title: An Investigation into Training, Evaluation, and Application of the Physical Demands Description to Document Paramedic Work

contributor:
Fischer, Steven L.
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
Ergonomics
Paramedics
Physical Demands

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-09 17:56:25.067

abstract:
Every job requires a worker to complete a subset of physical demands.  These physical demands are classified into different elements (e.g., lifting, pushing, pulling), each with requisite measurement characteristics (e.g., frequency, duration, weight).  Understanding the physical demands is important when making job-related decisions such as developing job descriptions, adjudicating injury claims, and effectively facilitating return-to-work scenarios.  As these decisions are made by professionals both internal to a workplace (e.g., managers, human resources, engineers) and external (e.g., physicians, insurance providers); physical demands information must be objective, easily understandable, and accurate.  A Physical Demands Description (PDD) is the document that summarizes all physical demands of a job, as characterized following periods of job observation interspersed with physical demands measurements.
     There were two main purposes of this research, 1) to study the effectiveness of PDD training on trainee’s ability to accurately identify and measure physical demand elements, and 2) to characterize the physical demands of paramedic work, by training paramedics to identify physical demand elements.  First, PDD training was delivered to ten university students who then applied their training to perform condensed PDDs using three different job simulation examples.  Participants accurately identified physical demand elements with a success rate of 80%, but failed to accurately measure aspects of those elements within a 10% margin of error relative to the criterion established by a team of subject matter experts.  Implementing these findings, a participatory approach was taken to document the physical demands of paramedics by training paramedics to identify (not measure) the physical demands of their colleagues.  Fourteen paramedics from seven services across Canada received PDD training to identify the physical demands of their work.  They documented demands during two separate full-shift ride-outs, acting as an observer.  The most physically demanding aspects of paramedic work, as identified by paramedics, were stretcher loading and unloading (25.6% of respondents), carrying equipment (19.5%), and pushing and pulling the stretcher (13.4%).  When considering differences in task frequency between service population areas, high-populated services loaded and unloaded an empty stretcher and handled medication bags more frequently than low-populated services.  These data contribute to the Canadian paramedic community by characterizing the work of paramedics, useful in developing a physical abilities pre-hire test to ensure candidates match the physical demands of the occupation.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Analysis and Design of Bearing Systems in Controlled Passive Energy Management (CPEM) Prosthetic Feet

contributor:
Bryant, J. Tim
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

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:
Analysis
Biomechanics
Design
Medical Device
Prosthetic foot

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-10 16:10:07.763

abstract:
The overall goal of this study is to advance the availability of prosthetic devices for developing and post conflict regions by establishing a framework for their design based on those used for Class II medical devices.  The Niagara Foot Model 2  was used as an example case.  This device has been refined within an international consortium of engineers, prosthetists, materials scientists and non-governmental organizations over the past decade.  It is a unique Controlled Passive Energy Management (CPEM) foot that can be modified to suit the needs of a particular user.  Its success has prompted interest in the development of other devices for this market.
    Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) were used to assess the current design.  A systematic literature review was used to generate 29 User-centred Functional Requirements, which were compared to 47 engineering variables extracted from the design archives.  In addition, 33 potential failure modes and their mechanisms were assessed based on a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis.
    Features controlling energy management in the CPEM System had the greatest impact on User-centred Functional Requirements.  The potential for top plate fracture at the connection to the pylon had the highest risk rating.  These observations prompted the analysis and design of the bearing system for controlled passive energy management in the current design.  The analysis showed a bearing contact area, sliding speed and contact force that produced a PV value 25% above the recommended limit for Hytrel® 8238 which the horn portion of the CPEM System is comprised of.  A modification to the contact geometry was proposed that would reduce the PV value by 63%, and would move the contact point forward 1.6mm.  Based on a simplified static analysis, this would further reduce the peak moment in the top plate by 2%, therefore the risk to top plate failure would not be increased.

abstract: The thesis may contain sensitive information regarding the performance of the Niagara Foot.  The design team will review the document to ensure that no disclosures have been made that would compromise its commercial value.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: A Mechanism of Regulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 Alpha by Nitric Oxide

contributor:
Graham, Charles H.
Anatomy and Cell Biology

subject:
Glyceryl Trinitrate
Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate
Tumour Hypoxia
Nitric Oxide
Calpain
Hypoxia-Inducible factor 1

abstract: Thesis (Master, Anatomy & Cell Biology) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-11 21:25:56.762

abstract: Low tissue oxygen levels, known as hypoxia, characterize many solid cancers. Both clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated that intratumoral hypoxia is associated with malignant progression defined by increased tumour growth, metastasis and resistance to therapy. A major mechanism mediating malignant adaptive responses to hypoxia involves the activity of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), a transcription factor composed of HIF-1α and HIF-1β subunits; HIF-1α is highly regulated by oxygen, such that its protein levels determine HIF-1 transcriptional activity. Accumulating evidence indicates that hypoxia-induced acquisition of malignant phenotypes is, in part, due to impaired nitric oxide (NO)-mediated activation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signalling and that restoration of cGMP signalling prevents such hypoxic responses. The present study aimed to determine the downstream mechanism by which the NO/cGMP signalling regulates hypoxic responses. Using DU145 prostate cancer cells, studies were conducted to assess the effect of the NO mimetic glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) and the cGMP analogue 8-Bromo-cGMP on hypoxic accumulation of HIF-1α. Results revealed that GTN, at a concentration known to primarily activate the NO/cGMP pathway, inhibited hypoxia-induced HIF-1α protein accumulation in a time-dependent manner; 8-Bromo-cGMP mimicked the effect of GTN on HIF-1α protein while levels of HIF-1α mRNA remained unaltered by exposure to either GTN or 8-Bromo-cGMP. Furthermore, treatment of cells with the calpain (Ca2+-activated proteinase) inhibitor calpastatin attenuated the effects of GTN and 8-Bromo-cGMP on HIF-1α protein accumulation. Collectively, these findings indicate a role for NO/cGMP signalling in the regulation of HIF-1α, and hence HIF-1-mediated hypoxic responses, via a mechanism that is likely dependent on calpain activity.

abstract: We would like to restrict the thesis due to publication concerns.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Evaluating Gender-specificity of Sexual Arousal with Thermography in Women and Men

contributor:
Chivers, Meredith L.
Psychology

subject:
Sexual Psychophysiology
Plethysmography
Sexual Arousal
Gender Differences
Thermography

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-11 16:35:08.555

abstract: Men’s genital responses tend to be gender-specific, such that they show significantly greater arousal to their preferred gender compared to their nonpreferred gender, whereas the genital responses of androphilic women (i.e., sexually attracted to men) tend to be similar to stimuli depicting women or men (gender-nonspecific). Gender-specificity of arousal has been previously studied using short stimuli (approximately 90-second videos or audio-narratives) with genital responses assessed using vaginal photoplethysmography (VPP) in women and penile plethysmography (PPG) in men. One limitation to using these measures of genital response is that they use different scales (mV change in VPP and mm change in PPG), making it difficult to draw direct gender comparisons. In the current thesis, I examined gender-specificity of sexual arousal in women and men by measuring genital responses using thermography, which assesses similar physiological processes (i.e., temperature change associated with genital vasocongestion) in women and men. Specifically, I evaluated whether the gender-specificity of men’s and women’s genital temperature was similar to that observed for genital responses concurrently assessed using VPP (women) or PPG (men). I presented gynephilic men (i.e., sexually attracted to women; n = 27) and androphilic women (n = 28) with 10-minute audiovisual stimuli depicting men masturbating, women masturbating, and a nonsexual nature film. Participants reported feelings of sexual arousal before, during, and after each film, and genital responses were concurrently assessed using thermography and VPP or PPG. For all dependent variables, men exhibited gender-specific sexual arousal and women exhibited gender-nonspecific sexual arousal. These findings demonstrate that the gender difference in gender-specificity of sexual arousal persists beyond early sexual responding, including longer stimuli and relatively slow changes in genital temperature. Limitations and implications are discussed.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: A Free-Agent of Embodied Subject

contributor:
Tolmie, Jane
Cultural Studies

subject: Performance Identity

abstract: Thesis (Master, Cultural Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-05 18:36:25.884

abstract:
This research is an exploration of physically-devised performance processes. The paper is in dialogue with a major performance (Loss2Lust), which has been recorded on DVD, and will remain stored at Queen’s University in the Department of Cultural Studies (it has also been submitted to Qspace).
The performance of Loss2Lust reflects a process that is ongoing and self-reflexive, and as such this paper is also a process of ongoing self-reflection about performance within academic contexts.

abstract: I intend to develop this project further (upon graduation), and therefore wish to keep the thesis and the performance out of the public domain.

abstract: M.A.


title: Optical Properties of Individual and Bundled Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

subject:
Excitons
Diffusion
Optics
Optical Absorption
Ultrafast
carbon Nanotube

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-12 15:56:56.515

abstract:
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are nearly ideal one-dimensional systems, with aspect ratios exceeding 10$^{5}$:1.
The band gap of a SWCNT, determined by the species, covers the majority of the visible spectrum all the way out into the near infrared.
However, despite their amazing potential, the vast majority of SWCNT applications are still on the horizon.
This is partly because the opto-electronic behaviour of a SWCNT is so sensitive to its physical structure (determined by sample preparation method) and its ambient environment.
Structural defects and environmental perturbations introduce extrinsic effects (\textit{e.g.} disorder limited diffusion) which vastly inhibit the realization the intrinsic behaviour.
A decade of progress in sample preparation techniques has vastly improved SWCNT properties (\textit{e.g.} increased quantum yield, longer diffusion lengths).
The pinnacle of sample purification and isolation culminates in an isolated individual air-suspended SWCNT.
These air-suspended SWCNTs are free from substrate effects, encapsulation, and defects caused by post processing.

