of simulations including protoplanetary fragmentation, very few collisions are found to result in accretion so it is difficult for any cores to form.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Authenticity in Teaching: Reflecting Through Narrative Writing and Contemplative Practices

contributor:
Wilcox, Susan
Education

subject:
Teaching
contemplative practice
self-study
Authenticity

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-20 21:01:28.498

abstract: This qualitative self-study explores my teaching practice.  Three months of on-going daily critical reflections on past and present experiences related to my teaching resulted in 26 written documents illuminating memories, thoughts, feelings, insights, and epiphanies.  Data collection strategies included narrative writing, dialogue with a mentor, and engagement in contemplative practices, such as Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.  The main purpose of this study was to explore, learn, and develop a core teacher identity and teaching practice while addressing two main research questions: how am I authentic in my teaching practice; and how might engaging in self-study contribute to my authenticity as a teacher?  I used Cranton and Carusetta’s research, specifically referring to “Authenticity in Teaching” (2004a) and “Developing Authenticity as a Transformative Process” (2004b) to guide this study and analyze my findings.  Results revealed the various ways in which I practice authenticity in my teaching and that my engagement in on-going critical reflection through self-study contributed to my authenticity as a teacher.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Predictive Coding: How the Human Brain Uses Context to Facilitate the Perception of Degraded Speech

contributor:
Johnsrude, Ingrid S.
Neuroscience Studies

subject:
Context
Top-Down Influences
Speech
Perception
Interactive Models
fMRI
Attention

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-25 10:48:50.73

abstract:
The most common and natural human behaviours are often the most computationally difficult to understand.  This is especially true of spoken language comprehension considering the acoustic ambiguities inherent in a speech stream, and that these ambiguities are exacerbated by the noisy and distracting listening conditions of everyday life.  Nonetheless, the human brain is capable of rapidly and reliably processing speech in these situations with deceptive ease – a feat that remains unrivaled by state-of-the-art speech recognition technologies.  It has long been known that supportive context facilitates robust speech perception, but it remains unclear how the brain integrates contextual information with an acoustically degraded speech signal.
The four studies in this dissertation utilize behavioural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) methods to examine how the normally functioning human brain uses context to support the perception of degraded speech.  First, I have observed that text presented simultaneously with distorted sentences results in an illusory experience of perceptually clearer speech, and that this illusion depends on the amount of distortion in the bottom-up signal, and on the relative timing between the visual and auditory stimuli.  Second, fMRI data indicate that activity in the earliest region of primary auditory cortex is sensitive to the perceived clarity of speech, and that this modulation of activity likely comes from left frontal cortical regions that probably support higher-order linguistic processes.  Third, conscious awareness of the visual stimulus appears to be necessary to increase the intelligibility of degraded speech, and thus attention might also be required for multisensory integration.  Finally, I have demonstrated that attention greatly enhances the processing of degraded speech, and this enhancement is (again) supported by the recruitment of higher-order cortical areas.
The results of these studies provide converging evidence that brain uses prior knowledge to actively predict the form of a degraded auditory signal, and that these predictions are projected through feedback connections from higher- to lower-order order areas.  These findings are consistent with a predictive coding model of perception, which provides an elegant mechanism in which accurate interpretations of the environment are constructed from ambiguous inputs in way that is flexible and task dependent.

abstract: PhD


title: Examining the Link Between Framed Physical Activity Messages and Behaviour:  An Application of the Communication Behaviour Change Model

contributor:
Latimer-Cheung, Amy
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
Eye tracking
Message framing
Health promotion
Physical activity

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-08 16:50:51.877

abstract: Physical inactivity is a national issue affecting more than half of all Canadian adults (Colley et al., 2011). Health messaging, including message framing, has been a popular medium for encouraging individuals to adopt recommended health behaviours such as physical activity. Previous research has demonstrated that gain-framed messages, which emphasize the benefits of a behaviour, are more effective at promoting physical activity (PA) than loss-framed messages which emphasize the costs. However, the mechanism through which this facilitating effect occurs is unclear. The current study examined the effects of message framing on attention, attitudes, recall, decision to be active and behaviour as well as the mediating effects of these variables on the frame-behaviour relationship in accordance with the communication behaviour change (CBC) model (McGuire, 1989). Sixty moderately active women, aged 18-35 viewed 20 gain- or loss- framed ads and 5 control ads while their eye movements were recorded via eye tracking. Attitudes towards PA, message recall, decision to become active and PA behaviour during an acute bout of exercise were measured immediately following ad exposure. Self-reported PA was measured one week later. Univariate ANOVAs, ANCOVAs and logistic regressions were conducted to examine the effects of message framing on each level of the CBC model. The gain-framed ads attracted greater attention, ps<0.05, produced more positive attitudes, p = .06, were better recalled, p < .001, influenced decisions to be active, p = .07, and had an immediate and delayed impact on behaviour, ps < .05, compared to the loss-framed messages. However, mediation analyses failed to reveal any significant effects suggesting that alternate mechanisms may be influencing framing effects on behaviour. This study demonstrates the effects of framed messages on several novel outcomes; however the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Microstructural Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Excel Alloy Pressure Tube Material

contributor:
Daymond, Mark R.
Holt, Richard A.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Characterization
Zr Alloy Excel

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-23 16:22:45.395

abstract:
Microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of Excel (Zr-3.5%Sn-0.8%Mo-0.8%Nb), a dual phase αZr-hcp and βZr-bcc pressure tube material, is discussed in the current study which is presented in manuscript format. Chapter 3 discusses phase transformation temperatures using different techniques such as quantitative metallography, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and electrical resistivity. It was found that the αZr → αZr+βZr and αZr+βZr → βZr transformation temperatures are in the range of 600-690°C and 960-970°C respectively. Also it was observed that upon quenching from temperatures below ~860°C the martensitic transformation of βZr to –hcp is halted and instead the microstructure transforms into retained βZr with ω hexagonal precipitates inside βZr grains. Chapter 4 deals with aging response of Excel alloy. Precipitation hardening was observed in samples water-quenched from high in the αZr+βZr or βZr regions followed by aging. The optimum aging conditions were found to be 450°C for 1 hour. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed dispersion of fine precipitates (~10nm) inside the martensitic phase. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the chemical composition of precipitates to be Zr-30wt%Mo-25wt%Nb-2wt%Fe. Electron crystallography using whole pattern symmetry of the convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) patterns together with selected area diffraction (SAD) polycrystalline ring patterns, suggests the -6m2 point group for the precipitates belonging to hexagonal crystal structure, with a= 2.936 Å and c=4.481 Å, i.e. c/a =1.526.
Crystallographic texture and high temperature tensile properties as well as creep-rupture properties of different microstructures are discussed in Chapter 5. Texture analysis showed that solution treatment high in the αZr+βZr or βZr regions followed by water quenching or air cooling results in a more random texture compared to typical pressure tube texture. Variant selection was observed upon water quenching while partial memory effect and some transformation texture with variant selection was observed in the air-cooled sample. The results of creep-rupture tests suggest that fully martensitic and aged microstructure has better creep properties at high stress levels (>700 MPa) while the microstructure from air cooling from high in the αZr+βZr region is less sensitive to stress and shows better creep properties compared to the as-received annealed microstructure at lower stresses (<560 MPa).

