title: Identities in German Migration Literature: A comparison of Mutterzunge and Kanak Sprak

contributor:
Campbell, Hope A. (author)
(Thomas, Christian) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: Using the short-story collections Mutterzunge (by Emine Özdamar) and Kanak Sprak (by Feridun Zaimoglu), as representative texts from the genre for German Migration Literature, that depict two different generations of immigrants to Germany, this thesis examines the effect of interactions/language on the formation of identity. I will examine the specific strategies and processes by which the representatives of these two generations construct their identities differently from each other, as they engage with countries, cultures and languages of heritage/origin, and those of their residency. Whereas Mutterzunge explores the creation of hybrid identities through transcultural interactions, Kanak Sprak rejects transculturality. Instead, the “Kanaken”-identity is built on collective experiences of cultural isolation and marginalization. These strong differences in strategies and emerging identities reflect the respective situation of first and subsequent Turkish migrant generations in relation to German and Turkish cultures and societies.

abstract: Languages & Literatures


title: A graph theoretic model for configurational isomerism

type: Text Dissertation/Thesis

contributor:
McLeod, John Wise (author)
(McLelland, J.) (Thesis advisor)
(Committee member)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

format: electronic electronic

rights: The author grants permission to the University Librarian at Acadia University to reproduce, loan or distribute copies of my thesis in microform, paper or electronic formats on a non-profit basis. The author retains the copyright of the thesis.

subject: LE3 .A278 1976

abstract: The mathematical definition of a graph is extended to model the chemical concept of configurational isomerism. This extension involves the ordering of the set of neighbors around each vertex of what is called a C-graph. This ordering is thought of as an assignment of a vertex's neighbors to locations in a geometric figure, whose rigid motions determine a group of permutations called the local shape at that vertex. Extensions of graph isomorphism are introduced which partition the class of all C-graphs into equivalence classes corresponding to the structural isomers and configurational isomers of chemistry. Sufficient theoretical machinery is developed to enumerate and simply describe the configurational isomers within a given structural isomer.

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics


title: The search for identity in the Manawaka novels of Margaret Laurence

contributor:
Frangoulis, Athena (author)
(Fredericks, Carrie) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1976

abstract: The search for identity is one of the many themes explored by Margaret Laurence in her novels. This paper will examine the themes of identity in the following novels: The Stone Angel (1964), A Jest of God (1966), The Fire-Dwellers (1969), and The Diviners (1974).  All of these novels are a departure from Ms. Laurence's earlier works on Africa and the setting, for the most part, is a Canadian one. In each of the novels, the central character is a woman haunted by a troubled past that can never be totally exorcised; for each, the ties with the past are enduring and inescapable. However, a conscious awareness of the past and the knowledge that it can never be changed instigates both conscious and sub-conscious voyages of self-discovery in each of the novels.  In the Stone Angel, Hagar Shipley experiences her revelation at the close of a long life filled with bitterness and recrimination. Rachel Cameron, in A Jest of God, after a period of self-examination decides to leave behind  a restrictive small town environment in favour of a new way of life. Stacey MacAindra, in The Fire-Dwellers, Learns to reconcile her individual identity with that of wife and mother. Morag Gunn of The Diviners experiences her moment of truth at ta time when she thinks she is losing her gift as a writer.   Thus, the search for identity is a thematic concern in each of Margaret Laurence's novels. It is hoped that this paper will reveal various thematic insights and serve to clarify the themes of identity and self-discovery in Ms. Laurence's work.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Wrestling with consumption: The Nova Scotia Sanatorium

contributor:
Morse, Sarah (author)
(Perrins, Robert John) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2007

abstract: This study begins with a brief examination of the current state of the  resurgence of tuberculosis, a disease which was previously thought to have been  'conquered', in the contemporary world, and then explores the general narrative  history of the battle against the disease in Canada during the first half of the  twentieth century, paying particular attention to the development of the  sanatorium approach to tuberculosis treatment prior to the Second World War.  The main focus of this study is the history of the Nova Scotia Sanatorium located  in Kentville, for the period between the years of 1909-193 5, and particularly the  work during this era of the institution's first medical director, Dr. Arthur F. Miller  (1877-1965). By examining the various historic therapeutic approaches to treating  tuberculosis, this thesis places the history of the Kentville institution's therapies  firmly within the broader contexts of the histories of medicine and public health  in the Maritimes during the early twentieth century prior to the advent of modern  antibiotics. Starting with the earliest period of Miller's management of the  sanatorium and a discussion of the method often described in contemporary  literature as the 'Cure', this thesis then explores the adoption of the ineffective  inoculation of tuberculosis patients with Tuberculin before finally analyzing some  of the more invasive and risky surgical procedures that were undertaken at the  sanatorium. In conclusion, a review of the relative ineffectiveness of the Nova  Scotia Sanatorium on both a cost-per-patient basis and the facility's 'cure-rate'  will be presented-evidence that clearly calls for a radical re-examination of the  dominant local view that Dr. Miller played a pioneering and central role in the  victory over tuberculosis on both the provincial and national stages. This thesis  argues that neither the 'Cure' nor the radical surgeries were as important as the  development of basic public health facilities and the general improvement in the  population's general health and standard of living in bringing about a reduction in  the region's rate of tuberculosis. This topic is deserving of scholarly attention not  only because of the important role that the Kentville facility played in the local  and provincial communities, but also because a better understanding of past  efforts to control tuberculosis need to be examined as our health care system now  finds itself attempting to deal with the new threat posed by antibiotic-resistant  strains of the disease.

abstract: Biology


title: Housing : one structural Influence on everyday, household-based pro- environmental practices

contributor:
Esau, Erin Janice Darlene (author)
(Frank, Lesley) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract:
This thesis is a sociological examination of the relationship between pro-environmental practices (PEP) and housing
from the perspective of families in Nova Scotia. It builds on findings from research on pro-environmental behaviours, largely positioned within a psycho-social framework, by offering a sociologically positioned analysis of the effects of structural factors on practice in an under-researched area of PEP–the private sphere of the home. Data were collected from 125 Nova Scotian families using a 143 item online questionnaire administered from November 2015 to December 2015. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software through the use of across tabulations on a variety of PEPs against housing variables and income. Additionally, participation rates of PEPs were compared to available household amenities and neighbourhood  attributes, and barriers and facilitators of PEPs were explored.  The results indicated that housing characteristics, as well as income are structural factors that influence PEPs, however their influence varies by area of practice and access to amenities or facilities. The results also suggest that structural determinants of PEPs need to be
examined in light of micro-level family dynamics of households which are highly gendered. This thesis concludes that social structures and spaces are deserving of more attention in the PEP literature and that there is a need for further sociological inquiry on the barriers and facilitators of pro-environmental practices.

abstract: Sociology


title: The impact of cash holdings on corporate efficiency

contributor:
McDonald, Sheldon (author)
(MacLean, Stephen) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract:
Currently, corporations are choosing to hold an increasing amount of their total assets in cash and cash equivalents. This increase has caught the interest of the academic world as research tries to create theories to explain why firms are choosing to increase the level of cash on their balance sheet. Michael Jensen proposed a n explanation in 1986. He stated that management will increase the level of cash holdings in order to pursue their own interests instead of the interests of shareholders. When this occurs, firm value is destroyed and the cash is wasted. Alternative theories have emerged that
try to explain this phenomenon. The transaction cost theory is based on the foundation that a firm will increase their cash holdings to reduce the transaction costs of converting non-liquid assets into cash. The precautionary theory states that a firm will increase their cash holdings to protect themselves from shocks to their cash flow and from economic ncertainties.
Finally, the tax motive describes how a firm may choose to increase the level of cash to avoid taxes associated with moving cash from one country to another.  Jensen’s theory implies that an increase in cash will decrease the firm’s efficiency. This hypothesis was tested in the current study using return on invested capital (ROIC) as the measure of efficiency. It was found that an increase in cash actually increases the ROIC, and therefore the hypothesis is rejected. Robustness tests were conducted to add additional control variables but the findings remained consistent . The data provides some support for the alternative theories, but further research is needed to fully explain why the association between cash and ROIC is positive.

abstract: Business


title: Mental and physical health differences between burnout, engagement, and other work experiences : a cluster analysis

contributor:
Cook, Ryan Anthony (author)
(Leiter, Michael) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract:
The  literature  appears to be drifting  away  from  the  original  three -dimensional  structure  of burnout.  However,  all  three  components  represent  important  work-related  difficulties  that many  people experience,  and the construct  cannot  truly  be measured  without  all  three dimensions.  Another  point  of  contest  in  the  literature  is how  burnout is  experienced concurrently  with its debatable  opposite ‘work engagement.’ The  current  study provides insight  into  both  of these  issues  by using cluster  analysis  to identify  common  experiences of burnout  and engagement,  and exploring
how  these clusters  differ  in  terms  of mental and physical  health.  A sample of  274 university  students were clustered  based on exhaustion,  cynicism,  self-efficacy,  and vigor  scores. Five  clusters  existed  in  the  sample which,  from  largest  to smallest,  were:  Engaged,  Overextended  (high  exhaustion  only), Ineffective  (low  self-efficacy  only), Disengaged  (high  cynicism  only),  and  Burnout. There  were physical  health  differences  between  clusters, with  post-hoc tests revealing that  the  Engaged  cluster  had significantly  better physical  health  than  every  other  cluster. There  were no differences  in  physical  health  between the other  clusters.  There  were  also differences  in mental  health  between  clusters .  The  Engaged  cluster  had the  best mental health,  the  Overextended,  Disengaged, and Ineffective  clusters  had equally  poor mental health,  but  the Burnout  cluster  had significantly  worse  mental  health  than  every  other cluster.  Implications  for interventions,  the  future  of the  burnout  construct,  and the relationship  between  burnout  and engagement are all  discussed.

