title: The Minimum Witt Index of a Graph

contributor:
Gregory, David
Mathematics and Statistics

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subject:
Mathematics
Graph Theory
Linear Algebra
Independence Number
Cvetkovi\'c bound
Isotropic Bound
Witt Index
Isotropic Subspace

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mathematics & Statistics) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-04 15:38:47.57

abstract:
An independent set in a graph G is a set of pairwise nonadjacent vertices, and the maximum size, alpha(G), of an independent set in G is called the independence number.
Given a graph G and weight matrix A of G with entries from some field F, the maximum dimension of an A-isotropic subspace, known as the Witt index of A, is an upper bound on alpha(G). Since any weight matrix can be used, it is natural to seek the minimum upper bound on the independence number of G that can be achieved by a weight matrix. This
minimum, iota_F^*(G), is called the minimum  Witt index of G over F, and the resulting bound, alpha(G)<= iota_F^*(G), is called
the isotropic bound.

When F is finite, the possible values of iota_F^*(G) are determined and the graphs that attain the isotropic bound are  characterized. The characterization is given in terms of graph classes CC(n,t,c)
and CK(n,t,k) constructed from certain spanning subgraphs called C(n,t,c)-graphs and K(n,t,k)-graphs. Here t is the term rank
of the adjacency matrix of G.

When F=R, the isotropic bound is known as the  Cvetkovi\'c bound.  It is shown that it is sufficient to consider a finite number of
weight matrices A when determining iota_R^*(G) and that, in many cases, two weight values suffice.  For example, if the vertex set of G can be covered by alpha(G) cliques, then G attains the Cvetkovi\'c bound with a weight matrix with two weight values.

Inequalities on alpha and iota_F^* resulting from graph operations such as sums, products, vertex deletion, and vertex identification are examined and, in some cases, conditions that imply equality are proved. The equalities imply that the problem of determining whether or not alpha(G)=iota_F^*(G) can be reduced to that of determining iota_F^*(H) for certain crucial graphs H found from G.

abstract: PhD


title: DNIDS: A dependable network intrusion detection system using the CSI-KNN algorithm

contributor:
Zulkernine, Mohammad
Computing

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

subject:
Intrusion detection
CSI-KNN
Intrusion-tolerant IDS

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-05 14:36:57.128

abstract: The dependability of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) relies on two factors: ability to detect intrusions and survivability in hostile environments. Machine learning-based anomaly detection approaches are gaining increasing attention in the network intrusion detection community because of their intrinsic ability to discover novel attacks. This ability has become critical since the number of new attacks has kept growing in recent years. However, most of today’s anomaly-based IDSs generate high false positive rates and miss many attacks because of a deficiency in their ability to discriminate attacks from legitimate behaviors. These unreliable results damage the dependability of IDSs. In addition, even if the detection method is sound and effective, the IDS might still be unable to deliver detection service when under attack. With the increasing importance of the IDS, some attackers attempt to disable the IDS before they launch a thorough attack. In this thesis, we propose a Dependable Network Intrusion Detection System (DNIDS) based on the Combined Strangeness and Isolation measure K-Nearest Neighbor (CSI-KNN) algorithm. The DNIDS can effectively detect network intrusions while providing continued service even under attacks. The intrusion detection algorithm analyzes different characteristics of network data by employing two measures: strangeness and isolation. Based on these measures, a correlation unit raises intrusion alerts with associated confidence estimates. In the DNIDS, multiple CSI-KNN classifiers work in parallel to deal with different types of network traffic. An intrusion-tolerant mechanism monitors the classifiers and the hosts on which the classifiers reside and enables the IDS to survive component failure due to intrusions. As soon as a failed IDS component is discovered, a copy of the component is installed to replace it and the detection service continues. We evaluate our detection approach over the KDD’99 benchmark dataset. The experimental results show that the performance of our approach is better than the best result of KDD’99 contest winner’s. In addition, the intrusion alerts generated by our algorithm provide graded confidence that offers some insight into the reliability of the intrusion detection. To verify the survivability of the DNIDS, we test the prototype in simulated attack scenarios. In addition, we evaluate the performance of the intrusion-tolerant mechanism and analyze the system reliability. The results demonstrate that the mechanism can effectively tolerate intrusions and achieve high dependability.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Allometric Scaling in Centrarchid Fish: Origins of Intra- and Inter-specific Variation in Oxidative and Glycolytic Enzyme Levels in Muscle

contributor:
Wang, Yuxiang S.
Moyes, Christopher D.
Biology

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subject:
Allometry
Pyruvate Kinase
Metabolism
White Muscle Energetics
Citrate Synthase

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2007-10-31 11:55:28.757

abstract: The influence of body size on metabolic rate, muscle enzyme activities, and the underlying patterns of mRNA for these enzymes were explored in an effort to explain the genetic basis of allometric variation in metabolic enzymes. Two pairs of sister species of centrarchid fishes were studied: black bass (largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides and smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieui), and sunfish (pumpkinseed, Lepomis gibbosus and bluegill, Lepomis macrochirus). The goal was to assess the regulatory basis of both intraspecific and interspecific variation in relation to body size, as well as gain insights into the evolutionary constraints within lineages. Whole animal routine metabolic rate showed scaling coefficients not significantly different from 1, ranging from +0.87 to +0.96. However, there were significant effects of body size on the specific activities of oxidative and glycolytic enzymes. Mass-specific activity of the oxidative enzyme citrate synthase (CS) scaled negatively with body size in each species, with scaling coefficients ranging from -0.15 to -0.19 whereas the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase (PK) showed positive scaling, with scaling coefficients ranging from +0.08 to +0.23. The ratio of mass-specific enzyme activity in PK to CS increased with body size, whereas the ratio of mRNA transcripts of PK to CS was unaffected, suggesting the enzyme relationships were not due simply to transcriptional regulation of both genes. The mass-dependent differences in PK activities were best explained by transcriptional regulation of the muscle PK gene; PK mRNA was a good predictor of PK specific enzyme activity within species and between species. Conversely, CS mRNA did not correlate with CS specific enzyme activities, suggesting post-transcriptional mechanisms may explain the observed inter-specific and intraspecific differences in oxidative enzymes.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Crafting culture, fabricating identity: gender and textiles in Limerick lace, Clare embroidery and the Deerfield Society of Blue and White Needlework.

contributor:
Helland, Janice
Art History

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subject:
Craft
Gender
National identity
Ireland
United States
Arts and crafts

abstract: Thesis (Master, Art History) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-05 23:54:49.895

abstract: My thesis examines how identity was constructed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century amidst the growing possibilities of the cross-cultural transfer of ideas and products by analysing case studies of women-owned and -operated craft organisations: Limerick Lace and Clare Embroidery (Ireland) and the Deerfield Society of Blue and White Needlework (United States).  I contend that the increased accessibility of print culture, travel and tourism, and World’s Fairs enabled the women responsible for these craft organisations to integrate a pastiche of artistic influences – those recognised as international, national, and local –  in order to create a specific and distinct style of craft.  The Arts and Crafts movement, with its ideas about art, craft, design, and display, provided a supra-national language of social and artistic reform that sought to address the harshness of industrialisation and to elevate the status of craft and design. The national framework of revival movements – the Celtic Revival in Ireland and Colonial Revival in the United States – promoted the notion that Folk and peasant culture was fundamental to each country’s heritage, and its preservation and renewal was essential to fostering and legitimising a strong national identity.  I critically access the way these case studies, which were geographically separate yet linked through chronology, gender, and craft, operated within these international and national movements, yet they negotiated these larger ideologies to construct identities that also reflected their local circumstances.   My intention is to unite social history with material culture in order to investigate the ways in which the discussion and display of the crafts, and the artistic components of the textiles themselves operated as a vehicle for establishing identity.

abstract: M.A.


title: Mass nouns and stuff:  the beginning of a new treatment

contributor:
Laycock, Henry
Philosophy

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subject:
Mass nouns
Philosophy of language
Logic
Classic metaphysics
Individuation

abstract: Thesis (Master, Philosophy) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-27 08:36:48.049

abstract:
This paper attempts to clarify the role mass nouns play in our language, including what they designate and how they designate it.  In particular, this paper focuses on demonstrating that mass nouns do not individuate the stuff they designate and consequences for this non-individuative theory.
	In order to demonstrate that mass nouns do not individuate, I examine grammatical rules for mass nouns and contrast them with rules for singular and plural count nouns.  Furthermore, I examine several possible truth conditions for sentences involving mass nouns and demonstrate that no truth conditions which individuate are acceptable.
	Once this lack of individuation has been demonstrated, I examine issues that arise in language and metaphysics.  This examination is necessary because most of our understanding of language and metaphysics centers around medium sized objects.  Since mass nouns do not individuate, they are not designating medium sized objects.
	When examining developments in language, I suggest that the term “the” does not imply uniqueness but rather exhaustiveness and there is already an intuitive way to capture this in first order logic using universals.  Furthermore, I suggest that stuff designated by mass nouns cannot be directly referred to and hence cannot occur in a singular term in first-order logic.  Finally, I suggest that identity statements should be treated without the identity relation and instead using a biconditional and a universal.
	When examining developments in metaphysics, I suggest that there cannot be a criterion of identity for stuff because a criterion of identity asks what a single instance is and stuff does not occur in individual instances.  Furthermore, I suggest that identity and persistence conditions differentiate for stuff in a way that they do not for individual things.
	Finally, I address what more must be done in order to have a complete treatment of mass nouns and stuff.  This section focuses primarily on first-order logic and how to make stuff a value of a variable while maintaining ontological import.  Work in this area still needs to be done and is, I believe, of significant importance.

abstract: M.A.


title: Novel group 6 complexes of cyclopentadienylidene ylides

contributor:
Baird, Michael C.
Chemistry

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subject:
Chemistry
Coordination chemistry
Phosphorus ylides
Group 6

