title: Northern Ontario nurse practitioner job satisfaction and intent to leave: a constructivist grounded theory study

subject:
nurse practitioner job satisfaction
nurse practitioner intent to leave
nurse practitioner workforce
nurse practitioner qualitative research
health human resources
northern Ontario nurse practitioner
primary healthcare nurse practitioner

abstract:
The current document is a three-paper dissertation exploring northern Ontario primary
healthcare Nurse Practitioners’ (NPs) job satisfaction and intent to leave. The
characteristics of NP job satisfaction and intent to leave are poorly understood. The
broader work on NP job satisfaction and intent to leave has relied heavily on quantitative
cross-sectional methods. I decided to use qualitative methods in order to seek deeper
understanding of NP job satisfaction and intent to leave. The sample for this constructivist
grounded theory study included 18 primary healthcare NPs working full time in primary
healthcare in Northern Ontario. Telephone interviews were conducted and transcripts were
analyzed. We found that primary healthcare NP job satisfaction was dependent upon a
particular mix of “satisfiers”. These satisfiers included independence and interdependence,
challenging work, quiet moments, and beginnings and endings. NPs experience
dissatisfaction related to role recognition, geographical distances, overwork, and feeling
overwhelmed. Key features were identified as contributors to primary healthcare NP intent
to leave. These included inadequate remuneration, the lack of a provincial government
pension plan, the quality of their relationships with management and administration and
extended benefits programs. Among those considering leaving a primary healthcare NP
position, key features of a new position would include adequate remuneration, generous
extended benefits, and a shorter distance from home and practice sites. Some respondents
intending to leave their current practice setting identified that they would be seeking work
outside of NP practice. This study served to clarify key job features and processes related
to job satisfaction and intent to leave among Northern Ontario’s primary healthcare NP
population. A broader theory of NP job satisfaction and intent to leave emanated from the
analysis of relationships among these key concepts within the study. The findings of this
study could serve to inform initiatives to retain and recruit primary healthcare NPs within
both rural and urban practice settings across northern Ontario.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Interdisciplinary Rural and Northern Health


title: Biochemical and molecular characterization of microbial communities from a metal contaminated and reclaimed region.

subject:
Metals
Soil pH
CEC
PLFA Analysis
Pyrosequencing
Bacterial and fungal community
Soil microbial diversity and abundance
Soil respiration
Microbial activity

abstract: Metal contamination in the Greater Sudbury Region (GSR) resulted in severe environmental degradation. Soil liming and tree planting have been the main approaches to restoring the damaged ecosystem. The specific objective of the present study was to assess the effects of soil metal contamination and liming on 1) microbial biomass and abundance, 2) bacterial and fungal diversity, and 3) enzymatic activities and soil respiration. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis and 454 pyrosequencing were used to address these research objectives. Total biomasses for bacteria, arbuscular fungi (AM fungi), other fungi and eukaryotes were significantly lower in metal contaminated compared to uncontaminated reference areas. Analysis of bacterial communities revealed Chao1 index values of 232 and 273 for metal contaminated and reference soils, respectively. For fungi, the Chao index values were 23 for metal contaminated and 45 for reference sites. There was a significant increase of total microbial biomass in limed sites (342.15 ng/g) compared to unlimed areas (149.89 ng/g). Chao1 estimates followed the same trend. But the total number of OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units) in limed (463 OTUs) and unlimed (473 OTUs) soil samples for bacteria were similar. For fungi, OTUs were 96 and 81 for limed and unlimed soil samples, respectively. Bacterial and fungal groups that were specific to either limed or unlimed sites were identified. Bradyrhizobiaceae family with 12 genera including the nitrogen fixing Bradirhizobium genus was more abundant in limed sites compared to unlimed areas. For fungi, Ascomycota was the most predominant phylum in unlimed soils (46.00%) while Basidiomycota phylum represented 85.74% of all fungi in the limed areas. Detailed analysis of the data showed that although soil liming increases significantly the amount of microbial biomass, the level of species diversity remained statistically unchanged. Soil respiration rates were higher in limed soils (65 ppm) compared to unlimed soils (35 ppm). They were significantly lower in metal contaminated sites (55 ppm) compared to reference sites (90 ppm). β-glucosidase (BG), cellobiohydrolase (CBH), β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAGase), aryl sulfatase (AS), acid phosphatase (AP), alkaline phosphatase (AlP), glycine aminopeptidase (GAP), and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activites were significantly higher in limed compared to unlimed sites. Metal contamination significantly reduced the activities of these enzymes with the exception of LAP. An opposite trend was observed for peroxidase (PER) enzyme activity that was higher in unlimed and metal contaminated sites compared to limed and reference areas.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomolecular Sciences


title: Mining, injuries, and the compensation process: who does it hurt the most?

subject:
qualitative descriptive
lower back injury
compensation
underground workers
males
Sudbury, Ontario

abstract:
The thesis aimed to determine the impact of a lower back injury and the compensation claim
process experienced by some male underground workers in Sudbury, Ontario. A qualitative
descriptive study design was employed and utilized inductive, in-depth, in-person interviews.
Participants were recruited using an existing database of the United Steelworkers (USW) Local
6500. Thematic analysis was employed and yielded the following themes: extreme financial
hardship, compromised family relationships, feelings of depression, unsafe work environments,
punishment for injured workers, denial of illness and compensation by the employer, and a tough
fight for compensation. In conclusion, the results of this study emphasized the need for additional
research about the biopsychosocial consequences of an injury, how to better support an injured
worker and the importance of providing process, policy, and injury prevention education for all
individuals involved in an injured workers journey.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) in Interdisciplinary Health


title: Experimental learning within the Resource Department of Family and Children's Services of Renfrew County.

publisher:
Laurentian University of Sudbury
Laurentian University of Sudbury

subject: experimental learning

subject: resource workers

subject: Resource Dept. of Family and Children's Services of Renfrew County

subject: front line protection work

subject: child welfare system

abstract:
The child welfare system is one that operates under considerable strain. Although my experience has been primarily child protection, my MSW placement within the resource department has provided me with many valuable insights into this line of work. I fully anticipated that the resource role would not be as fast-paced or stressful as front line protection work, and may have underestimated the challenges facing resource workers. My initial review of the literature provided me with the necessary background for my work with resource families
during my placement experience. This enabled me to bridge the gap between my protection and the resource role, and to see child welfare from another perspective. Overall, my thesis will examine how we can promote resilience and capacity building under the strain of the existing system, not only for the people with whom we work, but for us as practitioners. This report reflects on my learning experience and what knowledge I have gained, and on how this knowledge has enhanced my practice. A large part of this learning experience for me has been to identify what theories and knowledge guide my practice within the child welfare system. In determining what my learning experience has been, my aim has been to be as self-critical in my approach as possible in the construction of this understanding.

abstract: Master's Theses


title: Towards the development of a culturally sensitive, empowerment-based sexual assault resistance model for Anishinaabe women

subject:
Anishinabek
Indigenous
Aboriginal
Native
decolonization
women
women’s health
sexual violence
sexual assault
sexual assault resistance
model development

abstract:
In Canada, sexual violence against Indigenous women is an unsettling, national human
rights crisis. Conservative estimates are that 57% of Indigenous women have been sexually
assaulted (Native Women’s Association of Canada, 2011). Compared with non-Indigenous
women they experience three times more intimate partner violence, suffer from more extreme
violence and are targeted by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous men (Boyce, 2016).
The House of Commons, Special Committee on Violence Against Women in 2014
emphasized the need for the development of education and prevention programs to address
violence against Indigenous women (Ambler, 2014). Sexual violence against Indigenous women
intersects with historic genocide, intergeneration trauma, entrenched racism, sexism, and
poverty. Although some sexual assault resistance programs have been found to lessen sexual
assaults by 50% (Orchowski & Gidycz, 2018), none have been developed that address the unique
history, culture, and needs of Indigenous women.
This thesis explores the development of a culturally sensitive, empowerment-based
sexual assault resistance model and preliminary program for Anishinaabe women. The
development was informed by peer-reviewed literature and in collaboration with two
Anishinaabe elders. The emergent model and preliminary program were reviewed by a focus
group of three professional Anishinabek helpers. This study is a step towards lessening sexual
violence against Indigenous women in Canada, supports social work competence and practice for
working with Indigenous women, and furthers sexual violence prevention efforts in Ontario’s
north.

abstract: Masters of Social Work (MSW)


title: Structural controls of Ni-Cu PGE ores and mobilization of metals at the Garson Mine, Sudbury

