title: Foliar nutrient resorption and litterfall production with stand age, overstory composition, and disturbance origin in boreal forests

contributor:
Chen, Han
Morris, Dave
Meyer, Lense

subject:
Betula papyrifera
Boreal forest
Logging
Nutrient resorption
Plant nutrition
Populus tremuloides
Productivity
Soil fertility
Stand development
Wildfire

abstract:
Nutrient resorption (NuR) prior to developmental senescence allows for nutrient conservation in plants, driven primarily by genetics, development stage, climate and soil fertility, and litterfall is the vector for the influx of nutrients to the soil. Despite their importance, changes in NuR and litterfall through stand development, under different overstory compositions, and following different disturbance scenarios in boreal forests are not fully understood. My
objectives were to examine the effects of time since stand-replacing fire, overstory composition and disturbance origin on leaf NuR efficiency (NuRE) and litterfall production in a boreal forest.
I used an age chronosequence with 7 to 209 years since fire to examine the effects of stand age and overstory composition (broadleaf or mixed with conifer) on the resorption efficiency of nitrogen (NRE), phosphorus (PRE) and potassium (KRE) in the leaves of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) and white birch (Betula papyrifera). I then compared NRE, PRE
and KRE between stands of three disturbance origins (fire alone, full-tree logging alone, or full- tree logging followed by fire) in 7-year-old Populus tremuloides in pure stands or mixed with
jack pine (Pinus banksiana). A similar age chronosequence was used to study the effects of stand
age and overstory composition (broadleaf, mixedwood, and conifer) on litterfall production. Within this chronosequence, I examined how litterfall production varies with disturbance origin (fire and logging) for 7, 15 and 33 years since disturbance.
In Populus tremuloides and Betula papyrifera, PRE and KRE decreased with increasing stand age. No overstory effects were found for Betula papyrifera, but PRE and KRE were lower in Populus tremuloides when mixed with conifer trees. Full-tree logging followed by fire
resulted in a marginally lower PRE in Populus tremuloides in mixedwood stands when compared with fire and full-tree logging alone. Total, foliar and other litterfall production increased to 33 years since fire then reached a steady rate. Total and foliar litterfall were higher in broadleaf stands than conifer and mixedwood stands. Arboreal epiphytic lichen fall was highest in the 209- year-old conifer stands and 146-year-old mixedwood stands. Total and foliar litterfall peaked in October, other litter peaked in June and October, and epiphyte fall reached its maximum in June. Litterfall production did not vary significantly between fire and logging origin.
The results of this study suggest that NuR in trees can be influenced by stand
development stage since fire and that species composition in the overstory can play an interactive role. This study also indicates that, although fire and logging can result in variable effects on the soil environment, NuR is mostly conserved shortly after disturbance. Although it has been shown that overall forest productivity declines with age, this study demonstrates that litterfall can be maintained over time in boreal forests, regardless of tree species composition, but that broadleaf stands produce more litterfall than conifer and mixedwood stands. Disturbance origin may not be a significant driver in litter production. The implications of this study can fit into a larger framework of research on productivity and nutrient flux in northern boreal environments.


title: Contextualizing an inventory for identifying critical incident exposure among Northwestern Ontario paramedics

contributor:
Sinden, Kathryn
Sanzo, Paolo
MacDermid, Joy

subject:
Critical incidence exposure
Paramedics (mental health)
Psychological injuries (paramedics)
Post-traumatic stress disorder

abstract:
As first responders, paramedics provide pre-hospital care to the public and
experience exposure to critical incidents. Critical incidents are events that produce strong
emotional reactions in emergency service personnel and may impact their usual coping process.
This exposure is thought to contribute to mental health disorders. When exploring paramedic’s
exposure to critical incidents, existing measures such as the Critical Incident History
Questionnaire (for law enforcement personnel) or the Critical Incident Inventory (for fire emergency workers) are often adapted for context to capture the occupational demands of
paramedicine. Northwestern Ontario paramedics serve an area that has higher crime rates
compared to the rest of Canada leading to the potential for greater exposure to critical incidents.
Northwestern Ontario is also reported to have reduced access to mental health support. The
purpose of this study was to contextualize the existing Critical Incident Inventory and EMS
Critical Incident Stress Inventory for paramedics working in Northwestern Ontario. [...]


title: Metal induced olfactory impairment in fish: gene expression, protection and recovery

subject:
Fishes
Sense of smell
Effect of metals
Genetics
Yellow perch (Perca flavescens)
Copper
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

abstract:
To play their ecological role in an ecosystem, a fully functioning olfactory system is vital
for fishes.  A fish's olfactory system is very sensitive to low concentrations of contaminants. A great deal of research has been conducted on the toxicity of metals on
the olfactory systems of fish. While tightly-controlled laboratory studies are necessary to
reveal the mechanism of toxicity, field-based studies using more realistic conditions are
also needed to produce more environmentally relevant data for regulatory needs. This
research has four main areas of focus: 1) to examine the effect of copper on gene
transcription in olfactory tissues of yellow perch (Perca flavescens); 2) to test if a
modified diet can protect olfaction against copper toxicity in rainbow trout
(Oncorhynchus mykiss); 3) to examine chemosensory-mediated behaviours and gene
transcription profiles in wild yellow perch from metal contaminated lakes; and 4) to
investigate the potential recovery of yellow perch with contaminant-induced
chemosensory function from metal contaminated lakes. We used gene transcription (a
recently developed custom made micro-array for yellow perch and real-time PCR),
neurophysiological testing (electro-olfactography (EOG)), and behavioural assays
(avoidance from alarm cues). In this research, yellow perch were exposed to elevated
concentrations of copper for 3 and 24 hours. While 3 hours of exposure did not
influence gene expression, 24-hour exposures to copper elicited a differential
expression of 71 genes. Of these 71 genes, differential expression of two subunits of
Na/K-ATPase was further explored using real-time PCR in a time-series study. To
investigate if increased dietary sodium can protect fish's olfaction against copperinduced olfactory impairment, rainbow trout were fed with diets having elevated concentrations of sodium ...  The data produced by this thesis significantly improves our knowledge regarding the protection against metal induced olfactory toxicity as well as the recovery potential for impaired olfaction in fish. These results could be used to draft ecologically-relevant regulations that will protect fish inhabiting sensitive fresh water ecosystems.


title: Physiological adaptations contributing to stress survival in the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni

contributor:
Schraft, Heidi
Khaper, Neelam

subject:
Campylobacter in food and water
Biofilms
Campylobacter jejuni
Viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state

abstract:
n spite of being considered fragile and fastidious, the zoonotic pathogen Campylobacter jejuni remains the leading cause of foodborne bacterial gastroenteritis in the developed world. Lacking many of the stress responses common to other enteric pathogens, C. jejuni employs the survival strategies, biofilm formation and entry into the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state, which have not been well characterized. Recent studies have indicated that these strategies are likely related at the molecular level.
The purpose of this thesis was threefold: 1) to characterize entry into the VBNC state for planktonic and biofilm cells of C. jejuni with starvation at 4°C; 2) to evaluate a novel PMAqPCR method to quantify viable cells (both culturable and viable but non-culturable) in planktonic and biofilm cells of C. jejuni during starvation at 4°C; and 3) to investigate changes in gene expression of selected genes involved in biofilm formation and entry into the VBNC state. The three strains C. jejuni NCTC 11168 V1, C. jejuni NCTC V26 and C. jejuni 16-2R were included in all studies to compare variation based on strains.
Cells were considered VBNC when there was no growth with enrichment, but cells scored as viable based on membrane integrity. Biofilm cells which became VBNC in some cases after 10 days of stress were found to enter the VBNC state earlier than planktonic cells by 10 to
50 days. Additionally, no significant reductions occurred in viable cell counts over the course of the experiments, confirming that the loss of culturability was not due to cell death (p<0.05).
To date, no methods have been used to quantify viable but non-culturable biofilm cells of C. jejuni. The novel method PMAqPCR which has been successful for the enumeration of planktonic C. jejuni as well as for biofilm cells of other species was validated for quantifying C. jejuni biofilm cells in late log phase (20 h) and once cells had entered the VBNC state.
The genes that affect both entry into a VBNC state and the ability to form biofilm in C. jejuni were upregulated during biofilm formation. Gene expression prior to stress treatment was 5 to 37 fold higher in biofilm cells than in their planktonic counterparts for all three strains (p<0.001). For the planktonic samples, only one of the 3 strains showed significant changes in gene expression during the transition to the VBNC state. In this case, all 4 target genes were significantly upregulated 4-6 fold just prior to cells becoming VBNC (p<0.05).
At present food and drinking water safety in Canada continues to be assessed primarily using culture-based methodology. As validated in this thesis, the ability to quantify both culturable and viable but non-culturable C. jejuni cells in both planktonic and biofilm forms will allow for improved evaluation of quality control methods in both research and industries where these pathogens are a concern. Also, the understanding of the interaction between biofilm formation and entry into the VBNC state at the molecular level described herein provides information which can be used to develop appropriate interventions and reduce the incidence of campylobacteriosis.


title: On the control methedologies of a novel active vibration isolator

subject:
Automatic control
Vibration control

abstract:
The work presented in this thesis is motivated by the need for new and effective methods to isolate vibrations in the rapidly growing technological sector, with particular interest in the control methodologies for active vibration isolation of a proposed isolator. The thesis consists of four major parts. The first part (chapter 2) focuses on the development of dynamic mathematical models for the isolator. The nonlinear force and stiffness models are linearized and a dynamic experimental characterization is conducted to properly identify the system parameters. The characterization also serves as a model validation process. The second part (chapter 3) investigates the ability of the active vibration isolator to perform with a phase compensation technique. This technique is realized by minimizing the 2nd norm of the displacement transmissibility. An automatic on/off tuning algorithm is devised to
take full advantage ofboth active and passive modes. Real-time experiments demonstrate the
efficacy of the technique. The experimental results also show that with the proposed control
scheme, the isolator is able to effectively suppress base excitations taking advantage ofboth
active and passive modes.


