title: Measures of Motivation and Engagement in Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation: Psychometric Properties and Theoretical Perspectives

contributor:
Harris, Jocelyn E.
Rehabilitation Science

subject:
acquired brain injury
measurement
motivation
engagement

abstract: Individuals with and acquired brain injury (ABI) often experience low motivation to engage in rehabilitation. However, measures of motivation and engagement in ABI populations are scarce. Currently, four such measures exist: the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust Motivation Questionnaire-Self (BMQ-S), the Motivation for Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Questionnaire (MOT-Q), the BMQ-Relative (BMQ-R), and the Rehabilitation Therapy Engagement Scale (RTES), but are without sufficient psychometric investigations and lack a theoretical framework. The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the BMQ-S, MOT-Q, BMQ-R, and RTES in adults with an ABI, and to discuss how motivation theory can inform assessment of motivation in ABI. Thirty-nine adult ABI participants and 20 clinicians were recruited from an ABI rehabilitation program. Patient participants completed the BMQ-S, the MOT-Q, and self-rated measures of insight, apathy, depression, and anxiety. Clinician participants completed the BMQ-R, the RTES, and clinician-rated measures of insight and apathy. The MOT-Q and the BMQ-S had excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The MOT-Q correlated with insight, while the BMQ-S correlated with apathy, depression, anxiety, and insight. The MOT-Q and the BMQ-S did not correlate with each other. The RTES and BMQ-R had excellent internal consistency and good inter-rater reliability. The RTES and the BMQ-R correlated with apathy and insight, and with each other. In light of the result that the BMQ-S and the MOT-Q did not correlate, it was determined that each measure may represent equally important but distinct aspects of motivation. By drawing upon Self-determination Theory, it was concluded that the BMQ-S and the MOT-Q may represent intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, respectively, and that utilizing both can provide a more comprehensive understanding of what factors are influencing a patient’s level of motivation to engage.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract: Low motivation to engage in rehabilitation is a common problem in acquired brain injury (ABI) populations. Four current measures of patient and clinician-rated motivation and engagement designed for ABI exist: the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust Motivation Questionnaire-Self (BMQ-S), the Motivation for Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Questionnaire (MOT-Q), the BMQ-Relative (BMQ-R), and the Rehabilitation Therapy Engagement Scale (RTES). However, these measures have insufficient investigations into whether they accurately measure motivation, and lack a theoretical framework as a basis of assessment. The goal of this thesis was to determine the reliability and validity of four motivation and engagement measures in an ABI population, and discuss the role of motivation theory in improving assessment of motivation in ABI. The results of this thesis suggest that all measures have good to excellent reliability and validity, and that the BMQ-S and the MOT-Q may represent distinct but equally important aspects of motivation in ABI.


title: Isotopes in Speleothems: Methods and Application

contributor:
Kim, Sang-Tae
Geography and Earth Sciences

subject:
Speleothems
Isotopes
paleoclimate
human dispersal out of Africa
Sahara
Clumped isotopes

