title: Young Children's Understanding of False Belief: P3b Responses to an Implicit False Belief Task

contributor:
Sabbagh, Mark A.
Psychology

subject:
theory of mind
P3b
event related potential
false belief

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-27 15:53:05.299

abstract: Representational theory of mind (TOM) is the everyday understanding that others’ behaviour is motivated by internal representational mental states such as beliefs, desires and intentions. In the standard false belief task, which traditionally indexes representational TOM, a character places an object in one location, and then leaves the room. During her absence, a second character moves the object to a new location. The first character returns, and children are asked where she will look for the object. Children pass this task (answering that she’ll look in the first location) around 4-5 years. Recently, studies have found that infants and young children succeed on implicit versions of the false belief task – their anticipatory gaze and looking time align with an understanding of beliefs. Some suggest that infants and young children possess a representational TOM, masked by performance limitations, whereas others hold that the early competence relies on a non-representational, perhaps statistical basis. To address this debate, I investigated young children’s false belief understanding using a component of the event-related potential: P3b, a positive potential elicited in response to unexpected events and thought to reflect conceptual updating. Children aged 3.5 to 4.5 years and adults watched 48 trials following the standard false belief task, and P3b was measured in response to seeing the character search in belief- congruent or incongruent locations. I found a significant age group by outcome interaction: adults’ P3b responses corresponded with an understanding of others’ beliefs, whereas young children’s P3b responses reflected a lack of belief understanding. These results support the conclusion that young children do not have a representational understanding of false belief, and that perhaps their early performance on implicit false belief tasks is mediated by an early-developing non-representational understanding. These results have implications for the development of theory of mind.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: A Competition Study on Copper-binding Affinity of SCO protein

contributor:
Hill, Bruce C.
Biochemistry

rights: This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.

subject: SCO Competition Copper-binding

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biochemistry) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-27 20:02:32.9

abstract: Cytochrome c oxidase catalyzes the reduction of molecular oxygen to water and contributes to the electrochemical gradient by translocating protons across the membrane. The SCO protein (for Synthesis of Cytochrome c Oxidase) is proposed to be an important assembly factor in biogenesis of the oxidase. Particularly, SCO has been demonstrated to function as a metallochaperone that receives copper ions from an upstream copper source in the cell and subsequently delivers them to the CuA centre in subunit II of cytochrome c oxidase. However, the SCO protein binds copper ions tightly and forms a stable complex in vitro that is extremely difficult to dissociate. Direct titration and differential scanning calorimetry, for example, have demonstrated a tight binding between SCO and Cu(II). Nonetheless, the reported dissociation constant KD falls in a wide range from 65 nM to 3.5 pM. In this study, binding affinities of Bacillus subtilis SCO (BsSCO) for both Cu(II) and Cu(I) ions were quantitatively estimated via competition with various copper ion ligands and chelators. Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) was used as a competitor to BsSCO. In this case, BsSCO is able to compete with the chelator for copper-binding, which binds Cu(II) with KD ~ 3.1 x 10-16 M (i.e., 0.31 fM). Estimation of binding affinity via competition provides a different perspective of quantifying the interaction between the SCO protein and copper ions. The tight binding (i.e., in the fM range) between the Cu(II) and the SCO protein suggests that Cu(II) ion is unlikely to be the oxidation form during the transfer from SCO to the CuA site. Strong Cu(I) ligands, such as ferrozine (Fz), were introduced in quantification of the Cu(I) binding affinity of the SCO protein. Competition with Fz for Cu(I) binding supports a relatively weak interaction between BsSCO and Cu(I) ions, which characterized with KD ~10 μM. Therefore, we propose that a stable BsSCO-Cu(II) complex could be reduced to BsSCO-Cu(I) in order for the SCO protein to fulfill a copper chaperone role in vivo that delivers and releases its copper ion to the CuA site of cytochrome c oxidase.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Exploration of Cryptic Biosynthetic Pathways Activated With a Functional BLDA Gene in Streptomyces Calvus

contributor:
Zechel, L. David
Chemistry

subject: Streptomyces calvus, bldA, sporulation, nucleocidin, cryptic biosynthetic pathways

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-27 21:16:09.406

abstract: Abstract is not available.

abstract: Other research groups will be interested in our work, which is currently still in progress and we wish not to have competing research groups engaged in the same subject.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Investigating Message Believability as a Determinant of Parents' Intentions to Support their Children in Meeting Physical Activity and Screen Time Guidelines

contributor:
Latimer-Cheung, Amy
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
Screen Time Guidelines
Parental Support
Health Promotion
Message Believability
Physical Activity Guidelines

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-04 20:03:53.981

abstract: The majority of children are not meeting the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) or the Screen Time Guidelines (STG). Parents play a role in changing the health behaviours of their children by engaging in supportive behaviours (eg. transporting them to sports; placing limits on TV viewing). These behaviours, and their determinants, may differ for moms versus dads and for physical activity versus screen time. According to the social issue advertising believability model (SIABM), whether parents support their children in achieving these guidelines may depend on how believable they find guideline promotion advertisements (message believability [MB]). Whether parents find a message believable may depend upon their perceived behavioural control for engaging in the supportive behaviours. The purpose of this study was to examine a) MB as a determinant of parents’ intentions to support their children in meeting the PAG and STG, and b) perceived behavioural control as a determinant of whether parents consider PAG and STG advertisements believable. A secondary objective was to examine differences in parents’ evaluations of the PAG and STG advertisements. Data were collected online using Survey Monkey Audience; 500 Canadian parents with at least one child aged 5-11 (75.6% moms; 24.4% dads) were included in the sample. A structural equation model testing the SIABM relationships demonstrated good model fit for both advertisements in the whole sample, and moms, and dads separately (CFIs ≥.96; RMSEAs ≤.06). Contrary to hypothesis MB did not predict intentions, and perceived behavioural control did not predict MB (ps>.05). Parents had more positive evaluations of the PAG advertisement versus the STG advertisement; nonetheless, parents had stronger intentions to support screen time reduction versus physical activity participation (ps<.05). When considering moms and dads separately, moms had stronger attitudes towards physical activity participation and screen time reduction, and believed both advertisements more than dads. Moms had greater intentions to support screen time reductions versus physical activity participation. More research is needed to examine the relationship between perceived behavioural control, MB, and intentions. Future advertisements should emphasize how parents can support screen time reduction beyond the scope of promoting supportive behaviours for physical activity participation.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Description of Sporadic Physical Activity and the Relationship between Non-Bouted Physical Activity and the Metabolic Syndrome in American Adults

contributor:
Janssen, Ian
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
Metabolic Syndrome x
Health Surveys
Motor Activity
Adult

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-28 10:45:44.152

abstract:
Less than 15% of North American adults currently met the physical activity guidelines. These guidelines recommend that adults accumulate at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in bouts of 10 minutes or more. Emerging evidence suggests that accumulating sporadic MVPA (i.e. physical activity performed in periods of less than 10 consecutive minutes) also has health benefits. Little is known about how much sporadic physical activity (SPA) adults get. Furthermore, it is not known if SPA needs to be of at least moderate intensity to convey health benefits. The purpose of this thesis was twofold: 1) to describe SPA levels and intensity patterns in adults, and 2) to investigate the relationship between various intensities of SPA and the metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome is a clustering of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Data for the thesis research came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a representative cross-sectional sample of adults from the United States. Physical activity was measured over 7 days using accelerometers, which are small electronic sensors worn on the hip. The metabolic syndrome was determined from direct body measurements and blood samples.
Results of this thesis indicate that the typical American adult accumulates 103 minutes/day of SPA, which represented 27% of their total daily physical activity. Of these 103 minutes/day, only 2 minutes/day were of moderate-to-vigorous intensity. However, adults accumulated 16 minutes/day of MVPA that was embedded within bouts of primarily light intensity activity – this activity did not meet the MVPA bout criteria but it was not truly sporadic since it occurred within bouts of primarily light intensity activity. Accumulation of this
iii
embedded MVPA was as strongly related to the MetS as bouted MVPA. Conversely, sporadic light intensity physical activity was weakly associated with the metabolic syndrome. Together, these results suggest MVPA is commonly accumulated outside of the current recommended bout length and that this type of activity is strongly associated with the metabolic syndrome.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Methodological Factors Impacting Sexual Concordance in Women

contributor:
Pukall, Caroline F.
Psychology

subject:
Sexual psychophysiology
Sexual concordance
Sexual arousal

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-28 14:58:28.238

abstract: A growing body of research investigating sexual concordance (the degree to which genital and subjective arousal are related) suggests that on average, women exhibit a weak, positive correlation between their genital and subjective arousal, whereas men exhibit a strong positive correlation between these responses. Although some researchers view this gender difference as a true phenomenon, others argue that women’s lower degree of concordance is the result of methodological factors, produced by the device that is most commonly used to measure genital response in women. Other factors, such as stimulus duration and content, may also have systematic effects on genital blood flow, potentially impacting the relationship between genital and subjective arousal in women. In the current study, sexual concordance was examined using concurrent measures of vulvar blood flow (using the laser Doppler imager; LDI) and vaginal vasocongestion (using the vaginal photoplethysmograph; VPP) to investigate potential differences in vulvar and vaginal concordance. Twenty-five women viewed two erotic films that differed in sexual activity content (foreplay and intercourse) while their genital and subjective arousal was measured. In support of previous meta-analytic findings, results from the current study suggest that the choice of genital arousal measurement device significantly impacts estimates of sexual concordance in women. That is, subjective arousal is significantly less correlated with vaginal vasocongestion assessed by the VPP than with vulvar blood flow assessed by LDI. Other methodological factors, such as stimulus content, order of presentation, and duration appear to have negligible impact on estimates of vulvar or vaginal concordance. Findings from the current study suggest that special consideration should be taken when selecting which genital arousal measurement device to employ for investigating sexual concordance in women.

