title: SNO+ waterphase burst principal component analysis

subject:
SNO+
water phase
pure scintillator phase
tellurium loaded scintillator phase
neutrino burst
supernova
data bursts

abstract:
SNO+ is a kilo-tonne scale neutrino detector utilizing much of the same hardware that was used during the SNO experiment. The SNO+ experiment will be
conducted using three different target media in three phases: water phase, pure
scintillator phase and tellurium loaded scintillator phase. Through all phases
SNO+ will be sensitive to a large neutrino burst from a nearby supernova.
Data bursts can be caused by a supernova neutrino burst or other physical
phenomena such as electronic pickup, static discharge, equipment malfunctions
and unintended light injection. This thesis examines data bursts which occurred
during the light water phase commissioning of detector operation using a principal component analysis. The principal component analysis showed 3 major
groupings within the analysed bursts: bursts during period of time with detector
running issues, burst generated due to electronics break downs or light injection
and bursts occurring during periods of time where the detector is operated in an
abnormal running mode.
The analysis in this thesis also shows that many of the data bursts were caused
by detector running issues after some initial burst event. Since the state of the
detector has been improved, a repetition of this study is recommended with more
recent data

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Physics


title: The implication of repeated readings of ingredient lists of food labels on food safety judgements

publisher:
Laurentian University of Sudbury
Laurentian University of Sudbury

subject:
cognitive factors
reading behaviours
food labels
target ingredients

abstract: The purpose of this thesis was to establish the importance of cognitive factors in the ability to follow therapeutic diets by examining participants’ reading behaviours when shown food labels. In two laboratory experiments, 64 undergraduate students were asked to repeatedly make decisions about the safety of foods that did or did not contain specified allergen targets. Mock food labels were presented in randomized and intermixed orders, with each of 30 products being presented 15 times. At each presentation students were able to make their safety judgement with or without consulting the food ingredient list on the label. With repetition of products, participants traded the certainty of verification for the facility of using memory. Mean target accuracy did not reach 100% implying limitations to people’s reading accuracy, learning, and judgements about that learning. The findings from this study suggest that people probably choose not to read food labels as often as they should and miss seeing target ingredients when they are consulting the label.

abstract: Master's Thesis


title: Understanding the neurophysiological representation patterns of non-verifiable mental action verbs: an ERP investigation

subject:
Verbs
Language
Associative learning theory
Mirror systems theory.

abstract:
Imaging has revealed that brain activation of verbs with verifiable products (‘throw, kick’) activate language areas as well as the motor cortex responsible for the performance of the action described. An exploratory comparison of eye related verbs with no verifiable products (‘observe’) to mouth related verbs with verifiable products (‘shout’) has revealed a similar activation pattern. Thus in order to further study mental action verbs with no verifiable products, the present two-part study used words that were suitable across two modalities (e.g. you can ‘perceive’ both through vision and audition) and compare them to themselves under differing contexts of auditory and visual verbs so as to eliminate any word characteristics differences, as well as explored the two modalities directly. The primary purpose was to delineate whether associative learning or the mirror systems theory might better account for the acquisition of this unique subclass of verbs. Results suggest that Mirror systems theory more likely accounts for the observed cognitive processing differences between the two verbs.
Keywords: Verbs, language, Event-related potentials, abstract, associative learning theory, mirror systems theory.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology


title: Capital social et état de santé : une étude qualitative à propos de quelques immigrants africains de Sudbury (Canada)

publisher: Université Laurentienne (Sudbury, Ontario)

subject:
Capital social
Réseau social
Intégration sociale
Exclusion sociale
Immigrants africains francophones
Grounded Theory
Santé des immigrants
Sudbury (Ont.)

abstract: Afin de comprendre la dynamique des interactions entre le capital social et l’auto appréciation de la santé des immigrants francophones, une étude qualitative a été réalisée de janvier à avril 2014 auprès de 22 immigrants originaires d’Afrique vivant à Sudbury. L’analyse des résultats, inspirée de la « Grounded Theory », a identifié quatre principaux thèmes tels que le capital social, l’accès et l’utilisation des services, les habiletés personnelles et les attitudes de la population d’accueil. Le capital social est faible en général. La solitude, la dispersion de la famille, la faiblesse du réseau des amis et des connaissances, la faiblesse du réseau associatif, la méconnaissance des règles et des lois et les obstacles liés à l’emploi, à la communication, aux diverses formes d’exclusion, au choc culturel sont responsables de frustrations, d’inquiétudes, de privations génératrices de stress qui à la longue peuvent avoir un impact négatif sur la santé physique et surtout mentale. À ces facteurs, s’ajoute pour certaines personnes, la faible accessibilité/utilisation des services, les habiletés personnelles parfois limitées et les expériences négatives vécues devant les attitudes de la population d’accueil.

abstract: maîtrise ès arts (MA) en sociologie


title: Harm reduction with people who use psychoactive substances: social workers’ perceptions of harm reduction work and in implementing harm reduction work in their direct clinical practice in rural Central Ontario

subject:
harm reduction
organizational culture
psychoactive substance use
rural
social work
stigma

abstract:
Harm reduction approaches to psychoactive substance use continue to be a highly
politicized and polarizing topic in today’s society, even after several decades of ongoing
discourse. Many social workers work for and with organizations that include harm
reduction approaches to social work direct practice with individuals who use
psychoactive substances. This qualitative study of six participants explores social
workers’ perceptions of harm reduction work with individuals who use psychoactive
substances and the ways in which they perceive the implementation and
operationalization of harm reduction approaches in their direct practice in rural Central
Ontario. A semi-structured interview design was used, with the research grounded in
structural social work theory, as well as critical ecological theory and a person-centered
perspective. Findings indicate that stigma of individuals who use psychoactive substances
and associated harm reduction work is deeply rooted and reinforced within structural
systems, organizations, and within social work and harm reduction work, itself. Social
workers’ perception of harm reduction and it’s implementation cite organizational culture,
social work as harm reduction work, and clinical barriers to implementation as main
themes in the social work direct practice role, working with individuals who use
psychoactive substances. Social workers are equipped to support harm reduction work
through their social work worldview, and benefit from an organizational culture that both
formally and informally supports harm reduction work. An aligned organizational culture
and social work worldview can more effectively advocate for greater availability and
accessibility of harm reduction programming and services. Implications for research,
policy, and practice are discussed.

abstract: Master of Social Work Program


title: The impact of emotional tone during shared reading experiences

subject:
Shared book reading
Emotional tone

abstract: Shared book reading is a pleasurable and educational activity between an adult and a child. The Ministry of Education of Ontario encourages parents to read aloud to their children in order to foster a love of reading and aid in the development of literacy skills. One Ministry recommendation is for the adult to “make it exciting: put some drama into your voice” (Ontario Ministry of Education, n.d.). The current study examined the effect of different emotional tones of voice on the eye movements of children during shared book reading and on the children’s comprehension for the material. Four storybooks were each recorded in four emotional tones of voice (neutral, angry, happy, and character), and presented on a computer screen. Each child was presented with each of the storybooks in one of the four conditions, with the combination of book and emotion randomized across participants. Eye-tracking technology followed each child’s eye movements during the presentation. The children were asked three comprehension questions related to each story immediately after, and two further questions at the end of all four presentations. Standardized tests of working memory capacity and basic academic skills were also administered to the children. Analyses showed that while the proportion of time the children spent on the text did not vary as a function of emotional tone, they made the most fixations and spent the most time on the text and images in the angry condition. Furthermore, the children made the fewest fixations and spent the least amount of time looking at the text and images in the happy condition. The children also scored the highest in regard to the comprehension questions in the angry condition. Finally, there were positive relationships between the children’s early reading skills and auditory working memory as per standardized tests, and their performance during the shared book reading and comprehension tasks.

abstract: Master's Thesis


title: Investigating the immunomodulatory potential of metals present in Sudbury Particulate Matter (SPaM)

subject:
Particulate matter
Inhalation intolerance
Sudbury Particulate Matter
Nickel
Copper
Estrogen

abstract:
The incidence of allergic disease has risen dramatically over the last century. This increase cannot simply be attributed to genetics, and so environmental contributions to allergic disease must be considered. Airborne particulate matter is recognized as a contributing factor in the initiation and exacerbation of allergic respiratory diseases due to its ability to act as an adjuvant and irritant. Particulate matter is heterogeneous in composition, and different components contribute to its adjuvant effects, including metals. This thesis investigates whether metals contained in Sudbury Particulate Matter (SPaM) are potential immunomodulators. We investigated the ability of metals in SPaM to influence inflammation both in vivo and in vitro. We demonstrate that the metals are able to alter the inflammatory profile after physiologically relevant exposure levels, suggesting that some of the metals present in SPaM are immunomodulatory in nature and may influence allergic disease.
Key Words