abstract:
Speleothems (cave carbonate deposits) have been recognized as a multi-proxy paleoclimate archive. Variations in carbon and oxygen isotopes in speleothems can record past climate changes (e.g., temperature, rainfall and vegetation) under isotopic equilibrium conditions. However, non-climatic noises caused by in-cave processes may affect these stable isotope records under non-equilibrium isotopic conditions. The identification of equilibrium and non-equilibrium isotopic conditions in speleothems is still disputed in the speleothem research community; however, this is a prerequisite for the interpretation of carbon and oxygen isotope records in speleothems as paleoclimate proxies.
In this Ph.D. thesis, a series of laboratory experiments under cave-analogue conditions were performed to simulate the formation of speleothems in natural caves. The results of these experiments demonstrate that stable isotope equilibrium in speleothems is achieved under slow carbonate precipitation in pool-like settings (pool carbonates). On the basis of these pool carbonates, equilibrium carbon and oxygen isotope fractionation factors between calcite and water (or DIC for carbon) were determined. Our experiments show larger carbon and oxygen isotope non-equilibrium fractionations between calcite and water (or DIC for carbon) in stalagmite-like settings (fast carbonate precipitate) than those determined in pool-like settings. The flow rate of drip water above the surface of stalagmite appears to control the magnitude of these non-equilibrium isotope effects which increase with decreasing the flow rate.
Furthermore, a natural speleothem sample was examined as a paleoclimate archive in this thesis. The growth of a double stalagmite (WS-5d) in Wadi Sannur Cave from the Northeastern Sahara was used to infer the greening of the Sahara (intensive rainfall and vegetation). The U/Th dating in the WS-5d stalagmite suggests that greening conditions extended widely in the Sahara during the interglacial Marine Isotope Stages MIS 5.5, MIS 7.3, and the early MIS 9. Based upon oxygen isotope compositions from the WS-5d, we attributed the source of these greening periods to long-traveling rains from the Atlantic Ocean that were delivered via the West African monsoon system. Our study suggests that the two youngest greening periods were concurrent with the arrival of Homo sapiens in the Levant and an earlier possible change in human population at 244 ka, indicating a key role of the Sahara route in early human dispersal out of Africa.
Finally, clumped isotope measurements (Δ47) on carbonate-derived CO2 have been shown to reflect the formation temperature of the carbonate minerals. The absolute Δ47 values of these isotopic measurements seem to be sensitive to the standardization methods (heated CO2 gases and water-equilibrated CO2 gases) that are used to normalize the raw Δ47 measurements. Neither the hypothetical base for the heated CO2 gas standardization method nor the theoretical base for the water-equilibrated CO2 gas standardization method has been experimentally tested. A series of CO2 gases were heated in pre-dehumidified quartz tubes to obtain equilibrium Δ47 values of these CO2 gases at temperature range of 50 – 1100 °C. Consequently, the first experimentally derived Δ47 – T calibration in a CO2 gas phase was proposed. This experimental calibration provides a validated base for the standardization of the raw Δ47 data. Moreover, heating CO2 in a pre-humidified quartz tube enables us to easily prepare a CO2 standard gas of a similar Δ47 value to the CO2 sample (i.e., similar Δ47 correction matrix). This will lead to an improvement in the correction scheme of the carbonate clumped isotope thermometry and reliably adjust the absolute Δ47 scale.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Johnson, A.I.
Hamielec, A.E.
Chemical Engineering

abstract: Title: Mass Transfer with Chemical Reaction-Oxidation of Acetaldehyde in a Multi-Orifice Bubble Reactor, Author: Anthony Y. Yau, Location: Thode

abstract:
A multi-orifice bubble reactor has been constructed to study the product distribution of oxidation of acetaldehyde catalysed by cobaltous acetate. This investigation is confined to the bubble regime in which the bubbled are discrete and essentially uniform in size.

A kinetic description of the same reaction was proposed and the numerical values of the reaction rate constants were obtained based on the results of an experimental batch reactor study

A mathematical model, assuming perfect mixing in the liquid phase, was also developed to predict the product distribution of the oxidation of acetaldehyde in the multi-orifice bubble reactor. The solutions of the mathematical model were then compared with the experimental results.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES IN EVIDENCE SUMMARIES AND GUIDELINES IN MINERAL AND BONE DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

contributor:
Guyatt, Gordan
Health Research Methodology

subject: Chronic kidney disease, mineral  and bone disorders

abstract:
Background and objectives: Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a systemic condition defined by an increase in cardiovascular calcifications and bone fragility. The condition is diagnosed by abnormal serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. These biochemical abnormalities have been linked to abnormal bone metabolism as well as cardiovascular calcifications if left untreated.
Phosphate binders are known to cause phosphate reduction through mechanisms involve the gastrointestinal route. Their relative effects remain uncertain. Controversy arises because of concerns related to systematic effects, tolerability, costs and impact on patient important outcomes. The objective of Chapters 2 and 3 was to explore the relative effectiveness of phosphate binders on patient-important outcomes and laboratory outcomes in patients with CKD-MBD using the frequentist and Bayesian approaches, respectively. The purpose of Chapter 4 was to critically appraise clinical practice guidelines addressing CKD-MBD.
Methods and results
Chapter 2: We performed network meta-analyses for all cause-mortality for individual agents (seven-node analysis) and conventional meta-analysis of calcium vs. non-calcium based phosphate binders (NCBPB) for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization. Our results suggested higher mortality with calcium than either sevelamer in our network meta-analysis or NCBPB in our conventional meta-analysis. Conventional meta-analysis suggested no statistically difference in cardiovascular mortality between calcium and NCBPBs.
Chapter 3: We performed Bayesian network meta-analyses to calculate the effect estimates (mean differences) and 95% credible intervals for serum levels of phosphate, calcium and parathyroid hormone. Moderate-quality evidence suggests superior effect of active treatment categories as compared to placebo for reducing serum phosphate. Our NMA results did not find statistically significant difference between active treatment categories in lowering serum phosphate.
 Chapter 4: We performed a systematic survey to critically appraise clinical practice guidelines addressing CKD-MBD. Most guidelines assessing CKD-MBD suffer from serious shortcomings using the Advancing Guideline Development, Reporting and Evaluation in Health Care instrument II (AGREE) criteria; a minority, however, fulfill the criteria.  Limitations with respect to AGREE criteria do not, however, necessarily lead to inappropriate recommendations.
Conclusion: Given the likely mortality reduction with sevelamer versus calcium, the results suggest that higher calcium levels associated with calcium based phosphate binders may contribute to the mortality differential. We found that most clinical practice guidelines related to CKD-MBD were not satisfactory with major problems with rigor, update and implementation.  Recommendations were consistent and thus unassociated with guideline quality.  In other instances, however, this may not be the case, and ensuring trustworthiness of guidelines will require adherence to methodological standards.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Lock, C.J.L.
Chemistry