abstract: PhD


title: Feeding Hungry Plants: The Secreted Purple Acid Phosphatase Isozymes AtPAP12 and AtPAP26 Play a Pivotal Role in Extracellular Phosphate Scavenging in Arabidopsis Thaliana

contributor:
Plaxton, William C.
Biology

subject: PAPs Pi-stress

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-23 11:36:45.722

abstract: Orthophosphate (Pi) is a limiting macronutrient in most soils and is essential for plant metabolism. Massive amounts of Pi-fertilizers are applied to agricultural fields to compensate for this limitation. However, Pi-fertilizers are made from non-renewable rock Pi-sources and their application is environmentally destructive.  Plants have evolved numerous ways to survive in Pi-deficient (-Pi) soils, including the upregulation and secretion of acid phosphatases (APases). APases catalyze the hydrolysis of phosphate (Pi) from Pi-esters in an acidic environment. The major group of plant secreted APases, purple acid phosphatases (PAPs), have been hypothesized to scavenge Pi from organic-Pi (Po) sources that can compose up to 80% of the total P-content of some soils. Previous biochemical and proteomic studies indicate that AtPAP26 and AtPAP12 are the predominant secretory PAP isozymes upregulated by –Pi Arabidopsis thaliana cell cultures and seedlings. This thesis examines the influence of different Po supplements on the growth, Pi content, secretory APase activity, and secreted AtPAP12 and AtPAP26 polypeptides of wildtype (Col-0) Arabidopsis seedlings. Additionally, this thesis assesses the potential role that AtPAP12 and AtPAP26 play in scavenging Pi from extracellular Po sources by utilizing a homozygous atpap12/atpap26 double knockout mutant. Loss of AtPAP26 and AtPAP12 expression resulted in a 64% decrease in root secreted APase activity of –Pi seedlings. These results corroborate previous findings implying that: (i) Arabidopsis are able to grow on a variety of extracellular Po sources as their sole source of P-nutrition, and (ii) AtPAP12 and AtPAP26 are the principal contributors to secreted APase activity of –Pi Arabidopsis. Total shoot Pi levels, and growth of atpap12/atpap26 Arabidopsis seedlings cultivated in -Pi/+Po media were significantly lower relative to Col-0 controls, but unaffected under Pi sufficient conditions. The atpap12/atpap26 seedlings were unable to grow in a –Pi/+Po soil, whereas the Col-0 seedlings were able to develop. Additionally, both PAPs were strongly upregulated on root surfaces and in shoot cell wall extracts of –Pi seedlings. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that AtPAP12 and AtPAP26 play an important role in the hydrolysis of Pi from extracellular Po and make a large contribution to Pi-recycling and scavenging in –Pi Arabidopsis.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Analysis of a Deep Excavation in a Gassy Soil

contributor:
Rowe, Kerry
Civil Engineering

subject:
Hydrofracturing
Numerical forensic analysis
Finite element
Excavation
Gassy soil

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-23 16:33:05.062

abstract:
The study presents a numerical analysis of series of unanticipated events that took place upon the excavation of a landfill in a deep deposit of clayey soil in southwestern Ontario, Canada. During the excavation of a landfill cell to be used for waste disposal, unexpected lateral slope movements were observed followed by gas and water venting in several locations (while the excavation in low permeability clayey till was about 14m above the underlying aquifer). The clayey till is known to be underlain by permeable, natural gas bearing rock, and gas has been diffusing through the clayey deposit over about the last 13,000-15,000 years.
   Preliminary 2D and 3D elasto-plastic effective stress analyses using conventional soil mechanics –similar to what was used in design- are used to capture the general behaviour of the excavation. However, the analyses revealed the need for model modification to account for other governing factors (gassy soil and hydrofracturing) to be able to explain the mechanism that might have lead to the evolution of gas vents and upward water flow through the thick shale aquitard.
   The clayey deposit contains silty sand lenses at different elevations. The upward diffusion of methane and chloride from the bedrock aquifer through the clay till is modelled and the potential for chloride migration contributing to the exsolution of methane due to reduction in methane solubility is discussed. Two approaches to modelling the lenses are examined where gas exsolution either occurs prior to or during the excavation.
   The FE model is modified to account for hydrofacturing and gassy soil behaviour (for sand lenses). 2D and 3D forensic modelling studies are presented examining the potential causes for the unanticipated movements and the gas and water venting observed during the excavation. The model investigates the role of presence of gassy sand lenses and of the presence of a discontinuous weak sandy clayey silt layer between the bedrock and the low permeability till on the hydrofracturing path and gas venting.
   Finally, a parametric study is conducted to examine the effect of different parameters on the soil behaviour when excavated. Recommendations regarding further excavations within the same soil deposit are presented.

abstract: PhD


title: Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Politics of Regional Development Initiatives in Northern Ontario

contributor:
Donald, J. Betsy
Geography

subject:
Regions
Regional Development
Northern Ontario
Politics

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-24 14:39:52.888

abstract:
The objective of this dissertation is to unearth the multi-scalar political geographies of regional development using an empirically intensive, single-region, case study approach focussing on Northern Ontario.  This research focuses on Northern Ontario because it provides a unique setting to understand the political strategizing and contestation of regional development.  Northern Ontario has had a long history of federal and provincial regional development initiatives from region specific policies, reports, and studies to regional development institutions.  In fact, up until recently it was the only sub-provincial region in Canada with a federally appointed regional development institution.  In Northern Ontario there is also a deep sense of territorial grievance and discontent that has generated a number of organizations and movements to mobilize regional interests in the quest for greater autonomy over decision-making and economic development.
The main objective of unpacking the multi-scalar political geographies of regional development in Northern Ontario translates into the following questions: 1) How and why have federal regional development initiatives in Northern Ontario changed since the 1960s? 2) How and why have provincial regional development initiatives in Northern Ontario changed since the 1960s? and 3) What are the regional responses? Answers to these questions underscore the messy and complex nature and politics of regional development.  More pointedly, this thesis clearly demonstrates that regional development is not just about finding economic solutions to regional challenges but that these initiatives are also deeply political.
To explore the politics of regional development, I draw on insights from Canadian political economy, new regional geography, state theory, and new regionalism literature.  By viewing regional development through these frameworks, I expose the nuanced nature of regional development so that ultimately, we may learn to adopt more effective regional policy innovations for Northern Ontario and other peripheral regions in Canada.  This research makes several important contributions.  Empirically, it provides a rich history of federal and provincial regional development initiatives in Northern Ontario since the 1960s.  Theoretically, it contributes to debates on the conceptualization of regions and regional development including the politicization of boundaries and the paradox of regional development institutions.

abstract: To protect any rights to commercial publication

abstract: PhD


title: A Portable Monitor for the Measurement of Periodic Limb Movements in Restless Legs Syndrome: Validity and Reliability

contributor:
Parsons, Trisha
Rehabilitation Science

subject:
Portable Monitor
Restless Legs Syndrome
Validity
Reliability

abstract: Thesis (Master, Rehabilitation Science) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-24 16:40:03.381

abstract:
Purpose:  A key objective feature in Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is the presence of Periodic Limb Movements (PLMs). The gold standard for documenting PLMs is through polysomnogram (PSG), an overnight sleep study in a sleep laboratory, which is expensive and often inaccessible. This work explored the ability of a portable sleep monitor (PM) to reliably record surface EMG signals, to reliably record limb movements overnight in comparison with PSG, and examined intra- and inter-rater reliability for scoring the PM recordings.
Methods: The PM’s surface EMG channel was tested against a standard EMG amplifier by recording bilateral tibialis anterior muscle activity in five healthy participants. It was also tested for recording PLMs simultaneously with polysomnography at Kingston General Hospital with 40 participants referred for screening of sleep disorders.  PLMs were scored using standard criteria according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Scoring Manual (2007)
Analyses: Comparison between the two methods of surface EMG recording was through counts of muscle activity bursts.  Comparison of overnight PLM counts was through t-test, Pearson’s r, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots.  Intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability between two analysts was examined by ICC.
Results:  Examination of the PM surface EMG recordings demonstrated an exact match of muscle activity counts between the PM and standard EMG recordings. In the PSG study, mean difference between the two PLMI values was +4.8 ± 11.1, t (34) = 2.1, p = 0.04, which was statistically significant and demonstrated systematic over-reporting by the portable monitor.  The two PLMI values were strongly correlated, giving a Pearson’s r = .87, p < 0.001. ICC for absolute agreement was 0.87, (95% CI, 0.76 – 0.93), p < 0.001.  Bland-Altman analysis gave 95% limits of agreement between the two PLM Indices as +27.9 (95% CI +33.0 to 20.2) to – 19.3 (95%CI -10.6 to -23.4).
Conclusions:  These data suggest there may be sufficient agreement between PLMI collected by PM and polysomnography to support the use of the PM for measuring PLMs. Further testing should address test retest reliability and examine the performance of the PM in a wider patient population.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Digital Image Correlation for Evaluating Structural Engineering Materials

contributor:
Hoult, Neil A.
Take, W. Andy
Civil Engineering

subject:
engineering
concrete
digital image correlation
monitoring
structural
steel