title: Core areas of habitat use : the influence of spatial scale of analysis on interpreting summer habitat selection by moose (Alces alces)

contributor:
Rodgers, Art
Lankester, Murray W.
Lee, Peter
Rempel, Rob

subject:
Moose Habitat Ontario, Northwestern
Habitat selection Ontario, Northwestern
Moose Summering Ontario, Northwestern

abstract:
I investigated summer habitat selection patterns within the home ranges of 60 GPS-collared
adult female moose (Alces alces) in northwestern Ontario. I developed a model that
identified the ‘summer’ period for moose and I suggest and test a new approach for
objectively delineating areas of intense use, or ‘core’ areas. Once summer and core areas
were established, I tested two competing hypotheses to identify differences in habitat
selected between the core areas and home range peripheries; (1) core areas represent
superior spatial configurations of habitats when compared to home range peripheries; and
(2) core areas are selected to contain a subset of ‘preferred’ forage species with higher
individual densities or a higher total density of all forage species than home range
peripheries. The study was conducted in 2 landscapes characterized by different
disturbance patterns created by different timber harvesting systems: modified “guidelines”
cut (MGC); and progressive, contiguous clear cut (PCC).
Moose move more and faster during the summer than the winter to exploit available forage.
I defined moose ‘summer’ as the period during the calendar year when an animal maintains
a rate of movement greater than the annual mean. Using a sub-sample (n=32) of animals
collared in 2000,1 determined 1 May 2000 as the median date for the ‘winter-summer’
transition (range: 2 April-24 May) and the median transition from ‘summer-winter’ was 25
August 2000 (range: 1 Aug-23 October).
Moose home ranges were designated using a 90% adaptive kernel. Within the home range,
moose devote a disproportionate amount of time to a fraction of the total area.


title: Strategies to prevent falls in the elderly: effect of a 10-week Taiji training program on proprioception, functional strength and mobility, and postural adaptation

contributor:
Taylor, Jane
Sanzo, Paolo
Zerpa, Carlos

subject: Risk factors associated with falls in the elderly

subject: Muscle strength in older adults

subject: Balance and mobility in the elderly

subject: Proprioception in older adults

subject: Taiji training program

abstract:
The impact of elderly falls on the Canadian health care system is widespread. Balance and motor coordination are commonly affected during the aging process due to declining proprioception (Ribeiro & Oliveira, 2007). In addition, there is slower walking speed and shorter stride length among fallers (Wolfson, Judge, Whipple, & King, 1995). Robinovitch et al. (2013) reported that 41% of falls in long term care homes were attributed to incorrect weight shifting. Considering the strong relationship between falls in the elderly and declining proprioception (Mion et al. 1989), the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 10-week Taiji training program on ankle proprioception, functional lower extremity strength and mobility and postural adaptation of older adults at risk of falls.
A sample of 32 older adults (M = 66.5, SD = 4.94) participated in this study. Sixteen participants were conveniently assigned to the Taiji group; practiced Taiji Quan
6-form twice weekly for 60 minutes for 10-weeks, and completed their weekly Taiji logbook. The remaining 16 participants in the control group; continued their regular activities except Taiji and completed their weekly logbook. All the participants completed pre and post assessments of postural control on an AMTI force platform, functional mobility on the Adapted Timed Up and Go Test (ATGUG), ankle joint proprioception i.e., perception of joint movement sensation, on a tilting platform, and functional strength of lower extremities on the Chair Stand test. A two by two mixed factorial ANOVA indicated significant changes with large effect size for proprioception (backward angle), lower extremity strength (repetitions), functional mobility (ATGUG 5
and ATGUG 4) and medium effect size for functional mobility (ATGUG 2). Changes in the proprioception variable suggest that Taiji may be a valuable alternative to traditional exercise programs. As Taiji exercises are beneficial in enhancing ankle joint backward movement perception and it also increases the efficacy of body movement by promoting protective effects against declining physical functions. Future studies should implement
randomized controlled design and a larger sample size.


title: The design, synthesis and enzymatic evaluation of aminocyclitol inhibitors of glucocerebrosidase

subject:
Glycosidases
Lysosomal storage diseases
Enzyme replacement therapy
Substrate reduction therapy
Enzyme enhancement therapy
Gaucher disease
Glucocerebrosidase

abstract:
Gaucher disease, the most common lysosomal storage disorder, is caused by mutations in the GBA gene which codes for the enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase) resulting in its deficiency. GCase deficiency results in the accumulation of its substrate glucosylceramide (GlcCer) within the lysosomes leading to various severities of hepatosplenomegaly, bone disease and neurodegeneration. For most forms of Gaucher disease, the mutations in the GBA gene cause the enzyme to misfold but retain catalytic activity. However, the misfolded mutant enzyme is recognized and degraded by the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway prior to delivery into the lysosome. Symptoms begin to show in patients when the function of the defective enzyme drops below 10-20% residual enzyme activity.
There are currently three therapeutic approaches to treat Gaucher disease: enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), substrate reduction therapy (SRT), and a relatively recent addition, enzyme enhancement therapy (EET) through the use of pharmacological chaperones. Many pharmacological chaperones are competitive inhibitors that are capable of enhancing lysosomal GCase activity by stabilizing the folded conformation of GCase enabling it to bypass the ERAD pathway. Once the mutant enzyme enters the lysosome, high levels of GlcCer can outcompete the competitive inhibitor binding to the enzyme, thus partially restoring the hydrolytic pathway.
For this thesis, a series of alkylated aminocyclitol derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated as competitive inhibitors of GCase with the intent of discovering specific and efficient pharmacological chaperones for Gaucher disease. Importantly, we have discovered that N,O-alklyated inosamines are potent inhibitors of GCase and therefore are lead compounds as a potential new EET for the treatment of Gaucher Disease.  Based on the potency of the alkylated inosamines as reversible inhibitors, we designed and synthesized several alkylated conduritol aziridine inhibitors to be used as mechanism-based inactivators of GCase. All three aziridine compounds synthesized were potent inhibitors of GCase with ki/Ki values ranging from 3.837 to 3674 mM-1min-1. For comparison purposes, our most potent inhibitor is 37 times more effective than the best published inhibitor of GCase. In addition, the alkylated aziridines were shown to be cell permeable and effective at inhibiting GCase inside of living HeLa cervical cancer cells, thus demonstrating their enormous potential as activity based probes, GCase labeling agents or potential molecular imaging agents for assessing ERT.


title: Interpreting the spatial distribution of lithic artifacts from the RLF Paleoindian site (DdJf-13), Thunder Bay Region, Northwestern Ontario

subject: Deglaciation and environmental development

subject: Paleoindian occupation in Northwestern Ontario

subject: RLF site (DdJf-13)

subject: Vegetation change within Northwestern Ontario

subject: Spatial analysis in archaeology

abstract:
This thesis explores the intra-site organization of Late Paleoindian, Lakehead
Complex populations at the RLF site (DdJf-13), located east of Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Situated upon a relic Lake Minong beach ridge, the RLF site
􀀀
s modest lithic composition
and simple depositional context offered an ideal scenario for interpreting the organization
of activities during a relatively brief occupational event.
The analysis and interpretation of the RLF site was conducted using a
combination of spatial analytical techniques and ethnoarchaeological/archaeological case
studies. This resulted in the identification and interpretation of eight distinct cluster subzones
situated within two larger zone areas.
The results of this thesis suggest that the RLF site represents a brief Late
Paleoindian occupation during which early stage biface production was conducted. Lithic
reduction took place in distinct flint knapping areas and was oriented towards the
production of transportable biface blanks. Additionally, the southern portion of the site
exhibited evidence of cutting/scraping activities, likely associated with either food
preparation or hide working. Further spatial patterning, in correlation with the results
from near surface geophysics (NSG), provided evidence for the possible presence of a
built structure and hearth focused lithic distribution in the northern portion of the site.
The RLF site analysis is a valuable case study for the application of intra-site
spatial analysis on Boreal forest sites, as well as those utilizing CRM derived data sets.
Furthermore, it provides a starting point from which future studies of Lakehead Complex
site organization and use can be compared.


title: Predicting brook trout distributions using the aquatic ecosystem classification for Ontario’s rivers and streams

subject: Brook trout

subject: Impacts of climate change on brook trout

subject: Spawning habitat

subject: Aquatic ecosystem

subject: Anthropogenic effects

abstract: Brook trout are a highly valued aquatic species that are sensitive to changes in their environment. Studies show that optimal brook trout habitats have declined due to anthropogenic effects like forest fragmentation, agricultural use, and road densities. Understanding the distribution of brook trout within streams will help managers and conservationists maintain population status. Several models have been used for predicting the occurrence of brook trout within streams based on specific brook trout needs and landscape impacts. The Aquatic Ecosystem Classification for Ontario’s Rivers and Streams was established in 2013 as a tool to classify all streams in Ontario into ecologically homologous units at several spatial scales. Both habitat and AEC class code requirements could be potential management tools in predicting the presence or absence of brook trout. Overall, the habitat variables examined did not show any utility in predicting brook trout presence or absence. The limited difference of presence and absence status within each AEC class codes proved that the AEC does not provide utility in predicting brook trout occurrence within classified streams.


