title: Flocculation performance of lignin-acrylamide derivatives

contributor:
Fatehi, Pedram
Gottardo, Christine
Mawhinney, Robert
Rezaei, Ebrahim

subject:
Industrial effluents
Flocculation
Industrial wastewater
Treatment of wastewater effluents
Lignin
Lignin-based flocculants
Hydrolyzed kraft lignin-acrylamide

abstract: Wastewater produced in different industries contains fine suspended particles that raise a number of environmental concerns due to their potential toxicity and physicochemical properties and make their removal from industrial wastewater a challenging process. Synthetic polymers are commonly used as flocculants in colloidal systems due to their effectiveness at low dosages and their inertness to pH changes. However, in addition to their high costs, these synthetic polymers are toxic and nonbiodegradable. These disadvantages of synthetic flocculants can be overcome by using flocculants derived from natural sources. Lignin, after cellulose, is the most abundant biopolymer; it's an inexpensive raw material, and readily available as a by-product of pulping processes. Kraft lignin does not possess suitable properties to be used as a flocculant, however, lignin attributes can be changed by means of chemical modification. In this thesis, kraft lignin-acrylamide polymer was produced and then hydrolyzed to a product with properties that favor its use as a flocculant. The flocculant performance of hydrolyzed kraft lignin-acrylamide polymer was compared with analyzed kraft lignin-acrylamide and polyacrylamide polymers synthesized under the same conditions, in an alumina suspension. Alternatively, kraft lignin was modified via carboxymethylation and oxidation, and subsequently polymerized with acrylamide monomer to produce an effective flocculant for alumina suspension. The properties of the resulting polymers were characterized using different methods including TGA, DSC, elemental analysis, molecular weight analysis, and NMR. All of these methods illustrated remarkable changes in the chemical and physical properties of kraft lignin after modification. The flocculant properties of the produced polymers were investigated in alumina suspension by studying a) the adsorption behavior of polymer on alumina particles, b) the effect of modified lignin on the zeta potential of alumina suspension, c) the affinity of the modified polymers to alter the relative turbidity of alumina colloids. The flocculation of the lignin polymers in alumina suspension was also analyzed by an FBRM. The results obtained demonstrated that modified lignin could indeed act as an effective flocculant in an alumina suspension with its performance being mainly dependent on charge density, molecular weight, and affinity to decrease the zeta potential of the alumina suspension. Modified lignin with a higher charge density showed high adsorption on alumina particles and significantly reduced the relative turbidity of the suspension. This work demonstrates the potential of using renewable and inexpensive material, i.e., kraft lignin, in the production of environmentally friendly flocculants.


title: Extracting specific text from documents using machine learning algorithms

contributor:
Mago, Vijay
Choudhury, Salimur

subject:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Algorithms
Computer science

abstract:
Increasing use of Portable Document Format (PDF) files has promoted research
in analyzing the files' layout for text extraction purpose. For this reason, it is important
to have a system in place to analyze these documents and extract required
text. The purpose of this research fulfills this need by extracting specific text from
PDF documents while considering the document layout. This approach is used to
extract learning outcomes from academic course outlines. Our algorithm consists of
a supervised leaning algorithm and white space analysis. The supervised algorithm
locates the relevant text followed by white space analysis to understand document
layout before extraction. The supervised learning approach used for detecting relevant
text does so by looking for relevant headings, which mimics the approach used
by humans while going through a document.
The data set used for this research consists of 500 course outlines randomly sampled
from the internet. To show the capability of our text detection algorithm to
work with documents other than course outlines, it is also tested on 25 reports and
articles sampled from the internet. The implemented system has shown promising
results with an accuracy of 81.8% and remediated the limitation shown by the current
literature by supporting documents with unknown format. The algorithm has a wide
scope of applications and takes a step towards automating the task of text extraction
from PDF documents.


title: The effects of the Red 003 Fire on woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) habitat in the Sydney Range

subject:
Forest fires
Woodland caribou
Resource selection function
Caribou (habitat)

abstract:
Disturbances, including forest fires, are considered a primary driver of population decline in boreal woodland caribou populations across Canada. The Sydney Range in northwestern Ontario has been assessed as not self-sustaining due to a low population estimate and extensive anthropogenic and natural disturbances. In 2016, the Red 003 Fire burned most of the northwest corner of the Sydney Range, which contained the highest habitat value and likelihood of occupancy for the Sydney caribou. Managers are concerned the Red 003 Fire could cause decline in the Sydney caribou population.
Telemetry data was used to create a set of models in a Resource Selection Function to explain how caribou used habitat prior to the Red 003 Fire. The telemetry data indicated the importance of the area that burned in the Red 003 Fire as winter habitat for the Sydney caribou. The Resource Selection Function indicated that caribou displayed differing levels of avoidance of recent burns across seasons. Due to the large size of the Red 003 burn and the high percentage of post-fire residuals, it is likely caribou will continue to use habitat within and around the Red 003 burn. However, the persistence of the Sydney caribou population likely hinges on the ability of remaining suitable habitat and the regenerating habitat in 1980s burns to compensate for the areas affected by the Red 003 Fire.


title: The witch : a pedagogy of immanence

subject: Autoethnography Indigenous Witchcraft Archetype Biophilia

abstract:
This thesis examines three key texts which serve as a means of exploring the process of
reclamation, of delving into a process of reconstruction of Indigenous identity but also of social
identity within a philosophical and moral structure of the biophilic. This is done through an
autoethnographic lens, as I have chosen three formative texts that have served as foundational
stories in my coming to know myself. Through reflecting on this process, I investigate how one
may relocate the self through the process of storying, as an immanent part of nature and in so
doing, I posit that even those living within structures of colonialism may begin to reconfigure the
fragmented spaces of the modern into something that recognizes and elevates lived relations with
the land as a form of authentic and vital knowledge of the self. Through the figure of the witch, I
examine the potential of archetypes to participate in this storying of the self into relation with the
world, considering the special nature of the witch as deriving their power from sources outside of
human control and as a natural and, often, subversive figure. I theorize the ways in which the
witch as an archetype has participated in my own storying of self as well as the potential for
archetypes such as these to participate in a relocation of humanity as manifesting within and
through nature.


title: Comparison of spatial vegetation patterns following clearcuts and fires in Ontario's boreal forests

contributor:
Perera, Ajith
Euler, David
Rempel, Rob

subject: Vegetation mapping Ontario Remote sensing

subject: Vegetation dynamics Effect of logging on Ontario Remote sensing

subject: Vegetation dynamics Effect of fires on Ontario Remote sensing

subject: Boreal forests

subject: Spatial vegetation patterns

abstract:
The goal of this study was to compare spatial vegetation patterns, based on Landsat TM
data, within post-clearcut and post-fire disturbances. Landscapes disturbed during the
four decades prior to the collection date of the Landsat data were used for comparison.
The disturbed landscapes were clustered according to their spatial edaphic factor
patterns. A suite of indices representing patch geometry, contagion, and composition
were used to describe spatial vegetation and edaphic factor patterns. A general linear
model was used to compare the effects of disturbance type, time since disturbance, and
edaphic factors (clusters) on seven indices of spatial vegetation patterns.
Patch size and patch density differed following clearcuts and fires. It appears that
clearcuts may result in greater spatial heterogeneity among landcover types compared to
fires. I propose that fires were more severe than clearcuts; thus, creating larger and
fewer patches. Time since disturbance had the greatest effect on spatial vegetation
patterns. One decade old disturbances had larger patches, higher contagion and fewer
landcover types than older disturbances. I suggest that spatial vegetation patterns
reflected the destruction of overstory vegetation in one decade old disturbances, and
revegetation in the form of small patches in older disturbances. It appears that the effects
of disturbance on spatial vegetation patterns are temporary. Edaphic factor patch shapes
may influence the shape of vegetation patches.


title: Young offender recidivism over a 28-month follow-up period

subject: Recidivists Ontario Thunder Bay.

subject: Criminals Rehabilitation Ontario Thunder Bay.

abstract:
This follow-up study investigated 81 former young offenders
of the Thunder Bay Youth Centre to determine the rate of
recidivism and to evaluate predictor variables. Correctional
records were used and both a liberal and conservative definition
of recidivism included in this study. Over a mean follow-up
period of 28 months, there was a 58% reconviction rate under the
Criminal Code of Canada and/or the Provincial Offenses Act. The
rate dropped slightly to 54.3% if only Criminal Code offenses
were considered. Existing psychological test data and variables
described as static and dynamic predictors were investigated to
determine their relationship with recidivism. Partial
correlation and multiple regression techniques were used to
reveal that supervisor ratings of the likelihood of further
criminal activity and aggregate sentence were statistically
significant predictors of recidivism. However, these predictors
collectively contributed in a relatively small way to the overall
prediction of recidivism accounting for approximately 15-16% of
recidivism variability. Results of this study are discussed
along with limitations and suggestions for future research.