abstract: Psychology


title: Estimage: a mobile application for image to object count estimation

contributor:
Chen, Yonghong (author)
Acadia University (degree_grantor)
(Silver, Daniel L.) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract:
A major problem in the agricultural field is accurately estimating the yield of pro-
duce.  Typically, farmers must wait to measure their crops after harvest using manual
mechanical equipment.  There is value in having better methods of yield estimation
based on data that can be captured with inexpensive technology in the field, such as
a smartphone.  We develop a smartphone application for the Android platform with
access to a cloud-based machine learning (ML) service that can estimate the amount
of crop on a bush or tree from an image.  The development of an image-to-object-
count estimation system called Estimage is presented.  The Estimage system consists
of  an  Android  client  application  for  user  interaction,  a  PHP  server  application  for
request handling,  an Octave program for image normalization,  and an open-source
ML software package called ilastik that applies a predictive model to an image.  The
functionality of the mobile client application is tested and the system satisfies all of
the functional requirements and most of the non-functional requirements.  The system
is tested on the images of coins on a table, logs stacked in a pile, and blueberries on
the bush.  We show that the system is capable of accurately estimating the count of
objects in the images that have objects of the same size, colour, and shape as that
used  to  train  the  model.   The  system  is  good  at  distinguishing  object  pixels  from
the image background pixels provided the background is consistent with that used to
train the model.

abstract: Computer Science


title: Metamorphic conditions and reactions responsible for biotite box structure in andalusite porphyroblasts, Pubnico, Nova Scotia

contributor:
LaCombe, Roxanne Nicole (author)
Acadia University (degree_grantor)
(Raeside, Robert) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract:
The Pubnico Peninsula, along the south shore of Nova Scotia is underlain by highly aluminous rocks of the Halifax Group which have been affected by high heat flow regional metamorphism, resulting in andalusite and staurolite-rich ssemblages. Isograds defined by the disappearance of staurolite, and appearance of sillimanite have been identified with grade
increasing from west to east. Through microprobe analysis the conditions of metamorphism in the study area were determined to be 2.2 to 3.1 kbar at 530 to 580°C.

These rocks are highly aluminous resulting in extensive amounts of large andalusite and staurolite porphyroblasts throughout the study area. The high aluminum content is likely due to the metamorphism of highly aluminous pelite.

The isograds are present despite the lack of a measurable temperature change due to a decrease in pressure between grades. The rocks in the Pubnico Peninsula seem to have followed a P-T-t path and have recorded various stages along this path which resulted in staurolite forming at higher pressure and possibly lower temperature. This P-T-t path is also responsible for the disappearance of garnet in the most northeastern sample.

Some rocks in the east of the study area have a distinctive feature of boxes of biotite within andalusite porphyroblasts. This unique structure could be the result of two different methods of growth. The first is that biotite was already present in the matrix and the growth of idioblastic andalusite displaced the matrix biotite resulting in it surrounding the andalusite. This was then followed by a second stage growth of andalusite surrounding the biotite box. The second possible mechanism is that the growth of idioblastic andalusite was followed by the preferential growth of biotite around the andalusite. This is postdated by a second stage of andalusite growth surrounding the biotite box.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Comparison of cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in the treatment of trauma as perceived by therapists

contributor:
Stigter, Aafje Annemarie (author)
Acadia University (degree_grantor)
(Price, E. Lisa) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract:
Trauma is a difficult and unpleasant experience usually resulting in mental or emotional problems. Research by Jarero, Artigas, and Luber (2011) has shown that if trauma is not addressed, it can develop into symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). People diagnosed with this disorder, re-experience the traumatic event with intrusive memories, flashbacks and nightmares which can disrupt dailyactivities. It is essential to treat trauma symptoms with an adequate therapy. Various therapies are available of which Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most widely known. Recently, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has been given more attention on trauma treatment. Comparison from therapists’ perspective on EMDR and CBT has not been studied previously, and the purpose of the present study was to examine this. Practicing therapists were recruited, and a total of 36 of their clients who either received CBT or EMDR treatment were used. It was found that clients in the EMDR condition showed a greater reduction of stress symptoms.
No support was found for the hypotheses that EMDR would lead to a greater reduction of depression and feelings of loneliness. However, it was found that clients with complex trauma had a greater reduction of feelings of loneliness ompared to clients with mild trauma. No support was found for the hypothesis that EMDR would increase psychological lexibility more than CBT would. Also, the hypothesis that EMDR requires fewer treatment sessions to see improvement in trauma symptoms than CBT was not supported. The findings of the present study indicate that CBT and EMDR are equally  effective in the treatment of trauma.

Keywords: trauma, stress, loneliness, depression, psychological flexibility

abstract: Psychology


title: Age and gender effect on muscle activation patterns in the dominantand non-dominant legs of soccer players during unanticipated sidestep cuts: Relevance to non-contact ACL injuries

contributor:
Jones, Michelle (author)
(Landry, Scott) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: It is known that females are more susceptible to non-contact anterior cruciate  ligament (ACL) injuries compared to males, however, muscle activity differences due to  age and gender are not yet completely understood. A number of studies exist examining  gender effects on non-contact ACL injury risk, but few consider gender as well as the  effect of age. The purpose of this study was to determine if gender and age differences  exist in neuromuscular control patterns during unanticipated side cutting. A series of 45°  unanticipated sidestep cuts were performed at a maximum effort by 33 pre-pubescent and  39 post-pubescent male and female soccer athletes. Unanticipated conditions were used  to more closely replicate a true game-like situation where this injury is most likely to  occur. Muscle activation patterns during the stance phase of the sidestep cuts were  analyzed for the following muscles: lateral and medial gastrocnemii, lateral and medial  hamstrings, and vastus lateralis and medialis. Mean muscle activation patterns for the  stance phase of sidestep cutting strides were magnitude normalized to a series of  maximum voluntary isometric contractions. For each muscle separately, the participants  individual mean waveforms were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA),  with PC1 and PC2 capturing overall magnitude and timing features (phase shift) in the  activation waveforms, respectively. Gender, age, and interaction effects were tested for  using a two-way ANOVA for each muscle group, and analyses of the dominant leg and  the non-dominant leg were each completed separately. Analyses of both legs revealed  significant age effects or trends towards significance in all muscles examined. Evidence  of a gender effect revealed males reaching peak muscle activation significantly closer to  initial foot contact (IC) compared to females in the VL and VM in both legs, as well as  x  the MG and LH in the dominant leg. Different interaction effects were also found in both  legs. After post-hoc pairwise comparisons were performed, dominant leg analyses  revealed that post-pubescent females had greater muscle activation magnitudes compared  to post-pubescent males and pre-pubescent females. Non-dominant leg analysis showed  that post-pubescent males reached peak muscle activation closer to IC than post-pubescent  females in the LH. Findings that include earlier peak muscle activity for the  VL, VM and the LH in males may play a role in more effectively stabilizing the knee  closer to IC and decreasing the risk of injury for males. Agreeing with the literature, no  interaction effect between pre-pubescent males and females was found in this study. Lack  of neuromuscular control differences may be a causative factor for similar ACL injury  rates between genders prior to the onset of puberty. Further investigations are  recommended to determine the role that existing age and gender differences may have on  the risk of non-contact ACL injury risk.

