title: A Comprehensive Service Management Middleware for Autonomic Management of Composite Web Services-Based Processes

contributor:
Martin, Patrick
Computing

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subject:
Composite Process Management
Automated SLA Negotiation
Performance Monitor
Middleware
Web Service
Client-Side Process Management
Policy-Based Negotiation
Service Monitoring

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-20 02:01:50.8

abstract:
Web services are autonomic software applications that provide specific services on the Web and are accessible through standards-based protocols and interfaces in order to ensure interoperability. Web services have gained immense popularity due to the potential of dynamically composing multiple Web services over the Internet into complex multi-organizational Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumer processes. The management of such composite processes, however, poses a non-trivial problem in terms of cost and complexity due to technology growth, increasing consumer demands for service quality, and the varying Internet workload.

     Based on a study of the state-of-the-art and a critical assessment of the limitations of the existing solutions, we present the Comprehensive Service Management Middleware (CSMM) framework to facilitate execution of the four major tasks of client-side process management namely, service selection, negotiation of Service Level Agreement (SLA), composition and execution of the process, and monitoring and validation of SLAs. We also propose the Negotiation Broker (NB) framework for automated intelligent agent-based negotiation of Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and the Performance Monitor (PM) framework for distributed client-side monitoring and verification of SLAs. The NB expedites bilateral bargaining of SLAs in a trusted broker framework with enhanced decision algorithms to enable consumer feedback during negotiation. The PM presents a flexible and extensible trusted monitoring solution, which enables faster error detection and recovery and automatic creation of a reputation knowledge base.

     We explain a scenario of autonomic process management using the CSMM. We describe experiments using agent simulations on a prototype of the NB to validate our proposed policy model for business level specification of negotiation preferences, the mathematical policy mapping model, and the decision algorithms for different consumer preferences. The optimality of the negotiation results are illustrated by combined utility value of the negotiation outcomes for both parties. The experiments conducted on the proof of concept prototype of the PM show its viability, efficiency, and accuracy in distributed SLA monitoring and verification because it does not include network performance. The CSMM enables partial or complete automation of all the client-side management tasks to leverage use of Web services in business processes.

abstract: I am writing two journal papers from the content of the dissertation. Before these papers are accepted for publication in the journals, I would like my dissertation to have restricted access so that the material is not publicly accessible via the Web.

abstract: PhD


title: Investigating the Effects of Peripheral Nerve Injury on δ Opioid Receptor Expression and Function: Implications for the Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic Pain

contributor:
Cahill, Catherine M.
Pharmacology and Toxicology

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

subject:
Opioid
Neuropathic Pain

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Pharmacology & Toxicology) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-20 14:46:29.83

abstract: Neuropathic (NP) pain is a debilitating chronic pain disorder that is a challenge to diagnose and an even greater challenge to treat. Commonly described as burning or shock-like, NP pain is characteristically resistant to traditional analgesic therapy. This thesis project aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic benefit of delta opioid receptor (δOR)-selective agonists in the management of NP pain. In the current experiments, rats that underwent unilateral sciatic nerve injury displayed characteristic behavioural manifestations including cold and thermal hyperalgesia as well as tactile allodynia in the ipsilateral hind paw. The spinal administration of DLT, a δOR-selective agonist, dose-dependently reversed tactile allodynia in NP rats and attenuated cold and thermal hypersensitivities. Moreover, DLT produced greater antinociceptive effects in NP rats compared with controls in the cold water paw withdrawal, hot water tail flick, and thermal plantar box tests. Nerve injury-induced augmentation in δOR function was dependent on nociceptive afferents, since the effect was absent in NP rats that received neonatal treatment with capsaicin. Furthermore, it was not due to increased δOR biosynthesis as western blots and immunohistochemistry revealed no change in spinal δOR protein. We hypothesized that an alternative mechanism, such as redistribution of receptors within the neuron, may underlie δOR function changes. Using immunogold electron microscopy, we showed that nerve injury indeed increased the cell surface expression of δORs within dendritic profiles of the dorsal horn via redistribution of existing receptors. Interestingly, this event was observed bilaterally in the deep dorsal horn, with no effect in the superficial laminae. The mechanisms underlying nerve injury-induced δOR trafficking remain unclear however we may take cues from other δOR trafficking events. We showed that concomitant treatment of rats with morphine and a glial inhibitor prevented both the activation of spinal glia and the changes in δOR agonist effects observed with morphine alone, suggesting that glial activity contributes to morphine-induced δOR trafficking in vivo and may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying nerve injury-induced δOR trafficking. Collectively, these studies reveal an important role of δORs in modulating pain symptoms associated with nerve injury, supporting further exploration of δORs as novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of NP pain.

abstract: This thesis contains data that is unpublished but will be within the next 12 months.

abstract: PhD


title: Investigating the Feasibility of New Methods for Analysis and Collection of Human Motion in Field Applications

contributor:
Stevenson, Joan M.
Kinesiology and Health Studies

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subject:
Inertial Motion Sensors
Kinetics
Biomechanics
Ergonomics

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-21 09:01:22.968

abstract:
Despite a recent focus on understanding cumulative load, researchers still prefer to analyze the data using mean and peak values.  At the same time, technological advancements have provided biomechanists with methods of collecting large amounts of data pertaining to joint loading.  Waveform analysis offers another option that will become increasingly relevant, as wireless data collection devices become common place and provide access to waveforms from many hours of recording.  The overall objectives of this research were to demonstrate some of the limits of current methods of biomechanical analysis, and introduce an alternative, and secondly, to propose a wireless system for use in field-based studies.

An exploratory study using Functional Data Analysis (FDA) was completed on experimental lifting data.  The results demonstrated that FDA can elucidate subtle differences in the curve shape outside of the peak areas typically used for statistical analysis that were attributed to fatigue.  These findings support the need for a better understanding of how workers change their movement strategies as time progresses throughout the length of the workshift.

To achieve this type of knowledge, a wireless data collection device utilizing inertial motion sensors (IMS) was introduced and validated for field use in the remaining three chapters.  The IMS units in conjunction with an anthropometric model were tested against a traditional link segment model recorded in a gold-standard, video system.  Testing that occurred in the entire reach space volume yielded errors as low as 5% for the lumbar moment, but errors also greatly exceeded 50% RMS error in some cases.  Three hand switch alternatives were tested for their potential to provide external hand force timing and duration information to the link segment model, but none were found to be perfectly suitable in the current configuration.

In conclusion, a wireless system based on IMS units has the potential to provide long-term data collection, but the development of the calibration routines and complexity of the underlying model must be improved.  FDA was shown to have good potential for identifying subtle differences in curve shapes, and may become useful when long-term field-based data are readily available with the proposed IMS system.

abstract: PhD


title: Prevalence and associations of Coronary Artery Calcification in Patients with Stages 3-5 Chronic Kidney Disease without Cardiovascular Disease

contributor: Department of Community Health and Epidemiology

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subject:
Chronic kidney disease
coronary artery calcification

abstract:
Background: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and is demonstrable in fifty percent of incident dialysis patients. Therefore, the process of CAC initiation likely occurs in the pre-dialysis period. Pre-dialysis CKD patients have been shown to have a substantially higher burden of CAC than age and sex matched controls from the general population. Consequently, the hypothesis that CKD itself is a risk factor for CAC occurrence is biologically plausible.
Objective: 1) To quantify the relationship between CKD and CAC in stage three to five CKD patients without known cardiovascular disease. 2) To estimate the strengths of associations between traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, non- traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors and CAC in this patient population.
Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated one hundred and nineteen CKD patients (excluding dialysis) receiving care at a single hospital in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. For the primary objective, correlational analyses were performed to evaluate associations between a priori selected variables of kidney function and CAC scores, as well as other a priori chosen variables of interest.
Results: Mean and median CAC scores were 566.5 SD: 1108 and 111 (inter-quartile range 2 to 631.5) respectively. CAC correlated with age (r = 0.44, p<0.001), body mass index (r = 0.28, p = 0.002), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.23, p = 0.01), diabetes mellitus (r = 0.23, p = 0.01), and the cardiovascular risk score (r = 0.35; p < 0.001). By multivariable linear regression controlling for eGFR and diabetes, age (ß = 0.05, 95% CI 0.03-0.06; p<0.001), body mass index (ß = 0.04, 0.02 - 0.07; p=0.001), and serum calcium (ß = 0.9, 0.15 - 1.6; p=0.02), were risk factors for CAC. Results from multivariable logistic regression modeling demonstrated consistent findings.
Limitations: Inadequate sample size and uncontrolled confounding are possible limitations, but are unlikely to have changed the main study findings.
Conclusions: In this study, traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors and serum calcium were associated with coronary artery calcification. No association was demonstrated between CKD and CAC. Studies exploring potential protective mechanisms against coronary artery calcification are needed.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Validation of New Asphalt Cement Specification Test Methods Using Eastern and Northeastern Ontario Contracts and Trial Sections

contributor:
Hesp, Simon
Chemistry

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subject:
Asphalt Testing
Validating Tests