subject:
Garson Mine
Sudbury
Ore
Metals

abstract:
The Garson Ni-Cu-PGE deposit is located on the South Range of the 1850 Ma Sudbury
structure along the contact between the Sudbury Igneous Complex (SIC) and the
underlying metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks of the Paleoproterozoic Huronian
Supergroup. It comprises four ore bodies that are hosted by E-W-trending shear zones
that dip steeply to the south. The shear zones formed as south-directed D1 thrusts in
response to flexural-slip during regional buckling of the SIC. They imbricated the ore
zones, the SIC norite, the underlying Huronian rocks and they emplaced slivers of
Huronian rocks and anatectic breccia into the overlying Main Mass norite. Coexisting
garnet-amphibole pairs yielded syn-D1 amphibolite facies metamorphic temperatures
ranging from ~550°C to 590°C. The shear zones were coeval with the moderately southdipping South Range and Thayer Lindsley shear zones, which formed to accommodate
the strain in the hinge zone as the SIC tightened with progressive D1 shortening. The SE limb of the SIC was overturned together with the D1 thrusts, which were then reactivated as steeply south-dipping reverse shear zones during syn-D2 greenschist metamorphism.Syn-D2 metamorphic titanite yield a U-Pb age of ca. 1849 ± 6 Ma, suggesting that D1 and D2 are part of a single progressive deformation event that occurred immediately after
crystallization of the SIC during the Penokean Orogeny.
The ore bodies plunge steeply to the south parallel to the colinear L1 and L2 stretching
mineral lineations. Ore types consist mainly of pyrrhotite-pentlandite-chalcopyrite breccia ores, but also include pyrrhotite-pentlandite-chalcopyrite disseminated sulfide
mineralization in norite, and syn-D2 quartz-calcite-chalcopyrite-pyrrhotite-pentlandite
iv veins. In the breccia ores, matrix sulfides surround silicate rock fragments that have a strong shape-preferred orientation defining a pervasive foliation. The fragments are highly stretched parallel to the mineral lineations in wall rocks, suggesting that the ore bodies are zones of high strain. Pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite occur in piercement structures, in boudin necks between fragments, in fractures in wall rocks and in fold hinges, suggesting that the sulfides were mobilized by ductile plastic flow. Despite evidence of high strain in the ore zones, the sulfide matrix in D1 and D2 breccia ores show little evidence of strain as they consist predominantly of polygonal pyrrhotite aggregates, suggesting that they recrystallized during, or immediately after D1 and D2. However, rare elongate pyrrhotite grains aligned parallel to S2 are locally preserved only in D2 breccia ores. Exsolution of pentlandite loops along grain boundaries of elongate pyrrhotite formed S2-parallel pentlandite-rich layers in D2 breccia ores, whereas the pentlandite
loops are multi-oriented in D1 contact breccia as they were exsolved along grain
boundaries polygonal pyrrhotite. Because exsolution of pentlandite post-date D1 and D2, and that individual pentlandite grains neither have a shape-preferred orientation nor show evidence for cataclastic flow, the sulfides reverted to, and were mobilized as a
homogeneous metamorphic monosulfide solid solution (mss) during D1 and possibly D2.
This is in agreement with predictions from phase equilibria as the average Garson
composition plots within the mss field in Fe-Ni-S ternary diagram at temperatures above
~400°C.
Disseminated and breccia ores at Garson have similar mantle-normalized multi-element
chalcophile patterns as undeformed contact-type disseminated and massive ore,
v respectively, at the well known Creighton mine in the South Range. This suggests that the Garson ores are magmatic in origin and that their compositions were not significantly altered by hydrothermal fluids and deformation. The lack of variations in Ni tenors between the disseminated and breccias ores suggest that the R-factor was not the process controlling metal tenors because the disseminated sulfides do not consistently have higher metal tenors than the breccia ore. The breccia ores are enriched in Rh-Ru-Ir and are
depleted in Cu-Pd-Pt-Au, in contrast to footwall-type ore at the nearby Garson Ramp
mine which is enriched in the same metals. When Ni100, Rh100, Ir100, Pt100 and Pd100 are
plotted against Cu100, the breccia and footwall-type ore analyses plot along model mss
fractionation and sulfide melt model curves, suggesting that these two ore types are
related by mss fractionation.
In summary, the Garson breccia ores are mss cumulates that settled quickly at the base of
the SIC via a gravity filtration process, and were mobilized as a metamorphic mss by
ductile plastic flow during D1 and D2. Despite minor local hydrothermal mobilization of some metals, the study confirms findings from other studies that highly deformed Ni-Cu-PGE deposits, such as the Garson deposit, can provide important information on the genesis of the deposits.

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


title: Evaluating the quality of work life of registered nurses in urban, rural and remote Northeastern Ontario

subject:
Northeastern Ontario registered nurses
urban hospitals
rural hospitals
remote hospitals
quality of work life ( (QOWL)
RNs
nurses’ stress
environment factors

abstract:
The sustainability of our Canadian healthcare system to meet the demands of healthcare
and healing for clients in urban, rural and remote hospital settings are dependent upon nurses’
health and the quality of nurses’ work life. The purpose of this research was to understand how
Northeastern Ontario registered nurses’ (RNs’) in urban, rural and remote hospitals evaluated
their quality of work life (QOWL), to examine similarities and differences of RNs’ evaluation
related to their geographic locations, and to identify what QOWL and nursing practice
environment factors were associated with nurses’ stress.
A mixed methods sequential explanatory design was conducted that used an adapted
version of the Nursing Work Life Model as the theoretical framework for Phase I. Quantitative
data were collected from RNs working in urban, small urban, rural and remote Northeastern
Ontario hospitals (n=4). The questionnaire consisted of demographic questions, the Brook’s
Quality of Nursing Work Life, the Practice Environment Scale, the Nursing Stress scales (NSS),
and a section for RNs to write comments. Multiple and logistic stepwise backward regressions
were conducted to determine factors associated with nurses’ QOWL and stress scores. Phase II
face-to-face interviews of RNs and nurse leaders (n=17) were conducted to explicate findings
from Phase I results. Thematic analysis of participant comments (n=53), and semi-structured
interviews were guided by Thorne’s (2008) Interpretative Description methods. A total of 319 packages were distributed and yielded a 54.23% response rate (n=173).
The majority of RNs were female (93.1%) and ranged in age between 20 and 29 years (mean =
35.9, s.d. 11.0). Results from the QOWL multiple regression analysis indicated three key factors
that explained 35% of the variance (R2 0.353) that included: general health, exhaustion, and
factors in the staffing subscale of the Practice Environment Scale. Four key factors were associated with nurses’ stress scores that explained 42% of the variance (R2 0.423) and included:
workload, work-home life balance, adequate support services, and factors of the nursing ability
subscale of the Practice Environment Scale. Nurses who reported decreased presence of factors
associated in the Nursing Quality subscale were 12.39 (95% CI: 2.58- 59.64) times as likely to
have lower QOWL scores (≤163). Nurses who did not have adequate support services that
allowed nurses to spend time with patients were 3.56 (95% CI: 1.78, 7.10) times as likely to
report higher stress scores (≥ 78). The overarching theme summarizing the findings was revealed
to be Supporting Holistic Client Healing and Nurse Healers that described nurses’ and nurse
leaders’ evaluation of Northeastern Ontario nurses’ QOWL and stress. This was supported by
five key themes: 1) Holistic Healing of Clients: Dueling Ideologies, 2) Facilitating Healing at
the Bedside: Supporting Nurses’ Work Life, 3) Geographical Hindrances to Healing: Healthcare
System Inequalities, 4) Supporting Healing Beyond the Hospital Bedside: Healthcare System
Inequities in Policies, Funding and Decision-Making Processes, and 5) Nurses’ QOWL and
Health Consequences. The findings of this research elucidated new knowledge related to factors impacting
Northeastern Ontario nurses’ ability to provide quality holistic care to facilitate their clients
healing processes, which affected nurses’ QOWL and stress. Supporting the holistic healing of
clients and nurse healers requires nurses being able to access the supports and resources they
need that maintains their legal and ethical standards of care. Inequitable healthcare system
policies and decision-making processes that perpetuate healthcare system inequalities need to
change. Improving nurses’ QOWL and stress requires a concerted effort by several stakeholders.
Healthcare policies and decision-makers need to listen to the voices of nurses and healthcare
providers who live and work in rural and remote settings across Northern Ontario. New and unique solutions and policies can be created that may eventually actualize the vision of the
delivery of high quality healthcare services that are equitable for all Ontarians regardless of their
geographic location.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Rural and Northern Health


title: Quantification of seismic responses to mining using novel seismic response parameters

subject:
complex seismicity
induced seismicity
LaRonde Mine
mine blasting
seismic event location
seismic event time
seismic response parameters
seismic response to mining
triggered seismicity
underground mining

abstract:
Mining-induced seismic events can be loosely classified as induced events or triggered events.
Induced seismic events in mines are typically proportional to mining-induced stress change. This
type of rock mass failure is often successfully managed by seismically active underground
mining operations, and is generally considered part of a normal seismic response to mining.
Triggered seismicity represents a disproportional seismic response to mining, and often results in
visible rock mass damage. The variations in space and time characteristics of induced and
triggered seismicity, particularly in relation to mine blasting, are indicative of distinct seismic
source mechanisms and may be useful in seismic hazard evaluation for mines.
In this work, Seismic Response Parameters (SRP's) are conceptualized using fundamental rock
mechanics and mine seismicity principles, and subsequently supported with a comprehensive
case study from Agnico Eagle's LaRonde mine. The primary factors considered in this thesis are
space and time; how they relate a seismic response to the stimulus and how they relate individual
events within a seismic response to the response itself. The four SRP's are: Distance to Blast,
Time After Blast, Distance to Centroid and Time Between Events.
A normalized set of SRP's, calculated with site specific considerations, are proposed as a
meaningful measure of how likely a seismic response is to be induced or triggered by discrete
mine blasting. Within this thesis, Seismic Response Rating (SRR), the summation of normalized
SRP's, is presented as a means of quantifying seismic responses to mining with a single
numerical value. Seismic responses at LaRonde mine are used to demonstrate the application of
SRP's and SRR to real mine seismic data.
A mine shutdown period, in which no mine blasting occurs, is used to provide meaningful
insight into the spatial and temporal relations of mine seismicity. In the absence of mine blasting,
seismic events associated with induced seismic source mechanisms cease to obscure triggered
seismicity (resulting from triggered source mechanisms). Where and when both induced and
triggered seismic source mechanisms interact in space and time, complex seismicity may be
observed. An interpretation of complex seismic responses to mining, occurring in the transitional
zone between induced and triggered seismicity, is also presented in this thesis.