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: The effect of personality and behaviour on muscle co-contraction ratios In the trunk when people are exposed to different types of emotional stimuli while performing a lateral bend and simple lifting task

subject:
emotional responses
occupational injury risk
emotional stimuli
joint loading

abstract:
Psychosocial factors have long been implicated in occupational injury risk,
but the nature of this relationship is obscure. Recent investigations have concluded
that emotional responses affect muscle force outputs; which may, in turn, affect
joint loading. Personality type has also been shown to affect joint loading (Marras
et al., 2000). Likewise, there is an interaction between emotional stimuli and
personality. Exposure to pleasant emotional stimuli has been shown to facilitate
flexion movements; whereas exposure to unpleasant emotional stimuli has been
shown to facilitate extension movements (Coombes et al., 2008). However, it is not
clear what co-contraction ratio, and consequently what joint load, any given
emotional stimulus might result in, or how personality variables might affect this
relationship. To address this, participants filled out an International Personality
Inventory Pool (IPIP) Survey and a Behaviour Activation System and Behaviour
Inhibition System (BAS/BIS) Survey to determine each participant’s specific
personality and behaviour traits. Participants were then exposed to emotional
stimuli prior to a torso lateral bend, requiring both flexor and extensor cocontraction.
A total of 29 participants were tested. Participants were randomly
exposed to unpleasant, neutral, pleasant, and colour image types; 30 images in total.
They were exposed to these images for five seconds, then a tone sounded after
which they initiated a lateral bend. The current results indicate that image type had
no significant effect on flexor/extensor and left/right side co-contraction ratios.
Varying levels of personality and behaviour were the only factors to produce
significantly different co-contraction ratios. There was also a significant difference
vi
of left/right side co-contraction ratios between men and women, where men had
produce significantly greater right side dominant co-contraction ratios for all image
types compared to women.
The second part of the experiment had subjects stand on a force-plate and
listen to different types of emotional sounds. These sounds ranged from
unpleasant, pleasant, and neutral. Subjects would listen to a specific emotional
sound for six seconds, and after the sound was over, a voice would inform them to
lift a 15 pound crate off of the floor in front of them and place it on a table waist
height. The second sound would have subjects pick up the crate from the table and
place it back on the ground. This was done a total of 30 times with 30 different
sounds. The results indicate that sound type had no significant effect on cocontraction
ratios. Varying levels of personality and behaviour were the only
factors to produce significant changes in co-contraction ratios for both
flexor/extensor and left/right side co-contraction ratios. There were also significant
changes between co-contraction ratios and sex. Both men and women produced
flexor dominated co-contraction ratios for all sound types, but men produced
significantly higher flexor dominated co-contraction ratios for all sound types
compared to women. Men also produced significantly greater right side dominant
co-contraction ratios, compared to women, for all sound types.

abstract: Masters of Human Kinetics (MHK)


title: Les variations linguistiques à l’intérieur des locutions contenant le mot « tête »

subject:
variations linguistiques
locutions
tête
langue française

abstract:
Introduction : les locuteurs sont susceptibles d’utiliser des locutions qui peuvent nuire à
la transmission d’un message. Objectifs : répertorier des locutions dans lesquelles apparait le mot
« tête » et de distinguer les variations (diatopique, diachronique, diaphasique, diastratique,
diagénique et chronolectale) auxquelles ces locutions sont soumises au Canada (en Ontario, au
Québec et dans les provinces de l’Atlantique), en France et au Burkina Faso. Méthodologie : un
questionnaire, accessible électroniquement et disponible en format papier, a permis de recueillir
les données nécessaires à notre étude et d’évaluer la connaissance et l’usage des locutions chez les
locuteurs de notre échantillon. Résultats et conclusions : nos conclusions, qui découlent de 15
hypothèses, contribuent au domaine de la variation linguistique des locutions qui est peu exploré,
selon nos recherches bibliographiques, et vérifient plusieurs théories qui ne sont pas dotées de
preuves empiriques ou qui sont contradictoires.

abstract: Maîtrise ès arts en Sociologie (M.A.)


title: Managing prostitution : the social relations of ‘help’

subject:
sex workers
Northeastern Ontario
Dorothy E. Smith
social/power relations

abstract:
This thesis explores the social organization of ‘helping sex workers’ in Northeastern Ontario from the standpoint of sex workers or former sex workers. It is based on twelve (12) qualitative interviews with sex workers and former sex workers between the years 2002-2003.
This thesis engages the feminist research framework as developed by Dorothy E Smith, a feminist sociologist. Smiths’ ontological and epistemological framework conceptualizes knowledge as socially produced and mediated by social/power relations. This is a theoretical framework that has the potential to explore the social standpoint of persons labeled ‘sex worker’ by examining social/power relations from their standpoint and by problematizing claims of the universality of knowledge and ‘truth’.
Overwhelmingly sex workers identified ‘help’ as a series of stigmatizing processes that were triggered upon the ‘moment of identification’ of being a sex worker. These series of stigmatizing processes were embedded in social courses of action undertaken by social service agencies and the police. This is important research as claims to ‘helping’ sex workers by social service agencies and the subsequent social relations this creates for sex workers are rarely examined in Canada from the standpoint of sex workers.

abstract: Master's Theses


title: The effects of natural magnetic fields on biological systems : evidence from planaria, sunflower seeds and breast cancer cells

subject:
electric field
magnetic field
geomagnetic storm
planaria
photon
experimental design
plant
endogenous
circadian
weather
neuroscience
cancer

abstract:
Natural magnetic fields include the Earth’s magnetic field and biomagnetic fields
produced by living organisms. Earth has a static magnetic field whose intensity is
constantly fluctuating and has deviations called geomagnetic storms. In multiple
experiments, we found that geomagnetic storms that occurred either on the same day as
the experiment, or four days before the experiment had a significant impact on the
subsequent behaviour of planaria and photon emissions of germinating sunflower seeds.
However, the effects were most evident in only a subset of their populations. Consistent
with this idea, a small proportion of planaria seemed able to detect the presence of a weak,
patterned electric field in a maze. We also found that when humans practised healing
intentionality on breast cancer cultures, they had a subtle influence on the photon
emission from the cells. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of natural magnetic
fields even if their influences evade our awareness.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: Body therapy and the built environment

subject:
sexual violence
sexual safety
environmental triggers
community
social architecture
social justice
restoration
materiality
diversity
bathhouses
community baths
greenhouse
landscape
food growth
community garden
healing
typologies
rehabilitation
art therapy
art education
sex education
body therapy
alternative healing
PTSD
the Vitruvian model
redesign
mapping
steam baths
native plants
re-greening
restoration

abstract:
In trying to decide whether theory and practice should be amalgamated, a lot of people fail to
account for the fact that this debate is the luxury of those mainly unaffected by the factors outside of architecture that define its social structure. Critical theory as it pertains to feminism is
necessary because of the disparity of violence faced by women in society both historically and
currently; Many of these sites of violence are mundane until a person is forced to confront it consciously after an assault. This brings up the question of what architecture can do to prevent such
assault and how an architecture or typology may start to form for the rehabilitation of survivors.
Through addressing the failures of the current typologies for sexual assault preventative design,
this thesis aimed to uncover opportunities for modifying already-existing architectural styles to
have safer qualities for assault prevention. It also aimed to find ways to educate the public in
hopes that it could evolve the community past sexual shame and lessen sex related crimes. I believe that by exploration and consideration of the connections between design and sexual safety,
we may be able to create a more open conversation about sexual violence and a safer community

abstract: Master of Architecture (M.Arch)


title: Application of neuroergonomics in the industrial design of mining equipment.

subject: Neuroergonomics

subject: Industrial design

subject: User interface

subject: Neurophysiological techniques

subject: Cognitive processing

subject: Attentional resources

subject: Memory scanning

subject: Visual scanning

subject: Quantitatiave electroencephalogram (QEEG)

subject: Non-invasive measurement technigue

subject: Activitation patterns

subject: Mining equipment

abstract: Neuroergonomics is an interdisciplinary field merging neuroscience and ergonomics to optimize performance. In order to design an optimal user interface, we must understand the cognitive processing involved. Traditional methodology incorporates self-assessment from the user. This dissertation examines the use of neurophysiological techniques in quantifying the cognitive processing involved in allocating cognitive resources. Attentional resources, cognitive processing, memory and visual scanning are examined to test the ecological validity of theoretical laboratory settings and how they translate to real life settings. By incorporating a non-invasive measurement technique, such as the quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG), we are able to examine connectivity patterns in the brain during operation and discern whether or not a user has obtained expert status. Understanding the activation patterns during each phase of design will allow us to gauge whether our design has balanced the cognitive requirements of the user.

abstract:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Natural Resources
Engineering


title: Social anxiety disorder in adolescence and implications for school settings

subject:
social anxiety
social anxiety disorder
social phobia
adolescents

abstract:
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), sometimes referred to as social phobia, is a disorder in which an
individual experiences fear of negative evaluation in social situations. The disorder has an early
age of onset with approximately 60% of individuals retrospectively reporting symptom onset
prior to 17 years of age (Rosellini et al., 2013). SAD is also common with a prevalence rate of
7% in community samples of children and adolescents (Beesdo-Baum, Knappe & Pine,
2009). Although SAD can be effectively treated, many adolescents do not seek help. As a result,
they experience impaired functioning in a number of life domains such as academics and
relationships that persist into adulthood and impact their quality of life. The education system
has the potential to address the promotion, prevention, and intervention of mental health
problems such as SAD at the classroom, school, and/or community level. Suggestions for policy
and practice are discussed.