title: Artificial intelligence empowered virtual network function deployment and service function chaining for next-generation networks

subject:
Wireless network optimization
Multi-access edge computing
Network Function Virtualization
Internet of Things (IoT)

abstract:
The entire Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem is directing towards a high volume
of diverse applications. From smart healthcare to smart cities, every ubiquitous digital sector provisions automation for an immersive experience. Augmented/Virtual
reality, remote surgery, and autonomous driving expect high data rates and ultra-low
latency. The Network Function Virtualization (NFV) based IoT infrastructure of decoupling software services from proprietary devices has been extremely popular due
to cutting back significant deployment and maintenance expenditure in the telecommunication industry. Another substantially highlighted technological trend for delaysensitive IoT applications has emerged as multi-access edge computing (MEC). MEC
brings NFV to the network edge (in closer proximity to users) for faster computation.
Among the massive pool of IoT services in NFV context, the urgency for efficient edge service orchestration is constantly growing. The emerging challenges are
addressed as collaborative optimization of resource utilities and ensuring Quality-ofService (QoS) with prompt orchestration in dynamic, congested, and resource-hungry
IoT networks. Traditional mathematical programming models are NP-hard, hence inappropriate for time-sensitive IoT environments. In this thesis, we promote the need
to go beyond the realms and leverage artificial intelligence (AI) based decision-makers
for “smart” service management. We offer different methods of integrating supervised and reinforcement learning techniques to support future-generation wireless
network optimization problems. Due to the combinatorial explosion of some service
orchestration problems, supervised learning is more superior to reinforcement learning performance-wise. Unfortunately, open access and standardized datasets for this
research area are still in their infancy. Thus, we utilize the optimal results retrieved by
Integer Linear Programming (ILP) for building labeled datasets to train supervised
models (e.g., artificial neural networks, convolutional neural networks). Furthermore,
we find that ensemble models are better than complex single networks for control
layer intelligent service orchestration. Contrarily, we employ Deep Q-learning (DQL)
for heavily constrained service function chaining optimization. We carefully address
key performance indicators (e.g., optimality gap, service time, relocation and communication costs, resource utilization, scalability intelligence) to evaluate the viability
of prospective orchestration schemes. We envision that AI-enabled network management can be regarded as a pioneering tread to scale down massive IoT resource
fabrication costs, upgrade profit margin for providers, and sustain QoS mutually


title: The Influence of physical activity on driving performance and cognitive functioning in older adults : a randomized controlled trial

contributor:
Bedard, Michel
Hayman, Gordon
Jamieson, John
Newhouse, Ian

subject:
Older automobile drivers
Ability testing
Psychology
Physiology
Cognition
Age factors
Physical fitness for older people
Psychological aspects

abstract: As individuals age, two central concerns involve driving safely and preserving cognitive faculties. While some research examining fitness effects on elderly cognition has been conducted, little has been done to investigate whether driving performance or driving relevant cognitive abilities might be affected by increased physical activity particularly in sedentary older adults. The present study examined the effects of a 12-week combined aerobic and anaerobic fitness intervention on a sample of older adults with a sedentary lifestyle. Twenty-nine older adults (55 years of age or older, M = 62.93 years) were assigned to either an experimental (n = 16) or wait-list control group (n = 13). Cognitive, driving performance and physical functioning data were collected on all participants at baseline and after the 12-week interval. These measures were selected based on empirical relevance, however some supplementary analyses were more exploratory in nature given the paucity of literature in the area. A significant intervention effect was found for general visual attention and also for selective attention when individual visual attention domains were assessed. A statistically non-significant effect was found for set-shifting/ interference (i.e., Stroop Colour Word Test), however examination of effect size demonstrated that about 9% of group variance was explained by this variable. While expected, significant effects for physical and driving performance were not found. Given the preliminary nature of this research and limitations, more investigation is needed to provide more conclusive inferences. Future research directions are discussed.


title: Analysis of using unmanned aerial vehicles in forestry

contributor:
Runesson, Ulf
Bilyk, Alex

subject:
Unmanned aerial vehicles
Forest management
Drones
SWOT analysis
Wildlife monitoring

abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles are a growing market within the forestry industry. They provide opportunities for enhancement of data collection, monitoring of wildlife, forest fire detection and monitoring, compliance monitoring and more. Unmanned aerial vehicles is not a new idea however with technology advancements the users are becoming more common and continually expanding into all aspects of life. This study was conducted by a S.W.O.T analysis to determine if the strengths of UAVs outweigh the weakness for the use of forest management. The greatest limitation to UAVs in forestry is the increasing rules and regulations. As it is becoming a popular tool more certification is required to operate the UAV and new rules are constantly being implemented. UAVs will become a great asset to foresters as the provide safe, accurate and fast results.


title: Gallium nitride, indium nitride, and heterostructure development using the MEAglow growth system

contributor:
Alexandrov, Dimiter
Reznik, Alla

subject:
Gallium nitride
Indium nitride
Migration enhanced afterglow (MEAglow)
Semiconductor development
Thin film

abstract:
This thesis presents an in depth study of semiconductor development using a new process termed Migration Enhanced Afterglow (MEAglow). The MEAglow growth reactor is housed in the Lakehead University Semiconductor Research Lab. Thin films of gallium nitride and indium nitride are produced as well as heterostructures comprised of these
two films and their ternary alloy InGaN. MEAglow is a form of plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) employing migration enhanced epitaxy (MEE). The heterostructure is being developed for a novel field effect transistor (FET) based on the tunnelling of charge carriers which alter the channel conductivity. The configuration of this unique III-Nitride device should allow the FET to function as normally off in either n-type or p-type operation. Due to the difficulties in growing low temperature GaN, test devices of this abstract design were not previously possible. Further details on the device operation and growth parameters are included.
Samples produced by the research reactor were characterised through x-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet-near infrared-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis-NIR), Auger spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Film growth is accomplished by an improved form of pulsed delivery Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition (PECVD). The reactor features a scalable hollow cathode type plasma source.
Data obtained through characterisation is subjected to theoretical treatment which explains much not previously understood behaviour of the GaN films.
Many challenges in III-Nitride film growth have been overcome during this research project. A method of developing structures consisting of InN and GaN within the same system has been proven.


title: Diatoms as an indicator of pharmaceutical contamination in a freshwater system

contributor:
Kanavillil, Nanda
Kurissery, Sreekumari
Lee, Peter
Liao, Baoqiang

subject:
Algae
Diatoms
PPCPs
Lake Simcoe

abstract:
Historically, microalgae have been used as bio-indicators of aquatic health and this can
be seen in several studies across the world. Often at the bottom of the food chain, microalgae
constitute the primary producer of energy of many freshwater ecosystems. Diatoms, a group of
microalgae, have been shown to exhibit extreme sensitivity to varying environmental parameters
thereby making them as an excellent candidate for studying the impacts of pollutants such as
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs). The contamination of PPCPs is common
in our inland water bodies with a potential to get into our drinking water supply. This study
explores 1. The single and mixture effects of PPCPs on two isolated microalgal species
belonging to the diatom community. 2. The presence of PPCPs (Ibuprofen, Estrone, and
Triclosan) in the nearshore waters of Lake Simcoe and their impacts on algal community. The
laboratory studies consisted of assessment of the toxicological effects of the three PPCPs
(Ibuprofen, 17-β Estradiol, and Triclosan) on two diatom species, Asterionella formosa and
Diatoma tenuis, by performing growth inhibition tests. The field component involved assessment
of several environmental and algal parameters in the surrounding areas of three Waste Water
Treatment Plants (WWTPs) that discharge their effluents via a creek to Lake Simcoe. The results
indicated that 1. The toxicological values of PPCPs on the two diatom species varied amongst
one another. 2. The combined effects of PPCPs were higher than the effects of single toxicity. 3.
PPCP contamination is prevalent in the water outside of WWTPs (as far as the point of
confluence with Lake Simcoe). 4. The algal parameters varied according to the presence of
PPCPs in the surface waters. 5. Estrone exhibited negative effects on the diatom community.


title: Use of wetlands to remediate gold mine effluent

contributor:
Lee, Peter
Macdonald, Alastair D.
Malek, Ladislav
Meyer, Lense

subject: Gold mines and mining Environmental aspects Ontario Pickle Lake Region.

subject: Constructed wetlands Ontario Pickle Lake Region

subject: Tailings (Metallurgy) Environmental aspects Ontario Pickle Lake Region

abstract:
The effluent from Musselwhite Mine was examined to determine the improvement to
water quality as it passed through a treatment wetland prior to final discharge to the receiving
water body. Potential toxicity problems from the discharge of Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, As, Hg,
and CN into the mine’s industrial treatment wetland were assessed by an examination of
sediment/soil and uptake of these contaminants into vegetation. In total, five study sites were
established along the entrance of wetland to the receiving environment. Two of the study sites
were positioned within the treatment wetland and a final site in the receiving environment each
with corresponding control sites. The treatment wetland was proven to reduced the loadings of
Cu, Ni, As and Al by absorption into the sediment or uptake by plants. Concentrations of Fe, Mn
and Zn were released by the wetland and were slightly elevated in the discharge water.
The release of heavy metals from acid mine drainage from the tailings area of the closed
Dona Lake Mine (5 C42' N 90°6' W) was examined in the second part of the study. Potential
toxicity due to the release of Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, As, Hg, and CN from the mine’s tailings
was assessed by an examination of sediment/soil sorption and uptake by vegetation. Four sites
were established extending from the tailings impoundment to the receiving environment. Heavy
metals released from acid mine drainage caused corresponding elevated metal concentrations in
the sediment/soil present at the Dona Lake Mine. Total metal levels in the plant tissue were not
elevated when all species were considered simultaneously at the various sites, but increases in
metal concentrations in plant tissue did occur when only Typha latifolia was considered.
Reclamation of gold mine tailings waste through the development of wetland vegetation covers to determine the control of heavy metal release was examined in the third part of the
study. Using a microcosm approach, the potential toxicity of the release of Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni,
Zn, As, Hg, CN and SO4 from the mine’s tailings was assessed through an examination of
changes in water and sediment/soil concentrations of these compounds, and uptake by
vegetation. Four treatments were used consisting of: 1) a control treatment that consisted only
of the tailings and water with no added vegetation, 2) a tailings only treatment with added
vegetation, 3) a fertilized tailings treatment which included the addition of fertilizer pellets and
vegetation and 4) an organic fertilized treatment (15 cm cap of organic soil plus fertilizer pellets)
and vegetation. The ability of the vegetative cover to reduce concentrations of contaminants in
the water column was most successful in the organic plus fertilizer treatment. The species
considered most suitable in terms of survival and limited heavy metal uptake was Nuphar
variegatum.