title: Aspects of gallium geochemistry in upper mantle-derived lherzolite xenoliths and continental alkaline volcanic rocks

subject: Gallium Geochemistry

abstract:
Various aspects of the geochemistry o-f Ga in upper
mantle—derived garnet, Iherzolite xenoliths (from the
Bult-fontein Floors mine dump in Kimberley, South Africa),
spinel Iherzolite xenoliths (from Mount Porndon, Australia),
and continental alkaline volcanic rocks (from the Freemans
Cove, Balcones, Urach and Hegau suites of Canada, the U.S.A.,
and Germany, respectively) have been investigated. Ga
abundances were determined by RNAA. The feasibility of using
epithermal INAA to generate accurate Ga data was investigated.
Analysis of U.S.G.5. standard granite G—2 suggests
72
that epithermal INAA utilizing 630.1 KeV72Ga data has the
potential to produce geologically useful Ga data. (see document for full abstract)


title: The treating physicians experiences of the return to work process in Thunder Bay

contributor:
Soklaridis, Sophie
Cassidy, David
Wiersma, Elaine C.
Andersen, Joel

subject:
Occupational injuries
Physicians
WSIB
Treating physicians
Return to work (RTW)
Health care services

abstract:
This study explored the experiences of physicians who treat injured workers (treating physicians) and are responsible for providing information to employers and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) regarding an injured worker‟s ability to return to work (RTW) following a workplace injury. This study specifically examined the factors that these treating physicians perceived as influential within the RTW process.
Semistructured, face-to-face interviews were conducted during the early part of 2009 with nine general practitioners, four specialists (orthopaedic surgeons) and one physician with expertise in the field of disability management. Interviews were conducted with each treating physician individually in their clinical office. Interviews were recorded and professionally transcribed. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze the findings from these interviews.
The treating physicians identified several factors that I categorized into micro, meso, and macro level factors. At the micro level, the role of the treating physician and the treating physician‟s view of an injured worker‟s motivation to return to work and the perception of safe return-to-work emerged as important themes. At the meso level, communication as an overall theme with the frequency of communication, broken telephone syndrome, and facilitated return-to-work coordination as subthemes emerged. Further, at the macro level, the treating physicians revealed that the WSIB process, the social environment of the workplace, and the availability of health care services influenced their experiences with the RTW process and the medical management of the injured workers.
The treating physicians in this study described many challenges to medically managing injured workers following an occupational injury. Improvements were recommended in areas of physician remuneration, stakeholder collaboration, communication between parties, and facilitation of the RTW process. This study was the first of its kind to interview the treating physicians in a northern Ontario setting. Further research is needed to better understand the experiences of other stakeholders, including injured workers and other health care providers during the RTW process.


title: Invasive species along road segments and recommendations for remediation

subject:
Roadside soil
Invasive seed dispersal
Roadside management
Non-native plant species (remediation)

abstract: This literature review specifically looks at roads segments as facilitators for non-native invasive plant species. There are three types of roads presented throughout this paper; primary regionally paved roads; secondary local roads; and tertiary unpaved off-road segments. The goal is to review and recognize any predictable patterns of spread along these three types of roads, so that appropriate restoration efforts can be implemented. To review such a topic, several academic articles all containing a focus on invasive plant species along road corridors were gathered and organised into groups based on the type of road that was mentioned in the article. All the data covering species richness was organized into a table and analysed. Ultimately the results displayed that primary roads were the least successful at facilitating spread for invasive plant species and tertiary roads were most successful. Many variables like soil quality, temperature, traffic, etc. can provide explanation to why species richness is more abundant on tertiary roads than primary roads. Based on the compiled explanations from an array of literature, an appropriate conservation management technique such as leaving cuttings on site, cutting/ pulling invasive plants at a certain time as well as introducing wash stations on suitable site. This will encourage the reduction of unwanted invasion and ensure the efficiency of conservation practises.


title: Informal STEM Education for Underrepresented Racial Minorities: Students’ Perceptions of the Imhotep’s Legacy Academy After-school Programme

subject:
STEM education
after-school programs
minority students
Nova Scotia

abstract:
This study explores students' perceptions of the Imhotep's Legacy Academy After-School
Project (ILASP), an after-school STEM programme offered to Nova Scotian students of African descent. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed to understand students' beliefs about how the Imhotep's Legacy Academy (ILA) has impacted their views of STEM fields, their academic choices, and their career aspirations. First, data were collected in the quantitative phase of the study through online surveys and then a case study approach was used to collect data in the qualitative phase, which involved face-to-face interviews, and students' drawings. The findings indicated that the hands-on activities offered by the ILA reached a wide
array of learners and helped them to have positive STEM experiences, nurturing their desires to pursue STEM academics and STEM careers.


title: Heart rate variability as a biomarker for self-regulation : does resisting temptation for chocolate deplete the limited resource? / by Loretta Blanchette.

subject:
Chocolate Psychological aspects
Self-control
Temptation

abstract: "Experimental evidence supports the notion that lapses in behavioural self-regulation are a function of prior depletion of the self-regulatory resource (Baumeister, 2002). Resisting desirable foods such as chocolate can subsequently lead to increased food consumption. This constitutes the behavioural rebound effect as observed by Erskine (2008) through the use of a thought suppression technique. Using a relatively new psychophysiological measure, heart rate variability (HRV), Segerstrom and Solberg Nes (2007) discovered that expenditure of self-regulatory resource through instructions to eat carrots and resist chocolate led to subsequent decrements in HRV. The purpose of the present study was to partially replicate the work of Erskine (2008) to investigate whether active attempts to resist temptation induced through interaction with chocolate causes increases in consumption of chocolate when given the opportunity to eat ad libitum.


title: Spatial and attentional influences on nonverbal magnitude discrimination in depressed and non-depressed individuals / by Stewart A. Madon.

contributor:
Wesner, Michael
Tan, Josephine
Klein, Rupert

subject: Space perception

subject: Memory

subject: Attention

subject: Magnitude perception in depressed individuals

abstract:
Numbers have been called the universal language. Yet the psychophysical properties of numerosity remain elusive, particularly as they relate to clinical disorders such as depression. It is known that the estimation and discrimination of magnitude remain a culturally unbiased phenomenon that could be used to negate the error associated with the use of linguistic or
pictorial stimuli during assessments. Also, recent imaging studies have proposed that different processing streams are associated with the spatial perception of foreground and background image characteristics, with contextual binding of these two fields occurring in the right hippocampus. Using a novel three-dimensionally shadowed circularly concentric centersurround stimulus in which dot arrays were placed in either or both of the shadowed foreground and background fields, we hoped to ascertain whether depression can affect the performance on a magnitude estimation task. Changing dot arrays in either of the two fields across two time epochs, participants were required to accurately indicate which of the intervals had the greater number. In some blocks, a “red” coloured field was used to cue
which of the two fields contained the changing dots. The inclusion of cue conditions allowed for the measurement of potential hippocampal and attentional dysfunctions in depressed individuals. Six depressed and 34 control (nondepressed) participants were recruited from psychology classes at Lakehead University. Dependent variables used to assess performance
were Reaction Time (RT) and difference threshold (magnitude estimation accuracy). Our results showed that the depressed performed significantly worse than controls in overall accuracy, but that no RT differences were observed between the groups. Further, we noted some interesting increases in response latency relating to atypical vs. typical foreground/background arrangements. Finally, we found support for the theory that the dorsal visual stream can also process task-specific visual information typically associated with ventral visual pathway.

Study participants : Lakehead University Psychology students (Thunder Bay, Northwestern Ontario).


title: Coping and affect in performance by youth swimmers : an investigation of patterns of coping

subject:
Swimming Psychological aspects
Stress and sport

abstract:
The primary purpose of this study was to examine how young
swimmers cope with the stress of sport during competition.
Specifically, this study will examine if swimmers use a consistent
coping style over three different swim meets. The relationships
between cognitive appraisal of task importance and goal frustration
and coping will also be explored. Last, appraisal, coping self-reported
mood will be examined. Subjects will be young swimmers 10 - 16
years of age who were currently training and competing in Thunder
Bay Ontario, on the Thunderbolt swim club.


title: FEM based analysis of highpass birdcage resonators for B1 field mapping

contributor:
Christoffersen, Carlos
Curiel, Laura
Natarajan, Krishnamoorthy
Albert, Mitchell

subject:
electromagnetic analysis
RF birdcage resonators

abstract:
3D full wave finite element method (FEM) based electromagnetic (EM) analysis is a technique to map EM fields generated by electrical devices. To better understand and apply this technique to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radio frequency (RF) birdcage resonators, a vast number of 3D full wave EM simulations are required for validation and optimization of the B1 field generated by them since they have to be tuned to a particular Larmor frequency.
In the past RF birdcage resonators were constructed without doing any 3D full wave EM analysis and more emphasis was laid on tuning and matching the electrical circuits used to make these resonators. However modeling birdcage resonators in a 3D computer aided engineering (CAE) simulation environment is important to observe the resonance behavior and the B1 field distribution inside the birdcage resonator volume before its construction thus saving valuable resources.   In this work we have attempted to map B1 field distribution inside the full and half birdcage resonators tuned to Larmor frequency for proton nuclei at 3 Tesla with the help of FEM. FEM essentially converts the problem of solving Maxwell’s partial differential equations into solving a large system of linear equations. In this work we make use of the ANSYS high frequency structure simulator (HFSS) which is an FEM based frequency domain solver. The results of the full birdcage resonator are further compared with experimental outcomes. The phantoms used for experiments and simulation are both symmetric and non-symmetric ones.
It can be concluded that HFSS or similar FEM based EM simulator may be used to predict the B1 field inside loaded RF resonators to obtain information of the B1 field behavior. It is observed that B1 field distribution inside the birdcage resonator varies with different types of phantoms used to mimic small animals for MRI. B1 field maps and resonance results from simulation and experiment are presented. Finally this thesis concludes with areas of improvement and a road map for future work.