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-07 11:46:39.391

abstract:
Abstract
Methyldiphenylphosphonium cyclopentadienylide, C5H4PMePh2 (II), has been
synthesized and characterized spectroscopically and
crystallographically, and has been found to exhibit properties
consistent with the zwitterionic structure IIb. New group 6
complexes, (η5-C5H4PMePh2)M(CO)3, have been synthesized
and fully characterized. Comparisons of ν(CO) of these complexes with those of the
isoelectronic (η6-C6H6)M(CO)3 and [(η5-C5H5)M(CO)3]- suggest that the electron
donating ability of the ylide is between that of the cyclopentadienyl anion (Cp-) and
benzene, but closer to Cp-. The electronic structures of II and of (η5-
C5H4PMePh2)Cr(CO)3 have been investigated using ab initio methodologies. Thermal
and photochemical substitutions of the CO ligands of (η5-C5H4PMePh2)M(CO)3 (M = Cr,
Mo) by equimolar amounts of PMe3 and PPh3 were not observed, but the ylide is
displaced photochemically from (η5-C5H4PMePh2)Mo(CO)3 by excess PMe3 to form fac-
Mo(CO)3(PMe3)3 while (η5-C5H4PMePh2)Mo(CO)3 reacts with I2 to form [(η5-
C5H4PMePh2)Mo(CO)3I]I.
One electron oxidations of (η5-C5H4PMePh2)M(CO)3 (M = Cr, Mo, W) have been
performed to give the cationic radicals [(η5-C5H4PMePh2)M(CO)3]+, which undergo
dimerization to give dicationic metal-metal bonded dimers ((η5-C5H4PMePh2)M(CO)3)2
2+
in the solid state. These complexes have been fully characterized spectroscopically and
crystallographically. It has been determined that the chromium dimer ((η5-
C5H4PMePh2)Cr(CO)3)2
2+ undergoes dissociation extensively in solution to the persistent
radical cation monomer (η5-C5H4PMePh2)Cr(CO)3
+, but that the heavier metal analogues
iii
((η5-C5H4PMePh2)M(CO)3)2
2+ (M = Mo, W) dissociate very little, if at all. The Cr-Cr
bond distance of the chromium complex is 3.3509(7) Å, which is the longest Cr-Cr bond
distance known for a compound not containing some type of ligand bridging the metalmetal
bond.
The hitherto unknown indenyl-derived ylide, C9H6PMePh2, has been synthesized
and characterized spectroscopically and crystallographically. The chromium tricarbonyl
complex of this ligand, (η5-C9H6PMePh2)Cr(CO)3, has been synthesized and
characterized spectroscopically and crystallographically. This complex is a mixture of
two isomers exhibiting planar chirality generated upon coordination of the ligand. This
complex represents the first structurally characterized phosphorus noncyclopentadienylide
coordinated in an η5 manner. The spectroscopic and crystallographic
behaviour of C9H6PMePh2 demonstrates that this ylide behaves much like the related
cyclopentadienylides.

abstract: PhD


title: Outcome effect of education for federally incarcerated males in Canada's prairie region

contributor:
Klinger, Don A.
Education

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subject: Prison education

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-07 13:41:22.767

abstract:
This study examined a sample of 417 federally incarcerated male inmates in
Canada. It assessed the outcome effects of participation in Education and the Offender
Substance Abuse Pre-Release Program (OSAPP) with respect to sanctioned offences
committed at Saskatchewan Penitentiary and Edmonton Institution between 2000 and
2003.
The study used data from the Correctional Service of Canada’s Offender
Management System. One-Way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, and dependent
sample t-tests were used to examine the differences between program participation and
recidivism. The study examined the differences among Non-Participants, Education only,
OSAPP only, Education then OSAPP, and OSAPP then Education inmates during three
time periods, pre-program, during-program, and post-program.
Statistically significant differences were found between the Education program
group and the Non-Participant group. There were no statistically significant differences
among the program groups. Education was effective in reducing the rate of sanctioned
offences during the program. OSAPP was effective in reducing the rate of sanctioned
offences during the program.
The study also assessed differences for Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal inmates.
During the program, Aboriginals in Education committed fewer sanctioned offences
before than after the program. Aboriginals in the other program groups were no more or
less likely to re-offend than Non-Aboriginals. This study establishes Education then
OSAPP as successful dynamic security programs. That is, while inmates are assigned to
iii
these programs the rate of sanctioned offences diminishes, which, in turn contributes to a
safer institutional setting.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Simulations of planet migration driven by the scattering of smaller bodies

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subject: planet migration planetesimals scattering

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-09 14:28:46.501

abstract:
Planet migration is an important part of the formation of planetary systems, both in the Solar system and in extrasolar systems. When a planet scatters nearby comet- and asteroid-size bodies called planetesimals, a significant angular momentum exchange can occur, enough to cause a rapid, self-sustained migration (change of semi-major axis) of the planet. This migration has been studied for the particular case of the four outer planets of the Solar System, but is not well understood in general.

This thesis used the Miranda computer simulation code to perform a broad parameter-space survey of the physical variables that determine the migration of a single planet in a planetesimal disk. A simple model presented within matched well with the dependencies of the migration rate for low-mass planets in relatively high-mass disks. When the planet's mass exceeded that of the planetesimals within a few Hill radii, the migration rate decreased strongly with planet mass. Other trends were identified with the root-mean-squared eccentricity of the planetesimal disk, the mass of the particles dragged by the planet in the corotation region, and the index of the surface density power law. The issue of resolution was also addressed, and it was shown that many previous works in this field may have suffered from being under-resolved.

The trends were discussed in the context of an analysis of the scattering process itself, which was performed using a large simulation of massless planetesimals. In particular, a bias in scattering timescales on either side of the planet's orbit leads to a very strong tendency for the planet to migrate inwards, instead of outwards.

The results of this work show that planet migration driven by planetesimal scattering should be a widespread phenomenon, especially for low-mass planets such as still-forming protoplanets. The simple model provided here, augmented by many more subtle effects, will prove essential to any future work in this underestimated field.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: A Multi-Advisor Evaluation Module for the Accurate Prediction of Alpha Helix Pairs

contributor:
Glasgow, Janice I.
Computing

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subject:
protein structure
protein
proteomics
contact maps
helix-pairs
FORR

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-09 19:42:59.094

abstract:
Accurate 3D protein structure prediction is one of the most challenging problems
facing bioinformaticians today. This thesis develops and examines an evaluation module
for ranking predicted super-secondary structures – specifically a-helix pairs – as part of a
case-based reasoning system.
The proposed module is part of the Triptych project, which aims at the accurate
prediction of the three-dimensional structure of proteins from contact maps. Triptych is
an advanced case-based reasoning system that utilizes a library of existing protein
structures and motifs to help predict the structure of a known polypeptide chain of amino
acids that represents a target a-helix pair.
The proposed module evaluates possible solutions by integrating multiple
strategies, learning methods and sources of knowledge in the form of expert advisors. It
uses advisors which integrate knowledge from the fields of biology, biochemistry,
classical physics, and statistical data analysis obtained from pre-determined structures.
Lastly, the proposed evaluation module would allow for the integration of more
sources of knowledge, in the form of expert advisors, as well as serve as a framework for
evaluating other structural motifs in future.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Reward devaluation in a two-link chain schedule: effects of reward density in the proximal link and food restriction protocol in rats

contributor:
Beninger, Richard J.
Psychology

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subject:
Reward
Devaluation
Chain schedule
Food restriction
Operant responding
Rats

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-11 11:49:20.814

abstract: Food restriction has been shown to affect responding for reward and has been manipulated to devalue reward.  Reward density has been shown to alter responding in both first-order schedules and chain schedules.  Devaluation has differential effects in first-order schedules and the links of chain schedules.  The objective of the current study was to analyze the reward devaluation effect in a two-link chain schedule by manipulating food restriction and reward density in the proximal link; these variables had previously not been studied systematically.  The chain schedule required rats to lever press according to a random interval 120-s schedule to turn on a light conditioned stimulus (CS).  In the presence of the CS rats were rewarded for pulling a chain; the chain was active on a variable ratio (VR) 5 schedule of reinforcement for some rats, while the chain was on continuous reinforcement (CRF) for the other rats.  Food restriction protocols were either 1-hr daily free feeding (1-hr feeding) or a daily ration to maintain weight at 80% of free feed controls (ration).  Devaluing the CS while in the isolated proximal link was done by exposing trained rats to sessions of chain pulling in the presence of the CS but withholding reward.  In subsequent lever press sessions without the CS, decreased responding was seen in rats that had undergone the devaluation procedure, but only in rats on the 1-hr feeding protocol.  This devaluation effect was found in both the CRF and VR 5 schedules.  Subsequent tests of lever pressing for the CS also revealed decreased responding.  Post-test CS discrimination sessions demonstrated CS devaluation that has not been demonstrated previously.  These results demonstrate that the isolated devaluation of the proximal link in a heterogeneous two-link chain schedule can result in decreased responding in the isolated first link.  This effect is dependent on sufficient food restriction and demonstrates a measurable devaluation effect which is independent of the reward being present.  This study also demonstrated that isolated devaluation of the second link can be subsequently measured in a post-test CS discrimination re-acquisition session regardless of food restriction, which had no significant effect in the session.  The devaluation effect has not been demonstrated in a re-acquisition session before, rather responding in previous re-acquisition sessions were only affected by food restriction.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Differential Pharmacological Profiles of Operant Acquisition, Operant Expression, and Decision-Making Performance As Tested By Antipsychotics and Other Dopaminergic Drugs

subject:
Operant Acquisition
Iowa Gambling Task
Dopamine
Decision-Making
Antipsychotic
Amphetamine
Rodent Gambling Task
Haloperidol
Risperidone
Operant Expression
Metoclopramide
Clozapine
Instrumental
Incentive Learning
Reinforcement Blunting
Operant