title: From social media to expert reports: automatically validating and extending complex conceptual models using machine learning approaches

contributor:
Mago, Vijay
Giabbenelli, Philippe
Fadlullah, Zubair
Yassine, Abdulsalam

subject: Complex conceptual models

abstract:
Given the importance of developing accurate models of any complex system, the modeling
process often seeks to be comprehensive by including experts and community members.
While many qualitative modeling processes can produce models in the form of
maps (e.g., cognitive/concept mapping, causal loop diagrams), they are generally conducted
with a facilitator. The limited capacity of the facilitators limits the number
of participants. The need to be either physically present (for face-to-face sessions) or
at least in a compatible time zone (for phone interviews) also limits the geographical
diversity of participants. In addition, participants may not openly express their beliefs
(e.g., weight discrimination, political views) when perceiving that they may not be well
received by a facilitator or others in the room. In contrast, the naturally occurring exchange
of perspectives on social media provides an unobtrusive approach to collecting
beliefs on causes and consequences of such complex systems. Mining social media also
supports a scalable approach and a geographically diverse sample. While obtaining a
conceptual model via social media can inform policymakers about popular support for
possible policies, the model may stand in stark contrast with an expert-based model.
Identifying and reconciling these differences is an important step to integrate social computing
with policy making.
The pipeline to automatically validate large conceptual models, here of obesity and
politics using large text data-set (academic reports or social media like Twitter) comprise
technical innovation of applying machine learning approaches. This is achieved
by generating relevant keywords using wordnet interface from NLTK, articulating topic
modelling using gensim LDA model, entity recognition using Google Cloud Natural language
processing API and categorizing themes by count vectorizer and tf-idf transformer
using scikit-learn library. Once the pipeline validates the model, it is further suggested
for extension by mining literature or Twitter conversations and using Granger causality
tests on the time series gained from respective sources of data. Later we realize the
impact of the shift in public opinion on Twitter, which can alter the results of validation
and extension of conceptual models while using our computational methods. So we
finally compare the sentiment analysis and sarcasm detection results on these conceptual
models. Analyzing these results we discuss whether the confirmed and extended associations
in our conceptual model are an artifact of our method or an accurate reflection
of events related to that complex conceptual model. The combination of these machine
learning approaches will help us automatically confirm and extend complex conceptual
models with less hassle of money, time and resources. It can be used for automatically
formulating public policies which are created in response to issues brought before decision
makers, instead we create them using issues discussed everyday on social media
platform.


title: Optimum switch sizing for class DE amplifier

contributor:
Christoffersen, Carlos
Zhou, Yushi

subject:
Ultrasound transducer arrays
Magnetic resonance imaging
High intensity focused ultrasound
MOSFET

abstract:
Recently, integrated class DE ampli fiers without matching networks have been proposed as
a compact solution to drive a multi-element piezoelectric ultrasound transducer array for high-intensity
focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy. These transducers produce acoustic energy that
translates into heat for tissue ablation. In order to steer the focal zone, each element in the
transducer array is driven at a different phase. Hence, there's a need for the power amplifi er
with a digital control unit in this application.
Since each element in the transducer array has a different electrical characteristic and they
have to be driven at the same frequency, it is a challenge to drive all transducers in the array
at their optimum conditions. This work introduces strategies to determine efficient driving
parameters for an entire transducer array. In addition. a method to improve the power efficiency
of the class DE amplifi er by choosing the optimum size for switching MOSFETs is also proposed.
During the operation of a class DE ampli fier, losses are caused by the ON resistance and the
drivers of the MOSFET gate capacitances. These parameters are directly dependent on the size
of the switching MOSFETs. A wider MOSFET will have a higher gate capacitance, but lower
ON resistance. With the correct sizing, these losses can be greatly reduced to improve power
efficiency and prevent excessive heating. The challenge with this method is the wide selection
of transducers with varying impedance. As the load impedance changes, the MOSFET size
also needs to be changed to maintain the maximum power efficiency. Also, the proposed design
must deliver at least 1 W output power to the transducer in order to produce enough acoustic
pressure. This output requirement will limit the available technology that can be used to design
the amplifi er. In addition, this work also proposes a new driving circuit that consumes less power
to operate, and also allows a full 0-360 degree phase shift.
The design is simulated with Spectre simulator using 0.35  m 50V CMOS process data
available from Austria Micro Systems. The proposed design can deliver 1422mW of average
power to 6-elements transducer array, and achieve up to 91% power efficiency.


title: Effects of nutrient supply, soil temperature and root interactions on morphology, growth, biomass and physiological responses of black spruce and white spruce seedlings to CO2 elevation

subject:
Belowground interactions
Boreal forest
Competitive root interaction
Gas exchange
Resource use efficiency
Whole tree photosynthetic rate

abstract: Changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) and temperature may influence nutrient resources and how boreal species respond to their environment. The effects of increased [CO2] on plants are generally positive but can be very complex because of interactions with soil temperature and nutrient availability on physiology, growth, root characteristics and biomass production. The issue is further complicated because species can respond differently to the interactive effects of these factors. Two experiments were conducted to determine how soil temperature, nutrient supply and inter-plant root interactions affect gas exchange, morphology, root traits and growth of black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) and white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss.) seedlings.


title: Using exercise based interventions for the treatment of cancer related fatigue: a meta analysis

contributor:
Newhouse, Ian
Montelpare, William
McLeod, Brian

subject:
Cancer
Palliative treatment
Complications
Fatigue
Therapy
Effect of exercise on
Exercise therapy

abstract: Background: Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF) is recognized as the most prevalent and distressing symptom affecting cancer patients and survivors. Although the of CRF is a new field of research, many studies have investigated the role of exercise for the management of CRF. Results from these studies are inconsistent and difficulties interpreting the literature make it impossible to draw accurate conclusions regarding its effectiveness.


Economic performance of India during the first two five year plans after independence


title: Magmatic evolution and alteration geochemistry of the Black Mountain Southeast porphyry copper-gold deposit, Baguio mineral district Luzon, Philippines

contributor:
Hollings, Peter
Cooke, David

subject:
Geological time
Phillipines
Baguio Region
Porphyry
Geochemistry
Gold ores
Copper ores
Mineralogy
Geology, Structural

abstract: The Black Mountain porphyry Cu-Au deposit is located in the central-western portion of the Baguio mineral district, Philippines, approximately six kilometers southwest of Baguio City in the Upper Bued River. It consists of two orebodies hosted within the Black Mountain Intrusive Complex (BMIC). The 'Main' or 'Kennon' orebody occurs at the northwest end of the elongate intrusive complex. Main was block caved from 1969 1983 and had a preproduction reserve of 47 Mt at 0.38% Cu and 0.35 g/t Au + 0.01% Mo. The Southeast orebody was block caved from 1977 - 1983 from surface at 790 meters to a subsurface elevation of 560 meters and had a preproduction reserve of 15 Mt ∼0.37% Cu + 0.26 g/t Au. The Southeast orebody has a surface expression that is approximately 150 meters wide and 600 meters long, trending northwest. Trace element analysis of alteration epidote demonstrated a spatial chemical zonation within the propylitic alteration halo of the Black Mountain Southeast system for a suite of pathfinder elements, originally defined by the AMIRA P765 project to be used for regional porphyry exploration (Zn, Sn, Mo, Cu, La, Y, Zr, Sr, As, Pb, Sb, U, Bi). Comparison of the alteration epidote trace element compositions with the trace element compositions of the host rocks and host phenocrysts suggested that for the majority of the suite of elements examined, host rock chemistry did not have an impact on epidote trace element composition. However, a weak correlation between epidote, whole rock and plagioclase phenocryst Sr composition was detected. It is therefore recommended that Sr be discarded from the possible suite of pathfinder elements.


title: Psychological responses to three dimensional body shape exposure in female university students

subject:
Body image
Body dissatisfaction

abstract: The purpose of the present study was to experimentally investigate the psychological responses of women to two dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) body image exposure. Seventy female undergraduate students were randomly assigned to view life-size images of themselves in 2D or 3D) as well as to receive one of two sets of instructions (nonjudgmental self-description [NSD] versus no instruction). Body dissatisfaction (BD), length of time engaged in mindful activity, and self-reported mood were assessed throughout the experiment. Among participants with dispositionally low-shape concerns, exposure to 3D images produced significantly lower BD compared to their 2D counterparts. Among participants with high-shape concerns, BD decreased significantly from pre- to post-exposure among those viewing their images in 2D with NSD instruction. Conversely BD decreased significantly from pre- to post-exposure among participants in the 3D condition who simply viewed their images without instruction.


title: Determining the strongest predictor of FAST aerobic fitness

subject:
Physical fitness
Testing
Hockey players
Ability testing

abstract: Ice hockey is a unique sport requiring a combination of well developed fitness capacities that can be generally referred to as 'ice hockey fitness'. To be successful at a representative level an ice hockey player must have exceptional aerobic and anaerobic fitness, in addition to excellent musculoskeletal fitness and a lean and large body composition. The primary objective of this study was to determine which laboratory measure of ice hockey fitness was the strongest predictor of VO2max of the FAST (Faught Aerobic Skating Test).


title: Themes on Finnish settlement in the Thunder Bay area

subject: Finnish Canadians (Thunder Bay, Ontario)

subject: Finnish Immigrants (Canada, Employment, Assimilation)

abstract:
This migration has contributed to the Finnish population being found in many countries,
including Canada. It is this Finnish-Canadian population that is of interest here. Growing up in
the Thunder Bay area, within the Finn culture, created an atmosphere of questions that needed
to be researched and answered. Why did the family end up in Thunder Bay? Why did Finn
families before them end up here? Why did Finns come to Canada? These questions burned in
the back of the mind for years before finally emerging onto paper, in deciding to research the
Finns in the Thunder Bay region, two methodologies were implemented. The first method
utilized was the laborious task of researching through the vast materials offered in the archives
and libraries. Once the background information was organized, the way was set for dealing with
the questionnaires and interviews. By contemplating the questions that needed to be answered,
the questionnaires and interviews offered the researcher an opportunity to see the information
gathered almost on a first-hand basis.