abstract: Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Health


title: Object distance measurement using a single camera for robotic applications

subject:
Visual servoing
distance measurement

abstract:
Visual servoing is defined as controlling robots by extracting data obtained from
the vision system, such as the distance of an object with respect to a reference frame, or the length and width of the object. There are three image-based object distance
measurement techniques: i) using two cameras, i.e., stereovision; ii) using a single
camera, i.e., monovision; and iii) time-of-flight camera.
The stereovision method uses two cameras to find the object’s depth and is highly
accurate. However, it is costly compared to the monovision technique due to the higher
computational burden and the cost of two cameras (rather than one) and related
accessories. In addition, in stereovision, a larger number of images of the object need to
be processed in real-time, and by increasing the distance of the object from cameras, the
measurement accuracy decreases. In the time-of-flight distance measurement technique,
distance information is obtained by measuring the total time for the light to transmit to
and reflect from the object. The shortcoming of this technique is that it is difficult to
separate the incoming signal, since it depends on many parameters such as the intensity
of the reflected light, the intensity of the background light, and the dynamic range of the
sensor. However, for applications such as rescue robot or object manipulation by a robot
in a home and office environment, the high accuracy distance measurement provided by
stereovision is not required. Instead, the monovision approach is attractive for some
applications due to: i) lower cost and lower computational burden; and ii) lower
complexity due to the use of only one camera.
Using a single camera for distance measurement, object detection and feature
extraction (i.e., finding the length and width of an object) is not yet well researched and there are very few published works on the topic in the literature. Therefore, using this
technique for real-world robotics applications requires more research and improvements.
This thesis mainly focuses on the development of object distance measurement
and feature extraction algorithms using a single fixed camera and a single camera with
variable pitch angle based on image processing techniques. As a result, two different
improved and modified object distance measurement algorithms were proposed for cases
where a camera is fixed at a given angle in the vertical plane and when it is rotating in a
vertical plane. In the proposed algorithms, as a first step, the object distance and
dimension such as length and width were obtained using existing image processing
techniques. Since the results were not accurate due to lens distortion, noise, variable light
intensity and other uncertainties such as deviation of the position of the object from the
optical axes of camera, in the second step, the distance and dimension of the object
obtained from existing techniques were modified in the X- and Y-directions and for the
orientation of the object about the Z-axis in the object plane by using experimental data
and identification techniques such as the least square method.
Extensive experimental results confirmed that the accuracy increased for
measured distance from 9.4 mm to 2.95 mm, for length from 11.6 mm to 2.2 mm, and for
width from 18.6 mm to 10.8 mm. In addition, the proposed algorithm is significantly
improved with proposed corrections compared to existing methods. Furthermore, the
improved distance measurement method is computationally efficient and can be used for
real-time robotic application tasks such as pick and place and object manipulation in a
home or office environment.

abstract: Master's Thesis


title: Supporting child survivors of trauma at school: depathologizing behaviour and educating teachers

subject: childhood trauma

subject: Ontario education system

subject: trauma-informed practices (TIPs)

subject: trauma theory lens

subject: depathologizing behaviour

subject: educating teachers

subject: lens of trauma

abstract:
Childhood trauma is a substantial concern in our education system in Ontario, as it has
been noted that approximately 32% (Afifi et al., 2014) to 36% (Findlay & Sutherland, 2014) of
Canadian adults report that they were exposed to abuse as children. Trauma can have significant
impact on a child’s learning (Vasilevski & Tucker, 2016), behaviour (Greeson et al., 2014), and
wellness (Roberts, Ferguson, & Crusto, 2013), and puts them at an increased risk of being
retraumatized or further punished in schools due to the Western education system relying on the
behavioural model (Costa, 2017). A 450-hour social work practicum was completed with the
Mental Health Team at the Sudbury Catholic District School Board (SCDSB) as a partial
requirement of the Laurentian University MSW program. This practicum project report employs
structural and anti-oppressive social work perspectives and a trauma theory lens to undergo an
exploration into: (a) what trauma-informed practices (TIPs) and primary models are used by the
SCDSB to inform their practice in supporting students who have been exposed to trauma, (b) to
what extent school-based social work in this setting reflects certain models that function to
further harm child survivors of trauma, such as the behavioural model, and its relationship to
understanding student experiences through the lens of trauma, and (c) how trauma theory can be
used to establish alternatives to pathologization in regards to children within schools who have
experienced trauma. Trauma-informed professional development lunch-and-learns were
presented to teaching staff in four schools as the intervention provided during this practicum

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: Un modèle d’étude in vitro de la réversion tumorale du cancer du col utérin dû aux infections par le virus de papillome humain à haut risque (VPH 16 et 18)

subject:
cancer
col utérin
cellule cancéreuse

abstract: La réversion tumorale est un processus de transformation cellulaire peu fréquent qui s’explique par le rétablissement du contrôle de la croissance cellulaire aboutissant au phénotype cellulaire normal. Plusieurs agents sélectifs (virus, produits chimiques, interféron) peuvent être utilisés pour provoquer ce phénomène. L’efficacité de ces thérapies dépend de l’agressivité des cellules à traiter et les gènes qui sont bloqués. Les cellules HeLa et SiHa sont des lignées cellulaires utilisées fréquemment comme modèle in vitro pour étudier le cancer du col utérin. Ces deux lignées cellulaires comportent des oncogènes E6 et E7 du virus du papillome humain (VPH) à haut risque de type 18 pour les cellules HeLa et de type 16 pour les cellules SiHa. Les oncoprotéines virales E6 et E7 bloquent les protéines suppresseurs de tumeur p53 et pRb respectivement ce qui entraîne la transformation en cellules cancéreuses. La réactivation de la protéine p53 et/ou de la protéine pRb ou d’autres types de protéines effectuée par des agents sélectifs oncosuppressifs peut renormaliser le cycle cellulaire. L’étude proposée pour cette thèse vise à étoffer la littérature scientifique afin d’expliquer la faisabilité d’établir un modèle in vitro qui serait exploité pour 1) déterminer si la réversion tumorale a lieu de manière spontanée dans les cellules HeLa et SiHa, 2) comprendre les effets de différentes thérapies pouvant entraîner la réversion tumorale des cellules cancéreuses du col utérin et 3) comprendre le mécanisme d’action des thérapies oncosuppressives dans le contexte de la réversion tumorale du cancer du col utérin.

abstract: Maitrise ès Sciences (M.Sc) en biologie


title: The impacts for social workers of providing social work services in rural northeastern Ontario communities.

subject: rural social workers

subject: northeastern Ontario communities

subject: constructivist grounded theory

subject: rural social workers unprepared for work environment

subject: multiple roles of rural social workers

subject: strengths and challenges faced by rural social workers

subject: rural social work practice

subject: broad range of training

abstract:
The purpose of this study is to explore the personal and professional experiences of rural social
workers. This is a qualitative study with a constructivist grounded theory lens. This study utilizes a
sample of four participants. The participants work in the social work field and live in northeastern
Ontario rural communities. Data was collected by audio-taped individual semi-structured interviews
and subsequent member checking. The question explored is, how do rural social workers experience
rural social work practice? Results of the study reveal that rural social workers experience both
challenges and strengths within their professional and personal lives. Three themes related to rural
social work emerged through data analysis. The themes include rural social workers as unprepared for
their work environments, rural social workers as having multiple roles and the strengths and challenges
rural social workers face. This research provides insight into the experiences of rural social workers
and recommendations for how to better prepare rural social workers. The study further provides
information related to implications for social work education, social work practice and implications for
future research. The implications for social work education include a recommendation that social work students be provided with a broad range of training in all areas, including rural social work practice.
The implications for social work practice include that we must encourage and maintain social workers
who demonstrate an interest in rural social work. Lastly, future research could be done regarding supervision and rural social workers.

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: Establishing a protocol for the measurement of human exposure to foot-transmitted vibration

subject:
Vibration
standardization
standing
reliability
validation
measurement protocol

abstract:
Foot-transmitted vibration (FTV) is defined as vibration exposure where the primary route of
vibration transmission is through the feet. Individuals can be exposed to FTV through a vibrating
platform that they stand on or from vibrating foot-operated controls. Workers exposed to FTV
are at risk of suffering from vibration white-foot, an irreversible disease with vascular,
neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms. In order to understand injury risk, the transmission
of vibration from a vibrating surface into the foot can be measured. The international standards
for the measurement of occupational vibration exposure (ISO 2631-1, 1997; ISO 5349-1, 2001)
do not provide appropriate guidance for FTV exposure measurement. Although several
researchers have reported worker exposure to FTV, the reliabilities of the methods used to
measure FTV have yet to be studied.
The purpose of this thesis is to propose a reliable protocol for the measurement of FTV exposure
(Vance FTV Measurement Protocol, V-FTVMP). Preliminary testing was conducted to examine
how factors such as location of accelerometer placement on the foot, changes in standing
posture, time of day that measurements are taken, and duration of measurement, influence
measures of FTV exposure. These findings were translated into the V-FTVMP. Inter-rater and
intra-rater reliability of the proposed method for the measurement of FTV transmissibility were
determined by testing the protocol with three raters and 12 participants. Transmissibility was
measured at the toe as the ratio of vibration input (measured on the platform) to vibration output
(measured on the surface of the toe), with values over one indicative of vibration amplification
and less than one indicative of attenuation. Transmissibility was also calculated as a ratio at the
ankle with input measured at the platform and output measured from the medial malleolus of the
iv
ankle. Mean un-weighted root-mean-squared (r.m.s.) accelerations (z-axis) for all accelerometer
locations were calculated for all participants and found to be 13.01 m/s2
(±0.87), 12.68 m/s2
(±1.19), 8.23 m/s2
(±2.24), and 16.05 m/s2
(±3.81) for measures at the platform at the toe,
platform at the ankle, toe at the first metatarsal head and ankle at the medial malleolus,
respectively. The mean transmissibility for all participants was measured as 0.63 (±0.16) at the
toe, and 1.27 (±0.30) at the ankle. The intraclass correlation tests showed good or acceptable
reliability for all locations: platform location at the toe ICC =.83 (CI =.67 -.92), platform at ankle
ICC =.82 (CI=.65-.92), toe ICC =.77 (CI =.37 -.81), ankle ICC =.60 (CI =.18 -.68). Based on the
results of this study, it appears the V-FTVMP can generate reliable measures of FTV. Additional
research led by independent groups is needed to confirm these results and to further validate the
protocol.