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-28 09:36:04.274

abstract:
In the structural engineering community, a need exists for a non-contact two-dimensional measurement system which could provide information for field monitoring and greatly enhance the accuracy of numerical structural models. Recent advances have enabled the use of digital image correlation (DIC) to calculate the surface displacements of chosen targets in a series of digital images with a high degree of accuracy. Images are recorded during an experiment and are afterwards post-processed to find relevant information including, but not limited to, a) global displacement, b) relative displacement and c) changes in strain.
In this research, a series of experiments were conducted to create measurement techniques for monitoring steel and reinforced concrete (RC) structures utilizing DIC. However, to ensure accurate DIC measurements, the addition of artificial texture from lightly applied spray paint on finished concrete was investigated and was determined to noticeably improve results. Furthermore, the placement of the digital camera relative to the structure being monitored was shown to control not only the desired field of view in the region of interest, but also the resulting image texture and DIC measurement accuracy.
The DIC technique was applied to monitor and understand two important aspects of structural evaluation: a) the movement along shear planes and b) the evaluation of changes in strain due to curvature in beam elements. To monitor the change in crack width and slip, a method was created and validated on a series of artificial and reinforced concrete images for the cases of pure shear, pure flexure and combine flexure and shear. Curvature was found to impact the crack slip measurement, but its effect can be removed by using an innovative averaging technique.
The curvature of a steel HSS and RC beams was found by using virtual DIC strain gauges and the horizontal strain profile. Results matched well with the curvature from electrical foil gauges and numerical models when the gauge length was maximized and selected so that the effects of cracking were accounted for.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Executive functioning in children and youth: Development of occupational therapy competencies

contributor:
Krupa, Terry
Rehabilitation Science

subject:
Executive Occupational Performance
Participation Analysis
Qualitative Research
Scoping Review

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Rehabilitation Science) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-26 22:27:09.05

abstract:
Purpose: This thesis focuses on the development of occupational therapy competencies to enable executive occupational performance with school-aged children and youth. Methods: Three studies were structured according to the knowledge inquiry, synthesis, and product stages of the Knowledge To Action cycle (Graham et al., 2006). A scoping review in Phase One explored how executive functioning is described in the occupational therapy literature. In Phase Two, a qualitative study was conducted to determine how occupational therapists who have worked with children and youth perceive executive functioning to be understood and addressed. Phase Three used established competency development processes to produce an occupational therapy competency model and framework for enabling executive occupational performance.
Results: Although there is little consensus on how executive functioning is understood, literature reviewed in Phase One demonstrated its pervasive effect on performance of complex, novel, and goal-directed occupations. Emerging themes suggest that assessment requires occupational, dynamic, and performance-based approaches, with interventions rooted in metacognitive frameworks. The Phase Two qualitative study suggested that, although there are challenges to being able to “see” executive functioning, it is necessary to explicitly and systematically consider executive functioning during clinical reasoning. Learning to “see” through the executive functioning lens is a complex process. The competency framework development process utilized in Phase Three yielded the Competencies in Context Model. Responding to series of contextual challenges related to system, client, and occupational therapist factors, professional assessment, intervention,
iii
knowledge acquisition, and knowledge translation competencies are used to organize 16 specific occupational therapy practice competencies.
Conclusion: Points of tension within the literature and the field have implications for occupational therapy curricula, research, practice, and professional development. Executive functioning issues have wide reaching effects on occupational performance of children and youth that have not been adequately recognized or explored in the occupational therapy literature. The competency model and framework developed through this research make a substantive contribution to the field in beginning to redress the dearth of occupational therapy-specific models, resources, and tools designed to support occupational therapists’ acquisition or implementation of the executive functioning perspective.

abstract: publications pending

abstract: PhD


title: Individual and Community Factors in Bullying and Victimization

contributor:
Craig, Wendy M.
Psychology

subject: school violence community ethnicity bullying adolescence

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-31 14:15:59.827

abstract: The goal of this thesis was to use an ecological framework to examine how individual and community characteristics interact and are related to bullying and victimization. Data were collected from over 20 000 students in Grades 6 to 10, living in 436 communities as part of the 2009/2010 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Survey, from Geographical Information Systems (GIS) data, and from 2006 Canadian Census data. First, we explored the individual and community factors that contributed to the power differential in bullying in electronic and traditional contexts. Bullying and victimization were primarily related to the characteristics of individuals that affected interpersonal power dynamics, but some community factors were also associated with decreased likelihood of victimization. Second, we examined how community ethnicity characteristics affected likelihood of racial bullying and victimization in different youth according to their individual ethnicity. Individuals in the ethnic minority in a community were more likely to be racially victimized than individuals of the same ethnicity in a community in which they were the majority. The findings from both studies help to shed light on power and group dynamics and the relative importance of individual and community characteristics in bullying involvement.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Characterization of Carlin-Type Auriferous Arsenian Pyrite from the Goldstrike Property using EMP, SIMS, and VESPERS Synchrotron u-XRF: Constraints to Ore Deposition Mechanisms

subject: Geology Synchrotron Carlin Geochemistry

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-27 14:03:12.542

abstract:
The Goldstrike property, located in northern Nevada within the Carlin Trend, contains one of the largest Carlin-type Au deposits in the world. The vast majority of this mineralization, formed in the Eocene, is in the form of Au-bearing, trace element-rich arsenian pyrite, either as very fine grains, overgrowths on earlier pyrite, or as reported in this study, patchy zones with high As values. Eight samples characteristic of Ore I and Ore II - ore types defined by Almeida et al. (2010) - were selected and analysed using electron microprobe, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and synchrotron !-XRF. !-XRF is a non-destructive technique for the elemental analysis of these samples with additional structural analysis capability. Although Ore I and Ore II yield similar Au values in whole rock analyses, and in the samples selected in this study, Ore II yielded much lower Au and trace element values in pyrite than Ore I. However, free gold was found in an Ore II sample, which explained their similar gold grade in whole rock.
Two compositional trends were identified based on the ratio of Au and As in auriferous pyrite from both Ore I and Ore II: 1) those above an Au/As ratio of 0.007, characterized by elevated Ag, Au, As, Cu, Hg, Sb, and Tl that trend positively with respect to Au. The maximum value of Au ranges from 0.12 to 0.15at% (0.56 to 0.68wt%), occurring at an As concentration of 2.5 to 4.3at% (5 to 7.4wt%), and 2) those below an Au/As ratio of 0.007, characterized by As above the optimal range associated with lower Au and lower trace element concentrations. The peak in As corresponds well with the theoretical maximum amount of As that can be incorporated as a solid solution in pyrite (~6wt%) before the structure changes to a two-phase pyrite-arsenopyrite system. The less structurally stable solid solution has a more reactive surface that is more amenable to adsorption of other trace elements, including Au, especially with increased As.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Paragenesis and fluid history of the Karku unconformity-uranium deposit, Pasha-Ladoga Basin, Western Russia