abstract: Kinesiology


title: A Hero of many faces: Multiplicity in genre, heroism, and audience in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series

contributor: (Wyile, Andrea Schwenke) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: The objectives of this thesis are twofold: primarily, my objective is to explore the  potential reasons for the overwhelming success of the Harry Potter series, and then, as a  secondary but complementary aim, to determine if there is a less economically-centred  way of measuring that success. To this end, I analyze the multifaceted nature of the series’  generic composition, the hybridity of heroic characterization, and the diversity of reader-produced  content in order to generate some conclusions about the ability of the series to  transcend rigid classifications and appeal to a broad and diverse readership. This appeal is  made possible by the text’s provision for multiple points of accessibility for readers.  I conclude that the multiplicity of genre, heroism, and audience in J.K. Rowling’s  Harry Potter series – seen in the interweaving of multiple genres, the convergence of dis-tinct  heroic archetypes, and the demographic diversity of the readership – renders the se-ries  a text of multiplicity. This nature allows for the production of content that is diverse  because of the myriad opportunities for garnering individualized and distinct meaning.  This diverse content serves as a more capable yardstick for the measurement of the  broader cultural effect of the Harry Potter series.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Molecular analysis of Mytilus edulis mitochondrial DNA polymorphism: Doubly uniparental inheritance as an adaptation for increased sperm fitness

contributor:
Bunker, Ryan Alexander (author)
(Stewart, Donald) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: The common Blue Mussel, Mytilus edulis, has two distinct gender-associated mitochondrial DNA lineages transmitted through egg or sperm, respectively; a system referred to as Doubly Uniparental Inheritance or DUI. DUI has been proposed to allow for M-type genome-specific adaptations for increased sperm performance. Under this scenario, males are not an evolutionary dead-end for mitochondrial DNA transmission and can be consequently affected by selection pressures. Given the presence of two distinct mitotypes found within the male lineage, a standard male genome (SM-type) and a recently masculinized genome (RM-type), the objective of the study was to determine whether or not the prevalence of one particular mitotype over the other is influenced by the density of a mussel bed. Because RM-type mussels have demonstrated faster sperm swimming speed, we asked whether RM-types would be more prevalent in higher density mussel beds vs. the SM-type. A random quadrat sampling method with a 5x6 grid was used to measure mussel bed density at two sites in Scots Bay – Minas Channel, Kings Co., Nova Scotia. After collection, mussels were sexed via gonadal tissue extraction and females were subsequently discarded. Male gonadal DNA was isolated and used in PCRs and restriction digests of PCR products of the nuclear encoded internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region for species determination. Preliminary identification of male-transmitted mitotypes was obtained through amplification of a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit III gene using SM-specific primers. Confirmation of the presence of RM mitotypes was determined by amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene for these samples. Despite successfully sampling two populations with different densities, no association between   density and ratio of RM to SM mitotypes was found; this may reflect the close geographic proximity of the mussel beds, which are likely connected by a high level of gene flow.

abstract: Biology


title: An experimental examination of the effects of sports-related television content on exercise-related cognitions

contributor:
Munroe, Cory A. (author)
(Shields, Chris) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: Despite the fact that university students often engage in high amounts of screen time, evidence suggests that this alone does not predict behaviors surrounding physical activity. In fact, television -based mass media campaigns have been successful in using screen time to promote physical activity, increasing attitudes towards and knowledge of physical activity. However, these campaigns are often short-lived and focus on a particular issue (e.g., obesity prevention) which may not be of relevance to those watching. Although this limits the impact of these initiatives, the content of television has been shown to be effective in cultivating perceptions among viewers. Television has been shown to potentially influence the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours of its viewers. Given the high rates of screen time by youth and young adults, and the impact television content on perceptions, the question arises: can regular television content motivate youth to be more physically active

abstract: Kinesiology


title: Photophysical investigation of coordination complexes for application in photodynamic therapy

contributor:
Hennigar, Robie (author)
(McFarland, Sherri) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2013

abstract: The photophysical properties of twenty-five ruthenium and nine osmium polypyridyl  coordination complexes were determined and analysed in the context of application  to photodynamic therapy for the treatment of cancer. Of the primary compounds  investigated, thirty were mononuclear compounds consisting of one metal and three  bidentate ligands, while four were dinuclear compounds consisting of two metals con-nected  by a bridging ligand and each metal stabilized by two bidentate ancillary  ligands. Of interest are the absorption and emission properties of these compounds  as they allow for elucidation of the excited state dynamics of the compound and offer  insight on the mechanism of photodynamic damage—both key pieces of information  for the intelligent design of future photodynamic compounds. Focus is given to the  development of coordination complexes absorbing and achieving photodynamic ac-tion  with red/NIR light—the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that offers the  greatest tissue penetration. The effects of subtle modifications are examined in order  to provide insight on how to best modify the structure of the compounds to achieve  efficient photodynamic action. The emission properties of the compounds are exam-ined  in detail with the focus being on providing information about the nature of the  excited state and how deactivation of the excited state may result in photodynamic  action. Of particular interest is the ability of the compounds to transfer energy to  ground state oxygen to produce singlet oxygen and transfer electrons, in the context  of self quenching or otherwise.

abstract: Physics


title: The freshwater fish community and Brown Trout movement patterns in Little River, Saint John, New Brunswick

contributor:
Bennett, Jillian M. (author)
(Stokesbury, Michael) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: Freshwater ecosystems are a vital component in the maintenance of fish biodiversity. The presence of artificial structures and pollution in freshwater systems however, causes loss of spawning habitat, alteration of migratory routes, and a decrease in reproductive cycles. In Little River, Saint John, New Brunswick the freshwater fish community was sampled. The Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) and White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii) populations were examined to determine population characteristics including age structure. Fork length, total length and weight were recorded on site for both species. Brown Trout movement throughout Little River was also observed through inserting V9 acoustic tags  into the fish and placing eight VR2w acoustic receivers throughout the system in an attempt to determine if the population consisted of anadromous or resident fish, or both, and to observe fish distribution throughout the system. Water quality throughout Little River was examined using benthic invertebrate samples collected using a kick net at a single site and a Ponar dredge at another five sites. Benthic invertebrate species were used to assess water quality, as they require specific conditions for growth and survival that differ between species. They can therefore be used as a measure of pollution tolerance. Age structure of the fish populations indicated either reduced spawning success in recent years and/or increased juvenile mortality. Species richness and therefore water quality was poorest in the lower portion of Little River, which was found to correlate with a lack of Brown Trout presence in that section of the river.

abstract: Environmental & Sustainability Studies


title: No girls allowed? Exploring bias, discourse, and exclusion in the old boys club of medicine

contributor:
Archer, Victoria (author)
Acadia University (degree_grantor)
(Abramson, Zelda) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract: Understanding how family physicians conceptualize and speak about health is crucial given that family doctors are at the front lines of health, however there is very little literature on the discourses of health. Through interviews with two female and two male family physicians in Saint John, New Brunswick, their understandings how gender, poverty, race, and the environment affect health were analyzed. The interviews were framed in critical health and feminist theory, so that the social structures which contribute to their understandings could be explored.   The female physicians echoed the refrain of “I don’t know” when discussing the relationship between industry and health. This is attributed to rigid gender roles which ultimately deny female physicians the freedom to speak out and engage in the way their male counterparts do . The female physicians shared views of health as largely a structural problem, whereas the male physicians understood health as an individual problem, mirroring the    biomedical approach.  This differing standpoint is problematic as medicine has historically and still is controlled by men, the dominant discourse continues to be shaped by men, and women’s standpoints are dismissed. Understanding the forces that govern health discourse is a crucial first step in creating medicine that better serves female physicians and patients.

abstract: Sociology


title: Dr. Flow: the experiences of young women’s menstruation  through a medicalized Lens

contributor:
Dalrymple, Kate (author)
Acadia University (degree_grantor)
(Abramson, Zelda) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract: This research explored university-aged women’s thoughts and experiences regarding menstruation in an effort to understand if, how, and to what effect menstruation is medicalized.  Using a mixed methods approach – a survey with a sampleof 218 and four semi-structured qualitative interviews, the data revealed that there is a complicated relationship between menstruation and women’s experience of medicalization. The survey data revealed that women identify menstruation as medical through their framing of menstrual changes as sickness and their strong association of menstruation with Pre-Menstrual Syndrome but they do not think menstruation is medicalized. The interviews indicated that there is a strong association between experience with medicalized menstruation and critique of medicalized behaviours. The interviews suggested that the reasons for this are linked to education, especially from women’s experiences, which helps create resistance to medicalized menstruation, and increase critical thought regarding medicalization and its benefits. These results suggest that more attention is needed to the methods of educating women about menstruation.

abstract: Sociology


title: Effects of relaxin peptides on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in oxygen and glucose deprived brain tissue

contributor:
Edgar, Luke (author)
Acadia University (degree_grantor)
(Wilson, Brian) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract:
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Canada.  At least two relaxin peptides are now known to protect heart, kidney, liver, pancreas, and brain tissues during ischemia through anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, angiogenic, and anti-fibrotic actions.  This makes relaxin a promising candidate as a stroke therapeutic.  Previous work in our lab showed that in cultured brain slices exposed to oxygen and glucose-deprivation (OGD, mimicking conditions of ischemic stress), two relaxin peptides reduce cell death.  Evidence also suggests that this protection may be mediated through a reduction in
inflammation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are signalling molecules that initiate the inflammatory response after ischemia. Therefore, it was my hypothesis that a relaxin peptide treatment would decrease cell death in cultured brain slices through a reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines.  To test this hypothesis, neonatal rat brains were sectioned, plated, and cultured for two weeks.  Subsequently, slices were treated with one of three media conditions: normoxic glucose control, oxygen and glucose-deprived control, or oxygen glucose deprivation with one of three relaxin treatments (100 pM): human relaxin-2, human relaxin-3, or relaxin-3/insulin-5 (a relaxin-3receptor agonist).  After treatment for 1 hour, slices were laced back into culture for 1 or 6 hours. Subsequently, slices were flash frozen and stored at -80° C.  Protein was isolated and
assayed for interleukin-1 beta and tumour necrosis factor alpha. Although relaxin peptides did not significantly reduce cytokine levels in OGD slices, the data suggest that relaxin-3 and relaxin-3/insulin-5 treatments may have reduced levels of the tested cytokines at a higher dosage. Further research is required to determine if relaxin peptides affect the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cultured brain tissue.

