title: Living Close to the Ledge: Prehistory and Human Ecology of the Bliss Islands, Quoddy Region, New Brunswick, Canada

contributor:
Ramsden, Peter G.
Anthropology

subject: Prehistory and Human Ecology

abstract:
Six prehistoric archaeological sites on the Bliss Islands are analyzed with the aim of developing an account of the prehistory and human ecology of the insular Quoddy region of southern New Brunswick, Canada. The Bliss Islands sites are shown to conform to general patterns of chronology, site typology, location, and structure for prehistoric sites in the region and to be representative of the Quoddy region prehistoric site inventory. Thus, the Bliss Islands are treated as a microcosm of the insular Quoddy region.
The cultural history of the islands ls approached through a comparison of the two largest sites. Evidence from the Weir site, a large, deep, complexly but distinctly stratified, and undisturbed midden, ls used to 'stratify' the contents of the camp site, a shallow, but extensive shell midden disturbed by historic activity and natural pedogenic processes. The evidence suggests that, while both of these sites were occupied from the later part of the Early Maritime Woodland period through the early part of the Late Maritime Woodland period (ca. 2400bp--ca. 1100bp), they were functionally differentiated. Weir functioned mainly as a marine resource exploitation and processing site, while camp functioned as a generalized habitation area. In addition to the Maritime Woodland components, the camp site contains occupations dating to the protohistoric and historic periods (ca. 450bp-present). The four smaller sites on the Bliss Islands represent short term occupations relating to the Late Maritime woodland and protohistoric occupations at camp and Weir. The artifact assemblages recovered from the six sites indicate that significant changes in technology occurred in the Quoddy region during the Maritime woodland period.
The prehistoric human ecology of the islands ls investigated through two related phenomena: subsistence and seasonality. Subsistence practices are explored through niche width analysis of each of the analytical units defined, and through isotopic analyses of encrustations on ceramic sherds. Seasonality ls explored through ethnohistoric and natural history information, and growth increment analyses of shellfish and mammal teeth. The evidence indicates that the Bliss Islands faunal assemblages represent a relatively specialized subsistence orientation, and that significant changes in subsistence and settlement patterns occurred in the Quoddy region during the Maritime Woodland period. The model of a relatively stable and generalized prehistoric adaptation to the Quoddy region, spanning the period from 2200bp to the historic period, ls challenged; while this model may be
accurate
for
the Late
Maritime
Woodland
period,
lt does not
reflect eviden
ce
from
the
Early
and
Middle
Maritime Woodland
periods.
From a methodological point-of-view, two conclusions are stressed. First, the information gained from undisturbed and intact sites ls crucial in developing local and regional cultural history models. This study suggests that 'stratifying' the contents of disturbed Northeastern shell middens on the basis of 'imported' culture history models ls, at best, potentially misleading. second, the application of biological models, such as the niche width measurement used in this study, has the potential to substantially revise interpretations of Northeastern prehistoric human ecology. In the Bliss Islands case, this model substantiates the expectation, based on general ecological theory, that subsistence adaptations to highly productive and dynamic environments, such as that of the Quoddy region, will be relatively specialized rather than generalized.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Bondage and Release in the Astavakragita

contributor:
Granoff, P.
Religious Studies

subject: bondage release

abstract:
The thesis is an inquiry into the nature of bondage and release in the
Astavakragita. The focus in the first half of the thesis is upon to the practices of discrimination (viveka) and concentrative absorption (samadhi). In place of discrimination and concentrative absorption the Astavakragita offers naturalness (akrtrima) and spontaneity (yadrccha). The thesis argues that the  be understood as a critique of Yogic and Advaitic soteriology as exemplified by texts such as the Vediintasara and Jivanmuktiviveka. The thesis then situates Astavakragita in a 'genre' of literature characterized by the repudiation and abandonment of 'means' to release: 'anarchic spirituality.· Finally, the appearance of Yogic and Advaitic soteriological language in the Astavakragita is accounted for by arguing that it is used to ironic effect by the text.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Reproduction and Resistance in the Hamilton Worker Education Centre

contributor:
Cuneo, Dr. Carl
Sociology

subject:
Hamilton
Education Centre

abstract: This study examines the contradictions of the reproduction of, and resistance to, relations of inequality in the Hamilton Worker Education Centre. Data were collected through participant observation at an instructors' training session, through in-depth interviews with instructors, staff members and sponsors of the programme and through a content analysis of the curriculum. The focus of my research was two-fold. One was the way in which the practices in the programme contributed to the re-creation of gender, race and class relations. The other focus was the way in which resistance to these relations occurred and was facilitated through a form of popular education. It is through this study that the inherent contradictions in this workplace literacy/English language programme become clear.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: The Task of Responsible Reading: Developing an Approach for Dealing with Issues of Normative Practice in Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-35

subject:
Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-35
Reading

abstract: The interpretive question of normativity is a challenge that confronts the reader of the biblical text, particularly as it relates to the book of Acts. The task of reading the biblical text in a way that allows it to speak its message and that enables it to make the transition from the first-century into the twenty-first century is often anything but straightforward and as such requires a responsible approach to reading on the part of the interpreter. Based upon the challenges directly associated with reading the book of Acts, with special attention paid to the contribution of sociological criticism, four principles for reading that are characterized by cultural analysis, narrative structure, theological impact and personal faith have been developed in order to assist the reader in considering essential elements related to the quest for normativity. By holding these principles in balance, the reader will be given the opportunity to construct a meaningful foundation for interpretation that may be followed by application of five guidelines for normativity identified as a subset of the proposed principles. Analyses of Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-35 demonstrate the application of the principles for responsible reading and the guidelines for normativity by considering normative versus non-normative practices of the early church in the context of the community of goods. Evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the principles for responsible reading identify the positive contribution of this thesis as well as areas that require further study and development.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Theological Studies (MTS)


title: MONITORING YEAST tRNA ADSORPTION BY QCM-D: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OPTIMIZATION OF APTAMER SELECTION CONDITIONS

contributor:
Latulippe, David
Chemical Engineering

subject: QCM-D aptamer RNA SELEX

abstract: RNA aptamers that bind to a wide range of targets with high affinity and specificity have been identified via the in vitro systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). However, the process is quite unpredictable due in part to binding that occurs not only on the targets themselves but also on any of the other functional groups, moieties, or surfaces. Recent modelling work has shown that this level of “background binding” is a key parameter in the performance of aptamer selection processes.  One strategy to minimize the amount of background binding is to pre-block those possible binding sites with a non-amplifiable nucleic acid molecule, such as yeast tRNA. It is also known that binding buffer conditions have strong effect on the binding affinity of nucleic acids. However, there are no detailed studies and little quantitative information available to guide the design of aptamer selection processes.  In this study, the binding ability of yeast tRNA, which has comparable size with most RNA aptamer libraries, on both silicon dioxide and poly (ethylene terephthalate glycol) (PET-G) surfaces was studied using Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D).  Silicon dioxide surface is a commonly used substrate for QCM-D tests on the adsorption behaviour of different nucleic acid.  PET-G is a commonly used polymer substrate for the fabrication of microfluidic devices, which are advanced techniques for aptamer selection.  The presence of specific divalent cations, for example Mg2+ over Ca2+, in binding buffers greatly enhanced the binding of yeast tRNA on silicon dioxide surfaces and PET-G surfaces. Proper NaCl concentration (100 mM) and MgCl2 concentration (5 mM) is necessary to enhance yeast tRNA binding on both surfaces. Yeast tRNA binding ability on silicon dioxide surfaces show more dependence on binding buffer pH than on PET-G surfaces.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Tao-sheng's Commentary on the Saddharmapundarika-sutra: A Study and Translation

contributor:
Jan, Yun-hua
Religious Studies

subject: Saddharmapundarika Translation

abstract:
This dissertation provides a comprehensive study and complete translation of Tao-sheng's Commentary on the Saddharmapundarika-sutra (CSPS). This document occupies an important place in Chinese Buddhist literature. Its significance in the study of Chinese Buddhism can be described in two ways. Firstly, the CSPS was the first commentary ever written on the Lotus Sutra, which was to become a scripture of fundamental importance on the Far Eastern Buddhist scene, especially for the later Chinese Buddhist schools. Furthermore, it was the first commentary on any Buddhist scripture that was written in Chinese and structured in fully developed commentari al form. The CSPS set a pattern in many ways for later Buddhists to follow in terms of both structure and ideology.
Secondly, the CSPS is a rich source of Tao-sheng's seminal ideas. Tao-sheng (ca. 360-434) has been regarded, both in his time and subsequently, as a uniquely creative and prophetic thinker. The CSPS, the only writing of Taosheng preserved in complete form, is essential to any study of Tao-sheng's own original thought. Most of his theses and arguments, which were controversial in his day, were originally propounded in his other writings, but the commentary may provide at least the general structure of Tao-sheng's thought.
The thesis is composed of two main portions: "Study" (Part I-IV) and "Translation" (Part V). Part I sets out and clarifies the problems involved in the study of Tao-sheng, the aims and method of the present study. Part II as the introductory step to the main task involving the CSPS extensively examines Tao-sheng as a whole as reflected in other sources, in terms of his background, historical and biographical, his works, his doctrines, and his influence. Part III is devoted to a critical examination of the CSPS proper. Here I undertake an in-depth analysis in several different ways in respect with both form and content, or language and ideology. The analysis focuses on how Tao-sheng renders, successfully or otherwise, the ancient Indian system of religious thought into the current Chinese language, which was already laden with indigenous philosophical connotations. Here I also trace and reconstruct Tao-sheng's thought incorporated in the commentary in accordance with his distinct themes. Part IV reviews the findings and significance of the study conducted. In brief, the thesis is the first full-scale study of Tao-sheng and the commentary.
Finally, a complete translation of the text is presented along with detailed annotations including the classical sources of Chinese philosophical terms used and numerous corruptions of the text. In light of the significance of Tao-sheng and the CSPS, the translation answers the need for a complete translation of the text into a modern language and will serve as a basis for further study.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Jean-Baptiste-Louis Gresset, ou les aventures cntiques d'un poete dans le sieclc des Lumieres

contributor:
Hanley, W.
French

subject: Jean-Baptiste-Louis poems

abstract: Une lecture des ceuvres de Jean-Baptiste-Louis Gresset dans le contexte de la critique littcrairc de son epoque