abstract: Master of Human Kinetics (MHK)


title: Identifying Escherichia Coli factors that selectively bind the mRNA of secreted proteins

subject:
mRNA
E. coli SRP
secreted proteins
amino acids
enzyme

abstract:
It is well accepted that the majority of secreted proteins are targeted to the secretory pathway through amino acid signal sequences located at the N–terminus of the pre-protein during the initial stages of translation on the ribosome. This is true in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems. These signal sequences display distinct structural features such as charged/hydrophilic residues at each termini and a continuous hydrophobic stretch of amino acids between them. The
signal-recognition particle (SRP), which targets the ribosome to the membrane translocon for secretion of the protein, is hypothesized to recognize and these features and therefore differentiate these proteins from non-secretory proteins. Recent work in other laboratories has suggested a role for the mRNA itself, rather than only the amino acid sequence of the N–terminus of the pre-protein as playing a role in targeting the pre-protein-ribosome complex to the
translocon within the membrane. To test this hypothesis, direct interaction between mRNAs
encoding secreted proteins and the E. coli SRP equivalent (Ffh) was pursued using pull down assays. The mRNA’s used as bait corresponded to the N-terminal 40 amino acids of secreted and cytosolic proteins including periplasmic propyl isomerase chaperone SurA (as a model secretory
protein with a cleavable signal peptide) and the cytoplasmic protein 3-isopropyl malate
dehydrogenase (IsodH). Additionally, the mRNA of two other proteins, PhoA (secreted) and GMP (cytoplasmic), were used but in these mRNA the 5' UTR were also included in case these regions were involved in SRP recognition. Following extensive optimizations and modifications
of these experiments, the Ffh protein (the Escherichia coli SRP homolog) could not be isolated from cytoplasmic extracts of E. coli with the pull down assays. One interesting finding however was that the mRNA of the IsodH protein was pulled down using its cognate mRNA transcript as
bait. This implies a role for this enzyme in regulating its own levels in the cell by binding to and potentially modulating its translation. Other factors involved in DNA and RNA binding were also isolated and include RNase and ribosomal proteins, amongst others. It can therefore be
concluded that under these experimental conditions, the mRNA hypothesis for targeting protein secretion could not be supported.

abstract: Master's Theses


title: The SNO+ supernova calibration source development and  testing

subject:
SNC+
SNO+
supernova
pulsed optical source
calibration
neutrino

abstract:
SNO+ is a kilotonne-scale, liquid scintillator-based neutrino detector housed in the underground
facilities of SNOLAB at Creighton Mine, Sudbury. SNO+ is capable of detecting bursts of neutrinos
released by nearby core-collapse supernovae among other physics goals. For such an event, stress
testing is required to ensure that a burst of supernova neutrino events can be reliably read out
and recorded by the electronics and data acquisition system to avoid data pileup and limit event
separation. During a supernova, SNO+ needs to be able to record the burst, send a timely alert
to the astronomical community, and quickly analyze and interpret the data.
The supernova calibration system (SNC+) for SNO+ simulates the light produced by interactions
of neutrinos from a supernova within the liquid scintillator target using pulsed, visible light
from a laser diode. The SNC+ is a data-driven pulser capable of producing high-powered, ns-scale
pulses with repetition rates up to 12.5 MHz. Each photon pulse is expected to deposit energy
of up to 70 MeV within the liquid scintillator of the SNO+ detector. The light from the SNC+
laser diode will be delivered isotropically within the SNO+ detector by  ber optics and a di using
glass laserball. The SNC+ has undergone design, parts procurement, construction, assembly, and
initial-stage testing for this thesis research.

abstract: Master of Science in Physics


title: The impact of classroom scheduling on student in nutrition in full-day early learning kindergarten (ELK) versus traditional full-day junior/senior kindergarten classes

subject:
School scheduling
kindergarten
nutrition
school health
appetite,
dietary intake

abstract:
Background This thesis assessed the quality/quantity of student lunches amongst children using
either the Early Learning Kindergarten (ELK) or full-day junior/senior kindergarten schedule;
both of which differed in regards to school scheduling. ELK students were allotted two 40
minute nutrition breaks compared to the full day junior/senior kindergarten schedule who were
allotted two 20 minute nutrition breaks.

abstract: Master of Human Kinetics (MHK)


title: Tunnel convergence in stress-fractured ground

subject:
tunnel convergence
Ground Reaction Curve (GRC)
brittle failure
geometric bulking
Bulking Factor (BF)
confinement distribution
strain
stress ratio
in-situ stress
mining-induced stress
Geological Strength Index (GSI)
Damage Initiation Spalling Limit (DISL)
Excavation Damage Zones (EDZ)
elastic-plastic
elastic-brittle
depth of yield
tensile fracture
shear fracture
displacement

abstract:
When tunnelling at great depth in hard brittle rock or when mining-induced stresses cause stress-fracturing of brittle rock, the resulting rock fragments cannot fill the original space. As during a rock blast, geometric bulking occurs when brittle rock is fractured, and the volume occupied by fractured rock is much larger. Near underground excavation, this volume increase causes convergences including floor heave because the fractured rock can only move into the excavation. Unfortunately, analytical tools such as the convergence confinement method (CCM) or the ground reaction curve (GRC) do not account for this rock mass bulking action. Similarly, numerical continuum model, while accounting for material dilation, do not account for the unidirectional expansion (bulking) of the fractured rock. The purpose of this thesis is to combine semi-empirical relations of bulking, established based on field measurements and numerical discontinuum models, with the analytical GRC-method and with 2D numerical models (specifically Phase2TM) to provide a means for estimating the impact of bulking on tunnel convergence. The outcome of this thesis therefore is to provide a means of bulking enhance convergence prediction by analytical and numerical solutions. This is presented for circular tunnels, to facilitate use of analytical solutions, in different rock mass types (plastic and brittle) and for various stress states (stress ratio k = 1 and 0.5) as well as for mining conditions with associated stress changes.  The examples presented in this thesis demonstrate that rock mass bulking in brittle rock often dominates tunnel convergence. It is also shown that bulking by extension failure primarily affects the shallow radial displacement profile (near the excavation wall) whereas shear-related bulking, if not suppressed by sufficient confinement, causes deeper-seated radial displacements.
The practical implication of this work is that rock support experiences significantly more radial strain and deformation than predicted by conventional analytical and numerical solutions. These models therefore tend to underestimate the straining of installed rock support.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.) in Natural Resources Engineering


title: Perception of health and safety in surface mining operations in Sudbury, Ontario : a study of temporary staffing agency empolyees

subject:
safety and training
surface mining
Sudbury
temporary staffing

abstract: This thesis explores the health, safety and training of temporary staffing agency employees working in surface mining operations, specific to Sudbury, Ontario. The study involves a qualitative approach that utilized one on one interviews, where participants were achieved through snowball sampling. Thematic analysis was employed through the careful review of the interview transcriptions in order to find common responses among the respondents. The commonalities of responses have identified numerous areas of concern that could be shared among other temporary staffing agency workers in surface mining. Themes identified include: precariousness, issues with training, workplace responsibility, individual and co-worker safety, unionization, and participation in health and safety. Participants have expressed problematic experiences within these themes that should be considered for further research and as areas for possible improvement by temporary staffing agencies.

abstract: Master's Theses


title: Memory and attentional biases associated with perfectionism: the impact of mood and threat responsiveness

subject: perfectionism attention memory mood

abstract:
Research has argued that perfectionism, as well mood state, can serve to influence the
type and amount of information that will be attended to and remembered in one’s surrounding
environment. The purpose of the current study was to look at how mood and differing degrees of
threat may influence the cognitive processes of individuals higher in perfectionism. Following
completion of the perfectionism measures, 121 post-secondary students were exposed to a mood
induction as well as a threat condition and then asked to complete three cognitive tasks – d2 test
of attention, emotional Stroop, and a recognition task. Results indicated that perfectionism was
associated with accuracy and reaction time and this impact differed based on mood and threat.
Results also indicated individuals higher in perfectionism had a memory bias towards negative
and perfectionistic content, reinforcing the idea that perfectionism has a distinctly cognitive
component that impacts how an individual processes incoming information.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology


title: Molecular analysis of northern red oak (Quercus rubra) populations from the Greater Sudbury Region: genetic variation and gene expression

subject:
red oak
Greater Sudbury Region
molecular analysis
gene expression
generatic variation

abstract:
The main objectives of the present study were to 1) analyze genetic variability of Q. rubra
populations from the mining region of Sudbury (Ontario) using RAPD marker system and 2)
analyze the expression of nickel and copper resistance genes in Q. rubra populations. The level
of polymorphic loci within populations was high ranging from 61 % to 72% despite a high level
of gene flow (2.4) and the population differentiation (GST) value was low (0.17). All Q. rubra
populations analyzed were genetically sustainable. Moreover, this study revealed that all
populations were genetically closely related with genetic distance values varying from 0.17 to
0.35. A zinc finger protein of Arabidopsis thaliana (ZAT11) involved in nickel resistance was
differentially expressed in samples analyzed. There was a 120x up-regulation of ZAT11
expression in samples from metal contaminated areas of Wahnapitae Dam compared to other
sites. No association between soil metal levels and expression of ZAT11 was established.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: Using group role assignment to solve Dynamic Vehicle Routing Problem

subject:
dynamic vehicle routing
ridesharing
group role assignment
Modified Insertion Heuristic Routing
Modified Pairing Or-opt Routing

abstract:
The Dynamic Vehicle Routing Problem (DVRP) is a more complex problem than the traditional
Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) in the combinatorial optimization of operations research. With
more degrees of freedom, DVRP introduces new challenges while judging the merit of a given
route plan.
This thesis utilized the time slice strategy to solve dynamic and deterministic routing
problems. Based on Group Role Assignment (GRA) and two different routing methods (Modified
Insertion heuristic routing and Modified Composite Pairing Or-opt routing), a new ridesharing
system has been designed to provide services in the real world.
Simulation results are presented in this thesis. A qualitative comparison has been made to
outline the advantages and performance of our solution framework. From the numerical results,
the proposed method has a great potential to put into operation in the real world and provides a
new transit option for the public.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Computational Science


title: Background discrimination studies and measurements of droplet and bubble size for the Picasso experiment.