abstract: I will publish the results and much of the content of my thesis in a scientific journal. Publishing my thesis on QSpace will prohibit me from submitting and publishing similar content elsewhere.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Neural Correlates of Inter-Individual Differences in Pain Processing Investigated by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Entire Central Nervous System

contributor:
Stroman, Patrick W.
Neuroscience Studies

subject:
individual differences
spinal cord
brain
pain
fMRI

abstract: Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-28 13:00:39.962

abstract: The experience of pain is a highly complex and personal experience, characterized by tremendous inter-individual variability. Pain perception can differ substantially across individuals due to many factors such as age, gender, genetics, cognition and emotionality etc. Some individuals are very sensitive to pain whereas others tolerate pain well. Athletes can play competitive sports even with significant injuries while other people feel tremendous pain while getting a flu shot. This phenomenon of inter-individual variability in pain responses has challenged scientists and clinicians alike. It is difficult to determine whether subjective reports of pain reflect true individual experiences of pain. However, the development of neuroimaging techniques has dramatically progressed our understanding of pain processing. This project investigated the neural correlates of inter-individual differences in pain responses in healthy individuals, by means of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the entire central nervous system. Twenty-healthy participants were asked to rate their pain following a noxious thermal stimulus, while undergoing functional MRI, and considerable inter-individual variability was observed. Results from this project demonstrated central mechanisms in the brain, brainstem and spinal cord that contribute to this variability. Participants that reported higher pain to the noxious stimulus showed greater fMRI responses in some brain, brainstem and spinal cord structures involved in processing the emotional, cognitive and motivational aspects of pain. This showed that the subjective reports of pain are a reliable indicator, and inter-individual differences in pain responses truly reflect variability in pain experience. It is expected that this knowledge will contribute to a better understanding of the neuronal processes, as well as substantial inter-individual variability observed in chronic neuropathic pain populations such as fibromyalgia, patients with spinal cord injuries etc.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: A Hybrid Approach to Detect Tabnabbing Attacks

contributor:
Zulkernine, Mohammad
Computing

subject:
Tabnabbing
Attack Detection
Phishing

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-28 14:54:58.54

abstract:
Phishing is one of the most prevalent types of modern attacks, costing signiﬁcant ﬁnancial losses to enterprises and users each day. Despite the emergence of various anti-phishing tools and techniques, not only there has been a dramatic increase in the number of phishing attacks but also more sophisticated forms of these attacks have come into existence. One of the most complicated and deceptive forms of phishing attacks is the tabnabbing attack. This newly discovered threat takes advantage of the user’s trust and inattention to the open tabs in the browser and changes the appearance of an already open malicious page to the appearance of a trusted website that demands conﬁdential information from the user. As one might imagine, the tabnabbing attack mechanism makes it quite probable for even an attentive user to be lured into revealing his or her conﬁdential information. Few tabnabbing detection and prevention techniques have been proposed thus far. The majority of these techniques block scripts that are susceptible to perform malicious actions or violate the browser security policy. However, most of these techniques cannot eﬀectively prevent the other variant of the tabnabbing attack that is launched without the use of scripts.
In this thesis, we propose a hybrid tabnabbing detection approach with the aim of overcoming the shortcomings of the existing anti-tabnabbing approaches and techniques. Our approach combines ﬁve heuristic-based metrics with data mining techniques to keep track of the major changes made to the structure of a webpage whenever a tab loses its focus. We develop our approach as a browser extension for Mozilla Firefox and evaluate its eﬀectiveness and performance using a dataset consisting of legitimate and tabnabbing websites. Our evaluation results convey a signiﬁcant improvement over the existing techniques, indicating that our approach can be utilized as a viable means for protecting users from tabnabbing attacks.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Role of Early Acoustic Experience in Development of the Rat Primary Auditory Cortex

contributor:
Dringenberg, Hans C.
Psychology

subject:
Synaptic Plasticity
Auditory Cortex

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-28 17:12:52.163

abstract:
Neocortical architecture is established by both intrinsic, genetic factors and experience- dependent factors. Postnatal sensory experience plays a significant role in the maturation and refinement of cortical sensory fields, such as the primary auditory cortex (A1). In this thesis, I investigated the effects of manipulating postnatal acoustic experience on the functional and morphological properties of neurons in the thalamocortical auditory pathway of adult rats. In Experiment 1, I used two converging electrophysiological techniques to determine the effects of patterned acoustic deprivation (through exposure to continuous, moderate-level white noise; cWN) on the functional properties of neurons in the central auditory system. In Experiment 2, I used Golgi-Cox staining to visualize morphological correlates of experience-dependent changes in neuron functioning.
Long- and short-term plasticity mediate synaptic strengthening in sensory cortices in response to postnatal sensory experience. I assessed levels of long-term plasticity (using long- term potentiation; LTP) and short-term plasticity (using paired-pulse facilitation/depression; PPF/PPD) in vivo (under deep urethane anesthesia) in the A1 of normally reared rats and rats reared in the absence of patterned acoustic input through cWN exposure. Rats reared under cWN showed significantly greater LTP of field postsynaptic potentials (fPSPs) for thalamocortical, but not intracortical synapses in A1 compared to age-matched controls, indicative of immature, more plastic synaptic connectivity. Both groups showed similar, moderate levels of PPD (across interstimulus intervals ranging from 25 to 1000 ms) prior to LTP induction. Across groups, PPD was significantly enhanced after LTP induction, indicative of a presynaptic component of thalamocortical LTP in A1.
I also assessed the morphology of layer II/III pyramidal neurons in A1 using Golgi-Cox staining and two-dimensional neuron reconstruction. Morphological features, including dendritic length, arbor complexity, and spine density, did not differ significantly between rats reared under cWN and age-matched controls. Rats reared under cWN showed a significantly greater proportion of filopodia to mature spines on apical dendrites compared to age-matched controls.
Together, these data indicate that patterned acoustic experience results in a reduction of plasticity in A1, indicative of more mature, hard-wired synaptic connectivity. Furthermore, LTP in A1 in vivo is mediated in part by presynaptic mechanisms, such as increases in transmitter release probability at thalamocortical synapses.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Perspectives Of Professional Learning Policy Implementation For Supporting English Language Learners In A Rural Ontario School Board

contributor:
Lee, Elizabeth
Education

subject: Rural School Boards

subject: Professional Learning for Paraprofessionals Working with ELLs

subject: Education

subject: Education Policy Implementation

subject: Rural Education

subject: English as a Second Language

subject: Professional Learning for Teachers of ELLs

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Education) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-28 18:17:57.385

abstract: The issue of lower academic achievement for English language learners (ELLs) compared to their English-speaking peers has been identified in the research literature. Professional learning for classroom teachers, English as a second language (ESL) teachers, and ESL paraprofessionals has been promoted as one strategy to address this achievement gap. In some rural school boards, ELLs represent a small proportion of the overall student population. Academic achievement, however, is as much an equity issue for ELLs in rural as in urban school boards. The purpose of this study was to describe how the implementation of ELL-related professional learning policy was perceived in a rural school board in the province of Ontario, Canada from 2007 to 2013. Honig’s (2006) conceptualization of education policy implementation guided the study. The unit of analysis for this descriptive case study was a rural school board in which ELLs were approximately 2% of the student population. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 participants: board-level ESL consultants, ESL teachers, classroom teachers, ESL paraprofessionals, and a secondary school principal. ELL-related learning materials published by the school board were also collected. Five themes emerged from data analysis: first, the board’s two ESL consultants were the key providers of ELL-related professional learning; second, the ESL consultants were learners as well as leaders of professional learning; third, schools varied in their capacity to initiate professional learning; fourth, ELL-related professional learning initiatives were parallel to rather than integral to the board’s primary professional learning delivery model of collaborative inquiry; and fifth, challenges in providing ELL-related professional learning related to the uneven distribution of the board’s small ELL population across a wide geographical area. The study’s significance was in contributing to empirical work at the intersection of rural education, second language learning, and professional learning; and in describing how a rural context interacted with both normative and technical aspects of education policy implementation. Implications for future research included further research into the following: first, relationship building as a policy implementation instrument; second, links between ELL-related professional learning and increased achievement for ELLs; and third, the provision of ELL-related professional learning for paraprofessionals.

abstract: PhD


title: Inferring Systemic Functional Language Models

contributor:
Skillicorn, B. David
Computing

subject: Text Mining

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-28 23:28:17.897

abstract:
Language production in the brain is a complicated process that is not yet fully understood. The bag-of-words model, which considers the frequencies of each word in a document, is a useful approach in many text mining fields, but it does not provide any information about how language is produced. Systemic networks model language as a set of choices, where each choice operates in a particular context. Capturing patterns of choices used to create a particular document provides useful information about the authors and what they were feeling and thinking when they created the document.

However, producing systemic networks manually is expensive. We define an automated way of producing systemic networks. Given a set of documents, we cluster words of interest into smaller groups, by using Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NNMF). We create hierarchical clusters that we interpret as systemic networks. We validate the produced systemic networks in a number of ways; we use them in an authorship prediction problem and compare their results to that of the bag-of-words model, as well as how well they cluster the different choices made by the authors. We also generate random systemic networks and compare their performance with the produced systemic networks.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The interpretation of ambiguous words in psychosis

contributor:
Johnsrude, Ingrid S.
Psychology

subject:
ambiguity
speech comprehension
psychosis

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-29 09:46:16.826

abstract: Semantically ambiguous words are ubiquitous in daily communication. Neurotypical individuals are able to resolve ambiguity with ease and efficiency, whereas individuals with schizophrenia tend to exhibit ambiguity-processing deficits. The exact nature of these deficits is unclear.  For the disambiguation of homonyms (words with more than one meaning), impairment in schizophrenia may arise from abnormalities in the use of context – informational cues that support a particular interpretation over others – and meaning dominance – the relative frequency of meaning alternatives. The present investigation had two main parts. In one part, clinical participants (those with schizophrenia or a related disorder, i.e. schizoaffective disorder, a mood disorder with psychotic features) and control participants were asked to provide definitions for homonyms presented in sentential context, requiring them to select a single meaning. Contextual information (which always supported the less frequent, subordinate meaning of the homonym) was heard either before (PRE) or after (POST) the homonym. This manipulation of context position was expected to reflect working-memory abilities since longer on-line maintenance of the homonym and its possible interpretations would be more challenging for POST sentences. In fact working memory was found to correlate with both sentence conditions. As well, clinical participants had comparable success to control participants. In the second part, participants heard a sentence containing a homonym (PRE and POST sentences), and 20 minutes later, were asked to provide a word associate for that homonym. Participants were more likely to select the primed (subordinate) meaning of the homonym when they had heard the homonym in context 20 minutes earlier. Significantly more clinical participants than control participants did not show an effect of priming, suggesting a difficulty for these individuals to use relatively recent experience to facilitate comprehension. This ability to benefit from recent exposure would be expected to improve real-world speech comprehension wherein the correct interpretation of a homonym is not likely to change over a short period of time. Therefore, despite intact comprehension of ambiguous words in context, a majority of clinical participants could not shift their interpretation of homonyms to fit with recent exposure, a potential cause for real-world comprehension deficits.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Generating patient-specific 3D models using a pointing device

contributor:
Stewart, James
Computing

subject:
surgery
computer science
point cloud
pointing device
surface reconstruction
femur
arthroscopy
intervention

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-29 12:33:59.688

abstract: Computer assisted mosaic arthroplasty shows promise compared to traditional treatments of cartilage degeneration in the knee. It can be more accurate and less invasive, leading to improved outcomes. Computer assisted mosaic arthroplasty requires a computerized 3D model of the patient's distal femur, normally generated from an Arthro-CT scan or MRI, but this process is associated with high cost, error, extended wait times, and radiation exposure. Our objective was to develop an alternative method to generate a 3D model intraoperatively within 1 mm error using points collected by a tracked pointing device. After generating the 3D model, we can optionally colour it according to a confidence metric. We validated our method in a user study where several orthopaedic surgeons and residents generated models of a rapid prototyped distal femur under different conditions. Our results suggest that it is possible to generate patient-specific 3D models with submillimeter accuracy using our method, and that this can be done within the time constraints of surgical procedures. We believe that the low error and minimal intraoperative time requirement may allow 3D model generation within the operating room without the need for any preoperative preparation.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The role of acute phosphate supplementation in endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation

contributor:
Pyke, Kyra E.
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
Phosphate
Cardiovascular disease
Endothelium
Endothelial function

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-13 15:06:38.345

abstract: Phosphate is a mineral component of the human diet that is essential for life. However, elevated blood phosphate levels are associated with cardiovascular disease and death in the general population. The mechanisms through which phosphate may be detrimental to cardiovascular health remain unclear, however there is emerging evidence that suggests phosphate may impair the function of human arteries. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a single phosphate supplement affects the ability of the brachial artery to dilate in response to: a) increases in blood flow (flow-mediated dilation, FMD), b) a drug that causes dilation (GTN), or c) both FMD and GTN. 17 healthy male participants (22.9 ±3.07 years old) were exposed to phosphate (PHOS) and placebo (PLAC) conditions over two experimental days (one each visit) in a within-subjects, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects drank a liquid containing 1200 mg of phosphorus or a placebo. FMD tests were performed pre- and 20 min, 60 min and 120 min post-supplement or placebo ingestion by a standard procedure involving the occlusion of blood flow to the forearm (reactive hyperemia). Blood phosphate concentrations were significantly greater in PHOS vs. PLAC, but did not increase differently between the two groups. Blood phosphate concentrations were significantly greater 60 min vs. 20 min post-supplement in both conditions. Phosphate excretion increased 315% in the PHOS vs. PLAC condition, indicating that the kidney rapidly removed phosphate from the blood. There was no difference in FMD between PHOS and PLAC conditions at any post-supplement time point. There was no effect of PHOS on the GTN tests. These findings indicate that a single phosphate supplement did not impair brachial artery dilation in response to increases in blood flow or the administration of a drug that induces dilation. Also, the phosphate supplement did not substantially increase phosphate concentrations in the blood likely due to a large excretion of phosphate by the kidneys. Further research is needed to better understand how phosphate may be linked to vascular function.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: L'écriture contre l'oubli. Hétérogénéité et socialité dans l'oeuvre de Kateb Yacine.

contributor:
Inkel, Stéphane
French

subject: History Sociality Camp Bio-pouvoir Heterogeneity Dispositif Revolution Myth

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, French) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-29 13:46:37.66

abstract: Through a diachronic study of a large selection of writings (composed within a period of a half century), marked, for the most part, by the seal of a constitutive undetermined genre, this thesis attempts to grasp the rapport to the worldly that takes shape in a particularly complex and divided literary work. Within the framework of socio-criticism, this study strives to uncover the sociality in Kateb’s work, that is, to identify the significant elements as well as the function of heterogeneity. In addition, it attempts to identify how the socio-historic dimension converts exterior space to interior space via a bidirectional movement. This study is directly interested in the literariness of Kateb’s work, but is heavily founded in a much larger epistemological perspective that underlines and brings the rapport to History, to memory and to social imaginary into play. This in turns allows us to underscore the aesthetic aspect of Katebian theatre, specifically the historical and thematic change of tragic theatre to heterogeneous theatre, a change incited by either the choice of theatricalized textual materials or by mise-en-scène ¬techniques. Both methods give rise to formal dissidence which liberates, on stage, the spoken word as an instrument of criticism with regard to socio-political action. Based on studies particularly rich in hermeneutics and discourse analysis, (Duchet, Popovic, Angenot, Robin, Biron, Amossy, Maingueneau), as well as on theoretical approaches initiated by de Certeau, Chambers and Riffaterre, this thesis, without overtly delimiting theoretical and disciplinary thought, also outlines where and how Kateb’s work coincides with fundamental concepts developed by Agamben, such as « camp », « pouvoir souverain » and « dispositif », or others defined by Foucault, such as « bio-pouvoir » and « analytique du pouvoir ». Whilst explaining and interpreting this polymorphous work, the aesthetic dimension allows us to employ and add various new key concepts in the realm of literary criticism. Finally, the link to History is analysed through the protean notion of « Revolution », which Kateb exploits in order to adopt an open perspective with regard to the future and to attribute meaning to causes striving to transform reality.

abstract: PhD


title: An analysis of the arguments for intelligent design creationism to be taught in science classes, in the public education system of the United States

contributor:
Hill, Ann Marie
Education

subject: Creationism Science Religion Evolution

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-29 13:59:56.258

abstract:
Teaching creationism, also called creation science, intelligent design (ID), and evidence against evolution—a religious doctrine, holding that life and the universe were created by a supernatural actor out of nothing—contravenes the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and is illegal in U.S. public science classes. Nevertheless many U.S. high school science teachers continue to teach creationist doctrine as part of an undocumented, or hidden, curriculum.
The arguments advanced in this study propose that creationism—as opposed to evolution—cannot be defined as science, and seeks to answer the following questions:
(1)	What arguments have been put forward by advocates of creationism, to make the case for creationist ideology in U.S. public school science classes?
(2)	What impact have the arguments of proponents of intelligent design creationism had, on American public education policy and the law?
Data has been collected from precedent-setting U.S. Supreme Court rulings and associated texts, e.g., expert witness testimony under oath, cross-examination, and published works referred to in the proceedings.
Testimony was analysed for its content—content analytic—to address specific creationist arguments with regard to scientific rigour, honesty and empirical reasoning. Judicial opinion proved to be more relevant in terms of commentary—context analytic. Judges as decision makers have given clear accounts of how creationist arguments have swayed their ruling, and thus U.S. law and government education policy, thereby directly addressing this study’s second research question.
In addressing these questions, this research has provided a summative analysis of the arguments presented for ID to be taught in the science classrooms of U.S. public schools, and the counter arguments which have convinced U.S. Supreme Court Judges to deny consistent attempts to include its doctrine in science curricula. In doing so, this study provides a detailed baseline to which future arguments can be compared to highlight new—or simply recycled—points in the debate, and to identify any potential strategies for alleviating this on-going and costly dispute.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: The Objective/Subjective Distinction of the Self: Examining Self-Discrepancy

contributor:
Fabrigar, Leandre R.
Psychology

subject:
social psychology
self-discrepancy
the self

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-29 15:04:13.293

abstract: Self-discrepancies have traditionally been measured with the Selves Questionnaire. This is an objective measure, in that it does not assume that individuals are aware of the discrepancies between their various self-state representations. The purpose of this research project was to examine a new method of measuring self-discrepancy: simply asking individuals for their subjective views of their self-discrepancies. These studies aimed to show that objective and subjective measures tap into distinct constructs which function differently depending on the level of deliberation of the testing conditions. The attitudes literature, from which this distinction was borrowed, provided groundwork to predict that subjective self-discrepancy would function better under conditions of deliberation whereas objective self-discrepancy would function better under conditions of spontaneity. In Study 1, both measures of self-discrepancy were used to predict agitation. This study showed that the objective and subjective measures were indeed only modestly correlated with one another. As expected, subjective ought self-discrepancy was a significant predictor of agitation under deliberative but not spontaneous conditions. Contrary to predictions, subjective ideal but not objective ought self-discrepancy significantly predicted agitation under spontaneous conditions. Study 2 predicted dejection from both measures of self-discrepancy, and showed again that they are distinct measures. Subjective ideal self-discrepancy predicted dejection under deliberative but not spontaneous conditions, as expected. However, objective ideal self-discrepancy failed to predict dejection under spontaneous conditions. Self-esteem was the outcome variable of interest in Study 3, where it was measured with the deliberative Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE) as well as the spontaneous Implicit Association Test (IAT). Once again, in this study objective and subjective measures of self-discrepancy were shown to be distinct from one another. A structural equation model showed that subjective ideal self-discrepancy was the only significant predictor of RSE scores, as expected; nothing significantly predicted IAT scores. Explanations for these findings, as well as implications and directions for future research, are discussed.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Proteomic analysis of the olfactory mucosa, thoracic aorta, urinary bladder, and descending colon of smooth muscle alpha actin null mutant mice

contributor:
Kawaja, Michael D.
Neuroscience Studies

subject:
colon
smooth muscle alpha actin
Proteomics
smooth muscle
aorta
bladder
OEC

abstract: Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-29 16:14:55.052

abstract: Smooth muscle alpha actin is one of six mammalian isoforms and the predominant isoform in vascular smooth muscle. In mice and humans lacking functional SMAA, pathophysiological changes have been identified in the aorta, bladder, colon, and olfactory ensheathing cell population in the olfactory nervous system. These include impaired vascular contractility, thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections, hypocontractile bladders, gastrointestinal hypoperistalsis, and pathological OEC development. Our investigation set out to compare the whole tissue proteomes of the olfactory epithelium, thoracic aorta, urinary bladder, and descending colon from age-matched adult SMAA null mice and their wild type siblings.  This approach allowed us to better understand the mechanism of pathologies, the role of SMAA in these tissues, and to determine whether tissues compensate for a loss of this isoactin. Our objective was to systematically characterize changes in proteins that are of structural and/or contractile significance and in proteins that may be indirectly affected by lack of functional SMAA.  We hypothesized that the expression of various cytoskeletal and contractile proteins will be altered in smooth muscle cell-rich tissues of mice lacking functional SMAA, thereby signifying adaptive and maladaptive changes. Through 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, we found increased abundance of four proteins in the olfactory mucosa of SMAA null mice: alpha tubulin, precursors of vomeronasal secretory proteins I and II, and lipocalin 13 precursor. In the thoracic aorta of SMAA null mice, levels of skeletal muscle myosin essential and regulatory light chain, along with gamma actin, were increased, whereas levels of alpha cardiac muscle actin were decreased. In the urinary bladder, a loss of SMAA expression was accompanied by a decrease in skeletal muscle myosin essential and regulatory light chain levels. Lastly, in the descending colon we found reductions in annexin A5, chymotrypsinogen B precursor, ela 3 protein, and lithostathine 1 precursor. Together, these protein changes reveal remarkable adaptability of mammalian smooth muscle contractile protein expression and new relationships between SMAA and proteins that previously have not been associated with SMAA or smooth muscle contraction. This proteomic investigation has identified proteins that offer new directions for future investigations regarding SMAA function and SMAA-related pathologies.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Expertise in Scene Gist: The Effects of Long-Term Visual Memory on Early Scene Processing

contributor:
Castelhano, Monica
Psychology

subject:
familiarity
scene processing
long-term memory

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-29 17:42:14.006

abstract:
Long-term memory has been widely studied, but it is unclear whether it can influence processing efficiency. In the past, researchers have focused on the effect of familiarity through repeated exposure to examine effects on subsequent processing. Behavioural, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging studies have demonstrated processing savings at an early stage for simple and complex visual stimuli. However, other researchers have argued that familiarity has a negligible or even a negative effect on processing mechanisms, making it unclear whether benefits can be attained at all.
In the present study, we used complex real-world scenes to investigate the effects of familiarity on early processing of visual information and to investigate the mechanisms that could be responsible for any effects. In a pilot study, we established that there was an effect of familiarity on early scene processing. Thus, the present study examined the effect of different memory representations on early scene processing (Experiment 1), and investigated a potential underlying attentional mechanism of the processing benefits (Experiment 2).
In Experiment 1, we explored whether familiarity effects on processing were due to a priming of a scene’s low-level perceptual details from a single image (Familiar Viewpoint) or due to a scene’s high-level conceptual representation from multiple viewpoints (Familiar Place). A lack of power within the study did not allow us to draw conclusions from the data; however, the findings suggest that there may be a benefit for familiar information. In Experiment 2, we explored whether processing savings from familiarity were due to fewer attentional resources required for familiar scenes. The availability of resources was manipulated using a dual-task paradigm. We found no performance detriment to scene processing under low and high cognitive load conditions. Our findings likely reflect a change in strategy and prioritization of scene processing over the secondary task, indicating that more sensitive methods of measuring attentional resources are required. In summary, long-term memory from perceptually-driven and conceptually-based representations can affect early scene processing mechanisms, without any effect on the underlying attentional resources needed for familiar information.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The involvement of a putative two component system PA2797-PA2798 in P. aeruginosa aminoglycoside resistance

contributor:
Poole, R. Keith
Microbiology and Immunology

subject:
P. aeruginosa
Aminoglycoside Resistance

abstract: Thesis (Master, Microbiology & Immunology) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-29 17:50:33.968

abstract: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen, being able to live in a diverse environmental niche. It possesses several resistance mechanisms, including a highly impermeable outer membrane and multiple RND-family efflux pumps, against a variety of antimicrobials, including aminoglycosides. P. aeruginosa causes a variety of infections in individuals, especially those with compromised immune system. Chronic lung infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is an example of such. The most common antibiotic used today to treat the P. aeruginosa pulmonary infection in CF patients belongs to one of the major antibiotic families, aminoglycosides. Due to constant exposure of P. aeruginosa to aminoglycosides, this bacterium has gradually developed high level of resistance to aminoglycosides through the acquisition and selection of numerous chromosomal mutations. Previous P. aeruginosa transposon mutant library screen identified genes contributing to aminoglycoside resistance, including an atypical regulatory system, PA2797-PA2798. The array study on P. aeruginosa K767 ΔPA2798 determined possible pathways by which PA2797-PA2798 was connected to aminoglycoside resistance. A series of in-frame gene deletion (anr), gene cloning (rpoS, anr, rpsP operon), double deletion (rpoS and anr in K767 ΔPA2798), q-RT PCR (pslA, lexA, recN, rpsP operon), and a growth assay (K767, K767 ΔPA2797, K767 ΔPA2798) was performed to examine a possible connection between PA2797-PA2798, and RpoS, Anr, oxidative stress response, temperature stress response, and ribosomal proteins. Although the aforementioned experiments were performed successfully, none of them could identify a potential pathway through which PA2797-PA2798 was connected to aminoglycoside resistance.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Embedding Security Monitors in Software Components

subject:
Requirements
Security
Design
Software Engineering
Monitoring

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-05 12:43:52.034

abstract:
Software can be made more secure by stipulating and integrating security specifications in the development process. However, guaranteeing the correct implementation of these specifications is a daunting task. In spite of security testing, vulnerabilities can still be present in the deployed software. Especially, the development practice is in favor of reusing off-the-shelf components in component-based software development. Therefore, a component with security vulnerabilities can affect the security of the entire software system. Hence, the behavior of the deployed software should be monitored and checked against its security specifications to identify vulnerabilities introduced due to incorrect implementations.
In this thesis, we first present a secure software development process that links the development phases to the monitoring phase. As part of this process, we identify the activities necessary to develop a software component with an embedded specification-based security monitor. The security specifications are stipulated using UML state machines to bring the software and security engineering domains closer. These state machines are then used to develop the embedded specification-based security monitor, thereby enabling self-monitoring. Moreover, we describe how UML state machines can be employed to represent attack scenarios for a specification-based intrusion detection system. We elaborate upon the design and operation of the embedded monitor within the software component. Finally, we suggest using a hybrid of event and time monitoring techniques to observe different constraints imposed by security specifications.
We evaluate our proposed methodology by developing an authentication component and enhancing selected components Filezilla and the Concurrent Versioning System (CVS). The authentication and CVS components are evaluated for the impact on design complexity and performance of the target software systems due to the embedded monitor. The viability of the proposed hybrid monitoring technique is assessed by comparing its effectiveness and performance with event and time monitoring techniques. The hybrid monitoring technique is more effective and efficient when compared with event or time monitoring techniques separately.

abstract: PhD


title: Solid Sampling Electrothermal Vapourization Coupled to Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry for Geochemical Exploration

contributor:
Beauchemin, Diane
Chemistry

subject: Geochemical Exploration

subject: Electrothermal Vaporization (ETV)

subject: Soil Analysis

subject: Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

subject: Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)

subject: Solid Sampling (SS)

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-30 09:31:17.902

abstract:
The direct analysis of solid samples by electrothermal vapourization (ETV) coupled to inductively coupled plasma (ICP) optical emission spectrometry (OES) is typically reserved to niche applications.  This thesis is focused on a new niche application: geochemical exploration.  First, solid sampling (SS) ETV-ICP-OES was used to determine the distribution of elements in soil samples in the Flin Flon-Snow Lake terrain, Manitoba, Canada in order to locate the undercover ore deposit. Samples were first vaporized by ETV and the vapor was then introduced into the ICP.
         Under optimal conditions and with a four-step ETV temperature program, the surface distribution of some pathfinder elements in soils showed obvious anomalies delineating the undercover ore. External calibration with 0–4 mg of soil reference material, together with internal standardization with an argon emission line, yielded results for Zn and P in good agreement with those obtained, following aqua regia (AR) digestion, by ICP mass spectrometry (MS).
          The vertical distribution of target elements in soil samples from the same area was also determined, which revealed anomalously high concentrations toward the surface of the profile in the area above the undercover ore. Again, good agreement was obtained with results by AR-ICP-MS for those elements that could be determined by ICP-MS. Hence, SS-ETV-ICP-OES completely eliminates the need for extraction or digestion of samples prior to analysis, which significantly simplifies the analysis of soils.
          Finally, in order to increase the amount of solid analyzed, the outlet of SS-ETV-ICP-OES was connected to a switching valve (for venting of pyrolysis products), itself connected to the side arm of a sheathing device whose other inlet was connected to a nebulizer/spray chamber. The aerosol exiting the nebulizer and spray chamber was heated to 400 °C by applying infrared heating to the sheathing device and bottom of the torch while vaporized analytes produced by ETV were transferred to the ICP. This system allowed the amount of sample to be increased from 5 to 13 mg without extinguishing the plasma, resulting in a 2-10 fold improvement in sensitivity and detection limit versus conventional SS-ETV-ICP-OES, and as accurate but more precise analysis of soil .

abstract: PhD


title: Experimental and Numerical Study of Flow Within Spacer-Filled Channels

contributor:
Beale, Steven B.
Pharoah, Jon G.
Pollard, Andrew
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
CFD
Spacer Filled Channel
Membrane
PIV

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-31 13:45:19.57

abstract:
A combined experimental and numerical study is presented on the hydrodynamic characteristics of flow within spacer-filled channels representative of those used in spiral wound membrane (SWM) modules. Spacers are used in the membrane modules to maintain a uniform gap between the membrane layers, as well as to control the flow which may reduce the effect of fouling and concentration polarization phenomena.
A 10× scaled-up model of a spacer-filled channel was constructed that enabled detailed non-intrusive particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements of the average velocity and fluctuation flow fields. The flow characteristics were investigated for Reynolds numbers (based on the hydraulic diameter and the interstitial velocity) ranging from 100 to 1000. Computational studies were also conducted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and validated with the experimental results.
It was found that the main flow splits into two main streams which move parallel to the spacer filaments with 90° direction difference to each other. The interaction of these two streams at the channel centre-plane where they exchange momentum creates secondary swirling motions in the main flow streams. Counterclockwise swirling flows (primary vortices) that rotate with the main flow streams and small clockwise swirling motions (secondary vortices) observed at the corners of the channel and spacer filaments regions for flow at Re ≥ 350 were identified. Four different flow regimes were observed. Laminar-steady (Re ≤ 200), laminar-unsteady-periodic (Re around 300), unsteady (Re ≥ 350) and onset of turbulent flow (Re = 1000). A better design of feed spacers is proposed for the purpose of improving the membrane module performance. This new spacer forces the flow streams toward the membrane walls with a zigzag motion of flow between the spacer unit cells as well as promotes flow instabilities at a lower Reynolds number compared to the CONWED spacer.

abstract: to obtain a patent for the new spacer design presented in Chapter 4.

abstract: PhD


title: Ejaculate Tailoring and Sperm Storage in Drosophila Melanogaster

contributor:
Chippindale, Adam K.
Montgomerie, Robert
Biology

subject:
Cryptic Female Choice
Sperm
Ejaculate Tailoring
GFP
Life History Tradeoffs

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-03 19:25:48.586

abstract: In this thesis, I use transgenic fruit flies that have sperm labeled with Green Fluorescent Protein to investigate sperm competition and cryptic female choice in three populations of Drosophila melanogaster adapted to markedly different life cycles by long term laboratory evolution. To do this, I analyze male ejaculate tailoring and female sperm storage in relation to female and male quality, respectively. I discuss the life history strategies of three populations: a FAST stock selected for early reproductive maturity, an intermediate BASELINE stock and a SLOW stock selected for late-life reproductive fitness. Using a full-factorial experimental design, I show evidence for ejaculate tailoring and selective sperm storage over 30 d after mating. In all three stocks, males ejaculate significantly more sperm cells into the bigger SLOW females. However, SLOW females store more SLOW sperm than BASELINE or FAST sperm. Likewise, FAST females store a higher proportion of SLOW and BASELINE sperm than FAST male sperm. Overall, FAST sperm disappear from the female reproductive tract more rapidly than other male-sperm types over 30 d of storage. My results also suggest that the spermathecal organs are responsible for long-term sperm storage. It is evident that female type plays a strong role in determining how much sperm will be ejaculated and ultimately stored, but it also appears that males are self-referrent in allocating ejaculate; body size is likely to play a major role in this plasticity.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Development of a Novel Readout System for Radiochromic Film Dosimetry

subject:
Radiochromic film dosimetry
Medical Physics

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2014-08-31 23:54:48.277

abstract: As radiation therapy treatment modalities continue to develop, patient dose delivery has become increasingly complex.  The verification of dose delivery and the quality assurance (QA) to ensure that a prescribed dose is accurately and precisely delivered to a patient is critical.  Radiochromic film dosimetry has been adopted in the clinic as a convenient option for QA because it provides verification in a two dimensional plane, is essentially energy independent, is near tissue equivalent, and has high spatial resolution. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to use.  Radiochromic films are typically read out using an advanced flatbed scanner, such as the commercially available Epson 10000XL scanner (commonly used in the clinic).  However, difficulties overcoming imaging artifacts on these scanners, related to such factors as directional dependence of the film orientation and non-uniform scanner sensitivity, have necessitated the development of strict protocols for film readout and sophisticated image correction techniques.  Based on experience with optical tomography using the Vista Optical CT Scanner, a simpler readout technique based on components of the Vista scanner was investigated.  In this work, a setup consisting of a camera and light box, interfaced with computer image acquisition software was developed and characterized for the purpose of imaging radiochromic film.  Two cameras (a colour and a greyscale camera) were tested and benchmarked using a commonly used Epson 10000XL scanner.  The optical properties of the system were optimized and various film calibration models were tested.  Single channel and triple channel dosimetry methods were implemented and applied to film imaging data.  Validation tests examined simple irradiations as well as more complex intensity modulated radiation therapy plans.  Studies using the prototype film imaging system showed that film imaging is orientation independent, and that good agreement is found using single channel dosimetry methods with the greyscale camera and red light illumination.  While further improvements to the light box are needed to effectively implement triple channel dosimetry methods and to make the system more practical for clinical use, this simple imaging technique shows good promise to simplify and improve on existing film dosimetry readout.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: A New Approach For Geocoding Postal Code-Based Data in Health Related Studies

contributor:
Chen, Dongmei
Geography

subject: Postal Codes, Geocoding,

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-02 10:32:40.026

abstract: Geocoding involves the conversion of textual addresses or names of places into digital coordinates. Health researchers often use geocoding for studying the spatial distribution of populations based on a certain health outcome.  To conduct any form of geocoding, health researchers generally require the use of address based data (e.g. street addresses) that are commonly obtained through survey questionnaires or hospital registries. Due to Canadian privacy and confidentiality laws, high precision addresses must be masked or aggregated to coarser geographies. In Canada, most health studies adopt the use of postal codes as they are widely available and accessible. Traditionally, postal codes are geocoded based on the Statistics Canada geocoding methodology that links postal codes to geographic representation points. However, this approach can lead to bias results in accessibility or spatial pattern analysis studies as postal codes (particularly those in rural areas) are at times displaced at far distances from actual residences. As a result, this research introduces a new postal code geocoding approach that can potentially improve upon the traditional approach by considering the land-use within postal code boundaries. Using two study areas (City of Kingston and the province of Ontario) the new and traditional approach were compared to determine which of the two better represents populations (based on residential location) at the postal code geography.  Results showed that the new approach significantly improved how populations are represented in rural areas, with minimal improvements for urban areas. The impact of the new approach was also examined using population accessibility to medical clinics in the City of Kingston. The level of impact was based on the amount of population that was misallocated (by the two approaches) to non-nearest medical clinics. No significant difference was found in results between the two approaches with the new approach misallocating approximately the same amount of population (at both urban and rural areas) as the traditional approach. A larger study area that incorporates a higher number of rural postal codes is suggested (where the new approach has a higher geocoding positional accuracy) for future research.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Clone Detection In Matlab Stateflow Models

contributor:
Alalfi, Manar H.
Dean, Thomas R.
Computing

subject:
State Machine
Model
Stateflow

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-02 10:54:09.268

abstract:
Matlab Simulink is one of the leading tools for model based software development in the automotive industry. One extension to Simulink is Stateflow, which allows the user to embed Statecharts as components in a Simulink Model. These state machines contain nested states, an action language that describes events, guards, conditions and actions and complex transitions. As Stateflow has become increasingly important in Simulink models for the automotive sector, we extend previous work on clone detection of Simulink models to Stateflow components.

In this thesis, we present an approach for identifying Stateflow clones in Matlab Stateflow  models. In order to leverage robust near-miss code clone technology, our approach is text-based. First, we transform the Stateflow textual representation into a hierarchical textual structure. We implement a SIMONE plugin that normalizes the initial input to remove irrelevant elements and rename irrelevant naming differences to make the process of clone identification more accurate. Finally,  we identify potential clone candidates and cluster them into classes.

We conducted experiments with our approach on the Matlab Simulink/Stateflow Demo set.  Our approach showed promising results on the identification of Stateflow clones as an isolated component as well as an integrated component of the Simulink models that are hosting them. All of our results are manually validated.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Experimental and Numerical Study of  Multi- Phase Flow in a Coaxial Air Jet

contributor:
Matovic, Miodrag
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Numerical Fluid Dynamics
Experimental Multiphase Fluid Dynamics

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-02 14:46:30.849

abstract:
The ultimate goal of this work was to optimize a polymer flame deposition process by developing an experimentally verified numerical model of it.  This process consisted of injecting a polymer powder into an air/propane flame where the powder was heated enough to soften it before it was projected on to a substrate to provide a protective coating.

 Intermediate goals towards the final goal were identified.  This thesis was based on four papers with each paper reporting the results of the work on an intermediate goal.

The first paper reported on work with the turbulent coaxial air jet created by shutting off the flow of propane and polymer particles to the torch head.  Experimental measurements of the flow field were compared to the results of numerical simulations using different Reynolds Average Navier Stokes (RANS) models.   The k-ε realizable model provided the best agreement with the axial velocity measurements, but all the RANS models predicted a recirculation zone immediately downstream of the central jet that did not exist.

The next paper described two phase flow created by the introduction of polymer particles into the air stream to the central air jet.  A sheet of laser light and high speed digital imaging were used to determine the particle velocities, which varied widely because the particle size and shapes varied widely.  The radial particle distribution was roughly Gaussian.

The third paper described the use of the large eddy simulation (LES) turbulence model in Fluent to try to improve the agreement between experiment and numerical results.  The LES results did not predict any recirculation zones, but agreement with experimental axial velocities was worse than with the RANS simulation results.  Overall, no numerical model’s results agreed with all experimental results within 10%, so their further development was abandoned.

The fourth paper described mixing when propane was replaced with air or CO2 and seeded with fine water/glycerine droplets.  These jets were rapidly but irregularly entrained in the coaxial air jet. Gas sampling showed this irregular entrainment was related to significant variations in the concentrations of CO2 off the jet centerline.  Introducing a particle stream had little effect on the CO2 concentrations.

abstract: PhD


title: Sedimentology and facies architecture of the tide-influenced, river-dominated delta-mouth bars in the lower Lajas Formation (Jurassic), Argentina

contributor: Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering

subject:
Sedimentology
Tide influence
River dominance
Delta
Mouth Bar
Lajas

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-03 10:58:14.967

abstract: The lower Lajas Formation (Jurassic), western Argentina, has been interpreted to represent a progradational tide-dominated deltaic succession with tidal dominance throughout complete base-level cycles. Two sequences have been identified in this study containing different suites of facies associations. Sequence 1 is composed of a river-dominated suite, with prodelta to distal delta front, river-dominated mouth bars, and terminal distributary channels. Sequence 2 is composed of both river-dominated and tide-influenced mouth bars, channels and interdistributary bays. Both sequences contain distinct event bedding (mainly in the mouth bars and interdistributary bays) that is expressed as alternating layers of finer and coarser sediment, representing interflood and river-flood layers, respectively. Variations exist in the character of event beds between river-dominated settings and tide-influenced settings. In river-dominated settings, almost no tidal indicators are found in flood or interflood layers. This is in contrast to tide-influenced settings, which contain tidal indicators such as bi-directional ripples and tidal rhythmites in interflood layers. Tidal indicators such as tidal rhythmites are rare in the flood layers. Many organic-matter drapes that were previously interpreted as tidal in origin lack a regular cyclicity and are inferred to have been deposited through fluvial processes with no tidal influence. The event beds are interpreted to have been formed on an annual cycle, rather than by individual storms, due to commonalities with modern seasonal bedding and the large size of the drainage basin. The recognition of heterolithic event beds provides another criterion for recognizing river influence and differentiating these from heterolithic tidal sediments. Because of the overwhelming presence of a seasonal signature, the Lajas is re-interpreted to be overall river-dominated, with tide-influence found mainly in Sequence 2. The extensive exposure of the river-dominated mouth bars in Sequence 1 allowed for the architecture to be described in detail. A compensational architecture was recognized between individual bars and was delineated by slight changes in dip direction. Individual bars are comparable in size to the modern Wax Lake delta and the ancient Ferron Sandstone. Mouth bars amalgamate to form mouth-bar complexes, within which slight changes in relative sea-level can be deciphered.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Preparation and characterization of biopolymer compounds containing poly-3-hydroxyalkanoates and polylactic acid

contributor:
Kontopoulou, Marianna
Ramsay, Juliana A.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Polyhydroxyalkanoate
Biopolymer
Polylactic acid
Chain extension
coagents
Biopolymer

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-03 11:43:42.616

abstract: This thesis is focused on developing cost effective and environmentally friendly techniques to improve the properties and processability of biopolyesters through compounding and reactive modification. Specifically, elastomeric medium-chain-length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) (MCL PHA) have been evaluated as potential impact modifiers for poly(lactic acid)  (PLA) and poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), using conventional melt compounding. The Mark-Houwink constants, absolute molecular weight distributions and the absolute molecular weight (MW) averages of MCL PHAs with predominantly 3-hydroxyoctanoate (PHO), 3-hydroxynonanoate (PHN) or 3-hydroxydodecanoate (PHDD) content were determined and ranged between 18,200 for PHN to 172,000 Da for PHO. Detailed thermal and rheological characterization revealed that PHO had the highest viscosity, and was thus the best candidate as impact modifier for PHB and PLA. Melt compounded PHB/PHO and PLA/PHO blends showed improved tensile strain at break and unnotched impact strength upon addition of up to 30 wt.% PHO in PHB and 15 wt.% PHO in PLA. This was counteracted by decreased Young’s modulus due to lower blend crystallinity.  The droplet-matrix morphology coarsened as PHO content increased beyond 5 wt.%, due to PHO coalescence attributed to viscosity mismatch between blend components. PHO was reacted using lauroyl peroxide to increase its viscosity through partial cross-linking, thus improving the morphology but the mechanical properties showed only moderate improvements, presumably due to high PHO gel content which compromised its elastomeric nature. Reactive compounding by radical mediated solvent-free grafting of triallyl trimesate (TAM) coagent was employed to improve blend properties. Reactively modified PLA had higher molar mass, melt viscosity and enhanced strain hardening.  Additionally it showed a distinct crystallization peak upon cooling with disappearance of the cold crystallization peak, indicative of a nucleation effect. PLA modified using a multi-functional epoxide oligomeric chain extender yielded similar improvements in rheological properties, but no considerable change in crystallization. This coagent modification approach also increased the viscosity of PHO, and improved both extrudate appearance and handling. Coagent modified PLA/PHO blends demonstrated significant improvement in crystallization and rheological properties, similar to those seen in the coagent modified PLA alone, while the mechanical properties remained unaffected.

abstract: PhD


title: A Trauma of Two Mothers: How to Make Art With Marshamllow

contributor:
Tolmie, Jane
Cultural Studies

subject:
Life Writing
Affect
Performance
Mothering
Mother Blaming
Lesbian Co-mothering
Comics
Trauma Memory

abstract: Thesis (Master, Cultural Studies) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-04 22:07:35.693

abstract: Beginning with Adrienne Rich’s work Of Woman Born (1986), writing about maternal theory and the experience of motherhood abounds (Joyce Trebilcot 1984; Andrea O’Reilly 2007), and there is a growing canon of theory about mother blaming (Molly Ladd-Taylor and Laurie Umansky 1998; Paula J Caplan 2000; O’Reilly 2006.) Comics’ literature provides a different approach to maternal studies. A history of female comics’ heroes acknowledges their maternal values in the way they rule their worlds (Mike Madrid 2009.) 1960s film goddess Elasti-girl may grow fifty feet and, equal to any man, catch a missile in one hand; but Alison Bechdel’s headstrong cast of queers (2000) will explode the missile and Elasti-girl safely, to save the world from patriarchy’s super heroes. The contemporary heroes I am most interested in are lesbian mothers. Theory about lesbian motherhood exists, but explicit maternal experience in comics remains uncommon – except as incidental to several characters in Bechdel’s cast – and a comic dealing specifically with lesbian mothering of daughters and mother blaming, does not exist. Concurrent with maternal theory and comics’ creation, women’s life-writing is also a growing trend. Hélène Cixous (2007) talks at the intersection of life experience, the body and language, about writing from and about her life. She uses metaphor to make complex reflections accessible to readers, and metaphor operates similarly in comics and in trauma memory. Grounded in Cathy Caruth’s (1996) theories of trauma, narrative and history, and Giles Deleuze’s theories of affect (1997) my thesis explores artistic form, specifically comics, as vehicle for rendering metaphor, traumatic memory and affect visible. At the intersection of theory and life practice, it seeks to examine mother blaming as a phenomenon that changes with the times in its insidious need to see mothers as the single driver of influences impacting their children’s behavior and life function, and to make the personal political through the collision of worlds that disrupt the hegemony of mothers as institutions, with theories that attempt to explain them.

abstract: My thesis contains original comics that I am attempting to have published. I would like to restrict publication of the thesis until I have explored my options.

abstract: M.A.


title: Moldable Focus and Context Displays

contributor:
Vertegaal, Roel
Computing

subject:
Graphic User Interface
Flexible Displays
Deformable Displays
User Interface
Adaptive User Interfaces
Experience Design
Human Computer Interaction

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-04 15:54:34.834

abstract: Moldables is a thin, flexible shape-changing screen that retains shape when deformed and adapts the Graphical User Interface (GUI) layout to particular shapes. We extracted the 14 most popular shapes for a Moldable from a participatory study using an early prototype. In a second study, participants chose the appropriateness of four different user interface elements - thumbnails, focus item, menu, and toolbar - for shape regions in both landscape and portrait orientations. A factor analysis on participant preferences revealed two principal factors that influenced the popularity of each UI element in each shape: the size of the shape region and its location on the screen. The results of the factor analysis were used to develop an algorithm that updates the display automatically whenever the shape is changed. We compared the algorithm’s output with the mean participant preferences from our study to confirm our factor analysis. We found that, when deformed, the device updated the GUI with the preferred layout 79% of the time.

abstract: This thesis is restricted, upon the request of my supervisor, Dr. Roel Vertegaal.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Sensitization of Lanthanide Ions by Triarylboron Functionalized B-Diketones

contributor:
Wang, Suning
Chemistry

subject:
Inorganic Chemistry
Luminescent
Sensors
Lanthanides

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-05 10:38:21.498

abstract:
This work concerns the development of two classes of triarylboron functionalized β-diketone ligands. In the first class, the boron unit is conjugated with a phenyl linker and the diketone backbone. In the second class, the boron unit, the aryl linker, and the diketone backbone are non-conjugated with a mutual orthogonal arrangement. To understand the impact of the location of the triarylboron unit on the electronic and photophysical properties of the β-diketone ligands, difluoroboron chelate complexes were synthesized and characterized. The complexes were studied computationally to determine the singlet and triplet transitions, along with their major contributing orbitals. They were then studied for their photophysical properties. The first class of ligands displayed a concentration dependent excimer emission. Finally, they were studied for their ability to sense fluoride and the binding constants of the fluoride-boron interaction were estimated.
The four ligands were also investigated for their use in selective sensitization of Tb(III) and Eu(III). The four Ln(III) complexes were characterized and their photophysical properties were investigated. The first class of ligands were found to be effective in activating Eu(III) emission while the second class is effective in activating Tb(III) emission. The Eu(III) complexes were found to have a low quantum efficiency, but can it can be greatly enhanced by the addition of fluoride ions. In contrast, the Tb(III) complexes have moderate quantum efficiencies that are quenched upon the addition of fluoride. The selective sensitization of Eu(III) and Tb(III) and the luminescent response towards fluoride is caused by the distinct intra-ligand charge transfer transitions of the two classes of ligands and the triarylboron unit.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Relationship Status Disclosure: Associated Correlates and Behaviours

contributor:
MacDonald, Tara K.
Psychology

subject:
relationship
singles
romantic relationships
disclosure

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-05 11:06:43.589

abstract: The present research introduces the construct of Relationship Status Disclosure, an individual difference variable that assesses the extent to which people are willing to disclose and discuss their relationship status with other people.  In Studies 1A and 1B I developed and validated the Relationship Status Disclosure Index.  In Study Two I examined whether Relationship Status Disclosure could predict how often a sample of dating participants mentioned their romantic partners during an instant messaging “Getting to Know You” task (Linardatos & Lydon, 2011).  In Study Three I examined the predictive validity of Relationship Status Disclosure for single and dating participants’ behaviour on Facebook.  Across these studies, I found that Relationship Status Disclosure is a construct that was reliably measured, and demonstrated convergent validity with general self-disclosure and divergent validity with relationship satisfaction and commitment.  Relationship Status Disclosure also predicted the frequency of partner mentions (Study Two) and differentially predicted the content of Facebook status updates, posts, and photos, for single and dating samples (Study Three).  Taken together, the present research suggests that Relationship Status Disclosure is a promising new construct for understanding how individuals navigate their relationship status within a broader social context and future directions for research are discussed.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: A Biopsychosocial Approach to Persistent Postpartum Pain and Postpartum Sexual Function

contributor:
Pukall, Caroline F.
Psychology

subject:
Sexual Function
Postpartum
Pain

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-05 15:51:58.515

abstract:
Recently, there has been a push for a maternal-focused model of postpartum care; however, this model of care tends to focus on postpartum depression. Two issues that are related to postpartum depression but may go unaddressed by health-care professionals are persistent postpartum pain (PPP) and postpartum sexual function. Traditionally, these issues have been investigated using a biomedical approach. With a biomedical approach, PPP is attributed to tissue damage during childbirth, and sexual problems emerge due to an overemphasis placed on the (heteronormative) functionality of the genitals. However, the biomedical model provides insufficient explanations for PPP and postpartum sexual function. Therefore, the primary goal of the current studies was to apply a multidimensional framework to the study of PPP and postpartum sexual function using comprehensive conceptualizations of “pain” and “sexual function”. A secondary goal was to elucidate the relationships among postpartum depression, PPP, and sexual function by investigating the role of potential mediating variables.
Women within one year postpartum completed an online survey. In Study 1, pain characteristics of PPP (pain persisting for two months or more) were described. Women with PPP were compared to women whose pain resolved within two months postpartum on birth-related physical and psychosocial factors. The results of Study 1 indicated that PPP is pervasive in nature and more common after a Caesarean section. Somatization (functional impairment) was the only biopsychosocial factor to significantly predict PPP, and it mediated the relationship between depressive symptoms and PPP. Study 2 examined the role of birth-related physical, psychological, and relationship variables on several facets of postpartum sexual function. In this study, fatigue and relationship satisfaction predicted sexual function as well as independently mediated the relationship between depressive symptoms and postpartum sexual function.
The results of the current studies indicate that PPP and postpartum sexual function are best addressed using a multidimensional approach, which goes well beyond the biomedical model that is so commonly used in the current literature. Furthermore, the results of these studies have significant implications for health-care providers with respect to what information should be integrated into pre- and postpartum health-care.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Beyond Custom: A Pragmatic Model for Moral Education

contributor:
Christou, Theodore
Fairfield, Paul
Education

subject:
Moral Education
Philosophy of Education

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-05 18:12:35.204

abstract: This thesis concerns the present model of moral education in Ontario public schools: Finding Common Ground: Character Development in Ontario Schools, K-12. I argue that Finding Common Ground makes use of an impoverished form of virtue ethics in the construction of its model of moral education, and tacitly encourages assimilation and obedience rather than authentic moral becoming; it is a re-articulation of customary morality. To encourage authentic moral becoming, I propose a pragmatic, Deweyan model for moral education. This model is rooted in developing the capacities that encourage moral agency: imagination, reflection, and deliberation

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Structural Insights Into the High Microtubule Binding Affinity of KIF14: a Mitotic Kinesin Known to Play a Key Role in Cytokinesis

contributor:
Allingham, John
Biochemistry

subject:
Microtubules
Crystal Structure
KIF14
Kinesin

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biochemistry) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-15 13:32:44.316

abstract: Kinesins use ATP hydrolysis-derived energy to power transport of cellular materials along microtubules and to regulate microtubule organization in eukaryotes. This enables them to serve various cellular functions including organelle and vesicle trafficking, chromosome segregation, and cellular morphogenesis. Association with these roles depends on the structural and mechanochemical properties of the specific kinesin, which can vary widely as the kinesin superfamily is large and structurally diverse compared to other cytoskeletal motors. The mitotic kinesin, KIF14, is an intriguing example of this diversity. It is essential for cytokinesis, and has been implicated in cerebral development and a variety of human cancers. It has unusual biochemical properties in comparison to other kinesins, including extremely tight microtubule binding, insensitivity of this affinity to the identity of the nucleotide bound in its active site, and very slow motility. Upstream of the motor domain is an unusually long N-terminal region that bears no homology to any other protein, yet is important for KIF14 localization to the central spindle and midbody during late anaphase and cytokinesis, respectively. Recent observations of this domain binding and bundling actin have not been previously demonstrated for a kinesin. Using X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy, a better understanding of the basis for these properties, as well as novel activities, is provided here. The crystal structure of the ADP-bound form of the mouse KIF14 motor domain reveals a dramatically opened ATP-binding pocket, as if ready to exchange its bound ADP for Mg·ATP, as well as a much larger twist in the central β-sheet than in other kinesins. This configuration has only been seen in the nucleotide-free states of myosins – known as the ‘rigor’ state – and has never been captured for a kinesin in solution. Moreover, cryo-electron microscopy indicates a distinct binding configuration of the motor domain to microtubules, possibly explaining its high microtubule affinity. Intriguingly, the KIF14 N-terminal extension also binds microtubules, and together with the motor domain, is capable of bundling microtubules. We postulate that these properties of KIF14 relate directly to its unique biochemical activity, and are functionally important for forming and stabilizing midbody microtubules during cytokinesis.

abstract: Some of the data displayed in this thesis is currently unpublished and is partly the property of the co-authors.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: "Ne canstu me noght knowe?":  Disguise, Exile and Medieval Romance

contributor:
Pappano, Margaret
English

subject:
Exile
English Literature
Old Norse Literature
Medieval Literature
Disguise

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, English) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-11 18:10:46.163

abstract:
I believe that disguise reveals that medieval identities were fluid and unfixed, but also subject to patriarchal and authoritarian attempts to stabilize them. In these romance traditions, disguise exposes at once the fluidity of identity and the anxiety surrounding this fluidity.
	I argue that Le Roman de Horne, King Horn, L’ai de Haveloc and Havelok the Dane are conservative reactions to the radical potential of disguise. This impression is much less obvious in the Middle English King Horn, however. With that romance’s famously sparse narration, Horn needs to define his identity through his disguise, leading to a plot structure where his final noble identity is built on (rather than created in contrast with) the lower-class identities that he adopts throughout the romance.
The second chapter focuses on the episode from the Tristan romances where Tristan disguises himself as a leper in order to create a conceivable story for Isolde to tell when she is brought to trial for adultery. Tristan and Isolde manipulate Mark and deceive him in order to keep their affair a secret, but in doing so, they also bolster his rule by keeping scandal out of the court. It is only in the Old Norse versions of the tale that the Isolde character is able to carve out an identity free from the dominant order.
	My final chapter consists of the Middle English, Old French and Old Norse versions of the romance Bevis of Hampton. Josiane is described as white, yet she colours her face black to search for her husband in Saracen lands—at least, in the French version. The relationship between Josiane and Bevis parallels the imperialist crusading ethos: Josiane is “Other” enough to justify conquering her, and that Otherness is performed with her blackface disguise. At the same time, she is safe and “normal” enough to marry (as demonstrated by her whiteness) and to incorporate into the Christian world. The Middle English and Old Norse versions de-emphasize this racial aspect due to their diminished investment in the Crusades.

abstract: To improve the chances of publication of the thesis as a book in the near future. Publication of a book, in a respectable press, is absolutely crucial for an academic career in today's market.

abstract: PhD


title: Charge Density Waves and Electronic Nematicity in the Three Band Model of Cuprate Superconductors

subject:
high temperature superconductors
electronic nematicity
pseudogap
charge order

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-09 10:05:42.491

abstract:
Cuprate superconductors exhibit very high critical temperatures, $T_c$, compared to those in the conventional superconductors. The doping at which $T_c$ is maximized is called optimal doping. Below this level, in the underdoped region, cuprate superconductors exhibit not only high $T_c$ superconductivity, but also the celebrated pseudogap phase, a theory of which is still not established. In the pseudogap region cuprates exhibit incommensurate charge orders and  electronic nematicity, which are the focus of this thesis. Borrowed from the liquid crystal terminology, nematicity refers to the breaking of rotational symmetry in the electron degree of freedom where charge densities are re-arranged within the unit cell. The aim of this thesis is to establish the microscopic origin of charge orders in cuprates, and provide an explanation for some of the anomalous properties in the pseudogap region.

Established by experiments, electronic nematicity originates from the inequivalency of the two oxygen orbitals in the cuprate unit-cell. Using this hint, the instability towards nematic charge orders was studied in the three-band  model of cuprate superconductors, which explicitly takes into account the oxygen orbitals. Using the generalized random phase approximation, the nematic charge susceptibility was calculated, and it was found that the three-band model has nematic instabilities driven by the Coulomb repulsion between densities at oxygen orbitals. In the experimentally relevant doping range, the leading charge instability occurs as electronic nematicity with a modulation in space whose periodicity incommensurate with the underlying lattice. Such density modulations cause Fermi surface reconstructions, giving so-called Fermi arcs and small Fermi surface pockets. These findings, as well as the doping dependence of the modulation wavevector, are consistent with experiments.  There is some disagreement with experiments as well: the modulation wavevector points along the diagonal of the Brillouin zone as opposed to the zone axes, and its magnitude is about half of that measured experimentally.
Further improvement to the model is necessary to better match the experimental findings. A thorough understanding of electronic nematicity and its interplay with other phases is necessary to establish the theory of the pseudogap phase as well as  that of the cuprate high-temperature superconductivity.

abstract: PhD


title: Family Structure as a Predictor of Organized Sports Participation and Sedentary Screen Time in Canadian Youth

contributor:
Janssen, Ian
McIsaac, Michael
Community Health and Epidemiology

subject:
Organized Sport
Sedentary Behaviour
Family Structure
Screen Time
Canadian
Youth

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-09 11:32:10.826

abstract:
Background:
Canadian youth are increasingly likely to grow up in non-traditional families, such as single parent families, stepfamilies, and/or in the shared physical custody of their separated parents. Given that growing up in a non-traditional family is associated with many negative health outcomes, it is of interest to examine how family structure influences upstream health-related behaviours such as physical activity and sedentary behaviour.
Objectives:
The objectives of this thesis were to examine family structure as a predictor of organized sports participation and screen time (television-viewing, recreational computer use and video game use). A secondary objective was to assess socioeconomic status as a mediator in the relationship between family structure and organized sports participation.
Methods:
Data were obtained from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of Canadian youth in grades 6-10 (N=26 068). Participants’ family structures were classified as traditional, single parent, or reconstituted based on self-report of the number of parents and parents’ partners living in their primary home. Non-traditional families were further classified based on how often the youth reported visiting a second home. Average daily screen time and current organized sports participation were also assessed via self-report. Logistic regression and bootstrap-based mediation analysis were used to examine the associations of interest.
Results:
Youth from all single parent and reconstituted families had lower odds of sports participation (OR = 0.48 (95% CI: 0.38-0.61) to 0.78 (95% CI: 0.56-1.08)) compared to their traditional family counterparts, regardless of physical custody arrangements. The relationship was moderately-to-weakly mediated by socioeconomic status (ie: <20% change in effect estimate). Youth from single parent and reconstituted families did not have higher odds of spending more than 2 hours per day using a television, computer or video game device, or of being in the highest quartile of time spent in these behaviours.
Conclusions:
Youth living in single parent and reconstituted families experience significant disparities in organized sports participation that are partially mediated by their family’s socioeconomic status. Family structure is not, however, a significant predictor of excessive screen time.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: "Half-Gods Good Surgeons May Be Called": Surgery's Quest For Occupational Credit in England, 1590-1715

contributor:
Collins, Jeffrey
History

subject:
England
History of Surgery
17th Century
History of Medicine

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, History) -- Queen's University, 2014-09-09 14:16:26.41

abstract:
This study contributes to the scholarship on early modern medicine and the professions by examining English surgical practitioners, 1590-1715.  It explores the growth of surgery through the intersection of print culture and institutional history and delineates the manner in which surgical practitioners worked with, and within, their changing socio-cultural context to gain social and occupational credit.  Bringing together published treatises and manuscript sources such as practitioner casebooks, institutional records of the Company of Barbers and Surgeons and the Royal College of Physicians, it argues that surgical practitioners sought actively to create new social and occupational identities based on that of physicians.
The project reveals that surgical practitioners underwent a theoretical and experiential education that reflected an understanding of “surgery” beyond incision, extirpation, and suturing.  Practitioners took to print to present themselves as learned; they took advantage of the new emphasis on empirical ways of knowing and stressed that their knowledge acquisition – unlike that of physicians – was both theoretical and practical.  Print however, was also used to reify a largely negative view of surgeons and surgery.  Popular health treatises presented surgery as painful, invasive, and to be avoided at all costs while, in fiction, surgeons were ill-educated and merely aping the physician’s vocabulary and gentlemanly conduct.  The latter observation echoes mockingly surgeons’ self-creation in both print and institution.
As the seventeenth century progressed, the Company of Barbers and Surgeons acted increasingly to shape the occupational identity of surgeons as separate from barbers and more closely related to physicians.  The institution battled to be recognized as an organized body whose members were competent medical practitioners.  Individual practitioners sought to showcase their adherence to the new science as a method of knowledge creation and testing, seizing upon the Royal Society to further their aims.  Through both this institutional mechanism and informal patronage relationships, surgeons could ingratiate themselves with those who could provide both positions and patients.  Combined, these findings hold implications for the history of surgery and the occupation’s advancement – especially in terms of “horizontal honour” – during a period that lacked significant innovation in terms of technique or even improved quality of care.

abstract: Thesis is soon to be under contract with a university press.

abstract: PhD