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: The Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak's Srimadbhagavadgita-rahasya in the Light of the Saintly Tradition of Maharastra

contributor:
Younger, Dr. P.
Religion

subject: Religion

abstract: The Lokamanya B. G. Tilak wrote a commentary on the Bhagavadgita, which is called Srimadbhagavadgitarahasya athava Karmayogasastra but is popularly known as the Gitarahasya. In the Gitarahasya, Tilak often quotes three of the prominent saints of Maharastra, namely, Jnanesvar, Tukaram, and Ramadas. A few scholars have indicated that there might be some influence of the theology of the prominent Maratha saints on the Gitarahasya. But no one has studied their matter in detail and demonstrated the depth of their influence on the Gitarahasya. This thesis hopes to fill that gap in Tilak scholarship. In attempting to do that this  thesis traces out how the religious, social, philosophical and ethical ideas of Jnanesvar, Tukaram and Ramadas influenced Tilak's religious, social, philosophical and ethical thought in the Gitarahasya. Tilak was a controversial leader in Maharastra. He opposed the 'Age of Consent Bill' introduced by Hindu social reformers and argued that social reform should be carried out within the frame of Hinduism. He opposed the Moderate party being allowed to hold its social reform from political reform. His opposition to the social reforms proposed by the social reformers was understood by many to mean that he was anti-reformist and pro-orthodox. How can a student of Tilak understand him? This thesis provides an answer to this problem saying that Tilak took a middle position on questions of social reform and orthodoxy between the strict orthodox, who were completely opposed to social change, and the Hindu social reformers, who wanted to reform Hindu society on the basis of western values and culture. This thesis demonstrates that Tilak's middle position on those issues is best understood as an attempt to continue the position taken by the Maratha saints on problems of social change and orthodoxy. Tilak, being a nationalist, defended Hindu values and institutions. He defended the final authority of the vedas. He defended the traditional Hindu social order, that is, the varna vyavstha, in terms of the guna-karma theory (i.e., position of an individual in Hindu society is determined by his qualities and functions). He did not, however, justify social hierarchy in terms of birth. He was fully aware of the defects of the message of the Bhagavadgita along these lines. Tilak argued that the Gita over the commentaries written by other acaryas. This might lead one to believe that Tilak's advaitic philosophy and Samkara's advaita Vedanta were identical. This thesis, however, argues that Tilak's advaitic philosophy differs from Samkara's system in that Tilak follows the advaitic theology of the Maratha saints rather than that of Samkara's system. Tilak's system is purna advaita (perfect or complete non-dualism) like that of the saints, rather than Samkara's kevala advaita (pure or abstract non-dualism). Tilak rejected all the bhasyas on the Gita because they proposed either jnanmarga or bhaktimarga as the way of liberation and exhorted a liberated person to renounce society and take samnyasa (renunciation of society). Tilak argued that the Karmayoga of the Gita is a synthesis of knowledge (jnana), devotion (bhakti), and action (Karma) and its liberated person (jnana or sthitaprajna) continues to act even after liberation. This is Tilak's unique position. This thesis argues that Tilak's distinctive position follows the activistic (pravrttipara) theology of the Maratha saints whose bhaktimarga was a synthesis of knowledge, action and devotion and who asked a liberated person to continue doing his soico-religious duties for the welfare of others in the spirit of dedication and selflessness. Tilak followed the saints of Maharastra very closely in this regard. In short, this thesis is an attempt to explain Tilak's religious, social, philosophical and ethical ideas in the light of the saintly tradition of Maharstra. It does not specifically deny that he was aware of western thought that he felt some loyalty to his Brahmanical heritage, or that he was responding creatively to the political and cultural pressures of his day. While each of these factors affected his thought, this thesis argues that he was determined to keep to the tradition of the Maratha saints and that in the Gitarahasya he largely succeeded in that endeavor.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Wives' Experiences of Relocation: Status Passage and the Moving Career

contributor:
Marshall, Victor W.
Sociology

subject: married woman's experience, relaocation, 'career', decision-making, planning, settling-in, moving career,

abstract:
This study conceptualizes the married woman's experience of relocation as a passage through a moving 'career'. This passage follows a prescribed, regularized sequence of stages involving decision-making, planning, relocation, and settling-in. Such a conceptualization allows the examination of geographic mobility as a process occurring over time and within the context of other life events; and of the role of the previous environment in shaping the definition of, and response to, the new social world. The data for this study were collected through interviews with 123 married women who moved with their spouses into the metropolitan area of Hamilton and Burlington, Ontario. All had moved within Canada, but not less than 35 miles; had not lived in the target area within the preceding five years; and were interviewed within a year of their move. They were contacted through the cooperation of national van lines agents, a federal government mobility programme, and a municipal department of social services. A focus of the research is on the wife's role in and response to her moving career. Her control over that career varies considerably with each stage. Women have little control over the initiation of the passage during the decision-making stage, but have substantial control over what they consider to be the 'mundane' tasks which comprise the planning and relocation stages. During the settling-in stage, however, most women play the key role in establishing the home and making the move successful for their families. Thus many women feel responsible for the success of a moving career which they had little role in initiating.
This research also addresses the question of whether, why, and in what ways women perceive their experience of relocation as different from that of their spouse. Most wives felt that moving was more difficult for them than for their husbands. The major differentiating factor was not the husband's occupational career per se, but rather the continuity of that career through working for the same employer or in a related field. Few women in this study experienced such occupational continuity.
The husband's experience of relocation not only differed from but also complicated that of his wife. This was most apparent in his leaving for the new community weeks or months before the wife and children. Although rarely examined by migration researchers, this sequencing of the moving career is an important aspect of wives' experiences of relocation. Many women found this period of separation from the spouse the most difficult and disruptive stage of the moving career.
Family life cycle stage also emerged as an important factor distinguishing wives' experiences of geographic mobility. Women who became mothers or whose children left the nuclear family at the time of the move found themselves in competing status passages. Relocation complicated the experiences of those who became mothers; for those who launched children from the home, the moving career both initiated and complicated passage through this family life cycle stage.
Migration researchers fundamentally disagree on whether the experience of relocation has primarily beneficial or disruptive consequences for people. In the short term, most women found moving to be highly disruptive of routine, taken-for-granted reality, and social life. There was no support for the proposition that as familiarity with the role of mover increases, women learn techniques for easing the disruptiveness of the passage. While the wives could generalize the passage so that the physical aspects of relocation became easier, the experience of social and emotional disruption actually increased with repeated relocation.
Nevertheless, most women felt that they had personally benefitted from geographic mobility, by becoming more independent, confident, and assertive. The long term consequences of relocation are more uncertain, however. Many women suffered a sense of rootlessness and lacked a concept of a life-plan, of where and who they would be when the moves were over.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Gay Communities, Gay World: The Evolution of Institutional Completeness and Organizational Sophistication

contributor:
Brymer, R.
Sociology

subject: institutional completeness of ethnic communities, gay world, iconography, stereotypes, bars, media, political, legal litigation,

abstract:
Using the concepts of the institutional completeness of ethnic communities (Breton, 1964) and the gay male community (Lee, 1979) and more recently, 'deviant' organizational sophistication (Best and Luckenbill, 1982), this thesis examines the gay world argue that traditional concepts, in solitude or synthesis, cannot wholly illuminate the phenomenon of modern gay evolutionary development. Notions of subculture and community are inadequate tools by which to describe the complexity and cultural materials of a contemporary and emergent ethnographic unit of analysis: the gay world.
Documentary and archival research, personal correspondence and in depth participant-observation have produced an array of historical and cultural materials and analyses of gay iconography, stereotypes, bars, and gay media. Structural features such as the politicization of homosexuality (the shift from rights lobbying to political and legal litigation) the politics of gender and AIDS, emergent age structures and the paradox of capitalist enterprise and liberation have also been examined.
It is hypothesized that local gay communities (towns, cities, provinces, states and territories) do not themselves wholly depict this gay world. Rather, the communities and milieux are bound as the links of a chain, through often invisible networks of gay information, publishing, support services, recreation, leisure, unique artifacts and cultural materials. Many of these links exist world wide, traversing international customs, languages, traditions, legal systems, and concrete borders. These links show both variegation and similarity but most are based upon a unique fusion and specific unity, forged by a common prism of homosexual and gay oppression, identity, cu1ture, ideology, and more recently, a still emerging sense of gay identity.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)


title: Flexural Vibrations of a Rotating Shaft Having Nonlinear Constraints

contributor:
Dokainish, M.A.
Mechanical Engineering

subject:
flexural vibrations
non-linear spring
shaft
rotor
stability analysis

abstract:
 Flexural vibrations of a shaft mounted at each end on a non - linear spring have been studied. Theoretical analysis is carried out for the cubic non-linear spring.