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2013-03-14 16:12:57.629

abstract:
Operant acquisition, operant expression, and decision-making differentially rely on brain areas that are differentially affected by antipsychotic and other dopaminergic drugs.  The purpose of this thesis was to test if the known differential pharmacological and location of action of antipsychotic and other dopaminergic drugs predict the drug effects on operant acquisition, operant expression, and decision-making.  Clozapine and to a lesser extent, risperidone but not metoclopramide or haloperidol affect the prefrontal cortex (PFC); haloperidol, metoclopramide, and to a lesser extent, risperidone affect the dorsolateral striatum (DLS).  We used amphetamine as a broadly-acting indirect dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and norepinephrine agonist.
	We found that all antagonists altered operant acquisition and expression, but in different ways.  The DA D2-like receptor antagonists blunted reinforcement impact during operant acquisition and induced an extinction-like decline in expression whereas the atypical antipsychotics with high PFC 5-HT-2A affinity maintained inactive lever presses during acquisition, but produced tolerance in expression.  Curiously, risperidone and metoclopramide, but not clozapine or haloperidol, more potently suppressed lever pressing in acquisition than expression.  In contrast, amphetamine suppressed operant expression, but not acquisition, at a dose range that increased locomotion and induced conditioned place preference.  Amphetamine decreased sensitivity to reward presentation and inactive lever pressing during operant acquisition, but had the opposite effects during expression.
A very different pattern was found in the rodent gambling task (rGT), a model of the 4- choice (deck) Iowa Gambling Task used in humans.  The rGT puts small, immediate rewards that are advantageous in the long-term due to generally fewer and shorter associated penalties in conflict with large, immediate rewards that are disadvantageous in the long-term due to generally more and longer associated penalties.  Two antipsychotics (risperidone, haloperidol) but not the anti-emetic (metoclopramide) enhanced performance by shifting preferences towards advantageous options, but the antipsychotic that induces PFC Fos (clozapine) impaired performance.  Amphetamine decreased discrimination among different decks in the rGT.
	These data demonstrate the differential effects of clinically relevant drugs on decision-making and different stages of operant learning.  The differential effects on operant responding and decision-making of different antipsychotic drugs provide important information regarding their therapeutic and side-effect profiles.

abstract: PhD


title: Oliver Cromwell and the Print Culture of the Interregnum

contributor:
Collins, Jeffrey
History

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subject: Cromwell Protectorate

abstract: Thesis (Master, History) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-11 20:00:16.445

abstract: When the second Protectoral Parliament offered the crown to Oliver Cromwell, he, despite his conservative impulses, rejected it.  Why would a man who believed in the ancient constitution and hoped to stabilize the British Isles turn down a traditional title that had the potential to unify the nation?  The answer partly lies within the numerous political tracts that were printed in the 1650s.  The kingship crisis sparked the creation of many pamphlets and petitions that sought to sway Cromwell one way or the other.  Three prominent groups that wrote regarding the possibility of King Oliver I were monarchists, sects, and republicans.  Monarchists sought to illustrate the advantages of kingship, the sects wrote of the consequences of kingly rule, and the republicans were divided on the question.  An analysis of the language and arguments in both the pamphlets addressed to Cromwell and Cromwell’s own speeches reveals that the sects were the most influential group that wrote to Cromwell.  At times, sectarian criticisms of the Protectorate were able to elicit responses in Cromwell’s speeches, a feat accomplished by neither monarchists nor republicans.  Employing providential language, the sects were able to convince Cromwell that God had judged against the office of king and that any attempt to reestablish such a government would result in eternal damnation.  Cromwell’s own religious convictions rendered him susceptible to reasoning of this sort.  Once he was aware of the sects’ arguments, Cromwell believed that he had no choice but to refuse the crown.

abstract: M.A.


title: Influence of Exercise Modality on Body Composition, Insulin Resistance and Functional Fitness in Aging: A Randomized Controlled Trial

contributor:
Ross, Robert
Kinesiology and Health Studies

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subject:
Exercise Modality
Obesity
Visceral Fat
Skeletal Muscle
Disability
Elderly

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-13 13:21:31.772

abstract:
Excessive abdominal obesity, coupled with a decline in muscle mass and physical function that is exacerbated by sedentary living, contributes substantively to the disease and disability common to our aging population.  The Senior Study, a randomized controlled trial designed to investigate the health benefits associated with performing resistance exercise (RE), aerobic exercise (AE), or a combination of both exercise modalities (RAE) for six months in the absence of caloric restriction, was conducted on otherwise healthy but abdominally obese, sedentary men (n=57) and women (n=79) between the ages of 60 and 80.
	The purpose of the first manuscript (Chapter 3) was to compare the effects of exercise modality on visceral obesity and insulin resistance in the Senior Study.  All exercise groups significantly reduced total abdominal and visceral fat (P<0.05) and waist circumference (P<0.001), which measure explained 30% of the variance in total abdominal fat changes (P<0.001).  AE and RAE improved insulin sensitivity (P<0.05), but the RE group did not (P>0.1).  The greatest insulin sensitivity increase was observed within the RAE group (48% increase, P<0.001).
	The purpose of the second manuscript (Chapter 4) was to evaluate the effects of exercise modality on cardiorespiratory and functional fitness in the Senior Study.  AE and RAE increased cardiorespiratory fitness (P<0.001), whereas RE did not (P>0.1).  All exercise groups improved functional fitness performance (P<0.001), but age- and sex-specific percentile ranking improvement within RAE was greater than AE (P<0.01).  RE and RAE significantly increased skeletal muscle (P<0.01), predominantly in the upper body, while AE did not (P=1.0).  AE and RAE reduced total fat (P<0.001).  Both fat loss and muscle gain were independent predictors of improvements in functional fitness (P<0.05).
	The findings from these studies demonstrate conclusively that a combined resistance and aerobic exercise program without caloric restriction is an optimal strategy for the therapeutic reduction of health risk in abdominally obese men and women.  While each exercise modality offers distinct benefits and remains a viable option for needs-based exercise prescription, the combination was associated with the greater simultaneous improvements to body composition, insulin resistance, and cardiorespiratory and functional fitness than either resistance or aerobic exercise alone.

abstract: PhD


title: Limnological and paleolimnological investigations of environmental change in three distinct ecosystem types, Canadian High Arctic

contributor:
Smol, John P.
Douglas, Marianne S. V.
Biology

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subject: Arctic diatoms

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-13 19:30:46.991

abstract:
The biological remains preserved in the sediments of Arctic lakes and ponds in the Canadian High Arctic are important indicators of environmental change, especially as long-term instrumental data are often lacking. Although recent studies have underscored variability amongst these aquatic ecosystems, data are lacking from several key ecosystems. This thesis addresses some of these critical knowledge gaps in the Canadian high Arctic, using diatom-based limnological and paleolimnological techniques.
First, I explore the limnology and diatom ecology along a gradient of bioclimatic zones on Melville Island in the western High Arctic. Lakes and ponds located in the most lushly vegetated zone were significantly different from those elsewhere on the island, both in terms of measured limnological variables and in terms of diatom assemblage composition. Diatom species distributions from Melville Island can best be explained by differences in pH and related variables.
Secondly, ponds and lakes located in a High Arctic oasis on northern Ellesmere Island, recorded significantly higher specific conductivity, nutrients, and dissolved organic carbon than freshwater bodies from the surrounding polar desert.
In Chapter 5, I provide an examination of long-term environmental change from Melville Island, a region of the High Arctic for which no paleolimnological data exist. The timing of diatom shifts in a dated sediment core from a small pond is consistent with the onset of climate warming in the early 20th century.
Differences in ice cover have often been invoked to explain differences in the timing and magnitude of diatom shifts in the Arctic, but this hypothesis has not been explicitly tested. In Chapter 6, I compare two adjacent lakes with similar physical characteristics but different ice cover regimes from northern Ellesmere Island. I provide strong evidence that extended ice cover dampens diatom community responses to environmental change.
In the final chapters, I determine that marine-derived nutrients significantly affect the limnology of ponds on Cape Vera, Devon Island, and are related to the degree of seabird influence. Although a portion of diatom species distributions can be linked to seabird influence, the most abundant taxa show little relation to the nutrient gradient. In a paleolimnological context, diatoms are not  robust indicators of seabirds in High Arctic ponds.

abstract: PhD


title: The Relationship Between Psychosocial Functioning and Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Control Function in Women With Provoked Vestibulodynia and Pain Free Controls

contributor:
Pukall, Caroline F.
Psychology

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subject:
Provoked Vestibulodynia
Diffuse Noxious Inhibiory Control
Quantitative Sensory Testing

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-14 00:14:17.698

abstract: Provoked Vestibulodynia (PVD) is the most common form of chronic vulvar pain, affecting 12% of women in the general population. PVD is characterized by a severe burning pain in response to pressure localized to the vaginal entrance. Research examining the pain component of PVD indicates that it has much in common with other chronic pain conditions. Increased pain sensitivity has been demonstrated in other chronic pain conditions to be due in part to impairment in centrally acting endogenous pain modulation systems, such as Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Control (DNIC). DNIC is triggered by the simultaneous application of two painful stimuli, with pain at one body site inhibiting pain at another body site. Because DNIC consists of a feedback loop that involves the spinal cord and the brain, it is thought to be dependent upon both sensory and affective pain components. In the current study, 20 women with PVD and 24 controls underwent sensory testing to determine the integrity of DNIC function. Unexpectedly, women with PVD displayed a DNIC response of greater magnitude than controls. Participants also completed measures to assess the interplay between group, DNIC, and psychosocial functioning. Women with PVD experienced decreases in psychosocial functioning; however, this reduction was not found to mediate the relationship between group and DNIC function. Findings of intact DNIC function in women with PVD do not imply that PVD is not a chronic pain condition. DNIC is a complex and dynamic process and warrants further study using different stimuli and paradigms. This study supports previous literature, while adding to the development of a greater understanding of the interaction between psychophysical and psychosocial components of chronic pain, which will allow for the creation of better assessment and treatment strategies.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Breaking Down 'Race': A Radical Retheorization of Racial Formation Theory

contributor:
Levine-Rasky, Cynthia
Sociology

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subject:
Critical Race Theory
Social Construction of Race

abstract: Thesis (Master, Sociology) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-14 09:51:37.71

abstract:
This thesis is a retheorization of Omi's and Winant's (1986) racial formation theory,which addresses the implications, inconsistencies and limitations of the initial theory. It is argued that Omi's and Winant's theory is problematic insofar as it supports the notion of ‘race’ permanency despite being a social constructionist theory. Omi and Winant also largely ignore the naturalization of ‘race’ and ignore the role of ‘nature’ and science in knowledge production and the reproduction of ‘race’. This thesis proposes a radical extension of the theory that addresses these problems, calling itself a radical racial formation theory.