title: Thermodynamic studies of the sorption of ammonia on natural and modified chrysotile asbestos

subject: Asbestos Adsorption Ammonia

abstract:
The sorption of ammonia was studied at 273 and 298 K
on Californian and Quebec chrysotile heat-treated at 150,
300, 500 and 700 degrees C. Another ammonia sorption study involving
the two chrysotiles treated at 500 degrees C at isotherm temperatures
of 266, 273, 288, 298 and 308 K was carried out. The
variation of the calorimetric heats of adsorption with
surface coverage and adsorption/desorption isotherms were
determined. From these data experimental differential molar
entropies of adsorption were calculated.
The results indicated that the high heats of adsorption
observed initially may have been due to a weak chemisorption
reaction perhaps involving ammonium complex formation with
impurities on the chrysotile surface. Hydrogen bonding and
van der Waals forces could possibly have accounted for the
lower heats of adsorption observed at higher surface coverages
The present studies appeared to belong to an unusual
class of adsorption phenomena where the heat of adsorption
was less than the heat oT llquifactlon of the ammonia. This
was attributed to the two hypotheses of significant entropy
Involvement in the adsorption and capillary adsorption.
Minor studies of the adsorption/desorption of ammonia
on Californian chrysotile treated with sodium nitrate
and boiling water were also performed. Heats of adsorption
at all degrees of surface coverage were approximately three
times those in the other experiments. This was attributed
to the highly hydroxylated surface which may have facilitated
chemisorption.
A group of experiments were carried out to determine
the desorption efficiencies of the two chrysotiles. The
Quebec samples generally proved to desorb the ammonia more
efficiently.
All adsorbents were characterised by low-temperature
(77 K) nitrogen adsorption/desorption Isotherms from which
surface area and pore size distribution data were obtained.
Also, direct examination of the topographical and structural
features of the adsorbents was made by transmission
electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction.


title: Teacher preparedness for engaging in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention

subject:
Suicidal behavior (Youth)
Suicide (Prevention Study and teaching)
Children Suicidal behavior
Adolescent suicide

abstract:
Adolescent suicide has become more frequent over the past few decades, despite school-based suicide
prevention programs which have been in place since the 1970's. As youth suicide rates have increased,
so has the amount of literature regarding youth suicide increased. Many authors have suggested that
teachers play an important role in the prevention of youth suicide, yet very little seems to be known
about teachers’ preparedness for providing suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention1. This
study explores teachers’ perceptions of their preparedness for participating in school related suicide
prevention and intervention, as well as their preparedness for postvention with other students following
a suicide completion.


title: Environmental drivers of succession in jack pine-dominated stands of boreal Ontario

subject:
Taiga ecology (Ontario, Northern)
Forest ecology (Ontario, Northern)
Plant succession
Photo chronosequencing

abstract:
Spanning boreal Ontario, photo chronosequencing was used to observe change
through time in 178 stands comprised at least in part by jack pine (Pinus bansiana
Lamb.). Linked to growth and yield monitoring plot networks and a national climate
model, observed succession was associated to 17 environmental attributes specific to
geographic location, topography, soil conditions, and climate. Through the application
of two non-parametric analytical techniques: regression trees and survival analysis, three
fundamental ecological relationships to succession were identified. Deep sands were
found to be the most influential ecological driver of succession in jack pine-dominated
stands of boreal Ontario, followed by slope gradient and precipitation during the
growing season. Derived cumulative survival probability functions for each of these
variables offers tangible means by which forest forecast models in the region can be
empirically refined.


title: Challenges faced by young adult African students with Refugee Status in Ontario schools

contributor:
Agbo, Seth
Brady, Patrick

subject:
Academic cultures & expectations
African refugee students
Culturally relevant education
Developing & implementing curriculum
Language learning
Ontario secondary schools

abstract:
This qualitative study explores the common challenges faced by African young adult refugee students in regard to their academic achievement in Ontario secondary schools. It also considers, using the participants' ideas and narratives, how educators and school administrators can help students overcome these challenges. Guided by narrative design, interviews were conducted with three African individuals who entered Canada with refugee status and were placed in Ontario high schools. During the interviews, participants described their experiences, highlights, and challenges, as well as posed ideas for improvements at the secondary school level.
The research revealed five main themes: subsequent language learning, differing
academic cultures and expectations, culturally relevant education, support, and discrimination. In particular, subsequent language learning, differing academic cultures and expectations, and support were aspects which impacted participants' schooling experiences in significant ways. Discussions surrounding these five main themes also focused on the participants' perceived importance and need for peer mentors and a school-wide effort in supporting African young
adult refugee students.
This study supports educational research into the experiences of involuntary immigrant students, particularly African refugee students. By exploring the experiences of this cohort of refugees at the secondary school level, this study advocates the need for educators and school administrators to consider varying educational, cultural, linguistic, and racial backgrounds when developing and implementing curriculum and programming at the secondary school level.


title: Tides of change : place meanings in the Broughton Archipelago

contributor:
McIntyre, Norman
Koster, Rhonda
O'Connell, Tim

subject: Place (Philosophy)

subject: Human ecology British Columbia Broughton Archipelago

subject: Landscape assessment British Columbia Broughton Archipelago

abstract:
Rural Vancouver Island is in a state of transition from reliance on traditional
resource based industries such as commercial fisheries and forestry (Robinson &
Mazzoni, 2003) to a more diversified economy which includes tourism and aquaculture.
Long standing patterns of life become threatened in remote coastal communities like
Echo Bay and the greater Broughton Archipelago as traditional meanings of “places”
become “unmoored” in an increasingly globalized world (W illiams & McIntyre, 2003).
“Place” or “sense of place” are the perceived fusion of social history, community
identity, scenic beauty, family heritage and spiritual values that give meaning to a place
(Williams & Stewart, 1998). They are also the connection between social experiences
and geographic areas (Galliano & Loeffler, 1999) such as people and their ties to the
Broughton Archipelago.
Understanding the concepts of “place” can enable natural resource managers to
interpret more clearly the relationships people have to the land (Kruger, 2005).
However, inclusion of “place” in the dominantly technical milieu of planning often
poses interesting problems in appropriate and sensitive representation.
In this qualitive study, an interview technique derived from T obias’ (2000) map
biography was employed. By locating places on maps during the interview process, a
map-based interview enabled narrative data to spatially represent sense of place or
landscape meanings and values. When combined with phenomenological interviews that
sought the “essence” of “lived experience” of the Broughton Archipelago, map-based
interviews provided a perceptive and creative medium for the elicitation of landscape
values and sense of place. Voices from these interviews resound with images of
socioeconomic and environmental transformation.
Phenomenological literature such life histories, historical fiction and place histories
specific to the Broughton Archipelago were also employed to provide a historical
perspective of the area in order to ground it in the present. As the greater story of place
meanings in the Broughton Archipelago unfolds, salmon emerge as a symbol o f the
cultural landscape, ecology and economy of the Broughton Archipelago. Moreover the
salmon surface as a metaphor for traditional rural livelihoods and a way of life but also
for globalization and its processes. Such symbols become more important when
threatened and the consequences of the loss of salmon challenge the resiliency of a
complex social ecological system in the Broughton Archipelago. A call for adaptive
management emphasizes feedback from the environment and the state of the resource
through social and ecological memory over time to develop policy. Moreover, social
networks that inform each other from a wide range of local and international governance
create an overall adaptive governance system.


title: Forest soil characteristics and variability under teak (Tectona grandis Linn.F) plantations and natural forests in Ashanti Region, Ghana

subject: Teak Ghana Ashanti Region

subject: Forests and forestry Ghana Ashanti Region

subject: Forest soils Ghana Ashanti Region

abstract:
The variability of forest soil properties and the number of samples required to achieve
desired levels of precision for estimation of property means have received little attention in
the tropics. Highly variable forest soil properties require more intensive sampling and often
have less predictive value for site assessment purposes. The study also compared soils of
natural forests and areas converted to teak (Tectona grandis Linn. F) plantations (21.3 ± 5.1
years) in the Offinso and Juaso Forest Districts in the Ashanti region, Ghana.
Sites selected for this study were in the moist semi-deciduous forest zone and had nearly
identical physiographic characteristics. A simple random sampling procedure was used to
obtain soil samples at each site. In each of three natural forest stands and three teak
plantations, 16 soil pits were examined and soil samples from the 0-20 (major rooting
depth) and 20-40 cm depth were analysed for selected chemical and physical properties.
In the 0-20 cm depth, coefficients of variation varied from 8% (pH) to 72% (available P),
and in the 20-40 cm depth from 16% (pH) to 116% (available P) under teak plantations.
Similarly, in the 0-20 cm depth coefficients of variation varied from 11% (pH) to 40%
(exchangeable K) and in the 20-40 cm depth from 10% (bulk density) to 86% (available P)
under natural forests. Under both cover types, more samples were required to estimate
means at ±10% allowable error with a confidence level of 95% for chemical properties than
for physical properties.


title: Assessing the divide between humans and the natural world: effects of increased experience in natural areas

contributor:
Potter, Tom
Lemelin, Harvey

subject:
Nature of wildnerness
Nature deficit
Humans and nature
Environmental awareness

abstract:
There is speculation as to whether humans are able to comprehend, appreciate, and protect natural environments when they have received minimal or no exposure to such areas. There are many speculative explanations for this bifurcation between humans and nature; however, there is an absence of a solution to address the issue. Current research strongly emphasizes the health benefits of receiving more exposure to nature, especially since much of North America has witnessed a dramatic shift towards a more technologically driven culture that is heavily reliant on the urban environment.
This study investigates the declining connections between humans and the natural world, and the effect nature-based experience has on individual perspectives regarding stewardship and environmental awareness. Utilizing qualitative research methods, interviews were conducted with nine participants of three different Outward Bound Canada expeditions in order to determine whether a trip of one week or longer had influenced participants’ sense of stewardship and/or environmental connectivity.
Results demonstrate a positive correlation between participant exposures to isolated natural environments and an increased sense of environmental commitment or stewardship, especially with regard to forming connections with nature, willingness to participate in environmental-based volunteer initiatives, and mitigating fear of the outdoors.