In this thesis, I study the intrinsic exciton dynamics of high quality air-suspended SWCNTs.
A diffusion-annihilation model is developed for homogeneously excited SWCNTs which reveals an exciton diffusion constant on the order of 300 cm$^{2}$/s.
To strengthen the case for intrinsic diffusion, a temporally and spatially resolved PL experiment is developed which is sensitive to quenching defect sites.
Results from several SWCNTs confirm a diffusion constant of $\sim$ 300 cm$^{2}$/s.

In order to test the validity of the diffusion-reaction model, direct absorption measurements are performed to ensure that photoluminescence (PL) nonlinearity is not caused by nonlinear optical absorption.
The observed strong nonlinearity in PL is not accompanied by a nonlinear absorption signal, indicating that absorption saturation does not play a significant role the observed phenomena.
In addition, time-resolved SWCNT PL and absorption studies indicate that the presence of an exciton population does not significantly affect the optical absorption.
The observed optical absorption cross-sections for the air-suspended SWCNTs are on the order of 3 $\times$ 10$^{-17}$ cm$^{2}$/atom.
This is about 5 times higher than graphene and among the highest observed for SWCNTs.

abstract: PhD


title: Functionalized-Nitroxyls for Use in Peroxide-Initiated Modifications of Polymers

contributor:
Parent, J. Scott
Chemical Engineering

subject: Peroxide Crosslinking Nitroxyl

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-12 15:57:35.379

abstract:
Delayed-onset crosslinking of commodity polymers is accomplished by peroxide-initiated reactions of 4-acryloyloxy-2,2,6,6,-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (AOTEMPO) under solvent-free conditions.  Consistent with previous studies of polyethylene cure formulations, AOTEMPO provides predictable induction periods for ethylene-rich copolymers, such as poly(ethylene-co-propylene) (EPR) and poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA), without compromising ultimate crosslink densities.   However, cure yields for AOTEMPO formulations of 1,2-polybutadiene (vinyl-BR) and 1,4-butadiene (cis-BR) fell well below those of nitroxyl-free formulations, due to lost backbone C=C group oligomerization during the induction period.  Quenching a radical in these butadiene-rich materials eliminates multiple crosslinks, creating a deficit that acrylate oligomerization cannot overcome.  As a result, AOTEMPO can only delay the onset of polybutadiene cures at the expense of crosslink yield.

A new extension of AOTEMPO chemistry offers a means of crosslinking polymers that cleave when treated with peroxides alone.  The severe degradation incurred by poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and polypropylene (PP) when heated with dicumyl  peroxide (DCP) is arrested  by nitroxyl trapping during the induction phase of the cure.  Upon complete conversion of nitroxyl, oligomerization of pendant acrylate groups dominates scission of the polymer backbone, yielding the desired thermoset.  Residual peroxide initiator beyond that required to convert macromonomer groups serves only to degrade the polymer network, necessitating the optimization of peroxide and AOTEMPO concentrations.  Experiments conducted on PEO, PP, polyisobutylene (PIB), and poly(isobutylene-co-isoprene) (IIR) are discussed in terms of known principles of H-atom abstraction efficiency, acrylate oligomerization, and macroradical scission.

The importance of H-atom transfer to AOTEMPO formulation efficacy has motivated the study of a technique for measuring the yield of macroradicals produced by peroxide thermolysis in a polymer melt.  DCP decomposition in polymer compounds containing 4-(1-naphthoyloxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (NTEMPO) generates polymer-bound alkoxyamines whose concentrations can be measured by fluorescence spectroscopy.  Measurements of alkoxyamine yields are comparable to gas chromatography measurements of cumyl alcohol, which is an initiator byproduct of H-atom abstraction from the polymer.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: State Complexity of Nondeterministic Finite Automata with Limited Nondeterminism

contributor:
Akl, Selim
Salomaa, Kai Jr
Computing

subject: Unary Regular Languages

subject: Finite Automata

subject: Limited Nondeterminism

subject: Deterministic Automata With Multiple Initial States

subject: Language Operations

subject: State Complexity

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-13 22:44:13.42

abstract:
Various approaches of quantifying nondeterminism in nondeterministic finite automata (NFA) are considered.
We consider nondeterministic finite automata having finite tree width (ftw-NFA) where the computation on any input string has a constant number of branches. We give effective characterizations of ftw-NFAs and a tight bound for determinizing an ftw-NFA A as a function of the tree width and the number of states of A. We introduce a lower bound technique for ftw-NFAs.
We study the interrelationships between various measures of nondeterminism for finite automata. We define the trace measure which is a new approach of quantifying nondeterminism.
The trace is defined in terms of the maximum product of the degrees of nondeterministic choices in any computation. We establish upper and lower bounds for the trace of an NFA in terms of its tree width.
It is known that an NFA with n states and branching k can be simulated  by a deterministic finite automaton with multiple initial states (MDFA) having kn states.
We give a lower bound (k/(1+\logk))n for the size blow-up of this conversion.
We also consider bounds for the number of states an MDFA needs to simulate a given NFA of finite tree width.
We consider unary NFA employing limited nondeterminism. We show that for unary regular languages, minimal ftw-NFAs can always be found in Chrobak normal form. A similar property holds with respect to other measures of nondeterminism.
The latter observation is used to establish, for a given unary regular language, relationships between the sizes of minimal NFAs where the nondeterminism is limited in various ways.
We study also the state complexity of language operations for unary NFAs with limited nondeterminism. We consider the operations of concatenation, Kleene star, and complement.
We give upper bounds for the state complexity of these language operations and lower bounds that are fairly close to the upper bounds.
Finally, we show that the branching measure (J. Goldstine, C. Kintala, D. Wotschke, Inf. and Comput vol 86, 1990, 179-194) of a unary NFA is always either bounded by a constant or has an exponential growth rate.

abstract: PhD


title: Educational Equity in Canadian Academe: Implications of Neoliberal Discourse and Ideology

contributor:
Lewis, Magda Gere
Education

subject:
higher education
educational equity

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Education) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-15 10:07:25.447

abstract: Most, if not all, universities across Canada emphasize diversity, inclusivity, and equity in their missions, value statements, and institutional priorities. However, institutions of higher learning across Canada have yet to sufficiently challenge institutional discourse and culture in ways that truly move it and its members beyond passively articulating value for diversity to actively demonstrating commitments to inclusivity and equity. Universities struggle to achieve a range of educational equity goals across four domains: (a) improving access for historically underrepresented students, (b) fostering inclusive campus climates, (c) developing globally inclusive curricula, and (d) recruiting and retaining equity-seeking  faculty and staff. Persistent challenges in implementing educational equity policy in Canadian academe suggest an imperative to critically examine whether and how the social, political, and economic forces of neoliberalism, as the prevailing ideology in Canada, complicate the educational equity policy process. In particular, I am interested in exploring whether and how the discourses of neoliberalism manifest in discursive practices of senior administrators and the implications for enacting change to achieve educational equity. The purpose of my research is fivefold: (1) to investigate the social, political, and cultural ideologies and discourses that dominate in the academy and influence the educational equity policymaking process; (2) to learn about the perspectives and practices of individual senior administrators in relation to educational equity; (3) to identify the thematic barriers and enablers to advancing educational equity, as perceived by senior administrators; (4) to identify discursive practices among senior administrators, in relation to educational equity; and (5) to consider the ways that senior administrators believe their social identities and positionalities influence their success advancing educational equity.

abstract: PhD


title: Stroke after Radiotherapy to Treat Head and Neck Cancer - What is the Risk?

contributor:
Hall, Stephen F.
Peng, Paul Yingwei
Community Health and Epidemiology

subject:
Head and Neck Cancer
Radiotherapy
Stroke

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-15 12:25:16.705

abstract:
Background: Head and Neck cancers (H&NCa) are typically associated with risk factors such as smoking and alcohol use. The human papilloma virus (HPV) has begun to play a role in the pathogenesis of these cancers, decreasing the age of diagnosis and increasing survival. Curative H&NCa treatments can include surgery (SX) and radiotherapy (RT) and one of the suggested late effects of RT is damage to blood vessels. The current literature identifies vascular injury and stroke as possible outcomes following RT among patients with H&NCa.
Objectives: 1) To determine the risk of ischemic stroke among patients that received any curative RT compared to patients that were treated with SX alone, and quantify this risk with respect to time following treatment, 2) to determine how modifications of RT regimens affect the risk of ischemic stroke, specifically the addition of chemotherapy, preceding the RT with surgical neck dissection and different doses of radiation, and 3) to determine the risk of stroke-related events, including transient ischemic attacks and carotid endarterectomies/stents, among patients that were treated curatively with any RT compared to patients treated with SX alone.
Methods: A retrospective cohort design using incident cases of H&NCa identified through the Ontario Cancer Registry was used to address these objectives. The risk of stroke following RT was assessed using databases from the Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences. The risk of – and time to stroke was be examined using a survival analytic approach, accounting for the competing risk of death. Cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for stroke risk factors and cumulative incidence functions were estimated for each objective.
Results: The study cohort included 14,069 patients with H&NCa. RT was found to contribute considerably to the risk of stroke compared to SX - both alone (HR=1.70, 95%CI: 1.41,2.05) and after combining all treatment modalities that included any radiation exposure (HR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.23,1.73).
Conclusion: This study’s results show that RT contributes a risk of stroke in terms of a late effect of treatment. These findings were consistent with biological hypothesis and contribute a significant and important addition to the body of literature.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Glucocorticoid Receptor (NR3C1) Promoter Methylation as a Circulating Breast Cancer Biomarker and its Role in Tamoxifen Sensitivity

contributor:
Mueller, Christopher
Biochemistry

subject:
Glucocorticoid Receptor
Stress
Estrogen Receptor
Breast Cancer
Methylation