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


title: The influence of pH and chemical denaturants on metal binding and structure of anthrax lethal factor

subject:
pH
anthrax
chemical denaturants
metal binding
structure

abstract: Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax, and secretes a three-component toxin consisting of protective antigen (PA), edema factor (EF), and lethal factor (LF). LF is a zinc-dependent metallopeptidase responsible for cleaving mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases in the cytosol. To reach the cytosol, LF must be unfolded to pass through the narrow lumen of the PA channel embedded in the endosomal membrane. Whether the metal-binding motif in LF remains intact, and the Zn2+ ion is co-translocated along with the protein is currently unknown. Using a combination of intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy and chelator studies to probe the unfolding and metal status of LF, this study shows that acidification from pH 7 to pH 5 leads a marked destabilization of LF’s native fold, and a significantly increased degree of Zn2+ accessibility (to chelation) and release. Furthermore, red-edge excitation shift studies show that LF still retains a partial fold even when exposed to low pH and high concentrations of denaturants. Taken together, these results provide insights into the structure and metal status of LF under conditions similar to those encountered during translocation in vivo, and they suggest that LF’s Zn2+ ion is likely lost during PA-mediated translocation.

abstract: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Chemical Sciences


title: Do portable anti-fatigue mats affect the mechanics or discomfort of walking

subject:
kinematics
kinetics
anti-fatigue matting
insole
low back
lower limb
discomfort

abstract:
Prolonged periods of standing and walking creates loading on the muscles of the back and legs
causing pain and discomfort to many employees who stand on hard surfaces such as cement floors.
Portable anti-fatigue mats are an ergonomic intervention that is thought to be a solution for
musculoskeletal injuries. Thirteen healthy subjects ranging from 18-55 years of age were recruited
for the study to represent a working population. Subject completed two 3 hour sessions, one with
work boots, and the other with the combination of work boots and portable anti-fatigue mats.
Subjects walked for a 3 hour period to simulate a prolonged walking period. Participants were
instrumented with reflective marker to collect kinematic data and walked on the force plate to
collect kinetic forces acting on the body. They also completed a discomfort questionnaire for “pre”,
“during” and “post” exercise. Results showed no significant differences in mechanical variables,
and showed significant differences in discomfort ratings for the ankle/foot and knee between
conditions; while showing significant differences for the ankle/foot and low back over time.

abstract: Master of Human Kinetics


title: Étude qualitative sur les facteurs de risques d’obésité infantile ; le role des perceptions, des connaissances et des attitudes des parents sur l’alimentation, le poids et l’activité physique

subject:
Obésité infantile
Alimentation
Activité physique
Poids

abstract: L’objectif de cette thèse était de déterminer les valeurs, les attitudes et les perceptions des mères francophones ayant des enfants d’âge préscolaire. En tout 11 mères ont été recrutées afin de participer à des groupes de discussions qui abordaient les thèmes de la problématique de l’obésité infantile, de l’image corporelle, de l’alimentation et de l’activité physique. Les résultats démontrent que les parents ont comme valeurs d’être en famille, de fournir une alimentation santé pour leur enfant et d’être de bons modèles d’habitudes de vie saines. Les mères de nos groupes avaient en général une très bonne connaissance de l’alimentation et des bienfaits de l’activité physique. Elles ont aussi fait preuve d’une grande sensibilité à l’égard de l’obésité et de l’image corporelle. Cette étude a aussi éclairci quelques perceptions parentales pouvant influencer des pratiques favorisant l’acquisition d’un surpoids chez les jeunes enfants (p. ex. : les enfants sont actifs naturellement). Les résultats de cette étude ont soulevé les valeurs et les perceptions des parents pour qu’elles servent de composantes centrales aux futurs programmes de prévention et d’intervention dans la problématique de l’obésité infantile.

abstract: Maîtrise en arts (MA) en développement humain


title: The implementation of a structured format of brief cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) methods to overcome the barriers and facilitate the delivery of CBT by primary healthcare providers for patients with depression: a pilot evaluation

subject:
Cognitive behaviour therapy
CBT
Depression
Primary healthcare

abstract:
Cognitive behaviour therapy is a well-documented first-line treatment for mild to
moderate depression. Primary healthcare providers have encountered several barriers
when trying to provide CBT in an office-based setting and as such, adoption of this
evidence-based treatment has been suboptimal. Primary healthcare nurse practitioners
(PHC NPs) have an in-depth knowledge of advanced nursing practice, and are
responsible for the assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with acute and
chronic conditions, such as depression. PHC NPs are also ideally situated in the health
care system to deliver CBT to their patients. The objectives of this project were to
develop a format for the delivery of brief CBT methods that was feasible in the PHC
setting, increase PHC providers’ confidence to implement CBT and ultimately increase
their adoption of CBT

abstract: Masters of Science in Nursing (MScN) Program


title: An architectural response to multi-generational housing inspired by Haudenosaunee culture

subject:
multi-generational housing
community design
Indigenous design
wampum belts
longhouse village
architecture
Haudenosaunee
Six Nations
Six Nations of the Grand River

abstract:
Indigenous culture is rich and vibrant all across Mother Earth; more commonly known as
North America, and sadly is rarely reflected in the built environment of their communities.
This thesis seeks to answer the question: How can the culture of the Haudenosaunee
be reflected within their built environment to align with the needs of the community?
Through the exploration of community engagement and case studies it was proven designs
in Indigenous communities should be inspired by the culture’s history and traditions while
reflecting the community within the 21st century. Concepts, meanings, and teachings
from Indigenous culture have the ability to influence a 21st century building. Through the
exploration of wampum belts, Haudenosaunee longhouse, and longhouse village, a proposed
multi-generational housing project demonstrates how the Haudenosaunee culture can in
fact be reflected within the built environment to align with the needs of the community

abstract: Master of Architecture (M.Arch)


title: Chronic nitrogen and nutrient deposition impacts on community structure and abundance of bacteria, fungi, and CH4 cycling prokaryotes in a northern peat bog

subject:
Peatland
Mer Bleue
nitrogen deposition
microbial community

abstract: Anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition may threaten peatland carbon storage capabilities. Increased deposition has been linked to subsequent plant community shifts and increased decomposition rates, potentially via the disruption of natural microbial communities. By examining peat soils from randomized, replicated treatment plots in a long-term simulated chronic N deposition experiment at the Mer Bleue Bog in Eastern Ontario, Canada, my objective was to characterize how increased deposition impacts community structure and abundance of broad groups of microbial communities, and specific CH4 cycling prokaryotes. Using fingerprinting approaches and qPCR of SSU rRNA and other functional genes, my data show that with increasing nutrient loading the bacterial and fungal community structure changed. Along the same gradient methanogen abundance decreased, however there were no corresponding changes in methanotroph community structure or abundance. My results provide new insights on the possible causes of higher CO2 and CH4 effluxes seen in situ following chronic nutrient loading.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: Geographic extension of benthic Invertebrate RCA bioassessments: how far can we go?

subject:
Benthic invertebrates
Bioassessment
Benthic Assessment of Sediment
Reference Condition Approach

abstract:
The management of aquatic ecosystems is important to preserve the ecosystem services provided to humanity. The development of environmental assessment has allowed the management and therefore protection of these important resources. Reference Condition Approach (RCA) bioassessments using benthic macroinvertebrates as indicators are common tools that provide a means of determining impairment of stream sites by comparing exposed test sites to relatively unexposed reference sites. RCA predictive models are commonly developed at the scale of drainage basin, ecoregion, or political region (i.e. United Kingdom or Australian state), and test site assessment is restricted within the spatial boundaries of the model. If test site assessment can be applied outside the spatial scope of the model, insofar that the environmental characteristics are similar, it would reduce extensive sampling i.e. remote northern locations and time-consuming development of numerous models. The overall goal of my study was to assess whether a predictive model applied across a larger spatial extent, and therefore encompassing a greater area for test sites to be assessed, is as effective as models generally developed within smaller geographic regions such as within a basin or watershed.
Benthic invertebrates and habitat data from three areas in Canada were examined: the Attawapiskat River basin in northern Ontario, the Fraser River basin in British Columbia and the Yukon River basin. The RCA predictive model method was used in this study that determines the relationships between benthic community groups and the environmental descriptors that explain them and the Benthic Assessment of Sediment (BEAST) assessment method to compare test sites with a physical similar group of reference sites. The performance of the bioassessment was assessed using a common set of simulated impact (“simpacted”) sites with known responses
iv
of taxa to disturbance. Models for each basin and a multi-basin model were compared on prediction performance, parsimony, and sensitivity. The multi-basin model had comparable prediction performance (65% correctly classified) to single basin models (56-72%) but lacked the sensitivity that models for single basins possessed. The Attawapiskat was the most parsimonious with only 2 predictors but the Fraser and multi-basin models explained the most variance with more predictors (Wilks’ λ = 0.06 and 0.1 for the Fraser and multi-basin models, respectively). The results of this study showed that sites can be assessed outside the range of their reference data insofar that the test site is within the range of environmental characteristics within the model. A test site assessed as disturbed for the multi-basin model will in fact be disturbed but disturbed sites are less frequently detected compared to single basin models. Therefore as with any bioassessment, users need to be aware of the chance of committing type 1 and 2 errors. Developing models that target a single stressor of concern to increase the pool of available candidate predictors is recommended; such a model may possess greater prediction performance and sensitivity.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: Analyse qualitative auprès des travailleurs licenciés dans le secteur forestier du nord de l'Ontario

subject:
nord de l’Ontario
secteur forestier
fermeture d’usine
perte d’emploi
travailleurs licenciés
aide psychosociale.

abstract:
Cette étude porte sur le nombre élevé d’entreprises de la région du nord de l’Ontario
qui ont été péniblement touchées par la crise du secteur forestier qui a sévie entre
2004 et 2009 et dont la conséquence a été le licenciement de milliers de travailleuses
et travailleurs. Ce mémoire visait à mieux comprendre l’impact réel et les stratégies
utilisées par les travailleuses et travailleurs licenciés afin de faire face à la perte de
leur emploi en explorant les vécus subjectifs des travailleuses et travailleurs licenciés.
Le mémoire a utilisé la méthode qualitative et a été mené à l’aide d’entrevues semidirigées
auprès de neuf travailleuses et travailleurs ayant vécu un licenciement suite à
une fermeture d’usine du secteur forestier. Les entrevues semi-dirigées ont été
menées en fonction des objectifs et des questions de recherche. Ainsi, nous avons
voulu connaître comment les travailleuses et travailleurs du secteur forestier du nord
de l’Ontario ont réagi à la fermeture de l’usine et à leur licenciement, les stratégies
prises pour faire face à la perte de leur emploi et à leur avenir, et les types d’aide
psychosociale dont elles et ils auraient eu besoin.
Les résultats de cette étude ont permis de répondre aux objectifs et questions de
recherche. Dans un premier temps, selon les entretiens obtenus avec les participantes
et participants, le licenciement entraine une forme d’invalidation personnelle et une
dépersonnalisation chez l’individu. Toutes et tous ont partagé des sentiments de perte
d’identité, de perte de sécurité et d’impuissance face à la situation. Ces types
d’invalidation engendrent de la souffrance chez l’individu qui se manifeste sous la
forme de tristesse, de frustration, de stress et de dépression. Les résultats expliquent
également les différentes stratégies individuelles mises en place par les travailleuses
et travailleurs licenciés et les types d’aide dont elles et ils auraient du besoin afin de
faire face aux nombreuses épreuves.