subject:
dark matter
superheat
phase transition
amplitude

abstract:
The Project in Canada to Search for Supersymmetric Objects (PICASSO) searches for cold dark matter through the direct detection of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) via spin-dependent and spin independent interactions with 19F nuclei. The detection principle is based on the superheated droplet technique; the detectors consist of a gel matrix with millions of liquid droplets of superheated fluorocarbon (C4F10) dispersed in it. In order to reduce the background, it is essential to distinguish the signature of different background particles interacting in the detector. A dedicated setup was developed in order to study the response of the C4F10 droplets in the presence of different backgrounds.
The main objectives of this research are to identify the actual size (diameter) of the droplet increases due to phase transition and to check and establish the correlation between the droplet size and the maximum amplitude of the signal. In addition, the alpha-neutron discrimination was studied by observing each event’s image frames and the associated acoustic signal to get the amplitude distribution. The mean ratio of bubble size to droplet size was found to be 5.48, independent of temperature and type of interacting particle. Furthermore, no correlation was found between the droplet size and the maximum amplitude of the signal. As for the discrimination studies, the analysis of the signal events has confirmed that alphas generated outside the active liquid in the gel are much more difficult to discriminate from neutron than when alphas are generated inside the active liquid.

abstract: Master's Theses


title: The effect of chemotherapy treatment on Ribosomal RNA integrity and ribosomal protein composition in ovarian cancer cells

subject:
chemotherapy
ribosomal RNA
rRNA
protein
ovarian cancer
cells

abstract: Recently we have demonstrated that several chemotherapy agents, of distinct mechanisms, promote highly reproducible ribosomal RNA (rRNA) degradation patterns, a phenomenon we call RNA disruption. These reproducible rRNA degradation bands have been observed in total RNA preparations from several cancer cell lines originating from various tissues. However, the effect of chemotherapeutic agents on ribosomal integrity and composition (including changes in rRNA and protein content) has not been examined. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of docetaxel (DXL) chemotherapy treatment on ribosomal RNA and protein content in the A2780 ovarian carcinoma cell line. This involved isolation of ribosomes from untreated and DXL-treated A2780 cells using a differential centrifugation method. Differences in ribosomal RNA integrity and protein composition due to DXL treatment were determined using capillary gel electrophoresis (for rRNA), and 1D or 2D gel electrophoresis (for ribosomal proteins). Specific ribosomal proteins were detected by western blotting and quantified using densitometry. We report that DXL treatment of A2780 cells results in time-dependent degradation of rRNAs within isolated ribosomes, as well as changes in their relative protein composition. The DXL-induced changes in ribosome protein composition appeared to precede extensive rRNA degradation and were not observed in DXL-resistant A2780 cells.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Chemical Sciences


title: Development of a new velocity measurement technique : the laser bessel velocimetry

subject: scattered light detection

subject: Bessel beam

subject: Laser Bessel velocimetry (LBV)

subject: LDV system

subject: refractive linear axicons

abstract:
The present thesis describes the design, construction and testing of a new velocity measurement optical
technique system. The technique has similarities with the laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) in that it
uses scattered light detection, in order to measure one component of the velocity vector of moving
flows or solid surfaces. It uses the fringes of a Bessel beam produced by an axicon to generate the
measurement volume. This technique, which we call Laser Bessel velocimetry (LBV), is noninvasive
and permits continuous velocity measurements of moving particles. The experimental measurement
set-up including the laser source, the optical devices, a moving stage with known velocities, a
photodetector to capture scattered light and signal processing and data acquisition components, was
developed and used to provide a proof of concept of this new technique. The set-up was also tested
with a commercial LDV system.
Two types of refractive linear axicons have been used to generate a Bessel type beam by illuminating
the axicons with blue and red collimated and coherent laser light of dissimilar wavelengths, λ. The
linear axicons offer the advantage of simplicity. The software tools for measurements, acquisition and
analysis of the data are developed using NI Labview and MATLAB. Results from both theoretical
simulation and experimental measurements are presented and compared.

abstract: Master of Science (MASc) in Engineering


title: Integrating mainstream and indigenous approaches in a private clinical setting

subject:
cognitive behavior therapy
group facilitation
group processes
Indigenous led support groups
Timmins, Ontario
mental health
Indegenous population

abstract:
This report thoroughly examines and discusses my Advanced Practicum experience. The
practicum was completed from October 23rd, 2017 to March 6th, 2018 within Tremblay
Counselling Services of Timmins, Ontario. The primary learning objective was to critique the
applicability of certain theories and approaches such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which are
highlighted in the literature review while reflecting on how I could integrate an Indigenous
framework within my practice approach.
The Advanced Practicum offered an experiential learning experience, which was a more
enriched opportunity to observe, assess, and critique the theoretical models utilized within
therapy. In addition to my placement, a parenting group pilot project was also initiated. This
project was an opportunity to learn about group facilitation and group processes. Primarily, the
goal was to disseminate awareness and education concerning intergenerational trauma and its
residual impacts on individual, familial, and community wellbeing. Essentially, the parenting
group pilot project sought to fill a gap in services pertaining to Indigenous led support groups as
it was discovered that culturally congruent interventions were lacking, specifically within the
community of Timmins.
Throughout my practicum placement, the integration and process of reflection was a key
component in fostering self-awareness and professional development, which positively shaped
my identity as an Indigenous practitioner. My goals for completing the Advanced Practicum
sought to enhance, build, and strengthen my clinical skillsets while gaining confidence as I am
wholeheartedly drawn to Indigenous mental health social work practice.

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: Ontario physicians' perceived competency when providing care for individuals with ASD

subject:
autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
developmental disability
medical practitioners
mixed methods
perceived knowledge
perceived competency
barriers
challenges
facilitators
diagnosis
treatment
services.
Ontario

abstract:
The current document is a manuscript-based thesis investigating the overall perceived
knowledge, competency and experiences of Ontario physicians when diagnosing and treating
individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A growing body of literature has revealed
that physicians often do not feel comfortable providing care for patients with ASD due to lack of
education, training, exposure, and interest working with this population. However, there has been
a recent shift in the literature focusing on identifying factors that enhance the healthcare system
for patients with ASD as well as barriers that physicians encounter when diagnosing and treating
these individuals. Therefore, the first paper included in this thesis is a mixed-methods analysis of
physicians’ perceived knowledge and competency in terms of diagnosis and treatment of ASD.
Despite their high perceived knowledge regarding the diagnosis and treatment of ASD, medical
practitioners expressed their needs for further education and training regarding ASD. The second paper included is also a mixed-methods analysis examining factors that hinder and facilitate
physicians’ abilities to provide appropriate care for individuals with ASD. Descriptive statistics,
paired-samples T-tests, repeated measures ANOVA, and chi-square analyses were used to
analyze the results of a questionnaire and thematic analysis was used to analyze the semistructured
interviews. Recommendations for improving the healthcare and educational systems
as well as implications for enhancing physicians’ knowledge, competency and experiences are
discussed.

abstract: Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Psychology


title: Radon removal from gaseous xenon for the enriched xenon observatory

subject:
gaseous xenon
radon
removal
xenon observatory

abstract:
Neutrino oscillation experiments have shown de nite evidence for non-zero neutrino
masses. However, these experiments only tell us about neutrino mass di erences, and nothing
about the absolute masses themselves. The observation of neutrinoless double-beta (0   )
decay, a hypothetical nuclear transition, would provide the  rst absolute mass scale measurement
of the neutrino outside of cosmology. This decay would imply the neutrino to be
a Majorana particle, the  rst fermion of its kind. 0    decay would also be the  rst observation
of lepton number violation. The Enriched Xenon Observatory (EXO) is currently
searching for 0    decay in 136Xe with a half-life greater than 1025 years.
EXO-200 is the  rst experiment of the EXO physics program, which has observed twoneutrino
double beta decay (2   ) in 136Xe for the  rst time, with a half-life of 2:165
0:075   1021 years [1]. This is the longest measured half-life to date. EXO is now designing
a 5-tonne scale detector, nEXO, to be sensitive to the inverted-scale hierarchy. Despite the
careful selection of radiopure substances for the detector, the existence of trace levels of
222Rn is inevitable. One of the daughters of 222Rn, 214Bi, can emit photons at the Q-value
for 0    decay, making it a critical background. This dissertation investigates the method
of Rn removal from gaseous Xe through the use of a Cu wool trap.

abstract: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Physics


title: Une pratique généraliste du service social informée par la neuroscience sociale : et pourquoi pas?

subject:
attachement
développement de la personne
empathie
émotions
neuroplasticité
neuroscience
neuroscience sociale
pratique du service social
régulation émotionnelle
relation thérapeutique
service social
stress

abstract: La place de la neuroscience dans le domaine de la santé n’est plus à faire. Les livres, les revues scientifiques ainsi que les magazines populaires font régulièrement référence à cette science pour expliquer le comportement humain. Plusieurs disciplines, des sciences infirmières à la psychoéducation en passant par l’économie et la philosophie, utilisent les connaissances issues de ce domaine. Mais quelle est la place actuelle de la neuroscience, plus précisément la neuroscience sociale, dans la pratique du service sociale ? Comment serait-il possible d’intégrer certaines connaissances de la neuroscience sociale à une pratique généraliste du service social tout en respectant la profession ? Ce mémoire vise à offrir quelques pistes de réflexion et d’intégration quant aux possibilités qu’offre la neuroscience sociale pour la pratique du service social.