 In this extension, the debate over the ‘race’ concept and the conundrum that the
‘race’ theorist finds him/herself in is discussed. The role of sociologists in maintaining ‘race’ is considered. ‘Race’ is argued to be an emergent and formative feature of modernity supported by liberalism. It is argued that ‘race’ is often tied to ‘nature’ and made to seem as though both precede history. It is argued that both ‘nature’ and science need to be contested. The notion that all scientific aims are altruistic is challenged given the embeddedness of science in the social. The doctrine of essentialism is confronted
along with the belief that essences present themselves as secure ‘knowledge’. The
production of racial knowledge is central to this thesis as it is seen as one of the least
critiqued arenas in which ‘race’ is reproduced. A radical racial formation theory is situated theoretically in the camps of the Frankfurt school's critical theory and Foucault's poststructuralism and a rapprochement between the two is called for. There is a discussion of the ‘present’ in Foucault's genealogical use, where it is argued that the present exists as a powerful moment where there can be a discontinuity with the present social formation and a break with the racial past. Finally, the Gramscian use of ‘hegemony’ is used to understand racial dominance. It is argued that whiteness presents itself as hegemonic in racial formation and counter-hegemonic possibilities are entertained.

abstract: M.A.


title: Living/controlled Polymerization Conducted in Aqueous Based Systems

contributor:
Cunningham, Michael F.
Chemical Engineering

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subject:
Living Radical Polymerization
Miniemulsion
ATRP
MADIX
RAFT
NMRP
Emulsion

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-14 12:09:32.266

abstract:
In the last decade processes known as living/controlled radical polymerizations (L/CRP) have been developed which permit the synthesis of high-value specialty polymers. Currently, the three processes that have demonstrated the most potential are: reverse addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT), atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and stable free radical polymerization (SFRP). While each process has their strengths and weaknesses with regard to specific polymers and architecture, the viability of these systems to industrial scale production all lie in the ability to perform the polymerization in a water based system because of process, environmental and economic advantages.
The most effective method of controlling the polymerization of vinyl acetate in bulk has been RAFT. We have developed a miniemulsion RAFT polymerization using the xanthate methyl (ethoxycarbonothioyl)sulfanyl acetate. The miniemulsion is stabilized with 3 wt% sodium lauryl sulfate, initiated with the azo-based water-soluble VA-060.
The main focus of this research was adapting ATRP to a miniemulsion system. It was determined that ionic surfactants can be successfully employed in emulsion-based ATRP. The cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide provides excellent stability of the latex over a range of surfactant loadings (allowing the particle size to be easily manipulated), at temperatures up to 90 C, for a wide variety of ATRP formulations. A new method of initiation was developed for reverse ATRP, using the redox pair hydrogen peroxide/ascorbic acid. This nearly eliminated the induction period at the start of the polymerization, increased the polymerization rate 5 fold and, surprisingly, enabled the formation of well-controlled polymers with a number-average molecular (Mn) weight approaching 1 million (typically ATRP is limited to ~200 000). The ability to control the particle size and the number of polymer chains (through the target Mn) over a wide range of values allowed us to determine that ATRP is influenced by compartmentalization effects.
The knowledge gained from our work in L/CRP was used to develop the surfactant-free SFRP of styrene. A multi-stage approach was adopted starting from dilute styrene/water solutions to favor the formation of the alkoxyamine and short chain SG1-oligomers (stage one) before the addition of the majority of the styrene (stage two).

abstract: PhD


title: Education Provision in the Third World: the actors, and the lessons of a study in Fiji

contributor:
Riddell, J. Barry
Geography

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subject:
Education
Third World

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-14 15:02:00.304

abstract: Education decentralization is sweeping many developing countries, creating massive regional disparities in education access and quality. Fiji provides education through the Community Based Approach, and although it is never referred to as being decentralized, it has all the same disparities occurring. A case study was conducted in the Yasawa Islands, Fiji, to evaluate the impact on surrounding communities of a newly opened (and privately funded) Secondary school.

abstract: M.A.


title: Moral Responsibility and the Natural Order

contributor:
Bakhurst, David
Philosophy

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subject: Morality, Freedom, Reason, Reactive Attitudes, Causation, Nature, Naturalism

abstract: Thesis (Master, Philosophy) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-14 14:36:23.511

abstract: This thesis examines Kantian conceptions of freedom.   Beginning with Kant himself, I show how Kant’s response to Hume concerning the rational justification of causal judgements results in his claim that the sensible world is governed a priori by causal principles.  Kant’s moral philosophy, however, requires a robust conception of freedom for moral agency to be possible.  These two features leave Kant in an apparent contradiction, for it is unclear how we, as members of the physical, causal world, can be truly free if all events are governed by causal laws.  I show that Kant’s solution to this contradiction lies in an important aspect of his transcendental idealism: the noumenal/phenomenal distinction.  I argue, further, that his solution is problematic due to the fundamentally unknowable quality of the noumenal realm, wherein freedom is located.  John McDowell’s Mind and World is introduced as an alternative to the extreme Kantian dualism between noumena and phenomena, while remaining within a broadly Kantian framework.  Like Kant, McDowell locates our freedom in our ability to operate through reason, though unlike his predecessor, he situates “the space of reasons” within nature.  This becomes possible by extending our conception of nature to include a “second nature”, thus making our initiation into the space of reasons—into the realm of freedom—a natural process.  Remaining Kantian in spirit, however, McDowell’s account inherits a problematic Kantian feature.  He maintains the distinction between two modes of intelligibility—between naturalistic and rational modes of explanation—thus leaving room for a hard-nosed naturalist to question the autonomy of the latter.   I argue that Peter Strawson’s proposal in “Freedom and Resentment” is able to assuage this worry in McDowell’s otherwise plausible model.  In it, Strawson provides an account of why the autonomy of rational explanations can never be undermined by purely naturalistic explanations, even in the face of a theoretical conviction in determinism.  Strawson argues that our “personal reactive attitudes” (like gratitude and resentment)—attitudes that express our commitment to a moral life and are representative of our functioning within the space of reasons—could never be undermined by the truth of determinism, and this reveals the extent to which our conception of ourselves as rational agents is immune from assault by the determinist.  The result is a compelling form of compatibilism that persuasively retains the space of reasons without appeal to Kantian noumenalism.

abstract: M.A.


title: Protein Kinase A, Exchange Protein Activated By cAMP 1, and Phosphodiesterase 4D All Associate With VE-Cadherin to Regulate Endothelial Barrier Function

contributor:
Maurice, Donald H.
Pathology and Molecular Medicine

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subject:
PKA
EPAC
PDE4
Vascular Endothelial Permeability
VE-Cadherin

abstract: Thesis (Master, Pathology & Molecular Medicine) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-14 15:52:20.216

abstract: Vascular endothelial cells (VECs) play an essential role in regulating the passage of macromolecules and cells between the blood stream and underlying tissues. The second messenger 3’, 5’ cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) regulates numerous events in VECs, including permeability. Since human VECs express several distinct cAMP-hydrolyzing phosphodiesterases (PDEs), and these are the only enzymes that catalyze the inactivation of cAMP, we investigated if selective pharmacological inhibition of PDEs could impact VEC permeability. Interestingly, we found that PDE4 inhibitors decreased human aortic VEC (HAEC) permeability and PDE4 and PDE3 inhibitors decreased human microvascular VEC (HMVEC) permeability. Consistent with a role for both protein kinase A (PKA) and exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC) in regulating VEC permeability, selective activators of these enzymes significantly decreased permeability. Since neither PDE4 nor PDE3 inhibitors significantly increased cAMP in these cells, our data are consistent with the idea that PDE inhibition causes small localized increases in “pools” of cAMP that regulate permeability. In order to test if PDE4 enzymes could act locally on pools of cAMP that regulated permeability, we selectively isolated the adherens junctional protein VE-cadherin from confluent monolayers of HAECs or HMVECs, and immunoblotted these isolates for cAMPeffectors and PDEs. Briefly, we found that each PKA-II, EPAC1, and a PDE4D variant, but not PDE3 enzymes, each could be isolated in VE-cadherin-based complexes from these cells. These novel findings identify PKA-II, EPAC1, and PDE4D as members of VE-cadherin-based signaling complexes in human VECs and are consistent with the idea that localized cAMP-signaling regulates permeability in these cells.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Single Canadian mothers of Jamaican heritage share experiences about their children's education

contributor:
Freeman, John G.
Education

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subject:
Single Mothers
Education