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-21 11:34:36.946

abstract:
This thesis discusses and documents the validation efforts related to two new test methods developed for the grading of asphalt cement. Asphalt cements that were recovered from a large number of regular paving contracts and trial sections in eastern and northeastern Ontario were tested according to LS-299 and LS-308 test methods. The LS-308 Extended Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) Method involves testing of asphalt cement in a regular BBR after specific times of conditioning at –10ºC and –20ºC. The LS-299 Double-Edge-Notched Tension (DENT) Test involves testing of asphalt cement in DENT configuration at 15ºC and 50 mm/min.
Both these methods improved the ranking of asphalt more than that of regular BBR protocol as in AASHTO M320 method. Pavement contracts and trial sections showing little or no distress were made with asphalt cements having low grade losses in LS-308 and high strain tolerances as measured in LS-299. Hence, future implementation of these methods should reduce thermal cracking distress in Ontario roads.
Besides, a number of other properties were investigated. All recovered regular contract materials were tested at –10ºC, –20ºC, and –30ºC after various periods of conditioning. Samples were loaded for 240 s, followed by unloading for 720 s in BBR, allowing the separation of elastic and viscous creep deformations. The regular specification parameters, stiffness (S) and relaxation ability (m-value) and also other performance-related properties were determined. It was found that the confounding effect of simultaneous elastic and viscous deformations and inadequate conditioning prior to testing in the BBR protocol are the most important reasons for the observed inconsistency in grading. These findings are in general agreement to those from the earlier LS-308 tests.
The main reason for the poor performance is asphalt physically age during extended periods of exposure to low temperatures. Hence, those that are graded according to the current AASHTO M320 protocol are often under-designed for thermal cracking. The slow crystallization of waxes and precipitation of asphaltenes from oily phase is the primary cause for deterioration of properties. Besides, waste engine oils with other gelling agents like PPA, increase the chemical ageing tendency of asphalts and hence, thermal cracking distress.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Thymoquinone is a Novel Ligand which Activates Neu4 Sialidase to Promote a Pro-Inflammatory Response

contributor:
Szewczuk, Myron R.
Microbiology and Immunology

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subject:
Thymoquinone
Sialidase
Glycobiology
Neu4
Inflammation
Matrix Metalloproteinase
Immunology
G-protein Couple Receptor
Toll-like Receptor 4
Cytokine
Nigella Sativa

abstract: Thesis (Master, Microbiology & Immunology) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-21 17:38:10.413

abstract: Thymoquinone (TQ), a volatile oil component of black seed oil (derived from Nigella sativa), has been shown to have various biological effects including disease treatment and prevention. TQ is believed to share similar properties to the benzoquinones already in use as therapeutic drugs. Based on previous reports on the anti-inflammatory properties of black seed oil and TQ, it was originally hypothesized that TQ would inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cellular sialidase activity in an anti-inflammatory manner. Sialidase activity was tested on live mouse bone marrow derived primary macrophage cells, BMC-2 macrophage cells, human embryonic kidney epithelial (HEK293) cells and human fibroblast cells using an assay that measures the cleavage of the sialidase specific fluorescent substrate 2’-(4-methylumbelliferyl)-α-DN-acetylneuraminic acid (4-MUNANA). The cleavage of 4-MUNANA causes the release of free 4-methylumbelliferone, which fluoresces at 450nm (blue) after excitation at 365nm. Unexpectedly, TQ induced sialidase activation in all three cell lines and wild type primary macrophage cells. TQ was unable to induce sialidase activity in primary macrophage cells isolated from Neu4 knockout mice suggesting that the TQ activates Neu4 sialidase enzyme.  TQ-induced sialidase activity in these live cells was found to occur through intermediate GPCR-associated guanine nucleotide Gαi subunit and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) by using specific inhibitors. In addition, TQ was found to induce sialidase activity in Toll-like receptor-deficient HEK293 cells. These latter data suggested that TQ may be activating GPCR Gαi and MMP9 signaling associated with Neu4 sialidase independent of TLRs. It is proposed that TQ-induced sialidase activity may activate Toll-like receptors in macrophage cells and the subsequent production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the absence of LPS. Immunocytochemical staining of BMC-2 cells shows that TQ induced NFκB activation. NFκB activation was confirmed with electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and western immunoblotting techniques. Cytokine arrays were used to test the pro-inflammatory cytokine response induced in mice by 5 hour treatment of TQ, compared to LPS. Mice treated with TQ exhibited an increase in IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production, similar to LPS treatment. Taken together, the findings in these studies suggest that TQ is a novel ligand for Neu4 sialidase activation which consequently induces pro-inflammatory cytokine responses.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Reise An Den “Gedächtnisort” Polen in Romanen Zeitgenössischer Deutscher Autorinnen

contributor:
Fachinger, Petra
German

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subject:
Polenreise
Gedächtnisort
Beate Rygiert
Tanja Dückers
Monika Maron
Jeannette Lander
Christa Wolf

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, German) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-21 19:51:55.603

abstract: This thesis explores the significance of the journey to Poland in contemporary German literature by women. The texts are Bronjas Erbe (2001) by Beate Rygiert, Himmelskörper (2003) by Tanja Dückers, Pawels Briefe (1999) by Monika Maron, Die Töchter (1976) by Jeannette Lander, and Kindheitsmuster (1976) by Christa Wolf. I argue that Poland, as the site of the Holocaust and of the expulsions, serves as a site of memory in these texts, and that the journey to Poland allows the Jewish and non-Jewish protagonists to come to terms with the past. During their journey, most of the protagonists find what they were looking for. Further, through direct contact with Poles and Polish culture, most of the protagonists are able to overcome prejudice and stereotypical thinking. Since both the authors and their protagonists belong to different generations, i.e., those who experienced WWII directly and their children and grandchildren, the ways in which family history is passed on from one generation to the next and how it is re-collected within the German Polish context is the major concern of these texts. The immediate contact with the Polish sites triggers a process of remembering in the first-generation protagonists who are then able to pass it on to their children to fill the gaps in the family’s collective memory. The members of the younger generations become actively involved in helping to restore this memory. While conflicts between the generations escalate in Poland, the process of working through these conflicts on Polish ground helps the family members to better understand each other. I read the texts through anthropologist Victor Turner’s three-phase model of separation, liminality, and reaggregation. Poland in the five texts can thus be interpreted as a liminal space or, to use Mary Louise Pratt’s term, a contact zone. Since the texts focus on the experience of the female protagonist and traveler, the role of women as keepers of family memory is also stressed. Because of their intense probing of ethnic stereotypes and the legacy of the past, the five texts can be seen as contributing significantly to fostering a better understanding between Germans and Poles and non-Jewish and Jewish Poles.

abstract: PhD


title: Evaluation of the Water Retention Behaviour of Geosynthetic Clay Liners

contributor:
Take, W. Andy
Rowe, Kerry
Civil Engineering

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subject:
gcl
suction
water retention curve

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-22 14:37:55.196

abstract:
Geosynthetic clay liners (GCL) are a composite material commonly used as hydraulic barriers in landfill liners.  Due to their dependence on hydration for proper function, the water retention curve (WRC) of a GCL is important.  The inherent difficulty in obtaining the WRC, including the range of suction and composite material, has limited the number of GCL WRCs in the literature.  In order to quantify the large range of suctions, a dual testing technique was developed, which uses a high capacity tensiometer to measure suctions for the low suction range (0 - 500 kPa) and a relative humidity sensor for the high suction range (3,000 - 1,000,000 kPa).

In total, four different GCL products were tested, varying in both materials (woven and nonwoven geotextiles) and construction methods (thermal treatment and needle punching).  The dual technique method was used to establish both wetting and drying curves that were presented as gravimetric, volumetric and bulk GCL void ratio WRCs.  The WRCs of the different GCL products showed significant variation between their wetting and drying curves indicating that both needle punching and thermal treatment have a significant effect on the swelling behaviour of the GCL and its WRC.  Theoretical equations were fit to the experimental data establishing the parameters that can be used for numerical modeling of these four GCL products.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Using Online Research to Examine the Impact of Gender on the Effectiveness of the U.S. Mlitary Policy and Education Program Related to Human Trafficking in South Korea

contributor:
Lewis, Magda Gere
Education

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subject:
Trafficking
Zero-Tolerance Policies
Online Research
Human Subjects
U.S. Military
Gender

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-22 17:23:39.409

abstract: In 2002, members of the U.S. Congress requested the Department of Defense (DoD) investigate the issue of 'human trafficking' after Fox News and an ensuing Time Asia article suggested to the American public that their soldiers had been buying the sexual services of women who had been 'trafficked' to work at the clubs in Korean camptowns. The result of the DoD investigation was their adoption of a zero tolerance policy for human trafficking and prostitution. In this thesis I examine why the zero tolerance policy is likely to be as unsuccessful in South Korea as it has been found to be in the Balkans. I do this by exploring two primary questions: (1) has the U.S. military facilitated the prostitution and/or trafficking of women in South Korea?; (2) how do patriarchal constructions of masculinity influence attitudes toward trafficking and prostitution among military commanders and soldiers? To answer these questions, I use a multi-method qualitative approach including a historical analysis of primary and secondary sources, a discourse analysis of letters to the editor in Stars and Stripes newspaper, and a computer-mediated discourse analysis of texts on an online forum for U.S. military in South Korea. Due to questions surrounding the ethics of Internet research, I also examine the Canadian Tri-Council Policy Statement and the Code of Federal Regulations in the United States that covers the 'Protection of Human Subjects' in research. I argue that not all Internet research constitutes research involving 'human subjects'. I further look at current ethics review policies relevant to Internet research and discuss the ways in which ethics review boards can engage in "academic gate-keeping". The findings of my research indicate that the DoD has failed to consider sufficiently the various cultural contexts that USFK members bring with them to South Korea, as well as those they encounter once they are there. Without providing USFK members with the background needed to understand the complex phenomenon of human trafficking, the DoD's policies will do little to affect the most important element in the trafficking nexus in South Korean camptowns, that is, the attitudes and behaviours of USFK members.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Gender and construction of the life course of Japanese immigrant women in Canada

contributor:
Kobayashi, Audrey
Geography

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subject:
gender
the life course
migration
Japanese women
Canada