abstract: Biology


title: Testing attraction and repulsion of Drosophila suzukii to chemical stimuli

contributor:
Goreham, Shea R.M. (author)
Acadia University (degree_grantor)
(Hillier, Kirk) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract:
Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an invasive pest species that has vastly expanded its range in recent years, reaching Nova Scotia, Canada in 2011.  The resulting damage from oviposition and larval feeding of crops
results in significant economic loss each year.  Current trapping methods include a modified Havilland trap using an apple cider vinegar bait.  These traps are inadequate in detecting the presence of D. suzukii and produce a high amount of bycatch as misidentification is common .  The objective of this study was to test a series of volatile compounds which have been shown to have behavioral relevance to Drosophila suzukii. The goal is to determine the odor valence of these compounds as being either attractive, repellent or neutral.  Ultimately this may improve monitoring methods to both reduce bycatch and provide an earlier detection of D. suzukii arrival and population increases. Using a modified Flywalk bioassay, Ctrax and a two-way ANOVA it was found that (+/-)-geosmin was statistically significant; repulsive to both males and females, while the response to methyl hexanoate was significantly different between the sexes (females were attracted
while males were repulsed).  Finally, females were significantly more attracted to hexane than males.  Data also revealed
that there may be difference between the sexes in attraction to acetoin, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, and ethyl acetate
although not significantly so .  Overall, the Flywalk behavioural assay proved to be an effective means to assess the attraction and repulsion of D. suzukii to various chemical stimuli while the The Caltech Multiple Fly Tracker Ctrax® Version 0.5.5 proved to be a time consuming and difficult means of tracking D. suzukii movement. These results suggest that another program might be appropriate in future studies

abstract: Biology


title: Predictive modeling for alumni donations

contributor:
Haltner, Anja (author)
Acadia University (degree_grantor)
(Chipman, Hugh) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract:
Donations made to Acadia University are an important factor in helping students
succeed through scholarships and research, as well as in preserving facilities.  Aca-
dia University's Advancement Office keeps records of these donations and the in-
formation of donors over time.  A large portion of donors consist of Acadia alumni
who are giving back to the university.  An objective for the Advancement Office
is  to  encourage  the  alumni  who  donated  in  the  past  to  continue  donating,  and
to recruit new alumni donors through donation campaigns.  Since there are many
alumni  on  record,  it  is  too  costly  to  contact  every  one  of  them.   By  using  data
on  alumni  provided  by  the  Office  of  Advancement,  it  is  possible  to  highlight  a
group of likely donors to target through donation campaigns.  The data includes
information on the alumni themselves (such as gender, location and profession),
the degrees that they have obtained at Acadia University (type of degree, faculty
and graduation year), as well as information on the donations already made.  This
analysis will implement a random forest algorithm to predict how likely an alum-
nus is to donate in the next 5 years, and generalized additive models to predict
the amount an alumnus would donate.  The analysis further explores how alum-
nus  information,  degree  history  and  donation  history  affect  the  future  donation
probability and the predicted amount.

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics


title: Effects of exercise intensity on quality of life in adults age 18-45

contributor:
Killen, Melanie N. (author)
Acadia University (degree_grantor)
(Mekary, Saïd) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract:
With an increasingly sedentary society leading to higher spending on health care, understanding the effects of exercise on prevention and treatment of health conditions is crucial. Exercise has substantial benefits for physical health as well as mental health and quality  of  life  (QOL).  QOL is a subjective  measure  but  is a very  crucial  component  of overall health.
The World Health Organization has done a substantial amount of work on QOL, including  developing  a  cross-culturally valid QOL questionnaire used  in a lot of research studies on the subject

Cardiorespiratory  fitness  is  important  to  maintaining overall  good  health;  high fitness lowers the risk of mortality and physical and mental health conditions. Moderate-intensity continuous exercise  (MICE) has repeatedly been shown to improve cardiovascular  fitness  but  there  is  a  growing  interest  in  high-intensity  interval  exercise (HIIE) which is thought to improve fitness more efficiently.

A positive relationship has been demonstrated between physical activity and QOL meaning the more physical activity a person does, the better their reported QOL is. This relationship  has  also  been  found  with  cardiorespiratory  fitness;  a  higher (HIIE) which is thought to improve fitness more efficiently.

A  positive relationship has been demonstrated between physical activity and QOL meaning the more physical activity a person does, the better their reported QOL is. This relationship  has  also  been  found  with  cardiorespiratory  fitness;  a  higher VO2max is associated with better QOL.

To the author’s knowledge, no study has observed the effects of exercise intensity on  QOL  in  healthy,  young,  adults.  HIIE  could  have  substantial  implications  if  found  to improve QOL more effectively compared to equal work output MICE
because it is more time efficient and frequently rated as more enjoyable and easier. Therefore, it could result in improved exercise adherence rates.

abstract: Kinesiology


title: Whole body vibration training as an exercise intervention strategy for individuals with type 2 diabetes

contributor:
Moses, Allison E. (author)
(Fowles, Jonathon) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: Type 2 diabetes has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Physical activity has been  shown to be a central component to both prevention and management of the disease, and both  aerobic and resistance training have been effective at acutely lowering blood glucose levels  and improving glycemic control long term. The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA)  guidelines recommend approximately 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise  weekly, and an additional 2 or 3 resistance training sessions, but it is clear that these  guidelines are not being met, as individuals with diabetes have been shown to be even less  physically active than their non-diabetic counterparts. Health care practitioners are looking  towards alternative forms of exercise which may improve adherence rates among this  population. Recently, whole body vibration (VIB) has been explored as a potential exercise  mode. VIB has been suggested to improve muscle strength and metabolic rate, and some  companies have even claimed it can do so in half the time compared to traditional exercise  regimes. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of VIB on blood glucose levels  and metabolic cost in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The intervention involved comparing  15 minutes of VIB, a 30 minutes resistance band (RB) session and a seated control condition.  It was found that VIB led to a greater metabolic cost and increased energy expenditure, and  both exercise modes resulted in a similar decrease in blood glucose. These results suggest  VIB may be an effective strategy for type 2 diabetes, however more research is needed to  verify the acute and long term effects of VIB in this population.

abstract: Kinesiology


title: Citizen Kiviuq: The importance of infusing IQ into Nunavut’s public sector

contributor:
Creaser, Benjamin (author)
(Alexander, Cynthia) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: After becoming an official Canadian territory on 1 April 1999, Nunavut continues to  suffer social problems including lack of housing and inadequate healthcare at levels far  higher than the rest of Canada. These issues are a result of colonization, which continues  to affect every Canadian both Indigenous and non-Indigenous: we are all colonial  subjects. In this thesis, I explore the ways in which Inuit of Nunavut have tried to  decolonize the Nunavut public sector by trying to infuse it with their traditional  knowledge known as Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ). The challenges with such an  undertaking are that the Nunavut public sector is already controlled by Western values  and trying to infuse IQ into such a system has proven to be a struggle. The focus of  Nunavut sheds some light on how colonialism can take different forms in order to stay  relevant. This challenge is heightened by the distance that southern Canadians have with  Inuit both geographically and cognitively. Federal citizenship is more than recognizing  two different orders of government; rather it is about what we owe each other as citizens  who share a vast geographical space. This thesis will argue that this sort of realization is  the only way forward to realize epistemological pluralism, key to totally eliminate  colonialism in Canada. We cannot rely on our political institutions to change, unless we  as citizens are willing to do the same.

abstract: Politics


title: Characterization of natural organic matter and microorganisms within Fletchers Lake: A lake that discharges treated wastewater into a drinking water source

contributor:
Brophy, Michael J. (author)
(Rand, Jennie) (Thesis advisor)
(Gagnon, Graham) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: Tools to evaluate natural organic matter (NOM) in drinking water are rapidly expanding.  The purpose of this study is to characterize NOM within a small lake to determine the  ability of characterization tools to detect differences in treated wastewater from  background NOM. Fletchers Lake in Fall River, Nova Scotia is the study site for this  work, which is the source water for the Collins Park Water Treatment Plant. The treated  wastewater for the Collins Park area discharges into the same water source that is used  for drinking water. Previous research from Dalhousie University has shown that  membrane fouling in the plant is strongly related to the organic matter and microbial  quality of the source; however, tools or signals to predict cleaning cycles are not  available. In this study basic water chemistry analysis, such as water temperature,  dissolved oxygen, total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC),  ultraviolet absorption at 254nm wavelength (UV254) and turbidity was performed. In  addition, Fluorescence Excitation-Emission Matrix (FEEM) was used for NOM  characterization. Implications of this study will assist Halifax Water in determining if  municipal effluent is impacting the natural environment and determining which areas  have high organic content that could affect efficiencies at the Collins Park Water  Treatment Plant.