abstract: Maîtrise en service social


title: Sedimentology, stratigraphy, and U-Pb detrital-zircon geochronology of the Meall Dearg Formation, Stoer Group, Torridonian succession, north-western Scotland

subject:
mesoproterozoic
Stoer Group
Torridonian
rift basin
palaeoclimate
U-Pb detritalzircon geochronology
Lewisian Gneiss Complex
fluvial-aeolian

abstract:
The Meall Dearg Formation is a c.1.2 billion year old sandstone, and represents the
uppermost unit of the Stoer Group (Torridonian succession, north-western Scotland).
Originally described as purely fluvial, the Meall Dearg Formation is here reappraised to
represent coeval fluvial-channelised, floodbasin, and aeolian erg environments by facies
analysis and petrographic methods. Evidence from palaeoclimate indicators points to
humid conditions at time of deposition — inferred from clastic rather than evaporitic
floodbasin strata. U-Pb detrital-zircon geochronology resolved provenance from the
underlying Lewisian Gneiss Complex (comprising several juxtaposed terranes). Erosion
from the Assynt, Gruinard, and Gairloch terranes provided most sediment supply. A
statistical comparison of ages from the fluvial and aeolian deposits revealed that both
underwent sediment transfer and/or were supplied from comparable terranes. The Meall
Dearg Formation, a post-rift fill, is largely comparable to the coeval, pre-Rodinian
Gardar-Rift sequence of Greenland.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Geology


title: First principle study of the electronic structure of semiconductors for photovoltaic applications: organic-inorganic perovskites

subject:
electronic structure
semiconductors
photovoltaic technology
organic-inorganic perovskites
perovskite compounds
perovskite cells

abstract:
The ill effects of climate change affect all trends, and the steps taken in
the drive to reduce global emissions will reverberate for thousands of years.
It is among the most significant and urgent problems we face, and so it is
immensely important to call upon existing and near future technologies for
generating clean electricity. For now, the most talked-about renewable energy source is solar. It is a massive resource by any standard and it has the potential to play an essential role in decreasing the dependency on crude oil and reducing fossil fuel emissions. Today, the best-performing perovskite
cell has reached a power conversion efficiency of 22.1%. This unprecedented
rise in efficiency for a photovoltaic technology suggests a sunny outlook,
but before a large-scale deployment of the technology, there are still some
real questions that must be addressed. The best performing perovskite cells
contain lead, which is very toxic and damaging to the environment, and
are unstable in humid conditions. Also, the fundamental working of these
materials is still largely unknown. The technological base of photovoltaics
is becoming progressively dependent on complicated materials, and so it is
important to systematically investigate the nature of the electronic structure. In the present work, the electronic structure of five perovskite compounds, MAPbBr3, CsPbX3 (X=Cl, Br, I) and RbPbI3, are systematically
studied from first principles using the all-electron, full potential, linearized
augmented plane wave ((L)APW) + local orbitals (lo) method as implemented in the WIEN2k code. It is noted that: (i) the band gap of ABX3
increases when A changes from MA to Cs; (ii) as X changes from Br to Cl
to I, the band gap increases; and (iii) as A changes from Cs to Rb, the band
gap mostly remains the same.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Physics


title: The introduction of native forest floor plant species in to the industrially disturbed forests of Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

subject:
Transplant success
reintroduction
understory plants
environmental site characteristics

abstract:
This study investigated the transplantation of understory plants within the Cu-Ni smelterdamaged
urban forest of Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, to increase plant biodiversity in an area
where natural colonization of understory species is delayed. The goal of my study was to
evaluate establishment of 16 m2 vegetation mats along a gradient of smelter disturbance and to
relate successful establishment to abiotic and biotic site characteristics. Specific investigations
were conducted to determine whether soil quality influenced root growth and transplant
establishment. Variables associated with smelter emissions and soil temperature were the best
predictors of successful transplant establishment of understory plant species, but relationships
were species specific. Also, root growth was not limited to organic soils of the transplant mat
and roots were able to grow into receptor site soil. Knowledge of environmental factors
influencing establishment will help to determine site locations and to select species to introduce
when transplanting understory species in future reclamation projects.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: « Il faut se battre » : Les expériences de femmes congolaises sur le marché de l’emploi au Canada.

subject: immigrante discrimination sexisme résilience emploi mythe obstacle combat intégration racisme

abstract:
Dans une perspective intersectionnelle qui articule les différents marqueurs identitaires entre autres la couleur de la peau, le sexe, l’origine ethnique, la taille, la langue, la religion, cette thèse expose dans quelle mesure ces différentes variables prédisposent les femmes noires originaires de l’Afrique aux discriminations, mythes, racisme, préjugés et stéréotypes sur le marché de l’emploi.
Cette étude est une analyse qualitative qui se concentre sur les expériences de femmes immigrantes congolaises sur le marché de l’emploi au Canada. Ses résultats font état de trois variables en cause aux difficultés de ces femmes sur le marché de l’emploi. Il s’agit de la couleur de la peau, le sexe et l’origine ethnique.
Cette étude conclut que ces femmes sont discriminées systématiquement, qu’elles soient nées au Canada ou qu’elles y aient immigré. Cette recherche pourrait permettre aux décideurs et organismes gouvernementaux qui viennent en charge aux femmes immigrantes de trouver des informations pertinentes pour développer des outils pédagogiques pouvant les aider à intégrer plus efficacement sur le marché de l’emploi.

abstract: Maîtrise en arts (MA) en sociologie


title: Moosonee, Ontario: a model of cold war change

subject:
Cold War
interdisciplinary
Indigenous
community development
Northern Canada
Pinetree Line
radar bases

abstract:
Considerable research has been conducted on the Canadian north over the past few
decades. This research has focused on resource development (mining and forestry), on small
resource towns, and on mega-projects such as the James Bay Hydro Project. To date, little work
has been produced on the relationship between military activity in the north and the landscapes,
communities and people affected by such activity.
This study examines the impact of the Cold War on the community of Moosonee,
Ontario. By the mid-1950s Moosonee had become a shipping centre for northerly radar base
developments. Further growth occurred as a result of the construction and operation of a Royal
Canadian Air Force (RCAF) radar base adjacent to Moosonee from 1961 to 1975. Moosonee
adapted to two types of development: population growth generated by military construction and
activity, and redevelopment initiated by the closure of the RCAF base. Community adaptation to
growth included major changes to local infrastructure and the evolution of local government.
Once the radar base closed, the town’s residents seized the opportunity to use the housing and
infrastructure on the RCAF base to fill local needs. Furthermore, local people worked with
neighbouring communities to ensure that the RCAF base was transformed into a regional high
school.  The initial purpose of this study was twofold: to understand the impact of military
development by examining how Moosonee changed from 1955 to 1975, and to report back to the
residents of Moosonee on research results. Near the conclusion of the interviews and data
collection stage it became clear that the broader purpose of this study was to join the
conversation on community development models and to develop a model which fit the
Moosonee experience. The thesis concludes with an explanation of the stages of development in Moosonee as compared to theoretical development stages, the impacts of the Cold War, and the
way that impacts varied depending on the social status of individuals. It also demonstrates how
Moosonee’s residents transformed community planning from provincially driven to local citizen-driven
planning.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Studies


title: Life stories: an examination of some narratives of four men serving a life sentence

subject:
Life sentence
Parole
Prison
Ricoeur

abstract:
In 1976, the death sentence was abolished and replaced with mandatory life sentences with specified minimum periods for parole eligibility for those charged with murder. Although many lifers (those serving a life sentence) are released upon reaching their parole eligibility date they spend the rest of their lives under supervision and they face the prospect of being returned to prison for a violation of parole conditions. The notion of ‘serving time’ takes on a different dimension for lifers than it does for other offenders.
In this study I interviewed four lifers and applied a grounded-theory research approach to the analysis of their transcripts. The systemic violence they endured contributed to a sense of hyper-vigilance which became inscribed in their persons and persisted in their post-prison demeanour. Their prison experience was tantamount to a limit-experience (a type of action or experience with approaches the edge of living in terms of its intensity and its seeming impossibility) and it is the difference derived from this experience that is one thing that sets lifers apart from others in the community.
Inside, the prisoner learns to self-regulate his conduct in order to avoid punishment or have his behaviour read as normal but he also engages in overt and covert forms of resistance. Outside, the panoptic gaze has a powerful effect and self-regulation has become ingrained into the lifer’s being. Nonetheless all four of the
iv
participants talked with pride about their acts of resistance, even if the act was relatively insignificant.
All the participants talked insightfully about the meaning of time. Penal time becomes ‘time served’ and an instrument of disempowerment. The mind numbing, repetitious routines of institutional life eventually become ingrained into their being to the extent that they can hardly conceive of any other manner of existence. Consequently reintegration for lifers is fraught with effects of time served and even the most successful of the participants reported he could never shake the ravages of ‘time in’.
Ricoeurian theory and the use of narratives firmly anchors this thesis in the disciplines of the humanities. Narrative is a way of understanding life as it is lived. The use of narratives provides a means of gaining an in depth understanding of the lives of these participants and how the various dimensions of the life sentence have shaped their identities over time, while serving time.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) Interdisciplinary Humanities


title: Unpacking histories: the decolonization of Indigenous health data on Manitoulin Island between the years of 1869-1940

subject:
indigenous population health
Manitoulin Island, Ontario
historical data records
health data

abstract:
This study presents a critical perspective of historical accounts regarding settler and Indigenous
population health on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, between the years 1869-1940. Early literature,
including Jesuit missionary accounts and local historical records are re-examined through a
contemporary decolonial lens to reframe Indigenous health transitions in a colonial setting, and
from an under-represented viewpoint. This study utilizes qualitative research design, critical
historical analysis, and literature informed by contemporary postcolonial theory to contextualize
historic and present day health data and help facilitate a new, more inclusive health narrative.
Throughout this research, diet, accidental deaths, and infectious disease narratives will be
addressed and critiqued as a way to distance health realities from early historical accounts
published by colonial forces. In conclusion, this research addresses how historical data records
Indigenous health, and demonstrates that forces of colonialism contributed to settler-dominated
health narratives in the historical record.