 The effect of mountirig of a heavy rotor on the shaft has been considered. The stability analysis of the system is also given in the theoretical analysis.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: CFD Study of Convective Heat Transfer to Carbon Dioxide and Water at Supercritical Pressures in Vertical Circular Pipes

contributor:
Novog, David
Engineering Physics

subject:
SCWR
Heat Transfer
CFD
Deterioration Mechanism
Turbulence
Buoyancy

abstract:
Due to the recent advancement in computer capability, numerical modelling starts to play an important role in making predictions and improving the understanding of physics in the studies of convective heat transfer to supercritical fluids. Many computational studies have been carried out in recent years to assess the ability of different turbulence models in reproducing the experimental data. The performance of these turbulence models varied significantly in predicting the heat transfer at supercritical pressures, especially for the phenomena of heat transfer deterioration (HTD). The results of these studies showed that the accuracy of different turbulence models was also dependent on the flow conditions. It is still necessary to test these turbulence models against newly available experimental data before the final conclusion can be drawn.
In this work computational simulations on convective heat transfer of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) at supercritical pressures flowing upward in vertical circular pipes have been carried out using the commercial code STAR-CCM+. Detailed comparisons are made between five turbulence models, including AKN low-Reynolds model by Abe et al. (AKN), Standard low-Reynolds k-ε model by Lien et al. (SLR), k-ω model by Wilcox (WI), SST k-ω model by Menter (SST), and the Reynolds Stress Transport (RST) model, against two independent experiments, i.e., water data by Watts (1980) and the recently published carbon dioxide data by Zahlan (2013). The performance of k-ε models with a two-layer approach, and that of k-ε models with wall-functions are also investigated.
For the CO2 study, where wall temperatures in most cases are above the pseudo-critical temperature (Tpc), RST model is found both qualitatively and quantitatively better than other turbulence models in predicting the wall temperatures when HTD occurs. The RST model while superior, predicted HTD at higher heat fluxes as compared to experiments. The wall temperature trends predicted by SST and WI models are very similar to that predicted by RST, except that they start to predict HTD at even higher heat fluxes than RST, and the peak temperatures are overestimated significantly. Because RST and k-ω models (SST and WI) predict the HTD at higher heat fluxes as compared to experiments, often in literature they are overlooked. Rather CFD users should conduct sensitivity analyses on heat flux, and quite often as a result qualitatively excellent agreement can be observed in some of these models.
The low-Reynolds turbulence models, i.e., SLR and AKN, tended to over-predict the wall temperature after the onset of first temperature peak, because the turbulence production predicted by these models failed to regenerate. The wall temperatures for these models did not show recovery after deterioration until the bulk temperature is close to Tpc, while experimentally recovery happened well upstream of this location. The k-ε models with two-layer approach, and the k-ε models with wall-functions both failed to predict the HTD in all cases.
For the H2O study, where the wall temperatures in most cases are below the pseudo-critical temperature, the SLR model performed the best among all turbulence models in reproducing the experimental data. AKN model was also able to qualitatively predict the observed HTD, however, not as well as SLR. SST and RST models, on the other hand, under-predicted the buoyancy effect even at the lowest mass fluxes and hence did not adequately predict deterioration. In a few high-heat-flux cases with wall temperatures above Tpc, all the turbulence models show consistent response to that discussed in the CO2 study, i.e. RST model is quantitatively better than other turbulence models. Nevertheless, the wall temperature peaks predicted by RST model is very different from that observed experimentally, i.e. the measured peaks are much milder and more flattened than the predicted ones. All the turbulence models including RST overestimate the wall temperatures significantly when Tb<Tpc<Tw.
The sensitivity studies of mesh parameters, user-defined fluid properties, turbulent Prandtl number, gravitational orientation, and various boundary conditions (e.g. heat flux, mass flux, pressure, and inlet temperature) have also been carried out, aiming to ensure the reliability of the obtained results, and to gain a deeper insight into the physics of heat transfer deterioration in supercritical fluids.
Detailed mechanistic studies of HTD have been carried out for both the CO2 and H2O simulations using different turbulence models (RST, SST, and SLR) in various flow conditions. The radial distribution of fluid properties and turbulence at various axial locations provides direct evidence of the mechanisms involved near the locations of deterioration. The buoyancy effect is found to be responsible for the observed HTD in both experiments (i.e., when gravity forces are removed no deterioration is observed). The buoyancy force exerted on the near-wall low-density layer modifies the velocity profile (thus shear stress distribution) in a way that greatly reduces the near-wall turbulence production, resulting in the impairment of heat transfer. In the CO2 study where the wall temperature exceeds the Tpc in a very short distance from the inlet, the “entrance effect” is found to play a more important role in initially impairing the turbulence production. However, this effect is not observed in cases where wall temperature is below Tpc, which is attributed to the weaker density variation below Tpc.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: Health Service Utilization among Men who Have Sex with Men (MSM) who Live in Toronto: Secondary Analysis of a Cross-sectional Study

contributor:
Beyene, Joseph
Health Research Methodology

abstract:
There is a paucity of research describing patterns of access to health services, specifically HIV services among men who have sex with men (MSM) living in Toronto.  To understand whether and how MSM access health services, a secondary analysis of a large survey (implemented in 2006-2008) about HIV vulnerability among MSM was undertaken.  Through logistic regression methods, an investigation of factors potentially associated with differential access to health services by MSM and subsequent impact on safer sex practices among MSM was conducted.
Most participants reported to have seen a family doctor (65.7%) and a dentist (62.5%). Some reported to have accessed walk-in clinics (34.5%), seen a medical specialist (25.4%), and fewer reported accessing emergency rooms (15.7%).  The main factors associated with seeing a family physician were income (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 1.08, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.02-1.14), age (AOR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05), and HIV status (AOR: 3.46, 95% CI: 1.95-6.14).  Having been diagnosed with HIV and with STIs were also associated with seeing medical specialist (AOR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.07-1.93), and using walk-in clinics (AOR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.75-4.14) respectively; whereas substance use was associated with access to emergency rooms (AOR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.27-3.87).  Ethno-racial identity was not associated with differential access to any of the health services investigated.  In addition, access to health services was not found to be associated with safer sex practices.  The small sample size did not allow for in-depth comparison of service use by specific ethnicity.
In conclusion, health promotion interventions that target young MSM in lower income bracket should be tested to increase access to family physicians.  More research with sufficient, diverse and representative data on ethnicity is needed to better understand factors associated with health service utilization by MSM living in Toronto.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: NUMERICAL STUDIES OF FRUSTRATED QUANTUM PHASE TRANSITIONS IN TWO AND ONE DIMENSIONS

contributor:
Sorensen, Erik
Physics and Astronomy

subject: Quantum Phase Transitions, Spin Systems, Spin Liquid, Condensed Matter Physics, Exact Diagonalization, Quantum Fidelity

abstract:
This thesis, comprising three publications, explores the efficacy of novel generalization of the fidelity susceptibility and their numerical application to the study of frustrated quantum phase transitions in two and one dimensions.  Specifically, they will be used in exact diagonalization studies of the various limiting cases of the anisotropic next-nearest neighbour triangular lattice Heisenberg model (ANNTLHM).

These generalized susceptibilities are related to the order parameter susceptibilities and spin stiffness and are believed to exhibit similar behaviour although with greater sensitivity. This makes them ideal for numerical studies on small systems.  Additionally, the utility of the excited-state fidelity and twist boundary conditions will be explored.  All studies are done through numerical exact diagonalization.

In the limit of interchain couplings going to zero the ANNTLHM reduces to the well studied $J_1-J_2$ chain with a known, difficult to identify, BKT-type transition.  In the first publication of this work the generalized fidelity susceptibilities introduced therein are shown to be able to identify this transition as well as characterize the already understood phases it straddles.

The second publication of this work then seeks to apply these generalized fidelity susceptibilities, as well as the excited-state fidelity, to the study of the general phase diagram of the ANNTLHM.  It is shown that the regular and excited-state fidelities are useful quantities for the mapping of novel phase diagrams and that the generalized fidelity susceptibilities can provide valuable information as to the nature of the phases within the mapped phase regions.

The final paper sees the application of twisted boundary conditions to the anisotropic triangular model (next-nearest neighbour interactions are zero).  It is demonstrated that these boundary conditions greatly enhance the ability to numerically explore incommensurate physics in small systems.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Science  (PhD)


title: Determining the Mode of Action of Ibomycin: A Novel Antifungal Compound

contributor:
Wright, Gerard
Health Sciences

subject:
ibomycin
antifungal
mode of action
Cryptococcus neoformans
Candida albicans

abstract: Unlike their bacterial counterparts, diseases caused by fungal pathogens are harder to treat due to a lack of discrete targets. Current antifungals are very broad spectrum and fall into three major classes: polyenes which target the cell membrane, azoles which target sterol biosynthesis and the echinocandins which target the cell wall. Recently a novel macrolide antibiotic produced by WAC 2288 was discovered in a co-culturing screen between various actinomycetes and pathogenic fungi. The active compound, a large type I polyketide compound called ibomycin, was specifically able to inhibit the growth of Cryptococcus neoformans but not Candida albicans. A combination of traditional and genetic approaches were used to identify the mode of action of ibomycin. Despite having characteristics associated with membrane perturbing agents such as fungicidal activity, causing hemolysis and even membrane localization in vivo, it does not seem that ibomycin disrupts the membrane in a sterol-dependent manner. We found evidence to suggest that ibomycin is not involved in disruption of cell wall biosynthesis based on localization in vivo and absence of viability rescue in presence of sorbitol. The results of haploinsufficiency and homozygous profiling of yeast deletion strains suggest that is no single protein target for ibomycin, but rather that membrane perturbation of ibomycin leads to downstream effects that impair vesicular trafficking and protein transport. Based on preliminary evidence, it is predicted that C. albicans is able to bind ibomycin but evades the induced toxic effects by barring access to its cell membrane.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Staying 'on beat' with interval training: the effects of music on exercise enjoyment and performance during sprint interval training