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-22 16:48:52.437

abstract:
This thesis explores social construction of the life course of post-war Japanese immigrant (shin ijuusha) women in Canada, based on interviews with 48 Japanese women in Toronto, Kingston and Ottawa. First, why women leave Japan is explored. Their emigration occurs in contexts of tourism, Japanese longing for America/the West constructed through Western popular culture, and gender and the life course. Japanese women negotiate their lives, cleverly using multiple meanings attached to the migration experience.
     Second, their lives in Canada are examined. Advantages Japanese women found in Canada include freedom and different perspectives, whereas they face serious disadvantages such as language/cultural barriers and difficulty finding employment. They cannot really recognize the existence of racism, however, because of their language/cultural barriers and of subtlety of today’s racism.
     Though dispersed and invisible, shin ijuusha networks have developed in Toronto since the early 1970s, with a major motivation to provide Japanese language education for nisei children. Shin ijuusha mothers tend to regret that their children have acquired only basic Japanese, but some have successfully connected their children to Japan/Japanese culture.
     Japanese immigrant women often attach emotional meanings to immigration status. Some choose their status with their family in mind. Subjectively, they tend to feel they are “Japanese,” hesitating to claim to be “Canadian.” They have internalized the mainstream gaze and see themselves as “others” in Canada. Meanwhile, many women feel that Canada is their home. They tend to transform Canada to a homeland over their life course, establishing meaningful social relations.
     Third, shin ijuusha women’s transnationalism is explored. They keep ties with Japan, especially for social connections. Many women provide transnational care provision for their aging parents in Japan, which is a new gender role invented after World War II. Shin ijuusha women’s transnationalism is associated with life-course transitions. Spatial connection between Canada and Japan is still contingent in societal context, however.
     Finally, how migration to Canada has changed lives of Japanese women is considered. Although the migration did not necessarily empower women, they tend to view it positively, because migration helped them to acquire plural perspectives that have deeply enriched their lives.

abstract: PhD


title: Transcendence of Various Infinite Series and Applications of Baker's Theorem

contributor:
Murty, Maruti Ram
Mathematics and Statistics

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subject:
transcendetal number theory
Baker's Theorem
transcendence

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mathematics & Statistics) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-23 10:45:19.735

abstract:
We consider various infinite series and examine their arithmetic nature. Series of interest are of the form $$\sum_{n =0}^{\infty} \frac{f(n)A(n)}{B(n)},   \;\;\;\; \sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}}\frac{f(n)A(n)}{B(n)}, \;\;\;\; \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{z^n A(n)}{B(n)}$$ where $f$ is algebraic valued periodic function, $A(x), B(x) \in \overline{\mathbb{Q}}[x]$ and $z$ is an algebraic number with $|z| \leq 1$. We also examine multivariable extensions $$\sum_{n_1, \ldots, n_k = 0}^{\infty} \frac{f(n_1,
\ldots, n_k)A_1(n_1) \cdots A_k(n_k)}{B_1(n_1) \cdots B_k(n_k)}$$ and $$\sum_{n_1, \ldots, n_k \in \mathbb{Z}} \frac{f(n_1, \ldots, n_k)A_1(n_1) \cdots A_k(n_k)}{B_1(n_1) \cdots B_k(n_k)}.$$

These series are all very natural things to write down and we would like to understand them better. We calculate closed forms using various techniques.  For example, we use relations between Hurwitz zeta functions, digamma functions, polygamma functions,
Fourier analysis, discrete Fourier transforms, among other objects and techniques.  Once closed forms are found, we make use of some of the well-known transcendental number theory including the
theorem of Baker regarding linear forms in logarithms of algebraic numbers to determine their arithmetic nature.

In one particular setting, we extend the work of Bundschuh \cite{bundschuh} by proving the following series are all
transcendental for positive $c \in \mathbb{Q} \setminus \mathbb{Z}$ and $k$ a positive integer: $$\sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}} \frac{1}{(n^2 + c)^k}, \;\;\; \sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}} \frac{1}{(n^4 - c^4)^{2k}}, \;\;\; \sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}} \frac{1}{(n^6 - c^6)^{2k}}, \;\;\; \sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}} \frac{1}{(n^3 \pm c^3)^{2k}}$$

$$\sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}} \frac{1}{n^3 \pm c^3}, \;\;\; \sum_{|n| \geq 2} \frac{1}{n^3 -1}, \;\;\; \sum_{|n| \geq 2} \frac{1}{n^4 -1}, \;\;\; \sum_{|n| \geq 2} \frac{1}{n^6 -1}.$$ Bundschuh conjectured that the last three series are transcendental, but we offer the first unconditional proofs of transcendence.

We also show some conditional results under the assumption of some well-known conjectures.  In particular, for $A_i(x), B_i(x) \in \overline{\mathbb{Q}}[x]$ with each $B_i(x)$ has only simple rational roots, if Schanuel's conjecture is true, the series
(avoiding roots of the denominator) $$\mathop{{\sum}}_{n_1, \ldots, n_k =0}^{\infty} \frac{f(n_1, \ldots, n_k)A_1(n_1) \cdots A_k(n_k)}{B_1(n_1) \cdots B_k(n_k)}$$ is either an effectively computable algebraic number or transcendental.

We also show that Schanuel's conjecture implies that the series $$\sum_{n \in \mathbb{Z}} \frac{A(n)}{B(n)}$$ is either zero or transcendental, when $B(x)$ has non-integral roots.

We develop a general theory, analyzing various infinite series throughout.

abstract: Please restrict access to this thesis.  The results have not yet been written up and published in academic journals.  Restricted access for 2 years will allow me the time to properly publish my results without risk of someone else reading my thesis and publishing my results.

abstract: PhD


title: Transnationalism, Citizenship and Sense of Belonging among Elderly Hong Kong Immigrants in Canada

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subject: Geography

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-22 22:17:44.068

abstract: Previous research has looked into the life experiences of middle-aged and younger Hong Kong immigrants in Canada, while the unique experiences of elderly Hong Kong immigrants have not been analyzed in detail. This research aims to fill the gap by focusing on the transnational linkages, concepts of citizenship and sense of belonging among elderly Hong Kong immigrants. It analyzes their multigenerational transnational family arrangements and experiences of racism. Through questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews with thirty-five elderly Hong Kong immigrants residing in Vancouver at the time of data collection, it is shown that they engage in transnationalism to satisfy emotional needs instead of for economic reasons; they hold a high rate of dual citizenship and have a strong sense of belonging and commitment to Canada despite limited citizenship participation and language barriers; and they do not perceive encountering serious racism in their daily lives in Canada despite language and educational constraints. Being mostly grandparents and not in the workplace, their multigenerational transnational family arrangements also impact on their sense of belonging and overall immigration experience. This research acts as one of the first steps to further exposing the unique experiences of elderly immigrants in Canada.

abstract: M.A.


title: Monitoring-While-Drilling for Open-Pit Mining in a Hard Rock Environment: An Investigation of Pattern Recognition Techniques Applied to Rock Identification

contributor:
Daneshmend, Laeeque K.
Mining Engineering

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subject:
Monitoring-While-Drilling
Neural Networks

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mining Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-23 11:59:07.806

abstract: This thesis investigated the abilities of artificial neural networks as rock classifiers in an open-pit hard rock environment using monitoring-while-drilling (MWD) data. Blast hole drilling data has been collected from an open-pit taconite mine. The data was smoothed with respect to depth and filtered for non-drilling data. Preliminary analysis was performed to determine classifier input variables and a method of labelling training data. Results obtained from principal component analysis suggested that the best set of possible classifier input variables was:  penetration rate, torque, specific fracture energy, vertical vibration, horizontal vibration, penetration rate deviation and thrust deviation. Specific fracture energy and self-organizing-maps were explored as a means of labelling training data and found to be inadequate. Several backpropagation neural networks were trained and tested with various combinations of input parameters and training sets. Input sets that included all seven parameters achieved the best overall performances. 7-input neural networks that were trained with and tested on the entire data set achieved an average overall performance of 81%. A sensitivity analysis was performed to test the generalization abilities of the neural networks as rock classifiers. The best overall neural network performance on data not included in the training set was 67%. The results indicated that neural networks by themselves are not capable rock classifiers on MWD data in such a hard rock iron ore environment.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Large Landslides in Sensitive Clay in Eastern Canada and the Associated Hazard and Risk to Linear Infrastructure

contributor: Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering

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subject:
Sensitive clay
Progressive Failure
Landslide Inventory
Susceptibility Mapping
Fracture Mechanics
Landslide Hazard
Landslide Risk

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-23 13:22:19.53

abstract:
The Saint Lawrence Lowlands in eastern Canada contain extensive deposits of marine soils deposited in post-glacial seas during and following the retreat of the most recent continental glacier.  These marine soils include silt and clay deposits known collectively as Champlain clay.  When the pore fluid in these marine deposits has changed over time to a lower salinity, the clay can become very sensitive, or demonstrate substantial strength loss after reaching the peak strength with sufficient strain under undrained load conditions.
Sensitive clay soils are subject to a peculiar type of very large landslide that typically involves great extents of nearly horizontal ground, usually occurring suddenly and without warning.  These landslides tend to be described as “retrogressive” in the literature and practice, implying that they develop as a series of successive small failures that advance rearward until a final stable position is reached.
The work of this thesis is organized into four different themes, with an overall objective of understanding the hazard and risk associated with large landslides in sensitive clay to linear infrastructure such as railways.  The first theme, documented in Chapter 2, develops a number of spatial relationships between specific physiographic and geologic features and landslide occurrence or absence, as determined through air photo analysis and a review of the literature.  The second theme, documented in Chapter 3, presents the construction of a digital database of large landslides in sensitive clay in eastern Canada, for the purposes of studying landslide susceptibility, hazard and risk.  The third theme, documented in Chapters 4 and 5, presents and defends a novel mechanical model for development of these large landslides.  This model suggests the landslides develop progressively, rather than retrogressively, and the science of fracture mechanics is employed to substantiate the model.  The fourth theme, documented in Chapters 6 and 7, synthesizes the findings of the earlier themes and presents a methodology for estimating landslide susceptibility in Champlain clay.  That approach is then extended to develop an understanding of the hazard.  The concluding chapter extends that work to present an initial appreciation of landslide risk to railways.