title: Développement de programmes et de services palliatifs pédiatriques dans la communauté et à domicile

subject:
soins palliatifs
soins palliatifs pédiatriques
soins de fin de vie

abstract:
Cette recherche qualitative de nature exploratoire a comme objectif général d’analyser, de
comprendre le manque de services de soins palliatifs pédiatriques dans la communauté et
à domicile pour les enfants et leurs familles. Cette recherche a permis de développer et
d'approfondir des connaissances entourant les soins palliatifs pédiatriques quant à la culture
de ce milieu, à l’organisation et la prestation des services. L’objet de notre étude a en toile
de fond d’analyse la théorie des systèmes, notamment, l’approche centrée sur l’enfant et sa
famille et l’approche biopsychosociale. La compréhension et l’analyse de ce milieu de
soins se fait en tenant compte des perspectives, des préoccupations et défis qui sont propres
aux familles, aux services médicaux et ainsi qu’aux services communautaires.
Sur le plan méthodologique, nous avons rencontré trois parents accompagnant leur enfant
et deux professionnelles : une infirmière spécialisée en soins palliatifs pédiatrique ayant
œuvré 15 ans en milieu hospitalier qui travaille actuellement pour un hospice
communautaire et une gestionnaire de programmes pour un hospice ayant une
spécialisation en soins palliatifs pédiatriques. Une analyse de contenu a permis de dégager
les points forts et les écueils et embûches au développement des programmes et services
dans la communauté.
Les résultats démontrent que l’offre de services de soins palliatifs pédiatriques est une
surspécialisation des équipes soignantes des hôpitaux en raison des traitements complexes
et de la rareté de certaines maladies infantiles. De ce fait, les services en communauté sont
peu équipés pour répondre adéquatement aux besoins de soins particuliers de ces enfants
et de leurs familles. L'analyse révèle également des obstacles dans la transition des soins
vers le milieu communautaire qui n’est pas souvent préparé pour offrir des services à
l’enfant et sa famille en raison du manque de ressources et une pénurie au niveau de
l’expertise médicale.
En conclusion, nous proposons une synthèse ainsi qu’une interprétation des résultats et des
pistes pour une recherche-action ultérieure plus approfondie sur la mise en application d’un
travail de collaboration en interdisciplinarité entre les services hospitaliers et les services
communautaires. Ce travail de collaboration en interdisciplinarité aura pour effet
d’accroître le niveau d’expertise, aidera à assurer une meilleure coordination et une
meilleure continuité des soins.

abstract: Maîtrise en Service Social


title: Canadian university student experiences participating in a health promotion without borders : excursion to Mongolia

subject:
International Service Learning
health promotion
autoethnography
cultural dissonance
experiential learning

abstract:
Health Promotion Without Borders (HPWB) has facilitated International Service Learning (ISL)
excursions for Canadian students at Laurentian University (LU) since 2001. During this time,
over 80 students have received academic credit for their immersive work promoting health in
developing countries. Despite the number of students that participated in the HPWB Program
over the years, no research has explored the experiences of these students during their ISL
excursions. Furthermore, there was a gap in the ISL literature related to the experiences of
participants during their immersive international excursions. Therefore, I participated in a
HPWB excursion to Mongolia and analyzed my own experience using an autoethnographic
method, and I then thematically analyzed the journals of three of my fellow HPWB group
members using a case study method. Overall, although both my group members and I found the
excursion to be positive, we experienced a process of navigating different instances of cultural
dissonance that emerged during our immersive excursion. I wrote six narratives that explored
some of the cultural dissonances that I experienced while in Mongolia. Four themes were also
identified within the participants’ journals related to their experiences of cultural dissonance. The
results of this research may benefit the HPWB Program Coordinator, other similar ISL programs, and future students, as they plan their excursions through enhanced training, preparation, and
field techniques related to cultural dissonance.

abstract: Master of Human Kinetics (MHK)


title: Interaction between virtual (computer gaming) environments, brain activity, and the Schumann resonance as the next evolutionary step in adaptation: Teilhard de Chardin's noosphere.

subject:
consciousness
electroencephalography
independent component analysis
linear discriminant analysis
digital games
flow state
Schumann resonance
magnetic fields
excess correlation
entanglement noosphere
de Chardin
digital culture
transhumanism, technology
transformative technology

abstract: The interactions between the brain of the participant and the temporal flow of events within computer games could reflect a new type of consciousness-machine interface that could reveal novel options for biological-electronic evolution. The flow state which is defined as an inclusive, immersed affect state can be considered a component of and contribution to the interface computer (machine) simulations of real life events. Complex analyses during interactive gaming revealed two parent clusters of topographical quantitative electroencephalographic activity (QEEG) that emphasized the two cerebral hemispheres. A conspicuous peak around 40 Hz (25 ms) occurred upon the declining power gradient of cerebral output. The interactive flow state was more involved with right caudal hemispheric activations within relatively narrow frequency bands that overlapped with the earth-ionospheric Schumann resonances which are also found with normal spectral densities of QEEGs. Independent Component Analyses and Linear Discriminant Analyses for components of QEEG during reward and skill segments of computer game involvement verified the importance of the duration of a percept (around 130 ms). The results were consistent with the possibility that two successive percepts, one of them preceding awareness, might be influenced by extracerebral factors strongly correlated with Schumann Resonance properties. When two experienced or non-experienced gamers shared the same circumcerebral magnetic fields with 20 to 25 ms phase modulations as a second derivative, evidence of excessive correlation, the basis of entanglement, was evident. Application of these results and integration with a biological theory developed by Teilhard de Chardin that the next stage of evolution involve the “noosphere” within which collective experiences would direct subsequent developments in life suggest the feasibility is much greater than previously anticipated.

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


title: Role of endogenous H2S in the attenuation of nickel-induced cell toxicity

subject: nickel H2S cystathionine gamma-lyase fibroblasts TGFβ1

abstract:
Nickel as a heavy metal is known to bring threat to human health, and its exposure is associated
with changes in fibroblast activation which may contribute to its fibrotic properties. H2S has
recently emerged as an important gasotransmitter involved in numerous cellular signal
transduction and pathophysiological responses. Interaction of nickel and H2S on fibroblast cell
activation has not yet been studied. Here, we showed that low dose nickel (200 μM) induced the
activation of human fibroblast cells, as evidenced by 15% increase in cell growth, increased
migration and higher expression of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and fibronectin, while high
dose of nickel (1 mM) inhibited cell viability. We further found that nickel repressed the mRNA
and protein expression of cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE, a H2S-generating enzyme) and
blocked the endogenous production of H2S. Exogenously applied NaHS (a H2S donor) had no
effect on nickel-induced cell viability but significantly attenuated nickel-stimulated cell
migration and the expression of αSMA and fibronectin. In contrast, CSE deficiency deteriorated
nickel-induced αSMA expression. Moreover, H2S incubation reversed nickel-stimulated
TGFβ1/SMAD1 signal and blocked TGFβ1-initiated expressions of αSMA and fibronectin.
Nickel inhibited the binding of Sp1 with CSE promoter but strengthened the binding of Sp1 with
TGFβ1 promoter, which was reversed by exogenously applied NaHS. These data reveal that H2S
protects from nickel-stimulated fibroblast activation and the CSE/H2S system can be a potential
target for the treatment of tissue fibrosis induced by heavy metal.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Chemical Sciences


title: Biometeorology: review and analysis with regard to traumatic brain Injury acquisition in professional football, as well as traditional and digital economic markets

subject:
biometeorology
effects of environmental factors
everyday aggregate behaviors
sporting events
economic activities

abstract:
This research explores Biometeorology, which is the relationship between the
environment and human behavior. Previous research has indicated that meteorological events
such as lunar cycles, solar activity, temperature, and humidity have been extensively documented
to affect human psychophysiology through systemic variation. The purpose of this document is
to explore the effects of environmental factors on typical everyday aggregate behaviors in
distinct, unique and separate investigations that relate to participation in sporting events and
economic activities in order to determine if these naturally occurring influences are genuine. For
example, local weather related and extra-terrestrial phenomena were collected during timestamped Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) acquisition in the National Football league (NFL) for 645
concussed players from 2012-2015. Components of the Earth’s geomagnetic field were also
documented in relation to global search tendencies for highly emotional states in addition to
stock market indices. Furthermore, solar and lunar cycles were recorded during the monumental
rise in the cryptocurrency market in order to identify if these cyclical background patterns
systemically altered interest in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) or influenced their price
index in-and-of-itself. The results indicate that intrinsic capacities of the game of football
inherently impacted injury severity and return to play considerations. TBI’s did however, vary as
a function of geo-coordination and were most pronounced in the Northwest U.S. Injury severity
was also found to be greatest during increased geomagnetic intensities. Lunar contributions also
appeared to play a central role in injury acquisition insofar as TBI player height weight and
injury severity were predicted by solar and geomagnetic variables of interest during the full
moon. Aggregate search behavior on the Internet of Things (IoT) was found to correlate with
magnetic variability, geomagnetic intensity as well as Dow Jones price movement and trading
volume. Finally, traditional technical analysis indicators closely followed cryptocurrency price.  However, Bitcoins Aroon up and down was found to cycle with the Moon, while Ethereum’s
Heiken Ashi displayed a relationship with the Sun. Internet interest in Ethereum was found to
have significant associations with the Earth’s geomagnetic field, the Sun and the Moon which
was enhanced during specific alignments of these heavenly bodies. In summary, seemingly
random events and aggregate group behaviors are intimately associated with external
interconnected dynamics.