contributor:
Martin Ginis, Kathleen A.
Kinesiology

subject:
Interval Training
Music
Exercise Performance
Exercise Behaviour

abstract:
The purpose of this study was to: (a) determine if listening to music can reduce the potential aversiveness of an acute session of sprint interval training (SIT) by improving affect, motivation and enjoyment, and examine the effects of music on performance; and (b) evaluate participants’ attitudes and intentions towards SIT and determine if they would change after experiencing SIT. Twenty moderately active adults (22±4y), unfamiliar with interval exercise, completed an acute session of SIT under two different conditions: music and no music. The exercise consisted of four, 30-second Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) bouts on a cycle ergometer, separated by 4 minutes of rest. Power output, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), affect, motivation, and enjoyment of the exercise were measured. Attitudes and intentions towards SIT were evaluated at baseline and follow-up. Mixed-effects models were used to evaluate changes in the dependent measures over time and between the two conditions. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to compare differences between attitudes and intentions from baseline to follow-up.
Peak and mean power over the course of the exercise session were higher in the music than no music condition (coefficients=49.72 [SE=13.55], 23.65 [SE=11.30], ps<0.05). A significant time X condition effect emerged for peak power (coefficients=-12.31 [SE=4.95], p<0.05). There were no between-condition differences for RPE, affect or motivation. Perceived enjoyment increased over time, and was consistently higher in the music condition (coefficient=7.00 [SE=3.05], p<0.05). Finally, attitudes and intentions towards SIT were positive at baseline and did not change upon study completion.
Overall, the results suggest music enhanced in-task performance and enjoyment of an acute bout of SIT. Listening to music during intense interval exercise may be an effective strategy to facilitate participation in, and adherence to, this form of training. Furthermore, experiencing an intense SIT protocol does not alter pre-existing positive attitudes and intentions towards SIT.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science in Kinesiology


title: Children of Blood, Children of Shame: Creation and Procreation in Longana, East Aoba, New Hebrides

contributor:
Rodman, W.L.
Anthropology

subject:
relationships
consanguineal classifications
affinal connections
kinship
Longana people

abstract:
 This is a study of the relationships between the systems of consanguineal and affinal classification, the types of genealogical and affinal connections to which the terms refer, and the modes of conduct that are normatively grounded in relations of genealogical connection as they are conceived by the people of Longana district, Aoba. The Longana have a Crow system of kin classification in conjunction with exogamous matrimoieties.

 Important to the analysis of Longana kinship is their theory of procreation, which consists essentially of three parts. First, the Longana believe that parents contribute equally to the substance of their offspring. The Longana themselves posit relations of genealogical connection. Second, the theory of gestation states that a woman's children congenitally acquire her kin class status with respect to her cross-sex sibling. Third, the Longana have a story that accounts for the origins of men and women, sexual knowledge and procreation.

 The mode of consanguineal classification cannot be discovered by analyzing the terms together with the kin types to which they refer separately from the system of spouse 2nd affinal classification, and separately from the modes of conduct that are normatively ascribed to relations of consanguinity and affinity. The principal reason for this is that certain consanguineal relationships, namely the children of grandchildren and the off spring of cross-sex siblings, refer to more than consanguinity, or substance, alone.

 These consanguineal relationships refer also to relations of affinity; to ideas concerning gestation and its significance in the context of the cross-sex sibling bond; to ideas concerning the creation of men and women, and hence to the origin and nature of procreation itself. These conceptions are expressed in the story of human reproduction in which the first woman was a sibling with a male sexual identity with respect to her husband and his brothers. The story is a sequence of events between the first siblings, their spouses and affines, wherein the principles for classifying consanguineals and affines are contained. Also, the story is the means by which particular modes of conduct come to be connoted by the connections between ego and his or her cross-sex sibling, cross-sex sibling's spouse, and cross-sex sibling's offspring -- what is called the cross-sex sibling complex. The cross-sex sibling complex, together with the terminology and modes of conduct appropriate to it, are manifestations, symbols, of the theory of procreation.

 An understanding of the significance of the cross-sex sibling complex is essential for discovering the principles of the Crow terminology, and has relevance for understanding Longana descent, politics, economics, and ritual. In particular, the theory of procreation informs the cross-sex sibling complex in such a way that certain offspring of cross-sex siblings have, congenitally, two sexual identities with respect to their parents' cross-sex siblings, and the resulting multiple kin class statuses held by these kin types refer to the relationships between the first woman and her brothers and her children expressed in the story of human reproduction.

 Thus, the Longana concept of genealogical connection contradicts the prevalent, if implicit, assumption that kin types have associated with them either a male or a female sexual identity, and contradicts the assumption that a genealogical grid constitutes a conveniently simple, semantically neutral, framework for analyzing kinship systems. Finally, the dissertation suggests that a pro-genealogy approach to kinship, and a cultural or symbolic approach to kinship, are not necessarily opposed strategies for investigating the relationships between systems of kin classification and the modes of conduct that may be associated with such systems.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Force Balance in the Interior of the Blast Furnace

contributor:
Lu, Wei-Kao
Materials Engineering

subject: ironmaking 'blast furnace'

abstract:
The goal of this thesis is to advance knowledge about the balance of forces acting on granular materials in the interior of the blast furnace and on the walls. Using the principles of fluid and granular flows, a mathematical model is developed and used to generate new knowledge about the influence of process parameters, under control of the blast furnace operator, on the granular stress at the level of the gas inlet and the walls. The mathematical model developed is validated under ambient conditions by comparing predictions with experimental data obtained from physical scale models of the blast furnace.
Comparison of the wall gas pressure profile from a commercial blast furnace with results from the mathematical model developed, indicate that gas temperature is an important factor in estimating the magnitude of the external force exerted by gas flow on granular materials. Results also show that the vertical stress acting on the upper boundary of the coke bed in the hearth can be altered by changing variables which are under the operator’s control. These variables include the gas properties (mass flow rate and pressure) and the properties of the granular column (bulk density of granular materials and cohesive zone location).
Information generated in this thesis can be used by blast furnace operators for guidance in controlling the vertical stress at the upper boundary of the coke bed in the hearth and for defining the force at this boundary for subsequent studies of hearth region.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Physical Graffiti and School Ecologies: A New Look at 'Disorder', Neighbourhood Effects and School Outcomes

contributor:
Davies, Scott
Dunn, Jim
Denis, Jeffrey
Sociology

subject:
Education
Neighbourhood Effects
Disorder
School Outcomes
Sociology of Education
Qualitative
Quantitative
Systematic Social Observation

abstract:
This sandwich dissertation examines physical disorder as a type of ‘neighbourhood effect’ on education. My research takes a mixed-methods approach to understanding how physical disorder in areas surrounding schools might affect their educational outcomes, such as achievement, climate and discipline, over and above the demographic characteristics of their students. It also points to two possible mechanisms to therefore determine how these net effects might arise.  This original contribution to the neighbourhood effects literature combines citywide, systematic data on physical disorder, neighbourhood demographics and school outcomes, with qualitative data on the views of stakeholders and repeated observations of select neighbourhoods.
Through a quantitative and method-intensive paper, Chapter two discusses the procedures for collecting data on disorder, developing different scales of disorder, and how disorder relates to a variety of census measures and other neighbourhood and school measures. This research presents evidence that Systematic Social Observation (SSO) can provide a reliable and cost effective means of neighbourhood assessment. The results show that observed disorder is statistically related to neighbourhood socio-demographics, collective efficacy, and various academic outcomes. What is surprising, however, was that school exterior disorder had little to no explanatory power compared to observed disorder and graffiti in the face blocks surrounding schools. These findings highlight how beyond the recognized effects of socio-demographics, additional mechanisms in neighbourhoods, such as disorder and graffiti, can directly and indirectly influence school outcomes like achievement, discipline, and safety.
My third chapter directly studies the impact of characteristics of neighbourhoods by examining the direct and additive effect(s) of observed disorder on academic achievement, discipline, and safety. Two sets of findings were reported. First, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models showed that neighbourhood disorder but not school disorder was strongly associated with neighbourhood poverty. While the former effect was expected, the latter finding is interpreted as demonstrating how institutional processes in education can detach school physical plants from their immediate surroundings. Second, net of neighbourhood poverty and school size and type, higher levels of neighbourhood disorder were associated with lower school achievement, higher suspension rates, and larger proportions of students reporting to feel unsafe, though school disorder had far weaker effects. These findings are interpreted as demonstrating the power of neighbourhood disorder to trigger either student deviance or family self-selection processes, but also demonstrating how institutional processes can weaken the signalling power of disorder on school grounds and property.
The fourth chapter provides an in-depth examination of two purported mechanisms to uncover the social processes that generated the broad relationships established in chapters 2 and 3. This research demonstrates that self-selection and reputational processes are likely generators of the net effects that were demonstrated in previous chapters. My qualitative evidence suggests that nearby disorder likely sends negative signals to would-be choosers of schools, creating (and perpetuating) long-lasting perceptions and reputations amongst aspiring, ambitious and achievement-oriented families. Schools with lots of nearby disorder are regarded to have deep-rooted problems, connected to their local populations and building conditions. As a result, aspiring families were recognized to self-select out of these disorderly schools, and re-locate elsewhere.
This sandwich dissertation has found an intriguing pattern of effects and non-effects of disorder on schooling. It also highlights how neighbourhood disorder can send strong signals that ultimately shape school processes. Though many neighbourhood researchers have applied hypotheses of disorder to a variety of human capital outcomes there has been little recognition of disorder as a physical ‘neighbourhood effect’ on schooling. From this perspective, it is not only helpful to recognize that disorder in nearby areas seems to affect schooling, but that self-selection and reputation processes can explain how this specific neighbourhood effect might arise. Since a shortcoming of existing work is that neighbourhood attributes are measured primarily using census data, the contribution of this dissertation to sociology is that researchers are now better equipped methodologically to design their own standardized approaches and disorder scales that directly measure neighbourhood conditions.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Development of stirred well filtration as a high-throughput technique for downstream bioprocessing