abstract: Environmental & Sustainability Studies


title: Synthesis of photoremovable protecting groups for diol derivatives: Applications in the development of photo-activated drug release substrates

contributor:
Simon, Hilary (author)
(Lukeman, Matthew) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278

abstract: Photoremovable protecting groups (PPGs) are compounds capable of protecting  molecules of interest and later releasing them upon irradiation allowing for spatial and  temporal control of the substrate. A series of three different PPGs were studied:  salicylaldehyde, 2-hydroxynaphthaldehyde, and pyridoxal for their applications as  potential agents for photo-activated drug release substrates.  Salicylaldehyde is a simple molecule that resembles the o-hydroxybenzyl alcohol  based PPGs that have been previously studied. Compounds 22, 23, and 24 were  successfully synthesized and photochemical studies determined 22 and 23 to be  photostable compounds. The lack of photochemistry exhibited in these compounds is  believed to be due to the formation of a highly unstable quinone methide intermediate  that is capable of a reverse reaction leading back to the starting materials. 24 was  synthesized, but thorough photochemical studies could not be completed due to the  compound’s short lifetime. The short half-life was attributed to the instability of a 5-  membered acetal ring.  The 2-hydroxynaphthalene chromophore has previously been studied by this  group and shown to efficiently release 1,3-propandiol upon irradiation of 300 nm of light.  Compound 26 was successfully synthesized, but the 5-membered ring showed the same  instability exhibited in compound 24 and thorough photochemical analysis could not be  completed. Compound 25 was successfully synthesized and photochemically  characterized. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed clean conversion of the compound based on  the observed change in absorbance and the clean isosbestic points. The mechanism for  this reaction is believed to proceed through the formation of a quinone methide  intermediate upon irradiation and an ESIPT reaction.  Lastly, pyridoxal, an interchangeable form of vitamin B6, was proposed as a  potential PPG. Applications of a vitamin chromophore as a drug-release substrate are  favourable because of their known biochemistry compared to synthetic chromophores  typically used. The synthesis of these derivatives, 31, 32, and 33, was unsuccessful and is  being further investigated.

abstract: Biology


title: The Bedford community: Why and how it fought the dump, built the town and created a place of its own

contributor:
Loney, Stephen (author)
(Powers, Ann Marie) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: The community of Bedford sits on the edge of the Bedford Basin located within  Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) in the Province of Nova Scotia. This community  has over a 200-year history from its beginnings as a small outpost surrounding Fort  Sackville to a modern-day community of over 20,000 people. In this thesis I will explore  the community via interviews and historical analysis and how it has changed over time in  relation to local governance, population growth, physical changes in size, economic  changes within the community, and outside forces such as provincial and national  governments. To do so, I will utilize Cohen’s and Bernard’s theories of community along  with the classical theory proposed by Tonnies. These theories focus on the symbols of  community, the power relations within, and the rural or urban nature of the community.  The research was conducted using both face-to-face interviews with participants in the  community and archival research conducted in local archives held by the Fort Sackville  Association. Through this process symbols were found that represent the community such  as the Bedford Basin, town police and a vibrant parks and recreation system. I will  examine the civic power structure that existed in different eras. This research finds the  community of Bedford alive and well within the Halifax Regional Municipality after  undergoing massive change through the Bedford Service Commission era, Town of  Bedford era, and the current period of the HRM.

abstract: Sociology


title: Morale of Canadian censors during The Second World War

contributor:
d'Eon, Ryan Alan (author)
Acadia University (degree_grantor)
(Doerr, Paul) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract:
We often hear about how censorship is enacted during war in order to protect the morale of a country’s citizens while preventing valuable information from being intercepted by the enemy. However, we never hear about the morale of the
censors nor do we see written historical texts relating to the topic. Using the diaries and letters written by Captain Robbins Elliott who was a field press censor for the Canadian military during the Second World War, we can determine the state of his morale.

Since this is an archival thesis, the first section contains a description of the documents belonging to Robbins Elliott beginning from his journey to Holland and ending with his research on various people and places. There is also an archival sketch of Elliott’s life along with other access points that the reader may find of interest. The way that this finding aid is structured is consistent with The Rules for Archival Description (RAD).

The second part discusses the historiography of Canadian censorship during the Second World War as well as both the press and military censorship systems. The archival records along with secondary research highlight what Elliott and other military censors thought about their duties and how some reacted to criticism of censorship. This section concludes that Elliott’s morale remained intact as a censor throughout the war.

abstract: History & Classics


title: Digital media usage and the development of inhibition in young children

contributor:
Fougere, Brianna M. (author)
Acadia University (degree_grantor)
(Brodeur, Darlene) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract:
Although the use of technology has increased in children, little research has explored the potential impact it has on the development of attention. The current study investigated the potential relationship between digital media usage (television and mobile devices) and the development of inhibition in young children. Children aged 4 to 8 years completed child-friendly versions of two colour naming tasks: the object Stroop task and the emotion Stroop task. The object Stroop task measures interference caused by pairing common objects with inconsistent colours. The emotion Stroop task measures
interference caused by emotion content. Media use was assessed using a questionnaire filled out by parents. Results showed a significant positive relationship between exposure to mobile devices and processing positive emotion; higher exposure to mobile devices was related to slower reaction times to happy faces. These preliminary findings suggest a
potential relationship between digital media use and inhibition in young children, at least for emotion stimuli. Future research is needed to explore the extent and specific nature of this relationship.

abstract: Psychology


title: Association between sexual coercion, attachment style, hostility towards women and the moderating role of childhood maltreatment

contributor:
Gouthro, Amanda (author)
Acadia University (degree_grantor)
(Price, E. Lisa) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract:
Understanding predictors of male sexual coercion is important. Previous research has found that childhood maltreatment, hostility towards women, and attachment style can contribute to sexual coercion (Forsman, Johansson, Santtila, Sandnabba, & Långström, 2015; Gentzler & Kern, 2004). The current study examined attachment styles, hostility towards women, sexual coercion, and the moderating role of childhood maltreatment. One hundred and fourteen males participated in the current study. Hierarchical regressions examined whether the relationship between sexual coercion and the factors aforementioned were stronger in males who experienced higher levels of childhood maltreatment. While many of the hypotheses were not supported, post hoc analyses found that childhood physical neglect was a significant moderating variable in the relationship between anxious attachment style, hostility towards women and sexual coercion. Previous research has shown that individuals who experienced childhood neglect are more likely to physically force sexual ntercourse as adults, which may explain the significance of the present findings. This research is the first to examine childhood maltreatment, and its subtypes, as moderating variables between attachment style, hostility towards women and
sexual coercion.

abstract: Psychology


title: "To weave fantastic garlands": graphing complex networks of meaning in Charlotte Smith's Elegiac Sonnets

contributor:
DesRoches, Davita (author)
Acadia University (degree_grantor)
(Saklofske, Jon) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract:
This thesis uses basic modelling principles from graph theory to critically revisit and revive the complexity of Charlotte Smith’s Elegiac Sonnets. The graph of Smith’s collection acts as a visual and critical tool, revealing key patterns and motifs in the text and demonstrating the limitations of particular critical perspectives and biases. Although the graph shows many potential avenues of investigation, this thesis will focus on the way the graph prompts a critical re-evaluation of the representations of gender in Elegiac Sonnets. Biographical criticism of Smith’s sonnets has prompted speculation on how
Smith merges her social position as a woman and as a mother with the experience of her poetic speaker. The collection and the graph’s model of the collection fracture this assumed correspondence into a complex network of voices that includes the sonnets’ many speakers and Smith’s frequent allusions. Ultimately, the graph does not uncover Smith the woman in
Elegiac Sonnets but Smith the poet, who pushes the literary boundaries created by her contemporaries and the critical
boundaries assigned because of her gender.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: A critique of the knowledge base of organizational studies in business education

contributor:
Baša, Maya-Frances R. (author)
Acadia University (degree_grantor)
(Weatherbee, Terrance) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract:
The field of organizational studies is relatively new and therefore still developing. As fields develop, consensus in the field increases, meaning that academics begin to agree on what is and what is not important. This consensus should trickle down into the textbooks, and appears to have in many ways. However, what is seen in textbooks might not accurately reflect the field as textbooks also reflect various other forces. Publishers are subject to market forces: they need to sell their product. This means they may be mimicking what is working for other publishers rather than what is relevant in the
research. This has resulted in out dated theories being taught to students. Therefore although there is increased evelopment in the field, the indicators of that in the textbooks are actually due to a different factor–one that is negatively impacting undergraduate management and business education.