abstract: PhD


title: The White Beam Steady-State Diffractometer: A Next Generation Neutron Diffraction Strain Scanner

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subject:
Neutron diffraction
strain diffractometer
NRU
CNBC
white beam diffraction
engineering diffractometer
Neutron scattering

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-23 17:46:59.419

abstract:
This project proposes a reactor-based instrument, which retains most of the above advantages of spallation source engineering instruments, while maintaining the advantages inherent to steady-state instruments.  The main idea is to allow the entire white beam from the reactor onto the sample---no monochromation.  Diffraction is then allowed at a fixed angle, and information from two sample directions can be obtained simultaneously.  Since a white beam is incident onto the sample, the diffraction condition is satisfied for multiple sample planes in the fixed angle of diffraction.  Multiple analyzer/detector pairs are placed downstream from the sample and tuned to scatter only one of the diffracted wavelength bands.

Monte Carlo methods were used to create models of both a standard two-axis engineering diffractometer, found on current reactor sources, and the proposed white beam instrument.  There models were validated by experiments performed on a standard two-axis instrument, which was also modified to operate in a white beam configuration, in which the position of the sample and monochromator were interchanged.

Both the models and the experiments of the white beam instrument showed proof of concept for this design and identified areas of concern that required special attention.  Upon a comparison on the results from the standard two-axis instrument to the results from the white beam instrument (both simulation and experimental), it was found that the standard diffractometer showed a better performance in all aspects.

However, this project proposes numerous areas where the white beam design can be improved upon in order to enhance its performance as an engineering instrument.  The most important of these is the design of an appropriate analyzer/detector system, as the results overwhelmingly show this to be the area of greatest concern.  Ideas for a few such designs are also given.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Sludge Accumulation and Characterization in Decentralized Community Wastewater Treatment Systems with Primary Clarifier Tanks at Each Residence

contributor:
Champagne, Pascale
McLellan, P. James
Civil Engineering

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subject:
Onsite Wastewater Treatment
Decentralized
Domestic Sewage
Septic Tanks
Sludge
Scum
Solids Accumulation
Primary Clarifier
Septage

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-25 15:34:46.243

abstract:
Sludge accumulation, treatment and disposal can represent a high percentage of the operating cost for a wastewater system. This is especially important for small-scale and onsite wastewater treatment systems, where sludge removal can be one of the few operating costs of the system. In 2000, as a result of a large number of septic system failures, the community of Wardsville installed a Clearford Industries Inc. Small Bore Sewer™ (SBS™) system which included two-chamber 3600 L tanks located on the properties of individual homes. The tanks were collectively attached to a small bore piping system to deliver the effluent from the tanks to a small community wastewater treatment system.
During the summer of 2007, a field study was initiated with a community survey, followed by a review of candidate sites, leading to the selection of 29 sites for site investigation and sampling. Sampling involved the collection of samples for sludge characterization along with the measurements of the height of solids (scum and sludge) within the tank. The data were analyzed to determine the factors having a statistically significant impact on solids accumulation rates within each of the two chambers of the tank. Household water usage was found to be the variable having the strongest association with sludge and scum accumulation, and models were estimated relating solids accumulation to water usage in order predict pump out frequency. A second field sampling program was conducted in Wardsville during April 2008, involving only the first chamber of 13 primary clarifier tanks.
Overall contributions have been made in understanding and quantifying solids accumulation rates and sludge characterization in onsite primary clarifier tanks. As well, the information gained from the analysis of the data collected provides a meaningful insight into the factors influencing solids accumulation within individual residential primary clarifier tanks, and points to future research directions for understanding the factors influencing solids accumulation.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Workflow Scheduling Algorithms in the Grid

contributor:
Akl, Selim
Computing

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subject:
Grid
Scheduling Algorithm
Workflow
DAG
Rescheduling

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-23 22:30:09.646

abstract:
The development of wide-area networks and the availability of powerful computers as low-cost commodity components are changing the face of computation. These progresses in technology make it possible to utilize geographically distributed resources in multiple owner domains to solve large-scale problems in science, engineering and commerce. Research on this topic has led to the emergence of Grid computing. To achieve the promising potentials of tremendous distributed resources in the Grid, effective and efficient scheduling algorithms are fundamentally important.
However, scheduling problems are well known for their intractability, and many of instances are in fact NP-Complete. The situation becomes even more challenging in the Grid circumstances due to some unique characteristics of the Grid. Scheduling algorithms in traditional parallel and distributed systems, which usually run on homogeneous and dedicated resources, cannot work well in the new environments.
This work focuses on workflow scheduling algorithms in the Grid scenario. New challenges are discussed, previous research in this realm is surveyed, and novel heuristic algorithms addressing the challenges are proposed and tested.
The proposed algorithms contribute to the literature by taking the following factors into account when a schedule for a DAG-based workflow is produced: predictable performance fluctuation and non-deterministic performance model of Grid resources, the computation and data staging co-scheduling, the clustering characteristic of Grid resource distribution, and the ability to reschedule according to performance change after the initial schedule is made. The performance of proposed algorithms are tested and analyzed by simulation under different workflow and resource configurations.

abstract: PhD


title: Constructing Professional Knowledge from Teaching and Learning Experiences in a Preservice Teacher Education Course

contributor:
Russell, Tom
Education

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subject:
Teacher Education
Professional Knowledge
Teaching
Learning
Physics Teaching

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Education) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-23 22:25:38.716

abstract:
This study demonstrates the power of deliberate and explicit attention to teacher candidates’ prior views of teaching and learning. Focus-group and individual interviews of five individuals document their development of professional knowledge in response to the experiences of a physics methods course and their practicum placements in an
8-month preservice teacher education program. This study also explores and interprets the development of a teacher educator’s professional knowledge through a collaborative self-study between the teacher of the methods course and the researcher.
While teacher candidates can readily mimic surface-level features of teaching that they have witnessed over many years, they have rarely considered the complex pedagogical decisions made by teachers. This study demonstrates that teacher candidates’ prior views of school can be challenged and extended by carefully enacting a pedagogy of teacher education that contrasts with the cultural tradition of teaching as telling. Such a pedagogy helps candidates develop authority over teaching and learning experiences in ways that facilitate the construction of principled knowledge about teaching grounded in personal experiences.
As explained in the literature review, a purely propositional view of teachers’ professional knowledge cannot explain how individuals learn to teach. Epistemological arguments about the role of experience in shaping professionals’ knowledge-in-action frame the qualitative analysis of interview data. One focus-group interview and five individual interviews were conducted at four points in the preservice program; Atlas.ti software facilitated identification of patterns and metaphors in the verbatim transcripts of the 24 interviews. The changing metaphors used by participants reveal the ways in which their understandings of teaching and learning developed through their preservice program.
The pedagogy of teacher education enacted in the physics methods course had a major positive influence on the five participants. Although all had the same learning opportunities during the course, each candidate constructed a unique way of thinking about teaching and learning and developed different messages from the way they were taught. Some focused on how they would later enact the active-learning pedagogies they experienced; others focused on broader issues of teaching and learning. Each candidate also valued the relationship of mutual trust that developed between the professor and the class.
Three principles for guiding preservice teacher education emerge as broad conclusions to the study. First, tensions experienced by teacher candidates during the practicum cannot be expected to challenge the dominant culture of schooling. Second, providing a coherent set of learning experiences within a methods course can encourage teacher candidates to confront and revise their assumptions about teaching and learning. Third, collaborative self-study can provide a powerful way for teacher educators to focus on enacting pedagogies that help candidates to identify, reframe, and extend their assumptions about teaching and learning.

abstract: PhD


title: Scheduling Algorithms for Real-Time Systems

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subject:
Scheduling Algorithms
Real Time Systems

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-24 08:22:04.238

abstract:
Real-time systems are those whose correctness depends not only on logical results
of computations, but also on the time at which the results are produced. This thesis
provides a formal definition for real-time systems and includes the following original
contributions on real-time scheduling algorithms.
The first topic studied in the thesis is minimizing the total penalty to be paid
in scheduling a set of soft real-time tasks. The problem is NP-hard. We prove the
properties of any optimal scheduling algorithm. We also derive a number of heuristic
algorithms which satisfy the properties obtained. Moreover, we obtain a tight upper
bound for the optimal solution to the problem. Numerical results that compare the
upper bound with the optimal solution and the heuristic algorithms are provided.
In the second part of this thesis, we study the problem of minimizing the number
of processors required for scheduling a set of periodic preemptive independent hard
real-time tasks. We use a partitioning strategy with an EDF scheduling algorithm
on each processor. The problem is NP-hard. We derive lower and upper bounds
for the number of processors required to satisfy the constraints of the problem. We
also compare a number of heuristic algorithms with each other and with the bounds
derived in this research. Numerical results demonstrate that our lower bound is very
tight.
In the third part of the thesis, we study the problem of uplink scheduling in
telecommunication systems with two dimensional resources. Our goal is to maximize
the total value of the packets sent in uplink subframe such that system constraints and
requirements are satisfied. The packets have various QoS requirements and have
either soft or hard deadlines. We take two approaches, namely 0-1 and fractional
approaches, to model the problem. Considering the properties of the application, we
derive globally optimal solutions in polynomial time for the models. We also present
a method to fine-tune the models. Numerical results are provided to compare the
performance of the various optimal algorithms each corresponding to a model.