abstract: Title: Crystal Structure of ReCl2(acac)2, ReCl2(acac) [P(C6H5)3]2 and ReOCl2(acac)P(C6H5)3, Author: Cheng Wan, Location: Thode

abstract: The crystal structure of ReCl2(acac)2, ReCl2(acac) [P(C6H5)3]2 and ReOCl2(acac)P(C6H5)3 have been determined by single crystal x-ray diffraction methods. The structure of ReCl2(acac)2 has been found to belong to the trans-dichloro-group of the M(acac)2L2 type compounds. In ReCl2(acac)[P(C6H5)3]2, the two phosphorus atoms are trans, and the two chlorine atoms are cis to each other. In RCl2(acac)P(C6H5)3, it has been found that two chlorines are at trans positions and the oxo group and the triphenylphosphine group are cis to each one of the carbonyl oxygen atoms of the acetylacetone group. The bonding of Re-Cl, Re-P, and Re_O are individually discussed and compared. The nature of bonding in the acetylacetone group is also discussed. The intramolecular non-bonded distances between ligand atoms bonded directly to rhenium are compared with other relaxed compounds. The reaction mechanisms for the formation of these three rhenium acetylacetones have been proposed.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Bayley, S.T.
Biology

abstract: Title: Aspects of Protein Synthesis in vitro in Halobracterium cutirubrum, Author: Bradley N. White, Location: Thode

abstract: This thesis proposed to investigate protein synthesis in extreme halophile, Halobaterium cutirubrum, especically in relation to the effect a high salt environment has on codon-anticodon recognitions. Many codon assignments were made on the basis of amino acid incorporation directed by random copolyribonucleotides in an in vitro protein synthesizing system. Detailed comparison was made of halophileic and E. coli tRNA in high and low salt assay systems. A study was also made of the mechanisms of the initiation of protein synthesis in this bacterium/

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Factors Affecting the Horizontal Distribution of Vertical Worm Tubes in the Thorold Sandstone

contributor:
Risk, M. J.
Geology

subject: horizontal distribution, vertical worm tubes, Thorold sandstone

abstract:
 101 samples of Thorold sandstone were collected from 12 geographically distinct regions along the Niagara Escarpment. The average number of vertical worm tubes in each region was determined as was clay content, organic matter, burrow diameter, interburrow distance, mean grain size, sorting, quartz proportion, distance from shore, porosity, and the sandstone/shale ratio. Stepwise linear regression and principal component analysis were used to investigate relationships between the variables. The number of worm tubes can be predicted by clay content, organic matter, distance from the shore, and porosity, a model which explains 62% of the observed variation. All 11 variables accounted for 99. 9% of the variation. Distance from shore can be predicted by organic matter, burrow diameter, mean grain size, and the sandstone/shale ratio, a model which explains 94% of the variation. All 11 variables
accounted for 99.9% of the variation. Organisms living in the Thorold evidently reacted to environmental parameters in a similar fashion to modern tidal flat organisms.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Bachelor of Science (BSc)


title: The Instantaneous Local Heat Flux in a Scraped-Surface Heat Exchanger

contributor:
Hoffman, T. W.
Chemical Engineering

subject: instantaneous, local heat flux, scarped-surface, heat exchanger, thin film

abstract:
 The objective of this investigation was to examine the potential of the point heat-flux meter in studying the dynamic heat transfer process in a scraped-surface heat exchanger.

 The heat-flux meters were an integral part of the copper heat exchanger which was steam-heated. Water was passed through the equipment as a thin film. The steam condensate
was collected for measurement.