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-14 17:35:40.569

abstract: This thesis examines the experiences of four single Canadian mothers of Jamaican heritage with respect to their children’s education. Four themes suggested in the literature—beliefs, practices, barriers, and supports—guided the research. The interviews with the mothers largely confirmed previous research in the field. As such, all the mothers believed that it was a shared responsibility between parents and teachers in supporting children’s education. The mothers’ practices included primarily at-home support and to a lesser extent at-school support but did not include strict discipline. The barriers most salient for these mothers were lack of time and resources. To help overcome these barriers, the mothers relied on domestic kin networks. From these findings, the thesis provides implications for both research and practice.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Hydroclimatic influences on suspended sediment delivery in a small, High Arctic catchment

contributor:
Lamoureux, Scott F.
Geography

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subject:
Arctic
Hydrology
Suspended Sediment

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-16 10:03:25.925

abstract:
A study of suspended sediment transport dynamics was undertaken in the West
River at Cape Bounty, Melville Island, Nunavut. Hydrometerological conditions and
sediment transport were measured over three seasons in order to characterize suspended
sediment transport and grain size characteristics in relation to catchment and channel
snowpack. Catchment snow water equivalence was measured at the beginning of the
season, and discharge, suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and grain size were
measured at high temporal resolution through the runoff period to evaluate diurnal-,
event- and seasonal-scale discharge-suspended sediment and grain size hysteresis. In
addition, two models of a time-integrated suspended sediment trap, modified from Philips
et al. (2000), were deployed in both streams to assess the representativeness of the
captured sediment.
The West stream discharge was dominated by the snowmelt peak in all three
seasons. From 54-96% of suspended sediment was transported during this short period,
although hysteresis relationships indicate that delivery of sediment and water were not
synchronous and interannual relationships suggest disproportionate increases in sediment
discharge with increased catchment snowpack. Clockwise and counter-clockwise
suspended sediment hysteresis relationships were apparent and associated with lesser and
greater snowpack, respectively. Additionally, grain size hysteresis suggested variable
sediment sources during the season.
Assessment of the time-integrated suspended sediment trap in the East and West
streams illustrated that the captured material was not representative of the ambient stream
conditions. Captured mass was typically two orders of magnitude less than expected
iii
capture rates (<1%) and that the captured sediment was significantly coarser than the
ambient stream suspended sediment load.
Investigations of suspended sediment transfer in this small, High Arctic
catchment reveal that sediment transport increased with increased catchment snowpack,
but delivery of water and sediment were not synchronous during the nival discharge
event suggesting changing sediment accessibility during the season. An attempt to
collect a time-integrated suspended sediment sample that would incorporate variability in
the character and magnitude of sediment delivery provided an unrepresentative sample,
but results indicate that a detailed examination of hydraulic relationships between the trap
and ambient conditions could ultimately lead to the development of a more representative
trap.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Counter-Surveillance in an Algorithmic World

contributor:
Skillicorn, B. David
Computing

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subject:
Surveillance
Counter-Surveillance
Data-Mining
Information Exploitation
Algorithmic
Data Mining
Countersurveillance
Counter Surveillance

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-18 10:42:21.025

abstract:
Surveillance is the act of collecting, analysing, and acting upon information about specific objects, data, or individuals.  Recent advances have allowed for the automation of a large part of this process.  Of particular interest is the use of computer algorithms to analyse surveillance data.  We refer to surveillance that uses this form of analysis as *algorithmic surveillance*.   The rapid growth of algorithmic surveillance has left many important questions unasked.

Counter-surveillance is the task of making surveillance difficult.  To do this, it subverts various components of the surveillance process.  Much like surveillance, counter-surveillance has many applications.  It is used to critically assess and validate surveillance practices.  As well, counter-surveillance serves to protect privacy, civil liberties, and against abuses of surveillance.  Unfortunately, counter-surveillance techniques are often considered to be of little constructive use.  As such, they are underdeveloped.  At present, no counter-surveillance techniques exist that are able to adequately address algorithmic surveillance.

In order to develop counter-surveillance methods against algorithmic surveillance, the *process* of surveillance must first be understood.  Understanding this process ensures that the necessary components of algorithmic surveillance will be identified and subverted.  As such, our research begins by developing a model of the surveillance process.  This model consists of three distinct stages: the collection of information, the analysis of that information, and a response to what has been discovered (the action).  From our analysis of the structure of surveillance we show that counter-surveillance techniques prior to now primarily address the collection and action stages of the surveillance process.  We argue that the neglect of the analysis stage creates significant problems when attempting to subvert algorithmic surveillance, which  relies heavily upon a complex analysis of data.  As such, we go on to demonstrate how algorithmic analysis may be subverted.  To do this, we develop techniques that are able to subvert three common algorithmic analysis techniques: classification, cluster analysis, and association rules.  Each of these attacks against algorithmic analysis works surprisingly well and demonstrate significant flaws in current approaches to algorithmic surveillance.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Double Dissociation of the Effects of Haloperidol and the Dopamine D3 Receptor-Specific Antagonist ABT-127 on Acquisition vs. Expression of Cocaine Conditioned Activity

contributor:
Beninger, Richard J.
Neuroscience Studies

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subject:
Dopamine
Reward-Related Learning

abstract: Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-19 01:00:11.058

abstract: The psychostimulant effects of cocaine can be associated with environmental stimuli and thus can be easily conditioned in a laboratory setting. In rats, both behavioural stimulant and reinforcing effects of cocaine have been induced by presentation of stimuli previously paired with cocaine treatment. The stimulant locomotor response evoked by contextual stimuli is termed conditioned activity. It is hypothesized that haloperidol and the specific D3 receptor antagonist ABT-127 will produce a doubly dissociable effect on acquisition vs. expression of cocaine conditioned activity.  Male rats received three 1-hr sessions of habituation to activity monitoring chambers (outfitted with infrared emitters and detectors), one session each day, over 3 days during which no drug was administered. The conditioning phase began on the next day and consisted of three 1-hr sessions, one every 48 hrs. Rats were pre-treated intraperitoneally (IP) with haloperidol (50 µg/kg) or ABT-127 (1 mg/kg) (or vehicle) 1 hr and 0.5 hr before being placed into the activity chambers, respectively, and with the indirect-acting dopamine agonist cocaine (10 mg/kg) or saline immediately before placement into the chambers. The expression phase took place 48 hrs following the last conditioning session. Animals received a single injection of haloperidol, ABT-127 (or vehicle) 1 hr or 0.5 hr prior to placement in the activity chambers and saline was administered immediately before. Analyses revealed a significant interaction of drug by phase. In agreement with my hypothesis, haloperidol given during the conditioning phase blocked the acquisition of conditioned activity but failed to block the expression of conditioning when given on the test day. In contrast, ABT-127, when given before cocaine during conditioning failed to block the acquisition of conditioned activity but blocked the expression of conditioning when administered on the test day. Results suggest that D2 receptors are necessary for acquisition but not initial expression and D3 receptors are required for expression but not acquisition of cocaine conditioned activity.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Dopamine D1-Like, D2 and D3 Receptor Subtypes in Catalepsy Sensitization and Conditioning in Rats: Implications for Motor Function, Motivation and Learning

subject:
Motivation
Learning and Memory
Dopamine
Sensitization
Antipsychotics
Behavioral Neuroscience

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-08-12 15:51:00.467

abstract:
The behavioral effects of drugs that act on the brain’s dopamine (DA) system change with repeated exposure to the drug. Antipsychotic drugs, that block DA receptors, produce progressively greater effects on behavior with repeated testing. For example, rats repeatedly treated with a low dose of the D2 receptor-preferring antagonist haloperidol do not initially exhibit catalepsy, a response quantified by time spent on a horizontal bar without active movement. However, with repeated drug-environment pairings animals show a reduction in exploration and increases in catalepsy. The current thesis examined the drug-environment relationship in catalepsy sensitization, and how different DA receptor subtypes control this phenomenon.
 	Treatment with a D2, but not D3 or D1-like receptor-preferring antagonist produced catalepsy sensitization. Catalepsy sensitization developed in one test environment did not transfer to another environment. Similarly, rats with a history of haloperidol treatments outside of the test environment (unpaired group) did not exhibit significant catalepsy when given haloperidol for the first time prior to catalepsy testing. Previous exposure to the catalepsy test environment led to a more rapid development of catalepsy sensitization. Thus, drug-environment interaction is critical for the development and expression of catalepsy sensitization.
 	Rats previously given haloperidol and tested with saline in the drug paired environment exhibited conditioned catalepsy. The acquisition of conditioned catalepsy is dependent on D1-like receptors, while its expression is dependent on D3 receptors. Conditioned catalepsy showed gradual day-to-day extinction with repeated saline treatment in the previously haloperidol-paired environment. Following extinction, the response to haloperidol in previously sensitized rats shifted from environment-specific to environment-independent suggesting that a putative haloperidol drug cue alone can elicit conditioned catalepsy.
 	In summary, treatment with a D2, but not D1-like or D3 receptor-preferring antagonist in a particular test environment produces catalepsy sensitization, while acquisition of conditioned catalepsy is dependent on D1-like receptors, and its expression is dependent on D3 receptors. Importantly, the acquisition and expression of sensitization to haloperidol is conditional on the presence of drug-associated environmental stimuli. Our findings provide further insight into the current understanding of learning processes involved in the action of antipsychotic drugs and the dissociable effects of D1-like, D2 and D3 receptors controlling this phenomenon.

abstract: protect any rights to commercial publication

abstract: PhD


title: Expanding the Realm of Possibility: Magical Thinking and Consumer Coping

contributor:
Handelman, Jay
Management

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subject:
marketing
consumer behavior

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-19 07:33:13.701

abstract:
This dissertation examines how consumers cope with stress and, specifically, the role of magical thinking in consumer coping. Magical thinking is defined here as creating or invoking ‘extraordinary’ connections – symbolic relationships founded on a belief or intuition in the presence of mystical forces in the world – in order to understand, predict, or influence events.