title: The benefits of implementing tire pressure control systems (TPCS) in northwestern Ontario

format: application/pdf application/pdf

subject:
Central tire inflation
Forest road
Forest transportation
Tire pressure control system
Fuel savings

abstract:
Transporting raw forest products to processing facilities is one of the highest costs of overall
timber production. Many forestry contractors and log truck owners are looking for feasible
ways to minimize forest road transportation costs. This study proposes a practical solution to
reducing forest resource transportation costs by analyzing the costs and benefits of tire
pressure control systems (TPCS) in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Data from four log-hauling
contractors in the northwestern Ontario region was collected and used to compare the benefits
of implementing TPCS compared to trucks without TPCS. Various models provided by TPC
International, TIREBOSS Inc., and FPInnovations were used to compare the costs of log hauling
with and without TPCS implemented on log trucks. The findings in this study were compared,
summarized, and presented in this thesis. When implemented on log trucks, TPCS can
substantially benefit the log truck owner and contractor. The main benefits come in the form of
cost savings, specifically reduced tire costs, increased traction, reduced fuel consumption, and
increased truck utilization. TPCS also increases truck, trailer, and tire life while lowering the
income required by the truck owner to meet their costs and profit margin. Furthermore, the
results of this study imply that TPCS can reduce the costs of log-hauling and therefore reduce
forest transportation costs.


title: A comparison of the quality of farm and forest soils in the Emo-Rainy River District of Northwestern Ontario

subject:
Soil quality
Soil compaction
Farm fields
Old-growth forest
Hayfield and forest soil comparison

abstract: This thesis explores different aspects of the qualities of soils found in a farmer’s hayfield and nearby forested areas on the West side of Emo, Ontario. Soil qualities of a forest and hayfield sites with multiple plots will be examined, with a focus on pH, carbon, nitrogen and sulphur content (CNS), and soil compaction (bulk density). The main purpose of this study is to discover whether soil found in each area differ from each other due to changes in land use. In order to determine significant differences between the hayfield and forested area, a one-way ANOVA was completed so to determine any significant differences (a = 0.05) found within any of the measured factors between the forest and hayfield site. All the factors except pH appear to have a overall significant difference between the sites. The results found are further discussed and analyzed as to why there was such a difference between the two sites. The briefness of the length of this study, would not allow for a complete representation of the total effects of current and future changes in land use due to farming practices. In conclusion from the data collected and analysed farming practices such have caused significant differences in the quality of the soils. The importance of the study has been the continuation of a baseline dataset for the soils of forested and farmland areas in Northwestern Ontario, which can be used as a foundation for further studies with research into soil qualities.


title: Synthesis and applications of room temperature ionic liquids

subject: Synthetic applications of RTILs

subject: Asymmetric synthesis

subject: Asymmetric spiroacetal cyclization

subject: Truce-smiles rearrangement

subject: Electrodeposition/dissolution of nickel in RTIL

abstract:
A variety of room temperature ionic liquids have been synthesized and applied to various
reactions. Four of these ionic liquids were prepared in a chiral manner: [1-butyl-3-
methylimidazolium][L-lactate], [1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium][D-lactate], [1-butyl-3-
methylimidazolium][(1S)(+)-10-camphorsulfonate], and [1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium][(1R)(-)-10-
camphorsulfonate]. These chiral ionic liquids were used as solvents in asymmetric spiroacetal
cyclizations and Truce-Smiles rearrangements to induce chirality to the reactions.
Additionally, four other ionic liquids were synthesized for use in electrochemical
experiments: [1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium][BF4], [1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium][PF6], [1-butyl-3-
methylimidazolium][SCN] and [1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium][Tau]. These ionic liquids were used
as an additive during electrochemical nickel deposition and dissolution to improve the effect of
the Watts solution.


title: Interactive effects of soil temperature and resource availability on physiological and growth responses of white birch (Betula papyrifera) seedlings to atmospheric carbon dioxide elevation

contributor:
Dang, Qing-Lai
Chen, Han
Colombo, Stephen J.

subject:
Paper birch
Seedlings
Effect of atmospheric carbon dioxide on
Ecophysiology
Effect of temperature on
Growth
Taigas
Soil temperature
Physiological effect

abstract: Predicting the impacts of future high atmospheric CO2 concentration, [CO2], on the physiology and growth of boreal forests is complicated by interactions of CO2 with other environmental conditions. Two-factor CO2 x environment interactions on boreal tree species have been reported. This research was designed to determine how photosynthetic and growth responses of white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) to elevated [CO2] are influenced by multifactor interactions of other environmental factors.


title: Interfamily variation in wood quality of black spruce in a northwestern Ontario progeny trial

subject:
Black spruce
Wood density
Wood quality
Reforestation

abstract:
The right trees for replanting must be selected to ensure optimal future forest conditions.
Based on desired future outcomes, various progenies can be selected to suit these needs. In
Canada, black spruce (Picea mariana), plays a crucial role in the forest economy. This is due to
the large range the species covers as well as the variety of products produced from it, especially
pulp. It is hypothesized that various families differ significantly in wood quality. Top growing
families (designated with high breeding values) are believed to have the poorest wood quality
due to their rapid growth. This paper aims to test that hypothesis and examine the correlation
between breeding values and wood quality. Samples tested through models such as regressions
and ANOVA analysis concluded that there is low to none statistical significance between wood
quality and breeding value. However, this result could possibly be attributed to a low number of
samples, as well as lack of control for block effects.


title: Carbon dynamics of boreal mixedwoods in central Canada

contributor:
Chen, Han
Meyer, Lense
Wang, Jian

subject:
Carbon
Effect of fires on forest dynamics
Effect of logging on forest dynamics
Forest biomass
Carbon content
Taigas
Clearcutting
Environmental aspects

abstract: Large amount of carbon (C) stored in boreal forest ecosystems plays an important role in the global carbon cycle. Forest ecosystem C is stored in four major pools: live vegetation (above-and below ground), dead woody material (snags, down woody debris, and stumps), organic soil horizons (forest floor), and mineral soil. Carbon cycling among these pools is mainly determined by disturbance. A large portion of previously fire-driven ecosystems in boreal North American forest are now managed.


title: From alpinism to activism: outdoor athletes’ perspectives on ecological and climate learning through their sport

contributor:
Berger, Paul
Potter, Tom

subject:
Climate change education
Ecological literacy
Ecological consciousness
Environmental responsibility
Outdoor athletes
Climate activism
Sustainability education
Sustainability literacy
Outdoor and adventure education

abstract:
While climate change education has been studied extensively, the process of
environmental and climate learning outside of a structured educational context has seen
little study. Previous research has shown the efficacy of outdoor, experiential, and
place-based education in facilitating ecological literacy, ecological consciousness,
sustainable behaviours, and climate change awareness in school-based and public
education; however, little research has been conducted to understand the development
of this process outside of an educational context, nor in high-level outdoor athletes
whose hobbies and/or careers often demand that they spend considerable time in
nature. This exploratory qualitative study uses semi-structured interviews in a limited
athlete sample (n=7) to explore the perspectives of high-level outdoor athletes on the
influence of their involvement in outdoor sport on the development of their ecological
consciousness, ecological literacy, sustainable or responsible behaviours, and climate
activism. Findings suggest that connection to nature through sport may have a profound
influence, impacting how these athletes conceptualize the environment, climate change,
and their place in human-ecological systems, guiding their learning and actions. This
aligns with goals of environmental and sustainability education, climate change
education, and place-based education by providing insight into ways that outdoor sport
may provide opportunities to engage with nature in a meaningful, authentic, and
environmentally sustainable way while also enabling a deeper understanding of the
potential of outdoor sport to motivate individuals to climate action.


title: Evaluating consumer-grade sonar for documenting inundated archaeological sites in Northwestern Ontario

subject: Cultural history of the Thunder Bay region

subject: Hydroelectric dams

subject: Marine archaeology

subject: Underwater archaeology in Ontario

subject: Cost-effective marine archaeological investigations

abstract: This thesis assesses the application and effectiveness of consumer-grade sonar instruments for documenting inundated archaeological sites across Northwestern Ontario. Although the use of bathymetry and side scan sonar is commonly used by marine archaeologists, the acquisition of such data can be extremely costly, while also cumbersome in shallow water environments. Many Northwestern Ontario lakes and rivers have complicated histories involving both human-made and natural lake-level changes that have degraded and inundated shorelines containing archaeological resources. Four case studies throughout the Thunder Bay region were assessed using an inexpensive hull-mounted sonar system to test whether the instruments provide sufficient precision and resolution for further archaeological investigations.