Keywords: paradigm development, field maturation, textbook, homogenization, consensus, organizational studies
, m
anagement education

abstract: Business


title: Frostdale Farm

contributor:
Fink, Victoria (author)
Acadia University (degree_grantor)
(Campbell, Wanda) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract: This creative thesis, Frostdale Farm, is a collection of thirty-two poems arranged into four groups as an echo of the way the Prairie was divided into quarter sections (equivalent to one quarter of a square mile) during the formation of homesteads in Saskatchewan in 1902. The four sections, Past, Crops, Cows, and Family are written in an assortment of poetic forms, blending free verse and prose poems with traditional forms such as sonnets, sestinas, blank verse and villanelles. These poems with accompanying photographs express the life of a prairie girl, and the long-standing traditions that are part of a family farm.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Fish passage efficiency of a fishway in Sheffield Mills Nova Scotia

contributor:
McConnell, Erin (author)
(Stokesbury, Michael) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: Connectivity of feeding and breeding habitat in fresh water ecosystems is important for fishes to successfully complete their life cycles. When a man-made obstruction prevents or inhibits fish passage, a fishway may be installed to attempt to reduce negative effects of the barrier on fish movement. However, fish passage success through many fishways has not been quantified. In this study, Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), White Suckers (Catostomus commersonii), and American Eels (Anguilla rostrata) were tagged using passive integrated transponder tags to enable their movements to be tracked through the Sheffield Mills Fishway, located on the Habitant River, Nova Scotia, in fall 2013 and summer-fall 2014. Passage efficiency and total efficiency were measures used to determine overall effectiveness of the fishway. Many tagged fish did not approach the fishway, likely due to low motivation to move upstream. However, the fish that were detected at the base of the fishway were usually able to pass successfully (high passage efficiency). In 2013 passage efficiency ranged from 75-90%, whereas in 2014 passage efficiency ranged from 60-75%. Brook Trout had the highest passage efficiency likely because this fishway’s pool and weir design is meant to pass strong swimming salmonids, with less consideration for other fishes. Results of this project, along with further research, will help us better understand how fishes move through these systems and to help us determine species-specific success for fishway passage.

abstract: Biology


title: Drawing graphs with Graphic

contributor:
Bood, Rachel Leslie (author)
(Diamond, Jim) (Thesis advisor)
(Committee member)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2016

abstract: In the  field of Graph Theory, graphs are abstract representations used to show re-  lationships (or connections) between objects. The objects are represented as nodes  and the relationships between the entities are known as edges. Although graphs are  abstract mathematical objects, it is common to use graph drawings to visualize the  information they contain; in graph drawings lines symbolize edges while circles or el-  lipses illustrate nodes. Graphs are used frequently in documents and presentations to  provide a visual aid when describing correlations and relationships between objects.  There are few tools available that generate graph drawings. These tools are either  too simple and provide few or no features to output a graph, or are too powerful and  complex for the average user. Hence a graph drawing tool called Grapha was created  to  ll this niche. Grapha is a simple, easy to use program that provides users with  professional looking graphs. Initially, the goal of this thesis was the further develop-  ment of Grapha by improving and adding features to the program. After some review,  it was decided that Grapha would be rewritten in C++ using the Qt Framework and  Qt Creator. Grapha's successor program, named Graphic, has a redesigned and sim-  pli ed interface, additional  le outputs and an expanded graph library. Numerous  features were also added including a \Freestyle" mode, to create custom graphs, a  node editing feature, that allows the user to move nodes around within a graph, and  a deletion feature.

abstract: Computer Science


title: Being efficient versus becoming efficient: The evolution of efficiency in popular management books

contributor:
McFarland, Kerri-Anne Rachel (author)
(Weatherbee, Terrance) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: Throughout the twentieth century organizations have striven to be perfectly  efficient; usually by searching for the one best way to achieve organizational goals.  Various prescriptions for how to be efficient or how to achieve increased efficiency in  organizational work have been repeated numerous times and in numerous ways in many  popular management books. Bestselling texts that are so well received often become  management fads and fashions de jour.  The aim of this research was to trace the concept of efficiency as expressed in the  most popular management books over the last century. More specifically, the aim was to  investigate and assess whether managerial notions of efficiency have changed or  remained constant; whether efficiency’s perceived importance in management practices  has varied; or whether there has been a convergence towards one dominant management  conceptualization or another.  The historical tracing of these texts informs us that efficiency needs to be  considered as socially constructed and multi-dimensional. While efficiency has been  portrayed at various times as a concept, a notion, a rationale, a factor, or as an outcome or  result, most managerial writing on efficiency describes the concept in terms of one or  more of the dimensions of time, cost, ratios, or of resources. The findings also indicate  that the only consistent and stable element of managerial conceptualizations was the  desire to improve and to be or do better. This result tells us that it is more appropriate to  view efficiency as a journey rather than a destination, a managerial process rather than an  outcome.

abstract: Business


title: Making sense of pain in boys' competitive minor hockey

contributor:
Yeldon, Jacqueline (author)
(Pitter, Robert) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Recent literature has identified that some children react to pain by both expecting  it and accepting it as normal or ideal outcomes of sports. This harmful trend includes  young athletes who learn to ‘shake it off’ and ignore pain’s important signaling and  diagnostic features putting themselves at a higher risk for injury. The aim of the study  was to identify some of the psychosocial factors that come into play when boys  experience pain, and specifically how they attribute meaning to these events. The sample  consisted of twelve male competitive hockey players aged 9-13 years old who  volunteered to participate in small focus group sessions. The research design was based  on both quantitative (individual questionnaires) and qualitative (semi-structured interview  questions) data collection methods and four types of pain were examined: pain due to  exertion or fatigue, acute pain, chronic pain and pain resulting from a head injury. The  results of the study indicated that the understanding of pain became more advanced with  age and that the boys engaged in sense making strategies that allowed them to play  through pain. It was found that all boys were well informed about concussions and that  many exercised a greater level of caution towards symptoms of a head injury compared to  chronic pain or discomfort from exertion. This research suggests that educating athletes  and adults about the implications of pain and injury both in and beyond the sport itself,  will help to deconstruct the false sense of invulnerability the can be associated with being  a competitive athlete.

abstract: Kinesiology


title: An investigation of internal and external risk factors of lateral ankle sprain injuries in varsity soccer and rugby athletes.

contributor:
Loughran, Courtney (author)
(King, Colin) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Ankle sprains are an extremely common injury in recreational sports, professional sports, leisure activity, and everyday life (Ivins, 2006). From previous research, ankle sprains are the most common musculoskeletal injury overall and are the second most common injury in sports. In the United States, ankle sprains are the most common among collegiate athletes (Fong et al., 2009). There are multiple factors - both external and internal - that may increase or decrease the likelihood of having an ankle sprain (Fong et al., 2009). If these risk factors are observable or measurable, they may be used to decrease or prevent ankle injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine possible internal and external risk factors of ankle injuries in varsity soccer and rugby players. The internal risk factors being examined were previous ankle injury, gender, and leg dominance. The external risk factors being examined were cleat type, playing surface, and taping or bracing used. Student athletes playing for the Acadia University female soccer and rugby, and male soccer and rugby teams were recruited for this study. Participants were asked to fill out an initial online questionnaire regarding possible risk factors prior to the beginning of the season. Ankle injuries were self-reported. Participants who experienced an ankle injury they were asked to complete a secondary post-injury questionnaire. Possible risk factors for ankle injuries were evaluated. The findings showed that previous ankle injury can be considered to be a predictive risk factor of ankle sprain incidence. Those who taped their ankles during practice also appeared to be a predictive factor of ankle sprain. Risk factors that were not significant predictors of ankle sprain in this study include playing surface, taping during games, bracing during games and practices, gender, leg dominance and cleat type.

abstract: Kinesiology


title: Participatory food costing and its impacts on local and/or sustainable food purchases

contributor:
Khoury-Hanna, Jenna (author)
(Warner, Alan) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: This qualitative research explores the potential of individual participatory food  costing to affect people’s perceptions and attitudes toward purchasing local and  sustainable food, and building food citizenship. Food citizenship is the belief that citizens  have the right to safe food and truthful product information, which includes actions to  support community-based food systems. Participatory food costing involves volunteer  consumers surveying the relative costs of different sorts of food items using a standardized  tool in a systematic way. It has previously been used to assess the affordability of healthy  food for families and seniors on income assistance, as well as for those on minimum wage.  It has been found to have significant effects on peoples’ perceptions of food and of grocery  shopping in that context. In this study, participants were first interviewed about their  perceptions of local and sustainable food and their current purchasing habits. They then  took part in a workshop to teach participatory food costing processes and were given food  costing surveys to do on their own time. A month after returning their food costing surveys,  participants were re-interviewed to reassess their perceptions and purchasing habits.  Changes were found in both participants perceptions and in their purchasing habits.  Participants reported having an increased awareness and knowledge of local and  sustainable food and food systems and also were making more local and organic food  purchases. Participatory food costing appears to be a possible tool for building food  citizenship.

abstract: Environmental & Sustainability Studies


title: The ripple effect: Housing insecurity and its impact on affording basic necessities

contributor:
Rex, Andrea (author)
(Frank, Lesley) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Every family has the right to safe, affordable, and adequate housing. Nova Scotia mothers face challenges accessing affordable housing, and as mothers hold the lion’s share of the responsibilities of social reproduction that requires finding and maintaining an affordable and safe family home. Using a qualitative methodology of institutional ethnography, this thesis explores rural housing insecurities for low-income families from the perspective of mothers by conducting four semi-structured interviews in Kings County Nova Scotia. The findings show how the current housing market in Nova Scotia, specifically Kings County, NS, does not meet the needs of this population. Mothers discussed how the housing units available through subsidized housing are unsafe and inadequate. Furthermore, housing that mothers considered to be “affordable” is outdated and in need of extensive repairs. The results of this thesis provide evidence that housing insecurity is embedded within other insecurities (namely income and food insecurity) that result from wider social relations of gendered responsibilities for social reproduction and neoliberal social policies. Also it shows how rural mothers face particular challenges due to their social reproduction responsibilities and theirs (or their partner’s) lack of access to adequate employment, coupled with weak social programs such as limited social housing, social housing in difficult to access locations, and inadequate income support programs. The results of this study are an important contribution to the field of sociology due to the fact that housing insecurity continues to be a growing concern for Canadian low-income families.