abstract: Maîtrise en Service Social


title: Predicting blast-induced damage for open pit mines using numerical modelling software and field observations

subject:
blasting
blast damage
open pit mining
pre-split blasting
mining industry
blast design

abstract:
Blasting is the most common method used to fragment rock in the mining industry. However,
given the violent nature of explosives and the high variability of results that can occur from blast
to blast, there is potential to cause significant damage to the final walls of an open pit, which can
lead to slope stability problems, catch bench filling, long-term rock fall hazards and ramp
closure. Blasts need to be designed to suit the characteristics of the rock to be broken.
Characteristics of the existing rock mass such as natural jointing, joint orientation, joint
condition, and the strength of the rock, all need to be accounted for prior to designing a blast. In general, blasting engineers rely on a combination of empirical analysis and rules of thumb for
blast designs. The uncertainty involved with these techniques can lead to significant problems in
open pit mining. At the bench scale of an open pit mine, the loss of the bench crest is a concern,
however at the full pit scale, bench deterioration can jeopardize worker safety and lead to
potential closure of the mine. The results of a blast can be highly variable – a blast design that
yields favorable results on one side of a pit can have detrimental effects on another wall of the pit
or at different elevations in the pit, based on the characteristics of the rock. It often takes
multiple iterations of blast designs to achieve an optimal result, which is costly and time
consuming for the company that operates the mine.   The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the effectiveness of a relatively new software package,
Blo-Up, that combines both a finite difference continuum code and a distinct element code in
order to model the entire blasting process from start to finish. The main focus of the research
will be to examine blast induced damage sustained to final pit walls and provide techniques for
minimizing damage. The specific areas of the study are:   1) To confirm the software is able to give results similar to those observed in the field;
2) To model pre-split designs in homogeneous rock;
3) To model pre-split designs in jointed rock masses;
4) To model the effect of a production hole detonation on inclined pre-split holes, as
opposed to vertical pre-split holes, and
5) To model effects of large scale production blasts on final wall stability. For the purposes
of this review, kimberlite rock was chosen to be the focus of the study due to its ductile
characteristics, which makes controlled blasting difficult.
The main findings of the research are as follows: 1) The software is able to replicate blast outcomes observed in the field;
2) The importance of tailoring the pre-split design to the rock mass is critical, and
3) The main production blast must be well balanced if the explosive energy is to be evenly
distributed through the system.

abstract: Master of Applied Science in Natural Resources Engineering (M.A.Sc.)


title: The role of hydrogen sulfide in doxorubicin-induced drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

subject:
H2S
Cystathionine gamma-lyase
human hepatocellular carcinoma
doxorubicin
drug resistance

abstract:
Doxorubicin is one of the most common chemical agents used in the treatment of cancers.
Doxorubicin-treated cancer cells often develop drug resistance due to alterations in the
trafficking and metabolism of the drug, which severely limits the drug’s effectiveness. This is
seen at especially high rates in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form
of liver cancer. H2S is an important gasotransmitter and is involved in a variety of cellular
functions and pathophysiologic processes. The role of H2S in drug resistance in cancer cells is
still unclear. In this study, by using a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2), we
found that NaHS (an H2S donor) was able to reduce cancer cell viability and colony formation in
a doxorubicin dose dependent manner, while H2S alone did not show any effect. The expression
of H2S-generating enzyme cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) but not cystathionine beta-synthase
(CBS) was reduced by doxorubicin treatment. In addition, H2S promoted cellular retention of
doxorubicin in HepG2 cells, possibly by suppressing the expression of ABCA1 and ABCG8, two
drug efflux proteins. LXRα acts as a transcription factor for ABCA1 and ABCG8, however our
findings showed that H2S had no effect on the protein expression and S-sulfhydration of LXRα,
suggesting LXRα is not involved in H2S-regulated expressions of ABCA1 and ABCG8. In
comparison with the parental cells, CSE expression was also reduced in doxorubicin-resistant
cells. Exogenously applied NaHS reversed the drug resistance in doxorubicin-resistant cells. In
conclusion, our study provides a novel solution for reversing drug resistance by targeting H2S
signaling.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: Processes at the mineral-water interface in the acid soils of the Sudbury area

subject:
soil contaminated
mining
smelting
tailings
Sudbury

abstract:
Over a century of mining activities and smelting in the area of Sudbury, Ontario, Canada have resulted in the contamination of the local soils with metal(loid) bearing particulates. Minor and trace elements associated with these phases are released during their weathering. This release is therefore strongly dependent on the mineralogical and chemical character of the metal(loid) bearing phases. The metal(loid)s are then subject to transport before being attenuated through their incorporation into secondary phases. Elevated concentrations of metal(loid)s in silica rich alteration layers has recently been described for altered surfaces at the solid-water and solid-atmospheric interfaces in tailings, and in the vicinity of smelters, respectively. To determine if similar coatings occur in soils, samples were taken from areas around three major smelting centers in the area. Coated grains were extracted from these samples and individually mounted to be analysed. Particulate matter (representing primary metal(loid)-bearing phases) and coatings (secondary metal(loid)-bearing phases) were analysed using scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Laser-Ablation Inductively-coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, Micro-X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The particulates were divided into three main groups: smelter-derived particles, sulfides, and nickel-oxides. Smelter derived particles contained the most elevated concentrations of metal(loid)s in their sulfide inclusions and metal(loid)-rich rims. The mobility of metal(loid)s in the identified mineral phases found within particulates mirrored the transport observed in the soil column; Zn>Cu>Ni>Pb. Once mobilized, these elements are subject to transport before being attenuated by secondary phases. Micro-coatings were found to be composed of hematite, schwertmannite, ferrihydrite, silica, and jarosite group minerals. Coatings are distinguished on the basis of their atomic Si:Fe ratios: FeOx coatings have Si:Fe <1, Si–FeOx coatings have Si:Fe between 1-10, and SiOx coatings
iv
have Si:Fe>10. Iron-rich coatings (FeOx) and silica-rich coatings (SiOx) have lower trace-metal concentrations than Fe-SiOx coatings. Micrometer-thick coatings are predominantly composed of hematite, schwertmannite, ferrihydrite and (amorphous) silica and contain elevated metal(loid) concentrations in the form of metal(loid)-rich phosphate minerals (mainly minerals of the jarosite group). A general model is developed that describes the formation of mineral coatings in acid soils and their important role in the uptake and retention of metal(loids). Here, micrometer-thick Fe-silica coatings form through adsorption, co-precipitation and dehydration processes involving amorphous silica and iron hydroxides. Metal(loid)-bearing phases nucleate within a gel-type matrix and are subsequently preserved during dehydration and solidification. Aluminum-rich surfaces form on mineral grains once the pH has been raised sufficiently high (pH~5-6) so as to lead to the complete removal of sulfate-bearing phases. The implications of this model are widespread in terms of the attenuation of metal(loid)s in acid soils and their retention or subsequent remobilization in recovered soils with near neutral pH.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Geology


title: Excavating the obscure: labouring women, their writing, and eighteenth-century England

subject:
Susannah Harrison
Elizabeth Hands
Ann Wilson
labour
eighteenth-century labouring writers
plebeian
eighteenth-century literature
labouring women
religious writing

abstract:
This study looks at the poetry of labouring women writers in eighteenth-century England,
specifically, Susannah Harrison, Elizabeth Hands, and Ann Wilson, who contributed substantial
literary works, but have remained mostly obscure. Their writing, along with the historical, social,
and political climate of the period are discussed. Many other labouring women writers of the
period have also made valuable contributions but have gone unnoticed, and although there has
been renewed interest in labouring writers and their works over the past three decades, the
majority, especially women, remain unknown. It is the intent of this author that the poetry of
Harrison, Hands, and Wilson, along with other labouring women authors will be observed and
recognized as significant contributions to eighteenth-century literature.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) in Humanities


title: Étude normative sur le développement de la parole et du langage chez l'enfant franco-ontarien : normalisation et validation du Profil de la langue, du langage et de la parole (PLLP)

subject:
Trouble de la parole chez l'enfant
Troubles du langage chez l'enfant
Orthophonie pour enfants

abstract:
Doctorat en philosophie (Ph.D.)
 en sciences humaines


title: Calibration of the PICO-0.1 bubble chamber and development of coated inner vessels for dark matter search

subject:
Dark Matter
WIMP
Cosmology
PICO experiment
SNOLAB
Bubble Chamber
51V
51Cr
Geyser
Condensation Bubble Chamber

abstract:
The detection of dark matter is one of the biggest challenges in modern physics. The PICO
experiment aims for the direct detection of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) with
bubble chambers.
In this thesis, results from calibrations of the PICO-0.1 test chamber is presented. Calibrations
were performed at the Tandem Van de Graaff facility of the Université de Montréal. Monoenergetic
neutrons were produced from the 51V(p,n)51Cr reaction with a 1.6 MeV proton beam.
Two 3He neutron counters used during calibrations for neutron flux normalization were also
calibrated. This result is contributing in improving Monte Carlo simulations of PICO-0.1.
Finally, preliminary work was done toward the use of new inner vessel materials with coated
surfaces for bubble chambers. A Condensation Bubble Chambers (CBCs) was used as a test-bench.
Progress has been made toward the usability of Poly-methyl-methacrylate vessels, but more work
is needed to solve spontaneous wall nucleation problems.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Physics


title: Cultural differences in perception of desirability of parental style: the role of sex and age of the child

subject:
perceptions of parental style
emerging adulthood
child characteristics
cultural differences
gender
age paradigm

abstract: The present study investigated the perceptions of emerging adults regarding desirable parental styles and sought to gain an understanding of whether cultural background, the age paradigm of the child being reared, and gender (of the respondent and child) were contributing factors. A modified version of the Parental Styles Questionnaire was used to measure the perceptions of desirable parental practices. The current study demonstrated that the democratic style of parenting was perceived as the favoured parental practice by both Chinese and Canadian respondents, that the permissive style of parenting was perceived negatively by both cultures (significantly more so by Canadians), and that authoritarian practices were perceived negatively by Chinese, while they were perceived positively by Canadian (when parenting both genders and significantly more so for boys). There were no significant differences in perceptions according to the age of the child or gender of the respondent.

abstract: Master's Theses


title: Numerical modeling of unstable rock failure.