title: Impacts of depression and its management on the survival of cancer patients with and without other chronic diseases

contributor:
Koné Péfoyo, Anna
Scharf, Deborah
Galway, Lindsay
Vafaei, Afshin

subject:
Depression (cancer patients)
Depression and cancer survival
Multimorbidity (cancer patients)
Antidepressant therapy
Comorbidity

abstract:
Objectives: The first part of this study aims to assess the impact of major depressive disorder
(MDD) on cancer survival and to determine whether the impact is modified by the number of
other comorbidities in a patient. The second part evaluates the impact of adequate antidepressant
refill (AAR) on the survival of older cancer patients with MDD.
Methods: The study used a retrospective cohort design and conducted a population-based study
on all adult cancer patients diagnosed in Ontario between 2003 and 2013. The cohort was
followed until 2018. Patients who had a hospital discharge diagnosis of MDD before or during
the study period were identified as having depression. For the second part of the study, data on a
subset of patients who were ≥ 65 years old at the time of cancer diagnosis and had MDD were
analysed. Fifteen chronic conditions were included for calculating the number of comorbidities
excluding MDD. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards regression.
Results: Among the 453,012 adults diagnosed with cancer, 2% had a hospital diagnosis of
MDD. Those who had MDD had a higher risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.58;
95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54-1.63) than those without MDD. In patients with MDD, those
with 0-1 comorbidities had 2.55 times (aHR 2.55; 95% CI 2.31-2.81), those with 2-3
comorbidities had 1.85 times (aHR 1.85; 95% CI 1.75-1.95), and those with ≥ 4 comorbidities
had 1.44 times (aHR 1.44; 95% CI 1.40-1.49) higher risk of death compared to patients without
MDD with similar levels of multimorbidity. There were 4,708 patients who were ≥ 65 years old
and had MDD. Among patients whose MDD was diagnosed after cancer (N=3,183 (67.6%)),
AAR was associated with a lower mortality risk (aHR 0.51; 95% CI 0.47-0.55).
Conclusion: Cancer patients without MDD survive longer than those with MDD. Older patients
with MDD diagnosed after cancer are likely to survive longer if they receive AAR.


title: Bottom-up and top-down forces shaping caribou forage availability on the Lake Superior coast

contributor:
McLaren, Brian
Rempel, Rob
Allen, Martha
Kingston, Steve

subject:
Woodland caribou
Forage
Michipicoten Island Provincial Park
Ontario
Overabundance
Overbrowsing
Lake Superior
Lichens
Pukaskwa National Park

abstract: Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus) occupying the Lake Superior Coastal distribution, Ontario, exist in three subpopulations with distinct ranges and demographics. In this study, three ranges are analyzed in terms of summer forage density from bites available to caribou at Pukaskwa National Park, on Michipicoten Island, and on the Slate islands in an attempt to identify whether bottom-up (plant habitat driven) or top-down (herbivore driven) effects are driving the density (g per m2) of 18 coarsely grouped and locally important forage taxa. Crude protein of the 18 taxa was also assessed as a measure of forage quality. Effects on forage density were explored with multiple models, notably sets of predictions comparing dominant overstory taxon, elevation, shrub density, and overstory cover (bottom-up factors), versus slope (accessibility to caribou) and occupation of areas of higher herbivore density on predator refuge islands (top-down factors) as estimators of forage density.


title: The influence of impression formation in the relationship between competition, goal orientation, and performance

subject:
Competition and performance
Achievement goal orientation
Trait competitiveness

abstract:
Competition/competitiveness is a universal construct characterized as an individual trait, a result
of a situation, and more recently, a cognitive and motivational factor. The purpose of the current
investigation was to replicate Murayama and Elliot’s (2012) competition and performance model
and extend the model by introducing Fiske’s stereotype content model (SCM) dimensions. One
hundred and fifty participants were recruited and participated in the study by completing a series
of online questionnaires and competing in an online anagram task against a series of competitors
that were designed to elicit stereotypes reflecting Fiske’s stereotype content model. Bivariate
correlations and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were executed to analyze the relationships
among the different variables. Early analyses demonstrated a partial replication of Murayama
and Elliot’s (2012) model. Subsequent analyses revealed Fiske’s SCM dimensions were
correlated with some elements of Murayama and Elliot’s (2012) competition and performance
model. Despite the overall model not being fully replicated or extended, results suggested that
Fiske’s SCM dimensions might further explain the competition-performance model depending
on opponent stereotype and trait competitiveness.


title: Sociological investigation of "The Simpsons" with respect to the institution of education

subject:
Television and children
Television Social aspects
Education Social aspects

abstract:
Operating from the premise that episodic television comedy The
Simpsons is perceived more as a living culture than as a symbolic
artifact, this thesis uses a qualitative approach to examine the
program's education system and compare it to those of contemporary
western industrialized nations with respect to intents, means and
outcomes. This is achieved by melding sociological theory and
substantive pedagogical studies to explore two interweaving
dualisms : organizational efficiency versus social variability and
a functionalist perspective compared with a critical viewpoint.
The data suggest that the consumeristic individualism of the
Simpsonian culture and the authoritarian mode of its education
system are antagonistic to its socialization role. The educational
bureaucracy does not fulfil its organizational mandate of service
and accountability to the maximal benefit of society. As well,
teachers do not fulfil their ethical responsibilities to students,
independent of administrative goals. The equitable treatment of
students is precluded by the existence of a hidden curriculum by
which students are tacitly judged by their congruence with and
acquiescence to the dominant cultural perspective.
Other than hope-inspiring indications that positive social
change is occurring though the actualization of feminist ideas in
the locus of the working class family, the data present a grim
portrayal of a traditionalist culture, one in which the education
system serves to rigidify class and gender relations into
preexisting socioeconomic categories.


title: Urban Mirror, Kabuki's reflection of Tokugawa social trends

subject: Kabuki Tokugawa

abstract:
The Tokugawa period (1615-1868) ushered in an era of unprecedented peace and unity
for Japan, a nation that had been engulfed by several hundred years of internal warfare. It
was during this unique period of time that the theatrical performance of kabuki
blossomed, and became a prominent feature of Japanese society. Although kabuki drew
its roots from Bunraku (puppet plays) and No, it differed from these two theatrical styles
as it was entertainment patronized primarily by the commoners of urban Japan. The
presence of large numbers of commoners is an aspect of kabuki that begins to shed light
on its cultural importance. At the present time, there are numerous studies dealing with
kabuki; however, kabuki theatre as a reflection of Tokugawa society has been relatively
neglected. This study will not attempt to refute the importance owed to social, economic
and political changes during the period of early modern Japan in the development of
kabuki. Instead, the intent of this work is to demonstrate how kabuki can be used as a
mirror through which to view certain trends of Tokugawa Japan.


title: Modelling groundwater flow and contaminant transport at a gold mine site in Northern Ontario

contributor:
Mohamedelhassan, Eltayeb
Kjartanson, Bruce

subject: Mining & ore processing

subject: Northern Ontario gold mine site

subject: Groundwater flow & contaminant transport modelling

subject: Mining regulations in Canada

subject: Gold minerals

subject: Gold mine tailings

subject: Mine tailings dams

subject: Environmental chemistry of cobalt & iron

subject: Fate & transport parameters

subject: Flux based site management principles

subject: Visual MODFLOW

subject: Remedial activities for releases from mine tailings

abstract:
The practices of mining and ore processing are used in many countries around the world to
extract and concentrate the valuable natural resources found within the rock bodies which
make up the earth’s crust. However, the solid waste disposal facilities which are used to store
the large volumes of waste rock and mine tailings that are produced during these processes can
pose a risk to the quality of down-gradient waters due to the slow leaching of various dissolved
elements and compounds. Groundwater flow and contaminant transport modelling is an
effective way of understanding and investigating a site where dissolved contaminants have
been detected in the groundwater.
The Northern Ontario gold mine site, which is the focus of this study, first began ore processing
in 1997. Since then, the groundwater and surface water bodies surrounding the site have been
continually monitored to detect any changes in water quality. Groundwater samples collected
adjacent to the mine’s tailings management area (TMA) have consistently detected dissolved
cobalt and iron at concentrations above the site’s self-appointed trigger level standards. In
2009 seven pumping wells, were installed in the contaminated area to restrict further spread of
the plumes by capturing the contaminated groundwater and recycling it back into the TMA.
A numerical groundwater flow (MODFLOW-2005) and contaminant transport (MT3DMS) model
has been created which accurately simulates the flow of groundwater through the site both
before and after the pumping well system was installed. The validated model was then used to
simulate the fate and transport of dissolved cobalt through the subsurface of the site, and to
perform a sensitivity analysis on the input parameters. The magnitude of the dispersion parameters and amount of sorption in the northern portion of the sand aquifer were
determined to have the greatest effect on the evolution of the cobalt plume.
An assessment of the pumping well system was performed which indicates the ability of the
pumping wells to capture the dissolved cobalt plume within five years of activation. The ability
of the pumping wells to continue to restrain the advancement of the cobalt plume was also
confirmed for a 15 year simulation period. Additional alternatives such as an intermittent
pumping schedule, a 50% reduction in pumping rates, and the decommissioning of four out of
the seven pumping wells were also confirmed to successfully restrain the cobalt plume
advancement for a 15 year simulation period. A preliminary investigation into the use of a
permeable reactive barrier (PRB) as an alternative to the pumping wells was also performed.
Two possible PRB locations were proposed, however the large width of the plume indicates
that a funnel and gate system should be investigated.


title: Word attributes predict the speed of translation from English to French : (Do they do so by facilitating first language processing?)

subject:
Language transfer (Language learning)
Memory transfer

abstract:
It has been found that some attributes of a word predict how easy
it will be to translate that word into a second language (Murray,
1986) . It is not clear whether these attributes are specific to
translation itself or reflect the ease of access to the lexicon
in the first language. The present study was designed to provide
a replication of Murray^s results as well as to determine whether
the word attributes that predict translation do so by
facilitating processing in the first language, or by facilitating
the production of a word in the second language. In a two phase
study, twenty-six bilinguals identified English words from
English non-words in a lexical decision task to provide a measure
of first language processing. In the second phase they translated
English words into French to replicate Murray (1986). The data
were analyzed in two parts. First, following Murray, an item
analysis which averaged response time over subjects was conducted
for translation and lexical decision. A multivariate regression
analysis of the scores revealed that word frequency was the best
predictor of both translation ease and lexical access; and that
number of synonyms, age of acquisition, and goodness correlated
highly with both processes; memorability, similarity, and
emotionality appear to be unique predictors of translation.
Second, a within subject comparison of translation time with
lexical decision times for words seen earlier in the experiment
revealed that lexical decision reaction time had a small but highly reliable correlation with translation time. There was no
pronounced effect of the lexical decision task on the speed of
translation.