subject:
Microscale processing
High-throughput testing
Downstream bioprocessing
Stirred well filtration (SWF)
BSA filtration
Micromixing
Fouling test
Omega™ membrane

abstract:
Micro-scale processing (MSP) techniques are miniaturized version of upstream and downstream conventional unit operations that are designed to accelerate the pace of bioprocess design and development. Previous ‘dead end’ filtration studies have demonstrated the usefulness of this concept for membrane filtration processes.  However, these experiments were performed without stirring which is the most common strategy to control the effects of concentration polarization and fouling on filtration performance.
In this work, the pressure-driven stirred conditions of a conventional stirred-cell module were integrated with a 96-well filter plate to develop a high throughput technique called ‘stirred-well filtration’ (SWF).  The design allowed for up to eight constant flux filtration experiments to be conducted at once using a multi-rack programmable syringe pump and a magnetic lateral tumble stirrer.  An array of pressure transducers was used to monitor the transmembrane pressure (TMP) in each well.  The protein sieving behavior and fouling propensity of Omega™ ultrafiltration membranes were assessed via a combination of hydraulic permeability measurements and protein sieving tests in constant filtrate flux mode.  The TMP profile during filtration of bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution was strongly dependent on the stirring conditions – for example the maximum TMP in the stirred wells were an average of 7.5, 3.8, and 2.6 times lower than those in the unstirred wells at filtrate fluxes of 12, 36, and 60 LMH (5, 15, and 25 μL/min) respectively.  The consistency of the data across different wells for the same stirring condition was very good.  To demonstrate the effectiveness of the SWF technique, the eight tests for a simple 2^2 factorial design-of-experiments (DOE) test with duplicates was run to evaluate the effect of solution pH and salt concentration on protein filtration.  The combination of SWF with statistical methods such as DOE is shown to be an effective strategy for high-throughput optimization of membrane filtration processes.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


title: CONSEQUENCE OF MMP-9 DEFICIENCY ON INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE REGULATION AND RETINAL GANGLION CELL SURVIVAL

contributor:
West-Mays, Judith
Medical Sciences

subject: glaucoma, matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-9, IOP, RGC, retina

abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to be the mediators of extracellular matrix remodeling. Increased levels of matrix metalloproteinases, particularly MMP-9, have been found in the aqueous humor of patients with glaucoma. However the exact role of MMP-9 in glaucomatous changes is not understood. Previous results from the West-Mays’ lab indicated that MMP-9 deficient (knockout - KO) mice exhibit elevated IOP, in the absence of distinct morphological changes in the anterior chamber.
 In the current thesis, I investigated whether the elevated IOP in MMP-9KO mice leads to RGC death. Wild type and KO littermates at different age groups: 2-3 months, 3-4 months, 6-8 and 9-12 months were studied. IOP was measured using TonoLab rebound tonometer. My results demonstrated that IOP was significantly increased in MMP-9KO mice compared to control littermates at all ages examined. To investigate if the elevated IOP was due to a difference in central corneal thickness (CCT), CCT measurements were made between WT and KO mice using ultrasound pachymeter. There was no difference in CCT demonstrating that the elevated IOP observed in MMP-9KO mice was not related to changes in corneal thickness. To determine whether the elevated IOP led to RGC death, the animals were sacrificed, eyes were enucleated and retinas (n=4) from both WT and KO animals were dissected and stained with Brn-3a antibody. Additional eyes were harvested from both WT and KO mice for histological and immunofluorescence studies. I found no observable difference in Brn3a+ RGC count between MMP9-WT and KO mice. Furthermore, no difference in retinal morphology, glial reactivity and laminin expression between WT and KO mice was observed. In the future it will be important to investigate whether elevated IOP in the MMP-9KO mice leads to optic nerve axonal loss and further investigate the possibility that the MMP-9KO retina is neuroprotected.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: The Iconography of Vending Scenes on Gallo-Roman Funerary Reliefs

contributor:
Dunbabin, K.M.D.
Slater, W.
George, M.
Classics

subject:
Gallo-Roman
Iconography of Vending Scenes

abstract:
The majority of Gallo-Roman reliefs were published in the early 1900s, and since that time
there has been no major study undertaken solely on a peculiarly abundant and striking part of
the corpus, namely the scenes of vending depicted on funerary monuments. Scholars have
tended to concentrate their efforts on scenes of work in general, both in Gaul and in Italy,
where another important series of work scenes is found, including vending scenes. Therefore,
this thesis focuses on 61 Gallo-Roman reliefs depicting the sale or display of merchandise such
as clothing, food, wine and specialty products. These transactions often take place in small,
shop-like settings, consisting of a counter, and sometimes shelves or display racks
The analysis of the iconography of the vending scenes is of central importance to our
understanding of the various occupational roles of the merchants, who range from small scale
shop-keepers to commercial wholesalers of products. As many of the reliefs are in relatively
poor condition, the comparanda from the Italian series of vending scenes, epigraphic parallels,
archaeological finds and literary sources are essential in dealing with problems of interpretation.
One problem to be resolved is how closely the Gallo-Roman vending scenes follow the Italian
models. Another problem concerns the visual and verbal evidence for the legal and social status
of Gallo-Roman vendors. Where did these vendors fit into Gallo-Roman society? Additionally,
what do the products displayed in these reliefs reveal about the economy of Roman Gaul? It is the intent of this thesis to demonstrate that the vendors wished to present
themselves on their tombs in ways to show that they achieved prosperity and a relatively
comfortable status in life through their endeavours in commerce and trade. The best evidence
for the actual success of these vendors is given by the large, costly tombs upon which some of
the vending scenes are carved.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Deleuze and Ancient Greek Philosophies of Nature

contributor:
Allen, Barry
Philosophy

subject: Gilles Deleuze, ancient Greek philosophy, Nature, Plato, Aristotle, Stoicism, Epicurus, Being, Problem, Event, Difference

abstract: Many of Gilles Deleuze’s most celebrated arguments are developed in conversation with Plato, Aristotle, Chrysippus and Epicurus. This thesis argues that ancient Stoic conceptions of causality and language and Epicurean contributions to geometry and physics are especially important to Deleuze because they significantly undergird the concepts of “event” and “problem” that characterize Deleuze’s alternative image of thought and philosophy of nature. The role of Hellenistic influences on Deleuze has been underappreciated, probably because his references are often allusive and oblique. My dissertation reconstructs and supplements Deleuze’s interpretations of these ancient Greek philosophers. I offer critical analysis and discussion of the uses to which Deleuze is trying to put them, as well as evaluations of Deleuze’s readings in light of contemporary scholarship on Greek philosophy. Specifically, I defend Deleuze’s claim that the theory of events in The Logic of Sense is derived in large part from the ancient Stoics. Despite being supplemented by a healthy dose of twentieth-century structuralism, Deleuze’s reading of the Stoics is not indefensible, especially his interpretation of incorporeal lekta as events linked by relationships of compatibility and incompatibility independent of conceptual entailment or physical causality. I also offer an entirely new evaluation of Deleuze's polemic with Aristotle’s conception of difference. The correct understanding of Deleuze’s position has been obscured by his apparent conflation of the Aristotelian concepts of homonymy and analogy. What might otherwise seem to be a misreading of Aristotle should be read as part of an incompletely realized argument to the effect that Aristotle’s account of the core-dependent homonymy of being fails. Finally I explicate Deleuze's contention that Epicurean atomism is a “problematic Idea,” which is derived from a careful but almost entirely implicit reading of both Epicurus and Lucretius. Deleuze reads the Epicurean “swerve” as a mechanism for the self-determination of physical systems, which models the capacity of problematic ideas to provoke new lines of reasoning and alternative forms of thought. The influence of Epicureanism and Stoicism on Deleuze’s late work on meta-philosophy in What is Philosophy? accounts for the way it treats the images of nature and of thought as inextricably linked. Deleuze understands the ambition to give a joint account of nature and thought to be typical of Hellenistic philosophy.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The Percieved Benefits of a Mobile Health Service in the Developing Country: Bangladesh

contributor:
Baumann, Andrea
Ladouceur, Michael
Archer, Norman P.
Global Health

subject:
Mobile Health
Developing country

abstract:
Background. The use of mobile technology has become more prevalent within the delivery of healthcare (m-health) within the developing world. Its use is considered convenient and innovative, but little is known about its effectiveness. Although promising, there is a lack of literature pertaining to its overall effectiveness.
Purpose. This study takes the perspectives of threes groups of key stakeholders to describe the m-health service and the perceived benefits of using the mobile health technology implemented by BRAC in the urban slums of Korail, within the capital city: Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Methods. The study uses an exploratory descriptive case study design. The methodology includes demographic questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews. The sample included three groups: the BRAC developers, the community health workers (CHWs) and the villagers.
Conclusion. This study described the perspectives of those involved with the service, defining the m-health service as well as highlighting four major themes: strengths and benefits, knowledge and awareness, challenges and barriers and areas of improvement. The emerging themes found in the study provide paradigms of what to expect when implementing pilot m-health innovation and suggests direction for growth and sustainability.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract: The purpose of the study is to understand the new mobile health (m-health) service started by BRAC in the urban slums of Dhaka Bangladesh.  This is carried out by asking questions to the people who use the service the most: the BRAC developers, the community health workers (CHWs) and the villagers.