Previous research in the field of psychology has largely depicted magical thinking as a cognitive distortion or fallacious reasoning that emerges in stressful situations due to limited information-processing capacity or to provide an illusory sense of control (e.g., Zusne and Jones 1989). In contrast, I draw from research in sociology, anthropology, and religious studies to explore the cultural dimension of magical thinking. Building on Stivers’ (1999) culturally-based theory of magic, I seek to develop an understanding of magical thinking as a process of meaning negotiation whereby consumers invoke mystical forces to cope with stressful events. These themes are explored through a phenomenological investigation of consumers’ weight loss activities.

Findings provide insight on the nature and conceptual domain of magical thinking in the marketplace; magical thinking emerges as a set of practices that involves imparting moral meaning to a situation, reifying and externalizing one’s control over the situation, attempting to symbolically influence this powerful, mystical entity that is vested with control, and interpreting scientific symbols as objective signs from this entity. This research also advances our understanding of consumer coping by illuminating the role of magical thinking as a resource that expands the realm of the possible to help consumers cope with the moral responsibility for a domain over which they experience limited agency.

abstract: PhD


title: Toward a Substantive Right of Exit

contributor:
Kymlicka, Will
Philosophy

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subject: political philosophy

abstract: Thesis (Master, Philosophy) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-19 12:00:15.908

abstract:
This paper deals with an important problem in contemporary political thought: the
problem of ‘minorities within minorities’. The problem lies in the fact that, on one hand, while
illiberal cultural or religious groups may seek to impose internal restrictions on their members
which violate their basic rights as citizens - in the name of the freedom of religion/conscience,
and/or cultural preservation – the state has a responsibility to protect the members of such groups
from harm. On the other hand, the state would be overstepping the boundaries of legitimate
authority - ignoring the freedom of association and conscience - if it intervened in the affairs of
such groups to forcibly change their internal structure to cohere with liberal values.
The necessity of a right to exit one’s inherited religious or cultural community has been
widely acknowledged by philosophers as a solution to the problem of internal minorities, in that,
it is seen both as a means to protect individuals from oppressive cultural and religious practices,
as well as, establishing the necessary threshold groups must meet in order to be immune from
state intervention. But while there may be a broad consensus on the necessity of the right of exit,
there is significant disagreement over the specific content of a right: some philosophers support a
‘minimalist’ or formal conception while others endorse a more substantive formulation, which
involves supplementation with other negative and positive rights.
The aim of this paper is to provide an outline of a substantive right of exit. The
conception I defend involves the provision of an array of negative and positive rights and is based
on a consistent and unequivocal commitment to autonomy, manifested in its most important
element: the provision of a liberal (multicultural) education for minimal autonomy. The upshot of
the education requirement for my conception of the right of exit is that it possesses considerable
transformative power in addition to an enhanced protective role. The distinctiveness of my
account revolves around its emphasis on the transformative function of exit, which seeks to
address the underlying problem by focusing on the long-term challenge of 'liberalizing' cultures.

abstract: M.A.


title: Isolation and Characterization of Plastidic Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PDH) from Castor (Ricinus communis L.)

contributor:
Dennis, T. David
Biology

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subject: Castor Leucoplast Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase

subject: Full Length Clone Transit Peptide

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-19 13:41:54.584

abstract:
Abstract

Plant cells contain plastids, organelles dedicated to performing specific biochemical processes including photosynthesis, starch and oil biosynthesis. Fatty acid biosynthesis in oil seeds occurs in one type of plastid  termed the leucoplast. Anabolic metabolism in leucoplasts includes the production of fatty acids and amino acids that depend on the availability of reductants such as NADPH. NADPH can be generated in plastid by glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) which is the chief control enzyme and first step in the Oxidative Pentose Phosphate Pathway (OPPP).  G6PDH catalyses the reaction of NADP+ and glucose 6-phosphate to NADPH and 6-phosphogluconate. At least two compartment-specific isoforms of G6PDH exist in plants, a cytosolic and a plastidic form.  In this study, castor oil seed (COS) (Ricinus communis L.) was used as a model enzyme system for the ongoing study of oil biosynthesis in plants.  This is the first ever report of the full-length clone of the plastidic isoform of G6PDH being isolated from a castor cDNA library using polyclonal potato plastidic G6PDH antiserum.  The full-length cDNA was sequenced and compared to other G6PDH genes from higher plants, the castor sequence reveals conserved regions and conserved cysteine residues similar to other higher plant G6PDH.  Over expression of  the recombinant cleaved fusion protein in an E. coli expression system from the isolation of the cDNA clone shows it is enzymatically active, stable and unlike other plastid G6PDH’s dithiothreitol insensitive.  In fact this G6PDH  shows increased activation in the presence of dithiothreitol.  Initial kinetic characteristics shows that it behaves in a similar fashion enzymatically when compared to other higher plant chloroplast G6PDH.  The gene sequence and initial kinetic findings for castor G6PDH concur with other higher plant, non-photosynthetic, plastidic isoforms.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Dust Dynamics in the Galactic Disk-Halo Vicinity

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subject:
astrophysics
dust dynamics

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-20 12:47:04.861

abstract:
We report on the dynamics of interstellar dust grains above the plane of the Milky Way.  Our Galactic model closely matches its large-scale observed properties, namely
the luminosity output, the gas content and distribution, as well as the extinction of starlight by dust.  The gravitational model is composed of a central bulge, a disk and a
dark matter halo.  In spite of the fact that the emphasis in the results is for our Galaxy, we also discuss the effects of varying key galactic parameters, such
as the total
 luminosity output and gas distribution.  The parameter space of the main dust grain properties is also explored; these include the grain type (graphite and
 silicate) and size (0.001 - 0.3 micron).  The grains were launched at various positions in the Milky Way, but always in the disk-halo connection region; namely at three
 Galactocentric radii (5, 8 and 11 kpc) and three initial heights (150, 300 and 1000 pc).  The grains were subject to radiation pressure, a gravitational force, as well
 as Coulomb and collisional drag with the gas.
 Due to the large size of the parameter space, there is a wide variety of possible grain dynamics.  Indeed, depending on the physical conditions in which the grains were launched,
 the grains could either: (1) fall down towards the midplane, (2) stay at the same height, (3)
rise at a more or less constant speed, (4) rise and then fall down, (5) rise and then stabilize at some height, and (6) be quickly expelled into the intergalactic medium.  In
general, graphite grains reach greater heights than silicate grains.  The smaller grains (of radius a = 0.01 and 0.001 micron) tend to stay at the same height they started
at.  The classical grain (a = 0.1 micron) is the most sensitive to radiation pressure and usually reaches the highest heights, even if they are modest.  The largest grain
we have studied (a = 0.3 micron) also responds well to radiative forces, but its large mass prevents it from going as high as the classical grain, and it even falls down
towards the midplane under some circumstances.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: H20 to Go: marketing and materiality in the normalization of bottled water

contributor:
Hand, Martin
Sociology

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subject:
Sociology
Bottled water
Brands
Consumption
Marketing

abstract: Thesis (Master, Sociology) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-20 16:58:51.16

abstract: This thesis aims to explore the rise in the consumption of bottled water and the dominant narratives of normalization that seek to explain it. Commonly understood as the cumulative result of the power of marketing and misinformation, or the gullibility of ‘irrational’ consumers, the pervasive phenomenon of drinking bottled water is explained as another instance of the commodification of everything. However, these narratives contain a rather surprising omission: while it may seem obvious to state that bottled water is about bottles and water, the role of the bottles themselves in enabling the consumption of water ‘on the go’ to become such a ‘normal’ aspect of daily life is noticeably absent. I argue, by drawing upon work in consumer culture studies, sociologies of the brand, and material culture, that we need to reconsider the role of bottled water as both a brand and material object. Following the trajectories of two major brands of bottled water – Perrier and Dasani – through a content analysis of marketing and associated materials, I illustrate some of the diverse ways in which bottles, water, marketing and consumption are interrelated in the divergent and convergent trajectories of ongoing processes of normalization. In conclusion, I consider how such theoretical and empirical observations pose difficult questions and new challenges for those seeking to alter practices of consumption.

abstract: M.A.


title: The Effect of Menopause on Acid-Base Regulation and the Chemoreflex Control of Breathing during Wakefulness

contributor:
Janssen, Ian
Fisher, John T.
Kinesiology and Health Studies

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subject:
Menopause
Acid-base regulation
Chemoreflex
Chemical control of breathing
Strong ion difference
Progesterone

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-21 08:53:00.841

abstract: Acid-base regulation, as reflected by hydrogen ion concentration ([H+]), and the chemoreflex control of breathing were examined in healthy pre- (PRE; n=20) and postmenopausal (POST; n=15) women of a comparable age (45 ± 2.7 vs. 52 ± 1.8 years). [H+] behaviour was examined in both groups at rest and during exercise above the ventilatory threshold using Stewart’s physicochemical approach to acid-base analysis. Ventilatory chemoreflex characteristics were assessed using Duffin’s modified rebreathing protocol that includes 5 min of prior hyperventilation and maintenance of either hyperoxic (150 mmHg) or hypoxic (50 mmHg) iso-oxia. As expected, the ovarian hormones progesterone ([P4]) and estrogen ([E2]) were significantly lower in the POST group. [H+] was unaffected by menopausal status at rest or during exercise. At rest the POST group exhibited significantly higher PaCO2 and [SID] values relative to the PRE group. In general, the acidifying effects of increased PaCO2 were offset by the alkalizing effect of increases in [SID] (or vice versa) in the POST group such that [H+] did not differ between PRE and POST groups. The central ventilatory chemoreflex also differed between groups with the POST group exhibiting a significantly higher threshold and a lower sensitivity in the response to CO2 relative to the PRE group. [P4] was found to partially account for the significant group differences in acid-base and central ventilatory chemoreflex control characteristics supporting the role of [P4] as an important determinant of acid-base status and the chemical control of ventilation in healthy women. Findings of the current study may have potential relevance in understanding the increased occurrence of various health conditions such as osteoporosis and sleep disordered breathing in females following the onset of menopause.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Returning To Our Senses