abstract: Sociology


title: A comparison of the stroke volume response to maximal exercise on a cycle ergometer in male cyclists and recreationally active older men

contributor:
O'Neill, Carley D. (author)
(Dogra, Shilpa) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Cardiorespiratory fitness refers to the body’s ability of the circulatory and respiratory  systems to deliver oxygen to the working muscles, and is made up of varying  components. This paper will highlight previous research on the central and peripheral  components of cardiorespiratory fitness in older and younger trained (T) and untrained  (UT) individuals. The components of cardiorespiratory fitness that will be highlighted are  maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), cardiac output (Q), stroke volume (SV), heart  rate (HR), and the arteriovenous oxygen difference (a-v)O2diff .The effect of exercise  training and age on these components will be highlighted. Following the brief outline of  previous research, details of a cross-sectional research study will be provided. The  purpose of this study was to compare the response of the central and peripheral  components of cardiorespiratory fitness between T older male cyclists and UT  recreationally active older males, during a maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer.  VO2max was assessed using a metabolic cart (ParvoMedics) and Q, SV, HR, and (a-v)  O2diff were assessed using a non-invasive thoracic bio-impedance device (Physioflow).  This study found that older T and UT male cyclists do not experience a secondary plateau  in SV. Further, it was found that older T males exhibit a higher VO2max, Qmax, and SVmax  than UT males. Future research should assess differences in SV profiles by mode of  exercise.

abstract: Kinesiology


title: The wondrous word(k)s of Theodor Seuss Geisel: The employment of surrealist thought to express messages in children's literature

contributor:
Graham, Jocelyn (author)
(Thomson, Tony) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) is commonly seen as a prominent author of children’s  literature. His books, in particular his “Big Books,” which were written for an “older  child” audience, contain ideas and messages that reflect historical and social events, and  refer to historical personages. This thesis argues that through the use of surrealist literary  and artistic techniques, Dr. Seuss conveyed socially significant and critical ideas in his  books. I constructed a coding scheme and analyzed two books written by Dr. Seuss for an  adult audience and five “Big Books” chosen according to their context in relation to  important socio-historical events and in relation to Geisel’s biography. The illustrations  and writing techniques were then compared to surrealist ideas and examples of surrealist  illustrations. I also analyzed the social and political themes in Dr. Seuss’ books in relation  to the political ideas of Populism, Progressivism, and Liberalism with a special focus on  Roosevelt’s New Deal. Through these images and narratives, the works of Dr. Seuss  extend beyond simple children’s stories to include social, political, and moral messages  consistent with a populist and progressive politics.

abstract: Sociology


title: The Lindisfarne Gospels: An analysis of Northumbrian identity

contributor:
Munden, Alexandra A. (author)
(MacDonald, Jennifer) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: The Lindisfarne Gospels, an illuminated Anglo-Saxon manuscript created  between AD 698 and 720, provides a glimpse into the British Christian world of art  ornamentation during the Early Middle Ages. Since the middle of the nineteenth century,  scholarship regarding the Gospels has often focused on and debated the origin of the  manuscript, as well as the validity of Aldred’s colophon. Although the Lindisfarne  Gospels is often portrayed as a symbol of English nationalism, the manuscript at its core  is a representation of the kingdom of Northumbria. The first part of this study explores  the impact of the secular and ecclesiastic decisions respectively made by Northumbrian  kings Oswald and Oswiu during the first half of the seventh century. Forming a  relationship with the northern Irish territories through political and religious ties allowed  Oswald to expand his kingdom and maintain a continued exchange of cultural influences  between two regions. When Oswiu succeeded to the throne, he developed stronger ties to  the kingdom of Kent through marriage, facilitating the eventual alignment of  Northumbria with the Roman Church. Nonetheless, the Irish foundations in the north  remained, as displayed by the fusion of motifs found throughout the Lindisfarne Gospels.  The second part of this study analyzes the range of motifs used within the Lindisfarne  Gospels and their significance as a representation of Northumbrian identity. The  combination of Italian, Byzantine, Celtic, and Germanic motifs within the Gospels  demonstrates the influx of influences to Northumbria during the seventh and eighth  centuries. This thesis illustrates how the Lindisfarne Gospels was largely a reflection of  Northumbria’s secular and ecclesiastic relations and decisions, asserting that this  manuscript is a true representation of Northumbria identity and tradition.

abstract: History & Classics


title: An exploratory study of bring your own devices (BYODs) & their relationship with the phenomena of technostress & presenteeism

contributor:
Rafuse, Gareth (author)
(Weatherbee, Terrance) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: The use of information and communications technologies (ICTs) has been a rapidly growing trend in the workforce, as many organizations have seen great increases in the efficiency and effectiveness of workers when using ICTs. As is inherent in the ongoing evolvement of technology in workplace practices, there are also negative effects of ICTs, many of which are often overlooked. Smartphones that are used as a work tool can have many effects on individual users including work overload, work-home conflict, and an invasion of privacy. “Bring Your Own Devices” (BYODs) can further blur the lines between a person’s private life and work life. Although the use of smartphones in the workplace is becoming more prominent and more integrated than ever, organizations tend to focus on the positive effects, leaving the negative effects understudied.  The study investigated the perceptions and experiences of employees across various organizations to determine how smartphones were being used. This research explored the use of smartphones in the workplace, both during and outside of typical work hours, and whether or not using smartphones as a work tool could lead to the phenomena of technostress and presenteeism. The results are presented to assist practitioners and researchers in understanding what the effects of the use of smartphones for work purposes while away from work might have on employees.  BYODs cause employees to perceive that the feeling of constant connectedness is a personal choice, not influenced by work, thus creating less resistance to longer working hours. However, it was found that BYOD use causes stressors that could potentially lead to presenteeism and technostress, including work-home conflict, invasion of privacy, role ambiguity, and work overload.

abstract: Business


title: Nest feathering by tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) in response to artificial warming

contributor:
Holland, Erika Reigh (author)
(Shutler, Dave) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Bird nests protect eggs, developing young, and incubating adults from inclement weather and predation. In Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) females are solely responsible for incubating eggs. Prior to and while females are incubating, males compete with rivals for feathers that they use to line nests. The thermal benefits hypothesis proposes that this is because maintenance of proper egg temperatures is critical. I tested the thermal benefits hypothesis: I predicted that artificially heating Tree Swallow nests would result in addition of fewer feathers. I quantified feathers from Tree Swallow nests in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, and St. Denis, Saskatchewan. Nesting started the first week of May and continued into mid June. At both locations nests were randomly assigned to control or experimental treatments. In Nova Scotia wire platforms were added under nests early in nest-building so that later manipulations would cause reduced disturbance. Experimental nests had 24h heating pads (spent pads were used for controls) placed under them that were replaced daily until culmination of incubation. Contrary to the thermal benefits hypothesis, there was no statistically significant difference in feather numbers between control and experimental nests. However, nests initiated earlier in the season had significantly more feathers than those initiated later in the season. Further studies will have to be conducted to determine if feather addition is also facultative in response to other variables.  Key words: artificial heating, nest feathering, Tachycineta bicolor, Tree Swallow.

abstract: Biology


title: Synthesis and characterization of osmium polypyridal complexes bearing ligands with extended π systems for systems for applications in photodynamic therapy

contributor:
Gibson, Jordan D. (author)
(MacFarland, Sherri) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Twenty-two bis-heteroleptic Os(II) polypyridal complexes were synthesized in  yields ranging from 10-82% for further testing as potential red light absorbing  photodynamic therapy agents. The ultimate goal of this synthetic project was to generate  a library that could be used to probe the dependence of an Os(II) photosensitizer’s in  vitro phototoxicity on the identity of its co-ligands. The complexes developed were  categorized into three subsets based on the identity of the intercalating ligand -  benzo[i]dipyrido-[3,2-a:2,3-c]phenazine (dppn), 2,2’:5ʹ,2’’-terthiophene-1H-imidazo[4,5-  f][1,10]phenanthroline (IP-TT), or [2-(1-pyrenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline  (IP-Py). Within each subset, the intercalating ligand was kept constant while the co-ligands  were varied by incorporating various derivatives of 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or  2,2’-bipyridine (bpy). All bis-heteroleptic compounds were synthesized with the aid of  microwave heating and characterized by thin layer chromatography, 1H nuclear magnetic  resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS).  1H-1H correlation spectroscopy (COSY) was collected for several complexes to  assist in peak assignment.