abstract: PhD


title: Initiation of Delayed Hydride Cracking in Zr-2.5Nb Micro Pressure Tubes

contributor:
Daymond, Mark R.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

format:
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subject: Zr-2.5Nb Alloys

subject: Delayed Hydride Cracking (DHC)

subject: Micro Pressure Tubes

subject: Threshold Stress Intensity Factor (K-IH)

subject: Electrolytic Hydriding

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-24 12:55:36.917

abstract:
Pressure tubes pick up hydrogen while they are in service within CANDU reactors. Sufficiently high hydrogen concentration can lead to hydride precipitation during reactor shutdown/repair at flaws, resulting in the potential for eventual rupture of the pressure tubes by a process called Delayed Hydride Cracking (DHC). The threshold stress intensity factor (KIH) below which the cracks will not grow by delayed hydride cracking of Zr-2.5Nb micro pressure tubes (MPTs) has been determined using a load increasing mode (LIM) method at different temperatures. MPTs have been used to allow easy study of the impact of properties like texture and grain size on DHC. Previous studies on MPTs have focused on creep and effects of stress on hydride orientation; here the use of MPTs for DHC studies is confirmed for the first time.

Micro pressure tube samples were hydrided to a target hydrogen content of 100 ppm using an electrolytic method. For DHC testing, 3 mm thick half ring samples were cut out from the tubes using Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) with a notch at the center. A sharp notch with a root radius of 15 µm was introduced by broaching to facilitate crack initiation. The direct current potential drop method was used to monitor crack growth during the DHC tests. For the temperature range tested the threshold stress intensity factors for the micro pressure tube used were found to be 6.5-10.5 MPa.m1/2 with the value increasing with increasing temperature. The average DHC velocities obtained for the three different test temperatures 180, 230 and 250oC were 2.64, 10.87 and 8.45 x 10-8 m/s, respectively. The DHC data obtained from the MPTs are comparable to the data published in the literature for full sized CANDU pressure tubes.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Bringing Food Home: A Study on the Changing Nature of Household Interaction With Urban Food Markets in Accra, Ghana

contributor:
Riddell, J. Barry
Geography

format:
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subject:
Urban Food Markets
Africa
Livelihoods

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-24 10:56:51.709

abstract:
This dissertation explores the changing nature of food provisioning in the contemporary Third World city, employing the experience of Accra, Ghana, as a case study.  The issue is studied by examining changes that are occurring within urban food markets, and how households are altering their food acquisition patterns in response to structural changes within the city.  The investigation provides an in-depth analysis of the policy framework and socio-economic context for the delivery of, and access to, food in Accra, and probes the food situation as a window to investigate broader issues relating to poverty, livelihoods, and coping strategies within a Third World city.
Data were collected from three markets and six residential neighbourhoods through focus group discussions and personal interviews.  The investigation reveals that the food system has been altered by processes of transformation occurring in the city, with dire implication for access to food by the poor.  The activities of traders in maintaining the urban food supply emphasize the dominance of individual initiatives in sustaining the city.  The household surveys show that the level of direct engagement between households and the food market is waning, as households increasingly source their food from city’s various food outlets.  This does not mean that food markets are losing their significance in the food supply chain.  They remain the nexus between the source of supply (farmstead or port) and the urban household consumer.
This case study indicates that urban economic restructuring is translated into the lives of residents by altering how people meet their needs.  It illustrates how individuals and households adopt new ways of engaging their changing environment and navigating the landscape in order to survive.  The coping strategies adopted highlight the resilience of vulnerable groups to this precarious urban landscape.  These people are not passive victims to the constraints they face.  Their responses to crisis make them active participants in the transformation of the city.  The study concludes that understanding how the poor organize themselves to meet their challenges is key to understanding any interventions that are designed to tackle urban poverty or improve access to basic needs in the city.

abstract: PhD


title: A 26 GHz Phase-Locked Loop Frequency Multiplier in 0.18-um CMOS

contributor:
Frank, Brian M.
Electrical and Computer Engineering

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subject:
phase-locked loop
frequency multiplier
CMOS
integrated circuit
voltage controlled oscillator
injection locked frequency divider
phase detector
phase noise
Accumulation MOS varactor
monolithic integration
static phase offset
common mode rejection
26 GHz
master-slave flip-flop divider
direct injection
differential
phase plane

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-24 11:31:35.384

abstract:
This thesis presents the analysis, design and characterization of an integrated
high-frequency
phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency multiplier.  The frequency multiplier is novel
in its use of a low multiplication factor of 4 and a fully differential topology
for rejection of common mode interference signals.
The PLL is composed of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), injection-locked
frequency divider (ILFD) for the first divide-by-two stage, a static
master-slave flip-flop (MSFF) divider for the second divide-by-two stage and
a Gilbert cell mixer phase detector (PD).
The circuit has been fabricated
using a standard CMOS 0.18-um process based on its relatively low cost and ready
availability. The PLL frequency multiplier
generates an output signal at 26 GHz and is the highest operational frequency PLL
in the technology node reported to date.

Time domain phase plane analysis
is used for prediction of PLL locking range based on initial conditions of
phase and frequency offsets.
Tracking range of the PLL is limited by the inherent narrow locking range of the ILFD,
and is confirmed via experimental results.

The performance benefits of the fully differential PLL are experimentally
confirmed by the injection of
differential- and common-mode interfering signals at the
VCO control lines.  A comparison of the
common- and differential-mode modulation
indices reveals that a common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) of greater than 20 dB is
possible for carrier offset frequencies of less than 1 MHz.

Closed-loop frequency domain transfer functions are used for prediction of the PLL
phase noise response, with the PLL being dominated by the reference and
VCO phase noise contributions. Regions of dominant phase noise contributions
are presented and correlated to the overall PLL phase noise performance.
Experimental verifications display good agreement and confirm the usefulness of the
techniques for PLL performance prediction.

The PLL clock multiplier has an operational output frequency of 26.204 to 26.796 GHz
and a maximum
output frequency step of 16 MHz.  Measured phase noise at 1 MHz offset from the
carrier is -103.9 dBc/Hz.  The PLL clock multiplier core circuit
(VCO/ILFD/MSFF Divider/PD) consumes
186 mW of combined power from 2.8 and 4.3 V DC rails.

abstract: PhD


title: Directional Cell Breathing - A Framework for Congestion Control and Load Balancing in Broadband Wireless Networks

contributor:
Hassanein, Hossam S.
Mouftah, Hussein T.
Electrical and Computer Engineering

format:
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subject: Cell Breathing, RRM, Congestion Control

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-24 12:15:54.582

abstract:
Despite the tremendous bandwidth increase in 3rd generation (3G) Broadband Wireless
Networks (BWNs) such as Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS),
maintaining the mobile users’ Quality of Service (QoS) requirements while maximizing
the network operators’ revenues is still a challenging issue. Moreover, spatial
distribution of network traffic has a negative impact on the overall network performance
where network resources are overutilized in parts of the network coverage area
while such resources are underutilized in other network coverage areas. Therefore,
network congestion and traffic imbalance become inevitable. Hence, efficient Radio
Resource Management (RRM) techniques which release congestion and balance
network traffic are of utmost need for the success of such wireless cellular systems.
Congestion control and load balancing in BWNs are, however, challenging tasks due
to the complexity of these systems and the multiple dimensions that need to be taken
into consideration. Examples of such issues include the diverse QoS requirements of
the supported multimedia services, the interference level in the system, which vary
the mobile users and base stations allocated transmission powers and transmission
rates to guarantee certain QoS levels during the lifetime of mobile users connections.
In this thesis, we address the problem of congestion control and load balancing
in BWNs and propose efficient network coverage adaptation solution in order to deal with these issues, and hence enhance the QoS support in these systems. Specifically,
we propose a directional coverage adaptation framework for BWNs. The framework
is designed to dynamically vary the coverage level of network cells to release system
congestion and balance traffic load by forcing mobile users handoff from a loaded
cell to its nearby lightly loaded cell. The framework consists of three related components,
namely directional coverage adaptation module, congestion control and load
balancing protocol, and QoS provisioning module. These components interact with
each other to release system congestion, balance network load, maximize network
resource utilization, while maintaining the required QoS parameters for individual
mobile users.

abstract: PhD


title: Organic Board Games with Tangible Tiles: interaction methods for small hexagonal tiles

contributor:
Vertegaal, Roel
Computing

format:
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subject: Computer Interface

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-25 13:23:44.451

abstract:
The keyboard and mouse have dominated human-computer interaction for over twenty years. Much effort has been made to break away from this paradigm by creating novel interaction systems and techniques. This thesis presents a system with small hexagonally shaped cardboard tiles called Organic Board Games, along with methods of interaction for these tiles.  Tiles are used as a means for controlling and interfacing with abstract objects in a computer system. Particular attention is given to controlling games with the tiles, as some of the original motivation for the system was from the board game Settlers of Catan.