title: Help or hindrance? A narrative exploration of the familial relationships of an indigenous woman living in Northern Ontario

subject: homelessness indigenous aboriginal native

abstract:
In Canada, Indigenous women and parents have been over-represented in the homeless
population (Menzies, 2006). Relatively little is known about the experiences, perspectives and
needs of this population (Shaikh, Kauppi, Pallard, & Gervais, 2013). This narrative study
uncovers the family life experiences of an Indigenous woman given the pseudonym “Sam”; she
was living in Northern Ontario and had experienced homelessness. Both the Listening Guide, a
qualitative voice-centered relational method of inquiry based on the work of Carol Gilligan, and
traditional Cree Medicine Wheel teachings were utilized to analyze data. Results indicate that
family members played roles both supportive and unsupportive to Sam. Family members were
instrumental in the genesis of homelessness for Sam and in facilitating transitions into housing.
I-poems derived from interviews with Sam reveal aspects of life in stages from childhood
through to elder, and illustrate her relationships with immediate family (mother, father, siblings,
son), extended family members (grandmother, aunts, cousins, grandchildren), partners and
friends. The findings support the view that changes in social work practice and policy are
required to ensure that services are culturally safe and relevant for Indigenous peoples, and allow
for the full inclusion of family members and varied relationships within the lives of women
living with homelessness.

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: Transvection is a plastic phenotype

subject:
ransvection,
phenotypic plasticity
malic enzyme (Men)
GXE interactions

abstract: Transvection, a chromosome pairing-dependent form of trans-based gene regulation, is widespread in the Drosophila melanogaster genome. Recent studies demonstrate that transvection is sensitive to cell environment and type in D. melanogaster, implicating transvection as a complex trait. To test this possibility, we first established that trans-interactions previously documented at the Malic enzyme (Men) locus are transvection (i.e., pairing-dependent). We then characterized the sensitivity of transvection at the Men locus to changes in the environment (temperature) and genetic background (third chromosome). Transvection varied significantly across genetic backgrounds and was significantly reduced by changes in temperature, and the two factors interacted to further modify transvection, while cis-based gene regulation remained unchanged by temperature. To determine if differences in transvection observed across genetic background and temperature are related to their effects on transcription factor expression, and possibly the presence or absence of binding sites for these transcription factors within the Men locus, we tested the relationship between Men expression and five transcription factors with binding sites near the Men transcription start sit (TSS). We found correlations between the expression of at least one transcription factor, Abd-B, and the presence of binding sites for that factor, and Men expression across changes in the environment. We also determined that changes in Abd-B expression can directly affect Men expression in cis, suggesting that cis and trans-regulation can share regulatory components in at least some cases. Together, our findings stress the importance of studying genetic interactions from a dynamic perspective by incorporating both genetic and environmental variation.

abstract: Master's Theses


title: Favoriser le bien-être et l'apprentissage des élèves par le parcours: projet de complexe scolaire a Blind River

subject:
école
apprentissage
parcours architectural
confort physique
activité physique
nature
collaboration

abstract:
Cette thèse examine la façon dont l’architecture peut
favoriser l’apprentissage et le bien-être des élèves du
Nord de l’Ontario. Une revue de la littérature, des sessions
d’engagement avec des professionnels en éducation, ainsi
que des études de cas et des visites d’écoles inspirantes
ont permis d’identifier les besoins et priorités actuels en
termes d’éducation, ainsi que les solutions architecturales
mises en œuvre pour y répondre. La thèse se concentre
sur quatre aspects qui se trouvent au cœur de l’atteinte
du bien-être, soit le confort physique, l’activité physique,
la connexion à la nature et la collaboration. Par un projet
d’établissement scolaire regroupant des institutions de
différentes langues et niveaux dans la municipalité Blind
River, elle soutient l’argument que des interventions
architecturales développées autour de l’idée du parcours
permettent de répondre de façon originale et synergique
à ces quatre thèmes clés, pour concevoir des écoles du
21e siècle.

abstract: Maîtrise en architecture (M.Arch)


title: The effect of doxorubicin administration on skeletal muscle

subject:
DOX chemotherapy
skeletal muscle (SM)
Doxorubicin (DOX)
metabolite doxorubicinol (DOXol)
nitric oxide (NO)
intracellular total amino acids (TAA),
essential amino acids (EAA)
branched-chain amino acids (BCAA)

abstract:
Skeletal muscle (SM) is the largest organ in the human body and represents
approximately 40% of the total body weight. Maintenance of SM mass and integrity is
dependent on the delivery and removal of essential metabolic products as well as the
dynamic balance between protein synthesis and degradation. The health and maintenance
of skeletal muscle in cancer patients is of particular importance, as the significant loss of
muscular mass is an indication of cachexia, a serious life-threatening condition.
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a broad-spectrum anti-cancer chemotherapeutic and remains one of
the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of solid tumors and
hematological malignancies. The clinical use of DOX is limited by a well described dosedependent
and cumulative cardiotoxic side effect. The majority of DOX-related research remains focused on reducing cardiotoxicity while little is known of the effect of the drug
on SM. Therefore, the purpose of the thesis was to study the effects of DOX chemotherapy
on SM.
Study 1. The purpose of Study 1 was to examine the accumulation of doxorubicin (DOX)
and its metabolite doxorubicinol (DOXol) in skeletal muscle of the rat up to 8 days after
the administration of a 1.5 or 4.5 mg/kg i.p. dose. Subsequent to either dose, DOX and
DOXol were observed in skeletal muscle throughout the length of the experiment.
Interestingly an efflux of DOX was observed after 96 hrs, followed by an apparent reuptake
of the drug which coincided with a spike and rapid decrease of plasma DOX
concentrations. The interstitial space within the muscle did not appear to play a significant
rate limiting compartment for the uptake or release of DOX or DOXol from the tissue to the circulation. Furthermore, there was no evidence that DOX preferentially accumulated
in a specific muscle group with either dose.
Study 2. Study 2 examined intracellular and interstitial nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in
the SM following the administration of DOX. A single dose of 1.5 or 4.5 mg/kg was
administered intraperitoneally to male Sprague-Dawley rats and interstitial (IS) and
intracellular (IC) NO was quantified every 24 up to 192 hrs. post injection. There was no
significant difference in IC NO following the injection of 1.5 mg/kg DOX when compared
to control, however the administration of 4.5 mg/kg DOX resulted in lower (P<0.05)
concentrations of NO in the IC. Interestingly, a consistently higher (P<0.05) concentration
of NO in the IS was established following the administration of 1.5 mg/kg compared to
control while no significant changes in IS NO resulted from the administration of the 4.5 mg/kg dose. The fluctuation of IS and IC NO were not a result of substrate availability as
arginine concentrations remained stable throughout the experiment.
Study 3. The purpose of Study 3 was to examine the effect of DOX administration on IC,
IS and vascular concentrations of amino acids (AA) in SM of the rat up to 8 days after the
administration of a 1.5 or 4.5 mg/kg i.p. dose. Intracellular total amino acids (TAA),
essential amino acids (EAA) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) were significantly
increased in each muscle group analyzed, following the 1.5 and 4.5 mg/kg doses compared
to control. In the plasma, TAA were significantly increased compared to control where
greater (P>0.05) concentrations were observed following the 1.5 mg/kg dose compared to
the 4.5 mg/kg dose. Compared to control, the 1.5 mg/kg dose resulted in an increase
(P<0.05) in interstitial TAA whereas the 4.5 mg/kg resulted in a sustained decrease (P<0.05).  These data represent the first concurrent investigation into the accumulation of DOX in the
IC, IS and vascular spaces as well as the resulting effects on NO and AA concentrations in
these communicating compartments. Overall, SM plays an important factor in the
availability and metabolism of DOX and the effect of DOX on SM may play a more
significant role in the therapeutic impact of DOX than previously considered. This thesis
provides a substantial foundation for future studies focused on reducing DOX-induced
skeletal muscle damage.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomolecular Sciences


title: Testing the speed and accuracy of navigating layouts of web page elements through the use of an eye tracking and speech recognition mechanism

subject:
basic layouts of page elements
input mechanisms
alternative input mechanisms,
Eye tracking
speech recognition mechanisms

abstract:
The use of world wide web has increased rapidly over the past few years. In addition, websites
covering many topics, are the first source of information. The content of these websites are
designed in creative ways to help the web users navigate quickly and easily along with using
the input mechanisms. New input mechanisms have been introduced to the field of computer
interaction such as mouse, keyboard, touch pad, touch screen and touch pen. Since then
computer users have been increasingly using these new techniques to communicate with
computers. This tendency pushed computer engineers to come up with more intuitive ways to
facilitate interaction mechanism. Moreover, there remains significant demand to meet the
needs of physically challenged users in communicating with computers. Furthermore, the
traditional methods of navigating websites lack the ability to sense our attention. Hence there
must be new alternative input mechanisms to navigate web pages rather than using a mouse
and keyboard (KB). Among these mechanisms are the ones that interact with our capabilities,
such as voice, and our senses such as sight. This motivated us to think of alternative methods to
navigate web pages other than using traditional methods. For this purpose, eight basic layouts
of page elements were designed with seven tasks, and each task represented one of the these
layouts. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) techniques and evaluation methods were
followed to test the speed and accuracy of navigating the layouts through the use of eye
tracking and speech recognition mechanisms.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Computational Science


title: A study into the effect of RBM5 expression on a small cell lung cancer cell line

subject:
RBM5
small cell lung cancer
cisplatin
GLC20
apoptosis
proliferation
cell death
RBM10
tumour suppressor

abstract: RNA Binding Motif domain protein 5 (RBM5) has been described as a lung cancer tumour suppressor gene. It influences the cell cycle, apoptosis, and the alternative splicing of various genes. In this study, the function of RBM5 was examined in a small cell lung cancer cell line, GLC20, in which RBM5 is deleted. GLC20 sublines expressing RBM5 were used for this study. It was observed that increased RBM5 expression associated with an increase in GLC20 cell death in the presence of cisplatin and a decrease in GLC20 cell proliferation. Increased RBM5 expression also resulted in a decrease in the EC50 of GLC20 cells towards cisplatin. The type of cell death triggered by both RBM5 expression and cisplatin treatment was observed to be apoptosis. Increased RBM5 expression resulted in changes in RBM10 alternative splicing. These results suggest that RBM5 expression may be important in the development of small cell lung cancer.