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biochemistry) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-15 15:48:29.428

abstract:
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) binds glucocorticoids and transcriptionally regulates genes involved in immune response, cellular proliferation, and apoptosis. Previous work in our lab using MeDIP followed by qPCR found that 15% of assayed breast tumours were methylated at the GR (NR3C1) proximal promoter, and samples with methylation near exon 1B had decreased GR expression compared to unmethylated samples. In this study, a quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP) assay was developed in an attempt to detect NR3C1 promoter methylation in breast cancer patient blood samples. Although circulating NR3C1 promoter methylation was not detectable in our patient cohort, the assay was still used to detect and quantify NR3C1 promoter methylation in the breast tumour samples.
     Patients with ERα-positive breast tumours with low NR3C1 expression have shown a poorer outcome when treated with tamoxifen compared to tumours with higher NR3C1 expression. Using a doxycycline-inducible lentiviral TRIPZ-shRNAmir in MCF-7 cells directed against endogenous GR, we were able to explore whether low NR3C1 expression modulates cellular response to tamoxifen. When treated with tamoxifen, GR knockdown cells showed increased proliferation compared to normal GR levels, suggesting a decreased sensitivity to tamoxifen. GR knockdown only stimulates proliferation when ERα action is blocked by tamoxifen. Based on these results we propose that NR3C1 promoter methylation detected through qMSP in breast tumours, which leads to low GR expression, may be used as a predictive biomarker for poor outcome in ERα-positive breast tumours treated with tamoxifen.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: A Subsurface Sedimentology Analysis of Tide-Dominated Deposits in the BlueSky Formation (Early Cretaceous), Peace River Area, West Central Alberta

contributor: Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering

subject:
Gething
Bluesky
Mannville
Tidal
Tide-Dominated
Incised Valley
Peace River
Sequence Stratigraphy
Geomorphic Element
Turbidity Maximum
Delta
Suspended Sediment
Facies
Fluid Mud
Facies Analysis
Sedimentology
Estuary

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-15 17:47:09.822

abstract:
The Early Cretaceous Bluesky Formation (Mannville Group) in the Peace River area of west-central Alberta, Canada, is a complexly stratified tide-dominated sediment body composed of monolithic and heterolithic sandstone. The Bluesky Formation is tide-dominated and was deposited during the latter part of a third-order transgressive systems tract.
The Bluesky Formation is divisible into two valley-bounded sequences, informally referred to in this study as the “lower Bluesky unit” and the “upper Bluesky unit”. The lower Bluesky unit is composed of tide-dominated deltaic deposits. The upper Bluesky unit is composed of tide-dominated estuarine deposits. The lower Bluesky unit has abundant dynamically deposited mudstone layers (comprising 5-40% of most facies), many of which are interpreted to have been deposited under conditions of moderate to high suspended-sediment concentration (1-1000 g L-1) and appreciable current speeds (> 0.2 ms-1). The upper Bluesky unit, by contrast, has more sparsely distributed mudstone layers (comprising 0-15% of most facies) deposited primarily during slackwater and under conditions of relatively low suspended-sediment concentrations (< 1 g L-1). Both units are composed predominantly of subtidal and lower intertidal channel-bar and tidal-flat deposits. However, the most seaward deposits of the deltaic lower Bluesky unit contain sandstone-dominated heterolithic delta-front and mouth-bar deposits, whereas the most seaward environments of the estuarine upper Bluesky unit contain monolithic tidal sand-ridge deposits.
The Bluesky represents deposition in slightly more seaward locations than the underlying Gething Formation, which is composed of lower-energy mudstone-rich facies of a fluvially dominated depositional system. Both the lower and upper Bluesky units are broadly aggradational with several autogenic internal erosional discontinuities, suggesting that high-energy tidal sedimentation generally kept pace with accommodation created by relative sea-level rise.
A new and robust method for interpreting tidal facies is presented in this study. The approach uses a broadly applicable process-driven facies classification scheme that ensures a manageable number of facies. Recent improvements in the understanding of tidal systems and their facies models are incorporated into the method, most significantly highlighting the importance of mud and the realization that the set of geomorphic elements that comprise tidal systems is relatively small despite their complex lithofacies.

abstract: A confidentiality agreement between the student, Queen's and Shell Canada requires a maximum of six months of confidentiality upon completion of the thesis.

abstract: PhD


title: Recognizing Constraints on Moral Reasoning and the Fairness of Blame

creator:
Esselmont, Christine N.
Vidt, Christine N.

contributor:
Kumar, Rahul
Philosophy

subject:
Moral Reasoning
Moral Responsibility
Unfairness
Blame

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Philosophy) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-15 18:56:01.787

abstract:
Many argue that moral blame is unfair when poor formative circumstances negatively influence an individual’s ability to appreciate moral reasons. For example, Susan Wolf refers to the pre-conditions for being blamed as being “connected to the world in a certain sort of way” and R. Jay Wallace emphasizes the importance of an agent’s being able to exercise what he refers to as “powers of reflective self-control” if blame is to be fair. Wallace in particular contends that to blame an individual who is unable to adequately respond to reasons is to participate in an unfair practice of burdening those who are often better described as victims.
I argue that we should reject this claim about blame, and the conception of moral responsibility that underlies it, while remaining sympathetic to some of the concerns raised by its proponents.  What I call the Unfair Victim argument makes claims that seem prima facie, quite plausible. I contend that rejecting it does not require that one overlook the fact that poor formative circumstances can make it more difficult to recognize moral reasons or that this may cause particular individuals to suffer hardship.  I argue that a more defensible, Scanlonian view of blame still allows one to recognize the hardship suffered by those described by the Unfair Victim argument without having to accept  that this hardship diminishes moral responsibility or renders blame unfair.

abstract: PhD


title: Identifying the Molecular Mechanism of TAZ-Induced Lung Tumorigenesis

contributor:
Yang, Xiaolong
Pathology and Molecular Medicine

subject:
TAZ
Tumorigenesis
Lung Cancer
Hippo Pathway

abstract: Thesis (Master, Pathology & Molecular Medicine) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-16 20:02:56.456

abstract: The transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding domain (TAZ) is a transcriptional co-activator and downstream component of the tumor suppressor Hippo pathway that plays critical roles in organ size control, stem cell self-renewal, tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Recently, TAZ has been identified as a novel oncogene that is overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and mediates their proliferation, transformation and tumorigenesis. However, the molecular mechanism underlying TAZ-induced tumorigenesis remains largely unknown. In this study, we first established an in vivo xenograft mouse model by overexpressing the constitutively active TAZ-S89A in E10 (mouse) and HBE135 (human) immortalized lung epithelial cells. Next, the gene expression profile of this model was analyzed by performing next-generation sequencing (RNA-seq) which led to identifying several novel genes transcriptionally upregulated by TAZ such as INHBA, KLF5, BMPs, FGFs, etc. Interestingly, we identified PI3K and TGF-ß signaling pathways as mediators of TAZ-induced cell proliferation and transformation, which were inhibited by using small molecule inhibitors specifically targeting these two signaling pathways. In addition, TAZ-induced cell proliferation and transformation were suppressed by disrupting the interaction between TAZ and its major binding transcription factor TEAD. Together, our study shows for the first time a new mechanism linking PI3K and TGF-ß pathways to TAZ-induced cell transformation, suggesting TAZ as a therapeutic target for NSCLC.

abstract: I want my thesis to be restricted for 5 years because it contains preliminary data that should not be revealed until this study is accepted to be published in a scientific journal.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: An Investigation Into Atherosclerotic Indicators Among Current Shift and Non-Shift Working Female Hospital Employees: An Exploratory Study

contributor:
Tranmer, Joan E.
Nursing

subject:
Shift work
Endothelial function
Intima-media thickness
Atherosclerosis
Arterial stiffness
Flow-mediated dilation

abstract: Thesis (Master, Nursing) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-16 10:25:46.643

abstract: Shift work has been suggested to be associated with early adverse atherosclerotic changes. Endothelial function, intima-media thickness (IMT), and arterial stiffness are preclinical predictors of atherosclerotic changes, which may suggest a specific pathway through which shift work exposure contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aims of this exploratory study were: 1) to describe and compare early atherosclerotic indicators between current shift workers [SW] with at least 6 years of shift working experience and current non-shift workers [NSW] with at least 6 years of work experience; 2) to describe the potential for a dose-response relationship between length of shift work exposure and early atherosclerotic indicators; and 3) to explore and compare the associations between psychological stress and vascular changes in SW and NSW. Female current shift (n = 20) and non-shift work employees (n = 19) visited a lab on one occasion to complete vascular function testing. These included reactive hyperemia flow mediated dilation, pulse wave velocity (PWV), and structural examination of intima-media thickness (IMT). Self-report validated measures of psychological job stress, life stress and other personal and demographic information were collected. Within this sample, there was no significant difference between groups regarding atherosclerotic indicators. The SW participants reported a higher effort-reward imbalance (p = 0.003) and greater physical job demands (p < 0.001). Skill discretion, decision authority, and decision latitude were negatively correlated with peripheral PWV (r = -0.623, p < 0.001; r = -0.338, p = 0.044; r = -0.346, p = 0.039, respectively). IMT was positively correlated with psychological job demands (r = 0.413, p = 0.029). There was no dose-response relationship between years of shift work experience and atherosclerotic indicators after controlling for age. Women working in a shift work position did not significantly differ in their atherosclerotic development when compared to non-shift working women. However, women employed in a shift work position did report greater psychological work stress and physical demands, which may play a role in CVD. Individuals exposed to shift work may be prompted to engage in healthy behaviours and employers may benefit from implementing practices to reduce workplace-related stress.

abstract: MNSc.


title: Environmental Effects on Interacting Galaxy Pairs in the SDSS

subject:
Astronomy
Astrophysics
Galaxies
galaxy interactions

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-16 13:11:18.328

abstract:
The cause of varying galaxy interaction outcomes in different environments is investigated using a sample of over 505,000 Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7 galaxies at $0.01<z<0.20$. The aim is to distinguish the large-scale environmental effects on galaxies from the small-scale interaction effects in order to identify whether interaction mechanisms vary in different environments, or whether different galaxy populations produce the various outcomes in different environments. To study the properties of paired galaxies, the enhancements in star formation rates (SFRs) and asymmetries are investigated as functions of projected pair separations in different environments. The paired galaxies and control samples were selected using a new technique to distinguish between the influence of nearby neighbours and larger scale environment, and we define four different environmental classes using their dark matter halo masses (the field, poor groups, rich groups, and clusters).