The many design considerations for Organic Board Games are discussed; prototype implementations that were constructed are presented and critiqued, and observations are made regarding these systems' applicability to interface design. Several proposals are presented for the system's evaluation and development beyond the example implementations.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Effects of geometric and material property changes on the apparent elastic properties of cancellous bone

contributor:
Pilkey, A. Keith
Waldman, Stephen D.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

format:
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subject:
cancellous bone
elastic modulus
specimen dimensions
dehydration
finite element method (FEM)
nanoindentation
micro-CT

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-24 14:28:17.772

abstract:
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by reduced bone mass and reduced bone quality.  This deterioration manifests itself in osteoporotic fractures at skeletal sites containing large proportions of cancellous bone (ie. forearm, hip, spine).  Given the costs associated with these fractures, improvements in our ability to model and predict the behaviour of cancellous bone would be of great financial and social benefit to society.

This thesis makes contributions in three areas within the much larger goal of developing a comprehensive model for describing the mechanical behaviour of cancellous bone.  Since the accuracy of model predictions can only be as good as the test data against which it is compared, the effect of experimental artifacts introduced by specimen geometry is examined for cored samples.  The apparent elastic modulus of cancellous bone is found to be relatively insensitive to specimen (or gauge) length, such that it can be reduced below the recommended 2:1 aspect ratio without introducing detectable artifact.  Conversely, apparent modulus is found to be much more sensitive to specimen diameter.  The role of water is also examined.  Dehydration at room temperature was found to increase the apparent elastic modulus by roughly 14%.  This net increase results from the competing effects of an increased tissue modulus and a  decreased bone volume fraction due to shrinkage.  Finally, preliminary work is presented which attempts to relate micro-CT voxel intensity and locally measured nanoindentation moduli, in order to provide an experimental basis for assigning heterogeneous material properties to finite element method (FEM) models.

abstract: PhD


title: Effect of Carbonate Addition on Cobaltite Cathode Performance

contributor:
Krstic, Vladimir
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

format:
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subject:
SOFC
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Cathode
Low Temperature
Carbonates

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-25 15:53:37.928

abstract:
This study investigated the overpotential performance enhancement of cathodes in low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs) due to the addition of carbonates to traditional Ce0.9Gd0.1O2 solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrolytes.  It was postulated in this study that this enhancement was due to the protonic conductivity of the carbonates.  This provided an electrolyte with a dual conduction mechanism which improves the catalytic performance of the cathode.
	The cathode systems investigated were characterised for overpotential loss, conductivity and thermal expansion matching with the electrolyte.  This produced results which predicted power outputs for a standard SOFC configuration as high as 970, 524 and 357 mW/cm2 at operational temperatures of 650oC, 600oC and 550oC.  The benefits of these high power outputs and their potential to further reduce SOFC operational temperature was discussed.
	This study developed a cost-effective, reliable and commercially scalable manufacturing process for carbonate/Ce0.9Gd0.1O2 electrolytes.  This pressureless sintering method is the first reported in literature, and is a promising replacement for the current hot-pressing technique currently used for these electrolytes.
	The electrolyte composition examined was 70 wt% Ce0.9Gd0.1O2 with 30 wt% carbonates (67 mol% Li2CO3 / 33 mol% Na2CO3).  The cathode examined in this study was a composite cathode consisting of 50-90 wt% functional cathode material (Gd1-xSrxCoO3 with 10 to 30 mol% Sr doping on the Gd site) with a balance of electrolyte.   It was determined that the composite cathode system with 10 wt% electrolyte and 20-30 mol% Sr doping was the optimal composition when operating at 600oC and above, with predicted power densities of 524 and 510 mW/cm2 at 600oC.  At operational temperatures between 550oC and 600oC (and potentially lower), it was determined that a composite cathode system with 30  wt% electrolyte and 10-30 mol% Sr doping was the optimal composition.
	It was found that the presence of carbonates in the electrolyte decreased the overpotential losses of the cathode by 50-70% at 600oC for system studied; indicating that an improvement in cathodic performance coupled with the high conductivities of the electrolyte is most likely responsible for the high power outputs seen in literature.

abstract: PhD


title: Brownfield Remediation in Kingston and Hamilton, Ontario: A Virtuous Cycle of Civil Society Involvement

contributor:
Whitelaw, Graham S.
Welbourn, Pamela
Environmental Studies

format:
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subject:
Environmental
Brownfields
Civil Society

abstract: Thesis (Master, Environmental Studies) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-24 17:18:47.46

abstract:
As the pressures of urban development progressively threaten the preservation of greenfields, it is increasingly understood that sustainable development and smart growth strategies must include the remediation and redevelopment of brownfields. As the support for brownfield redevelopment strengthens, and frameworks for brownfield planning become more prominent at municipal levels, it is important that municipalities not only ensure the proper remediation of old brownfield sites, but also identify a place for civil society within brownfield plans.  The legal, financial, social, environmental, and health complexities of redevelopment, as well as the impact of brownfield sites on the community, make civil society involvement an essential component of a successful brownfield strategy.

This case-based thesis research examines the role of civil society in brownfield remediation and redevelopment through themes of social capital, social learning and risk perceptions. The two cases studies are former landfill sites; the Rennie Street landfill in Hamilton, Ontario and the Belle Park landfill in Kingston, Ontario. Both cases involved civil society using legal action as a reactive approach to contamination leaching from the respective sites into nearby water bodies. The research was conducted through participant observation, interviews with key stakeholders in the Belle Park and Rennie Street landfill cases, and a comprehensive review of written information. The literature review informed the development of a conceptual framework, which was used to guide the research and the evaluation of results.

The thesis reveals examples of civil society bringing awareness to brownfield issues through a reactive strategy, followed by proactive community involvement in brownfield programs. In both cases, civil society’s perceptions of the associated risks informed the reaction to the suspected contamination. The results of the study suggest that the establishment of networks and trust, as well as the reflective process that occurred throughout the legal action contributed to civil society’s ability to influence decision making. It is anticipated that the Rennie Street and Belle Park case studies will highlight for brownfield stakeholders the significance of engaging civil society in municipal brownfield planning.

abstract: M.E.S.


title: Listening To The Voices of Four At-Risk Learners in One Alternative Environment

contributor:
Hill, Ann Marie
Education

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subject:
Technological Education
At-Risk Learners
Pedagogy
Curriculum
Student Voice
Authentic Learning
Care
Community
Alternative Educational Setting

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-24 18:54:45.539

abstract:
For many learners the school system works. Skills and knowledge are learned, social relationships are formed, and positive self-esteem and self-image as a learner lead to accomplishments such as a secondary school diplomas, opportunities for further education, and futures filled with a litany of choices. For others diplomas are not forthcoming, nor are futures bright with hope and opportunity. Schools in Ontario have struggled to develop engaging and meaningful programs for these other students; students identified as “at-risk” of not successfully completing secondary school. Making up nearly 30% of the secondary school population (King, 2004), these students struggle or fail to meet curriculum expectations often resulting in missed opportunities for the development of a solid framework for life-long learning.
	Educators grapple with the question of how to support at-risk students in classrooms and schools. This study provides an often overlooked perspective to the existing literature on pedagogy, curriculum, and programming for at-risk students; that of the learner. It gives a voice to at-risk students and offers educators and policy makers insights into how at-risk students experience learning, how they feel they learn best, what they need from their school setting, and what they identify as meaningful to their lives and their learning. Listening to the voices of at-risk students provides an authentic perspective of how to best serve at-risk students. This thesis tells the story of four at-risk students (key informants) in an alternative educational setting. In addition, one educational assistant, identified by key informants, provided information about the setting and further insights into key informants’ engagement in the curriculum and their learning. This study reveals stories of at-risk learners and what they see as relevant and necessary for active engagement with school and learning.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: The role of Stat3 in cell division and apoptosis

contributor:
Raptis, Leda
Pathology and Molecular Medicine

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subject: signal transduction, tumourigenesis, cell to cell adhesion, Stat3, peptidomimetics, platinum compounds,  apoptosis, p53, in situ electroporation, gap junctional intercellular  communication

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Pathology & Molecular Medicine) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-26 01:09:21.654

abstract:
The Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3 (Stat3) is a transcription factor that is required for transformation by a number of oncogenes, while a constitutively active form of Stat3 alone is sufficient to induce neoplastic transformation.  It was previously demonstrated that cell to cell adhesion causes a dramatic increase in the activity of Stat3 in both normal and tumour cells.  This hinted for the first time at the possibility that the role of Stat3 may differ upon cellular confluence.  To examine such a mechanism, it is important to evaluate the effect of Stat3 downregulation at different time-points relative to confluence.  To examine this, two different approaches for Stat3 downregulation were used:  (1) the introduction of high levels of peptidomimetics analogs, which block the Stat3-SH2 domain by using a technique of in situ electroporation.  (2) Treatment with two platinum compounds that inhibit Stat3 binding to activated receptors and DNA.
	 The results demonstrated that Stat3 downregulation in vSrc or TAg transformed mouse fibroblast cells or in breast carcinoma lines, induced apoptosis which was more pronounced post-confluence at the time of its peak activity.  In contrast, in sparsely growing normal mouse fibroblasts, Stat3 inhibition induced merely a growth retardation.  However, in densely growing normal fibroblasts, Stat3 inhibition induced apoptosis.   At least in part, apoptosis induced by Stat3 inhibition was mediated by p53, as shown by the resistance to cell death by Stat3 downregulation in colon carcinoma cells, HCT116, where the p53 gene is ablated.  Overall, our observations point to the possibility that constitutive activation of Stat3 may lead to tumourigenesis by downregulating wt-53 in cancers that do not have p53 mutations.  As a result, targeting Stat3 in cancers with wt-p53 may be a promising therapeutic approach for restoring p53 function, thereby inducing p53-mediated apoptosis.
	Next, we examined the effect of constitutively activated Stat3 as an oncogene.  Stat3C expression in rat F111 fibroblasts induced anchorage independence, but to a lower degree compared to other oncogenes, such as vSrc.   Surprisingly Stat3C expression increased gap junction intercellular communication, despite the fact that other oncogenes such as vSrc or vRas effectively block gap junctions.