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subject:
De Re Thought
Mind and World

abstract: Thesis (Master, Philosophy) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-21 10:53:33.232

abstract: The following thesis is concerned with the way we think of particular objects. More specifically, it is concerned with de re thoughts and beliefs, which are parasitic upon the objects they are about.  In ascribing and expressing de re thoughts and beliefs, we employ de re expressions, such as demonstratives and names.  There is a pervasive view in the philosophy of language, known as the direct-reference view, that claims that these expressions contribute to thoughts nothing over and above objects themselves.  I argue that not only is this view of de re expressions untenable upon reflection on its repercussions for cognitive significance and judgement, but also that the considerations that motivate its genesis rest on a mistaken understanding of the alternative, viz a Fregean understanding of thought that employs a notion of sense.  In the first chapter, I present logical difficulties that face accounts of de re belief and a quasi-Fregean response to them.  In the second chapter, I focus on two exhaustive interpretations of the cognitive significance of de re expressions on the direct-reference view, and I argue that both interpretations are untenable either because they cannot account for propositional unity, or because they isolate experience from judgement.  In the third chapter, I present a holistic interpretation of sense, and argue that it is neither faced by critiques presented by proponents of direct-reference, nor by the difficulties I articulate in the first two chapters.

abstract: M.A.


title: The Structural Capacity of Repaired Manholes

contributor:
Brachman, Richard W. I.
Civil Engineering

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subject: Civil-Engineering Geo-Engineering

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-21 12:14:38.983

abstract: Five manhole models, three composed of brick and two composed of concrete, were created in the laboratory with the goal of simulating existing manholes in the field that have been deteriorated by stress and corrosion. The samples were rehabilitated using three different liners: a plastic polyurea spray-on liner applied to a brick manhole, an HDPE slip liner (grouted in place) applied to a brick and concrete specimen, and a calcium aluminate grout applied to a brick and concrete specimen. Each sample was tested under axisymmetric pressure in the hoop compression cell, simulating horizontal effective stresses that act on a manhole in a radially symmetric manner. At 500 kPa, minimal radial deflections were observed with no notable damage to any specimen. Each specimen was then tested in a diametrically opposed 2-point loading setup to test the manhole in bending which may be induced to on a structure in the field by surface activity or adjacent excavation. The sample rehabilitated with the plastic spray-on liner behaved in a ductile manner, yielding at the lowest strength. The samples rehabilitated with the calcium aluminate grout exhibited high peak strengths, but yielded in catastrophic failure at small deformations. The samples repaired with the HDPE slip liner also produced high peak strengths with the grout component yielding in brittle failure, but residual strengths mobilized in the HDPE liner prevented total collapse of the samples. Although all of the liners tested present viable rehabilitation solutions within the prescribed deformation limits, the HDPE slip liner is the preferred method of treatment solely based on considerations of strength and ductility; practical considerations of cost and constructability also need consideration.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Liberating Liberalism from Liberal Neutrality

contributor:
Sypnowich, Christine
Philosophy

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subject: Liberalism Neutrality Legitimacy Evangelicalism

abstract: Thesis (Master, Philosophy) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-22 16:42:44.821

abstract: Liberal neutrality is the idea that laws should not be based on religious or philosophical doctrines that not everyone accepts. The idea is closely related to the "liberal principle of legitimacy", which holds that laws are legitimate only if they are acceptable to people who are subject to them. In this thesis, I examine if the idea of neutrality meets liberalism's own requirements of legitimacy. To do so, I ask what arguments can be given to persuade evangelical Christians--a sizable minority of the U.S. population who are opposed to neutral policies on abortion, school prayer, etc.--to accept neutrality. First, I examine Ackerman and Rawls's "consensus-finding" argument, which claims generally that most comprehensive conceptions of the good are compatible with neutrality. Second, I examine Larmore, Dworkin, and Kymlicka's "consensus-building" arguments, which try to locate particular principles which non-neutralists (perfectionists) are likely to accept, and the acceptance of which is said to guarantee the acceptance of neutrality as well. I find both arguments unsatisfactory; neither is acceptable to a person who subscribes to the evangelical view of God and human nature. Third, I consider Rawls's proposal to exclude evangelicals and the like, based on the test of reasonableness which he believes is "freestanding". However, I find his test of reasonableness dependent on particular understandings of the terms "free and equal citizens", "common human reason", and "fair terms of cooperation". The test of reasonableness, I suggest, is not freestanding, and it is thus circular to use it as a criterion of exclusion. I conclude, therefore, that liberal neutrality fails to satisfy the liberal principle of legitimacy.

abstract: M.A.


title: Muscles that see: early muscle activations are time-locked to the onset of visual targets

contributor:
Munoz, Douglas P.
Scott, Stephen H.
Neuroscience Studies

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subject:
Reaching
Reflex
Visuomotor
Electromyography
Vision
Gap effect

abstract: Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-27 09:42:55.337

abstract: The visual grasp reflex provides automatic orienting of gaze (the visual axis in space) to novel visual stimuli. Previous studies have demonstrated activation of neck muscles of awake monkeys appearing at a short fixed latency (55 to 95 ms) after visual target presentation, regardless of whether or when saccades are made. The purpose of these early visually-driven muscle activations may be to prime head rotation required as a part of the coordinated eye-head movement to the target. Similar orienting responses might be found for visually guided reaching. Here, we explore early visually-driven muscle activations of the human upper limb immediately preceding planar reaching movements. Subjects performed reaches towards small visual peripheral targets while upper limb kinematics were recorded and intramuscular electromyography was collected from four shoulder and elbow muscles. Subjects maintained their right hand at a central fixation marker that was extinguished for a gap period (200 ms) prior to appearance of a peripheral target. Subjects were instructed to reach to the target as quickly as possible. Some subjects exhibited a short burst of muscle activity (about 20 ms duration) time-locked to visual target onset. This burst occurred around 85 ms to 105 ms after target onset and preceded the onset of muscle activity associated with volitional arm motion by about 100 ms. Notably, this burst was dependent on target location: visually-driven muscle activity occurred in right shoulder extensor muscles for rightward targets and was absent for leftward targets. In order to better dissociate the visual burst from volitional motor activity, we employed a delay paradigm. No time-locked muscle activity was present in the delay task either after the target appeared or after the fixation marker was extinguished. This suggests that the visual burst is dependent on the imminence of voluntary movement and the laterality of the target. We conclude that the appearance of a visual target can result in short-latency activity on the arm musculature that is appropriate for orienting the arm to the target.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Influence of Copper Binding on the Stability of the SCO Protein from Bacillus subtilis

contributor:
Hill, Bruce C.
Biochemistry

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subject:
Copper Binding
SCO
Ionic Strength

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biochemistry) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-21 16:00:23.621

abstract:
Every aerobic organism expresses cytochrome c oxidase to catalyze reduction of molecular oxygen to water, and takes advantage of this energy releasing reaction to produce an electrochemical gradient used in cellular energy production. The protein SCO (Synthesis of cytochrome c oxidase) is a required assembly factor for the oxidase, conserved across many
species. SCO is implicated in the assembly of one of two copper centres (ie., CuA) of cytochrome oxidase. The exact mechanism of SCO’s participation in CuA assembly is not known. SCO has been proposed to bind and deliver copper, or alternatively to act in reductive preparation of the CuA site within the oxidase. In this body of work, the strength and stability of Cu(II) binding to Bacillus subtilis SCO is explored via electronic absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies and by calorimetric methods. An equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 3.5x10-12 M was
determined as an upper limit for the BsSCO-Cu(II) interaction, via differential scanning calorimetry. In the first reported case for a SCO homolog, dissociation kinetics of Cu(II) from BsSCO were characterized, and found to be dependent on both ionic strength and the presence of free Cu(II) in solution. Further differential scanning calorimetry experiments performed at high ionic strength support a two-step model of BsSCO and Cu(II) binding. The implications of this model for the BsSCO-Cu(II) interaction are presented in relation to the mechanism of interaction between SCO and the CuA site of cytochrome c oxidase.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Development of a sulfate reducing packed bed bioreactor for use in a sustainable hydrogen production process

contributor:
Daugulis, Andrew J.
Chemical Engineering

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subject: Desulfovibrio bioreactor

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-23 16:44:22.443

abstract:
A two-stage process is proposed that is based on the biological production of H2S from organic waste and its subsequent overall conversion to H2 via an exothermic reaction.  The current study examined the first step of this process, namely, the design and operation of a packed bed bioreactor with high volumetric H2S production (mol/m3.d) and its comparison to analogous methanogenic technology.

A novel method of inoculum design was developed by evaluating the kinetics and immobilization potential of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans (ATCC 7757) and a sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) consortium.  The consortium’s kinetics, as measured by the specific rate of sulfate reduction (1.2 g SO42-/g CDW.h), were approximately twice as fast as those of D. desulfuricans.  The pure strain however exhibited superior immobilization potential.  Studies revealed that a mixed inoculum containing 96 % D. desulfuricans and 4 % consortium facilitated the rapid immobilization of a highly active SRB biomass and contributed to improved bioreactor performance.

Diatomaceous earth (DE) pellets, porous glass beads, polyurethane foam, and bone char were evaluated as potential carrier materials for SRB immobilization.  The DE pellets immobilized the most biomass, were well suited for use at the industrial scale, and were thus employed in all continuous flow bioreactor experiments.