We find the strongest SFR enhancements at projected separations ($r_p$) $<40$ \hkpc~in field paired galaxies and the weakest (but statistically significant) in cluster paired galaxies, while the largest asymmetry enhancements are found in cluster paired galaxies, and the least in field paired galaxies. Using the asymmetry offset rather than enhancements reveals no dependence on environmental membership. Mean SFR suppression is found at separations $100<r_p<400$ \hkpc~for paired galaxies with mass ratio $<1$ in all environments, but is absent for paired galaxies with mass ratio $>1$. For paired galaxies with mass ratio $<1$, this suppression is accompanied by a lack of mean asymmetry offset or enhancement at similar separations. Possible explanations of this result include suppression due to an earlier encounter whereby star bursts consume the star forming gas, and given sufficient time the galaxy settles into a symmetric shape. At close separations ($r_p<40$ \hkpc), reduced mean SFR enhancements in all environments are found together with increased asymmetry enhancement in comparison with paired galaxies with mass ratio $>1$. We hypothesize that the suppression in lower-mass paired galaxies is due to the depletion of their gas reservoirs prior to the interaction, and conclude that interactions in different environments produce various results due to assembly bias rather than differing interaction mechanisms in various environments.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Development of Peer Victimization in Adolescence

contributor:
Craig, Wendy M.
Psychology

subject:
peer victimization
adolescence
sexual harassment
bullying

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-18 10:12:05.981

abstract: Guided by a developmental framework, this thesis investigated the prevalence, continuity, and consequences of different forms of victimization across adolescence. From Grade 5 through Grade 12, over 3,000 youth completed self-report measures of physical, social, bullying, and sexual harassment victimization, as well as of internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, and friendship quality. Developmental trajectory analyses identified three distinct pathways for each form of victimization, with most youth experiencing consistently low levels of victimization. Physical victimization affected a small proportion of youth in Grade 5 and became decreasingly prevalent with development, while social victimization was relatively common and persistent. Bullying victimization was common in preadolescence but declined through to mid-adolescence. Sexual harassment emerged as a new form of victimization as early as Grade 6, with most youth beginning to experience a low level of sexual harassment later in adolescence. There was evidence for heterotypic continuity in victimization: youth who experienced one form of victimization were likely to experience other forms of victimization. Furthermore, the form and frequency of victimization predicted increased risk for negative psychosocial outcomes. Findings from the study highlight the importance of early prevention and intervention, to protect youth from following trajectories of persistent victimization and of negative psychosocial outcomes. Moreover, interventions should focus on different forms of victimization as they become developmentally relevant. The social, biological, and psychological transitions that occur during this developmental period provide a framework for understanding the changing nature of peer victimization.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Characterization and Cell-Seeding of Decellularized Adipose Tissue Foams for Wound Healing

contributor:
Flynn, Lauren E.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
decellularized adipose tissue
adipose-derived stem cell
wound

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-17 15:24:24.398

abstract: Chronic wounds are common among diabetic patients and they are a leading cause of foot amputations. The standard of care has not been successful in healing these wounds so alternative cell-based approaches are being investigated. Each cell-based approach necessitates a delivery strategy that minimizes cell death and maximizes cell retention. To this end, an adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) delivery system was developed, using an extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived bioscaffold as the platform. Porous decellularized adipose tissue (DAT) foams were fabricated over a range of concentrations, and with different tissue processing methods (mincing vs. milling). These foams were characterized by quantitative assessment of equilibrium water content, porosity, protein loss, and swelling ratio (n = 3), with the aim of elucidating how protein concentration and tissue processing affect foam properties. DAT foams were hydrophilic, porous, and maintained their form in culture despite the gradual loss of protein. Also, increasing DAT foam concentrations resulted in reduced porosity and equilibrium water content. Immunofluorescence was then used to detect extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents including collagen IV, laminin and fibronectin in DAT foam cross-sections. DAT foams were positive for all three ECM proteins, suggesting that they could allow cell attachment, migration, and proliferation. In a previous study, it was identified that ASC do not infiltrate DAT foams using traditional static cell-seeding techniques. Therefore, cell-seeding studies were performed in an attempt to enhance cell infiltration into the central regions of the foams. dsDNA content and cell density were quantified in response to various seeding methods, scaffold concentrations, and orbital shaker speeds until an improved set of seeding conditions was identified. Proliferation of ASCs in foams was then determined by semi-quantitatively evaluating Ki67 expression and dsDNA content over 14 days. Finally, to determine the effects of cell-scaffold interactions on ASC gene expression, cells were seeded onto various substrates and cultured in normoxic (21%) or hypoxic (1%) conditions. mRNA levels of VEGF-A and FGF-2 were quantified using qRT- PCR, and it was found that there were no noticeable trends in terms of the effects of oxygen tension or cell-scaffold interactions. However, protein analysis should be performed to confirm these trends.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Mobile Identities: Linking Colonial Histories of Displacement with Portable Affective Objects and Memories

contributor:
McKittrick, Katherine
Gender Studies

subject:
South Asian Diaspora
Thing Theory
Affect
Colonial Trauma
Memory
Storytelling
Displacement
Partition
Objects
Heirlooms
Narratives
Material Culture
Belonging
Home

abstract: Thesis (Master, Gender Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-16 23:39:29.494

abstract: This project considers portable affective objects as sites that hold and emit narratives of colonial displacement, generational ties and ruptures, and loss of identity for South Asian diasporas. I propose that the affective objects provide memories, geographies, and emotion. I look to previous scholarship on affect and trauma that suggests that the question of survival can be understood through what is unsaid. My project will add to this discussion by showing how objects and artefacts—material things—can be linked to trauma and displacement; it is specifically the emotions surrounding the affective object—the meanings attached to things—that will uncover some of the unspoken and unsaid complexities of displacement. The very characteristic of portability of objects creates an ability to carry a history, narrative and even home. This project is an analysis of three separate objects; these objects chronicle and are read alongside the narratives of my own familial history with colonial displacement. Through tracing personal narratives that attach themselves to these objects, I uncover that what is lost in upheaval and violence can be found, once again, in the memories the objects hold.

abstract: M.A.


title: Associations of Modifiable Risk Factors with Insulin Resistance Among Inactive, Abdominally Obese Adults

contributor:
Ross, Robert
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
Diet
Sedentary behaviour
Physical activity
Abdominal obesity
Insulin resistance

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-16 23:55:57.722

abstract:
Insulin resistance (IR) is implicated in the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, both of which are leading causes of mortality worldwide. Three modifiable risk factors that are associated with IR include physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SED), and diet. Consensus guidelines state that to obtain health benefit, PA should be performed at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity in bouts of at least 10 consecutive minutes for a minimum of 150 minutes per week. Whether PA that is accumulated below guideline recommendations- such as light PA or sporadic PA (bouts < 10 minutes) - is associated with improvements in IR is uncertain. Irrespective of PA, a growing body of literature suggests that SED may elicit health consequences independent of PA. Furthermore, a dietary pattern in accordance with guidelines may attenuate IR, although the optimal dietary pattern for the prevention of IR remains unclear.
Although the separate associations between IR and objectively measured PA and SED as well as self-reported diet quantity and quality have been reported in the literature, few studies have considered the interaction between these modifiable risk factors and IR. We sought to assess the associations of PA, SED, diet quantity, and diet quality with IR in a sample of inactive, abdominally obese men (n=33) and women (n=69).
SED and light PA displayed a strong inverse relationship with each other. SED was positively associated with IR, whereas light PA was negatively associated with IR. Sporadic, moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA was not associated with IR. Neither diet quantity nor diet quality were directly associated with IR. Together, these findings suggest that the substitution of SED for modest amounts of PA accumulated below guideline recommendations may attenuate IR among inactive, abdominally obese adults.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Finding Common Ground: Building Equitable Planning Futures with First Nations in Ontario, Canada

contributor:
Viswanathan, Leela
Whitelaw, Graham S.
Urban and Regional Planning

subject: First Nations

subject: Provincial Policy Statement

subject: Aboriginal and treaty rights

subject: Ontario

subject: planning theory and practice

subject: New Zealand

abstract: Thesis (Master, Urban & Regional Planning) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-17 17:07:58.621

abstract:
This thesis analyzes selective land use and resource management policies in the province of Ontario, Canada and their relative capacity at recognizing and supporting First Nations. Written in a manuscript format, this thesis addresses the three following questions:

1. How have land use and resource management legislation and policies in Ontario recognized and supported First Nations’ rights and notions of honouring past Crown-First Nation relationships?

2. How are First Nations recognized and supported in the current and past versions of the Provincial Policy Statement in the province of Ontario?