subject: uranium geochemistry

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-12 17:10:28.124

abstract:
The Karku unconformity-type uranium deposit is located in the Proterozoic Pasha-Ladoga Basin in western Russia. The deposit is located in basinal sandstones near a reverse fault that offsets the unconformable contact with underlying graphite-bearing biotite schist basement rocks. Meteoric water-sourced diagenetic fluids altered sandstones outside mineralized zones, producing clay assemblages of interstratified illite-smectite with minor dickite and Fe-rich chlorite, and fluid isotopic compositions of d18O = 3.3‰ to 6.0‰ and dD = -55‰ to -44‰ at 130°C. Altered sandstones within zones of mineralization include a clay mineral assemblage of Fe-rich chlorite with minor illite, and fluid isotopic compositions of d18O = 6.0‰ to 12.7‰ and dD = -8‰ to -4‰ at 210°C, caused by seawater-derived fluids related to ore formation. In addition, a Mg-chlorite occurring with uraninite in the mineralized lenses was identified. Dating of Karku uraninite using U/Pb isotope systematics from LA-MC-ICP-MS, LA-HR-ICP-MS, and SIMS gave upper-intercept ages of 1467 ± 39 Ma, 1459 ± 74 Ma, and 1302 ± 150 Ma respectively. The lower-intercept age of all methods was around 300 Ma.
A formation model for the Karku uranium deposit is proposed based on the results of this study and incorporating previously published. Early, low-temperature diagenesis resulted in cementation of distal, basin-marginal sandstones by mixed-layer illite-smectite clays, preventing later, higher-temperature diagenetic alteration in this unit. Sandstones towards the centre of the basin allowed the circulation of higher-temperature basinal fluids that later flowed along the unconformity to the graphitic schist unit. A fault intersecting this unit facilitated the mixing of basement and basinal fluids, causing uraninite to precipitate at the unconformity.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Murine Phenotype Analyses and the Role of TRPV1 in Hypoxia

contributor:
Fisher, John T.
Physiology

subject:
Animal Care Environment
Murine
Cage Change
Hypoxia
TRPV1

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physiology) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-27 17:51:48.022

abstract: The environment in which animals are maintained is a factor that has the potential to alter the physiologic phenotype. We addressed the hypothesis that the standard animal care (SAC) environment cause significant deviations in the circadian variation of heart rate (HR), body temperature (Tb) and activity (ACT) in chronically instrumented mice.   These data were used to inform the design of a subsequent study addressing the hypothesis that loss of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) function blunts the thermoregulatory, ventilatory and metabolic responses to hypoxia. Mice were implanted with intraperitoneal transmitters for chronic recording of HR, Tb and ACT. The animal environment study consisted of a 3-week protocol comprised of  SAC (wk 1) utilizing standard animal care procedures of a health check and bottle and cage changes SPA (service personnel absent; wk 2) with no SAC interventions and building malfunction (BLDMAL+SAC, wk 3).  Mean HR was elevated across the week of SAC, as well as for the light and dark cycles.  Cage change caused the most profound changes (lasting 4 h), while health check/bottle change alterations lasted approx. 30 min. TRPV1-/- and TRPV1+/+ (wild-type, WT) mice exposed acutely to hypoxia (FIO2=0.1 for 4 h) resulted in a greater hypometabolic response for the mutant compared with WT genotype, reaching a lower value for HR, Tb, ACT, V ̇CO2 (carbon dioxide production) and ventilation. We conclude that the animal care environment provides a novel environment to assess murine phenotype and must be considered in genotype/phenotype assessments. Further, TRPV1 provides a significant tonic input to the integrated thermoregulatory, metabolic and ventilatory responses to hypoxia.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Theory of Mind Decoding and Reasoning Abilities in Depression, Social Phobia, and Comorbid Conditions

contributor:
Harkness, Kate
Psychology

subject:
depression, social phobia
theory of mind

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-28 10:30:44.686

abstract:
Vulnerability to major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by extensive interpersonal dysfunction. A framework that has been used to understand this impairment is theory of mind, or the ability to decode and reason about others’ mental states. Previous research has identified a mental state decoding advantage in individuals with a past history of MDD, which has been explained in terms of an enhanced social orientation in those with depression vulnerability. Although social phobia is highly comorbid with MDD, there is no research investigating theory of mind abilities in individuals with social phobia, nor has there been research examining how social anxiety may better account for the relation of depression to heightened theory of mind ability. Furthermore, there is a paucity of research investigating whether evidence of such a relation extends to the more complex task of reasoning about others’ mental states. Thus, the goals of the current investigation were to examine whether heightened ToM accuracy in those with a history of MDD is better accounted for by social phobia, and whether superior ToM skills in those with past MDD are seen across tasks that tap the domains of decoding and reasoning. Participants (N = 109) were assigned to one of four groups based on a structured diagnostic interview: (a) past MDD only (n = 36); (b) social anxiety disorder only (n = 9); (c) comorbid past MDD and social anxiety disorder (n = 23); and (d) no psychiatric history (n = 41).
     Results show that having a history of MDD is associated with heightened mental state reasoning abilities only in the presence of current social phobia. However, theory of mind decoding was not elevated in this condition. This suggests that social phobia differentially influences the relation of past MDD and theory of mind ability for decoding and reasoning abilities. Furthermore, social phobia without a history of depression was associated with poor theory of mind decoding and reasoning. This reduced ability in individuals with social phobia may be the result of self-focused attention or avoidance of potential negative evaluation, but future research is required to specifically address these possibilities.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Understanding Reading Comprehension Performance in High School Students

contributor:
Kirby, John R.
Education

subject:
high school students
unexpected poor comprehenders
poor comprehenders
adolescents
large scale assessment
levels of processing
reading comprehension
regression
longitudinal

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Education) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-28 13:32:25.641

abstract:
The ability to extract meaning from text is an important skill. Yet many students struggle with effectively comprehending what they read. In comparison with research carried out with younger students, there is a lack of research in the reading comprehension of adolescents (Grades 4 – 12). The goal of this dissertation was to increase our understanding of the factors that underlie the poor reading comprehension abilities of this older group of students. This dissertation includes two studies drawn from a sample of 137 age 15 year old high school students. Study One utilized archival data from government mandated tests of reading achievement of 78 students administered in Grades 3, 6, and 10, and results from a commercially available test of reading comprehension administered in Grade 10. This longitudinal study examined the prevalence of the stability, cumulative growth, and compensatory models in reading comprehension development. Probabilities of later-grade reading achievement categorization conditioned on earlier-grade reading achievement were computed, the prevalence of developmental paths was estimated, and tests of regression to the mean were conducted. Overall findings suggest considerable stability across time.
Study Two examined the specificity of the comprehension weaknesses of 15 year old readers whose comprehension skills are below those expected from their skill in word reading and nonverbal ability (unexpected poor comprehenders). Regression analyses identified unexpected poor comprehenders, and two contrast groups (expected average and unexpected good comprehenders). Characteristics of unexpected poor comprehenders are examined after controlling for word-reading accuracy, phonological decoding, reading rate, nonverbal ability, and vocabulary. Findings indicate a critical disadvantage of unexpected poor comprehenders lies in their weakness in vocabulary and that comprehension difficulties related to the identification of details and main ideas in summary writing remain when vocabulary is controlled. Implications for interpreting previous and informing future research are discussed.
Results of both studies are discussed with respect to the nature of the reading comprehension construct, identification and remediation of reading comprehension difficulties, and the assessment of reading comprehension.