Using the designed inoculum and DE pellets, a 615 mL bioreactor achieved a volumetric productivity of 493 mol H2S/m3.d (at D = 1.6 h-1) and a dissolved sulfide concentration of 9.9 mM.  This occurred after 8 d of operation and represents a tenfold reduction in the required start-up period compared to similar bioreactors in the literature.

An N2 strip gas was later used to remove the dissolved sulfide to the gas phase and enhance sulfate conversion.  Shifting the medium pH from 7 to 6 increased the fraction of strippable sulfide and improved the strip gas composition from 3.6 to 5.8 mol % H2S. The strip gas to liquid feed ratio (G/L, m3/m3) was investigated in the range of 0-14 and was found to be a suitable basis for scale-up indicating that productivities of up to 830 mol/m3.d were readily achievable.  This represents a considerable improvement over current methanogenic bioreactor productivities.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Thermal Properties of Green Roofs in Cold Climates

contributor:
Bisby, Luke
Civil Engineering

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subject:
Green Roof
Cold climate
Thermal
insulation
temperature
R-value

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-23 21:14:30.381

abstract: Green roofs have, in the past 15 years or so, gained increasing acceptance as a means of replacing or offsetting the lost of green space due to urban development and urban sprawl.  Green roof systems can provide numerous potential benefits, both public and private, including improved control of a building’s internal temperatures with reduced power use. The effectiveness of Green roofs at decreasing energy use in buildings in warm climates is well known. However, their thermal performance in cold climate conditions is not well known, but is of particular interest in regions such as in Eastern Ontario where Green roofs are rapidly gaining popularity. This thesis presents an initial step in understanding the thermal behaviour of currently used Green roof systems in cold climate conditions, and quantifying the thermal benefits, if any, to be gained from the installation of these systems in cold regions as compared against a typical conventional roofing system. A review of available literature is presented which discusses the various benefits of Green roofs. A novel hot box has been designed and constructed, and thermal testing of two Green roofs and a conventional flat roof using the new apparatus are presented and discussed. The data are used to estimate the potential energy savings that might be expected with the installation of a Green roof (such as those tested) on a flat roofed commercial building in the Kingston area. The data suggest that Green roofs may provide a marginal (10% to 24%) thermal benefit as compared with a conventional flat roof under cold climate conditions. This benefit could translate into a $0.09 savings per square metre of roof area in total heat energy costs on an annual basis. Recommendations for future work in this research area are provided.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Time and Patterns of Development of Dunes Subjected to Sudden Changes in Flow Depth

contributor:
da Silva, Ana Maria Ferreira
Civil Engineering

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subject:
Bed Forms
Dunes
Unsteady Flow
Bed Resistence
Floods

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-24 09:45:13.624

abstract:
In unsteady flows, dune dimensions may vary considerably from fully-developed dimensions
produced from a flat bed under a steady and uniform flow. Specifically, dune height
and length are observed to lag discharge when the flow is non-steady, resulting in dimensions
that are out of phase with the prevailing flow. This research attempts to provide
some insight into the behaviour of dunes when the flow is suddenly changed, as well as
the time-scale of the related dune changes.

Nineteen experimental runs were carried out in the 21-m long, 0.76-m wide Sediment
Transport Flume at Queen’s University. In ten of these runs the flow depth, h, was suddenly
increased (h2/h1 > 1) and in nine runs the flow depth was suddenly decreased (h2/h1
< 1). In all runs, the slope of free surface was kept equal to the slope of the bed such that
the change in flow rate is represented by the change in the flow depth. Seven ratios of the
two flow depths, h2/h1 (varying between 0.49 and 2.29), were performed for three slopes
(S = 1/792, 1/534, 1/341). The bed material was a coarse, poorly-graded silica sand (D50 =
1.0 mm).

Longitudinal bed profiles were taken along the centreline of the flume approximately
every 6–8 minutes to determine the transient dune dimensions and the time at which the
dunes acquired their new equilibrium dimensions. This time is termed the duration of dune
development, Td.

Through dimensional and physical considerations, Bielenberg (2006) established that
the dimensionless counterpart of Td should be a function of the material number, relative flow depth, relative flow intensity, and ratio of the flow depths h2/h1.  The present experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of the relative flow intensity and
h2/h1 on the duration of dune development.

Results indicate that equilibrium dune dimensions do not depend on the initial shape
of the bed. After the period Td, the dunes tend to be similar to those produced from a flat
bed.

It is found that Td is strongly dependent on h2/h1, and weakly dependent on the flow intensity. All
other determining variables remaining the same, Td decreases with increasing values of
flow intensity.

Semi-empirical relations for the dimensionless duration of dune development are
presented.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Functionality based refactoring : improving source code comprehension

contributor:
Zou, Ying
Computing

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subject:
Automated refactoring
Bottom-up source code comprehension
Program comprehension

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2007-10-05 12:48:56.977

abstract: Software maintenance is the lifecycle activity that consumes the greatest amount of resources. Maintenance is a difficult task because of the size of software systems. Much of the time spent on maintenance is spent trying to understand source code. Refactoring offers a way to improve source code design and quality. We present an approach to refactoring that is based on the functionality of source code. Sets of heuristics are captured as patterns of source code. Refactoring opportunities are located using these patterns, and dependencies are verified to check if the located refactorings preserve the dependencies in the source code. Our automated tool performs the functional-based refactoring opportunities detection process, verifies dependencies, and performs the refactorings that preserve dependencies. These refactorings transform the source code into a series of functional regions of code, which makes it easier for developers to locate code they are searching for. This also creates a chunked structure in the source code, which helps with bottom-up program comprehension. Thus, this process reduces the amount of time required for maintenance by reducing the amount of time spent on program comprehension. We perform case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of our automated approach on two open source applications.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Recognition and Reconciliation: The New Role of Theory in Aesthetics

contributor:
Knight, Deborah
Philosophy

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subject: Aesthetics Dickie

abstract: Thesis (Master, Philosophy) -- Queen's University, 2007-09-24 12:31:06.391

abstract: George Dickie’s institutional theory of art has been subject to extensive debate over the past 30 years.  It has been both revered and deplored, garnering such attention for the seemingly controversial way in which Dickie answers the question, “What is art?”  In Dickie’s view, an object derives its existence as a work of art in the context of the informal institution of the “artworld,” a concept which was borrowed from Arthur Danto’s earlier work on the theoretical context surrounding works of art.  Another significant feature of Dickie’s institutional theory is that it provides a definition of art, a problem that philosophers of art have attempted to solve for the past few centuries.  Dickie’s theory inclines one to dismiss other candidates for definitions as implausible, such as those put forth by R.G. Collingwood and Leo Tolstoy, since, as Dickie insists, an acceptable definition of art must be able to account for the many different kinds of practices that are all referred to as “art.”  I do not wish to conclude that the task of defining “art” is no longer a viable option for philosophers, as others such as Morris Weitz and Peter Kivy have suggested.  Instead, I will provide an alternative way of philosophizing about art that is similar in some ways and yet very different from the methods Weitz and Kivy have proposed.  I will illuminate a new way of interpreting the theories of Collingwood, Tolstoy, and Danto which is different from those that have been proposed in the past, one that highlights their normative and institutional features.  On the foundations of this new interpretation, I will propose a new role for the philosopher of art, one that takes into consideration the significance of the institutional structure of the artworld and how it can be normatively constrained.

abstract: M.A.


title: Micro/Nanoencapsulation of Proteins Within Alginate/Chitosan Matrix by Spray Drying

contributor:
Neufeld, Ronald J.
Chemical Engineering

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subject:
Spray Drying
Protein Microencapsulation
Alginate
Nanoencapsulation
Particles
Oral Drug Delivery

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2007-10-30 12:20:47.728

abstract: Currently, therapeutic proteins and peptides are delivered subcutaneously, as they are readily denatured in the acidic, protease rich environment of the stomach or gastrointestinal track and low bioavailability results from poor intestinal absorption through the paracellular route. Encapsulation of therapeutic peptides and proteins into polymeric micro- and nano- particle systems has been proposed as a possible strategy to overcome limitations to oral protein administration.  Furthermore, it was shown that nanoparticles having diameters less than 5µm are able to be taken up by the M cells of Peyer’s patches found in intestinal mucosa . However, the current methodologies to produce particles within desired range involves organic solvents and several steps. In this study, spray drying was investigated as a microencapsulation alternative, as it offers the potential for single step operation, producing dry particles, with the potential for extending the microparticle size into the nano-range.  The particles were produced by spray drying of alginate/protein solutions. The effect of spray drying operational parameters on particle properties such as recovery, residual activity and particle size was studied. Particle recovery depended on the inlet temperature of the drying air, whereas the particle size was affected by the feed rate and the alginate concentration of the feed solution. Increase in alginate:protein ratio  increased protein stability during the process and shelf live experiments. Presence of 0.2 g trehalose/g particle increased the residual activity up to 90%. The resulting spherical micro and nanoparticles had smooth surfaces. Stable glycol-chitosan-ca-alginate particles were produced with single step operation. The resulting particles had mean diameter around 3.5μm and released 35% of the initial protein content to the simulated stomach environment within 2 hours. The protein distribution within the particle was studied by confocal laser scanning microscope with florescent labeled protein. The image showed protein deposition toward the surface of the particles. Total drying time and Peclet number was calculated for the particles and found to be 8.5 ms and 240, which indicates that particle formation was governed mainly by convection, which resulted in a hollow central region and protein distribution toward the particle surface. This study shows that stable alginate particles containing proteins can be produced in a single step by spray drying, where the particles had a mean size lower than the critical diameter necessary to be orally absorbed by M cell’s of the Peyer’s patches in the gastrointestinal tract and thus can be considered as a promising technology for oral peptide and protein delivery.

abstract: M.Sc.