title: Characterization of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2)rDNA region among the Elaphostrongylinae (Nematoda:Protostrongylidae)

subject:
Protostrongylidae
Caribou parasites
Deer parasites

abstract:
Four species of elaphostrongyline nematodes are known to infect cervids in North
America. One species, Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, can cause neurologic disease
(parelaphostrongylosis) in cervid hosts other than white tailed deer. Another, Elaphostrongylus
rangiferi, can cause cerebrospinal elaphostrongylosis (CSE) in young, heavily infected caribou.
The remaining species, P. andersoni and P. odocoilei do not cause neurologic disease but can
cause verminuous pneumonia. Moreover, two European species, E. cervi and E. alces, are
capable of infecting North American cervid populations if they enter with imported game
animals, such as red deer. Differentiation of these species is problematic as they all produce first stage
larvae (LI) that are morphologically indistinguishable. This is a major concern for wildlife
biologists who attempt to identify and limit the spread of pathogenic nematodes in North
America.
This study improves upon existing methods of extraction and amplification of
protostrongylid DNA by addressing the difficulties of obtaining DNA data from preserved as
well as single nematodes, both adult and larval. A modified commercial kit extraction and
purification procedure (QIAamp, Qiagen, Valencia, California) was developed and PCR
parameters, such as cycling temperatures and times, were optimised to address these difficulties.
Second internal transcribed spacer (TTS-2) rDNA sequence data was obtained for all six
elaphostrongyline species as well as an unidentified nematode from bighorn sheep in
Washington. Elaphostrongylus cervi and E. rangiferi are both 585 base pairs (bp) long, E. alces
is 575 bp, P. tenuis is 554 bp, P. andersoni is 545 bp, and P. odocoilei is 561 bp long.


title: Effects of a second wood ash application to soil on Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P. and Picea glauca (Moench) voss growth and foliar nutrition and soil chemistry

subject:
Wood ash
Soil amendment
Boreal forest
Picea mariana
Picea glauca
Soil chemistry

abstract:
As the Canadian biomass energy sector grows, so too does its production of by-products
such as wood ash from the combustion of wood biomass for energy. Wood ash can be land applied with
the goal of increasing the productivity of a site through an increase in soil pH and available
nutrients. Most studies have focused on a single ash application to the soil. The purpose of this
study is to investigate the effects of re-applying wood ash on the chemistry of a forest soil and
the growth and foliar nutrition of two commercially important tree species (Picea mariana (Mill.)
B.S.P. and Picea glauca (Moench) Voss). A low and high carbon wood ash sourced from vibrating power
boilers at the Resolute Forest Products facility in Thunder Bay were re-applied in 2019 to plots
established in 2012 at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Northwest Science and Technology Center,
25th Side Road. The wood ashes were applied at 0, 1000, and 10 000 kg ha-1 alone and in combination
in 5 replicate blocks. Tree height and diameter were measured in the Fall of 2019 and 2020 and soil
and foliar samples were collected at the same time for chemical analyses. A second application
significantly affected concentrations of soil C, C:N, conductivity, pH, total soil Ca, S, Sr, and
exchangeable Ca, K, Mg, Na, and extractable Cu, Mn, and Zn concentrations. Differences attributable
to species were observed for soil C concentrations, conductivity and exchangeable K concentrations.
Concentrations of soil C, conductivity, exchangeable K and extractable Zn differed between years.
Three trends were observed in soil chemistry: 1) low C ash had a greater effect on measured
parameters than the high C ash, 2) applying ash at higher rates had a greater effect, and 3)
applying low C ash in addition to high C ash had greater impact on soil than when high C ash was
applied alone. Foliar and growth response from wood ash re-application were species dependant.
Picea marianna (black spruce) showed a negative foliar Mn response and a non-significant but
negative height growth response to ash where Picea glauca (white spruce) did not show any effect of
ash application. Lower foliar Al and black spruce foliar Mn were observed when higher amounts of
ash were applied and when low C ash was applied. Foliar S responded to ash application after the
first growing season and low C ash had the greatest effect. Comparing these results to the first
ash application in 2012: 1) high C ash had a greater impact on soil chemistry after the second ash
application, 2) the concentration of some soil metals (extractable Cu, Zn, and Mn, and total Sr and
Ca) increased with the second application, though not to toxic concentrations. This study shows
that a repeat ash application to soils can increase concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, and S in soil,
reduce the impact of soil acidification, and combat soil C depletion that follows whole tree
harvesting, at least in the short term, while having no significant immediate negative effects on
black and
white spruce growth and foliar nutrition.


title: Interprofessional care in a community mental health outpatient program: client outcomes at discharge and follow-up

subject:
Mental health
Collaborative care
Interprofessional care (IPC)
Ontario health care system
Canadian mental health
Mental health services

abstract:
Increased collaboration between health professionals has been identified as a means of improving the quality of client care while operating within the constraints of a publicly funded health care system. One such model of collaboration is the interprofessional care (IPC) model. IPC features a high degree of collaboration between a team of providers from varying health professions that coordinate services for each client, conceptualized to result in holistic and clientcentred care. These features have intuitive appeal for treating the range of affected functioning in severe and comorbid disorder. As a result, the model has been increasingly used across medical and mental health care settings, perhaps best exemplified by its identification as the strategy for Ontario health care renewal. However, this growth has occurred despite the lack of a necessary evidence base demonstrating the effectiveness of the model in actual practice. The current study assessed the statistical and clinical significance of IPC in a community outpatient mental health
setting, treating 183 adults with severe and comorbid disorder. Of interest was the change in clients’ reported symptoms and functioning over the course of treatment and at follow-up. Clients demonstrated statistically and clinically significant change in symptoms (depression and anxiety, impulsive and addictive behaviours, and psychosis) and functioning (relation to self and others, daily living) at discharge associated with IPC, while analysis of follow-up assessment identified areas for future research. Results provide foundational evidence supporting the use of IPC in mental health care. Implications for clinicians and directions for future research are provided.


title: Investigation and performance characteristics of a hybrid solar photovoltaic-thermoelectric power generation renewable energy system

contributor:
Ismail, Basel
Roy, Murari
Fatehi, Pedram

subject: Renewable energy

subject: Solar-photovoltaic systems

subject: Thermoelectric power generation

subject: Environmental issues & renewable energy technologies

subject: Clean energy

abstract: Increasing fossil fuel prices, electricity demand, and global concern for greenhouse gas emissions have increased interest and research of novel renewable energy technologies. Renewable solar-photovoltaic (PV) systems are known for their ability to directly convert solar energy into electrical energy, however, their performance degrades when operating at elevated temperatures. Thus, decreasing the temperature of PV modules using efficient cooling methods tend to improve their overall efficiency and increase power production. Thermoelectric power generation (TEG) technology has the innovative capability to convert a portion of the waste-heat energy dissipated from PV systems directly into electricity, and simultaneously reduce the PV systems operating temperature. Hybrid photovoltaic-thermoelectric power generation (HPV-TEG) systems integrate TEG modules with a PV module to form a more efficient power generation system. There has been a lack of research that has explored this hybrid concept and characterized in detail the performance of HPV-TEG systems. Therefore, the main objective of this research work is to investigate the viability and performance characteristics of a HPV-TEG system through detailed numerical and experimental studies. Numerical simulations showed that the HPV-TEG system was able to generate more electricity than a conventional PV system while operating at high solar radiation intensities and ambient temperatures. Two HPV-TEG test setups (indoor & outdoor) were designed, constructed and fully instrumented in order to achieve the main objective of this research. Detailed indoor and outdoor experimental tests and case studies were consistently performed. Optimization of the HPV-TEG system showed that the addition of an aluminum layer increased the PV and TEG power output by approximately 6.9% and 350%, respectively. The infrared thermal imaging results showed that the HPV-TEG systems’ cooling system efficiently reduced the systems’ operating temperature. In the outdoor tests, the HPV-TEG systems’ minimum and maximum overall daily efficiency were 3.68% and 9.45%, respectively. For all the tests, it was found that the daily electrical energy output from the HPV-TEG system was always higher than the conventional PV system (in one case about 6.4% higher). Finally, a predictive sizing correlation was developed to estimate the power density generated by an HPV-TEG system as a function of solar radiation, ambient air temperature, and TEG’s coolant inlet temperature. A conceptual scheme was also proposed in this study for large-scale application using the promising green HPV-TEG technology.


title: Knowledge, attitudes and barriers toward breast and cervical cancer screening of French and Aboriginal women in Timmins, Ontario / by Michelle Haavaldsrud.

subject:
Medical screening
Breast Radiography
Breast cancer screening
Cervical cancer screening
Timmins (Ontario)

abstract: "The primary objectives of the study were to explore Aboriginal women's current cervical health practices and cervical cancer screening (CCS) utilization, to identify Aboriginal women's knowledge and risk associated with cervical cancer, and to describe Aboriginal women's level of satisfaction with primary health care nurse practitioner (NP) services delivered through an Aboriginal health access centre (AHAC). The research showed that this cohort of women currently meets the Ontario program objective to increase those women ever having been screened to 95% by 2010. More than 60% of the participants in phase 1 had three cervical cancer risk factors, with 68% of first pregnancies reported as occurring by age 20, and 62% self-identified as current smokers, of whom 93% reported regular smoking by age 19. NP services, available since 1999 through AHAC, provide on-reserve Well Women Clinics that have contributed to a marked decrease in status on-reserve Aboriginal women's reports of last Pap test greater than 2 years ago. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)"--Proquest Theses.