abstract: PhD


title: Structured Therapy for the Enhancement of Purposeful Speech (STEPS): A Step in the Right Direction to Treating Formal Thought Disorder in Schizophrenia

contributor:
Bowie, Christopher R.
Psychology

subject:
thought disorder
speech
behavioural therapy
treatment
schizophrenia

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-28 14:24:36.471

abstract:
Disordered speech has long been recognized as one of the core features of schizophrenia; it is stable across the course of the disorder, and has been identified as a rate limiter of functional outcome (e.g., social skills, scholastic achievement, vocational success). While much of the recent research on thought disorder has focused on the mechanisms behind disordered speech, we have observed a very limited transfer to clinical applications that promote gains in communication skills. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel treatment,
Structured Therapy for the Enhancement of Purposeful Speech (STEPS), based in behavioural learning principles, to increase goal-directed speech in individuals with schizophrenia. The current study is one of the first to evaluate an intervention specifically aimed at increasing the core symptom of disorganized speech and evaluating change across multiple indicators of discourse. STEPS is based in principles of operant conditioning, wherein sessions take place three times per week for a total of three weeks. In a single-case multiple baseline design, participants (N=3) received positive reinforcement for engaging in goal-directed speech and directive feedback for committing speech errors, thereby increasing or decreasing frequency of that behaviour, respectively. Participants were assessed before, during, and after treatment on a series of thought disorder and speech coherence measures. Primary outcome measures included change in frequency of communication errors within sessions over the course of treatment and severity of thought disorder on standard disorder measures at three assessments points. Participants demonstrated a significant reduction in number of communication errors across unstructured conversations and structured storytelling components such that all participants engaged in significantly more goal-directed communication during treatment sessions compared to baseline performance. Furthermore, all participants were rated as expressing less severe disconnected speech according to a gold-standard measure of thought disorder. Effective communication is central to successful social interactions from building new interpersonal relationships, advocating for oneself to medical professionals, to demonstrating appropriate skills during interviews. The results of this study suggest that this symptom is amenable to change and can be treated in order to promote real-world functional gains.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Meerkat: Extending Entity-based Programming to Networked Games

contributor:
Graham, Nicholas
Computing

subject:
Game development
Networked game
Digital games
Game engine

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-29 14:54:00.647

abstract:
Game development is a complex and time-consuming activity that requires domain-specific knowledge and implementation skills. Networked games are particularly difficult due to the additional challenges of implementing the distribution. In recent years, game development has been simplified through tools that allow game development based on entities (objects that compose the game, e.g., avatar, vehicles, trees, and monsters). Entity-based tools simplify game programming by providing entity-level constructs and abstractions to the game developer. However, current entity-based tools fail to appropriately address the development of networked multiplayer games; they either do not support network gaming at all, or compromise the purity of the model by exposing low-level network programming to the game developer.

In this thesis, we present a pure entity-based model for developing networked multiplayer games. In our model, the game developer is completely shielded from network programming concerns. In order to demonstrate the model’s practicality, we implemented a game development toolkit called Meerkat. Meerkat uses a combination of generic distribution algorithms and a proxy-based architecture to provide a pure entity-based game programming interface. The same interface can be used to develop both distributed and non-distributed games. Meerkat automates all aspects of networking for the game developer. To evaluate the performance of our system, we built three multiplayer games of different genres. Our experiments show that the overhead of using fully-automated networking can be acceptable for a wide range of games, except in extreme cases where there are strict performance requirements.  Meerkat demonstrates that it is possible to extend the pure entity-based approach to networked games while ensuring sufficient performance.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: A Field Study on Haul Time Variability in Open Pit Mines

contributor:
Marshall, Joshua A.
Mining Engineering

subject: Dispatch Traffic Variability Optimization

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mining Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-28 16:02:38.369

abstract: As open pit mines get larger and their road networks more complex, haul road traffic is an area of increasing concern for mine operators. In particular, engineers from Barrick Gold Inc. have observed haul truck interactions in some of their larger open pit mines that are clearly disruptive to the haulage cycle. Such traffic effects cause uncertainty in haul times over identical routes and commercial dispatch systems do not explicitly account for this variability. This research, based on first-hand data collected from the Goldstrike Open Pit in Northern Nevada, focuses on assessing the level of variability in haul times, identifying the sources of said variability, and determining the effects on haulage optimization. Initial data analysis shows different levels of variability over the range of observed haul times, and further investigation identifies certain haulage parameters as significant sources of said variability, such as road topography and intersection effects. Focusing on these areas of interest, relevant data sets were manipulated to reduce levels of data dispersion and compared to observed results in order to quantify the effects in terms of changes to overall mean haul times along identical routes. It was observed that variability has a negative impact on travel times and moderate variability reduction was observed to increase productivity by 1–2 % when used as an input to a simple dispatch simulation program based on the Goldstrike Open Pit.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: ‘Equality Now!’: Race, Racism and Resistance in 1970s Toronto

contributor:
Walker, Barrington
History

subject:
Race
Public Policy
Racism
1970s -1980s
Institutional Racism
Toronto
Immigration
Ontario

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, History) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-28 21:13:35.14

abstract:
This thesis explores the recognition of institutional racism in Ontario. It examines
discourses of institutional racism between the late 1960s and early 1980s and argues that the recognition of institutional racism at the provincial and national levels was facilitated by overt acts of racism in one of Canada’s most populous and diverse cities – Toronto. The targets of overt racism were new immigrants from decolonizing nations who utilized the discourse of rights
in the context of an increase in racist incidents to press for state recognition of institutional racism. This rise in racially motivated violence concerned most Canadians as it went against Canadians’ self-perception as a raceless, tolerant and peaceful society.

The recognition of structural racism was a gradual and contested process as municipal,
provincial and federal government actors often denied its existence and deemed overt acts of racism aberrant. When racist acts did occur, state officials and media reports blamed the increased racial tensions on the personal prejudice of extremists. Activist groups composed of visible minorities and human rights activists were key in the formation of a counter-narrative that
challenged this persistent denial of structural racism. These groups played a fundamental role in redefining the nature of racism in Canadian society.

A central theme of this dissertation is that disintegrating race relations allowed for a
redefinition of the Canadian state. It was the increase in racist incidents in 1970s Toronto that fostered a broad discussion on racism in Canada. This discussion emphasized that Canada’s people of colour experienced second-class citizenship because of structural inequalities which were rooted in Canadian institutions. Racial violence in 1970s Toronto was crucial in the
recognition of institutional racism as racist incidents brought visible minorities into the public sphere and gave them an opportunity to identify the existence of systemic and institutional racism in Canadian society. However, the recognition of institutional and systemic racism did
not result in a deep transformation of the Canadian racial state as policy changes have not been successful in challenging structural inequality.

abstract: Currently revising for publication.

abstract: PhD


title: Biochemical and Molecular Characterization of AtPAP25, a Novel Cell Wall-Localized Purple Acid Phosphatase Isozyme Upregulated by Phosphate-Starved Arabidopsis Thaliana