title: SYNTHESIS AND INVESTIGATING THERMOELECTRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RECuQ2  (RE= Pr, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er AND Q= Se, Te)

title: THERMOELECTRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF RARE-EARTH COPPER CHALCOGENIDES

contributor:
Mozharivskyj, Yurij
Chemistry and Chemical Biology

subject: Thermoelectric- electrical conductivity- Seebeck Effect- Rare-Earth Copper Chalcogenide- electronic band structure- DTA- TGA- DOS- COHP

abstract: Results of this research are available online in two published papers.

abstract:
The main focus of this research was to synthesize and then to characterize the potential high-performance thermoelectric materials. In this regard, we have prepared a series of pure RECuSe2 (with RE = Pr, Sm, Gd, Dy and Er) and RECuTe2 (with RE = Er, Dy and Gd) and analyzed their crystal structure, electronic and physical properties.
We used powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques to analyze their crystal structures and employed energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) to verify their chemical compositions. The temperature stability of the synthesized samples was examined by differential thermal and gravimetrical analysis. The high-purity consolidated pellets were prepared for physical properties measurements. We analyzed the relationship between their crystal structures and pertinent electronic properties through the LMTO calculations.
The RECuSe2 phases adopt two structures, monoclinic and trigonal. The monoclinic structure (P21/c, z = 4) is observed for lighter rare earths (RE = Pr, Sm and Gd) and Cu-disordered trigonal structure for heavier rare earths (P m1, z = 1, RE = Dy and Er). The resistivity and Seebeck coefficient measurements indicate that the studied selenides are p-type semiconductors with relatively small activation energies (0.045-0.12 eV). However, their electrical resistivities are too high (0.49-220 Ohmcm at room temperature) to make them competitive thermoelectric materials. Electronic structure calculations indicate presence of a band gap in the RECuSe2 phases.
The synthesized RECuTe2 phases (RE = Er, Dy and Gd) adopt a monoclinic-distorted variant (C2/m, z = 2) of the trigonal structure (P m1, Z= 1) observed for the RECuSe2 (with RE = Dy, Er). While such disorder may be beneficial for lowering their thermal conductivity, large values of electrical resistivity (0.02-0.87 Ohmcm at room temperature) make these phases unsuitable for practical applications. Comparing to the corresponding semiconducting selenides, the tellurides have lower resistivities, and display a metallic type resistivity. Such behavior stems from the closure of band gaps, which is verified by the electronic structures calculations.
Structurally the RECuTe2 phases (with RE = Er, Dy and Gd) are similar to RECuSe2 with the P m1 structure. The monoclinic distortion in RECuTe2 is driven by Cu displacement inside the larger tetrahedral voids in the hexagonal close packing of the Te atoms. Most likely, Cu shifts to one side of the Te tetrahedra to optimize the Cu-Te interactions.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Candidate in Philosophy


title: INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF CEREBRAL DOPAMINE NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR (CDNF) IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE

contributor:
Mishra, Ram
Neuroscience

subject: CDNF, Parkinson's disease, Neurotrophic factor, C. elegans, HPLC, biomarker

abstract:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting the aging population over the age of sixty. Characterized by the significant degeneration of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons of the substantia nigra causing severe motor dysfunction. Although the exact pathogenesis of this disease is still unknown endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are believed to play a role. PD is diagnosed after severe DAergic neuron degeneration, and yet is still often misdiagnosed. There is a need for a definitive diagnostic test for the early detection of PD. Current therapies only relieve symptoms and do not stop disease progression. Neurotrophic factors (NTF) are naturally occurring proteins that promote the survival, differentiation and maintenance of neurons and present a promising candidate for the treatment of PD. Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is a novel NTF that protects and rescues DAergic neurons. The present study investigated the role of DAergic activity and CDNF mRNA expression in C. elegans, as well as understanding how does PD affect the endogenous levels of CDNF protein and mRNA expression.
We demonstrated that of the various dopamine (DA) synthesis and transport mutants tested, the impaired synthesis of DA from levodopa is linked to the up regulation of CDNF. Also, following unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioning protein and mRNA expression of CDNF was not affected implicating ER stress as inducing a possible compensatory up regulation of CDNF, thus returning levels to normal. CDNF mRNA expression was determined to decline with age and possibly increase ones vulnerability to developing a neurodegenerative disorder. An increase mRNA expression of CDNF in the PD patient population was found to be specific to platelets. Stroke patients showed an increase in CDNF expression in whole blood. In conclusion, these findings highlight the importance of the relationship between CDNF and ER stress and warrants further investigation.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: EFFECTIVE DATA ASSOCIATION ALGORITHMS FOR MULTITARGET TRACKING

contributor:
Kirubarajan, Thia
Electrical and Computer Engineering

abstract:
In multitarget tracking scenarios with high false alarm rate and low target detection
probability, data association plays a key role in resolving measurement origin uncertainty.
The measurement origin uncertainty becomes worse when there are multiple
detection per scan from the same target. This thesis proposes efficient data association
algorithms for multitarget tracking under these conditions. For a multiple detection scenario, this thesis presents a novel Multiple-Detection Probabilistic Data Association Filter (MD-PDAF) and its multitarget version, Multiple-Detection Joint Probabilistic Data Association Filter (MD-JPDAF). The algorithms are capable of handling multiple detection per scan from target in the presence of clutter and missed detection. The algorithms utilize the multiple-detection pattern, which accounts for many-to-one measurement set-to-track association rather than
one-to-one measurement-to-track association, in order to generate multiple detection
association events. In addition, a Multiple Detection Posterior Cramer-Rao Lower
Bound (MD-PCRLB) is derived in order to evaluate the performance of the proposed
filters with theoretical bound. With respect to instantaneous track update, a continuous 2-D assignment for multitarget tracking with rotating radars is proposed. In this approach, the full scan is divided into sectors, which could be as small as a single detection, depending on the scanning rate, sparsity of targets and required track state update speed. The
measurement-to-track association followed by filtering and track state update is done
dynamically while sweeping from one region to another. As a result, a continuous
track update, limited only by the inter-measurement interval, becomes possible. Finally, a new measurement-level fusion algorithm is proposed for a heterogeneous sensors network. In the proposed method, a maritime scenario, where radar measurements and Automatic  identification System (AIS) messages are available, is considered. The fusion algorithms improve the estimation accuracy by assigning multiple AIS IDs to a track in order to resolve the AIS ID-to-track association ambiguity. In all cases, the performance of the proposed algorithms is evaluated with a Monte Carlo simulation experiment.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Oncostatin M Regulation of Airway Smooth Muscle Cells and its Expression by Blood Mononuclear Cells

contributor:
Richards, Carl D
Medical Sciences

abstract:
Asthma is a complex respiratory condition that has markedly increased in prevalence over the past 5 decades. It is classified as a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways due to overzealous immunological pathways resulting in increased immune cell infiltration, changes in the extracellular matrix/airway structural integrity and airway hyper-responsiveness. Commonly, persons with asthma experience exacerbations associated with bacterial and/or viral infections that significantly increase the morbidity and rate of hospitalization of individuals with this condition. The mechanisms that cause these exacerbations are not yet clear. It is postulated here that Oncostatin M (OSM) is released by macrophage cells in response to viral/bacterial products and contributes to the pathology in exacerbations through stimulating human airway smooth muscle cell (HASMC) pro-inflammatory responses, modulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression and HASMC proliferation.
The findings of this thesis showed that OSM indeed could stimulate HASMC production of various cytokines including: IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, MCP-3, Eotaxin-1, Eotaxin-3, IL-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Furthermore, OSM could act in a synergistic manner with IL-4, IL-13 or IL-17A in the selective expression of: IL-6, MCP-1, Eotaxin-1, Eotaxin-3, IL-8 and VEGF by cultured HASMC. Elevation in MCP-1 and IL-6 expression was sensitive to p38 and STAT inhibition indicating the engagement of these signalling pathways. OSM did not consistently modulate changes in ECM remodelling proteins or proliferation of these cells in vitro.
The findings also demonstrate that toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 and TLR-7/8 ligands could markedly elevate OSM steady state mRNA and protein expression in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) that were differentiated towards macrophages with M-CSF but not in the absence of M-CSF.
Collectively, these in vitro results suggest a mechanism for viral/bacterial-induced asthma exacerbations that involves elevated OSM production by infiltrating monocytes in response to these pathogens and subsequent augmentation of HASMC pro-inflammatory responses and synergistic expression of select chemotactic factors resulting in acute asthma exacerbations.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS)


title: A Multi-Scalar Analysis of the Politics Of Obsidian Consumption in the West Mediterranean (ca. 6th - 2nd millennia B.C.)