abstract: PhD


title: Toxicity of Chemically Dispersed Crude Oil to Early Life Stages of Atlantic Herring (Clupea Harengus)

contributor:
Hodson, Peter
Biology

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subject:
Dispersant
Crude Oil
Fish Toxicology
Early Life Stage Toxicity

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-26 12:55:12.266

abstract: To minimize the damage caused by oil spills, responders may chemically disperse floating oil into the underlying water before it contacts shorelines and wildlife.  Quantifying this strategy’s net ecological and commercial benefits requires an analysis of its effects on subsurface ecosystems and biota.  Unfortunately, spill-responders have little empirical data on which to base such an analysis.  Herein I report the effects of dispersed oil to early life stages of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus).  Medium South American crude oil (MESA) dispersed with Corexit 9500 caused blue sac disease (BSD) in embryos, but not in free-swimming embryos.  The ages of embryos were negatively correlated with their sensitivity to oil, making those that were freshly fertilized the most sensitive.  However, sensitivity was also high after hatch.  Free-swimming embryos displayed signs of narcosis following brief exposure to dispersed oil.  Gametes were also tested; dispersed oil dramatically impaired fertilization success.  Toxicity was a function of concentration and duration of exposure, as well as of the life stage exposed.  When the duration of exposure was < 24 h, gametes and free-swimming embryos were the most sensitive life stages (i.e. responded to the lowest concentrations).  For durations > 24 h, young embryos (< 1 day old) were most sensitive.  The results are presented as toxicity models that incorporate developmental stage, oil concentration, and exposure duration.  Current effects-forecasting models for oil dispersion are based on published chronic toxicity data, which do not account for the effects of exposure duration and developmental events on toxicity.  Thus, the results will better-enable modelers to estimate the effects of realistic exposures to dispersed oil in various locations, including spawning shoals.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Diatom Community Responses to Water Quality Improvements in Lakes Recovering From Acidification and Metal-Contamination Near Wawa, Ontario, Canada: a Paleolimnological Perspective

contributor:
Smol, John P.
Paterson, Andrew M.
Biology

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subject:
Diatoms
Acidification
Paleolimnology
Wawa
Metal Contamination
Scaled Chrysophytes

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-26 18:38:20.58

abstract:
In response to sulphur dioxide emission reductions in North America and Europe, there has been a recent shift in research focus towards understanding ecosystem recovery.  Evidence for reversibility in the effects of acidification on lake ecosystems within North America has been, for the most part, constrained to a single locality (Sudbury, Ontario).  Lakes in a fume-kill area near Wawa, Ontario, present a new and rare opportunity for studying potentially rapid chemical and biological recovery patterns from extreme acidification.  Several lakes acidified (pH ~3) during a period of local iron sintering from 1939 to 1998, and although minimal historical data are available, striking biological recovery has recently been observed.
	This study used paleolimnological techniques to track diatom (class Bacillariophyceae) responses to historical water quality changes in five fume-kill lakes near Wawa.  Prior to the onset of iron sintering, the sediment-recorded diatom assemblages were dominated by species that are typically found in circumneutral or slightly alkaline lakes.  Following the known occurrence of lake acidification, there was a striking shift in the sediment record towards dominance by acid- and metal-tolerant species.  Water quality of the fume-kill lakes has since improved (i.e. pH has increased from ~3 to ~7 and metal concentrations have decreased).  In four of the five lake cores, this was reflected by a decrease in the relative abundance of acid-tolerant species.  Surprisingly, diatom communities were not progressing towards pre-disturbance species assemblages.  Factors impeding the return of native species might include metal enrichment in surface sediment and potentially altered lake thermal regimes.
	Documenting and understanding recovery trajectories is necessary to help lake managers evaluate policy decisions regarding the efficacy of emission reduction programs and mitigation measures.  This thesis provides evidence from one location in addition to Sudbury that the ecological effects of severe lake acidification can be reversed if SO2 emissions are sufficiently reduced.  It also further demonstrates the complexity of recovery patterns in acidified and metal-contaminated lakes.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Investigation Into the Attenuation of Metals in GCLS Intended for Mine Waste Containment

contributor:
Rowe, Kerry
Jamieson, Heather E.
Civil Engineering

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subject:
Geosynthetic Clay Liners
Barrier
Mining
Metals

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-26 18:46:23.02

abstract:
This research evaluated the use of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) as a potential barrier material to the migration of metals that are leached from mine waste. This thesis consists of two parts. In the first part, micro analytical methods including µXRD with synchrotron-generated µXRF elemental mapping and synchrotron-based µXRD (S-µXRD) were used to characterize the GCL bentonite and distinguish how mechanisms of metal attenuation could be identified. These analytical methods were of particular use for the clay material as they offer non-destructive, in situ investigation of various soil characteristics with microspatial resolution. The combination of the analytical methods allowed for identification of minerals such as gypsum and pyrite, not accessible by conventional methods. In particular, distinguishing accessory crystalline phases present in the “starting material” bentonite from those formed as a result of interaction with metal-bearing leachates is critical, as the development of metal-attenuating crystalline phases can have a significant long-term impact on metal mobility.
In the second part of the thesis, the migration behaviour of metals (As, Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Sr, and Zn) was investigated by means of diffusion tests and permeation experiments using four metal-containing waters: acidic rock drainage (ARD), lime-treated ARD, water from gold mine tailings, and landfill leachate with metal loading. Effective diffusion coefficients of the metals were calculated by modelling laboratory diffusion and sorption data. Water pre-hydrated GCLs were permeated with 15-21 pore volumes (PVs) of solution and their interaction with these solutions was examined in terms of both the hydraulic conductivity and the change in the geochemical characteristics of the permeant over time. The greatest increase in hydraulic conductivity occurred for the acidic rock drainage, where it increased from 1.6x10-11 m/s to 1.3x10-10 m/s following 21 PVs of permeation; still a very low value when compared to regulatory standards for clay barrier materials. Observed delayed breakthrough curves were indicative of the GCL’s strong attenuation capacity for a number of metals. An understanding of mechanisms of metal retention at both the micro and macro-scale levels will facilitate effective pollution prevention using GCLs.

abstract: PhD


title: Mobile Data Collectors in Wireless Sensor Networks

contributor:
Akl, Selim
Hassanein, Hossam S.
Computing

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subject:
Wireless sensor network
Mobile
Placement
Routing

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-26 21:58:55.152

abstract:
Recent advances in wireless and sensing technologies have enabled the deployment of large scale Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) which have a wide range of scientific and commercial applications. However, due to the limited energy supply of sensor nodes, extending the network lifetime has become crucial for WSNs to deliver their promised benefits. Several proposals have aimed at this objective by designing energy efficient protocols at the physical, medium access, and network layers. While the proposed protocols achieve significant energy savings for individual sensor nodes, they fail to solve topology-related problems. An example of such problems is the bottlenecks around the sink, which is a direct result of multi-hop relaying: sensor nodes around the sink relay data generated all over the network which makes them deplete their energy much faster than other nodes.

A natural solution to this problem is to have multiple mobile data collectors so that the load is distributed evenly among all nodes. We investigate this promising direction for balancing the load and, hence, prolonging the lifetime of the network. We design optimization schemes for routing and placement of mobile data collectors in WSNs. We show, by theoretical analysis and simulations, that our approach has the potential to prolong the lifetime of the network significantly.

abstract: PhD


title: Conceptualizing Success: Aspirations of Four Young Black Guyanese Immigrant Women for Higher Education

contributor:
Lewis, Magda Gere
Education

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subject:
Black Immigrant Women
Education in Ontario Public Schools
Notions of "Success"
Critical Race Theory
Guyana
Guyanese Immigrants in Canada

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-27 11:29:04.43

abstract:
During the past four decades researchers note that educational institutions fail to “connect” with minority students (e.g. Clark, 1983; Coelho, 1998; Dei, 1994; Duffy, 2003; Ogbu, 1978, 1991). Carr and Klassen (1996) define this lack of “connection” primarily as teachers’ disregard for each student’s culture as it relates to race, and thus, his or her achievement potential. Hence, this disregard encourages minority students to question their ability to be successful. Dei (1994), furthermore, shows a tremendous disconnectedness from schools and education systems being felt by Black students. Few studies give voice to specific groups of Black female high school graduates who opt out of pursuing higher education.
 I interviewed four Black Guyanese immigrant women to: (a) investigate their reasons and expectations when immigrating to Canada, (b) identify what influenced their decision not to pursue postsecondary education, (c) explore their definitions of success, and (d) investigate how/if their notions of success relate to obtaining postsecondary education in Canada.
Critical Race Theory (CRT) was employed in this study to: (a) provide a better understanding of the participants’ classroom dynamics governed by relationships with their teachers, guidance counsellors and school administrators, (b) examine educational outcomes governed by personal and educational relationships and experiences, and (c) provide conceptual tools in the investigation of colour-blindness (Parker & Roberts, 2005) that is disguised in Canadian education, immigration, and other government policies. To support my investigation, I used CRT to guide the research design, modes of documentation, and the process of analysis.
It is hoped that my findings and analysis enriches the academy and society by communicating why there is a scarcity of Black Guyanese immigrant women in Canadian postsecondary institutions, making recommendations, to increase their participation in higher education. This study communicates the experiences of four Black Guyanese immigrant women in Canada. It does not intend to make generalizations about the experiences of all Black Guyanese immigrant women in Canada.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: A Comparison of the Ability of Two Lines of Hybrid Poplars (DN34 and NM1) to Phytovolatilize 1,4-Dioxane in Laboratory and Field Settings