subject:
Phosphate Nutrition
Cell Wall
Purple Acid Phosphatase

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2012-09-10 08:28:21.631

abstract: Upregulation of intracellular and secreted acid phosphatases (APases) is a universal response of orthophosphate-starved (-Pi) plants. APases hydrolize Pi from a broad spectrum of phosphomonoesters at an acidic pH. Plant APases belong to a relatively large multigene family whose specific functions in Pi metabolism are poorly understood. This study focuses on the identification and characterization of cell wall (CW) localized purple acid APases (PAPs) upregulated by -Pi Arabidopsis thaliana. Three glycosylated PAP isozymes secreted into the CW of -Pi Arabidopsis suspension cells were purified and identified by peptide mass fingerprinting using mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and N-terminal microsequencing as AtPAP12 (At2g27190; subunit size 60-kDa), AtPAP25 (At4g36350; subunit size 55-kDa) and AtPAP26 (At5g34850; subunit size 55-kDa). Both AtPAP12 and AtPAP26 were previously shown to be upregulated and secreted by –Pi Arabidopsis to scavenge Pi from extracellular organic-P. However, the novel AtPAP25 has never been suggested to be involved in the plant Pi-starvation response. Biochemical characterization of AtPAP25 revealed a monomeric 55 kDa protein. Similar to other PAPs it was purple-in-solution and insensitive to tartrate. Glycoprofiling via LC MS/MS revealed highly complex NXS/T glycosylation motifs at Asn172, Asn367 and Asn424. I hypothesize that these motifs play a role in AtPAP25 targeting and function. Kinetic characterization revealed a broad pH optimum centered at 5.6 and inhibition of activity by several common APase inhibitors. AtPAP25 exhibited broad substrate selectivity, low Vmax, and a Km (phosphoenolpyruvate) value of 0.52 mM. Immunoblot and semi-quantitative RT-PCR transcript analysis indicated that AtPAP25 is exclusively synthesized under –Pi conditions. Deduced amino acid sequences were compared using multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis. Growth of atpap25 T-DNA insertion mutant knockout seedlings was completely arrested when transferred to a soluble Pi deficient organic-P containing soil mix, pointing to a potential regulatory function of AtPAP25 during nutritional Pi stress. Overall, this research is helping to shed light on the functional importance of specific PAP isozymes in facilitating plant acclimation to nutritional Pi deficiency. This is important because there is an urgent need to engineer Pi-efficient transgenic crops to minimize the huge input of expensive, non-renewable, and polluting Pi fertilizers in agriculture.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Perceptual processing of auditory feedback during speech production and its neural substrates

contributor:
Johnsrude, Ingrid S.
Neuroscience Studies

subject:
Speech Motor Control
Cognitive Neuroscience

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-29 10:08:57.516

abstract:
One enduring question in the study of speech concerns the nature of the link between speech perception and production. Although accumulating evidence suggests that these two facets of spoken language are tightly coupled, the cognitive structure and neural organization underlying the interactions between the two processes are not well understood.
   In this thesis, I focus on questions that arise from observations related to when individuals are both talking and listening, and assess the sensitivity of talkers and listeners to the same change in the acoustics of speech. First, I aim to elucidate the neural substrates of auditory feedback control during vocalization by examining the brain response to acoustic perturbations towards auditory concomitants of speech using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) (Chapters 2 and 3). I demonstrate, for the first time, an extensive network of brain regions involved in the detection and correction of auditory feedback errors during speech production, for which three functionally differentiated neural systems can be delineated. Then I set out to address the online perception of own voice identity as individuals are talking. Chapters 4 and 5 measure the perceptual sensitivity of individuals to the auditory concomitants of their own speech by presenting temporally gated auditory feedback in stranger’s voices during talking. The results show that people perceive stranger’s voices as a modified version of their own voice and adjust their vocal production accordingly, when their utterances and heard feedback are phonetically congruent. Chapter 6 further examines this perceptual effect by using experimental paradigms in the domain of body ownership and shows that the misattribution of the stranger’s voice, is not predicted by individual differences in suggestibility; rather it is related to the integration of multimodal cues.
   In summary, by focusing on how the acoustics of speech are simultaneously processed for both the perception and production sides of spoken language, the series of studies add significantly to our understanding of the psychophysical, cognitive and anatomical relationships between speech perception and production, and are relevant to a wide range of clinical pathologies (e.g., stuttering, schizophrenia).

abstract: PhD


title: Evaluation of a Statistical Model-Based Prediction of Mercury Concentrations in Ontario Sport Fish

contributor:
Campbell, Linda M.
Biology

subject: Fish NDMMF Consumption Mercury Database Ontario Model Prediction

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-29 15:31:54.349

abstract: Since the mid-1970s, the Ontario (Canada) Ministry of Environment (OMOE) has been collecting data on fish tissue mercury (Hg) contamination in provincial waterbodies.  By 2004, approximately 160,000 fish from 86 species at over 1,600 sites were tested for Hg. This large database is primarily used to issue advisories for safe human fish consumption via publication of the biennial Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish. Analysis to uncover spatio-temporal trends while maximising the use of data points is complicated by the application of a non-random heterogeneous sampling design. The National Descriptive Model for Mercury in Fish (NDMMF) developed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) is a statistical model of Hg concentrations that can potentially mitigate these challenges by separating the spatiotemporal variability of fish-[Hg] sampling while considering the effects of species, size, and fish sample portion type. However, the NDMMF has not been fully exploited, likely due to lack of rigorous evaluation. We conduct the first detailed investigation on the ability of the NDMMF to reproduce the observed fish-[Hg] in coolwater walleye (Sander vitreous) and warm-water yellow perch (Perca flavescens). Approximately two-thirds of both walleye and yellow perch [Hg]-length relationships could be accurately predicted using the NDMMF. For these cases, a majority (>85%) of the estimates are within the same consumption advisory categories as the interpolated [Hg] value based on the observed data, using an average-length fish. For the remaining incidences with significantly different NDMMF fish [Hg]-length relationships compared to those from the observed data, the NDMMF notably yields similar results, with a majority (>75%) of [Hg] estimates still falling within the same consumption advisory categories. For the small fraction of incidences with inaccurate advisory categorization, the instances of conservative over-prediction (<18%) would be of little human health concern as these would recommend fewer meals than otherwise suggested using observed data. For the few instances when [Hg] is under-predicted (<11%), the nature of the human health concern would be relatively minor because the advisory classification is almost never (<1%) more than one category less restrictive.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: A Study of Pro- and Anti-Nociceptive Factors In A Model of Colitis-Associated Visceral Pain

contributor:
Lomax, Alan E.
Vanner, Stephen
Physiology

subject:
Substance P
Colon
Nociceptor
β-endorphin
Chronic Inflammation
Mouse
Spinal Cord

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physiology) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-29 16:28:41.166

abstract:
Chronic abdominal pain is a major cause of patient morbidity in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). A balance of pro- and anti-nociceptive factors regulating colonic dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, which synapse onto second order dorsal horn neurons, are known to regulate chronic pain but the mechanisms are poorly understood. This thesis examined whether neuroanatomical remodeling of DRG central nerve terminals underlies pro-nociceptive signaling and whether subsets of immune cells source the anti-nociceptive factor, β-endorphin.
To examine pro-nociceptive mechanisms, acute and chronic dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) mouse models of colitis were established and substance P (SP; marker of nociceptor terminals) immunohistochemistry used to investigate changes in immunoreactivity of DRG terminals in the thoracic dorsal horn (segments T9-T13). SP immunoreactivity was increased in the dorsal horn (4 fold; P < 0.001) and central canal (P < 0.001) following chronic colitis. In contrast, SP immunoreactivity was unchanged in acute colitis. However, five weeks later SP immunoreactivity was increased both in the dorsal horn (4 fold; P < 0.01) and central canal (P < 0.001). In the cervical spinal cord, SP immunoreactivity was not increased following colitis, suggesting that changes seen in the thoracic level were specific to signaling from colonic DRG neurons. Immunoreactivity for the SP NK1 receptor on second order neurons was also examined and a significant increase in immunoreactivity was observed on post-synaptic second order cell bodies following chronic DSS. This could provide an additional mechanism for enhanced SP neurotransmission centrally.
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The source of the anti-nociceptive mediator, β-endorphin, during chronic DSS colitis was investigated using magnetic cell sorting and flow cytometry. The number of β- endorphin expressing CD4+ (2.4 fold; P < 0.05) and CD11b+ (2.6 fold; P < 0.05) cells in mice increased following chronic colitis.
These findings suggest that during colitis there is a time-dependent increase of SP immunoreactivity in thoracic DRG central terminals, which could play a role in pro- nociceptive signaling in chronic inflammation. These actions may be balanced by anti- nociceptive factors such as β-endorphin which are found in subsets of immune cells.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Test-Retest Reliability of Decomposition-Based Quantitative Electromyography Derived Motor Unit Number Estimates