contributor:
Carter, Tristan
Anthropology

subject:
Archaeology
West Mediterranean Prehistory

abstract:
This dissertation details and contextualizes the changing nature of obsidian circulation and use in the West Mediterranean from the sixth to second millennia B.C., with a particular focus on the reflexive relationship between obsidian consumption and long-term socio-economic processes. Central themes in this work include, a) the significance of exchange and long-distance relations in the creation and maintenance of social distinction, b) the specific role of obsidian circulation and consumption in these processes, and c) a longue durée investigation of the history of obsidian use and maritime activity in the West Mediterranean from the Neolithic through Bronze Age.
Methodologically this is achieved through, a) the compilation and interrogation of a database of regional obsidian studies over the past 50 years, and b) the generation of new primary data via the typological analysis of 6,895 obsidian artifacts from 46 archeological sites in Sicily and Sardinia, 2,103 of which were also elementally characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry to determine their geological source.
Central to this work is the idea that obsidian ‘characterization’ studies represent a powerful means of engaging with major social science questions, where a particular regional dataset can be used to contribute to debates of global significance. Thus, while the focus of this work is on obsidian consumption in the West Mediterranean, its implications are far-reaching.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: POLYMER FUNCTIONALIZATION FOR THE SUSPENSION OF CARBON NANOTUBES IN BULK POLYMER

contributor:
Adronov, Alex
Chemistry

subject:
Polymer Chemistry
Carbon Nanotubes

abstract:
Carbon nanotubes have great strength, high conductivities, and very large aspect ratios. Their physical, mechanical, and electrical properties are unique and ideally suited for use in structural materials, nano-electronic devices, and as a conductive filler. The homogeneous incorporation of carbon nanotubes in bulk materials such as polymers is difficult to achieve. This is further complicated by the inhomogeneity of carbon nanotube samples. The desire to incorporate carbon nanotubes in a wide variety of devices has been the impetus for carbon nanotube chemistry over the last decade. This requires techniques for dispersal and processing, as well as methodologies for producing monodisperse samples.
In Chapter 1, this thesis discusses the fundamental properties of carbon nanotubes and gives a brief overview of the state-of-the-art in carbon nanotube separation, dispersion, and the incorporation of carbon nanotubes in bulk polymers. Chapters 2, 3, and 4 outline our efforts in the area of bulk polymer suspensions; in polystyrene (Ch. 2) and in crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane elastomers (Ch. 3 and 4). Chapter 2 describes our efforts to gain an understanding of the factors limiting the graft density of polymers on the surface of carbon nanotubes, and our insights on the ability of polymer grafts to compatibilize carbon nanotubes with a host polymer. Chapter 3 discusses the application of the Piers-Rubinsztajn reaction as a method of functionalizing the surface of nanotubes with silanes, and crosslinking them within silicone rubbers. Chapter 4 outlines the development of a supramolecular strategy for the dispersion of carbon nanotubes within silicone elastomers using conjugated and di-block co-polymers. Lastly, Chapters 5 through 6 explore the initial stages of development of a “universal” polymer for the dispersion of carbon nanotubes based on highly reactive cyclooctyne monomer units (Ch. 5) and the precursor chemistry required to make this unit on sufficient scale (Ch. 6).

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: B-Spline Based Multitarget Tracking

contributor:
Thiagalingam, Kirubarajan
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject: Multitarget tracking, Nonlinear filtering, Probability Hypothesis Density filter, Splines

subject: Maneuvering target tracking, Maximum-Likelihood-Probabilistic Data Association Algorithm, Track initialization, Low observable target tracking, Joint Maximum-Likelihood-Probabilistic Data Association Algorithm

abstract:
Multitarget tracking in the presence of false alarm is a difficult problem to consider. The objective of multitarget tracking is to estimate the number of targets and their states recursively from available observations. At any given time, targets can be born, die and spawn from already existing targets. Sensors can detect these targets with a defined threshold, where normally the observation is influenced by false alarm. Also if the targets are with low signal to noise ratio (SNR) then the targets may not be detected.

The Random Finite Set (RFS) filters can be used to solve such multitarget problem efficiently. Specially, one of the best and most widely used RFS based filter is the Probability Hypothesis Density (PHD) filter. The PHD filter approximates the posterior probability density function (PDF) by the first order moment only, where the targets SNR assumed to be much higher. The PHD filter supports targets die, born, spawn and missed-detection by using the well known implementations including Sequential Monte Carlo Probability Hypothesis Density (SMC-PHD) and Gaussian Mixture Probability Hypothesis Density (GM-PHD) methods. The SMC-PHD filter suffers from the well known degeneracy problems while GM-PHD filter may not be suitable for nonlinear and non-Gaussian target tracking problems.

It is desirable to have a filter that can provide continuous estimates for any distribution. This is the motivation for the use of B-Splines in this thesis. One of the main focus of the thesis is the B-Spline based PHD (SPHD) filters. The Spline is a well developed theory and been used in academia and industry for more than five decades. The B-Spline can represent any numerical, geometrical and statistical functions and models including the PDF and PHD. The SPHD filter can be applied to linear, nonlinear, Gaussian and non-Gaussian multitarget tracking applications. The SPHD continuity can be maintained by selecting splines with order of three or more, which avoids the degeneracy-related problem. Another important characteristic of the SPHD filter is that the SPHD can be locally controlled, which allow the manipulations of the SPHD and its natural tendency for handling the nonlinear problems. The SPHD filter can be further extended to support maneuvering multitarget tracking, where it can be an alternative to any available PHD filter implementations.

The PHD filter does not work well for very low observable (VLO) target tracking problems, where the targets SNR is normally very low. For very low SNR scenarios the PDF must be approximated by higher order moments. Therefore the PHD implementations may not be suitable for the problem considered in this thesis. One of the best estimator to use in VLO target tracking problem is the Maximum-Likelihood Probability Data Association (ML-PDA) algorithm. The standard ML-PDA algorithm is widely used in single target initialization or geolocation problems with high false alarm. The B-Spline is also used in the ML-PDA (SML-PDA) implementations. The SML-PDA algorithm has the capability to determine the global maximum of ML-PDA log-likelihood ratio with high efficiency in terms of state estimates and low computational complexity. For fast passive track initialization, search and rescue operations the SML-PDA algorithm can be used more efficiently compared to the standard ML-PDA algorithm. Also the SML-PDA algorithm with the extension supports the multitarget tracking.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Preparation and Evaluation of Molecular Imaging Probes for Breast Cancer

contributor:
Valliant, John F.
Chemical Biology

subject: Imaging Probes, Breast Cancer, Insuin, uPAR

abstract:
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women over the age of 20, as recently reported by the Canadian Cancer Society. Studies have shown a strong correlation between early detection and increased survival rates thus it is important to have a means to adequately screen and detect breast cancer. Currently, tests are limited to traditional imaging methods such as ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and standard mammography. There remains a need for a molecular imaging probe that is capable of providing further prognostic information particularly with respect to assessing tumour aggressiveness and the likelihood of a cancer to metastasize.
Overexpression of the insulin receptor (IR) has been detailed in patients with breast cancer but there is currently no means of non-invasive and quantifiable detection of the receptor. The goal of the work described here was to prepare an insulin derived nuclear imaging probe via direct coupling of a prosthetic group bearing a radionuclide to the B29 lysine (B29-Lys) residue of the hormone. Benzoic acid bearing halogens were chosen as model compounds. The lead candidate N-[4-fluorobenzoyl]-(B29-Lys) insulin (4) was prepared in 60% overall yield and showed affinity for the IR similar to that of native insulin (IC50=3.6 nM). The 18F analogue (9) was successfully synthesized and showed high stability (up to 4 hours) post formulation in both saline and phosphate buffered solution (PBS). The product represents a promising new probe for assessing the role of the IR in cancer growth and metastasis.
A complementary strategy for imaging markers of tumour aggressiveness was investigated through the development of a novel ultrasound probe. A pretargeting approach involving urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), which is known to play a role in cancer metastasis, was used to develop the agent of interest. Here an in vivo reaction between tetrazine tagged microbubbles (MBs) and anti-uPAR antibodies conjugated to trans-cyclooctene (TCO) was employed. Following preparation of the antibody conjugate and tetrazine functionalized MBs, preliminary in vitro testing in a flow cell system was conducted. Results showed the ability of the uPAR expressing cells to exclusively capture the tetrazine MBs after they have been previously incubated with the TCO anti-uPAR antibody. No capture was observed when the target and/or the antibody were absent. The contrast agent developed represents the first MB targeted against uPAR and has the potential to impact current diagnostic paradigms particularly given the widespread use of ultrasound in cancer patient management.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Aurora non grata: A Critical Appreciation of Ovid, Amores 1.13

contributor:
Murgatroyd, Paul
Classics

subject: Latin Literature; Greek Literature; Classical Philology; Literary Criticism

abstract: Little scholarly work has been done on Amores 1.13 despite the fact that it is thematically unique in the extant corpus of Latin elegy and an altogether brilliant example of Ovidian ingenuity. The theme of the poem, Aurora’s premature arrival and disruption of a lovers’ union, is derived chiefly from Hellenistic love epigram. Scholars have often noted that two epigrams in particular, both composed by Meleager of Gadara, may have served as Ovid’s literary models. In fact, there are three Meleagrian epigrams which appear to have influenced the composition of Amores 1.13: A.P. 5.172, 5.173, and 12.137. In the following chapters, I examine the Meleagrian dawn epigrams without reference to Amores 1.13. Once the constituent elements of the Meleagrian dawn epigram have been properly established, I then consider Meleager’s influence on Amores 1.13 and the way in which Ovid adapts the Meleagrian model to suit his specific poetic needs. Finally, I provide a detailed literary-critical commentary on all elements of note.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Philosophy (MA)


title: Mechanisms of Cigarette Smoke-Induced Inflammation and the Exacerbated Response to Bacteria in Mice

title: The Inflammatory Response to Cigarette Smoke and Bacteria

contributor: Medical Sciences (Molecular Virology and Immunology Program)