title: “Awe- Shucks”: uncovering the relationship between awe and domains of humility

subject:
Positive awe
Negative awe
Intellectual humility
Self-abasing humility
Self-diminishment
Bottom-up processing

abstract:
The current study sought to examine the relationship between awe (both valences) and domains
of humility. In a preregistered study, 268 participants completed an online questionnaire with 12
measures of humility (ethical, intellectual, epistemic, environmental, religious, Einsteinian, self-abasing, modesty, sincerity, fairness, greed avoidance, and valuing humility) along with a video
and written task meant to induce positive or negative awe. Of all the domains of humility used, it
was hypothesized that positive awe (elicited and dispositional) would be best predicted by
intellectual humility whereas negative awe (elicited and dispositional) would be best predicted
by self-abasing humility. Results showed partial support for these hypotheses. Elicited positive
awe from the videos was best predicted by epistemic humility followed by a facet of intellectual
humility (appropriate discomfort of limitations) which were not significantly different. Religious
humility was the best predictor of elicited positive awe from the written task and valuing
humility was the best predictor of dispositional (positive) awe. Elicited negative awe from the
videos was best predicted by religious humility however “meek self-abasing humility” was the
best predictor amongst the emergent 18 humility factors. Modesty was the best predictor for
elicited negative awe from the written task and dispositional negative awe was best predicted by
appropriate discomfort of limitations followed by self-abasing humility which were not
statistically different. Overall, cognitive domains of humility were better predictors of awe than
(pro)social domains of humility which may have implications for the function of awe.


title: The Use of a Hockey Specific Stimulus to Measure the Efficiency of the Attention Networks

contributor:
Montelpare, William
McAuliffe, Jim
Larocque, T.

subject:
Attention network test
Sport specific stimuli
Attention
Athletes and attention
Memory and recognition

abstract:
Attention is an important component to successful participation in a variety of
sports and activities. Attention can be thought of as three separate but functionally
interrelated networks; Alerting, Orienting and Executive Control. The Attention
Network Test (ANT) can be used to examine the efficiency of the three networks.
Many real life situations such as sport and physical activity involve more complex
stimuli. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the scores on
the three attention networks using arrow stimuli and using sport specific stimuli (i.e.,
an image of a hockey player with the stick indicating direction). Thirty-two
participants completed two versions of the ANT; one with arrows as stimuli and one
with hockey players inserted as the stimuli. As a control, participants were surveyed
as to their previous experience in the game of hockey. There were significant
orienting, alerting, and executive function for both versions of the ANT (i.e., arrows
and hockey stimuli). The only significant difference between the two versions of the
test was found with executive function. When using hockey player stimuli, the
estimate of executive function was less than that when using arrows. Overall, the
results suggest that the use of real life stimuli can be used with the ANT.


title: Quantile-based reliability analysis and design in slope stability

contributor:
Deng, Jian
Bai, Hao
Cui, Liang

subject:
Slope stability (Engineering)
Geotechnical engineering
Soil modeling
Distribution and quantile function
Reliablity-based design

abstract:
The study and analysis of slopes are essential for understanding their performance and,
in particular, their stability, reliability, and deformations. Traditional slope stability analysis
involves predicting the location of the critical slip surface for a given slope and computing
a safety factor at that location, which belongs to the deterministic frame. It is found that
multiple sources of uncertainties often exist in the evaluation of slope stability. When assessing
the stability of slopes in the face of risks, it is desirable, and sometimes necessary, to adopt
reliability-based approaches that consider these uncertainties explicitly.
The thesis develops an efficient methodology of soil modeling using maximum entropy
based quantile distribution constrained by probability weighted moments, conducts field vane
shear soil testing in the Nipigon river area and establishes the soil strength models. The research
proposes a new reliability-based method to study the stability of the Nipigon river slope
and carries out a reliability-based design of slopes by combining quantile-based reliability and
multi-objective optimization.
In general, the probability distribution describes the randomness of soil parameters collected
empirically or tested by the few numbers of collected soil samples. However, the substantial
effect of sample size on the estimation of random properties of the soil strength requires
an extensive data to explore uncertainties, which is uneconomical and sometimes impossible
to obtain. This study aims to consolidate recent advancement in probabilistic characterization
and develops an inverse cumulative distribution function (ICDF) or quantile distribution, for
direct quantification of the actual variability of various soil samples. Based on the analysis,
a framework is developed that streamlines the formulation of probability weighted moments
(PWM), and maximum entropy (MaxEnt) based distribution function for various soil properties
when estimated using different field or laboratory tests, leading to a reliable procedure
for applications of the proposed framework to different site characterization problems. Examples
are provided to illustrate the implementation and step-by-step procedures of the proposed
framework.
This research further extends the reliability approach for slope stability problems and utilizes
the first-order reliability method (FORM) with quantiles for improving the efficiency of
the FORM with relatively small samples. Reliability analysis is combined with deterministic
slope stability analysis and implemented using an efficient algorithm. The analysis is validated
through comparison with other reliability methods and used to explore the effect of variability
of the soil properties on slope system. It is found that, when variability of soil properties is defined
by assuming a conventional distribution, the variance of factor of safety is overestimated
or underestimated. The approach not only provides sufficiently accurate reliability estimates of
slope stability but also significantly improves the computational efficiency of soil slope design
in comparison with conventional design methods.


title: Measuring S100B in concussed athletes following a maximal aerobic fitness test

contributor:
Montelpare, William
Khaper, Neelam
Pynn, Bruce

subject:
Brain
Concussion
Brain damage
Protein S100B
Sports injuries
Testing

abstract: An objective biological test to measure concussion may provide further insight into a player's decision to return-to-play. Protein S100B is a calcium-binding protein that has been studied as a sensitive biomarker of central nervous system injury alter mild head trauma and as a useful predictor of clinical outcome after brain injury. Both head trauma and exercise influence disruption of the blood-brain barrier, which causes the release of S100B into the peripheral circulation. Serum samples were taken from post-concussed and non-concussed collegiate athletes before and immediately after participation in a maximal aerobic fitness test...


title: On the spectrum G of a locally compact group G

subject:
Algebraic topology
Topological algebras
Locally compact groups

abstract:
Separation properties of the Fell topology, on the spectrum G of a locally compact group
G, characterize important properties of G. We will develop three equivalent ways to
describe the Fell topology on the spectrum Â of any C* algebra A. Specifically, we
show that both the relative weak*-topology on P(A), the set of pure states of A, and
the Jacobson topology on Prim(A), the set of all primative ideals on A, can be mapped
onto Â so that both topologies agree with the Fell topology. We will also study the
correspondences, both between the set of strongly continuous unitary representations
of G and the irreducible representations of the group C*-algebra G*(G), and between
the continuous functions of positive type on G and the set of pure states of G*(G). As
well, we give a survey of results outlining the characterization of G by simple separation
properties of the Fell topology on G.


title: Accessory rare metal mineralization in the Coldwell Alkaline Complex, Northwest Ontario

subject: Intrusions (Geology) North Shore of Lake Superior (Minn. and Ont.)

subject: Intrusions (Geology) Ontario Coldwell Alkaline Complex

subject: Ore deposits Ontario North Shore of Lake Superior

abstract:
Accessory rare metal mineralization has been investigated in seven
lithologies in intrusive Centres I and III of the Coldwell alkaline complex. All
units contain minerals that are enriched in a suite of granitophlle elements,
which typically include Nb, REE, Y, Th, U and Zr. Mineral abundances,
composition, and mode of occurrence differ between units.
Centre III is characterized by crystallization of subhedral-to-euhedral
chevkinite, pyrochlore and monazite from late-stage melts or residual pore
fluids in the more-evolved quartz and ferro-edenite syenites. These minerals
are invariably altered to fluorocarbonate or recrystallized by later F‘ and
C032-bearing deuteric fluids. The Centre I, ferroaugite syenite minerals
exhibit similar morphological and replacement textures to those present in
Centre III. In contrast, the Craddock Cove syenite is mildly K and
Fe-metasomatised with incipient replacement of plagioclase and amphibole by
K-feldspar, zircon, fluorocarbonate, Nb-rutile (?), allanite, and rare chevkinite.
Fe-rich fluids under oxidizing conditions are believed to have precipitated
Fe3+ bearing fluorocarbonate in which one third of the (REE)F layers are
replaced by Fe3+ layers.
Most Centre I rare earth minerals are enriched in the HREE relative to those
from centre III, in particular pyrochlore, fluorocarbonate, allanite in the
eastern contact pegmatites and the quartz syenite dykes. Compositional data
for adjacent syntaxial intergrown domains of bastnaesite, synchysite, and
parisite indicate that HREE-enrichment may, in part, be influenced by the Ca
content of the species.
The highest contents of Ce (4193 ppm), Zr (1613 ppm), V (650 ppm), Th (223
ppm) and U (428 ppm) were found in the quartz syenite dykes intruding the
Craddock Cove syenite and Port Munroe megaxenolith. The emplacement of the
quartz syenite dykes and the introduction of the metasomatizing fluids of the
Craddock Cove syenite may be temporally related to the differentiation of
residual fluids in the apical zone of the Centre I magma chamber. Complexing
of F and CO32- with rare metals may have permitted their concentration,
transportation and precipitation in structurally favourable settings. The
megaxenoliths have been susceptible to brittle fracturing and should be
considered primary targets for further exploration. The Craddock Cove syenites,
although intruded by the dykes, may have been hot during dyke emplacement and
therefore not as prone to brittle fracturing.