3. How can top-down territorial planning policies in Ontario take a fundamental shift towards promoting new types of relationships and mutual understanding between municipalities and Indigenous peoples by learning from the Aotearoa New Zealand planning context?

The common approach to address these research questions is content analysis of policy documents through two separate analytical frameworks. The first manuscript addresses questions one and provides a baseline review of 337 provincial texts and their relative capacity at recognizing First Nations and Aboriginal and treaty rights, and embodying past Crown-First Nations relationships. The second manuscript then addresses the remaining questions by engaging in a comparative between the Ontario Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) (2014) and the Auckland Council Regional Policy Statement (ACRPS) (1999) from the Aotearoa New Zealand planning context.

The results highlight the relative limits of Ontario’s current approach and practical areas of improvement. From a theoretical standpoint, this thesis proposes a return to and the development of spaces of common ground to ensure that equitable and constructive planning relations between communities become the standard. In contrast to previous works that narrowly focus on collaborative approaches and on-the-ground relations, this thesis concludes that  provincial land use and resource management policies that shape the everyday deserve greater attention and that strategic-level amendments can enhance recognition and support of First Nations in planning processes. Other changes, including cultural changes will be required to move towards common ground, but we must remain optimistic that the process and a sustained commitment to fundamental change will leave planning in Ontario with First Nations in a better state than where it is today.

abstract: M.PL.


title: Modeling and Experimental Investigation of Non-Adiabatic Optical Fiber Taper

contributor:
Yam, Scott
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Modeling
Mode interference
Fiber taper
Mode coupling
Laser beam shaping

abstract: Thesis (Master, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-17 20:13:44.0

abstract:
Mode coupler is an important category of device in the  eld of optical sensing and
communication. Non-adiabatic  ber taper has attracted much attention in recent
years as mode coupling device due to its simple fabrication process, compactness and
robust performance. While models exist for mode coupling in conventional adiabatic
 ber taper, there are only commercial numerical softwares for simulations of  ber
tapers, with little appreciation of the underlying coupling mechanism.
In this thesis, a model based on coupled mode theory in non-adiabatic optical  ber
taper is proposed for the analysis and calculation of the mode coupling phenomena.
This method is applicable for a wide range of non-adiabatic  ber tapers. The result
of the model matches well with the result from numerical simulation, and illustrates
the mechanism of mode coupling.
Two experiments based on non-adiabatic  ber taper are implemented and dis-
cussed in this thesis. One is laser beam shaping using abrupt  ber taper and the
other is mode interference in non-adiabatic  ber taper with long uniform region. A

at-top beam is observed in the beam shaping experiment. The relation between
mode phase and
at-top beam is investigated with the model.
In the experiment of long taper, we got clear interference spectrum in the range
of 1530 1560 nm with bandwidth about 10 nm and atteuation peak over 10 dB. We applied the model in the long  ber taper and got good match between modeling and
experiment. All this results validate the model and show the potential application of
 ber taper.

abstract: The contents in the thesis has not been published.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Load bearing regenerative repairs for the cartilaginous soft tissue of the intervertebral disc

contributor:
Amsden, Brian
Waldman, Stephen D.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
cell encapsulation
load bearing soft tissue repair
co-continuous morphology
photo-cross-linking
hydrogel-elastomer composite scaffold
Injectable

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-17 17:03:26.046

abstract: Cartilaginous load bearing soft tissues such as the nucleus pulposus in the intervertebral disc are affected by degenerative diseases and physical injury, which if not treated early can initiate a progressive decline in joint function and result in lower back pain. Early treatment options to repair the nucleus pulposus, regain immediate joint function, and aid in the regeneration of de novo tissue are necessary to restore the health and function of symptomatic joints. To satisfy the regenerative design criteria, a cellular hydrogel based approach was chosen and methods were examined to improve mechanical properties while maintaining an injectable and in situ formable scaffold. To improve the stiffness and fatigue resistance of the hydrogels, low molecular weight acrylated star-copolymers composed of D,L-lactide or trimethylene carbonate with caprolactone were mixed with an aqueous solution of methacrylated glycol chitosan to form a hydrogel-elastomer co-continuous morphology. After photo-cross-linking, the elastomer phase contributed the majority of the initial stiffness to the co-continuous scaffolds. Hydrolysis of the elastomer phase, controlled the decrease in the co-continuous scaffold modulus from fast (2 – 3 weeks) to slow (> 2 months) by changing D,L-lactide to trimethylene carbonate in the -caprolactone based elastomers. The slower degrading trimethylene carbonate based elastomer phase was able to maintain an approximate 1200 kPa equilibrium modulus in the co-continuous scaffolds during a 2 month in vitro static culture. Methacrylated prepolymers of glycol chitosan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate and their blends were examined to improve the initial mechanical properties of the hydrogels and maintain the phenotype of the encapsulated chondrocytes during culture. A co-cross-linked mixture of methacrylated prepolymers, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, had an initial equilibrium modulus of 260 kPa, which was maintained along with the highest number of the originally seeded cells (60 %) and cartilaginous matrix accumulation compared to the other hydrogels during a 1 month in vitro static culture. Overall, the development of the co-continuous hydrogel-elastomer morphology was able to produce an injectable cell encapsulating scaffold with an initial modulus greater than 1 MPa and demonstrated regenerative potential that would be suitable for the repair of cartilaginous load bearing soft tissues.

abstract: PhD


title: The physiological and cellular actions of hydrogen sulfide on neurons of the subfornical organ

contributor:
Ferguson, Alastair V.
Neuroscience Studies

subject:
hydrogen sulfide
voltage clamp
blood pressure
electrophysiology

abstract: Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-22 10:50:56.526

abstract:
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter found in the central nervous system (CNS). While difficult to measure, the endogenous concentrations of H2S lie between 10nM and 160μM, and recent work has discovered that H2S exerts beneficial actions in the control of cardiovascular function. In the following thesis, I report data examining the cellular and physiological actions of H2S in the subfornical organ (SFO), a CNS site important in the control of blood pressure.
We used male Sprague-Dawley rats for both in vivo and in vitro experiments. In the first manuscript, our RT-PCR experiments confirmed previous microarray analyses showing that mRNAs for H2S-producing enzymes were expressed in the SFO. We then used microinjection techniques to investigate the physiological effects of NaHS in SFO, and found that NaHS microinjection (5nmol) into SFO significantly increased blood pressure (mean area under the curve = 853.5 ± 105.7 mmHg*s, n=5). Furthermore, we used patch clamp electrophysiology and found that 97.8% (88 of 90) of neurons depolarized in response to NaHS in a concentration dependent manner (EC50 of 35.6µM). We also observed an increase in neuronal excitability by analysing the rheobase and action potential firing patterns.
In our second manuscript, we used in vitro voltage clamp electrophysiology to study the effects of NaHS on the gating properties of voltage-gated ion channels in the membrane of SFO neurons. We found that NaHS (1mM) depolarized the activation curves of N-type calcium currents, persistent sodium currents, and transient sodium currents by average 50% activation voltage (V50) changes of 5.9mV, 10.8mV, and 7.6mV, respectively. Peak induced currents were also enhanced by NaHS application. Interestingly, we observed no effect on voltage-gated potassium currents.
This study has correlated in vivo physiological actions of H2S with in vitro membrane depolarizations and increases in excitability in the SFO, a brain area important to the regulation of cardiovascular function. We have provided evidence of effects of H2S on voltage-gated ion channels contributing to neuronal excitability. This study is the first to identify specific actions of H2S in SFO, and has contributed to the growing literature of H2S actions in the CNS.

abstract: To protect our ability to publish the data contained within this thesis in a scientific journal

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Concept Maps for Creative Development

contributor:
Reeve, Richard
Education

subject:
Ideas
Concept Map
Organization
Clarity
Photo Story
Creativity
Narrative

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-24 22:52:17.085

abstract: This research is based on the premise that creative application of narrative elements requires organization and problem solving skills, hypothesizing that skills taught to support organization will improve creative development. Creativity was defined as “aesthetic appeal” pertaining to the dimensions of novelty, interest, clarity and the ability to understand. In this experimental design, undergraduate education students (n= 28) were randomly assigned to either concept map planning or text planning for the production of digital photo stories. The highest scoring photo stories were novel, interesting, clear, and able to be understood. The older participants scored higher for each of the dimensions, yet the concept map group was younger than the comparison group. Using age and concept map experience as covariates, a multivariate effect was found, and the concept map group produced photo stories with significantly higher clarity. These results suggest that the use of concept maps for planning aids aspects of creative development, and results in clearer creative communication. In terms of participants’ experience, feedback was positive for the use of concept map planning. These results suggest there is support for further investigation of using concept mapping for creative development. It is recommended that this study be replicated with a larger sample size.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Mathematical model for ethane pyrolysis in an industrial furnace

contributor:
McAuley, Kimberly B.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Ethane pyrolysis
Mathematical modeling

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-19 14:15:50.596

abstract:
Ethane pyrolysis is an important industrial process that occurs by passing ethane and steam through radiant coils (tubes) in gas-fired furnaces to produce ethylene and other light olefins. Undesirable side reactions that occur during the pyrolysis of ethane lead to the formation of coke (solid carbon) on the tube walls, which has to be periodically burnt off in decoking cycles. NOVA Chemicals is interested in developing a model that can accurately predict dynamic coke formation and associated decoking times that would help to optimize run lengths, and decrease costs.
A steady-state ethane pyrolysis model of the radiant section of a floor-fired furnace was developed as a first step towards development of a dynamic coke formation model. The model includes 56 pyrolysis reactions involving 28 species, and accounts for radiant heat transfer from the furnace gas to the process gas using the Roesler flux method. The process-side model includes 29 material balances (28 reacting species plus inert steam), 1 energy balance and 1 momentum balance to track the concentration of the 29 species, the process gas temperature and the process gas pressure along the length of the reactor. These model equations are implemented in PREDICI® as an initial value problem.
The furnace-side model, which includes 2 radiant flux balances and 1 energy balance, resulted in numerical problems when solved as an initial value problem in PREDICI®. Instead, the model was discretized using finite differences and simplifying assumptions. The resulting system of algebraic equations was solved in PREDICI® and then radiant fluxes were imposed on the process-side model. Preliminary studies of model responses to changes in key model inputs indicate that the model performs as physically expected, rendering this model a strong starting point for future model development.

abstract: Needs approval of industrial sponsors for confidentiality reasons.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Advancing our understanding of how pet ownership impacts health and well-being among community dwelling people living with serious mental illness

contributor:
Krupa, Terry
Rehabilitation Science

subject:
pet ownership
health and well-being
serious mental illness

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Rehabilitation Science) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-21 16:02:27.135

abstract:
Objectives
It is estimated that about 1 million (3%) Canadians will experience serious mental illness  characterized by symptoms and impairments that are severe enough and of long enough duration to interfere with daily life (Canadian Mental Health Association, n.d; Kelly, 2002) including meaningful work and social engagement (Mental Health Commission of Canada, n.d.).