title: The adaptation challenges and strategies of immigrant high performance coaches working within the canadian sport system

subject:
Acculturation
Immigrant coach
Cultural sport psychology
Adaptation

abstract:
The objective of this study was to understand the adaptation challenges and solutions
experienced by immigrant coaches relocated to Canada. Ten high performance immigrant
coaches were recruited, each completing a demographic questionnaire and partaking in an
individual interview, providing insight into their experiences and cultural challenges. Results of
the study were presented under two central themes: a) communication (language barriers and
coach-athlete negotiations), and b) socialization (Canadian sport backdrop and views of sport in
the immigrant coach’s home versus host country). A common adaptation solution was the
importance of social support resources, with the immigrant coaches adjusting with less
acculturative stress when a reciprocal relationship was developed between themselves and those
they worked with. From this preliminary project there is an indication that sport psychology
consultants (SPCs) should work with immigrant coaches, and coaches and athletes of the host
country to foster this bi-directional learning processes, facilitating the coaches’ transition.

abstract: Master of Human Kinetics (M.H.K.)


title: Understanding circumscribed interests in individuals with autism-spectrum disorders and how they relate to families.

subject: Autism-spectrum disorders (ASDs)

subject: Circumscribed interests (CIs)

subject: CIs used for motivational purposes

subject: Semi-structured interviews

subject: families

abstract: Autism-spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that are becoming increasingly more prevalent. A diagnostic criterion for autism is the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviours (RRBs), one of which is the intense fascinations for virtually any topic: circumscribed interests (CIs). CIs have the potential to be used for motivational purposes. This study employed semi-structured interviews using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) with individuals with ASDs and their parents. In total, 11 families participated in this study, comprising 33 individuals (16 parents and 17 individuals with ASDs). This study found five themes: He's Very Unique; They Don't Realize that Not Everyone Lives and Thinks the Same Thing All the Time; We Couldn't even Pronounce the Names of These Dinosaurs, and Jason was Telling Us; You Can't Change Them, You Can Only Love Them; and So I Can Do My Job at the Same Time and Observe the Weather at the Same Time.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology


title: The use of packed sphere modelling for airflow and heat exchange analysis in broken or fragmented rock

subject:
Porous media
Equivalent continuum
Airflow
Heat exchange

abstract: Airflow and heat exchange characterizations through large bodies of fragmented rock in mines, such as those at Creighton and Kidd Creek Mines, reveal them to be still fundamentally only empirical in nature. Analysis of the accepted methods for the design and understanding of geometric properties such as the heat exchange area or the length or shape of airflow passages known to affect heat transfer in, for example, heat exchanger design do not appear in the ‘design’ equations for those bodies of broken rock. This thesis couples a method of discontinuum porous media modelling (referred to as a packed sphere model, abbreviated PSM) with a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code to develop a proxy methodology for analysis of porous media that incorporates variables of airflow, heat transfer, and geometry (including porosity and tortuosity). Material property values for equivalent continuum fluid dynamics models are established and are found to follow formulations for airflow branches used in mine ventilation network analysis. Laboratory experiments of airflow and heat transfer with the PSMs were compared to CFD results for the same models on a 1:1 scale, to verify the approach and CFD results. Three separate approaches were investigated for the scaling of the results of the PSMs for use in large scale (~1km3) CFD simulations of industrial situations. The result of the work presented in this thesis is a verified methodology for establishing CFD airflow and heat transfer parameters for large bodies of broken and fragmented rock from knowledge of the particle size distribution parameters or the body porosity. The application of the methodology is illustrated with reference to the so-called Natural Heat Exchange Area at Creighton Mine, Sudbury, Ontario.

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


title: The challenge of meeting the health care needs of older adults: a retrospective chart review.

subject:
health care
older adults
self-suffiency
functional independence
rehabilitation program

abstract: As the older adults of Ontario go through the phases of aging, some might experience functional deficiency and loss of independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). With rehabilitation and facilitation of essential health services, older adults will have tremendous opportunities in the pursuit of self-sufficiency and functional independence. The current study focused on detailing a quick-paced rehabilitation program provided to older adults in northeastern Ontario. The program of interest was the Assess-Restore program provided by the St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre (SJCCC) in Sudbury, Ontario. The study involved a retrospective chart review of 144 patients treated in the past four years, which facilitated the examination of patient charts, as well as the extraction and analysis of their functional status and capabilities prior to admission (PTA) and at discharge. Data were extracted from the Resident Assessment Instrument-Minimum Data Set Version 2.0 (RAI-MDS), which is part of the “PointClickCare” system. Although the study did not find significant changes in the level of functionality and self-sufficiency, it succeeded in effectively promoting functional restoration allowing the majority of patients to return to a level of independence in the community and avert subsequent need for residential care rather than risk further functional deterioration.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Human Development


title: Influence of test conditions on post-peak deformation behavior of rock

subject:
post-peak deformation behavior
stable rock failure
test conditions
laboratory property testing
numerical experiment
cross-sectional shape effect
end effect
loading system stiffness

abstract:
Understanding the post-peak deformation behavior of rock is important for underground rock
engineering. Laboratory property testing is commonly employed to investigate the post-peak
deformation behavior. However, the test conditions of laboratory testing, especially the Loading
System Stiffness (LSS) of stiff test machines, are usually varied and the influence of this
variation on the test results has not been fully elucidated. In addition, studying the influence of
test conditions on the post-peak deformation behavior of rock is crucial for interpreting test
results and subsequently applying the results to rock engineering design.  The goal of this dissertation is to identify how the post-peak deformation behavior of a rock
specimen is affected by three major aspects of test conditions––the specimen geometry, the
contact conditions, and the LSS. To achieve this goal, an FEM/Explicit tool was employed to
carry out numerical experiments, in which the same material property was assumed for the rock
specimens and each wanted test condition was isolated for analysis.  The well-observed slenderness effect and the recently-observed cross-sectional shape effect on
the Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) of rocks were studied. The modeling results suggest
that the numerical tool and models are suitable for investigating the problem and the hoop
tension theory could be flawed. Next, the cross-sectional shape effect on the post-peak
deformation behavior was investigated. The modeling results reveal that although the influence
of the cross-sectional shape on the UCS of rocks is small, the cross-sectional shape affects the
post-peak deformation behavior considerably.  The actual contact condition and the end effect in true triaxial compression tests were simulated while the legitimate intermediate principal stress (2) effect was excluded from the rock material contacts are frictional and the specimen in the 2 loading direction is squat. Thus, existing 3D
empirical failure criteria based on previous true triaxial compression test results may
overestimate the rock strength.
The influence of LSS on the post-peak stress–strain relations of stable rock failure was examined.
Key loading components of stiff test machines were considered in the numerical model. The
modeling results clarify that LSS affects the post-peak stress–strain curves of rocks even when
the failure process is stable. Unless LSS is either perfectly rigid or equivalent to the critical LSS
(), the post-peak stress–strain curves obtained under various LSS (with LSS >  ) are varied and
all steeper than the one under an ideal loading condition.  This dissertation demonstrates the cross-sectional shape effect in the post-peak deformation stage,
the long overlooked 2 effect caused by the end effect, and the variation of post-peak stress–
strain curves due to the LSS. This dissertation also makes a contribution to examining the hoop
tension theory and recognizing the correct choice of cross-sectional shape for test specimens,
offers insights into improving 3D empirical failure criteria and true triaxial test settings, and
suggests new requirements for developing stiff test machines in the future.


title: Give me a verb! Give me a noun!: an ERP investigation of perceptual words with ambiguous word classes

subject:
Event-Related Potentials
lexical decision task
ambiguous target words

abstract: Previous research has demonstrated that retrieving a verb from memory elicits different neural activity than retrieving a noun, however, what about words that can be both? It has been found that the context surrounding a target word hold primary importance in the classification of a word as being either a verb or a noun in the case of an ambiguous target word. Using Event-Related Potentials as a physiological instrument to measure cognitive processes through the means of a lexical decision task; the current study will examine brain activity when context is manipulated for words that are considered both verbs and nouns. The target words consisted of 5 English words: view, watch, witness, notice, sense. During the task, there were 2 sets of conditions presented to the participants twice. The first condition consisted of the words ‘to’ and ‘the’ preceding the target word in a random order. The second condition consisted of the word ‘this’ preceding or succeeding the target word in a random order. After the completion of all conditions, participants were prompted to complete a counterbalanced 9-point likert scale for each target word. They were asked to rate their opinion of how strongly each word was classified as a verb or a noun. Resulting ERP data was examined for contextual differences across word context category and between regions of interest montages.

abstract: Honours Essay


title: Empowerment through architecture: women’s transitional cohousing in Northern Ontario

subject:
domestic violence
women
post-intervention housing
women’s transitional cohousing
safe housing
affordable housing

abstract:
This thesis is a response to the lack of supportive post-intervention housing for women who have survived
domestic violence. In Canada, 76.2% of the women
who are murdered, are killed by a spouse, family
member or intimate partner. Women are statistically
at a higher risk of being killed by someone they are
close to than their male counterparts.  As a result of
experiencing violence, they require new housing and
support as their previous residence is not an
appropriate place to return. Additionally, having an
affordable and safe housing option when vulnerable
situations arise is important for women, so safety does
not need to be compromised for the sake of urgent
need or financial circumstances. This presents the need
for housing options for women transitioning out of
vulnerable situations. Women are celebrated in the
proactive and reactive supportive housing model that is
explored in the design proposal for the Women’s
Transitional Cohousing.