title: Ecological niche modelling : salix in Ontario

subject:
Salix (willow)
Climate change
Continuous/discontinuous data
BIOCLIM
Logistic regression
Model validation
Species/climate equilibrium
Niche (ecology)

abstract: It has long been recognized that organisms exist in environments peculiar to taxa. Climate is thought to be of primary importance in determining the natural geographic distribution of species. Growing concern over climate change and its potential consequences to biodiversity has prompted the rapid development of numerous analytical techniques to correlate quantifiable environmental characteristics with the known location of species. Ecological niche modelling focuses primarily on determining the dimensions of the niche space of species as a means of predicting their geographic distributions. Recently, many alarming predictions have emerged ranging from the mass extinction of taxa over the next century, to, at the very least, their partial redistribution. Regardless of consequence, however, these predictions indicate a deep and gnawing uncertainty.          To explore some of the fundamental sources of uncertainty with respect to niche modelling two studies were undertaken. In the first, simple correlative models were developed for Salix (willow) species occurring in Ontario, Canada, to determine the algorithmic sensitivity of logistic regression to extreme cases of distributional and environmental data sets. ... A central assumption underpinning research into the potential future habitat of terrestrial biota is that species are presently in equilibrium with their environments and that quantitative climate models adequately represent the distribution of species. The second study examines the effect of the assumption of species/climate equilibrium upon projected distributions using different historic and future data sets. Distributional models were developed for 24 Salix (willow) species occurring in the province of Ontario, Canada, using three historical climate data sets. Although historical data very accurately represented the distributions of willows, the inherent variability within the models of species based on different periods greatly influenced the direction and magnitude of projected distributional change. Even large-scale models of the climatic niche dimensions of species are temporally variable. These findings imply that many of the recent predictions of the potential consequences of climate change to terrestrial biota may be unrealistic.


title: Harvest productivity analysis based on stand boundary length of Weyerhaeuser’s Pembina Timberlands

subject:
Harvest productivity
Feller-Buncher
Variable boundary (forestry)

abstract:
Harvest productivity can be influenced by many different factors within a
harvest block and knowing the impact of those factors allows harvest efficiency to be
maximized. This thesis explored the effect that stand boundary length of different forest
polygons would have on the harvest productivity of feller bunchers. The data was
collected from four contractors within Weyerhaeuser’s Pembina timberlands in westcentral Alberta. The data was then analyzed using a sensitivity analysis and linear
regression models to determine the strength of the relationship between the two
variables and whether increased stand boundary length had a significant effect on
overall harvest productivity. The analysis determined that stand boundary length had no
significant effect on harvest productivity. However, stand boundary length could still
influence harvest productivity but it appears other factors within the harvest blocks will
have a greater influence.


title: Supply chain management of the Canadian Forest Products industry under supply and demand uncertainties: a simulation-based optimization approach

contributor:
Pulkki, Reino
Leitch, Mathew
Gaston, Christopher

subject: AnyLogic

subject: Decision support system

subject: Integrated production planning

subject: Inventory management

subject: Merchandizing yard

subject: Meta-heuristic search algorithm

subject: Operational and tactical planning decisions

subject: OptQuest engine optimization solver

abstract:
The Canadian forest products industry has failed to retain its competitiveness in
the global markets under stochastic supply and demand conditions. Supply chain
management models that integrate the two-way flow of information and materials under
stochastic supply and demand can ensure capacity-feasible production of forest industry
and achieve desired customer satisfaction levels. This thesis aims to develop a real-time
decision support system, using simulation-based optimization approach, for the Canadian
forest products industry under uncertain market supply and demand conditions. First, a
simulation-based optimization model is developed for a single product (sawlogs), single
industry (sawmill) under demand uncertainty that minimizes supply chain costs and finds
optimum inventory policy parameters (s, S) for all agents. The model is then extended to
multi-product, multi-industry forest products supply chain under supply and demand
uncertainty, using a pulp mill as the nodal agent. Integrating operational planning
decisions (inventory management, order and supply quantities) throughout the supply
chain, the overall cost of the supply chain is minimized. Finally, the model integrates
production planning of the pulp mill with inventory management throughout the supply
chain, and maximizes net annual profit of the pulp mill.
It was found that incorporation of a merchandizing yard between suppliers and
forest mills provides a feasible solution to handle supply and demand uncertainty.
Although the merchandizing yard increases the total daily cost of the supply chain by
$11,802 in the single industry model, there is a net annual cost saving of $17.4 million in
the multi-product, multi-industry supply chain. Under supply and demand uncertainty
without a merchandizing yard, the pulp mill is only able to operate at 10% of its full
capacity and achieve a customer satisfaction level of 9%. The merchandizing yard
ensures pulp mill running capacity of 70%, and customer satisfaction level of at least
50%. However, the merchandizing yard is economically viable only, if the sales price of
pulp is at least $680 per tonne. Efficient and effective management of inventory
throughout the supply chain, integrated with production planning not only ensures
continuous operation of forest mills, but also significantly improves the customer
satisfaction.


title: Extraction of phytochemicals betulin and betulinic acid from the chaga mushroom and their effect on MCF-7 Cells

subject:
Chaga
Betulin
Betulinic acid
Cytotoxic
MCF-7 cells

abstract:
Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) grows on birch trees found mainly in temperate regions like
Canada, Northern United States and Siberia. It contains phytochemicals such as betulin and
betulinic acid, which are a pentacyclic triterpenoid along with several bioactive compounds such
as β-glucans and phenolic antioxidants. The aim of this study was to enhance betulin (BN) and
betulinic acid (BA) extraction from the fungi. It was determined that pre-treatment by water
soaking for four days was required before solvent extraction is carried out. Following this
extraction using solvents, ultrasonic treatment was done. Ultrasonication dramatically increased
betulin and betulinic acid yield. There was considerable variance in the quantity of these products
in chaga obtained from different commercial sources. Quantitative analysis for betulinic acid using
high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method had to be developed. It was
demonstrated that pure betulinic acid had significant effect on cell viability and reduction of
oxidative stress. However, the combined effect of all the components of the bioactive extract (total
phenolics found to be 201mg Gallic acid / 100g of dry sample) was found to be much higher.


title: A GIS-based decision-support model linking urban forest benefits with sustainability goals: an application to Thunder Bay, Ontario

contributor:
Randall, Todd
Stewart, Robert
Khoster, Rhonda

subject:
Forest benefits
Community sustainability
Decision support system
GIS
Green infrastructure
Planning
Urban forests

abstract: Urban forests are a key piece of a city's green infrastructure, highly valued for their socioeconomic and environmental benefits. Current research demonstrates their structure and function are considerable assets to the health and livability of a city (e.gs., energy savings, stormwater mitigation, decreased crime rates.) Cities are also now beginning to recognize the importance of these benefits in managing and maintaining their urban forests. However, the ways in which these benefits are tabulated fall short of providing city foresters and municipal planners schemes by which to prioritize tree planting and tree care regimes that will optimize benefits to the community. This proposes a method by which this may be accomplished.


title: Soft path approach as a water management strategy: a case study in Thunder Bay, Ontario

subject: Drinking water (Ontario Thunder Bay Region)

subject: Water pollution (Ontario Thunder Bay Region)

subject: Water quality (Ontario Thunder Bay Region)

subject: Ecological sustainability

abstract: The purpose of this research is to examine the criteria for a soft path approach as it may apply to municipal water management in the City of Thunder Bay. A categorization of Thunder Bay's water management practices was created to understand the city's current state. The soft path approach is a new strategy which aims to achieve sustainable water management by considering changes in social habits and practices as well as economic growth rates and structure. A framework of indicators was developed to evaluate the institutional capacity of a municipality to successfully implement the soft path approach. These indicators fit into six themes: technical, financial, institutional, social, political, and technological, and were applied to evaluate specifically the institutional capacity of Thunder Bay to implement the soft path approach.  The methodology used in this research was semi-structured interviews of thirteen individuals from a variety of sectors in water management which included municipal and provincial employees, academics and private sector workers. It was found that Thunder Bay is well-suited to implement the soft path approach. There are strengths and weaknesses associated with each capacity which need to be addressed and this research provided recommendations for each capacity type. Three goals for Thunder Bay are provided and include: evaluating, understanding and looking at specific reasons for conservation and efficiency and then quantifying it; articulating a collective vision for a new water future through public engagement; and through the use of backcasting, Thunder Bay should be creating long-term water management strategies which set goals for certain targets such as "No New Water." Overall, this research proves that Thunder Bay is one area where the soft path can be implemented. Social, technical, institutional, financial, political and technological changes have to be made in order for this to happen, but there is a need for change and with participation and interest from local government and citizens, this change is achievable.


title: Alteration and fluid characterization of the Hamlin Lake IOCG occurrence, Northwestern Ontario, Canada

subject:
Hamlin lake
Iron-oxide copper gold (IOCG)
Mineralization
Isotopes

abstract:
The Hamlin Lake area is located approximately 120km southwest of Thunder Bay,
Ontario, in the Shebandowan Greenstone Belt of the Wawa Subprovince in the Superior
Province. The area has been explored for its copper and gold mineralization for more than 50 years, but has only recently been treated as an iron-oxide copper gold (IOCG) occurrence. The aim of this study was to characterize the alteration at the occurrence through space and time, and to relate this paragenesis to the formation of mineralization.
Localized field mapping and re-logging of drill core established several relationships
between styles of alteration. Rocks were examined in hand specimen and thin section, and minerals were examined with scanning electron microscope (SEM) to identify mineral
assemblages and associations. Consistent variations in space could not be mapped, so textural relationships were used to relate the timing between six styles of alteration and the local brecciation that hosts the potential ore. These are: (1) sodic, (2) early potassic, (3) calcic(-iron), (4) late potassic, (5) carbonate, and (6) silicic.