contributor:
McLean, Linda
Rehabilitation Science

subject: Motor Unit Number Estimation (MUNE)

subject: Repeatability

subject: Decomposition-Enhanced Spike Triggered Averaging (DE-STA)

abstract: Thesis (Master, Rehabilitation Science) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-30 08:32:06.141

abstract:
Establishing a valid, reliable, and objective method for determining the number of functioning motor units in a muscle is important clinically, as it would provide a quantitative means of documenting changes in neuromuscular health over time.  This thesis addressed the reliability of motor unit number estimates (MUNEs) derived using decomposition-based quantitative electromyography (DQEMG) from the extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) and abductor hallucis (AH) muscles.  Additionally, the effect of the mean surface motor unit potential (SMUP) parameter averaging method (arithmetic/ensemble), the size-related parameter used to calculate MUNE (amplitude/area), and the type of SMUP marker editing (automatic/manual) was investigated in terms of MUNE values.
Two separate analyses on a single data set collected from twenty healthy subjects on two occasions were conducted.  MUNEs were calculated by dividing a size-related parameter (amplitude/area) of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) by the same size-related parameter of a representative mean SMUP.  First, paired t-tests investigated differences in MUNEs calculated using arithmetic and ensemble averaged SMUP parameters. Within- and between-day reliability of the two measurements was established using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), coefficients of variation (CV), mean absolute differences (MAD), and Bland Altman limits of agreement (LOA). Second, MUNEs (using both parameters) derived from automated and manually edited SMUPs were compared.  The effect of the size-related parameter and editing type was identified using a two-factor, repeated measures analysis of variance.  Reliability was determined as described above.
Arithmetic averaged SMUP parameters produced smaller MUNEs than those derived from ensemble averaging (p<0.001).  SMUP area produced higher MUNEs than SMUP amplitude (p<0.05), except when using arithmetic averaged parameters in AH.  Interaction effects between editing type and size parameter were present in both muscles (F>6.68, p<0.001).
Between-day MUNEs had lower CVs and MADs, higher ICCs, and narrower LOAs than within-day MUNEs.  MUNEs derived from arithmetic averaged SMUP parameters showed the highest reliability (ICCs>0.91).  MUNEs calculated from automated SMUP marker placements were highly correlated (r>0.86) and displayed comparable reliabilities to those derived from manual marker placement (ICCs>0.90).
To optimize the reproducibility of MUNEs calculated using DQEMG, while minimizing processing time, between-day automated estimates using arithmetic averaged SMUP amplitude is recommended.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: A Population-Based Study of Healthcare Resource Utilization by Metastatic Gastric Cancer Patients in Ontario

contributor:
Viola, Raymond
Coburn, Natalie
Johnson, Ana
Community Health and Epidemiology

subject:
Gastric Cancer
Epidemiology
Health Economics
Health Services

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-30 09:49:34.731

abstract:
Background: Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world. Non-curative, metastatic disease is frequent in low incidence countries; management strategies for relief of symptoms include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The resource utilization of metastatic gastric cancer patients is unstudied in the Canadian system, and predictors of major cost drivers and end-of-life care unknown. Our purpose was to describe the resource utilization of metastatic gastric cancer patients in Ontario, compare resource utilization among Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) and examine predictors of inpatient hospital days and receipt of homecare.
Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma patients registered in the Ontario Cancer Registry between April 1, 2005 and March 31st, 2008. Chart review and administrative healthcare data were linked to describe non-therapeutic endoscopic, radiologic and surgical investigations and treatment strategies from the healthcare system perspective, using a two-year and two month time horizon. Chi square tests were used to compare proportions of resource utilization, and non-parametric one-way ANOVA compared mean per patient usage. Negative binomial regression was used to model the number of inpatient hospital days. Modified Poisson regression was used to model receipt of homecare.
Results: The cohort consisted of 1433 patients with metastatic disease. Less than half of the patients received chemotherapy (43%), gastrectomy (37%) or radiotherapy (28%). Geographic variation existed in the type of health services consumed and in the frequency of their use among LHINs. Location of the primary tumour, resource utilization band, receipt of a gastrectomy and care from a high volume physician were independent predictors of inpatient hospital days. Home care use was predicted by location of the primary tumour, receipt of care from a high volume physician and the number of days survived within the study period.
Conclusion: Variation in healthcare resource utilization exists between LHINs in Ontario for the care of metastatic gastric cancer patients. Whether these differences reflect differential access to
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resources, patient preference or physician preference is not known. Further research needs to examine differences and how they impact on clinical disease outcomes. Next steps include incorporating predictors of resource utilization measures into clinical and policy-level decision-making.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Role of Cycling within Sustainable Urban Development in Canada: Case studies of Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Ottawa

contributor:
Whitelaw, Graham S.
Environmental Studies

subject:
Bicycling
Sustainable
Cycling
Environment
Transportation
Urban Planning

abstract: Thesis (Master, Environmental Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-30 13:57:01.281

abstract: This project defines the potential benefits of bicycling in major Canadian cities; determines the role of cycling within sustainable urban development; and suggests recommendations for maximizing the benefits of cycling in Canadian cities. The first phase of the project involved a review of academic literature and analysis of documents for four city case studies: Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Ottawa, Ontario; and Toronto, Ontario. Information was analyzed and themed to develop recommendations to maximize bicycling in these cities. The research suggests Vancouver and Ottawa are two of Canada’s leading cities in cycling innovation. Analysis of city documents found that most cities create in-depth cycling master plans which are difficult to successfully complete. Phase two of the project involved a 5400 kilometer bicycling tour in the summer of 2010 from Vancouver to Toronto. During the tour, each of the four cities were visited for a period of five to seven days and observations were made on cyclist infrastructure, safety, promotional and educational initiatives, planning, policy and law, and unique features. Photography and semi-structured interviews with urban planners, government officials, and cycling advocates were utilized to gain a unique perspective of the major cycling issues and innovations within each city. The research and observation indicated that a focus on creation of complete cycling networks; enforcement of cyclist rights; promotion and education; incentives and disincentives to the use of motorized vehicles; efficient use of funds for cycling infrastructure; the examination of municipal level cycling master plan policy; recognition of economic benefits of cycling; and knowledge and experience sharing between Canadian municipalities can increase overall rates of cycling within a city.

abstract: M.E.S.


title: A Retrospective Study of Child and Adolescent Risk Factors and their Relation to the Dark Triad Core Personality Traits

contributor:
Fekken, G. Cynthia
Psychology

subject:
Personality Psychology
Dark Triad

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-30 14:58:10.637

abstract:
The Dark Triad consists of three overlapping personality traits: Psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and Narcissism, (Paulhus & Williams, 2002). This investigation examines two main research goals. The first aims to identify the common traits that occupy the core of the Dark Triad of personality. The literature suggests that the Dark Triad Core traits are low agreeableness (e.g., Jakobwitz & Egan, 2006), aggression (e.g., Kerig & Stellwagen, 2010), impulsivity (e.g., Thomaes, Bushman, De Castro, & Stegge, 2009), low emotional intelligence (e.g., Ali, Amorim & Chamorro-Premuzic, 2009), and potentially low neuroticism (Paulhus & Williams, 2002). The second research goal aims to identify a developmental trajectory of how early life risk factors influence each other and the Dark Triad. The literature suggests that being raised in a low SES environment (e.g., Chapple & Johnson, 2007), experiencing trauma (e.g., Tackett et al., 2009), and being the child of poor parenting styles (e.g., De Clercq et al., 2008), are related to the occurrence of the Dark Triad. An anxious or avoidant attachment style (Loeber & Hay, 1997) and low self-control (Gramzow et al., 2004) may also predict the Dark Triad.
Using a sample of 546 adults, the first study demonstrated that the proposed Dark Triad Core traits represent a construct that is overlapping, but not equivalent to, the construct represented by the Dark Triad personality traits. Psychopathy, Machiavellianism, Narcissism, low agreeableness, and aggression load one factor, while aggression, impulsivity, low emotional intelligence, neuroticism, Narcissism and Machiavellianism load a second correlated factor. Using Structural Equation Modeling, several models were tested and a final model was generated that provides a preliminary developmental trajectory of the Dark Triad. This model indicates that poor parenting practices tend to increase the expression of anxious attachment in children. Furthermore, fathers’ poor parenting marginally decreases children’s self-control. Experiencing trauma also tends to increase anxious attachment and decrease self-control in victims. Then, anxious attachment and low self-control influence the expression of the Dark Triad. This line of research begins to define the core of the Dark Triad, while also defining the impact of childhood experiences and personal characteristics in the expression of the Dark Triad.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Effects of Object Function on Visual Search in Real-World Scenes