title: Comparing the spatial pattern of fire and harvest disturbance in boreal Ontario watersheds

contributor:
Mackereth, Rob
Runesson, Ulf
Wang, Jian

subject:
Boreal forest
Watershed
Riparian
Hydrology
Stream environment
Spatial pattern of disturbance
Fire and harvest (forestry)

abstract:
Fire and harvest are both major sources of disturbance in Ontario’s boreal forest.
They are largely responsible for successional patterns in forest vegetation, and influence
regimes of hydrologic change in boreal streams, owing to the relationship between
watershed and riparian disturbance and conditions in the stream. These forests and their
streams have historically developed under the influence of fire disturbance. However,
increased harvest activity and fire suppression have significantly reduced the impact of fire
within Ontario’s managed boreal forest. The degree to which harvest activity in these
regions results in similar spatial patterns of disturbance within watersheds as fire is unclear.
Accordingly, the objectives of this study were to assess if harvest disturbance resulted in a
similar extent and landscape pattern of impact as fire, both within boreal watersheds and
their riparian forests.
In the study’s first chapter fire and harvest were compared within 30 km2 (±20%
area) watersheds in the study area. Harvest was the most common of the two, impacting
~30% of the study watersheds during any given period, whereas fire disturbed ~2% of
study watersheds. Stark differences were observed between the watershed impacts of the
two types. Fire disturbed a greater median percentage of watershed land areas and resulted
in a range of impacts, including 100% disturbance. Harvest conversely resulted in lower
disturbance percentages, occupying a subset of the variability measured in fire-disturbed
watersheds, typically below 20% disturbance. Other contrasts between the types include fire
resulting in fewer and more simply shaped patches than harvest, often occurring during a
single year of a period compared with multiple years in harvested watersheds.
In the study’s second chapter fire and harvest were compared within shoreline
riparian buffers, both 30 and 90 m in width around aquatic features. Harvest was the most
common for both buffer distances impacting 20% and 25% of the 30 and 90 m buffers
respectively, compared with ~1.5% impacted by fire. Fire disturbed a greater percentage of
both buffers and resulted in a range of impacts up to 100% buffer area disturbed. Harvest
on the other hand resulted in significantly lower disturbance extents, particularly within the
30 m buffer, and only occupied a small subset of the variability resulting from fire, typically
<10% area disturbed. Other differences in impact included, more numerous, smaller, and
more intricately shaped patches spread over multiple years in harvested buffers over fire.
Differences in the watershed chapter indicate that harvest does not provide for a
similar extent and landscape pattern of disturbance and as a result, does not likely result in
similar regimes of forest succession and stream flow change as fire. In the riparian chapter it
is clear that harvest does not provide similar impacts as fire, particularly with widespread
usage of reserve forested buffers in Ontario harvest practices. Accordingly harvest is likely
not providing for similar successional patterns as fire within riparian forests, and as a result
will not provide for flow and stream temperature changes that would naturally occur.


title: Cold flow improvement of biodiesel and investigation of the effect of biodiesel emulsification on diesel engine performance and emissions

subject:
Biodiesel advantages
Potential downsides of biodiesel
Biodiesel production
Diesel engine
Emulsion fuel preparation process

abstract: Increasing concerns over environmental issues and conventional resource depletion have heightened our motivation to use clean and alternative fuels. Biodiesel is simply derived from biomass proposed as an alternative fuel for diesel engines, which contributes to a reduction in carbon monoxide (CO), smoke intensity, and unburned hydrocarbon (HC). However, biodiesel has inferior cold flow properties and emits higher nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to conventional diesel. The present work aims at improving cold flow properties of biodiesel using the fractionation method combined with additives, and investigates their effects on a diesel engine’s regulated emissions and performance. In addition, emulsion fuels were found to reduce both NOx emission and smoke intensity. Experiments using urea, mixture of recovered urea and crystal, and crystal fractionation were conducted; the additives include ethanol, methanol, and diethyl ether (DEE). Results using two modern diesel engines (a light-duty and a heavy-duty) were investigated using various fuels. The heavy-duty engine was fueled with different fuel types and eight emulsion fuels at two idling conditions (1200 rpm and 1500 rpm). The light-duty engine was fueled with biodiesel blends, fractionated biodiesel blends, emulsified diesel-biodiesel, emulsified diesel-biodiesel ammonium hydroxides blends, and emulsified biodiesel at three different engine operating conditions. The conclusion was that a mixture of recovered urea and crystal fractionation provided higher production efficiency and acceptable cloud point. A significant reduction in NOx emission was obtained from emulsified fuels compared with their bases, and emulsion biodiesel with 2.5% water revealed results that were comparable to diesel in terms of NOx and CO emissions at all engine operating conditions.


title: Attitude control of a quadrotor UAV : experimental results

subject:
quadrotors
unmanned aerial vehicles

abstract:
The quadrotor is a type of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which is gaining popularity
over the past few years for its potential applications. Quadrotor UAVs are used, for instance,
for surveillance, search and rescue missions, monuments inspection, and aerial photography.

The crucial step towards a reliable application is the development of efficient attitude esti-
mation and control algorithms. The primary focus of this thesis consists in investigating

various attitude control techniques and their applications.
A nonlinear attitude estimator and a PD-like controller have been successfully implemented

on a Quadrotor UAV. However, the stability proof of the attitude observer/controller com-
bination is not obvious as the system is nonlinear. To solve this problem, an attitude

controller directly relying on inertial vector measurements and angular velocity has been
proposed. Some practical methods such as filtering and vector decoupling were developed
and discussed. Moreover, an inertial measurements based velocity-free attitude controller
has been designed.
Finally, real-time implementation has been conducted on a small-scale low-cost quadrotor
UAV. Experimental results have been carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed
controllers and some experimental problems and further approaches of the velocity-free
controller are discussed.


title: Adaptations of Euro-Canadian schools to Inuit culture in selected communities in Nunavut

subject:
Inuit Education Nunavut
Education Nunavut
Educational change Nunavut

abstract:
This study explores educators' current and desired 'adaptations' of Euro-Canadian
schools to Inuit culture, in five communities in one region of Nunavut Communities
ranged in size from 800 to 3500 residents, of which on average 90% are Inuit. Primary
data collection occurred in the five communities through taped interviews with 20
educators, as well as informal conversations with 8 educators, in April, 2000. All those
who volunteered to take part after hearing a description of the study, became participants.
1 of the 20 participants in the formal interviews, and 1 of the 8 in the conversations were
Inuit. All other participants were from Southern Canada.
This study creates a reference to current and desired 'adaptations' which can be used
by educators in Nunavut when considering change. Reported and desired 'adaptations'
are grouped into seven themes. Very few instances were reported where community input
was solicited, desired, or used in determining the direction of the schools, or where
schools explicitly taught Inuit values. Examples were given of attempts to incorporate
'Inuit curriculum' into schools, or the desire to do so, and many practices were
documented which are educators' attempts to interact with students 'like Inuit do'. As
well as adaptations toward Inuit culture, many changes were reported or desired which
are current Southern practices, teaching ESL practices, or practices designed to respond
to the effects on students of societal problems.


title: Community forestry in Canada: an overview of current affairs and potential for the future

subject:
Community forestry
Canadian community forestry
Local governance (forestry)

abstract:
This paper examines the current body of literature available covering the
topic of community forestry in Canada. Using a modified synthesis
literature review method articles covering the theoretical and practical
applications of community forestry in Canada are examined. The results
are conclusive about the state of community forestry in Canada, namely
that while it exists it faces serious problems in the attempt to become a
recognized practice. The lack of governmental support, community ability
and social and economic capital prove to be significant stumbling blocks
in the face of mainstream success. This paper finishes with suggestions for
a more effective community forestry process in Canada. It also includes a
critique and summary of current literature and suggestions for further
avenues of research.


title: Becoming one with nature: a nature intervention for individuals living with cancer participating in a ten-week group exercise and wellness program

contributor:
Newhouse, Ian
Gillis, Kelly-Jo
Larocque, Tracey
Smith, Leanne

subject: Nature-based therapy

subject: Psychological benefits of nature

subject: Physiological benefits of nature

subject: Nature relatedness, spiritually and nature

subject: Oncological care and nature

subject: Horticultural therapy (cancer patients)

abstract:
Intro/Background. Nature encompasses green or blue, earthy-textured environments comprised
of biological entities. Positive outcomes associated with psychological and physiological well-being have resulted from exposure to nature. However, there is limited evidence for nature-based
interventions and their effect on specific populations, such as individuals living with cancer.
Purpose of Study. The purpose of this mixed-method study was to determine if incorporating
the One Nature Challenge (ONC) into a ten-week group exercise program (WE-Can) for
individuals living with cancer can offer psychological and/or physiological benefits in addition to
those previously observed by WE-Can participants. Other research motives investigated seasonal
variation between experimental groups and nature-based health measures change over time.
Methods. For this study, two separate ONCs were implemented throughout two distinct seasons
(i.e. summer and winter). Previous graduates of WE-Can were formulated as a control group
(n=160; 59±11yrs). Psychological and physiological assessments for 18 participants (60±12yrs)
were evaluated throughout two WE-Can sessions. In addition, nature relatedness (NR; ie. the
relationship one has with nature) and spirituality were measured at the beginning, middle, and
end of WE-Can. Following five weeks, the ONC began and participants tracked the number of
days they experienced nature for a minimum of thirty-minutes (24±6 days), for a thirty-day
period. For each intervention, the ONC finished concurrently with the WE-Can so that post-evaluations and a focus group could be administered immediately following. Results. No
additional gain in overall improvement was found for both cancer-related psychological and
physiological health between groups. However, a significant difference did exist for aerobic
fitness and fatigue, indicating an additional improvement caused by ONC. This was supported by
frequent active pursuits engaged in throughout the ONC and conveyed restoration of the mind
due to a shift in perception while in nature. Spirituality significantly improved, while
controversially, NR did not improve over time. Conclusion. In conclusion, the lack of statistical
significance observed could be attributed to the small sample size and/or the high level of NR
portrayed prior to ONC, indicating participants were already ‘one with nature.’ Although this
exploratory study indicated nature to have a strong association with aerobic fitness, fatigue, and
spirituality further investigation on the cancer population is warranted.