subject:
inflammation
cigarette smoke
macrophage
neutrophil
bacteria
COPD

abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, with the potential to afflict as many as half of the 1.1 billion smokers in the world.  The inflammatory response to cigarette smoke is believed to mediate the progressive and irreversible loss of lung function that characterizes COPD.  The greatest burden of the disease arises from episodes of worsened symptoms and inflammation, usually triggered by microbial infection.  Currently, the mechanisms that drive cigarette smoke-induced inflammation are being elucidated but ambiguity remains about this response and the inflammatory response engaged in a smoke-exposed lung experiencing a microbial infection.  This thesis sought to investigate inflammatory mediators induced by cigarette smoke and those induced by bacteria, the most common cause of infectious exacerbations of COPD, in the context of smoke exposure.  In chapter two we investigated the role of Breast Regression Protein-39 (BRP-39), a gene commonly observed to be increased under inflammatory conditions, in the inflammatory response to cigarette smoke.  In order to determine the mechanisms of BRP-39 induction, its expression and inflammation was assessed in IL-13, IL-18, and IL-1R1 deficient mice.  BRP-39 was found to be redundant in cigarette smoke-induced inflammation, but these data confirmed that IL-1R1 was a crucial mediator of this response.  After examining the inflammatory response elicited by smoke alone, we investigated the importance of IL-1 signaling in a model of bacterial exacerbation of cigarette smoke-induced inflammation.  We found that the exacerbated neutrophilia that typifies the response of a smoke-exposed lung to bacteria was dependent on IL-1α-mediated production of the CXCR2 ligand CXCL5.  This study identified the unique phenomenon that cigarette smoke primes alveolar macrophages to produce excessive amounts of IL-1α in response to bacterial stimuli.  The purpose of the final study of the thesis was to more comprehensively characterize the extent to which cigarette smoke changes the phenotype of macrophages.  Examining total gene expression by microarray found that smoke-exposed alveolar macrophages were in a proliferative state expressing a unique profile of inflammatory mediators.  Further analysis revealed that this was likely the result of a pulmonary environment rich in growth factors.  Taken together, these data provide detail to the understanding of the biological process of inflammation that drives the pathogenesis of COPD.  These studies identify a phenomenon that predisposes smokers to experience more severe responses to bacteria and reinforces the targeting of IL-1 signaling in the treatment of COPD.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Science)


title: Sodium bicarbonate ingestion augments the increase in PGC-1α mRNA expression during recovery from intense interval exercise in human skeletal muscle

contributor:
Gibala, Martin J.
Kinesiology

abstract: We investigated the hypothesis that ingestion of sodium bicarbonate prior to an acute session of high-intensity intense interval training (HIIT) would augment signalling cascades and gene expression linked to mitochondrial biogenesis in human skeletal muscle. On two occasions separated by ~1 wk, nine active men (22 ± 2 y; 78 ± 13 kg, VO2peak = 48 ± 8 mL/kg/min; mean ± SD) performed a HIIT protocol that involved 10 x 60 s cycling efforts at an intensity eliciting ~90% of maximal heart rate (263 ± 40 W), interspersed by 60 s of recovery. In a double-blind, crossover manner, participants ingested either 0.2 g kg-1 b.w. sodium bicarbonate (BICARB) or an equimolar dose of a placebo, sodium chloride (PLAC), 90 and 60 min prior to exercise.  Blood samples confirmed that bicarbonate concentration, as well as pH and lactate, were all elevated during and following exercise after BICARB vs. PLAC (p < 0.05). Needle biopsies from the vastus lateralis obtained immediately post HIIT revealed that glycogen utilization was greater after BICARB (27%) vs. PLAC (11%). Phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, a downstream marker of AMPK activity, and p38 MAPK were increased immediately after exercise compared to rest with no differences between treatments (p > 0.05). However, compared to rest, PGC-1α mRNA expression was increased after 3 h of recovery to a greater extent in BICARB vs. PLAC (~7- vs. 5-fold, p < 0.05). We conclude that NaHCO3 ingestion altered skeletal muscle metabolism during HIIT and augmented the expression of PGC-1α mRNA during recovery.  These results provide novel insights into potential mechanisms responsible for enhanced adaptations after chronic supplementation.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science in Kinesiology


title: Modulation of Listeria monocytogenes biofilm formation using small molecules and enzymes

contributor:
Burrows, Lori
Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences

abstract: Inadequately disinfected food contact surfaces colonized by Listeria monocytogenes can come into contact with ready-to-eat food products causing cross-contamination and food-borne outbreaks. L. monocytogenes is tolerant of high salt, low temperatures and low pH, in part due to its ability to form biofilms, defined as communities of microorganisms that are surrounded by a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance that can adhere to surfaces. Biofilm formation is a complex process involving a series of poorly defined physiological changes that together lead to tolerance of disinfectants and antibiotics. To better understand the process of L. monocytogenes biofilm development, and to investigate ways in which colonization of surfaces might be prevented, we developed a microtiter biofilm assay suitable for high throughput screening. The assay was used to identify small molecules (protein kinase inhibitors and previously FDA-approved bioactive drugs) that modulate L. monocytogenes biofilm development. Of the subset of molecules with biofilm modulatory activities, we showed that select protein kinase inhibitors and β-lactams prevented or reduced biofilm formation (<50% of vehicle control) of L. monocytogenes lab strains and food isolates at micromolar concentrations. In other cases, specific β-lactams stimulated biofilm formation (>200% of vehicle control) at sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations. Characterization of the penicillin-binding protein targets of the β-lactams revealed that PBPD1, a low molecular weight D,D-carboxypeptidase, is targeted by non-stimulatory β-lactams. Stimulatory β-lactams did not increase biofilm formation of a pbpD1 mutant to the same extent as wild type. In addition to inhibiting biofilm formation, many β-lactams dispersed established biofilms, although not completely. However, targeting components of the EPS matrix with enzymes — specifically proteins, using proteinase K –completely blocked adhesion and removed established biofilms. Together, these findings demonstrate how molecules with different mechanisms of action can modulate biofilm formation and the potential for use of proteinase K in the food industry as an antibiofilm agent.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: LESBIAN/QUEER IDENTIFIED GRANDMOTHERING: CREATING VISIBILITY AND ACKNOWLEDGING STRENGTHS THROUGH THE GRANDPARENT – GRANDCHILD RELATIONSHIP

contributor:
Aronson, Jane
Social Work

subject: lesbian grandmother queer grandchildren kinship grandparent

abstract:
This research explored the experiences of lesbian and queer-identified women who are actively grandparenting in the context of a same-sex relationship. Most research investigating the experiences of grandparents takes a heteronormative focus and fails to acknowledge the possibility that grandparenting can take place within the context of a queer family structure. Thus, this study attempted to initiate a discussion among feminist, queer, and gerontological researchers to fill a gap in the literature on grandparenting within a same-sex context.
A qualitative study of four lesbian/queer-identified couples was conducted. In semi-structured interviews, couples were interviewed together and asked questions about their  involvement in the everyday lives of their grandchildren, how homophobia and heterosexism impacts their relationships with their grandchildren, and how these experiences vary (if at all) with the nature of the grandmothers’ relational ties (e.g., biologically related or non-biologically related). While the sample included some variation in terms of incomes, backgrounds and cultures, all four couples are linked into informal lesbian/ queer community networks and live in large or mid-size urban areas in southern Ontario – a relatively progressive jurisdiction with respect to same sex marriage and human rights legislation.
Findings suggest that there are differences in the experiences of lesbian grandmothers based on varying relational ties and that non-biological women are particularly affected by changes in the socio-legal context and by homophobia and heterosexism within the extended family. Non-biologically related grandmothers consider their role as a grandmother to be ‘chosen;’ that is, they made a conscious decision to identify as a grandmother. Non-biologically related grandmothers also did not anticipate becoming grandmothers because they were not biological mothers; thus, the opportunity to become a grandmother contributed to a life course journey that they did not expect to have. By grandparenting openly and honestly within the context of a same-sex relationships, participants strive to prepare their grandchildren for an increasingly diverse Canadian demographic by modeling a healthy and loving ‘non-traditional’ family and by demonstrating the importance of accepting differences.
         With respect to implications, the findings suggest that supporting non-biological parents and grandparents will be a critical step for service providers and policy makers who are working with LGBTQ families. At the level of direct practice, these family experiences underscore the importance of recognizing and affirming these non-traditional family forms. In many settings, social work practitioners have and can seize opportunities to question, confront and revisit organizational and professional practices that fail to acknowledge them.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: The Middle and Late Woodland transition in southern Ontario: smoking culture as an index of social change in the context of sedentism

subject:
Ontario archaeology
smoking pipes

abstract: This thesis puts forward a unique perspective for how we can view changes in the context of sedentism, specifically with regard to the Middle and Late Woodland periods (ca. 400 B.C. – A.D. 1650) in southern Ontario. The transition to a more sedentary way of life leads to significant socio-economic changes in settlement type, subsistence, demography, architecture, and material culture, and acts as an incentive for change as it pertains to ideological transformations. In this thesis I concentrate on how changing ways of living impacted people’s ideology and related practices, focusing on the social habit of smoking, and its related material culture pre and post-sedentism in southern Ontario. I suggest that the changes witnessed in this practice (and associated paraphernalia) are reflective of a means of social group maintenance, and by extent a different mechanism of how societies regulated themselves. My study further examines the role smoking pipes had for group and individual recreational use, alongside group communal practices. I propose that more pipes per site signify daily use, reflecting a shift away from the pre-sedentary communal practice of smoking led by ritual specialists, to a post-sedentary individual and occasional group experience. Moreover, I argue for a link between smoking, social relationships, and the promotion of social solidarity. The stimulus for certain practices, and the structure of the socio-cultural system within which they occur, is significant for they are interwoven into all aspects of society. The aim of this thesis is to add to our perception of change and transformation during the Middle and Late Woodland periods of southern Ontario, while providing a unique perspective for understanding socio-cultural transformation in the context of sedentism more generally.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Arts (MA)