subject:
Unstable rock failure
Rockburst
Heterogeneity
Tensile failure
Confinement
Unloading
Polyaxial compression
Released kinetic energy
Tunnel
Geological structures
Case study

abstract:
Rockburst is an unstable and violent rock failure and it is a hazardous problem in deep underground mines and civil tunnels; it imposes a great danger to safety of workers and investment. Many factors that influence rockburst damage have been identified. In many rockburst case histories, the presence of geological structures such as faults, shear zones, joints, and dykes has been observed near excavation boundaries but their role in rockburst occurrence is still not fully understood. A good understanding of the role of geological structures on rockburst damage is important to anticipate and control rockbursts and constitutes the focus of this thesis.
In this research an explicit finite element tool (Abaqus-Explicit) is employed to study unstable rock failure and rockburst processes. First, uniaxial compression tests were simulated to confirm the suitability of the adopted numerical tool for simulating unstable rock failures. Two indicators namely Loading System Reaction Intensity (LSRI) and the maximum unit kinetic energy (KEmax) were proposed to distinguish between stable and unstable failures in laboratory testing conditions. Unstable rock failures under polyaxial unloading conditions were also simulated. The influences of loading system stiffness, specimen‘s height to width ratio, and intermediate principal stress on rock failure were investigated.
Next, material heterogeneity (in terms of strength and deformability) was introduced into the models using Python scripting to enhance the efficiency of Abaqus for modeling geomaterials. Numerical simulation results showed that heterogeneous models resulted in more realistic failure modes than homogeneous models. The effect of material heterogeneity on rock failure intensity in unconfined and confined compression tests was investigated. It was observed that when two materials have the same peak strength, the heterogeneous model had more released energy than the homogeneous model due to differences in the failure mode. The tensile splitting failure mode of the heterogeneous model released more energy than the shear failure mode of the homogeneous model.
Then, the role of geological weak planes on rockburst occurrence and damage near the boundary of tunnels was studied using 2D models. Initially, a tunnel without any adjacent weak plane was modeled. Then a fault with different lengths, inclinations, and distances to the tunnel was added to the models and its effect on rock failure was simulated. The velocity and the released kinetic energy of failed rocks, the failure zone around the tunnel, and the deformed mesh were studied to identify stable and unstable rock failures. The simulation results showed that the presence of a fault near a tunnel could induce rockburst if the fault is positioned and oriented in such a way that it promotes high stress and low local loading system stiffness.
Finally, a rockburst that occurred in the Jinping II drainage tunnel in China with an observed nearby fault was simulated. The modeling results captured the field observation of rockburst damage and confirmed that the presence of weak planes in the vicinity of deep tunnels is a necessary condition for the occurrence of rockburst. The finding from this research constitutes a better understanding of unstable rock failures in both laboratory and in situ. The insights gained from this research can be useful for rockburst anticipation and control during mining and tunneling in highly stressed grounds.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Natural Resources Engineering


title: Evaluation of the thermal impact from battery packs from electrical vehicles in underground mining environment

subject:
heat load evaluation
Lithhium-iron Phosphate battery system
electric mining vehicle.
heat generation
heat loss
mining industry
environment temperature settings
prototype

abstract:
One of the main aspects which governs the size of ventilation facilities in underground mines
is the amount of heat load generated in the underground environment. This heat load comes from many
different sources, one of which is the heat contributed by underground diesel machinery operation.
One strategy to mitigate the heat and other emissions from such equipment is to substitute these units
to similar performance, but more thermally efficient, electric machinery.  This study presents a heat load evaluation of the Lithium-iron Phosphate battery system used
in a prototype electric mining vehicle. The set of equations which governs the heat generation from
these devices have been developed by previous researchers and is used in this thesis to calculate the
heat generation and loss. However, in the mining industry, the current methodology for heat load
calculation from electric vehicles (EVs) is usually based on the rated power or on a simple power loss
equation. This strategy might lead to incorrect estimations of the heat load from this type of machinery.
Experimental and simulation work has been conducted as a means to evaluate the heat flux
from the Lithium-iron Phosphate battery system. The battery was tested through charging and
discharging it under different levels of current within the 10% to 90% range of its maximum capacity.
The test was performed firstly with a single cell and then with a module. Furthermore, the battery
system was set in operation under different environment temperature settings. These current and
temperature levels represent the range of possible conditions in which the prototype will face in service.
Through the estimation of the heat released from the other main electrical components in the vehicle,
it was possible to calculate the heat impact of these units in the surrounding environment.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.) in Natural Resource Engineering


title: Les perceptions à l’égard du français parlé en Ontario

subject: langue francophone ontario franco-ontariens

abstract: Cette recherche tente de déterminer si les jugements vis-à-vis le français parlé au Canada en général existent toujours. Est-ce que les gens croient toujours que la norme standard du français est celle de la France ou est-ce le français du Québec qui sert maintenant de norme de base lorsqu’on parle la langue de Molière au Canada?  De plus, cette recherche tâche de voir s’il y a des préjugés sur le français parlé en Ontario ou si cette variété dialectale détient un statut plus ou moins égal aux autres variétés de français parlé; elle cherche également à examiner si les participants ont une représentation, une image positive des locuteurs qui parlent français en Ontario.  Nous espérons que les résultats de cette enquête montreront que la perception et les jugements des locuteurs franco-ontariens envers les différentes variations qui s’opèrent en français parlé seront tous de même niveau, ou à peu près. C’est à ces grandes questions que s’intéresse ce travail de recherche.

abstract: Mémoire de spécialisation


title: Characterization of barren and mineralized hydrothermal systems in an impact structure: the granophyre unit and footwall of the Sudbury Igneous Complex, Ontario, Canada

subject:
hydrothermal systems
Sudbury Igneous Complex
granophyre
Ni-Cu-PGE
mineralization
fluid inclusion
oxygen isotope
evaporate mound

abstract:
The Sudbury Igneous Complex (SIC) is the product of a differentiated impact melt sheet and one
of the best preserved impact sites globally. The top 1.5 km of the 2.5 km-thick crystallized melt
sheet, referred to as the granophyre unit (GR), exhibits strong textural, mineralogical,
geochemical, fluid inclusion, and oxygen isotopic evidence for a long and complex hydrothermal
history. This hydrothermal system has not previously been documented, and is characterized by
an early magmatic-hydrothermal stage that has been overprinted by a later hydrothermal stage.
The magmatic-hydrothermal stage was dominated by fluids exsolved from the GR and resulted
in pervasive saussuritization of plagioclase, alteration of alkali feldspar and plagioclase to endmember
compositions, and precipitation of epidote and muscovite in pits and void spaces. The
overprinting hydrothermal stage was dominated by modified seawater sourced from the
hydrothermal system in the overlying Onaping Formation and produced a pervasive alteration
assemblage characterized by epidote, ferro-actinolite, stilpnomelane, biotite, and titanite with
lesser muscovite, chlorite, and ferrotschermakite. The results from this study record a previously
unidentified complex and protracted post-crystallization history of fluid-rock interaction for the
GR that is related to the ore-forming hydrothermal system in the overlying Onaping Formation.  The relationship between the hydrothermal system in the GR and the mineralized systems in the
footwall to the Sudbury Structure (SS) has not previously been established. The Nickel Rim
South (NRS) Cu-Ni-PGE deposit, located in the east range of the Sudbury Structure, Ontario,
records textural and geochemical evidence of a complex, multi-stage hydrothermal history and
provides an excellent comparison to the GR. Results from fluid inclusion petrography and
microthermometry are used in conjunction in order to characterize the hydrothermal system at NRS. The combined results of fluid inclusion petrography and microthermometry, evaporate
mound analysis, oxygen isotopic values of quartz, and trace element chemistry of alteration
minerals reveal a complex hydrothermal history at NRS related to the cooling SIC, which
contributed to hydrothermal remobilization of metals into the footwall. The hydrothermal fluids
are notably different from fluids documented in other mineralized footwall systems that are
represented by high temperature, multi-solid fluid inclusions inferred to be critical for ore
remobilization. Instead, the hydrothermal system at NRS shares more similarities with the GR
hydrothermal system, bringing into question the role of fluids represented by high temperature,
multi-solid inclusions in ore remobilization.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mineral Deposits and Precambrian Geology


title: Discrimination of biological systems with photon emission: steps toward diagnostics in humans and cell cultures

subject:
biophoton emission
humans
cell cultures
power density peaks
electromagnetic field
measurements

abstract:
Spontaneous biophoton emission has been observed in virtually all living organisms.
Differences between individuals of the same species have not been documented thoroughly. The
biophoton emission of both humans and cell cultures were measured. Two humans had their
biophoton emission repeatedly measured over the course of five months. Significant spectral
power density peaks were able to differentiate between the two human participants, but only in the
first month of measurement. Multiple cell cultures, some non-malignant and some cancerous, had
their biophoton emission measured in different sizes of containers filled with nutrient agar.
Significant spectral power density peaks were observed between the B16-BL6 and C2C12 cell
lines. B16-BL6 cells were exposed to an extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field for one
hour. Their biophoton emission was measured immediately following exposure. Significant
variability was observed in the spectral power density within specific frequency ranges. These
results indicate that there exists temporal characteristics of biophoton emission that can be used to
successfully discriminate within and between individuals. The potential for biophoton emission to
be useful as a diagnostic tool is discussed.