title: Conceptualizing strengths: positive development and mental health correlates in emerging

subject: Mental health

subject: Psychosocial strengths

subject: Personal strengths and well-being

subject: Stress and well-being (undergraduate students)

abstract:
Research on individual strengths has historically been conducted with samples across the
lifespan. However, the conceptualization and operationalization of strengths has varied by study,
leaving gaps in the literature. In the present study, the character and psychosocial strengths
models were employed simultaneously to extend the psychosocial strengths approach into the
emerging adult undergraduate population. N=280 undergraduate students from Lakehead
University were recruited to complete measures of character strengths, psychosocial strengths,
retrospective strength development over time, well-being, anxiety, depression, stress, emotional
experience, and conduct problems. A number of hypotheses were tested to clarify the nature of
the relationships between these variables of interest and to establish construct validity for the
Strengths Assessment Inventory – Post Secondary (SAI-PS). The main findings were generally
consistent with the stated hypotheses and are used to frame psychosocial strengths within a
developmental model. Most notably, psychosocial strengths were significantly and positively
associated with well-being, though the respective negative associations found between
psychosocial strengths and depression and anxiety were no longer significant when accounting
for the variability due to stress. Emerging adulthood can be reconceptualized in light of the
positive associations between emotional character strengths and psychosocial strengths, as the
present findings were aligned with previously established theories of strengths in other life
stages. Psychometric properties of the SAI-PS were established in terms of convergent validity
with well-being and character strength measures, and discriminant validity with depression,
anxiety, and conduct problem measures. Implications of the results for future strength-based
interventions and research are discussed.


title: A classification study of rough sets generalization

contributor:
Yao, Yiyu
Wei, Ruizhong

subject:
Rough set theory
Algebraic studies

abstract:
In the development of rough set theory, many different interpretations and formulations
have been proposed and studied. One can classify the studies of rough
sets into algebraic and constructive approaches. While algebraic studies focus on
the axiomatization of rough set algebras, the constructive studies concern with the
construction of rough set algebras from other well known mathematical concepts and
structures. The constructive approaches are particularly useful in the real applications
of rough set theory. The main objective of this thesis to provide a systematic
review existing works on constructive approaches and to present some additional results.
Both constructive and algebraic approaches are first discussed with respect to
the classical rough set model. In particular, three equivalent constructive definitions
of rough set approximation operators are examined. They are the element based, the
equivalence class based, and the subsystem based definitions. Based on the element
based and subsystem based definitions, generalized rough set models are reviewed and
summarized. One can extend the element based definition by using any binary relations
instead of equivalence relations in the classical rough set model. Many classes
of rough set models can be established based on the properties of binary relations.
The subsystem based definition can be extended in the set-theoretical setting, which
leads to rough set models based on Pawlak approximation space, topological space,
and closure system. Finally, the connections between the algebraic studies, relation
based, and subsystem based formulations are established.


title: Tall oil production process and characterization

contributor:
Fatehi, Pedram
Liao, Baoqiang
Rakshit, Sudip

subject:
Pulp and paper products
Kraft pulp mills
Tall oil soap

abstract:
Existing kraft pulp mills have seen the necessity to branch out from traditional pulp and paper products to alternative value-added products such as bioenergy and biomaterials as a result of increasing competition in the forest products industry and the need for divergence from fossil fuels. Consequently, by-products from kraft pulp mills, including tall oil from extractives and modified lignin from black liquor, have seen a rise in valorization recently.
In this study, tall oil soap was received from a kraft pulp mill and transformed via acidification to crude tall oil. The reaction conditions of water content, reaction pH, reaction time, along with the application of settling additives were varied in order to determine optimized conditions. Optimized conditions without the use of settling additives were 100 wt.% H2O, pH of 2.5 – 3.0, reaction time of 20 min, and incorporated industrially accepted values of reaction temperature (90 – 100 °C) and settling time (2 h).
When employing settling additives, both anionic and cationic polymers were tested. The InfinityTM PS 3040 Pulp Processing Aid was an anionic polymer with the charge density -4.73 mmol/g and a molecular weight of 7.00 x 104 g/mol. When employed at a dry basis dosage of 0.0185 wt.% (0.05 wt.% wet basis), it produced crude tall oil with a 57.1 wt.% yield and an acid number of 142 mg KOH/g oil, based on the initial amount of raw soap added. These were increased compared to crude tall oil produced with no additive with a yield of 52.9 wt.% and acid number of 137 mg KOH/g oil. The second settling additive was xylan-AETAS-APS, a cationic xylan copolymer with a charge density of 3.81 mmol/g and molecular weight of 1.26 x 105 g/mol. The yield of crude tall oil was optimized with a dry dosage of 0.01109 wt.% (0.03 wt.% wet dosage), at 53.7 wt.%. A maximum acid number of 138 mg KOH/g oil was achieved with a dry dosage of 0.00729 wt.% (0.02 wt.% wet). Finally, an H-lignin copolymer, DMC-HL10, with a cationic charge density of 3.47 mmol/g and a preliminary molecular weight of approximately 32,000 g/mol was employed. With a dry dosage of 0.0037 wt.% (0.01 wt.% wet), a crude tall oil yield of 53.1 wt.% and acid number of 136 mg KOH/g oil were produced. Ultimately, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) analysis determined that no statistical optimal conditions were present.
The waste lignin from the tall oil production process was also characterized by charge density, solubility, CHNS, and molecular weight analysis, in order to determine if sulfonation with sulfuric acid during tall oil production had occurred. It was found that the anionic charge density increased from approximately 0 with unmodified kraft lignin to 0.2 – 0.4 mmol/g depending on the production process of tall oil. There was an increase in solubility from approximately 0 g/L to over nearly 2 g/L and an increase in sulfur content from as low as 0.23 wt.% to a maximum of 2.1 wt.%. Molecular weight of tall oil lignin was found to be approximately 1,700 g/mol, i.e. lower than those of unmodified kraft lignin (up to 25,000 g/mol) and lignosulfonates (up to 150,000 g/mol). Thus, it can be inferred that sulfonated kraft lignin may be produced from waste tall oil lignin, but further studies must be conducted before determining potential implementation in industrial processes such as dispersion and flocculation.


title: "Build it, they are already coming": railfan tourism in North America

contributor:
Koster, Rhonda
Lemelin, Harvey
McIntyre, Norm

subject:
Railfan
Railfan tourism
Trains

abstract: Across North America many rail enthusiasts are engaged in watching and photographing trains. Most often these aficionados go unnoticed, but increasingly small cities and towns are accommodating these "railfans". A review of the academic literature reveals that although there are many books, websites, and magazines dedicated to railfans, virtually no academic research has been conducted on who railfans are, what their economic impact is and how rural communities seek to exploit the niche market. The purpose of this research is to fill this void by examining the process and resulting economic impact of railfan tourism development.


title: Functional niche differentiation in co-occurring congeneric plants

subject: Niche differentiation

abstract: Niche differentiation is argued as one of the mechanisms explaining species coexistence. Despite their sessile nature, similar resource needs and traits to acquire and utilize resources closely related plant species coexist. I hypothesized that i) spatial distribution of congeneric species would be similar because they are closely related with similar traits and resource needs and ii) each species will perform different biological functions (growth vs. reproduction) optimally at different points along a resource gradient and thereby differentiate their functional niche to ensure coexistence by complementary resource use. I collected data on two congeneric wild blueberry species, Vaccinium angustifolium and V. myrtilloides on occurrence from 13,500 20 x 20 cm quadrates, their growth and reproductive response to light and microhabitat parameters from 360 1 x 1 m quadrates along 90 30 m transects from 5 regions of NW Ontario. I also grew these two species in a common garden experiment (CGE) under a shade gradient to test their response to light in competition-free environment. A chi-square test confirmed that V. angustifolium and V. myrtilloides are co-occurring species. Variance partitioning analysis revealed that light is the most important microsite variable. Frequency of occurrence showed their abundance gradually increase from low to high light with high niche overlaps. Regression model fitting of cover (indicating growth) and berry yield (indicating reproduction) along the light gradient provided species functional response curves. By rescaling the response curves I obtained comparable functional fitness/performance curves, which showed that for both species optimum performance for growth and reproduction peaked at different light levels in natural habitats and in CGE. But their niche overlaps between growth and reproduction functions were markedly lower in natural habitats than in CGE meaning that these congeneric species differentiate their niche preferences for growth and reproduction. Both species showed conspicuous shift of functional niche in natural habitats from the CGE. Higher growth of one species was often corresponded with lower growth of the other suggesting a complimentary use of finite growing space. These results suggest that neighbouring plants may reduce their competitive stress by adjusting their biological functions through functional niche differentiation. To my knowledge this is the first study providing clear quantitative evidence of functional niche differentiation in two closely related coexisting plants. One of the mechanisms by which clonal understory woody plants avoid competition for light is through differentiating ‘physical space niches’ by foraging small resource patches by clonal extension. The results of my study reveal another mechanism of species co-existence, which has evolutionary significance. I show how two congeneric clonal species occupying the same physical niche space can avoid competition by differentiating their functional niche. Further discovery of functional niche differentiation in multiple coexisting species along multiple resource gradients (such as soil nutrients, soil moisture) will make a significant contribution to refining community assembly rules.