Methods
The purpose of this thesis was to develop the concept of pet ownership as an everyday North American occupation and to develop a theory of how pet ownership impacts on health and well-being. The first study used Rodgers’ (2000) evolutionary concept analysis approach to analyze North American newspapers and bestselling books. The second study used a grounded theory approach (Charmaz, 2006) to explore how pet ownership impacts (positively or negatively) on health and well-being among community dwelling people with serious mental illnesses. Data collection consisted  primarily of individual interviews with 23 stakeholders with knowledge and experience related to pet ownership and serious mental illness.

Results
In study one, the findings demonstrate that pet ownership is a complex concept consisting of the attributes of: responsibility, investment, occupational engagement, entrepreneurship, relationships, morality, and attitude. Occupational engagement appeared as the central attribute. The Rubik’s Cube was used as  a mental image representing the complexity of pet ownership. In study two, a theoretical model was developed that identified “transformation” through pet ownership as the overarching theme organizing the model of health and well-being through pet ownership. Transformation occurs through distinct processes at three levels: personal (psychosocial benefits), occupation (occupational engagement) and context (thinking outside the box of service delivery). Each main process consists of five subprocesses (e.g. unconditional love and acceptance is a subprocess of psychosocial benefits).

Conclusion
The two phases of this research highlight that pet ownership has a range of associated tasks, and that the performance and experience of these tasks is enabled by a range of competencies, meanings, and motivations. These are personal elements that could potentially be supported if service providers themselves developed foundational knowledge and skills, and if this knowledge and skill base was given legitimacy as a valid community support option.

abstract: PhD


title: Entrenched and (Un)spoken: Neoliberalism and Canadian Microfinance

contributor:
Little, Margaret
Political Studies

subject:
Neoliberalism
Gender
Canada
Race
Poverty reduction strategy
Microfinance

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Political Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-22 10:40:21.024

abstract:
This dissertation focuses on microfinance in the Canadian context. While heavily documented in regions of the global South, information on microfinance within Canada is limited. Two interconnected research objectives are pursued within this dissertation. Given the scarcity of information on the basic characteristics of the sector, an on-line survey was first administered to microfinance organizations throughout Canada (N=35). Information collected through the on-line survey includes details regarding the structure, size, scope and target borrowers of Canadian organizations. The second research objective investigated within this dissertation critically examines microfinance and its connections to the principles and theories of neoliberalism. Semi-structured interviews with three microfinance stake-holder groups (employees, volunteers and borrowers) (N=33) were conducted in an effort to obtain information relating to the reproduction of neoliberalism within microfinance organizations.

In this dissertation, particular attention is paid to the outcomes associated with neoliberalism, where gendered individuals (i.e. women) are rendered invisible and therefore deemed “unworthy” of support while simultaneously, certain racialized bodies are positioned as providing economic utility to the state and as such are deemed “worthy” of support (Jenson 2009; Dobrowolsky 2009; Bauder 2008 and Duggan 2003; Abu-Laban and Gabriel 2008). Research for this dissertation indicates that the theories of “roll-back” and “roll-out” neoliberalism are manifested within Canadian microfinance organizations (Peck and Tickell 2003 and Peck 2010). Deviating from the norm within microfinance organizations in the global South, Canadian organizations focus on women as borrowers only in an extreme minority of cases. Instead, research suggests that a new focus on Canadian immigrants is emerging among Canadian microfinance programs. It is this shift in focus in conjunction with the strategic usage of neoliberalized language and conceptions of the individual which lead to the conclusion that Canadian microfinance organizations are not only entrenched within the doctrine of neoliberalism but active agents in its reproduction.

abstract: PhD


title: Cardiovascular health, disease and function: Contributions of stress and diet, and consequences of type 2 diabetes

contributor:
Tschakovsky, Michael E.
Pyke, Kyra E.
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
Type 2 Diabetes
Flow-Mediated Dilation
Cardiovascular Disease
Fat Consumption
Stress Reactivity
Stress Recovery
Muscle Blood Flow
Oxygen Delivery
Critical Power
Mental Stress
Ultrasound
Exercise Hyperemia
Exercise Tolerance
Vascular Function
Blood Flow Kinetics
Endothelial Function

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-22 12:29:07.786

abstract:
Identifying the contributions to, and consequences of, impaired cardiovascular health and function is critical to inform effective prevention and treatment strategies.  Mental stress and a high-fat diet are independent predictors of cardiovascular disease, and impaired vascular endothelial function (assessed via flow-mediated dilation; FMD) may be a common mechanistic link.  Exercise can mitigate cardiovascular risk, but cardiovascular dysfunction (i.e. impaired oxygen delivery) can reduce exercise tolerance and decrease adherence.  This may be characteristic of persons with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), but this has never been investigated within the typical constellation of co-morbidities and associated medications in this population.  PURPOSE: 1) To evaluate whether the combined experience of mental stress and fat consumption (versus either stimulus alone) exacerbates: postprandial lipemia, stress responsiveness, and endothelial dysfunction.  2) To determine whether T2D (within the typical cluster of co-morbidities and medications) results in impaired exercising muscle oxygen delivery and associated reduced small muscle mass exercise tolerance.
METHODS: In healthy persons, FMD was assessed before and hourly for 4-hours post-consumption of a high-fat or low-fat meal, with hourly mental stress (mental arithmetic, speech) or control (counting) tasks.  In persons with T2D and matched Controls, forearm critical force (fCFimpulse) was used as an indicator of exercise tolerance; exercising muscle blood flow was measured during fCFimpulse and during the adjustment and steady state of submaximal rest-to-exercise and exercise-to-exercise transitions.  Ultrasound was used to measure FMD and exercising muscle blood flow.
RESULTS: 1) Repeated mental stress tasks did not impact postprandial lipemia following either meal; 2) Meal fat content did not influence hemodynamic stress responsiveness; 3) Meal fat content did not affect FMD, but endothelial function was modestly greater when the postprandial state was accompanied by mental stress; 4) Relative to matched Controls, representative persons with T2D did not have impaired small muscle mass exercise tolerance (fCFimpulse) or muscle blood flow (rate of adjustment, or amount during submaximal/maximal steady state).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings challenge the assertions that mental stress and fat consumption are universally detrimental, and that T2D, on top of the typical constellation of co-morbidities and medications, has an impact on exercising muscle blood flow and exercise tolerance.

abstract: PhD


title: Consistency Maintenance in Networked Games

contributor:
Savery, Cheryl
Computing

subject: Networking Games

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-22 13:07:53.634

abstract:
Networking has become a key technology within digital games, as multiplayer interaction has become an almost ubiquitous feature. The time required to transmit data over a network can lead to usability problems in networked games, such as inconsistency between players’ views of a virtual world and potentially jarring corrections when inconsistencies are detected. Implementing a good consistency maintenance scheme is therefore critical to game play. Sadly, problems with consistency remain a regular occurrence in multiplayer games, and these problems can have a huge impact on player experience.
This research provides guidance for implementing consistency maintenance through a series of user studies and through the establishment of a design space for consistency maintenance. The design space takes a multi-dimensional approach to consistency maintenance and, in addition to the conventional techniques used for reducing inconsistency, includes two additional design concepts – techniques for resolving game-critical decisions in the presence of inconsistency, and techniques for repairing inconsistencies when they occur. We validate the design space through a series of user studies demonstrating the trade-offs among the various techniques and confirming that it is not sufficient to focus on consistency alone. We also develop a set of metrics that provide an empirical comparison among the different techniques for consistency maintenance. We show that consistency algorithms that provide the best consistency do not necessarily lead to the best user experience. Players prefer smooth animation and prefer the results of game-critical decisions to be consistent with their view of the game, even when this results in lower overall consistency. We also show that the three most important factors affecting the detection of corrections are the player’s locus of attention, the smoothness of the correction and the duration of the correction.