abstract: Chemistry


title: Gender and leg dominance comparison of muscle activation patterns in pre- or early pubescent soccer players while performing unanticipated side-cuts: relevance to non-contact ACL injuries

contributor:
Bel, Michael Del (author)
(Landry, Scott) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Females have a 3-9 times greater risk of sustaining a non-contact ACL injury in  sport, compared to males after puberty. The increased occurrence of ACL injuries in  females may be influenced by muscle activation patterns that are not yet fully understood.  This study set out to identify if gender and leg dominance differences existed in male and  female soccer players, under the age of 12 years. Muscle activation patterns during the  stance phase of 45o side-cut maneuvers were analyzed under unanticipated conditions to  closely emulate a true game-like scenario where non-contact ACL injuries most likely  occur. Nine male and nine female youth soccer players had muscle activity measured for  the following muscles: lateral and medial gastrocnemii, lateral and medial hamstrings,  and vastus lateralis and medialis. Mean muscle activation waveforms during the stance  phase of the cutting stride were amplitude normalized to a series of maximal voluntary  isometric contractions. Principal component analysis was performed on the individual  mean waveforms of each athlete, capturing differences in overall magnitudes and phase  shifts. A two-way mixed model ANOVA was used to test for the presence of gender, leg,  or interaction effects. Significant findings (p < 0.05) included: i) males and females  displaying greater activation magnitudes in the medial gastrocnemius of their non-dominant  leg and ii) males displaying greater activation magnitudes in the vastus  medialis. Generally, it has been reported that female collegiate athletes display greater  activation magnitudes in the vastii muscles, potentially putting them at greater risk of  sustaining an ACL injury. In the younger population of athletes tested in this study, this  finding was not supported, and therefore, suggesting that different muscle activation  strategies may be occurring prior to the onset of puberty. Further investigations analyzing  gender and leg dominance differences could provide more of an insight into the  mechanisms behind non-contact ACL injuries and could help in the prevention of these  devastating injuries.

abstract: Biology


title: Moderating effects of resilience on areas of worklife and burnout among nurses

contributor:
Gumuchian, Stephanie T (author)
(Leiter, Michael) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Employees within the healthcare industry are constantly exposed to occupational stressors that may provoke employees into experiencing the burnout syndrome. Research addressing the buffering effects of specific human qualities, such as resilience, to alleviate the impact of stressors on experienced burnout is relatively scant. The present study examined relationships among six areas of worklife, resilience, and both the emotional exhaustion and cynicism components of burnout. A survey of health care workers (N=1873) was conducted by the Centre for Organizational Research and Development (COR&D) at Acadia University. Moderation analyses and linear regressions analyzed the predictive power of resilience as a moderating variable. Results indicated that resilience successfully buffered the relationship of workload and reward with emotional exhaustion, as well as the relationships of control, reward, and values with cynicism. The present findings offer suggestions for future research on resilience, as well as implications for reducing burnout among healthcare employees and employers.

abstract: Psychology


title: Effects of sub-zero temperatures on the intraerythrocytic parasite, Hepatozoon catesbianae, infecting freeze-tolerant wood frog, Rana sylvatica

contributor:
Harrigan, Amye Michelle (author)
(Smith, Todd) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Hepatozoon catesbianae is a malaria-like parasite that commonly infects the  erythrocytes of frogs of Eastern Canada. Although green frogs (Rana clamitans) and  bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) are commonly infected with Hepatozoon species, these  parasites have a low prevalence and intensity in wood frogs, Rana sylvatica. These  observations may be explained by the inability of parasites to survive when wood frogs  freeze during the winter. The objective of this study is to determine if freezing of  experimentally infected wood frogs affects the prevalence and parasitaemia, which is  defined as the percentage of blood cells infected with a parasite, of H. catesbianae.  Tadpoles hatching from egg masses collected in April 2012 were raised to adulthood by  summer 2013. Mosquito larvae, and green frogs that served as a source of infection, were  collected in summer 2013. A total of 20 wood frogs were fed mosquitoes with infections  of H. catesbianae, and 13 became infected with H. catesbianae. Five infected wood frogs  were assigned to the experimental group, five other infected wood frogs remained  unfrozen as controls, and the infections in three frogs were not mature. The experimental  group was acclimated at 4 C for a period of 4 weeks, after which the frogs were frozen at  -3 C for 48 hr, and subsequently thawed at 4 C for a period of 6 days. Following the post-freezing  recovery period, blood samples were taken from the experimental and control  groups and were examined for H. catesbianae. Data from this study were combined with  that of Hammer (2012) and McGee (2013) and were subjected to statistical analysis to  test if sub-zero temperatures reduces the parasitaemia of H. catesbianae in wood frogs.  Although there was a significant difference in the decrease of parasitaemia levels of H.  catesbianae over time, this decrease was not attributed to freezing.

abstract: Biology


title: The structure of values

contributor:
Davies, Gavin (author)
(Biro, Andrew) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: The objective of this paper is to understand the origins of societal values. The aim of this project is to determine what can be done in order to benefit the human condition within and through the parameters of social influences. I will focus on the works of Rousseau and Foucault, to clarify the values of their time and their hopes for the future. By critically analyzing their psychology, politics, and economics, I will show the primary works of Rousseau and Foucault serve to show that societal bonds are an important tool in the emergence of a humanist common good. They also show that to alleviate human suffering, we need to focus on empathy as a social value. I conclude by outlining the potential practical uses of the social analysis. For example, Social and Emotional Learning can be used as a new educational focus in schools, and the globalized economy can bring people closer together in a way that solidifies the strength of our mutually assured right.

abstract: Politics


title: The effects of a probiotic supplement on symptoms of anxiety in children

contributor:
Whitehouse, Christiane E. (author)
(Potter, Susan) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: There  are  currently  no  medications  approved  by  Health  Canada  for  the  treatment  of  anxiety  in  children.  The  current  study,  therefore,  investigated  the  therapeutic  effects  of  a  natural  treatment,  probiotics,  on  child  anxiety.  At  the  time  of  writing,  five  children  had  completed  a  four-‐week  period  during  which  they  consumed  either  probiotics  (two  children)  or  placebo  (three  children)  daily.  Parents  completed  the  Screen  for  Child  Anxiety  Related  Disorders  (SCARED),  and  children  older  than  seven  completed  the  child  version,  at  the  beginning  and  end  of  each  phase.  The  results  are  described  in  a  series  of  case  reports.  After  consuming  probiotics,  Child  A  reported  a  decrease  in  anxiety,  whereas  the  anxiety  symptoms  of  Child  B  showed  little  change.  In  the  placebo  group,  Child  C  showed  a  placebo  effect,  whereas  Child  D  and  Child  E  reported  an  increase  in  anxiety.  These  data  suggest  that  probiotics  may  be  helpful  for  some  children  with  anxiety.

abstract: Psychology


title: A comparison of international students and Canadian students on student engagement

contributor:
Pal, Nicole E. (author)
(Major, Sonya) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Currently there is limited research concerning the international student academic, social  and personal experience at undergraduate universities, with even less conducted at  Canadian universities. This gap in knowledge is an issue in universities as international  students comprise an increasingly larger proportion of the student population and there is  increased emphasis on attracting international students to Canada. The current study  explored the undergraduate student experience to discover any differences that may exist  between international and domestic students. Data collection involved the analysis of the  National Survey of Student Engagement at a small Atlantic university across an nine-year  span. To supplement the quantitative data obtained from the surveys, focus groups were  conducted with both international and domestic students. Results from earlier surveys  (NSSE 2005 – 2009) demonstrated that few differences exist between the two  populations. However, more recent findings, (NSSE 2013), show significant differences  between the international and domestic student experience in their quality of interactions  with peers, faculty, administrative assistants and others.

abstract: Psychology


title: The association between attitudes towards own aging and successful aging among older adults of the Health and Retirement Study

contributor:
Ghandeharian, Sara (author)
(Dogra, Shilpa) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: The purpose of this analysis was to determine whether attitudes towards own aging (ATOA) are associated with successful aging (SA) in older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from adults aged 60 and older in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) 2010 wave (n=3,517). SA and its components (physical and psychosocial), and ATOA were measured using self-reported data. Hierarchical linear regressions were used to determine the association between SA and ATOA adjusting for covariates and health behaviours. Results: Significant associations between SA and aging attitudes were noted for all SA variables. Overall attitudes towards own aging were able to explain an additional 12%, 8%, and 12% of the variance in each of overall SA, physical SA and psychosocial SA, respectively. Conclusion: Positive attitudes towards one’s own aging are positively associated with physical and psychosocial SA and negative attitudes are associated with worse SA.

abstract: Psychology


title: Synthesis of m-Nitrophenylpropionic acid photoremovable protecting groups

contributor:
Wolfe, Stephen (author)
(Lukeman, Matthew) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: m-Nitrophenylpropionic acids, while still in the initial stages of work, have been shown to be good photoremovable protecting groups. One in particular is 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-2-(3-nitrophenyl)propanoic acid, 51, which has been previously shown to release halide ions rapidly, with good aqueous solubility and have only one photoproduct formed after irradiation. We also attempted to use this chromophore to release carboxylic acids in a similar fashion.  51 was successfully synthesised via a 7 step synthesis by starting with 44 and converting it to 45 with a 97% yield. 45 was then converted to 51 by sequentially synthesising products 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 and 51 with yields of 95%, 86%, %, 81%, 87%, and 86% were obtained respectively. 51 was then used to protect acetic acid to give product 52. A yield of 92% was realized for this step and an overall yield of 30% was obtained. The photochemistry of 53 was then studied with UV-Vis, 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy. It was found that when 53 is irradiated with 300 nm light under near biological conditions, only one photoproduct, 55 is formed. This makes 53 a potential candidate for carboxylic acid photorelease with possible biological applications.  1

abstract: Chemistry