title: Aids education and female university students : a feminist perspective / by Cristina Catalan

subject: AIDS (Disease) Prevention Study and teaching

subject: Women Diseases Prevention.

subject: AIDS (Disease) Moral and ethical aspects.


title: Magnetic fabrics from sheeted dikes reveal regional magma flow patterns, and the spacing and dimensions of ophiolite magma-chambers, Troodos ophiolite, Cyprus

subject:
Troodos Mountains (Cyprus)
Volcanism Cyprus
Dikes (Geology) Cyprus

abstract:
Orientation-distributions of crystals were determined for 1289 specimens of the
Sheeted Dike Complex of the Troodos ophiolite, located on the island of Cyprus. These
were inferred from anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS). From these data the
dispersion of magmatic flow fabrics with a mild tectonic overprint were recognized.
The study area (~400km2) is located to the east of Mt. Olympus, and adjacent to a
fossil transform fault (STTFZ) that was responsible for shearing of dikes and a change in
their orientation from predominantly north-south to east-west as the fault is approached.
The predominantly magmatic AMS fabrics blend a flow-aligned paramagnetic
component from mafic silicates with a ferromagnetic component from titanomagnetites.
The inclination of magma-flow axes varies from near vertical to near horizontal
throughout the area with predominantly steep magma flow regions separated from
regions with predominantly shallow magma-flow. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis
of steep-flow region spacing shows that the magma chambers that fed the dikes were
point-source with minimal along-axis extent, and very short lived. FFT wavelength
calculations suggest that they may have been spaced approximately every 4km along the
ridge, and every 100,000 to 250,000 years in time. These results imply localized magma
chambers, thereby supporting the slow-spreading origin of the Troodos crust, and refine
models for slow-spreading ridge processes to include a point-source magma delivery
system between magma reservoirs and the sheeted dike complex.


title: The effects of stratification methods on paper birch and yellow birch seed germination

subject: Germination

subject: Silviculture

subject: Stratification

subject: Climate change

subject: Forest management

subject: Paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.)

subject: Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.)

abstract:
This study examines the use of both a typical cold moist stratification method,
and an alternative in their ability to affect germination rates in paper birch (Betula
papyrifera) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis). This alternative method entails the
freezing and thawing of seeds every second day, while the standard method entails only
a single freezing period. Both stratification methods and the experimental control (no
stratification) were subjected to a month-long treatment period before germination tests
were carried out. The alternative stratification method used in this study performed more
poorly than the control, suggesting that freeze-thaw cycles may negatively affect
germination of both yellow and paper birch, with germination tests resulting in 1.54%
germination in paper birch, and 0.00% germination in yellow birch over a month-long trial
period. The traditional method was beneficial to germination in both species, resulting in
67.69% germination for paper birch, and 36.00% germination for yellow birch over a
month-long trial period.


title: An evaluation of remotely sensed wetland mapping

subject: Wetlands remote sensing

subject: Landscape management

subject: Ecosystem

subject: Development of wetland mapping techniques

abstract:
Landscape management is based on the maintenance of natural
ecosystems and recognizes the importance of maintaining the habitat
diversity of all ecosystem types. Acquiring information about the size,
distribution and location of wetlands is the first step towards evaluating
their habitat value in a landscape perspective. An explicit review about
the strengths and limitations of any landcover database is critical prior to
input into the decision making process. Techniques were developed for
characterizing wetland habitat components in a landscape context utilizing
remote sensing and geographic information system technologies. A
hierarchy of remotely sensed data ranging from 1:5000 colour infrared
aerial photography to LANDSAT Thematic Mapper satellite data was
employed to compare detail of information available at each scale of data.
These techniques included evaluation of ground-based wetland
classification systems, air photo interpretation, investigation of approaches
to image classification, and development of accuracy assessment
techniques. The developed techniques were applied to a Northwestern
Ontario landscape to produce a thematic layer of wetland habitat
information. The effectiveness of these techniques was evaluated by
assessing the accuracy of each remote sensing scale for mapping the broad
scale wetland habitat at the physiognomic group level. 1:5,000 and
1:10,000 scale colour infrared aerial photography provided the best
thematic accuracy at 94 percent, whereas 1:20,000 scale allowed wetland
mapping at 84 percent accuracy. Satellite based mapping using Landsat
Thematic Mapper integrated with digital Forest Resource Inventory map
data allowed wetlands to be mapped with 72 percent accuracy. Combining
physiognomically similar wetland classes increased satellite based mapping
accuracy to 81 percent.


title: Time allocated to vigilance: does antipredator behavior decrease in colder temperatures?

subject:
Foraging
Bird behaviour
Foraging and temperature

abstract: This thesis was designed to assess the effect an organism's environment has on its behavior. Specifically, the effect of air temperature on vigilance behavior was examined during the winter of 2016-2017. This study was completed by observing foraging woodpeckers remotely over high definition webcams as well as by hand filming. The study took place in Ithaca, New York a well as Waterloo, Ontario where filming was completed by a hand camera.


title: Citizen-based monitoring and lakewide management: recommendations for information sharing and partnership development in the Lake Superior Basin

subject:
Lake Superior Watershed
Water quality
Environmental monitoring
Citizen participation

abstract:
The Lake Superior Basin has a diverse range of stakeholder partnerships and citizen based monitoring programs focused on ecosystem protection, restoration and management. This research explores how partnerships for environmental citizen-based monitoring can contribute to information sharing and successful lakewide management within the Lake Superior Basin. This goal was achieved by fulfilling the following objectives:
1) To collect an inventory of citizen-based ecological monitoring programs around the Lake Superior Basin;
2) To explore the dynamics (strengths and weaknesses) of multi-scale partnership development and information sharing in the Lake Superior Basin;
3) To identify a framework for adaptive, ecosystem-based management partnerships in the Lake Superior Basin;
4) To compile recommendations for partnership development that improves citizen-based monitoring and information sharing in lakewide management.
Results were compiled based on a qualitative theme analysis and were gathered through a three stage data collection process including an emailed survey, 22 individual, semi-structured interviews and participant observation at a Lake Superior workshop in September of 2011. These results were then compared to the literature review on partnership development, citizen-based environmental monitoring and their role in ecosystem-based adaptive management. This comparison begins to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of current partnerships in citizen-based monitoring and multi-scale collaborative resource management efforts. Citizen-based monitoring (CBM) inventory results show a variety of interest groups and organizations engaged with the incorporation of CBM into their monitoring and restoration activities, however, further collaboration and communication across jurisdictional and geographical boundaries may offer potential benefits in the reduction of duplicated efforts, development of common monitoring methodologies, and availability of information. The role of multi-scale, binational partnerships is of vital importance in implementing an ecosystem approach to the management of Lake Superior and for the Laurentian Great Lakes system and can further development of multi-stakeholder management efforts of cross-jurisdictional water resources around the world.


title: Vibration suppression in a traversing mass-cantilever beam system

subject: Structural dynamics (Mathematical models)

subject: Robots (Control systems)

subject: Vibration (Control)

abstract:
A cantilever beam carrying a traversing spring-mass system is modeled.  Applications of the system include robot traversing on space trusses, loads moving along stacker cranes carrying moving loads in a large warehouse, and other such systems.
The equations of motion are derived using Hamilton’s principle. The obtained nonlinear
partial differential equations are reduced to the nonlinear ordinary differential
equations using Galerkin method. A novel method to control the vibration caused
by the coupling between the beam and the moving subsystem is developed, which
involves tuning the system to achieve internal resonance and then adding damping
to the mass through a simple PD controller. Internal resonance’s condition for the
system is discussed through parametric analysis. Spectral analysis is carried out
using FFT and a time-frequency analysis method.


title: Indicators of fear of victimization

subject: Fear of crime

abstract:
The main objective of this thesis was to examine the
indicators of fear of victimization by incorporating the
variables age, gender, living arrangement and security
precautions into Warr and Stafford’s (1983) conceptual model
of fear (that high levels of perceived risk and perceived
seriousness are associated with a high level of fear of
victimization for a particular offense) and then testing the
explanatory power of this revised model. A probability
sample of 194 Thunder Bay students and retirees was drawn
using a multi-stage sampling technique and the data
indicated that the independent variables explained 41.6
percent of the variation in fear for the combined 16
offenses, with perceived risk, perceived seriousness and
gender emerging as the only statistically significant
indicators of fear. Thus, fearful persons tended to be
females who perceived victimization to be both likely to
occur and serious in its consequences.
Contrary to the bulk of fear of crime research,
students in general were found to be more fearful than
retirees, and female students in particular were found be to
more fearful than female retirees, male retirees and male
students. These findings suggest that fear of victimization
is a phenomenon that is not reserved for the elderly alone
and, thus, future research should focus upon the
victimization fears of all gender/age categories.


title: BIM-based automated schedule generation in reinforced concrete-framed buildings

subject:
Building information modeling
BIM-enabled software
Architecture, Engineering, Construction
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Construction scheduling

abstract:
In the construction industry, project schedule has been regarded as a fundamental tool to complete a project under the targeted duration and cost. A sound schedule usually depends on schedulers’ construction management knowledge, such as the principles and concepts of construction scheduling, as well as their enriched construction experience. However, as the complexity of projects increases, project scheduling has become demanding as well. In addition, traditional manual project scheduling methods are tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone. These methods, therefore, can hardly meet the requirement of the contemporary project management. With the prevailing trend of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, many researchers in the construction research community have paid more attention on extending its capabilities into project management areas. Some of them have investigated automated schedule generation by utilizing BIM’s versatility thorough buildings’ lifecycle. The scope and capabilities of the developed systems, however, were limited, and they mainly demonstrated a simple proof of concept. In particular, there is a limited number of research efforts, which investigated automated scheduling of a certain type of structures, namely reinforced concrete-framed buildings. Accordingly, BIM has not reached its full potentials in the construction domain yet and the link between the design and construction stages is still underdeveloped.
This research investigates methods to develop a BIM-based framework to automatically generate schedules for reinforced concrete structures. In this framework, a BIM-enabled software has been connected with a project management tool, in which a bridge between the design and project planning stage was created. This framework firstly extracts the data that stored in the BIM, including elements’ geometrical data, quantities, spatial information, material types, and other related attributes. Secondly, it creates project activities, determines their sequences, and calculates their durations by applying construction sequencing rules and production rate data. At last, it organizes these figures into an applicable schedule, and then exports it to a project management software. Moreover, three samples are presented to further demonstrate the concept and feasibility of this system.


title: "So That Everybody Starts at the Same Line": Exploring International English Language Learners’ Perceptions of Learning English and Studying in Canadian Universities

subject: International English language learners

subject: English language program

subject: Cross-cultural transitions

subject: Second language acquisition

subject: Overview of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs

subject: English for specific purposes

abstract: The myriad voices of international English language learners, who must enrol in an English language program before beginning their academic programs, are frequently left out of conversations about Canada's current efforts to internationalize higher education. The purpose of this study is to explore international English language learners' perceptions of learning English and studying in Canada as they transition from English language programs to post-secondary studies. Using an embedded qualitative case study design, the researcher interviewed 15 international English language learners studying engineering, business, and science in Ontario to explore how well they feel their particular English language program prepared them to study their academic disciplines. Additionally, this study extends scholarship on language learners' investments in English by exploring the personal values that international English language learners place on learning English as an additional language. Through a neocolonialist lens, the researcher examines how learning English impacts international students' identities and how they position themselves in relation to native-English speakers and non-English speakers. Findings from this study have the potential to help university and language program administrators better understand the diverse needs of international students undertaking post-secondary studies in Canada and implement both program and institutional reform.


title: Environmental effects on the application of spring load restrictions on low volume roads in Northern Ontario / by Jeffrey Chapin.

subject:
Thawing  - Northern Ontario
Pavements - Effect of freezes on
Pavements - Live loads
Northern Ontario

abstract:
Many jurisdictions throughout Canada and the United States utilize Spring Load Restriction (SLRs) on low volume roads to minimize the damage during spring thaw. The main objective of this research is to develop a SLR method for use in northern Ontario (the Lakehead University (LU) method). In order to achieve this objective a detailed review and assessment was conducted on three potential SLR methods for their use on low volume roads in northern Ontario. The three methods assessed were an empirically based approach developed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (M n/DOT), a semi-empirical approach developed by the University o f Waterloo and a thermal numerically based method using the finite element code TEMP/W.
Each of the methods was calibrated for two study sites, Highway 569 in northeastern Ontario and Highway 527 in northwestern Ontario. These methods were calibrated using historical data collected from these study sites including air temperature data and observed frost and thaw depths determined from thermistor measurements. The Highway 569 study site
was calibrated fo r the 2005/2006, 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 seasons while the Highway 527 study site was calibrated for the 2008/2009 season only. The calibrated methods were then used to predict the application and removal dates for SLRs for the two sites for the 2009/2010 season.
Pavement stiffness testing was conducted during the freezing and thawing seasons at the two sites using a Light W eight Deflectometer (LWD). The purpose of LWD testing was to examine the changes in pavement stiffness resulting from progressive freezing and thawing of the pavement structure. The results of the LWD testing indicate a significant decrease in pavement stiffness during pavement structure thawing between depths of 0.2 and 0.4 m.  Based on these results and an extensive literature review, a 0.3 m threshold thawing depth was
selected to trigger SLR application. LWD testing also indicated a slight increase in pavement stiffness with in 2 weeks of complete pavement structure thawing. Using these results it was decided that, for this research, SLRs could be removed 7 days after complete pavement
structure thawing.
During the calibration of the three SLR methods it was discovered that the Waterloo method requires significant adjustments to the frost and thaw depth algorithm coefficients at the onset of the thawing period. It was also determined that the accuracy of the thermal numerical modelling simulation is strongly associated with the boundary conditions used for the model.
The assessment of the three methods indicates that the Mn/DOT method can closely predict the SLR application date (within 1 to 2 days) and was less accurate in predicting the SLR removal date (within 6 to 9 days). The Waterloo and TEMP/W methods did not display the same degree of accuracy as the M n/DOT method when used in a predictive mode.
Based on the LWD test results and the SLR calibration and prediction results, it was decided that the LU method should follow the M n/DOT method and use threshold Cumulative Thawing Index (CTI) values representative o f northern Ontario conditions as a trigger for application of the SLRs. In this method air temperatures are adjusted by reference
temperatures which are then used to calculate a CTI. When the CTI exceeds a value corresponding to a 0.3 m pavement structure thawing depth, SLRs will be implemented. SLR removal will be based on average pavement structure thawing duration. Furthermore, LWD testing during the predicted thawing season will be used to further develop the method by qualifying pavement stiffness reductions during the onset of thaw and stiffness rebound after complete pavement structure thawing. Also, the TEM P/W thermal numerical model will be used as a tool to further refine the LU method through assessment of other pavement structures and environmental conditions.


title: Distribution of fishes in the Thunder Bay area of northwestern Ontario since deglaciation, with special reference to the darters (Genus Etheostoma) and the Sibley Peninsula

subject: Fishes Ontario, Northwestern Geographical distribution.

subject: Fishes Ontario Sibley Peninsula Geographical distribution

subject: Etheostoma

abstract:
The prevailing theory explaining fish distribution in the western Lake
Superior basin states that recolonization was from south to north following the
retreating ice margins. Postulated access to post glacial Lake Superior is via
the St. Croix River. However, as the ice masses retreated north of Lake
Superior, several ice dams held back glacial Lake Agassiz. These were
successively removed. Lake Agassiz, which covered much of Manitoba and
northwestern Ontario, then catastrophically overflowed into the Superior basin.
This allowed fish to gain access to western areas.
The Sibley Peninsula and Thunder Bay area provide key evidence for studying
the process of fish recolonization. A survey documenting the fishes of Sleeping
Giant Provincial Park on the Sibley Peninsula allowed comparison of this area
with previously surveyed areas (Isle Royale National Park and Quetico Provincial
Park). The distribution of two darters, the Iowa (Etheostoma exile) and the
johnny (E. nigrum), suggested that the Thunder Bay area was recolonlzed from both
the south and northeast by utilizing Agassiz outlets.
Creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), rock bass {Ambloplites rupestris)
and common shiner (Notropis cornutus) are found at the edge of their range near
or in the Kaministiquia basin suggesting either their late movement from the
south into Lake Superior or low colonization powers. Colonization from the south
is also suggested by johnny darter populations in the Kaministiquia basin.
Geographic variation among johnny darter populations reveal that the
Kaministiquia basin populations are meristically unique compared to those from
other nearby areas. Karoinistiquia basin johnny darters are typically the scaly
form and possess a high number of preoperculomandibular pores. Iowa darter
populations do not exhibit much variation in merlstic characters but, similar
to johnny darters, do exhibit disjunct distribution throughout the Thunder Bay
area.
Temperatures selected by Iowa darters during temperature selection trials
were always cooler than those selected by johnny darters. Preference for cooler
temperatures, along with survival in the Missouri refugium, allowed earlier
movement northward following deglaciation. Iowa darters, inhabiting areas
proximate to early Agassiz overflows, were deposited on both the Sibley Peninsula
and Isle Royale.
Analysis of rivers based on ichthyofaunal resemblance suggests
Kaministiquia basin rivers and those to the south are very similar, likely due
to similar points of origin for their ichthyofauna. Similarly, ichthyofaunal
resemblance among Sibley Peninsula rivers suggests a common origin.
Effects of Isostatic rebound reveals that the Sibley Peninsula contains
more species than Isle Royale and the Huron-Porcupine Mountains if basin
morphology is taken into account. Lakes on the Sibley Peninsula were elevated
and Isolated even later than those of Isle Royale. Deep basins on Isle Royale
allow for the existence of many large openwater species and cold adapted smaller
species which can not inhabit the shallow lakes of the peninsula.
Fishes now inhabiting the Sibley Peninsula and Isle Royale likely arrived
in those areas during Agassiz discharges. It is suggested that the prevailing
theory of the recolonization of the Lake Superior basin must be revised since
Lake Agassiz overflows likely provided a means for fish to move into, rather than
through, the Superior basin.


title: Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide on nanostructured catalysts

contributor:
Chen, Aicheng
Das, Gautam
Jiang, Zi-Hua (Justin)

subject:
Carbon dioxide conversion
Energy consumption & CO2 emissions
CO2 conversion technologies
CO2 electroreduction

abstract: There is great interest in the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to useful chemicals and fuels toward addressing the increasingly serious impacts of global climate change. The electrochemical reduction of CO2 has garnered keen and broad interest due to the development of efficient electrocatalysts. In this thesis I initially demonstrated a facile approach for the synthesis of a novel nanostructured thin film comprised of Cu nanoparticles (NPs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), via the direct electrochemical reduction of a mixture of copper and graphene oxide (GO) precursors. The effects of an applied potential on the electrochemical reduction of CO2 was investigated using linear sweep voltammetric (LSV) and chronoamperometric (CA) techniques. Carbon monoxide (CO) and formate were found as the primary products based on gas chromatograph (GC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The electrochemical reduction of CO2 at the Cu/rGO thin film was further studied using in situ electrochemical ATR-FTIR spectroscopy to identify the liquid products that were generated at different applied cathodic potentials. Our experimental measurements revealed that the nanostructured Cu/rGO thin film exhibited excellent stability and superb catalytic activity for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 in an aqueous solution, with a high current efficiency of 69.4% at -0.6 V vs. RHE.