 Mathematical analysis related the transient differential temperature of the detector with the transient applied heat flux. A mathematical model was found that would estimate the instantaneous heat flux from the heat-flux-meter experimental temperature difference.

 Instantaneous and time-average local heat fluxes were measured by the heat-flux meter and the condensate respectively. The meter accuracy was -7000 Btu/hr sq ft.

 The heat-flux meter can be used in studying dynamic heat transfer processes.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Non-Gaussian Mixture Model Averaging for Clustering

contributor:
McNicholas, Paul D.
Mathematics and Statistics

subject: Model-based Clustering, Model Averaging, Mixture Models

abstract:
The Gaussian mixture model has been used for model-based clustering analysis for
decades. Most model-based clustering analyses are based on the Gaussian mixture
model. Model averaging approaches for Gaussian mixture models are proposed by
Wei and McNicholas, based on a family of 14 Gaussian parsimonious clustering
models. In this thesis, we use non-Gaussian mixture
models, namely the tEigen family, for our averaging approaches. This paper studies
fitting in an averaged model from a set of multivariate t-mixture models instead of
fitting a best model.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Effects of the Electron-Phonon Interaction in Hexagonal Close-Packed Metals

contributor:
Carbotte, J. P.
Physics

subject: electron-phonon, interaction, hexagonal, close-packed, metals, polycrystalline

abstract:
 A unified approach, employing effective phonon frequency distributions, is used to investigate effects of phonon anisotropy in the hcp metals.

 Phonon information is included by means of empirical force constant models, and pseudopotentials are used to
describe the electron-ion interaction.

 Zinc and thallium superconducting gaps are determined as a function of position on the Fermi surface. The gap anisotropy is used to calculate thermodynamic properties.

 The normal state electron-phonon mass enhancement and the imaginary part of the electron self-energy are calculated as a function of temperature and Fermi surface position. Anisotropic transport scattering times are defined, calculated and used to obtain the polycrystalline and single crystal resistivities. Comparison is made with resistivities obtained by the variational approach.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: An Exact Theory of Strain in Rods of Finite Transverse Dimensions

contributor: Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics

subject: strain, rods, finite, transverse, dimensions, deformation gradient, material transformation

abstract:
 An exact analysis for the state of strain in a three dimensional rod continuum is presented. The exact geometrical description of the rod involves the evaluation of a power
series expansion of the radius vector. It is shown however, that by a suitable choice of coordinates in the reference configuration and an interpretation of the deformation gradient as a material transformation, the strain tensor may be evaluated to the degree of accuracy inherent in using the full power series expansion of the radius vector without necessitating the explicit evaluation of the power series. Some concepts from the theory of multipolar media are used in order to make this three dimensional analysis compatible with the exact analysis of one dimensional rods.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Multiple Model Estimation for Channel Equalization and Space-Time Block Coding

contributor:
Kirubarajan, T.
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject: multiple model estimation, channel equalization, space-time, block, coding, algorithms

abstract:
 This thesis investigates the application of multiple model estimation algorithms to the problem of channel equalization for digital data transmission and channel tracking for space-time block coded systems with non-Gaussian additive noise. Recently, a network of Kalman filters (NKF) has been reported for the equalization of digital communication channels based on the approximation of the a posteriori probability density function of a sequence of delayed
symbols by a weighted Gaussian sum. A serious drawback of this approach is that the number
of Gaussian terms in the sum increases exponentially through iterations. In this thesis,
firstly, we have shown that the NKF-based equalizer can be further improved by considering
the interactions between the parallel filters in an efficient way. To this end, we take resort to
the Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) estimator widely used in the area of multiple target
tracking. The IMM is a very effective approach when the system exhibits discrete uncertainties
in the dynamic or measurement model as well as continuous uncertainties in state
values. A computationally feasible implementation based on a weighted sum of Gaussian
approximation of the density functions of the data signals is introduced. Next, we present
an adaptive multiple model blind equalization algorithm based on the IMM estimator to
estimate the channel and the transmitted sequence corrupted by intersymbol interference
and noise. It is shown through simulations that the proposed IMM-based equalizer offers substantially improved performance relative to the blind equalizer based on a (static or non-interacting) network of extended Kalman filters. It obviates the exponential growth of the
state complexity caused by increasing channel memory length. The proposed approaches
avoid the exponential growth of the number of terms used in the weighted Gaussian sum
approximation of the plant noise making it practical for real-time processing.