abstract: Master of Science (M. Sc.) in Biology


title: Clinician perceptions of the impact of emotions on clinical decision making in child and adolescent eating disorders

subject:
eating disorders
emotions
children
adolescents

abstract:
This thesis will examine the impact of emotions on clinical decision-making in the field of child
and adolescent ED. Therapists and medical professionals working with chronic and lifethreatening
illnesses, such as ED may be particularly vulnerable to emotional influences on their
decision-making. This is evident, as past research studies have identified that high levels of
clinician anxiety result in lower adherence to treatment protocol. In a survey, clinicians reported
that the top three decision categories they perceive to be the most emotionally charged include:
1. Involvement of the family; 2. Autonomy and Control; and 3. Food and Weight. The decision
rated as most negatively influenced by clinician emotion was the decision to include a
critical/dismissive parent in treatment. Family-based therapy has the most empirical support in
the treatment of child/adolescent ED. A treatment team consists of a physician and therapist at
minimum; however, studies examining medical professionals indicated that they were not
confident in their training in ED or in the treatment of ED and only 1/3 of medical professionals
report always including the family in therapy. As such, interviews were conducted in order to
gain a better understanding of the impact of emotions on clinical decision-making in clinicians
and medical professionals. 22 participants (16 therapists and 5 medical professionals) working in
the field of child and adolescent ED completed a 1hour semi-structured interview that included
questions regarding clinician and medical professionals perceptions of the impact of emotions on
clinical decision making in themselves and in their colleagues. Transcripts were analyzed using
thematic analysis. The themes identified suggest that clinicians and medical professionals
perceive emotional influences on their decision-making in clinical practice. The results are
discussed in terms of the implications for self-reflective practice.

abstract: Master of Arts in Applied Psychology (M.A.)


title: A textural and mineralogical study of the footwall rocks to the Sudbury Igneous Complex (North and East ranges)

subject:
contact metamorphism
static recrystallization
dynamic recrystallization
annealing neoblast
feldspar twinning
partial melting
coupled dissolution-precipitation
epidote
monazite
Sudbury Igneous Complex

abstract:
In the North and East range footwall rocks of the 1.85 Ga Sudbury Igneous Complex (SIC), quartz and
plagioclase (An20-30), plastically deformed prior to the emplacement of the SIC, were thermally
annealed, resulting in their replacement by aggregates of strain-free grains that coarsen towards the SIC
footwall contact due to radiant heat. In the Victor footwall deposit, SIC East Range, granoblastic
polygonal quartz was overprinted by dynamically recrystallized quartz, with microstructures indicative
of bulging (BLG) recrystallization. Incipient melting at quartz-plagioclase interfaces in Victor footwall
rocks is recorded as interstitial plagioclase seams in quartz with quartz-quartz-plagioclase dihedral
angles that peak at ~40 ⁰, characteristic of wetting angles. Subsequent fluid-mediated modification of
least-altered plagioclase (An20-30) generated porous albite (An0-10) through a coupled dissolutionprecipitation (CDP) mechanism, which was likely contemporaneous with the crystallization of
secondary epidote-group minerals. In the Victor footwall, textures and mineral chemistry of plagioclase,
epidote- and chlorite-group minerals support the notion that a relatively oxidized, acidic, Fe-bearing
fluid with a temperature of ~310 – 385 ⁰C favoured quartz-plagioclase interfaces as grain-scale fluid
pathways, preferentially dissolving the anorthite component of plagioclase and creating void space prior
to formation of disseminated chalcopyrite proximal to massive Cu-rich sulfide veins in the footwall
setting.

abstract: Master of Sciences (MSc) in Geology


title: Application of GenRel for maintainability analysis of underground mining equipment: based on case studies of two hoist systems

subject:
GenRel
Underground mining equipment
Hoist systems

abstract:
With the increasing costs of extracting ores, mines are becoming more
mechanized and automated. Mechanization and automation can make
considerable contributions to mine productivity, but equipment failures and
maintenance have an impact on the profit. Implementing maintenance at suitable
time intervals can save money and improve the reliability and maintainability of
mining equipment. This thesis focuses on maintainability prediction of mining
machinery. For this purpose, a software tool, GenRel, was developed at the
Laurentian University Mining Automation Laboratory (LUMAL). GenRel is based
on the application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to simulate the failure/repair
occurrences during the operational life of equipment. In GenRel it is assumed that
failures of mining equipment caused by an array of factors follow the biological
evolution theory. GenRel then simulates the failure occurrences during a time
period of interest using genetic algorithms (GAs) coupled with a number of
statistical techniques. This thesis will show the applicability and limitation of
GenRel through case studies, especially in using discrete probability distribution
function.
One of the objectives of this thesis is to improve GenRel. A discrete probability
distribution function named Poisson is added in the pool of available probabilities
functions. After improving and enhancing GenRel, the author carries out two
groups of case studies. The objectives of the case studies include an assessment
of the applicability of GenRel using real-life data and an investigation of the
relationship between data size and prediction results. Discrete and continuous
distribution functions will be applied on the same input data. The data used in
case studies is compiled from failure records of two hoist systems at different
iv
mine sites from the Sudbury area in Ontario, Canada.
The first group of case studies involves maintainability analysis and predictions
for a 3-month operating period and a six-month operating period of a hoist system.
The second group of case studies investigates the applicability of GenRel as a
maintainability analysis tool using historical failure/repair data from another mine
hoist system in three different time periods, three months, six months and one
year. Both groups apply two different distribution probability functions (discrete
and continuous) to investigate the best fit of the applied data sets, and then make
a comparative analysis. In each case study, a statistical test is carried out to
examine the similarity between the predicted data set with the real-life data set in
the same time period. In all case studies, no significant impact of the data size on
the applicability of GenRel was observed. In continuous distribution fitting,
GenRel demonstrated its capability of predicting future data with data size
ranging from 166 to 762. In discrete probability fitting, the case studies indicated
to a degree the applicability of GenRel for the hoist systems at Mine A and Mine
B.
In the discussion and conclusion sections, the author discloses the findings from
the case studies and suggests future research direction.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.) in Natural Resources Engineering


title: Novel electromagnetic surveying and interpretation methods for improved near surface characterization and deep exploration

subject: Electromagnetics mining environmental inversion

abstract:
Inductive electromagnetic (EM) geophysical methods are often applied and their data processed
for two different purposes. One is to create images of the distribution of electrical conductivity of
the subsurface while the second is to derive simple robust physical estimates of the location, size
and attributes of discrete conductors. In order to improve both the ability to efficiently image the
subsurface and to derive simple robust physical properties of discrete conductors, several
surveying methods and interpretation algorithms have been developed.
To improve the lateral near-surface resolution of thin conductors, such as overburden, nickel
laterites and mine waste, two interpretation methods were developed which rely on the
measurement of the vertical spatial derivative of the time-varying magnetic field. The first
method does not require grid or line data, but, is less accurate than the second inversion method
when the spatial gradient of the resistance is strong and/or when the horizontal magnetic fields
are large. When applied to data collected over an old mine tailings pond, the two methods
produced similar high resolution maps of the conductance.
For both shallow and deep exploration a simple and robust conductance estimation method for
borehole EM data was developed. The method relies on the calculation of the vertical spatial
derivative of the magnitude of the magnetic field using adjacent down-hole stations. In a field
trial, a reliable conductance was calculated for two deep sulfide bodies.
To improve the resolution of EM surveying, a multi-transmitter surveying processing method
was developed. Individual targets are highlighted by calculating a weighted-sum of the multiple
transmitter data and the method is shown to produce high signal-to-noise ratio data for high
finesse surveys in complex conductor environments where many transmitter-to-target coupling
angles are required and/or for deep focused exploration. A field example over an offset dyke
located in the Sudbury Basin showcased the ability of the surveying and processing method to
determine the location and orientation of a sulfide body.
To provide geoscientists with low-cost and efficient interpretation tools, a fast approximate 3D
inversion for fixed-loop surface data was developed. The method solves for the causative
subsurface current system which is approximated with a 3D subsurface grid of 3D magnetic
(closed loop current) or electric (current element) dipoles. Ground data from a deep massive
sulfide body was inverted and the results were consistent with existing interpretation and a
second example over a near-surface mine tailings pond highlighted the strength of being able to
invert magnetic field data using either magnetic or electric dipoles.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mineral Deposits and Precambrian Geology


title: An independent analysis of schemas using the Go/No Go Association Task

subject:
Schemas
Gender
Sexuality
Response Time

abstract: Previous research, using the Implicit Associations Test, demonstrated that a slowdown effect in regards to homosexual characters, especially homosexual male characters, exists. However, this task was not developed to observe individual gender attributes. The aim of the current research was to use the GNAT to explore these differences. The results of the current study revealed that a slowdown effect was not equal across the gender categories as it occurred more in homosexual males rather than in heterosexual males and females within schema incongruent trials. This outcome supports previous research using the IAT.

abstract: Honours essay


title: The metabolic enzyme locus Triosephosphate Isomerase (Tpi) in Drosophila melanogaster is sensitive to the pairing- dependent trans interaction transvection

subject:
Gene regulation
transvection
trans-interactions
Triose phosphate isomerase

abstract: Recent advances in our ability to visualize and quantify interactions between chromosomes have made the study of these interactions a key step in advancing our understanding of gene regulation. A special form of trans interactions, called transvection, occurs when homologous chromosomes are physically paired in somatic cells. I have characterized interactions at the Triosephosphate isomerase (Tpi) locus, present on the third chromosome, in Drosophila melanogaster using a combination of enzymatic and transcriptional assays and a series of low activity Tpi alleles I generated. I found significant interactions in trans at Tpi which showed a dependence on pairing of homologous chromosomes, this dependence classifies the trans effects at Tpi as the special form of regulation, transvection. These transvection effects at Tpi are also sensitive to genetic background, where the excision alleles have different transvection effect interactions based on the variation of the third chromosome with which they are paired. The presence of transvection at Tpi provides a new locus at which to study chromosomal interactions and confirms previous results that pairing dependent interactions, in vivo, are subject to a number of complex regulatory elements.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: The identification and characterization of small molecules for the inhibition of NGF  and proNGF8p75NTR interactions using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy

subject:
nerve growth
factor
surfaceplasmon resonance
p75NTR

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology