title: Acoustic wave propagation testing to determine quality in timber and timber products

subject: Acoustic velocity

subject: Modulus of elasticity

subject: Modulus of rupture

subject: Non-destructive testing in wood products

subject: Assessment of raw wood quality

subject: Timber industry in Canada

subject: Tree development

abstract:
Assessing and grading of raw materials in the timber industry is a key factor in
the maximization of extracted value. Several different approaches are utilized to
measure the quality of standing timber and sawn lumber. Assessments typically involve
physical measurements, but have evolved to include non-destructive evaluations,
machine strength rating and acoustic wave-length assessments to predict the strength
potential and overall value of timber more accurately.
This report explores acoustic testing methods to determine qualities associated
with standing and raw timber properties, such as strength, hardness, and density, which
ultimately impact the value of wood products and how wood mills efficiently utilize and
market their wood products. Results gathered in acoustic studies are conflicting when
presenting correlations between wave propagation and density, but most agree that
targeting specific species in proper temperatures generates consistent results. Acoustic
testing is less effective on standing timber when compared to whole log timber where
two faces are present for testing. Applications of acoustic technologies at all stages of
the wood supply chain could considerably increase the utilization of forests products.
These applications include the use of handheld technologies used by technicians and
technologists, processing heads in harvesting operations and on mill sites before the
sawing process begins.


title: A Tunable high-static-low-dynamic-stiffness isolator and a fuzzy-neural network based active control isolator

subject:
Control
Damping (Mechanics)
Fuzzy-neural network
Vibration isolation

abstract: Excessive vibration can be detrimental to a wide variety of structures and machines. Vibration isolation is an effective means to suppress vibration. This study focuses on development of some new techniques to improve performance of vibration isolators. The thesis consists of two parts. In the first part, a novel vibration isolator is developed. In the second part, an adaptive fuzzy-neutral network (FNN) controller is applied to active isolators.


title: Role of introversion-extraversion and sensation-seeking in the etiology of Myopia

subject: Myopia.

subject: Diseases Causes and theories of causation

subject: Introversion


title: Perceived importance, causal attributions and history of teasing as moderators of the relationship between appearance esteem and global self-esteem / by Cindy Larocque.

subject:
Self-esteem Effect of obesity on.
Self-esteem Effect of body image on.
Self-esteem.

abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the
relationships between perceived importance of physical
appearance and weight control, appearance esteem, and
global self-esteem. Past research has found that
perceived importance of appearance and weight control
does not moderate the effect of appearance esteem on
global self-esteem. The present study examined whether
causal attributions and history of teasing play a
moderating role in perceived importance effects. Both
Lakehead University students and members of the Thunder
Bay community completed questionnaires on these topics.
We predicted that perceived importance would only play a
moderating role when: (1) people felt personally
responsible for their physical attractiveness; (2) people
felt personally responsible for their body-weight; and
(3) people had been teased a lot as children. Our
results were significant for the first prediction but
were not in the direction we predicted. The second and
third predictions were not confirmed. Most of the
significant results emerged on measures of eating
disorders and not on measures of global self-esteem. The
implications of these findings are discussed.


title: Perspectives on the Social, Economic and Environmental Impacts of All-season Roads in Two Remote First Nation Communities in Northern Ontario

subject:
Transportation in the Far North
All-season roads
Remote Indigenous communities
First Nations communities
Social well being

abstract:
Remote Indigenous communities face a number of challenges associated with
accessibility. The development of all-season road corridors promises to solve some of
these problems. However, changes to transportation can create many challenges.
Surveys and interviews conducted in two remote First Nations communities and
reported in this thesis reveal that community members are aware that both potential
harms and benefits from all-season roads will alter the communities’ social wellbeing.
Concerns about negative potential impacts from all-season roads are triggered by past
experiences and history. Fear may slow down progress of development in the Far North.
These fears are associated with changes in the community and its surrounding landscape
including accessibility to drugs and alcohol, destruction of the land and disrespect from
non-Indigenous people. While First Nation participants acknowledge that all-season
roads and increased access can produce or worsen negative impacts, they perceive the
positive outcomes, such as employment and community-to-community interaction, to be
worth the risks associated with all-season roads.


title: Spatiotemporal effects of climate on the relationship between tree diversity and forest ecosystem functioning

subject:
Biodiversity
Biomass dynamics
Climate change impacts
Ecosystem functioning
Forest ecosystem

abstract:
Worldwide, forest ecosystem functioning and plant diversity have been altered by global
environmental change. Understanding the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem
functioning with long-term environmental change is important because maintaining
diversity can mitigate the impacts of environmental change on ecosystem functioning.
Here, I i) developed a concept that can elucidate how enhancing plant diversity may help
mitigate global environmental change impacts on ecosystem functioning; ii) empirically
tested this concept in natural forest systems by examining whether higher tree diversity
enhances and reduces positive and negative impacts of long-term environmental change on
forest biomass dynamics (biomass growth, loss, and net biomass change); iii) explored
effects of spatial variations in climate on the relationship between tree functional diversity
and forest biomass dynamics; and iv) investigated how spatial variations in climate mediate
the impacts of long-term environmental change on tree functional composition.
In order to establish the concept of how tree diversity can mitigate the impacts of
global environmental change on forest ecosystem functioning, I reviewed the field of
climate change effects on biodiversity-ecosystem functioning. I found mixed evidence for
positive diversity effects on ecosystem functioning persistent before and after experiencing
changes in climates within grassland communities, but strong support in the few studies
conducted in forest ecosystems which are more stable and resilient at higher levels of
diversity. I identify the importance of future research combining investigations into climate
change impacts on ecosystem functionality with the B-EF. I concluded that biodiversity can
hold certain potential to be a solution to mitigate environmental change impacts.
Using inventory data of boreal forests of western Canada from 1958-2011, I
revealed that aboveground biomass growth of species-rich forests increased with the
calendar year but that of species-poor forests decreased. Moreover, species-rich forests
experienced less aboveground biomass loss from tree mortality than species-poor forests. I
found that the growth of species-rich forests, but not species-poor forests, was positively
associated with elevated CO2. Mortality in species-poor forests increased more with
decreasing water availability than species-rich forests. In contrast, growth decreased, and
mortality increased as the climate warmed regardless of species diversity. The results of
this study suggest that promoting high tree diversity may help reduce the climate and
environmental change vulnerability of boreal forests.


title: Hydrodeoxygenation process for converting glycerol into bio-crude / by Matthew A. Tymchyshyn.

subject:
Biomass energy
Hydrogenolysis
Glycerin

abstract: "Bio-energy is a clean (containing negligible sulfur and being near-carbon neutral), renewable and abundant source of energy. Bio-energy can be a potential alternative to fossil fuels for the production of energy and chemicals. Due to the world's increasing energy demands, declining petroleum reserves and growing concerns over the detrimental environmental effects of fossil fuels, there is an increased interest in the production of bio-fuels (bio-ethanol, bio-diesel and bio-oils) from biomass feedstocks. The increased production of bio-diesel by trans-esterification of vegetable oils has resulted in a glut of glycerol as a by-product. Economically beneficial utilization of the glycerol would greatly enhance bio-diesel plant production economics. Part I of this research investigated the effectiveness of various catalysts in the conversion of glycerol into bio-crude at elevated temperature and pressure. The reactions were carried out in an autoclave micro-reactor at a temperature of 300C and an initial pressure of hydrogen of 5 MPa. Gaseous products were collected and analyzed by Micro-GC. The solid products were removed by filtration while the liquid products were separated into water soluble products (unreacted glycerol, acids, alcohols) and water insoluble products (bio-oil/bio-crude) by extraction with water and ethyl acetate. The bio-crude obtained was comprehensively characterized to determine its physical/chemical properties.


title: Development and validation of the successful aging quiz / by Christine A. Knight. --

contributor:
Stones, Michael
Bedard, Michel

subject:
Aging - Psychological aspects
Aged - Health
Older people - Psychology
Successful Aging Quiz (SAQ)

abstract:
The purpose of this dissertation was to evaluate the reliability, validity, and
responsiveness of the Successful Aging Quiz (SAQ), a 70-item, self-administered, multidimensional assessment instrument designed to measure domains related to healthy aging. This was accomplished through a series of four separate studies designed to elicit relevant
psychometric information. Results revealed a 4-factor solution for the SAQ - Negative Orientation, Positive Orientation, Activity and Health factors. The factors had good internal consistency and were stable, and were found to discriminate between hospital patients and active community residents in the expected direction. At the factor level the SAQ was not responsive to changes in the health status of these participants over time. However, two SAQ items were found to be responsive to this change. There was high test-retest reliability over a one-week period and
the factors demonstrated convergent validity with a widely-used generic indicator of health status. An interviewer-administered version and a computerized version of the SAQ were developed, and found to be equivalent to the traditional pencil-and-paper SAQ. These new
methods of administration were well-received and rated as easy to complete, even by those individuals who had never used a computer before. Finally, the implementation of an Internet-based SAQ provided strong convergent validity for the 4-factor model with a large and diverse
sample of online users. In summary, the SAQ was found to be a useful tool for the brief assessment of healthy aging status of older adults in a wide variety of settings.


title: Caregiving stress process : examining the influence of the nature of the care-recipient illness, stress-buffering variables, mediating factors, and caregiving transitions on caregiver health / by Mun H.V. Tran

subject:
Caregivers - Psychology
Caregivers - Health
Stress

abstract: "Providing care for an impaired older adult has been described as a stressful endeavour involving a pleathora of responsibilities that can place the caregiver at risk for negative psychological and physical health outcomes. The goal of this study was to investigate several issues relating to the caregiving stress process: (1) whether caregivers were at greater risk for adverse health outcomes compared to non-caregivers (2) whether the nature of the care-recipient's illness had a negative influence on caregiver health, (3) whether health behaviours mediated the association between caregiving stressors and physical health, (4) whether social support and the quality of the pre-illness relationship had stress-buffering influences on physical health, and (5) whether relinquishing the caregiving role had an effect on caregiver health. The data analyzed in this dissertation were derived from three separate studies of older adults and their caregivers. Caregivers were re-contacted to participate in a follow-up even if the care-recipient had died or was institutionalized. A control group of married older adults who were not actively serving as caregivers to their spouses was included in one of the studies. Spouse caregivers of individuals with cognitive impairments (i.e., dementia), those providing care to cognitively-intact individuals (i.e., non-dementia), as well as a control group of non-caregivers were selected for analyses."--from Abstract


title: People in discursive spaces : entry-level humanities eduction for non-traditional adult learners

contributor:
Epp, Juanita
Taber, Nancy
van Barneveld, Christina

subject:
Adult education
Humanities
Institutional ethnography
Non-traditional learners

abstract: In Canada there are programs that offer non-traditional adult learners an entry-level university educational experience. These programs have various names, for example, Humanities 101, University 101, Discovery University and University in the Community. They are intended to better the lives of learners and claim to focus on the liberatory and emancipatory potential of education (Groen & Hyland-Russell, 2010a). This institutional ethnography investigated how the experiences of those involved in the programs related to the fundamental concepts associated with such programs through an analysis of program documentation and interviews with people participating in the programs. The findings suggested that the current offerings of Humanities 101 are delivered as an extension of formal education in that they support objectification of students and asymmetrical power relations, which continue to affect the adult learners and the classroom.


title: Age differences in children's judgements of reciprocal and non reciprocal patterns of self-disclosure / by Luanne Mann. --

subject:
Self-disclosure.
Child psychology.
Age.

abstract:
Research conducted supports the conclusion
that adults have a well defined norm of reciprocity in
self-disclosure.
The purpose of the present research was to
determine whether and if so at what age the norm of
reciprocity of self-disclosure prevails in children.
In the present study, 30 children from each of kindergarden,
second grade, fourth and sixth grade were
presented videotapes of conversations between two
children. The videotapes depicted high-high, low-low,
high-low and low-high intimacy levels of self-disclosure
in the stimulus person combinations. It should be noted
that in some combinations, the intimacy level of the
initial disclosure was reciprocated while in others,
the respondent did not reciprocate the intimacy level of
the initial disclosure. The stimulus materials for these
videotapes were derived from 2 pilot studies. Following
the viewing of the videotapes, subjects were requested to;
(A) recall the exchange; (B) judge the respondent on the
likability and friendship scales; (C) give explanations
for their judgements.
The results implied that the sixth grade
children provided evidence for the norm of reciprocity
pattern by indicating more liking and greater desirability for friendship with the High-High, Low-Low stimulus
person combinations in which .the respondent reciprocated
the intimacy level of the initial disclosure. The
explanations of judgements given by the sixth grade
children also provided some support for the norm of
reciprocity pattern. In contrast, the results indicated
that the kindergarten children based their liking and
friendship judgements on the content of communication.


title: Concordance Between Objective Psychometric Neuropsychological Test Findings and Subjective Self-report and its Relationship to Functional Impairment in Depression

contributor:
Tan, Josephine
Katzman, Martin A.

subject:
Depression
Social and economic burden
Work impairment
Cognitive deficits in depression

abstract: Depression is associated with a number of cognitive deficits that are associated with increased functional impairment. Cognitive functioning can be examined by way of subjective self-report measures and/or objective performance-based neuropsychological test measures grounded in psychometrics. Depression is associated with impairment on objective psychometric neuropsychological test measures in the domains of attention, memory, executive functioning, and visuospatial functioning. Using subjective self-report of cognitive functioning, depression has also been found to be associated with greater self-reported impairments in attention, memory, and executive functioning. Previous research on the concordance between these types of measures has however produced mixed findings and none have made domain-specific comparisons. Furthermore, if research is able to identify whether one type of measure is a better predictor of functional impairment, this would eliminate the need to use both types of measures, thereby decreasing health care costs. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the concordance between objective psychometric neuropsychological test measures and subjective self-report of cognitive functioning and its relationship to functional impairment in depression. Participants included individuals who had a history of a major depressive episode or major depressive disorder (depressed group: 27 women, 18 men, M(age) = 34.98, SD = 15.73) and university students who had no history of depression (control group: 20 women, 9 men, M(age) = 19.76 years, SD = 5.22). Diagnoses were obtained using a semi-structured clinical interview. Groups were compared on psychometric measures of attention, memory, language, visuospatial functioning, and executive functioning using a neuropsychologist test battery and in terms of subjective self-report of cognitive functioning in the same domains using two self-report measures. Participants also completed questionnaires that examined functional impairment, severity of depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as medical and sociodemographic questionnaires. Results demonstrated that the control group performed significantly worse on objective measures of executive functioning and self-reported greater visuospatial deficits than the depressed group. Furthermore, the depressed group was found to self-report greater functional impairment than controls. Within the depressed group, severity of depression was related to subjective attention, memory, executive functioning, and language, and functional impairment in all domains, but not with objective psychometric neuropsychological test performance. Significant correlations were also found between objective psychometric neuropsychological test measures and subjective self-report of cognitive functioning in the domains of attention and executive functioning. Finally, results suggest that subjective self-report of cognitive functioning may be a better predictor of self-reported functional impairment than objective psychometric neuropsychological test measures.


title: Application of Biomass-based Fly Ash in the Pressate of a Thermomechanical Pulping Process

subject: Thermomechanical pulping (TMP)

subject: Softwood lignin

subject: Hemicelluloses

subject: Wood extractives

subject: Solid wastes

subject: Treatment options for pulp and paper wastewaters

subject: Alternatives for treating TMP pressates

subject: Alternatives for processing solid wastes

abstract:
In the thermomechanical pulping (TMP) process wood chips are pretreated with steam prior to refining, and the resultant effluent (TMP pressate) is currently treated in the wastewater treatment facility of the pulp mill. Pulp mills also generate a substantial amount of biomass fly ash as a residue from burning wood and wastewater sludge in boilers and most of the fly ash is landfilled. Strict effluent regulations may require the use of tertiary treatment operations at pulp mills and alternative uses for biomass fly ash are required.
In this study, two biomass fly ash samples (FA1 and FA2) were received from a pulp mill, fractionated and characterized. Definitive screening design (DSD) experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of process parameters (e.g. time, temperature) on the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and lignin contents in a TMP pressate. Model equations were developed and used to optimize the COD and lignin removals from a TMP pressate on the fly ash samples. It was determined that the main factor that impacted the lignocelluloses removal from a TMP pressate was dosage, and FA1 was more effective than FA2. A maximum COD removal by FA1 of 91.3 % was observed under the conditions of a weight-based average particle size of 0.43 mm, a dosage of 70.0 mg/g FA1/TMP pressate and a treatment time of 2 h. The maximum lignin removal from the TMP pressate by FA1 was 95.0 % under the conditions of a weight-based average particle size of 0.11 mm, a dosage of 46.5 mg/g FA1/TMP pressate and a pH of 6.
In this study, a biomass fly ash was fractionated and ground to generate five fly ash samples with different compositions of similar particle size, and four fly ash fractions of different sizes of similar composition. Isotherm analysis with respect to the COD and lignin removals from a TMP pressate by the biomass fly ash samples were done and it was determined that the Freundlich model fit the adsorption data best. The Freundlich maximum adsorption capacities for the COD and lignin from a TMP pressate by the biomass fly ash were estimated. Furthermore, the potential impact of various physicochemical properties on the experimentally determined Freundlich parameters were evaluated. In this study, a biomass fly ash was fractionated and ground to produce two fly ash samples (S1 and S2) with a similar particle size. Leaching tests of the biomass fly ash samples were conducted under various conditions in water and in a TMP pressate. It was determined that the leaching characteristics of the biomass fly ash in a TMP pressate differed from that in water and overall it was observed that the total metal content leached from the biomass fly ash was greater in water when compared with that in a TMP pressate under the conditions studied. The potential use of a biomass-based fly ash adsorbent on a TMP pressate was then assessed against the wastewater effluent guidelines of the metal mining sector.
In this study, the coagulation performance of various commercial coagulants and a biomass fly ash leachate (FLC) on a TMP pressate was also assessed. The effect of coagulant dosage, pH, agitation speed and treatment time on the chord length distribution of the resultant coagulant/TMP pressate solutions was monitored using focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) analysis. The COD and lignin removals of the coagulant treatments on a TMP pressate were also determined. A FLC-based treatment of a TMP pressate removed 18.4 % of the COD and 26.9 % of the lignin under the conditions of 5060 mg/kg FLC/TMP pressate, 200 rpm, pH 12.5 and 298 K for 30 min. Coagulation of a TMP pressate using alum removed 41.2 % of the COD and 40.6 % of the lignin under the conditions of 1000 mg/kg Al2(SO4)3/TMP pressate, 200 rpm, pH 6 and 298 K for 30 min.


title: Civil defence in Canada 1939-1965 : garnering public support for war and nuclear weapons through the myth of protection

subject: Civil defense Canada History 20th century

subject: Nuclear weapons Government policy Canada

subject: Atomic bomb Canada Safety measures

abstract:
The Canadian federal government used a civil defence program
to sustain public support for World War Two and afterwards for a
defence policy based on nuclear weapons.
The successful implementation of civil defence measures
depended upon the public's perception of their credibility. During
the Second World War, enduring and widespread participation in
Canadian civil defence activities suffered because the likelihood
of an enemy attack was perceived as being too remote. As Allied
victory became more apparent, civil defence was dropped from the
government agenda and did not re-emerge until after 1949, when the
Soviet Union detonated its first atomic bomb.
Civil defence, responding to the perceived threat of an enemy
attack, was practiced during the Cold War as part of the military's
strategy of nuclear deterrence. Three reasons are identified for
public acquiescence and support for a defence policy based on
nuclear weapons: censorship of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki, political restructuring of the post-war international
order, and public association of communism with "the enemy." These
three issues provided a rationale for a re-emergence of civil
defence measures in Canada.
An analysis of civil defence pamphlets, municipal survival
plans, and mock attack exercises show how civil defence helped
convince people that it was possible to survive a nuclear war by
minimizing the danger from radioactive fallout and its associated
health hazards. However, the credibility of civil defence measures
was undermined by the 1954 hydrogen bomb detonation, code named
BRAVO, which declassified the occurrence of widespread radioactive
fallout. As the dangers of radioactive fallout became better known
the federal government increasingly emphasized the individual's
responsibility to provide for his or her own survival. A review of
civil defence policies in Canadian news magazines (1950-1965) shows
a growing public resistance for evacuation and shelters as
radioactivity weakens the belief in the possibility of surviving a
nuclear war.
Canada's civil defence programme was carefully manufactured
for very purposeful utilitarian reasons; to demystify an atomic
bombing without discussing the human cost. Civil defence
strengthened the idea that nuclear weapons could provide for
national security. Through civil defence organizations and
preparations, public participation was co-opted in favour of
nuclear war. By appearing to provide civilians with the means to
protect themselves during an attack and the resources to meet their
needs in the aftermath of a nuclear war, support was increased for
nuclear deterrence.


title: Finding food deserts : a spatial analysis of food security in Northwestern Ontario (1996-2006) / by Sarah Wintle.

contributor:
Wilson, Bradley
Stewart, Robert
Nelson, Connie
Delaney, Roger

subject:
Food security
Nutrition
Northwestern Ontario
Thunder Bay
Food deserts

abstract:
The purpose of this study is to examine the state of food security in Northwestern Ontario communities by identifying food deserts, or neighbourhoods with high levels of social deprivation and limited access to nutritious food. This objective was achieved through mapping out socio demographic and economic data with the location of food retail outlets. Using a quartile analysis, many socio-demographic factors shown in the literature to affect community food security were combined into one value to be shown on one map. The resulting food desert maps were created for the years 1996, 2001 and 2006 in order to determine whether temporal trends of increasing or decreasing food security could be observed.  Results show that in most communities food desert propagation follows socio-demographic and economic trends and food security was
therefore inferred to be improving with a marked decrease in food deserts overall.  Thunder Bay was found to be an interesting combination of the factors that have contributed to food desert proliferation in the United States with the social facets that have kept them from becoming too drastic a problem in Canada thus far. To date, these are believed to be the smallest communities examined for food desert identification.


title: The Synthesis and kinetic evaluation of lysosomotropic substrate-based probes for cathepsins B and L

contributor:
Phenix, Christopher
Gottardo, Christine
Jiang, Zi-Hua (Justin)

subject:
Cathepsins
Emission tomography
Biomarkers
Biological markers
Cysteine proteases

abstract: Members of the cathepsin family of cysteine proteases are gaining interest as potential imaging biomarkers and drug targets due to their multifunctional roles in a range of diseases such as cancer, asthma and arthritis. Cathepsins are also involved in important regulatory processes such as cell recycling, prohormone activation, and wound healing. Developing imaging agents with the ability to assess cathepsin activity in vivo is important for identifying the specific roles these enzymes have in disease processes. We report here novel prodrug-inspired probes for Cathepsins B and L that employ weakly basic aminoquinoline reporter groups intended to be lysosomotropic once released from the enzyme, meaning they are expected to be retained in the acidic lysosome where the majority of cysteine cathepsins are primarily active. To evaluate this approach to probe design we first synthesized a series of prodrug inspired substrates using the self-immolative linker p-aminobenzyl alcohol conjugated to four different aminoquinolines as potential reporters of enzyme activity. We then developed a convenient HPLC method to estimate kcat/KM values for well-established fluorogenic substrates to first validate our new HPLC method. Once a reliable HPLC method was developed for fluorogenic substrates consistent with data obtained on a plate reader, we then determined kcat/KM values for all novel quinoline-based probe candidates. All compounds were excellent substrates of both CTB and CTL, and three candidates were hydrolyzed with particularly efficient kcat/KM values by CTL. This suggests that efficiently hydrolyzed prodrug-inspired probes bearing aminoquinoline reporters could potentially be adapted into substrate-based PET imaging agents which offer an amplification of signal and reporter immobilization in the lysosomes of cancer cells overexpressing CTL.


title: Crowding and frequent use of emergency department services in a Northwestern Ontario academic health sciences centre

subject:
Emergency departments (ED)
ED overcrowding
Causes of ED crowding
Factors leading to frequent use

abstract: Emergency departments (ED) exist for the purpose of caring for patients with urgent or life-threatening conditions which are time sensitive to treat. ED crowding is a condition where demand for ED services exceed the facility's capability of meeting that demand, and often results in increased wait times for services. This thesis explored the factors related to ED crowding in an academic health sciences centre located in Northwestern Ontario. Predictors of frequent use were also examined, as were potential explanatory variables for an observed 18% increase in ED visits over a 5-year period.


title: Carbon and nitrogen dynamics associated with post-wildfire stand development of boreal mixed conifer ecosystems : application of data in model validation and refinement

contributor:
Morris, David
Luckai, Nancy
Wang, Jian

subject: Forest soils Carbon content Ontario, Northwestern

subject: Effect of fires on forest ecology  (Ontario, Northwestern)

subject: Forest soils nitrogen content

subject: Boreal forest

abstract: Study site : Northwestern Ontario

abstract:
To make accurate and meaningful predictions about boreal forest ecosystem
development, a strong understanding of the processes that drive change within the
ecosystem s in required. Once this knowledge is gained, it can be incorporated into
process-based ecosystem models that can be valuable tools for both making management
decisions and also guiding further research. In northwestern Ontario, various calibration
and testing exercises for the CENTURY Soil Organic Matter model have been
performed. However, it was identified that a validation exercise was required in order to
properly evaluate the ability of the model to simulate C and N dynamics through stand
development. In response to this need, this project involved the set up of a 110 year old
upland mixed conifer chronosequence of fire origin from which C and N dynamics were
measured (i.e. C and N pool levels and fluxes). By dividing the chronosequence into
four stand development stages (regeneration, crown closure, self-thinning, and mature),
it was found that pool levels were often not significantly different between stand
development stages; however, N mineralization and soil respiration rates were linked to
soil temperature, and substrate quality seems to decrease with time since fire
disturbance.
The validation exercise employed eight different tests to evaluate the ability of
the CENTURY model to simulate thirteen C and N pools, fluxes, and soil temperature
calculations. The exercise was much less successful than expected. In most cases the
pool levels were different and in other cases, the over time trends were very different.
For example, simulated N mineralization rates increase gradually through stand
development whereas real-world measured rates decreased into immobilization. It was
found that growing season soil temperatures (May to September) calculated by the
model were too high and thought that lowering these temperatures would result in some
of the simulated pools and fluxes being m ore similar to the real-world data. Validation
of the new low er soil temperatures was very successful; however, this success did not
translate into better validation results for the other parameters. Further work with
CENTURY is required before it can be relied upon to accurately simulate C and N
dynamics through stand development; however, this type of work is valuable in itself
because it generates new information and furthers out understanding of these forest
ecosystems.


title: Optically-excited excitonic states in semiconductor superlattices

subject: Exciton theory

subject: Superlattices as materials (Optical properties)

abstract:
An efficient method for calculation of the exciton states in type-I superlattices is developed and
demonstrated. The model, based on the work of Dignam & Sipe [Phys. Rev. B 43,4097 (1991)],
includes bound and quasi-continuous two-well exciton eigenstates as a basis in which to expand
the superlattice exciton eigenstates. This basis is used to calculate the excitonic absorption spectra
for two different type-I superlattices as a function of the applied static field. The results are found
to be in very good agreement with the experimental results of Holfeld et. al [Phys. Rev. Lett. 81,
874 (1998)] for the 67A/17A superlattice and with those of Agullo-Rueda et. al [Phys. Rev. B 41,
1676 (1990)] for the 40A/40 A superlattice. On the basis of these results, this method should be
ideal for use in the calculation of nonlinear and coherent effects in optically excited
semiconductor superlattices.


title: Power efficient survivable routing with p-cycles

subject:
P-cycles
Power efficient
Energy efficiency
Algorithms
Network

abstract: Power awareness in networking has been a vital area of research in wireless networks but, until recently, has been largely ignored in wired networks. In wireless applications, the amount of power utilized by transmission is of vital importance since it will limit factors such as battery life and transmission range. In wired networks, the power issues of wireless networks do not arise since the wired networks receive their power from the power grid. However, the problem of operational costs and the environmental impact of wired networks have become increasingly important issues in recent years. This thesis proposes a power efficient routing scheme to address the environmental and operational cost issues. The operational costs of a wired network can be reduced by reducing the amount of power the network utilizes. The proposed power efficient routing scheme utilizes a demand prediction algorithm to determine a set of expected future traffic. The set of expected traffic is then assigned paths in the network using an energy efficient routing algorithm. The paths that are assigned to the predicted traffic are used to assign paths to the real traffic as it enters the network. By continuously updating the set of expected traffic, and the paths that are assigned to the expected traffic, the energy efficient routing algorithm can maintain an energy efficient routing solution over time, and thus, power efficiency is achieved.


title: Through the eyes of single mothers : postpartum depression and perceptions of risk / by Tracy M. Woodford.

contributor:
Ross, Lori
Poole, Karen

subject:
Postpartum depression
Single mothers - Psychology

abstract: "A recent systematic literature review suggests that single mothers are at an increased risk for postpartum depression (PPD) compared to partnered mothers. However, the roles of potential contributing factors, such as socio-economic status, education or social support, are not well understood. In particular, there is a lack qualitative research to assist in exploring this phenomenon from the perspective of single mothers themselves. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine single mothers' perceptions of risk for PPD in order to begin to elucidate the psychosocial mechanisms for the relationship between single status and risk for PPD. Using a grounded theory approach, 11 single mothers within 1-year postpartum underwent a one-time, open-ended research interview pertaining to their experiences as single mothers during the postpartum period. Analysis of the data identified social support as the key factor perceived to determine risk for PPD. Specifically, participants considered single mothers as a group to be at greater risk for PPD compared to partnered mothers, because of a perceived disparity in level of available social support. These findings suggest that clinical or public health interventions designed to improve or expand upon the support networks available to single mothers may show promise in the prevention and treatment of PPD."--Abstract


title: Density, depth distribution and richness of emerging insects (Diptera: Chironomidae) before and after experimental watershed deforestation

contributor:
Steedman, Robert
Lankester, Murray W.
Deacon, Ken

subject: Chironomidae Effect of logging on

subject: Insects Effect of logging on

subject: Chironomidae Effect of logging on Ontario Atikokan Coldwater Lakes Research Area Watershed

abstract:
The primary objective o f this study was to document changes in Chironomidae
density, depth distribution, and taxon richness, associated with experimental upland and
riparian deforestation of L42, a small boreal forest lake, 250 km northwest of Thunder
Bay Ontario. Insects were collected in floating emergence traps (0.28 m[squared]) in July and
August 1995 before logging, and in May to September 1997 and 1998 following 74 %
and 61 % clearcut logging o f the upland catchment and riparian zone. A total of 738 traps set over twenty-three days collected 4,013 insects from 10 families emerging from
lake benthos, with the Chironomidae comprising > 95 % each year.
Chironomid density declined after logging. Mean chironomid density (no.
individuals - 0.28 m[squared] • d* ± S.E.) was higher in 1995 at the pre-logging sites (12.1 ± 1.2)
than in 1997 and 1998 (one and two years following clearcut logging, 7.0 ± 0.7 and 5.4 ±
0.5 respectively). Density also differed between sites among years. Mean May through
September emergence was lowest in 1998 at the clearcut with riparian buffer strip
treatment (west site) (3.3 ± 0.3) and highest during July and August 1995 at the west site
(16.2 ± 2.9). No change in non-chironomid aquatic insect density was detected between
timber harvest treatments and years.
Chironomid depth distribution was variable among sites, between years and may
have been affected by logging. Chironomid density declined after cutting at littoral
depths (0.5 and 1.0 m) and increased at sublittoral depths (3.0 and 4.5 m), possibly due to
a documented increase in littoral zone aeolian sediment deposition which peaked in 1997.
Chironomidae taxon richness decreased after watershed deforestation (21 genera
(41spp.) vs. 19 (36) and 16 (32)), 1995,1997 and 1998 respectively. Chironominae was the most abundant subfamily in each year. After logging, the density of Tanypodinae
increased and Ofthocladiinae decreased. The ratio of male to female emergence was
approximately 1:1 each year. Differences in chironomid community composition could
be influenced by voltinism, and potentially to climate.


title: A study of teacher satisfaction in isolated communities of Northwestern Ontario

contributor:
Angus, James T.
Thom, Douglas J.
Ryan, James J.

subject:
Teachers
Northwestern Ontario
Job Satisfaction
Supply and Demand

abstract: One of the major problems facing school boards of Northwestern Ontario is the high turnover rate among teachers in isolated communities. The purpose of this study was to investigate how teachers in isolated communities of Northwestern Ontario perceive their work and employment conditions, the relative degree to which they are satisfied with their job, and the causes of satisfaction and dissatisfaction among teachers in these communities.


title: Non-Indigenous educator and Indigenous student relations: rooting ourselves in their values

contributor:
Chambers, Joan
Burnett, Kristin

abstract: Assimilative and integrative policies remain part of Canada‟s dominant narrative and continue to inform non-Indigenous educators‟ relations with their Indigenous students. Counter narratives of Indigenous student and non-Indigenous educator relations emerge from the literature as oppositional or binary accounts. Following a conceptual framework of narratives in relation rather than as closed and neatly opposing systems, this narrative study interprets the ways in which non-Indigenous educators story their relationships with Indigenous students through conversational interviews. This text explores how non-Indigenous educators navigate the spaces in between the dominant narrative and counter narratives to establish and maintain genuine relationships with their Indigenous students. What emerged in this space of relation were themes of non-interference, family and love. When defined within traditional Indigenous knowledges, the values themselves as well as the ability and responsibility that non-Indigenous educators have to learn about and work from the values of their Indigenous students is presented. The overarching centrality of implicit Indigenous knowledges calls for educational practice and policy to reflect the significance of both explicit Indigenous knowledges, as in curriculum, and implicit Indigenous knowledges, as in values. Non-Indigenous educator narratives detail the ways in which educators can work from the values of their Indigenous students in order to develop relations. Indigenous student and non-Indigenous educator relations have significant influence on student success and open space to foster a renewed relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of present-day Canada.


title: Observer-based chaos synchronization for secure communications

subject:
Chaotic behavior in systems
Computer networks (Security measures)
Data encryption (Computer science)

abstract:
Chaos, with reference to chaos theory, refers to an apparent lack of order in a system
that, nevertheless, obeys particular laws or rules. The chaotic signals generated by
chaotic systems have some properties such as randomness, complexity and sensitive
dependence on initial conditions, which make them particularly suitable for secure
communications. Since the 1990s, the problem of secure communication, based on
chaos synchronization, has been thoroughly investigated and many methods, for instance,
robust and adaptive control approaches, have been proposed to realize the
chaos synchronization. However, from systems theory perspective, it may seem obvious
that many robust and adaptive control methods could be considered for possible
attacks against secure communication.
In this thesis, we introduce the concept of secure chaos synchronization from the control
theoretic view point. A new secure communication system, based on the chaos
synchronization, is proposed and its security is analyzed, both theoretically and numerically.


title: Assessing the relative perspective of the regulation of kinesiologists among other health professionals / by Kerry Braniff.

subject:
Kinesiologists - Ontario
Medical law and legislation - Ontario
Kinesiology - Regulation

abstract:
Kinesiology as a profession is in a state of transition in the Province of Ontario, formerly a self governed profession it has recently been designated a regulated profession under the Regulated Health Professions Act (1991). The acceptance and utilization of kinesiology by stakeholder communities is essential to the future viability of the profession. An 18 question computer generated survey was used to collect information to identify perceptions about kinesiology within the existing health care sector. A SWOT
(strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) framework was used to analyze the data. The data indicated that as a regulated profession kinesiology provides a unique expertise adding to client and patient care and is a needed partner within the multidisciplinary health environment. The data also indicated that, despite the need for the profession to clearly define, delineate, and promote its scope of practice to professionals and the public, there are increased opportunities that exist within the health
care sector, particularly in chronic disease prevention. The profession is not considered a threat by existing key stakeholders.


title: Effects of environmental factors on seed germination

subject: Tree seed germination

subject: Forest management

subject: Jack Pine

subject: Relationship between germination and light

abstract:
Detailed understanding of the environmental conditions required for the germination
and growth of tree seeds is an important prerequisite for the formulation of comprehensive
and sustainable forest development strategies, which is of great significance for
afforestation and forest management. The germination and establishment of seeds under
different light intensity, different planting depth and different species types were studied.
Among all tested tree seeds, there was no significant difference in seed germination rates
in different planting depths. There was no significant three-way interaction between light
intensity, planting depth and tree species. There was a significant two-way interaction
between light intensity and tree species. Under the same light intensity, the germination
rate of black spruce was higher than that of Jack pine. Light, had significant effects on
germination rate. After comparing between groups, it was found that the germination rate
was higher under 60% light intensity.


title: Application and review of a strength-based program in classrooms with behavior disordered children

subject:
Education, Elementary
Behavior disorders in children

abstract:
The strength perspective of psychology involves focusing on an individual’s
resources rather than weaknesses. Recent studies have found that enhancing
existing strengths achieves the same outcome as the deficit approach, but with
additional benefits (Larson, 2000). A specific area where strength-based
assessment can be applied is with problems of school-age children. This
application intends to help students flourish in their classroom setting. The
present study examined the effects of a strength-focused program on the
academic and behavioral performance of behavior disordered children in day
treatment classes. Self-monitoring ability and level of self-concept were
investigated as potential moderators of the treatment effect. Findings indicate
that while there were decreases in problematic behaviors over time, they were not
the direct result of the strength intervention. There were no significant changes
in academic scores. Adequate construct validity of an alternative strength
assessment measure was demonstrated. These findings are discussed within the
context of strength-based theory. Limitations of the present study are
acknowledged and directions for future research are outlined.


title: Content analysis of The Globe and Mail sports section coverage of the Winter Olympic Games

contributor:
Crossman, Jane
Lappage, Ron
Weeks, Dan

subject:
Winter Olympics
Sex discrimination in sports
Print media and gender issues

abstract:
The purpose of this research was to collect empirical
data on the Globe and Mail sports section coverage of
the Modern Winter Olympic Games from 1924 to 1992;
focusing on the coverage of male and female athletes in
relation to Winter Olympic participation rates. All
Globe and Mail newspapers (177) printed that transpired
during the Winter Olympic Games time frame were
analyzed. Content Analysis was performed on 1,184
articles and 532 pictorials appearing in the Globe and
Mail that related to the Winter Olympic Games.
Variables used to examine text and pictorials included:
size, gender reported/depicted, sport, location, type,
performance reported, affiliation and source of
article. Frequency counts and percentages were used to
compare the coverage of male and female athletes. Oneway
ANOVA and ANOVA with a Student-Newman-Keuls
procedure were used to determine if significant
differences existed between the above indices. The
study revealed that the Globe and Mail coverage of the
Winter Olympic Gcunes underrepresented female athletes
compared to male athletes, used few female sport
journalists, and often depicted women in "sex
appropriate” sports. In this study it was discovered
that male Winter Olympic athletes are written about
four (647 to 144) times as much-and photographed three
(346 to 131) times as much as their female
counterparts. Coverage of male and female athletes did
not correlate with participation rates of male and
female athletes. Articles were written by male
reporters almost six (431 to 75) times more frequently
than female reporters. The mean size of articles about
female athletes was significantly larger than the
articles about male athletes (F(l,6) = 5.41, p=.001).


title: A combined method for establishing keratinocyte cultures from cervical biopsy specimens and creating patent-derived 3-dimensional organotypic raft cultures

contributor:
Zehbe, Ingeborg
Lees, Simon
Khaper, Neelam

subject:
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Cervical cancer
Keratinocytes

abstract: High-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are responsible for nearly all instances of cervical cancer, and a significant proportion of head and neck cancers. Studying HPV in the laboratory requires the cultivation of host keratinocytes to facilitate the viral lifecycle. In addition, HPV will not completely undergo its lifecycle in monolayer cell culture, but requires the differentiation process of keratinocytes. This can be accomplished by employing organotypic raft cultures, which simulates full-thickness skin in vitro. Though this method can reproduce the viral lifecycle, there are still numerous hurdles when modelling disease. In the first phase of this study, we utilize published methods to culture cervical keratinocytes from 25 different cervical lesion biopsies, establishing cultures from 8 (~32%). Biopsy specimens were digested with collagenase I and grown in keratinocyte growth medium (KGM) containing 5% fetal bovine serum for 4 days, after which, cultures were switched to serum-free KGM to avoid fibroblast overgrowth. The median in vitro lifespan of cultures was 4 weeks, which typically yielded less than a confluent T-75 of cells. In the second phase of this study, the media was switched from KGM to EpiLife, which has more organic components, and contains insulin-like growth factor I in place of insulin, which has more mitogenic potential and increases keratinocyte lifespan in vitro. Biopsies were processed under the same conditions, and after removing the media containing 5% serum, the Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 was added to EpiLife media to further increase culture lifespan. Cultures were established from 6 of 14 (~42%) newly acquired biopsies, 4 of which survived for several passages (range 2-7) across T-75 flasks (flasks seeded at 10% confluence and passaged when >80% confluent). The improved culture conditions effectively halved the doubling time, but maintained approximately the same culture lifespan (median 4.5 weeks). Organotypic raft cultures were prepared using 5 different patient samples; most had differentiated at the time of 3D culturing, while others yielded only a few cell layers upon cross sectioning and H&E staining. Future work will improve upon our culture media formulations to facilitate stratification of raft cultures, and potentially improve culture lifespan further.


title: Preliminary investigation into the bioacoustics of Cicindela spp. (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae)

subject:
Cicindela
Tiger beetles
Sound production by insects

abstract:
Initial investigations into bioacoustics of Cicindela spp.
(Cicindelidae: Coleoptera) were designed to establish the
systematic usefulness of acoustic variables, the possibility of
auditory communication, and lay foundations for future studies of
acoustic behaviour of the family.
Groups were statistically compared using variables derived
from photomicrographs of plectra as well as oscillograms and
frequency spectrograms of recorded stridulations.
The noise-like character of tiger beetle stridulations
necessitated a new method of comparing stridulation frequency
spectra averages: discrete frequencies from the peak-pick
procedure of a Nicolet lOOn mini-analyzer were compared.
The plectrum consists of a field of posteriorly oriented
spines located ventrally at the elytral apex. Plectra characters
show trends towards sexual dimorphism and are related to body
size and habitat. Among plectra/elytra characters, plectrum field
size and shape show the most promise as taxonomic characters.
Stridulations, produced by a two-stroke cycle, consist of 1
to 9 low intensity buzzes (modes), signal mean 49.0 dB at 3 cm
(audio range), with an average duration of 0.65 seconds.
Cicindelids emit signals of broadband frequency, between
approximately 20 Hz and 50 kHz, with significant energy in both
audio and ultrasonic ranges.
Although stridulations, for the most part, showed no sexual
differentiation, species differences were quite apparent. Signal
timing and amplitude parameters were based on body size, plectrum
structure, phylogeny, and habitat. Stridulation frequency was
based on phylogeny and may be related to specific stridulatory
behaviour and structure of the pars stridens. Acoustic characters
appear to show limited promise as useful taxonomic characters.
Temperature at stridulation does not appear to affect
stridulatory rates. Evidence suggests that stridulatatory
behavior is linked to specific optimal temperatures.
Tiger beetles stridulate spontaneously or when subjected to
heated, lighted, or crowded conditions. In contrast to most
coleopterans, tiger beetles do not stridulate in response to
mechanical stimulation, a behavior associated with a disturbance
function. This togther with a relatively ordered stridulatory
structure, and initial behavioral observations suggest a
territorial and/or calling function of cicindelid stridulations.


title: A preliminary study on regional variation in skull morphometrics of Vulpes vulpes in Thunder Bay, ON

subject:
Red fox (Vulpes vulpes L.)
Examination of skulls (Red fox)

abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify whether morphological differences occur between subsets of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes L.) from different areas in Thunder Bay district. The goal was to examine the statistical output generated from measurements of Red Fox skulls to determine whether differences in cranial measurement ratios occur over a short distance. The first phase of the research was to complete a literature review to determine significant cranial relationships in mammals. The second phase of this research was the examination of skulls from Thunder Bay using a discriminant function analysis to determine which cranial relationships are significant in describing variation across skulls.


title: Drought effects on soil enzyme activity

contributor:
Chen, Han
Thomson, Ashley
Henne, Don

subject:
Soil enzyme
Drought
Terrestrial nutrient cycling

abstract:
Soil extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) is a strong predictor for soil health. EEA cycle
nutrients within terrestrial systems, processing carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous, while also
mineralizing and stabilizing gas. These processes are susceptible to disruption from global
change drivers. How EEA responds to global change drivers remains poorly understood,
however. My objectives were to examine how EEA is affected by drought treatment.
Here I conduct a global meta-analysis to observe the EEA of 7 enzymes in response to
drought using 384 paired observations from 37 studies. These studies are globally distributed and
encompass multiple ecosystems. I then calculated natural log response ratios of EEA values
under drought treatment to the control. I tested whether the natural log response ratios differed
from zero, and whether they were influenced drought intensity, drought duration, soil depth and
aridity. Within this analysis, I evaluated the response of enzymes by distinguishing class, nutrient
cycle, and individual identity. This allowed for the comparison between hydrolytic and oxidative
functioning while also examining how specific nutrient cycles were impacted.
On average across all studies, EEA did not show a significant response to drought
treatments. When analyzed by individual groups, the responses of neither hydrolytic nor
oxidative enzymes to drought were statistically significant on average. Similarly, there was no
significant responses when EEA were classified by element cycles, i.e., carbon, nitrogen, and
phosphorous. Among all individual enzymes studied, only alkaline phosphomonoesterase
displayed the significant response to drought treatment, showing reduced average alkaline
phosphomonoesterase activity under drought than in the control. Further, contrary to our
hypothesis, drought intensity and drought duration on average did not significantly influence
EEA response to drought. However, the responses of EEA were dependent on soil depth and aridity EEA in the topsoil’s (<10 cm) experienced decreases in activity, whereas those in subsoil
(>10 cm in depth) experienced significant increases. Across a global gradient of aridity index
(0.092 to 2.28), the responses of EEAs to drought treatments decreased as climatic humidity
increased, showing null or even positive responses in arid climates but negative responses in
humid climates.
My finding showed the evidence that responses of EEA to drought are EEA type-, soil
depth- and aridity-dependent responses. This study indicates a stimulation of enzyme activity in
deeper soil layers under drought conditions. Furthermore, this increase in EEA response to
drought is exacerbated by aridity, wherein more arid regions showed higher susceptibility to
increases in EEA under drought. Therefore, arid regions can be expected to be most adversely
affected by drought, through the potential vulnerability of soil organic matter loss due to an
increase in EEA.


title: Anatomical and physical wood property variation and juvenile wood distribution in a single stem of trembling aspen

subject:
Populus tremuloides
Wood (Anatomy)
Trembling aspen

abstract:
The variation of fiber length, vessel element length, relative density, ring width
and the distribution o f juvenile wood within the stem of a 62-year-old trembling aspen
(Populus tremuloides Michx.) were studied. Samples from the stem where acquired at
0.15 m, 1.3 m and then at every 2 m interval thereafter and examined in the east and
west aspects. Radially, fibers and vessel elements both initially increased in length from
the pith outwards and then remained relatively constant toward the bark. The vertical
variation in cell length for both fibers and vessel elements was parabolic in shape. The
ANOVA found that the three-way interaction aspect x zone x height was significant for
both mean fiber and mean vessel element length. For both cell types, the juvenile wood
zone had significantly shorter mean cell lengths than the mature wood zone in both
aspects, when comparing means from the same height. Relative density did not have a
radial variation common to all the heights. The vertical variation o f relative density was
eccentric. The ANOVA found that the two two-way interactions, zone x height and
aspect x height, were significant. At heights where there was a significant difference, the
mature wood zone had the significantly larger relative density. Ring width was found to
generally increase from the pith outwards. The juvenile-mature wood boundary was
demarcated using the radial variation of fiber length. The radial variation of vessel
element length was tested as a criterion as well and found to be a viable criterion for
demarcating the juvenile-mature wood boundary. Vertically, the width of the juvenile
wood zone decreased with increasing height. The study tree consisted entirely of
juvenile wood up to the age of 26. At age 62, the juvenile wood volume was 162 dm3
which represented 28.0 percent of the total stem volume. The volume of mature wood
exceeded the volume of juvenile wood at age 53. The relationship between the
percentage of stem volume and percentage of basal area that is juvenile wood varied
from linear to curvilinear depending on the height examined. From heights 0.15 m to 5.3
m, the relationship was curvilinear, while above 5.3 m the relationship was
approximately linear. The width of the juvenile wood zone, expressed as number of
rings, had a strong negative linear correlation with the interval age at the pith. The width
of the juvenile wood zone decreased as the interval age at the pith increased, suggesting
an ageing effect on the cambial initials influences the duration o f juvenile wood
production.


title: Investigation of the Au-induced morphology of 3.8 and 12.3 degree silicon surfaces / by Wei Wu.

subject:
Surface chemistry
Gold - Surfaces
Silicon - Surfaces

abstract: We have used a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and low energy electron diffraction to investigate the Au-induced morphology of vicinal Si samples miscut from (111) by 3.8°, and 12.3° toward [112]. The surface morphology changes dramatically with Au coverage on both samples. On the 3.8° samples, gold deposition leads to the formation of the (775) facets. The (775) facet is orientated 8.5° toward [112] and characterized by 1-d chains running along [110] with a spacing of 21.3 A. The formation of the (775) facet is consistent with previous ideas that it represents a low energy facet on these surfaces. On the 12.3° sample no single low energy facet was observed in the coverage range (0-0.24ML) investigated. Instead, (13 13 7), (995), and (553) facets are formed at 0.10 ML, 0.20 ML, and 0.24 ML respectively.


title: Ecology of terrestrial gastropods and their response to conifer release treatments in northwestern Ontario

subject:
Gastropods Effect of herbicides on
Gastropods Effect of reforestation on

abstract:
The primary objective of this study was to document any changes in terrestrial
gastropod species richness and density associated with alternative methods of managing
competing vegetation on regenerating conifer plantations. Pre-treatment data were
collected in 1993 and post-treatment data in 1994, following application of four conifer
release treatments including, two chemical herbicides (Vision® and Release®), removal of
vegetation by mechanical means (Silvana Selective/Ford Versatile), and manual cutting
with brushsaws. Gastropod densities were estimated using cardboard sheets. A total of
47,595 gastropods was collected over the two years, comprising 21 species. No change
in gastropod richness or density was detected between the four conifer release areas and
the control in 1994, despite changes in vegetation cover following treatments. This was
attributed to rapid re-establishment of the herbaceous layer following treatments which
probably continued to provide favourable conditions for snails and slugs.
Species richness and density of gastropods in a 9-year-old regenerating conifer
plantation and an adjacent 70-year-old mixedwood forest were compared. Gastropod
density was higher on the regenerating plantation (15.5±1.3 m-2) than in the mature forest
(9.4±0.6 m-2) and species richness was also slightly greater (20 spp. vs. 18 spp.,
respectively). These differences were attributed to the more abundant near-ground
vegetation and the greater amount of deciduous litter characterizing the regenerating
plantation.
Near ground temperature was measured on the four conifer release areas and the control using thermocouples. Temperature was measured 2 cm above cardboard sheets,
directly beneath the sheets, and 2 cm deep in the humus layer. Results suggest that
temperatures were not affected by the release treatments. Temperatures above and
beneath the sheets were similar and greater than those in the humus layer throughout the
early part of the summer. In August, temperature above and beneath the sheets cooled
to below that in the humus layer. Gastropod collections were greatest when the
temperature beneath the cardboard sheets was approximately 15°C.
Possible limitations associated with the cardboard sheet sampling method were
investigated. Gastropod collections from sheets enclosed with a barrier were compared
to unenclosed sheets to determine the extent of horizontal movement. The mean density
recovered beneath enclosed sheets (2.1±0.2 m-2) was less than that from unenclosed sheets
(3.1db0.4 m-2) suggesting horizontal movement to the sheets does occur. However,
whether gastropods are actually attracted to the sheets remains unknown. Gastropod
collections from weathered sheets were contrasted with those from new sheets. Overall,
total mean densities of gastropods from weathered sheets (27.3±4.1 m-2) and new sheets
(16.2±2.6 m-2) did not differ, but four species were collected in greater numbers on the
weathered sheets suggesting differential use of cardboard sheets by particular species.


title: Optical determination of metal-semiconductor Schottky barriers

subject:
Diodes, Schottky-barrier
Semiconductor-metal boundaries

abstract:
The photovoltage produced by a Schottky barrier
photocell shows a strong temperature dependence if the
barrier is not too large. We have used this temperature
dependence to obtain the barrier height for several III-V
semiconductor~Au, Ag combinations. The results suggest
that a simple Fermi level difference model is most
appropriate for many of these small barrier IlI-V photocells,
This appears to be the case, even if the Fermi
level difference leads to a barrier greater than the
energy gap of the semiconductor.


title: Consequences of arrangement for visual perception : subjective numerosity and discrimination among regular, random and contagious displays

subject:
Visual perception
Visual discrimination

abstract:
Judgements of the numerousness of dots vary depending on
their arrangement. It has been demonstrated that regular
patterns are perceived as more numerous than random ones.
Labeled the regular-random numerosity illusion (RRNI),
explanations of this phenomenon are based on the faulty
premise that features are randomly distributed in nature.
Natural features tend to be contagiously (systematically
clumped) rather than randomly distributed. There is, in
fact, a continuum from regularity through randomness to
contagiousness, which can be mathematically represented.
To more completely investigate the consequence which
arrangement has for visual percreption, this study yields
numerosity estimates for four levels of arrangement
(Regular, Random, Contagious 1, Contagious 2) at three
levels of number (N = 37, 74, 111), each spread over a
hexagonal display field. A second experiment obtained
numerosity estimates for random and contagious displays
spread over a square display field. The third task
required participants to sort random versus contagious
stimulus cards into homogeneous sets. Speed of sorting
determined whether one class of arrangement was more
easily discriminated than was another. Results indicate
that 1) numerosity estimates are highest for regular, lower
for random, and lowest for contagious, and 2) superior
facility in discriminating among random versus contagious
displays. Results are discussed in relation to memory, contrast with
expectancy, and ease of subitizing distinct clusters.
Clustering is proposed as an ecologically valid means of
specifying stimulus structure.


title: Pioneer dream in transition : a thematic study of selected works in Canadian prairie fiction

subject: Canadian literature History and criticism

subject: Frontier and pioneer life Prairie Provinces


title: Relationship between behaviour patterns, coping and sports injuries

subject:
Sports psychology
Sports injuries (Psychological aspects)
Athletics and behaviour patterns

abstract:
The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether a relationship exists
between Type A and Type B behaviour patterns and sports injury. A secondary
purpose was to investigate the relationship between behaviour patterns and coping
styles of injured athletes. Male athletes (N = 85) who competed in competitive and
recreational soccer leagues completed the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) to determine
their behaviour pattern type. Those athletes who sustained an injury throughout the
season (n = 17) completed the Coping with Health and Injury Problems (CHIP) scale to
determine their coping strategy. Results showed no significant differences between
JAS scale scores of injured and non-injured groups. However, a correlation was found
between JAS Hard-driving/Competitive (H/C) sub-scale with Distraction Coping, r = .579
(p = .05). This finding revealed that individuals with high scores on the JAS H/C subscale
were more inclined to cope through distraction methods such as concentrating on
alternate tasks they wish to accomplish.


title: Synthetic studies on chaksine

subject:
Alkaloids Synthesis
Chaksine

abstract:
This thesis is concerned with the preliminary studies in the
synthesis of a monoterpenoid alkaloid, chaksine.
Diethyl methylmalonate was alkylated with 1,3-dibromo propane
to give 2-(3-bromopropyl)-2-methylmalonate. Hydrolysis and decarboxylation
of this product gave the mono acid which was then converted to
the corresponding ethyl ester. Reduction with lithium borohydride
yielded the primary alcohol to which a tetrahydropyran protective group
was added. Alkylation with diethyl malonate followed by acylation with
the mixed anhydride of isovaleric acid and carbobenzyloxyglycine gave
diethyl (see document for formula).


title: Understanding levels of social economy development : an examination of Northern Canadian communities

subject:
Economic development
Social aspects
Canada, Northern
Community development
Social capital (Sociology)
Cooperative societies
Social economy

abstract: This study offers a preliminary analysis of the role specific social factors have on social economy development in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Because of the marked differences in levels of social economy development in Northern Canadian communities, this research attempts to explain these variations through an examination of social variables that have been identified as impacting levels of development


title: Gender differences in mental health needs and recidivism in a sample of adolescent offenders

subject: Recidivism Psychological aspects

subject: Juvenile delinquency Psychological aspects

subject: Juvenile delinquents Psychology

abstract: Study sample includes male and female court-referred youths in Thunder Bay, Northwestern Ontario.

abstract:
The present study investigated gender differences in mental health needs and correlates of
recidivism in a sample of court-referred youths in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Archival data,
consisting of mental health assessments used to assist dispositional proceedings and recidivism
data collected from 1996 to 2000, was examined in an exploratory fashion that was aided, in
part, by prior empirical literature and relevant theoretical constructs. The analyses of historical
information and behaviour checklists suggest that gender-specific mental health needs do exist in
adolescents committing crimes. Female youths were reported as experiencing more
internalizing and externalizing problems than the males. In addition, significantly more of the
females were exposed to maltreatment, compared to the male youths. Although overall survival
distributions of recidivism did not differ significantly by gender, there were differences in the
risk factors for recidivism for male and female youths. It was found that poor mother-child
relationship, poor parental management and substance abuse problems significantly influenced
recidivism in males, while internalizing problems influenced female recidivism. While
limitations of the current study are acknowledged, the findings, to some extent, reconcile some
of the discrepancies and ambiguities in the literature. Important directions for future research are
also discussed.


title: Exploring the relationship between motivation and dog-walking behaviour: what motivates older adults to walk with their dogs?

contributor:
Farrell, Joey
Taylor, Jane
Spaulding, Sandi
Walker, Diane

subject: Human-animal interactions and health

subject: Dog-walking and physical activity

subject: Beneficial influences of pet ownership

subject: Physical activity in older adults

subject: Dog-walking behaviour in older adulthood

abstract:
Background/Objectives: Dog ownership in older adulthood has been connected with
increased likelihood of meeting the physical activity guidelines. There are older dog
owners, however, that do not walk their dogs. Investigation utilizing the Self-
Determination Theory was used to identify differences in motivation between regular
and infrequent dog-walkers, while qualitative investigation helped identify and explore
factors that influence motivation (basic psychological needs). Finally, meeting the
advised levels of physical activity is related to improved health, so investigation into the
differences was completed. Method: Ninety-four dog owners, aged 55 years and older,
participated in the study. Participants completed the BREQ-2, a measure of motivation,
a questionnaire to measure dog-walking behaviour, the SF-36v2, a measure of health,
and demographic information. T and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to identify
differences between in motivation and health. Nine regular dog-walkers participated in
interviews to explore if the basic psychological needs influenced motivation to dog-walk.


title: Comparing birch core plywood with traditional softwood plywood

subject:
Plywood market
Modulus of elasticity
White birch (Betula papyrifera)
Birch plywood (baltic birch)
Birch plywood vs softwood plywood

abstract:
Plywood made with birch cores is an important product in the European Union, and
has potential to become an important product in North America. White birch in Ontario is
currently an underutilized species. This paper explores the mechanical properties of a new
plywood product being produced in Ontario that is very similar to European birch plywood, but
uses white birch (Betula papyrifera) grown in North America. Tests were done to measure the
modulus of elasticity, compressive strength parallel to the grain and hardness of the new
plywood and traditional softwood plywood. These values were tested using the ASTM D1037-
12 testing standard. Compared to softwood plywood, the birch plywood had 94.83% of the
compressive strength of softwood plywood, 82% of the MOE and 181.95% of the hardness.


title: Immunological consequences of chemically induced generalized motor epilepsy

subject: Immune system

subject: Immunological-neuroendocrine feedback circuits

subject: Sex differences in antibody production

subject: Generalized motor seizure

subject: Immunosuppression

abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if the stress created by a generalized motor seizure was significant enough to alter the immune response. Criterion measures of anitgen binding capacity (ABC) to human serum albumin (HSA) were obtained from 39 female and 36 male Satinder's Heterogenous Strain (SHS) albino rats. Within 30 seconds after a second HSA injection (booster), rats were either injected with METRAZOL to produce generalized (motor) convulsions, or with CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE, an immunosuppressive drug (comparator treatment). A third group served as a saline-injection control and a fourth as an undisturbed control group. Multivariate analysis of variance (Manova) demonstrated a highly significant immunosuppression 4 days later in rats that had displayed brief motor convulsions and had been administered cyclophosphamide. Injection and undisturbed controls did not differ significantly from each other. By the 10th day after the booster and treatments, ABC measures for the drug treated rats (METRAZOL, CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE) were not significantly different from controls. However on the 10th day females showed significantly higher ABC measures than did males. The degree of immunosuppression seen on day four was moderately correlated to the severity of the seizure observed. These results suggest that the seizuring of an animal is a stressful event capable of suppressing humoral immunity, and that the degree of suppression is positively correlated to the severity of the seizure.


title: Understanding strengths and school absenteeism in adolescent victims of bullying

subject: Bullying in schools (Psychological aspects)

subject: Adolescent psychology

subject: Peer victimization

abstract:
Peer victimization, otherwise known as bullying, is a phenomenon which affects
adolescents throughout North America. In victims, bullying is associated with low self-esteem,
absenteeism, and many other emotional and behavioral problems. Though anti-bullying
programs have historically been focused on psychological deficits (e.g., social
difficulties) present in the perpetrators, a move towards a more positive approach in
treatment has recently been supported by victimization literature. In this study, seventh and
eighth-grade students were asked to complete inventories assessing their levels of .
strength and victimization. Absenteeism data was gathered from the school records of
the participating students. The relationship between strengths, levels of victimization,
and absenteeism was evaluated. While overall levels of strengths had no significant
predictive value, students with strengths in school functioning showed a low level of
victimization and a low level of absenteeism.


title: The economic feasibility of replacing diesel with renewable energy resources in remote First Nation communities in Northern Ontario

contributor:
Shahi, Chander
Smith, Peggy
Lemelin, Harvey

subject: Renewable energy

subject: Fossil fuels

subject: Forest biomass

subject: Solar and wind power

subject: Electricity production in remote northern Ontario First Nation communities

abstract:
Ontario has many First Nation communities in the remote northern region that use diesel fuel to generate part or the whole of their energy requirements. There is a huge financial and environmental cost associated with shipping diesel fuel by air transport in the spring, summer, and autumn months and over ice roads during winter months to these remote communities. A significant portion of the electricity produced from diesel fuel is used to heat community buildings and homes during the extreme cold winters in the remote northern Ontario region. Biomass district heating is a cleaner and sustainable heat source commonly used in European communities. However, biomass has not been used successfully in Ontario for district heating, despite the existence of plentiful forest biomass resources. Solar and wind power, representing cleaner and renewable energy opportunities, have grown in Ontario since the introduction of the Green Energy Act in 2009.
The purpose of this thesis research was to determine the socio-economic feasibility and benefits associated with using forest biomass for district heating combined with solar and wind power for electricity production in remote northern Ontario First Nation communities to offset part of the current energy load. Two remote First Nation communities, one an off-grid, fly-in community (Sachigo Lake) and the other an on-grid, drive-to community (Lac Seul), participated in the study. Information related to the present costs of energy in the communities, the types of heating devices used in the community buildings, and the forest resources available for biomass district heating was collected. Solar and wind resources were evaluated using publicly available wind and solar maps and commercially available tools and software. A specialized Forest Resource Inventory was also done in both communities. Solar resources were evaluated and measured in both communities to determine actual average sun hours per day. The site data was used to evaluate average annual savings for different solar power scenarios in each community, along with the cost of a project, which was factored into payback time calculation in years. Analysis suggests that there is a sufficient sustainable supply of biomass available for both communities for use in biomass district heating, and the payback time for the off-grid community is much shorter than for the on-grid community.
Lac Seul First Nation has forestry operations in the reserve and crown forest and should be able to access equipment and personnel as well as possibly biomass residues from a nearby sawmill for biomass heating. The Lac Seul arena currently has electric hydronic boilers that could be replaced by biomass boilers with solar thermal pre-heating as this site also has good solar resources. Sachigo Lake First Nation does not have forestry operations or a forest management plan but good solar resources at the school and at the diesel generator plant at the airport. Sachigo Lake First Nation pays the higher Standard “A” rate for diesel derived electricity and ample space at the airport for a ground-mounted solar array, and was found to have good potential saving and short payback times for a potential solar project. A full list of recommendations is found in the Conclusions and Recommendations section.


title: Stephen Crane's impressionism : a step back

abstract:
This thesis focuses primarily on Impressionism in three of Stephen Crane's
works: Maggie: A Girl of the Streets. The Red Badge of Courage and "The Monster."
Impressionism is the most appropriate hypothesis to describe Crane's work because it deals
with modes of perception, methods of interpretation of data, and the conflicts of
interpretation of data.
Impressionism, as I will define it, relies mainly on perception stemming fi*om the
characters themselves. It promotes the conflict between their perception and the reality of
the surrounding world. The role of the Impressionist writer is to present these perceptions
in such a way as to point out their discontinuity. Primarily this is achieved through the use
of a fragmented narrative that reflects the cognitive responses of the protagonists. Crane
uses imagery that reflects the perspective of the protagonist, carefully choosing images to
reflect the protagonist's state ofmind. These images are chosen for the effect they will have
not on the reader, but on the characters in the story. Thus, what often appears to be
meaningless has meaning when taken in terms of the whole story. Atmosphere succeeds
scene in importance, as space and shapes are translated into the essence of sensation.
Crane's Impressionist protagonist has difficulty processing what he sees. He is the
victim of his own faulty interpretation of the data with which he is presented. He is influenced by his emotions, in particular fear, anxiety and pride. Reality isfelt rather than
imagined, thereby making even the most unrealistic impression real for the protagonist. He
loses the ability to distinguish between empirical reality and the reality he has created for
himself because he is unable to judge which impressions should be rejected or accepted as
real. Ultimately he ends in a world of destruction, disintegration, and exhaustion.
These concepts will be more fully explored in this thesis, with examples taken from
the three works mentioned above. Emphasis will be placed on Crane’s narrative techniques
and his rendering of the Impressionist protagonist as a victim of his over-stimulated
perception of the world around him.


title: Lived Experiences of Sexual Violence

subject:
Sexual violence
Rape myths
Rape culture

abstract: This thesis is an exploration of how individuals who have experienced sexual violence understand their experience(s). A feminist, mixed-methods approach was used to better capture the wide range of experiences of my participants. Data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with ten individuals who have experienced sexual violence, and a reflective auto-ethnographical analysis of the author’s own lived experiences. Secondary sources used to contextualize the findings include sociological and feminist literature on various aspects of sexual violence. Using the ten interviews, as well as my auto-ethnography, I analyze eight common themes: (1) definitions of sexual violence; (2) consent; (3) identification as victim/survivor/something else; (4) blame; (5) lack of faith in the justice system; (6) rape myths; (7) violence as continuous, and finally; (8) the need for education. For the ten participants in my study, as well as myself, the subject of sexual violence needs more dialogue. This thesis provides a beginning point.


title: Triangular finite element solution to boundary value problems

subject: Boundary value problems

abstract:
This Thesis discusses the triangular finite element solution
to second order elliptic boundary value problems. The
Barycentric Coordinate system, which some engineers call the areal
coordinate system, is used throughout in this Thesis. Some fundamental
parts of vector calculus are developed in this coordinate
system, and are applied to the triangular finite element method.


title: A survey of fungal endophytes from healthy branches of Ginkgo biloba

subject:
Ginkgo Biloba
Fungal endophytes

abstract: Ginkgo biloba L. is known for being highly resistant to bacterial, insect, and fungal infestations and thus ginkgo trees are commonly cultivated and planted in urban landscapes. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not fungal endophytes are living within the healthy branches of ginkgo, and if present, do they form a structured recognizable community? Eleven healthy gingko trees were sampled across eleven different localities in Canada from sites that ranged from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. Each tree sampled had 1 to 11 branch samples taken. Each branch sample had four pieces of cambium placed into each petri dish containing agar media. In total there were 183 isolations made. Out of these, 102 fungal colonies arose representing 35 distinct species in 17 genera. In addition, 43 samples did not yield any fungi. Phoma represented the most significant number of fungal isolates at 29 percent, with seven distinct, but unidentified species being recognized. The fungal endophytes identified are considered to be opportunistic and are ubiquitous across many woody plants and trees. The principal genera of fungi identified include Phoma, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Coniothyrium, Epicoccum, and Stigmina. This study shows that diverse communities of fungal endophytes are living in the healthy branches of Ginkgo biloba and that each tree sampled contained a unique assemblage.


title: Interpreting the situation : the relationship of gender stereotypes and adherence to attitudes and beliefs to reactions to wife abuse

subject:
Wife abuse Psychological aspects
Sex differences (Psychology)

abstract:
This study examined the relationship of gender stereotypes and cultural beliefs
with responses to victimization. When women are victimized in a marital
violence context, intervention likelihood and attributions about marital violence
may be related to adherence to gender stereotypes and cultural beliefs about
battered women. This study elicited reactions to written scenarios which
depicted differing levels of abuse. Respondents were required to complete a
measure of sex-role stereotyping, adherence to cultural beliefs about wife
beating, likelihood of victimization and intervention, perceptions of sanctions,
believability and probability of victimization, and responsibility of spouses for
origin and solutions of abuse. It was expected that individuals who subscribe
to gender stereotypes would adhere to cultural beliefs and differ from
individuals who do not subscribe to gender stereotypes in their responses to
these measures- Findings provided evidence for the influence of gender-based
expectations and cultural beliefs on perceptions and judgments of victimization.
Suggestions for future research were discussed.


title: Chemical de-polymerization for reuse of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) towards a circular economy

subject:
Chemical hydrolysis
Enzymatic hydrolysis
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Response surface methodology
Recycling methods (plastic waste)

abstract:
Sustainable and effective waste management is very important to address environmental pollution.
This is especially the case for plastics as their inherent resistance to breakdown leads to their
accumulation the environment. This is the case if the conventional linear economy is practised.
The overall aim of this study is to breakdown Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottle products to
its monomers so that it can be re-polymerized and used in the same or similar applications. This
will lead to reduced use of the virgin reactant, reduce accumulation in the environment and lead to
a circular economy.  [...]


title: Ecology of northern pike, Esox lucius Linnaeus, in Savanne Lake, Ontario

subject:
Pike
Fishes Ecology Ontario Savanne Lake
Northern pike

abstract:
Important aspects of the life history and population dynamics
of the northern pike, Esox lucius, in Savanne Lake, Ontario
were studied during 1977 and 1978. Feeding relationships involving
northern pike and walleyes, Stizostedion vitreum vitreum,
and the initial impact of an open water sport fishery on these
unexploited populations were also examined,
Schumacher-Eschmeyer spring population estimates of 2,621
and 2,508 for 1977 and 1978, respectively, represented the mature
northern pike population (ages 4-14 and greater than 45 cm in
length) most vulnerable to the sampling gear. Adult northern
pike did not appear to establish home ranges but moved throughout
the lake during the year. A sex ratio of 1.19 females to every
male was observed. Females were heavier than males at a given length and grew more rapidly at most ages. Fecundity estimates
of 9,675 eggs per unit body-weight (kg) and an average of 20,081
eggs per mature pike were low for this species. Growth rates of
Savanne Lake northern pike were slightly below average growth
rates in Ontario and Minnesota waters and probably reflect the
chemical characteristics of this lake, as well as the high density
of piscivores relative to available food. Total mean biomass
and annual production for age-groups 4-12 were estimated at
8,69 kg*ha[superscript-1] and 2,76 kg*ha[superscript-1]*yr[superscript-1] respectively, for the 1977-78 period. Low annual production was attributed to slow growth, low annual mortality, and the dominance of older age-groups in this unexploited population.
Relative abundance and seasonal availability determined the
incidence of prey consumed by adult northern pike and walleyes.
Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) especially juveniles (60-110 mm
in length), and shallow water ciscos (Coregonus artedii) predominated
in observed annual diets of both species. Invertebrates, notably mayfly nymphs (Ephemeridae) and crayfish (Orconectes
virilis), were of seasonal importance. Prey size was not a
critical factor in determining predation, since the majority
of examined northern pike and walleyes were capable of consuming
far larger prey than were actually found in their stomachs.
Northern pike appeared more vulnerable to angling than
walleyes and comprised the greater portion of total angling
yield for the open water study period. Catch per unit efforts
of 0.88 fish per man-hour and 1.12 kg per man-hour for northern
pike and 0.66 fish per man-hour and 0.48 kg per man-hour for
walleye resulted from minimal angling pressure (1.24 hours per
ha). Angling catches consisted primarily of northern pike,
50-70 cm in length and 5-7 years old, and walleyes, 40-50 cm
in length and 6-10 years old, representing dominant age and
size classes in the mature populations.


title: Reflective learning cycle of new teachers who are teaching ESL via desktop videoconferencing

contributor:
van Barneveld, Christina
Passmore, Graham

subject: English language (Study and teaching Foreign speakers)

subject: Internet in education

subject: Educational technology

abstract:
The purpose of the thesis research was to understand and describe new teachers’
experiences teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) via desktop
videoconferencing (DVC) by applying a conceptual model of the reflective learning cycle
based on the work o f David Kolb (1984) and Donald Schon (1983, 1987). This model
consists of four sequential stages; concrete experience/reflection in action; observation
and reflection/reflection on action 1; forming abstract concepts/reflection in action 2;
testing in new situations/reflection in action. I used interviews, field notes, journal
entries, and videotapes to collect data about the experience o f five teachers who
volunteered to teach ESL conversation lessons via DVC. Results suggested that the
teachers could reflect on their ESL interaction only after they accepted and adapted to
technical problems with DVC. Results also suggested that teachers’ reflection evolved
from being self-centred to student-centred. I then adapted the conceptual model of the
reflective cycle to better represent how teachers implement reflective learning in the
combined ESL and DVC environment. Theoretical and practical implications are
discussed.


title: Influence of attention on static balance control and postural adaptations in typically developing children and children who met the criteria for DCD

contributor:
Przysucha, Eryk
Taylor, Jane
Zerpa, Carlos

subject:
Development coordination disorder (DCD)
Postural control
Static balance
Postural adaptations

abstract: Attentional issues may be a contributing factor to poor static and dynamic postural control for many children with DCD, particularly since many of them may have a dual diagnosis with ADHD. To date, only a few investigations have examined the impact of attention on static balance, with the majority of them involving only traditional measures of balance. However, there has been no research attempting to examine such issues in the context of dynamic postural adaptations. As a result, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of attentional loading on static balance control and postural adaptations in children with and without DCD, using traditional and non-traditional descriptors of the center of pressure (COP).


title: Factors affecting the teaching of grade 9 locally developed mathematics

contributor:
Kajander, Ann
Melville, Wayne

subject:
Locally developed mathematics
Mathematics (teaching)

abstract:
This qualitative study explores the factors affecting the teaching of Grade 9 Locally
Developed mathematics. This analysis focuses on what factors teachers perceived as having an
effect on their teaching, as well as how they value these factors in regards to their ability to
effectively teach this particular level of mathematics. I conducted this study by observing two
regional Locally Developed Compulsory Credit (LDCC) mathematics classrooms on a weekly
basis over the course of two academic semesters within a secondary school context in Ontario. I
conducted regular check-ins with each classroom teacher and formally interviewed the two
teachers at the end of the term.
I analysed these observations and interviews using the framework of axiology to explore
what values teachers assigned to various aspects of teaching LDCC mathematics. My analysis
indicates that these particular teachers valued non-curricular factors, such as a safe classroom
environment and the creation of healthy student relationships, as being equally as important as
curriculum factors, and perhaps even more so. Additionally, teachers expressed a strong need for
additional resources to better teach LDCC students. These resources include: teaching resources,
knowledgeable personnel support, and financial resources to supply students with a more
enriching and supportive classroom experience. My analysis suggests that the values that these
teachers held had notable effects on the teachers’ respective practices, suggesting implications
for Locally Developed mathematics courses being taught by other teachers in other contexts.