abstract: Master of Architecture (M.Arch)


title: Structural and stratigraphic setting of the Rey de Plata volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit in the Guerrero Composite Terrane, Mexico

subject:
Volcanogegnic massisve sulfide
Rey de Plata
Mexico
Guerrero Composite Terrane

abstract:
The Rey de Plata volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit is located in
southern Mexico and within the Teloloapan subterrane of the Guerrero Composite
Terrane. It is hosted by the Middle to Late Cretaceous Villa Ayala Formation, which
is itself subdivided into three informal members. The lower Ahuehuetla member
consists of basaltic flows, sills, and volcaniclastic rocks. The middle Rey de Plata
member, which hosts the Rey de Plata deposit, consists of rhyolitic to rhyodacitic
flows, sills, and volcaniclastic rocks. The timing of felsic volcanism and the
formation of the Rey de Plata deposit is constrained between 139.1 ± 0.4 Ma to
129.4 ± 0.7 Ma by U/Pb dating of zircons from an aphyric flow. The upper Villa
Ayala member consists of basaltic amygdaloidal sills and volcaniclastic rocks. The
slightly LREE enrichment, negative Nb and positive Zr anomalies of the mafic
rocks suggest that they formed either in a primitive to slightly evolved arc to backarc
setting with minor contamination by older arc (or continental) crust. The slight
LREE enrichment, flat HREE pattern, and pronounced negative Nb anomaly of the
felsic volcanic rocks are consistent with FII rhyolites, which indicate their formation
and emplacement during rifting within an arc or nascent back-arc environment; an
interpretation consistent with the geochemical signature of the associated basaltic
rocks.
The Rey de Plata and Villa Ayala members are unconformably overlain by argillite
of the Acapetlahuaya and turbiditic sandstone of the Miahuatepec Formations,
which are capped by Eocene conglomerates of the Balsas Group. Detrital zircons
from the Acapetlahuaya Formation have U/Pb ages ranging from 115 ± 4 Ma to
152 ± 4 Ma, similar to the age of volcanic rocks of the Villa Ayala Formation. This
suggests that the Acapetlahuaya sedimentary rocks were deposited in an intra-arc
basin or in a back-arc basin, which separated the Villa Ayala arc from continental
Mexico. This basin was closed during deposition of the younger Miahuatepec
Formation sedimentary rocks as these strata yielded older, 800 Ma to 1200 Ma,
zircon populations derived from the erosion of older terranes previously accreted to
continental Mexico.
D1 at Rey de Plata corresponds to the Upper Cretaceous to Lower Tertiary Siever-
Laramide Orogeny. A shallowly SW-dipping S1 cleavage, L1 stretching lineation,
and NE-verging F1 folds formed in altered volcanic rocks, argillite and turbiditic
sandstone during NE-directed D1 thrusting. D2 extensional collapse of the orogen
occurred either during or shortly after D1. It produced asymmetrical W-verging folds
folding S1, and an S2 shear band cleavage (C’), indicating normal, west-directed
slip down the dip of the S1 foliation. During D2, gold- and silver-rich epithermal
veins were emplaced. These veins may have contributed to the high grade gold
and silver zones of Rey de Plata deposit. Deformation of the Teloloapan
subterrane resumed in the Eocene with the formation of D3 normal brittle faults
ii
linked by strike-slip brittle faults. W-verging F3 drag folds are associated with the
normal faults. Extensional basins formed during D3 and were filled by fluvial
conglomerate and ignimbrites of the Balsas Group. Late, NW-SE-directed, D4
compression produced upright to inclined, NE- and SW-verging F4 folds that
overprint S1 and S2.
Rey de Plata is a bimodal-felsic type VMS deposit. It formed during rifting of an arc
or backarc and consists of stratigraphically stacked Zn-Cu-Pb massive sulfide ore
lenses with high Ag-Au grades. The lenses range in thickness from 3m to 60m, in
length from 300m to 1500m, and in width from 100m to 500m. They consist of
massive, semi-massive, and disseminated pyrite ± sphalerite ± galena ±
chalcopyrite ± silver sulphosalts ± gold, together with gangue minerals of quartz ±
barite. Extensive quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration surrounds the ore lenses.
Graphitic argillite units up to 40m in thickness typically occur at the top and bottom
contacts of the ore lenses. The ore lenses underwent the same deformation history
as their host rocks. During D1, they developed a strong S1 foliation, they were
stretched parallel to L1, and their base metal zonation reflects clockwise rotation of
the lenses (looking NW). Thereafter, during D2 and D3, the ore lenses were
displaced southwestward by 200 meters along normal faults and shears and then
openly folded by F4 during D4.

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


title: Classification approaches for microarray gene expression data analysis

subject:
microarray data
vector machine classifier
radial kernel
linear kernel

abstract: The technology of Microarray is among the vital technological advancements in bioinformatics. Usually, microarray data is characterized by noisiness as well as increased dimensionality. Therefore, data, that is finely tuned, is a requirement for conducting the microarray data analysis. Classification of biological samples represents the most performed analysis on microarray data. This study is focused on the determination of the confidence level used for the classification of a sample of an unknown gene based on microarray data. A support vector machine classifier (SVM) was applied, and the results compared with other classifiers including K-nearest neighbor (KNN) and neural network (NN). Four datasets of microarray data including leukemia data set, prostate dataset, colon dataset, and breast dataset were used in the research. Additionally, the study analyzed two different kernels of SVM. These were radial kernel and linear kernels. The analysis was conducted by varying percentages of dataset distribution coupled with training and test datasets in order to make sure that the best positive sets of data provided the best results. The 10-fold cross validation method (LOOCV) and the L1 L2 techniques of regularization were used to get solutions for the over-fitting issues as well as feature selection in classification. The ROC curve and a confusion matrix were applied in performance assessment. K-nearest neighbor and neural network classifiers were trained with similar sets of data and comparison of the results was done. The results showed that the SVM exceeded the performance and accuracy compared to other classifiers. For each set of data, support vector machine was the best functional method based on the linear kernel since it yielded better results than the other methods. The highest accuracy of colon data was 83% with SVM classifier, while the accuracy of NN with the same data was 77% and KNN was 72%. Leukemia data had the highest accuracy of 97% with SVM, 85% with NN, and 91% with KNN. For breast data, the highest accuracy was 73% with SVM-L2, while the accuracy was 56% with NN and 47% with KNN. Finally, the highest accuracy of prostate data was 80% with SVM-L1, while the accuracy was 75% with NN and 66% with KNN. It showed the highest accuracy as well as the area under curve compared to k-nearest neighbor and neural network in the three different tests.


title: Analysis of the American mink (Neovison vison) harvest decline and genetic introgression

subject:
American mink
domestic
harvest data
introgression
Neovison vison
mitochondrial
DNA
population decline
Ontario

abstract: The American mink (Neovison vison) is endemic to North America where they have been domesticated over the course of 150 years by the fur industry. These domestic mink have been escaping from farms around the world and in North America while the harvests of wild mink across Canada are in decline. In this thesis, I used a combination of environmental data, spatial data, and genetics to better understand the declines. A multiple linear regression and a tree regression indicated that muskrat harvest growth rate, road density, and annual precipitation had the most effect on the mink harvest. To study the genetic introgression of domestic and wild mink, a 300 basepair fragment of the mitochondrial control region was used to determine regional differences between the wild and domestic populations of Nova Scotia and Ontario. Color differences and the direction of introgression were also studied. Significant differences between Nova Scotia wild, Ontario wild, and domestic mink were found. A pairwise ɸst test was used to determine directional introgression and resulted in an introgression of the hybrids towards the wild population. Together these results provide a better understanding of the decline in mink harvest although further research is needed to assess the direct impact of domestic escapees on the environment and on the wild population in North America. Prevention of domestic escapees is needed to stop hybridization which is important for the preservation of the species and to prevent further risk of outbreeding depression.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: Utilization of drinking water sludge and modified coal fly ash as adsorbents of metals and metalloids

subject:
Toxic elements
Coal fly-ash
Drinking water sludge
Adsorption

abstract:
The presence of toxic trace metals and trace elements has drastically increased in recent decades as a consequence of industrialization and a growing demand for natural resources. These toxic metals and elements can be severely harmful to human health and to the environment in general, if they are not properly contained and treated. In the recent years, many papers on the use of low-cost adsorbents to remove toxic metals and metalloids from wastewaters have appeared in the literature. In the category of low-cost adsorbents, coal fly ash or products synthesized from it are commonly studied but drinking water sludge is much less used.
This study is aiming at using waste products to clean the water stream from mine tailing ponds, and developing a new material, which is efficient, and of high performance. Fly ash, sludge and modified fly ash as low-cost adsorbents are presented in this paper and their performance for the removal of metals and metalloids from contaminated water is compared. The adsorption phenomenon could be generally modeled by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Factors that can affect oxyanions (AsO43-, SeO32-, CrO42- and MoO42-) adsorption by sludge and fly ash influence the mobility of these inorganic anions in wastewater. This research attempted to compare the adsorption capacities of inorganic anions on sludge and fly ash commonly found in Canada in a tailing pond system. The effects of sample modification, pH and matrix on adsorption were studied; the adsorption kinetics and adsorption capacity if different materials and matrix were investigated. The main goal of this study is to provide some information concerning the use of industrial waste materials as adsorbents for the removal of toxic elements (inorganic anions) from mining wastewater. It is also to determine the chemical mechanisms of toxic elements in water treatment and optimize systematic parameters to be more efficient on the removal of toxic elements from water streams.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Chemical Sciences