abstract: PhD


title: Application of Actigraphy to the Measurement of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Agitation in Dementia

contributor:
Seitz, Dallas
Reynolds, James
Neuroscience Studies

subject: Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

subject: Actigraphy

subject: Agitation

subject: Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

subject: Measurement

subject: Dementia

abstract: Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-22 15:12:41.995

abstract: This thesis evaluates the application of actigraphy to the measurement of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) of agitation in older adults with dementia. There are increasing numbers of older adults with dementia and management of NPS is an important aspect of providing care for this population. This thesis examined the correlation between actigraphic measures and questionnaire-based measures of NPS, including the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) and other measures of NPS. The actigraphic characteristics of individuals with high and low levels of agitation were described along with an assessment of the feasibility of actigraphy for measuring NPS of agitation. A total of 15 individuals with dementia residing in geriatric psychiatry inpatient units in hospital and in long-term care (LTC) facilities were included in the study. Participants wore an actigraph device on their non-dominant wrist for seven consecutive days. Informant-rated NPS measures were completed through interviews with nursing staff familiar with participants. Participants were dichotomized into groups according to agitation status as measured by a cutoff score of ≥50 on the CMAI indicating high agitation. The mean actigraph wear time for the total sample was 6.2 days (SD=1.5). Significant positive correlations were found between overall motor activity as measured by actigraphy mean motor activity (MMA) counts and the CMAI total scores for 24-hour (r=0.70, P=0.004), daytime (r=0.75, P=0.001), and evening (r=0.72, P=0.003) time periods, while nighttime MMA counts were not correlated with CMAI scores (r=-0.03, P=0.917). Significant positive correlations were found between MMA counts and CMAI verbal and non-aggressive physical agitation subscores. Additionally, patients with high CMAI scores had higher levels of 24-hour activity (mean MMA = 169.6, SD=89.4) than patients with low CMAI scores (mean MMA=78.6, SD=35.4, P=0.016). In conclusion, actigraphy appears to be feasible method of measuring some NPS. Actigraphic measures are strongly correlated with questionnaire-based measures of agitation and higher levels of agitation are associated with higher daytime and evening motor activity as measured by actigraphy. Individuals with high levels of agitation can be distinguished from individuals with low agitation using actigraphy. However additional studies are required to further understand the application of actigraphy to the measurement of these important symptoms.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: In vivo Interactions between PTP-3 RPTP and Various Signaling Pathways in the Caenorhabditis elegans Nervous System

contributor:
Chin-Sang, Ian D.
Biology

subject:
c. elegans nervous system RPTP
biology genetics

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-22 17:39:10.198

abstract: The C. elegans nervous system offers a rewarding model in which many pathways can be studied with. There are many genes conserved in both invertebrates and vertebrates that are necessary for proper nervous system development. Of the pathways that affect axon guidance, I focus on the VAB-1/Eph RTK signaling pathway as well as the DAF-2/insulin receptor’s pathway. I show that PTP-3/LAR RPTP can negatively regulate VAB-1/Eph RTK through dephosphorylation in vitro and in vivo and may have VAB-1 independent roles. Additionally, I investigate ptp-3’s relationships with genes involved in both vab-1 and daf-2’s pathways including daf-18/PTEN, unc-34/Enabled, and sax-3/Robo as observed in the C. elegans mechanosensory axons. With loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutants, I demonstrate daf-2’s role for proper axon guidance and the possibility of daf-2 and vab-1 working together as co-receptors in this process. Finally, I replicate results in the AIY interneurons thus suggesting the AIY interneurons to be a potential model in which to study genetic interactions.

abstract: Potential publication.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Does ischemia cause acute neuronal damage by converting the Na+/K+ pump into a channel?

contributor:
Andrew, David
Neuroscience Studies

subject:
Spreading Depression
Palytoxin
Sodium Potassium Pump
Ischemia
Ischemic Depolarization
Anoxic Depolarization
Stroke

abstract: Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-23 16:26:52.054

abstract:
The gray matter of the higher brain undergoes spreading depolarization in response to ischemia, which increases metabolic demand and so promotes acute neuronal injury. The molecular mechanism linking ischemic failure of the Na+/K+ pump to the subsequent onset of a large inward current in neurons has remained a mystery because blockade of any conventional voltage- or ligand- gated channel does not prevent ischemic or “anoxic” depolarization (AD) propagating across grey matter. Recently our laboratory became aware of a marine poison whose molecular action is well characterized but has escaped scrutiny by neuroscientists.  We hypothesized that this toxin could provide insight as to how ischemia acutely damages neurons at the molecular level.
Palytoxin (PTX) specifically binds the Na+/K+ ATPase molecule at nanomolar concentrations, converting it from an ATP-requiring transporter to an open cationic channel. The result is sudden neuronal Na+ influx and K+ efflux. The double jeopardy of pump failure with the induction of a strong inward current should induce dramatic AD-like activity. Using light transmittance (LT) imaging, we show that bath application of 10 nM PTX to live coronal brain slices induces a propagating depolarization at 246±14 s in the neocortex, similar to AD induced by oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD) at 289±10 s. In the neocortex, a distinct negative DC shift was recorded as the elevated LT front induced by OGD (4.2±1.0 mV) or PTX (4.1±0.8 mV) passed by an extracellular recording pipette, indicating strong depolarization of cells at the electrode. Both treatments induced strong spreading depolarization in the same higher brain regions and weaker events in lower brain gray matter. We also tested the drugs dibucaine and carbetapentane, which potently delay AD onset induced by OGD. One µM dibucaine pretreatment increased depolarization latency induced by OGD by 44±11 % and PTX by 61±20 % while 30 µM carbetapentane pretreatment increased depolarization latency induced by OGD by 51±16 % and PTX by 129±29 %. All of the above findings support our proposal that, like most biological poisons, palytoxin mimics (and takes advantage of) a natural process. In this case the process is ischemia itself where low ATP conditions might open the Na+/K+ pump to evoke AD and the brain damage that ensues.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Citizen Science & Water Quality in the uMngeni Catchment Area, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

contributor:
Goebel, Allison
Environmental Studies

subject:
Water Quality
Citizen Science

abstract: Thesis (Master, Environmental Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-23 00:27:24.529

abstract: South Africa (SA) is considered to be water scarce under current climatic conditions.  As such, the conservation of water quality is emerging as an increasingly urgent challenge as water resources face a growing number of natural and anthropogenic stressors.  This thesis investigates how citizen science – the involvement of, and action by, everyday citizens in the collection of data and improvement of water resources- might contribute to the conservation of water quality in SA. The thesis used qualitative research methods, including interviews and participant observation.  Mpophomeni Township (within the uMngeni catchment area), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), SA is used as a case study to better understand the role of citizen science in addressing water quality challenges.  Theory U is used as an analytical lens to understand the impact of citizen science as well as the extent to which citizen scientists engage with aspects of social learning and systemic change.  Findings indicate that citizen science promotes empowerment and social learning amongst participants, in addition to fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration (on water quality issues), encouraging the establishment of new environmental connections, and enabling a shift in existing government-citizen power relations.  Additionally, lack of education and awareness along with minimal or non-existent governmental support as key barriers to citizen science, are examined in further detail.

abstract: M.E.S.


title: Analysing Ontario Public Health Nurses Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs about Roles and Responsibilities in Addressing Climate Change

contributor:
Edge, Dana S.
Nursing

subject:
Ontario
Public Health
Canada
Nursing
Environmental Health
Adaptation
Climate Change

abstract: Thesis (Master, Nursing) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-23 09:00:34.879

abstract:
The developed world now recognizes the long-term implications of climate change on the health of global populations. In 2008, the Canadian Nurses Association and the International Council of Nurses clearly defined the role of the nurse in building community resilience to climate change. The purpose of this study was to explore Ontario public health nurses’ (PHN) knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and actions towards climate change. Data for this cross-sectional study was collected with an online questionnaire. Using the concepts underpinning the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the questionnaire adapted a series of previously developed questions. Descriptive statistics along with comparisons using Kruskal-Wallis H tests and Chi-square statistics were calculated using SPSS®. Logistic Regression was used to explore predictive models for intention to act. The majority of participants agreed that climate change is happening and will have local impacts. Most participants believed that PHNs and local public health agencies (LPHAs) had a responsibility to address climate change but had less agreement about ability and the level of priority given to the issue. Geographic comparisons showed that northern region participants were in less agreement than the central region regarding LPHAs responsibility to address climate change. Liberal leaning participants were more likely to agree that climate change posed a local risk than Conservative leaning participants. However, Conservative leaning participants reported more current action or intention to act on several specific actions related to climate change. Two predictive models examining the effect of TPB components on intention to act demonstrated the best fit: making personal choices that impact climate change, and reducing social inequities that increase vulnerability to climate change. The models, however, did not add a lot of predictive power to the constant.
Implications for nursing practice include the need for education about climate change in the nursing curriculum as well training for PHNs in LPHAs on local impacts and health risks related to climate change. The study also informs policy makers and public health leaders about potential roles for PHNs on this emerging issue, their interest in the area and the need for integration of climate change into the Ontario Public Health Standards.

abstract: MNSc.


title: The Ethics, Feasibility, Opportunities and Challenges of Adopting a Facility Accessibility Design Standard (FADS) for Queen’s University

contributor:
Viswanathan, Leela
Urban and Regional Planning

subject:
Campus planning
Accessible design

abstract: Thesis (Master, Urban & Regional Planning) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-23 09:01:09.963

abstract:
This research project seeks out the underlying structural and institutionalized barriers that threaten the development of a Facility Accessibility Design Standard (FADS) for Queen’s University, and focuses on processes as the unit of analysis rather than the content of a FADS itself. In essence, it is the cultural components of campus planning that are examined in depth; why it is that a FADS has been adopted and implemented at only one university in Ontario, Brock University, and what barriers have prevented other institutions and Queen’s from developing one.
Because culture is the focus of this research, two literature reviews were conducted to demonstrate how Foucauldian planning theory and the theories of disablement overlap in planning practices that contradict professional planning ethics, but are so entrenched in campus institutions that it becomes difficult to reverse. Furthermore, the research reflects findings from six key informant interviews (four with individuals in decision-making positions at Queen’s and two with individuals who led the FADS development process at Brock), a walking tour of Brock’s campus, a visioning workshop with members of the Queen’s community, and a review of key policy documents. Ultimately, this research concludes that path dependency, a theory of historical sociology, can accurately capture why decision-makers at Queen’s can say inclusivity is important but also possess a reluctance to go above and beyond provincial legislation to become more accessible than is required.
A path dependent analysis shows that the process of establishing new, more inclusive culture of accessibility may be emerging at Queen’s, with individuals in leadership positions taking charge. To make this cultural shift more than a possibility and a reality, the following are recommended courses of action: centralizing accessibility into one office for clear leadership, bettering inter-departmental communications with a knowledge transfer guide, and continuing spreading awareness and creating interest in accessibility initiatives on campus. In following these steps, the hope is that Queen’s evolves from a state of individual to institutional readiness to adopt a FADS.