contributor:
Lefebvre, Daniel D.
Biology

subject:
Phytoremediation
Hybrid Poplars

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-28 11:26:03.876

abstract: Phytoremediation technologies offer an economical and practical alternative to traditional remediation technologies.  This study attempted to quantify and compare the ability of DN34 and NM1 varieties of hybrid poplars to phytovolatilize the organic contaminant 1,4-dioxane.  Research included laboratory experiments and those at an old industrial field site containing 1,4-dioxane and other organic contaminants.  Under laboratory conditions it was found that when DN34 was exposed to 36 ppm of 1,4-dioxane in hydroponic solution it had a significantly higher transpiration rate than NM1.  There were no toxic effects of the contaminant on the plants.  Additionally, the DN34 variety was able to remove 48.7 ± 11.6 % (mean ± standard error) of the dioxane from aqueous solution compared to 41.7 ± 10.0 % removed by NM1.  Water availability at the field site had a significant effect on growth rate whereas soil type and contaminant concentration did not appear to have any affect.  It was apparent that DN34 had a significantly higher transpiration rates than NM1 in a dry, 2007 season, while the opposite was true during a wet, 2008 season.  Interestingly, the DN34 variety had lower transpiration rates in the wet season than in the dry season.  The presence of the co-contaminant ethylene glycol affected transpiration rate in the NM1 variety but not the DN34 variety.  The NM1 variety had a decrease in transpiration rate of 42 and 30 % when growing in a mid-range concentration (≤ 1000 ppm) of ethylene glycol compared to a low concentration (≤ 100 ppm) of ethylene glycol in the wet and dry seasons, respectively.    Unfortunately, detection of 1,4-dioxane removal by trees at the field site was difficult to achieve.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Mathematics, Meaning, and Commitment

contributor:
Mercier, Adele
Philosophy

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subject: Philosophy Mathematics

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Philosophy) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-30 09:40:15.276

abstract: This thesis offers a defence of realism in mathematics, principally through an a priori re-construal of the indispensability argument as revelatory of the commitments of mathematical thought. Following the articulation and defence of that argument—called the ‘argument from constraint’—in the first chapter, I address semantic and metaphysical consequences and objections in turn. The second chapter broaches the value of Fregean semantics for arithmetical language, and the indispensability of semantic considerations in accounting for mathematical thought. The third chapter assesses and responds to objections from the fictionalist account of mathematical thought and meaning, and the final chapter articulates a programmatic proposal for mathematical epistemology.

abstract: PhD


title: Perceptions of Persons with Schizophrenia Relating to their Weight

contributor:
Baker, Cynthia
Nursing

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subject:
Schizophrenia
Qualitative Research
Weight Gain

abstract: Thesis (Master, Nursing) -- Queen's University, 2009-05-05 14:46:05.704

abstract:
Purpose
 The purpose of this study is to examine weight and lifestyle among persons with schizophrenia from their perspectives. Two specific research questions are addressed:
1:  What are the perceptions of persons with schizophrenia related to their weight?
2:  What are the experiences of persons with schizophrenia in maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
Methods
A qualitative, constructivist research design is used to guide the study. Unstructured interviews are the method of data collection and analysis is done using constant comparison.
A purposive sample of 18 participants was obtained from an Outpatient Psychiatric Unit.
Findings
Three themes, Normal Life Thrown a Curve Ball, Weight Management as Complex, and Today’s Experiences Shape Tomorrow’s Outcomes, were identified by the participants. Weight management was seen as a complex and difficult phenomenon; however, participants were optimistic about their ability to achieve a healthy weight in the future. Individual strategies, support and education were identified as essential weight management components.
Conclusions
The perceptions identified in this study further our understanding of the complexity of weight management, and can be used to design future weight loss interventions better tailored to this population.

abstract: MNSc.


title: Communicating Results of New Genomic Tests to Physicians

contributor:
Brettschneider, Julia
Brundage, Michael D.
Feldman-Stewart, Deb
Community Health and Epidemiology

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subject:
Cancer recurrence risk communication
Breast cancer
Oncotype DX
Cognitive interviews
Test reports
New genomic tests
Questionnaire design
Face validity

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2009-05-05 17:23:10.551

abstract:
Background: New genomic tests are being developed to predict an individual’s risk of cancer recurrence by analyzing the expression of multiple genes. However, it is unclear how to report the test results so that they would be most useful to clinicians. A mail-out questionnaire has the potential to help a) describe physicians’ attitudes towards the clinical use of new genomic tests, b) determine what information physicians prefer to have included in the test reports, and c) explore how physicians think the test results would impact their treatment recommendations.

Objectives: To design such a questionnaire that could be used in the eventual large-scale survey, and to ensure that the questionnaire a) is comprehensible, b) has face validity, c) appears interesting to, and d) does not place undue response burden on, the target population.

Methods: The first draft, based on a specific genomic test for breast cancer recurrence (Oncotype DX) and on two case scenarios, was created. Cognitive interviews with practicing oncologists were conducted to identify problems in the questionnaire. The evaluation involved face-to-face interviews with Kingston oncologists who treat breast cancer, followed by telephone interviews with medical oncologists who treat breast cancer in other places in Ontario. Three-to-four oncologists were included in each round of interviewing after which the questionnaire was revised based on that round’s recommendations. Additional rounds of interviews were conducted until no new problems/issues were raised in one entire round.

Results: A medium-length questionnaire was drafted. Four rounds of interviews were conducted with no new problems/issues being raised in the fourth round. Most of the problems identified in the questionnaire related to comprehensibility, followed by logical issues which detected fundamental problems in the questionnaire design. There was no evidence of fatigue or disinterest in participants and they deemed the response burden reasonable.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the proposed questionnaire is comprehensible and has face validity. Additionally, it appears to be an interesting questionnaire to, and would not place undue burden on, the target population. Thus, the questionnaire is now ready for the field administration.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: A lacustrine sediment record of the last three interglacial periods from Clyde Foreland, Baffin Island, Nunavut: biological indicators from the past 200,000 years

contributor:
Smol, John P.
Biology

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subject:
Paleolimnology
Arctic Climate

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2009-05-06 17:04:38.302

abstract: The study of long-term climatic change in the Arctic, a region both particularly sensitive to the effects of a warming climate and an important driver of global climate, is pertinent to understanding the rates and magnitude of current ecosystem changes.  Analyses on geological time frames provide insight into the variability of Arctic climate, allowing a contextualized understanding of recent ecosystem changes that have been documented across the Arctic.  Lake CF8, a mid-Arctic lake on Clyde Foreland, Baffin Island, contains a unique sedimentary archive of the present and last two interglacial periods, due to past non-erosive glaciation patterns, providing an opportunity to study interglacial climate trends.  Diatom assemblages were analyzed through the organic sediment record of the past three interglacials.  Trends in the ontogeny of this lake were revealed: the early, post-glacial environment was dominated by species of the colonial Fragilaria genera, which transitioned into high relative abundances of tychoplanktonic Aulacoseira species.  Benthic/periphytic taxa, such as Psammothidium marginulatum, tended to increase in relative abundance in the mid- to late-interglacial periods.  The ecological interpretation of this pattern is examined in this study, and suggests that climate drives the succession of the diatom community primarily through indirect effects on lake ice and pH.  The extent of ice cover likely plays a large role in the biotic community of this lake; the diatom assemblages within the past ~ 50 years indicate increasing littoral habitat complexity with a peak in Eunotia species and a slightly acidic pH, which is discussed in relation to changing habitat availability associated with decreasing ice cover.  In-lake production was examined through the use of spectrally-inferred chlorophyll a trends, which also indicate elevated production in the past ~ 50 years.  As climate change becomes an increasingly significant threat to the stability of Arctic ecosystems, interest in paleoclimate records that extend into past, non-anthropogenically mediated warm periods, is increasing.  This sediment record extends our understanding of past environmental trends beyond the longest records in this part of the Arctic, the Greenland ice core records, and enhances our understanding of the variability of Arctic climate.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: My Deaf Autistic Son and Me

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subject:
deaf autism
deaf autistic
multi handicaps
special education
parents

abstract:
This Self Study, submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Master of Education, is in the form of a series of vignettes and describes the challenges I
experienced as the mother of a deaf autistic child trying to find an education system that
could accommodate my son's needs. It describes my attempts to find support for him and
for myself. The study describes the difficulty I had in obtaining an accurate diagnosis of
my son's disabilities due to the fact that both deafness and autism present similar
language difficulties. My son's deafness was diagnosed well before his autism, which
resulted in his education beginning in a system specifically designed for deaf children, so
that he received no early intervention for his autism. My study describes the stress
entailed in moving our son from one school system to another in an attempt to find a
teacher who had expertise in both deafness and autism. I found gifted and caring teachers
of the deaf and teachers who had experience in teaching children with autism but, at that
time, was not able to find anyone with expertise in both. In later years, we moved our son
back to the School for the Deaf where a program for deaf/plus children had been
developed. My data have been culled from documentation I gathered from the time my
son was an infant and up until the age of 10 years. I have compared my experiences with
the literature.
My study ends with several recommendations for teachers, namely: (a)
recognition of parental stress, (b) culturally Deaf signers for deaf autistic children, (c) an
autism workshop for teachers of the deaf, (d) inclusion of autism in training for teachers
(particularly teachers of the deaf), and (e) research plan of action in deaf autism.