contributor:
Castelhano, Monica
Psychology

subject: visual-search affordance

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-30 16:36:26.184

abstract:
Our everyday interactions with the world are subject to affordance: the interaction that exists naturally between an object and the action possibilities inherent within it. Object affordances result from complex visuomotor interactions and are reflected in many processes, including reaching and grasping behaviours, distance judgments, and object identification. With the present study we extended current research on the use of affordances in visual searches of arrays to investigate whether guidance by affordance occurs in searches of real-world scenes and is the result of knowledge of target function (Experiment 1), and whether it is integrated with the use of scene context in guidance of search (Experiment 2).
	To investigate the contribution of object function to guidance by affordance in real-world scenes we tracked participants’ eye movements while they performed visual searches. The target objects were invented objects with invented functions that were learned by the participants prior to beginning search. By providing participants with information about only the features and functions of targets (and not about location) we omitted any effects on search from previously learned associations between the objects and their locations in the scene.  This allowed us to examine guidance by affordance independently of traditional contextual effects. In Experiment 1 we compared the searches of participants who learned the functions of the targets to those who learned only the targets’ features. Results showed facilitation of visual search by knowledge of target function as compared against searches in which target function was not known. Experiment 2 compared searches for objects placed in locations congruent and incongruent with their function to show that guidance by affordance is benefitted by knowledge of target function in congruent searches. We concluded that guidance by affordance results from an understanding of the function of an object and the integration of that understanding into an understanding of the context of the scene as a whole

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Detonation Characteristics of Dimethyl Ether, Methanol and Ethanol Air Mixtures

contributor:
Ciccarelli, Gabriel
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Detonations
Transportation Fuels
Explosions

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-30 17:15:05.169

abstract: The detonation characteristics of dimethyl ether-air, methanol-air and ethanol-air mixtures, initially at atmospheric pressure and a temperature range of 298K to 373K, were investigated in this study. Experiments were performed in a heated detonation tube, 6.1m long with an inner- diameter of 10cm. Transition to detonation was achieved for fuel-air mixtures by spark ignition and subsequent flame acceleration using orifice plate obstacles in the first half of the tube, and via a gas driver with a short orifice plate obstacle section. Cell width measurements where obtained using the soot foil technique for fuel-air mixtures inside the detonation limits. The measurements show that dimethyl ether-air, methanol-air and ethanol-air mixtures are less “sensitive” to detonation than propane-air and ethane-air mixtures, but more sensitive than methane-air mixtures, within the tested temperature range. Soot foil records also indicated the presence of substantial cellular substructure for all three fuel-air mixtures. One-dimensional detonation reaction zone length calculations were performed and fit with the measured cell width using a simple linear correlation, which resulted in an accurate representation of the data. The correlation proportionality constants for dimethyl ether-air, methanol-air and ethanol-air were obtained for the dominant cellular structure as well as the substructure. The values obtained for the substructure are comparable to values reported in the literature for typical hydrocarbons.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Moth pollination, low seed set, and vestigialization of attractive floral traits in Abronia umbellata (Nyctaginaceae)

contributor:
Eckert, Christopher G.
Biology

subject:
Pollination Syndromes
Abronia Umbellata
Moth Pollination
Outcrossing
Pollen limitation
Selfing
Mating System Transition
Floral Volatiles
Self-Compatibility
Self-Incompatibility
Vestigialization
Trait Reduction
Attractive Floral Traits
Nyctaginaceae
Pollination Ecology
Resource Limitation

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-30 19:46:23.663

abstract:
Flowering plants display remarkable phenotypic diversity, especially in reproductive structures, much of which is thought to be associated with pollination by animals. Pollination syndromes are collections of floral traits (e.g. flower colour, shape, odour) that are associated with a plant attracting particular functional groups of animal pollinators. We explored the extent to which traits associated with the moth pollination syndrome translated into pollination by moths in the Pacific coast dune endemic Abronia umbellata and found mixed results: in one year of study, there was no difference in seed set by day- vs. night-pollinated inflorescences, but in another year of study, night-pollinated inflorescences set significantly more seed than those pollinated during the day. We integrate this work with tests of pollen and resource limitation of seed production and with seed set surveys of natural populations to address proximate and ultimate causes of low seed set, finding low rates of pollinator visitation, high pollen limitation of seed production in all populations studied, and no evidence of endogenous resource limitation of seed production. We propose that “excess” flowers may be functionally male, serving to increase outcross siring success.
The transition from self-incompatibility and obligate outcrossing to self-compatibility and predominant selfing is the most common evolutionary transition among the flowering plants and traits associated with outcrossing may become reduced across such shifts, potentially through the action of natural selection, especially if pollinators are also herbivores, or if the signals that pollinators use to locate flowers are also used by herbivores. We examined the reduction of attractive visual and olfactory floral traits in A. umbellata across a shift from outcrossing to selfing and found a reduction of all floral traits considered. We found that floral volatile emissions were reduced more strongly than flower size or floral display (number of flowers per inflorescence), but there was no evidence of an ecological cost associated with conspicuousness: we did not find reduced leaf herbivory among selfers relative to outcrossers.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Factors Predicting the Social Participation of Children With and Without Developmental Disabilities

contributor:
Minnes, Patricia
Psychology

subject: inclusion participation

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-31 00:21:52.375

abstract:
Although participation in social, recreational, and leisure activities is essential to overall well being, children with developmental disabilities (DD) participate in fewer activities than their typically developing (TD) peers (e.g., Solish, Perry & Minnes, 2010).  The purpose of the current study was to explore the factors that predict participation of preschool- and early school-aged children by investigating the contributions of the child, the family, and the environment in which the child and family reside.
The theoretical model used in the current study is an adaptation of two conceptual models proposed by King et al. (2003) who investigated the factors predicting participation of individuals with physical disabilities between the ages of 6 and 21 years, and Orsmond, Wyngaarden Krauss, and Mailick Seltzer (2004) who investigated the factors predicting participation for adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  These authors proposed that a combination of environmental factors (e.g., supportive relationships), family factors (e.g., absence of financial and time impacts on the family), and individual/child factors (e.g., cognitive skills, communication) would be associated with participation.  These models were adapted for use in the current study to include: 1) factors that have been shown empirically to be predictors of involvement for children with physical disabilities and for adolescents/adults with ASD (e.g., child’s functional ability); and 2) additional factors that may be theoretically relevant to the participation of preschool-aged children with DD. The outcome variables included the child’s participation in a variety of activities and parental satisfaction with the child’s sense of belonging. The results demonstrate that preschool- and early school-aged children, and children with and without disabilities, differed from each other on a number of variables (e.g., adaptive behaviour, family stress, etc). In addition, children with ASD and children with other DD participated in fewer social, recreational, and leisure activities than their TD peers, and parents of children with ASD and other DD reported lower satisfaction with their child’s sense of belonging. Adaptive behaviour, social skills, number of services used, family active recreation, and income were significant predictors of the child’s participation in activities. Limitations and theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

abstract: PhD