abstract: M.PL.


title: The impact of cAMP signalling on the dynamics of endothelial tubule formation

contributor:
Maurice, Donald H.
Pharmacology and Toxicology

subject:
cAMP
EPAC
Matrigel
Endothelial Cells

abstract: Thesis (Master, Pharmacology & Toxicology) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-23 10:46:17.018

abstract:
Signalling mediated by the ubiquitous cellular messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) plays a central role in numerous cellular processes. Within vascular endothelial cells (VECs), cAMP signalling influences adhesion to extracellular matrix and formation of VE-cadherin cell-junctions, both part of the VECs angiogenic potential. The angiogenic signalling mechanism within VECs is not completely understood. Here we explored how the components of the cAMP signalling cascade, adenylyl cyclase (AC), protein kinase A (PKA), exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC), and phosphodiesterase enzymes (PDEs), influence VEC angiogenic potential.

Plating human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs; model VECs) on the pro-angiogenic Matrigel in vitro tubule forming assay, we show that treatment of VECs with adenylate cyclase activator forskolin leads to formation of a distinct phenotype. The structures formed are reminiscent of a monolayer and display some features of early tubule formation. This phenotype was not elicited by activating the two effector proteins (PKA and EPAC) individually. Inhibition of EPAC activity hindered VECs’ response to forskolin and resulted in formation of poor structures, occupying significantly less area and showing significantly less branching than controls.

Since the selectivity of cAMP-mediated responses is coordinated in part by actions of cAMP at individual VEC cAMP signalling complexes, we investigated the impact of PDEs on tubule formation. We recently showed that EPAC1-integration into a PDE3B-based VEC cAMP signalling complex allows PDE3 inhibitors to activate PI3Kγ and promote VEC adhesion to Matrigel, an early event in tubule formation. EPAC1 integrates into a PDE4D-containing, VEcadherin-based, cAMP signalling complex that allows EPAC1 to control VEC intercellular contacts, but not adhesions. We investigated how PDE4 inhibitors impacted VEC tubule formation and identified distinct roles for each PDE4B and PDE4D in the control of EPAC1-mediated effects in tubule formation and identify potential novel therapeutic strategies to control these angiogenesis-related events.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Nothing to “Sugarcoat”: Eight Elementary School Teachers’ Perspectives of Promoting Diabetes Self-Care in Their Classrooms

contributor:
Freeman, John G.
Education

subject:
Diabetes Management
Diabetes Self-Care
Phenomenology
School Health Support Services
Inclusive Education

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-23 12:19:22.625

abstract:
School-aged children with diabetes face the need to develop self-care skills while at school and in relation to other educational, parental, and health care agents. This thesis offers a qualitative picture of how eight elementary teachers perceived their caregiving role and corresponding experiences relating to the development of self-care in students with diabetes mellitus (DM) in two provinces: Ontario and New Brunswick.
Participants were purposefully recruited from a School District in a mid-sized city in New Brunswick (N = 4) and two Boards of Education in a mid-sized Ontario city (N = 4). Eight teachers who had at least previous experience in caring for a student with diabetes at school participated in a 90-minute, one-on-one, in-depth interview. Employing a Husserlian phenomenological research design and using an iteration of inductive, thematic analysis, the main themes arising from the interviews encompassed: roles and responsibilities, communication, inclusionary practices, and coping with care.
Educational, parental, and health care agents in relation with students with diabetes encompass a range of roles and responsibilities at school. With the adoption of official duties of care, these care agents must communicate with each other to circulate health information quickly and effectively and to develop health literacy. However, the movements of health information reflect the implicit motivations of care agents to navigate the school environment according to medical, social, and biopsychosocial notions of disability and forms of inclusive education. As a result, care agents of students with diabetes must choose approaches, steps, and strategies in their practice to help students and themselves cope with diabetes care.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Emotion recognition in youth chronically victimized by their peers

contributor:
Hollenstein, Tom
Psychology

subject:
peer victimization
emotion recognition

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-23 20:08:03.971

abstract:
Bullying is a relationship problem defined by a power imbalance between individuals (Mahady-Wilton, Craig, & Pepler, 2000) and intent to inflict harm on another repeatedly and over time (Olweus, 2003). In the context of any relationship, the ability to quickly and accurately recognize others’ emotional states through their facial expressions enables adaptive responding (Izard et al., 2001). While emotions are at the crux of social interaction, the emotional components of the relationship between youth who bully and youth who are victimized have received little attention. No research to date has examined the emotion processes of youth who are repeatedly, or chronically, victimized by their peers. Literature suggests two contrasting explanations for emotion processing in victimized youth: 1) children who are targeted by peer bullying have emotion recognition deficits, and 2) youth who are recurrently victimized by parents show enhancements in identifying specific emotions. The current study assessed which explanation would hold for youth who were chronically victimized by peers by evaluating the emotion recognition abilities of chronically victimized youth as compared to their non-victimized peers.
Fifty-two youth (10-14 years, 63.5% female, 23 victimized participants) completed an emotion recognition task. The task was comprised of two segments of 12 expressions each, consisting of happy, sad, scared, angry, disgusted, and surprised faces increasing incrementally from neutral to extreme (Gao & Maurer, 2009). Participants’ speed and accuracy at detecting these emotions were measured.
	Results did not support an overall deficit or enhancement for chronically victimized youth. However, despite no overall mean differences in detecting scared and surprised facial expressions, chronically victimized participants showed an improvement across segments as compared to non-victimized participants, whose scores remained consistent across trials. Findings suggest that chronically victimized youth may have a specific enhancement for identifying fear and surprise. The present study contributes to an understanding of emotion processes in youth who experience frequent peer aggression. Studying this initial stage in emotion processing may help to detect early problem behaviours in the bullying dynamic, thus making it possible to provide support to victimized youth before the roles of “victimized child” and “bullying child” become entrenched.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Nonparametric and Parametric Methods for Solar Oscillation Spectra

contributor:
Thomson, David J.
Mathematics and Statistics

subject:
Cosmic Rays
Level Crossings
Signal Detection and Estimation
Power Spectrum
Neutron Monitor
Solar Modes of Oscillation

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mathematics & Statistics) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-25 19:20:15.225

abstract:
The study of the systematic oscillations of the Sun has led to better understanding
of the Sun’s inner structure and dynamics, and may help to resolve inconsistencies
between observations and the standard solar model. Recent studies have concluded
that solar modal structure remains coherent past turbulence in the convection zone
and imprints its signatures on the solar wind and the interplanetary magnetic field
fluctuations, and these structures are coherent with atmospheric pressure variations,
terrestrial seismic oscillations, and data from communications systems. Time series
containing modal structure can be expected to contain several thousands of resolved
and unresolved line components in very short bands in frequency, and the measure-
ment of these modes pushes spectrum estimation methods for time series to its limit.
This thesis presents two theoretical contributions for modeling solar oscillations in
power spectra (i) expressions for the expected number and shape of significant spuri-
ous peaks in spectrum estimates are given, in the absence of modal structure, and a
permutation test for the identification of spectra containing pathological numbers of
modal components. (ii) A model for maximum likelihood estimation of the solar os-
cillation parameters in composite spectra is given. The scientific contributions of this
thesis are (a) identification of highly significant modal artifacts in solar wind mea-
surements as seen by the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) on the 2 − 3mHz
band and (b) quantification of the presence of modal structure in secondary cosmic
rays (specifically neutrons) on Earth.

abstract: PhD


title: The Promise of Internal Evaluation as a Method of Systematic Inquiry for Program and Organizational Improvement in Higher Education

subject:
Program Evaluation
Higher Education

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-24 15:38:51.818

abstract: In an era of greater accountability and fiscal responsibility in higher education, there has been an urgent need for student affairs divisions to evaluate programs and to use findings to inform policy and practice. The purpose of this study was to understand how student affairs professionals conceptualize both the role and practice of evaluation in their work, and the extent to which internal evaluation might be useful as a method of systematic inquiry for program and organizational improvement. This study used the emergent design principles of grounded theory to elucidate how staff and administrators at Queen’s University have applied evaluation practices to understand the programs that support the co-curricular learning and development of post-secondary students. The findings revealed the experiences and perceptions of eight participants from stakeholder groups at various levels of the organizational structure, including those who had direct responsibility for a program and those who had decision-making authority. Participants were under increasing pressure to demonstrate program effectiveness and outcomes. This new requirement for evidence-informed decision-making and continuous improvement provided a strong basis for internal evaluation. Although the participants were starting to measure the quality and impact of programs using performance metrics, they alluded to a movement towards developing a systematic approach to inquiry; establishing the purposes of evaluative inquiry; utilizing, applying, and disseminating findings; and overcoming challenges. This study offers insight into how student affairs divisions can bring evaluative thinking from internal resources and have these resources strategically focused on organizational learning and development. Future research should investigate the ethical complexities of an embedded internal evaluation function.

abstract: M.Ed.