 Finally, we consider the problem of channel estimation and tracking for space-time block coded systems contaminated by additive non-Gaussian noise. In many practical wireless channels in which space-time block coding techniques may be applied, the ambient noise is likely to have an impulsive component that gives rise to larger tail probabilities than is predicted by the Gaussian model. Although Kalman filters are often used in practice to track the channel variation, they are notoriously sensitive to heavy-tailed outliers and model mismatches resulting from the presence of impulsive noise. Non-Gaussian noise environments require the modification of standard filters to perform acceptably. Based on the coding/decoding technique, we propose a robust IMM algorithm approach in estimating time-selective fading channels when the measurements are perturbed by the presence of impulsive noise. The impulsive noise is modeled by a two terms Gaussian mixture distribution. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed method yields substantially improved performance compared to the conventional Kalman filter algorithm using the clipping or localization approaches to handle impulses in the observation. It is also shown that IMM-based approach performs robustly even when the prior information about the impulsive noise is not known exactly.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)


contributor:
Preston, M.A.
Physics

abstract: Title: Realistic Soft-Core Potentials in the Bound Three-Nucleon System, Author: Wytse V. Dijk, Location: Thode

abstract: Variational calculations of the bound three-nucleon system have been done. Gaussian type trials functions were chosen which led to an explicit decomposition of the three-body wave function into components which display definite two-body LSJ dependence. The calculations were done with three soft-core potentials and purely attractive potential. It was found that regardless of the number of terms the superposition of Guassians was inferior to exponential trial functions. A correction in the binding for the Gaussian type function was applied and it was not inconsistent with the experimentally observed binding of the triton. The Coester-Yen potential, although it is "unrealistic", gives binding energy and radius of the triton which are in close agreement with experiment.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: A Circuit and Noise Model of Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor

contributor:
Chisholm, S. H.
Electrical Engineering

subject: circuit, noise, metal, oxide, semiconductor, field-effect, transistor

abstract:
 The Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor is first analyzed from an active R-C transmission line view-point. The small signal circuit model and the noise model of the device are then derived and experimental results presented.

 A Chronologically arranged bibliography concerning MOS devices and associated noise studies is included at the end of this thesis.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Preliminary Study of Artificial Intervertebral Disc

contributor:
Newcombe, W. R.
Mechanical Engineering

subject: preliminary study, artificial, intervertebral disc, prosthetic stabilization

abstract:
 This study is one of the projects of the artificial joints group conducted by Professor W. R. Newcombe, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Dr. G. R. Viviani, Department of Surgery.

 A summary of the literature survey of the lower back which is pertinent to the design of a replacement for the lumbar spine is reported. Motions, force system, and
strengths of the lumbar intervertebral joint are obtained from the literatures and calculation.

 Advantages of silicone elastomer and titanium as the biomaterials for the artificial disc are presented. An experiment to test the bond between titanium and silicone reveals that the strength provided by only applying primer is insufficient.

 Surface structure for prosthetic stabilization and initial fixation is discussed. Proposed design alternatives for artificial discs are presented with the attempts to reduce the number of moulds needed by introducing a prosthesis with a more regular shape.

 An important part of this thesis is to indicate the direction in which further work in this area should proceed.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Mass Transfer with Chemical Reaction

contributor:
Johnson, A. I.
Hamielec, A. E.
Chemical Engineering

subject: mass transfer, chemical reaction, bubble reactor, catalyst, concentration

abstract:
 A continuous bubble reactor was used to study the transfer of oxygen into solutions of acetaldehyde. The reaction was catalysed by cobaltous acetate. The parameters investigated included temperature, catalyst concentration, air flow rate and column height.

 A mathematical model based on Houghton's work (36) was used to describe the absorption rate in the bubble column. The equation derived was solved numerically. The Sherwood numbers predicted by the theory were compared with those obtained experimentally.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: INVESTIGATION OF NANOCELLULOSE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND INTERACTIONS IN SALT AND SURFACTANT SOLUTIONS MEASURED BY ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY

title: NANOCELLULOSE PROPERTIES MEASURED BY ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY

contributor:
Cranston, Emily
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Cellulose
Cellulose Nanocrystals
Atomic Force Microscopy
Adhesion
DLVO
Surfactant
Interactions
Counterion
AM-FM AFM
AFM
Colloid
Colloid Probe Microscopy
Nanoparticles
Nanocellulose
Nanotechnology
Salt

abstract: This understanding of nanocellulose can be directly applied in future formulation design to use nanocellulose in polymer nanocomposites, foams, emulsions, latexes, gels and biomedical materials.

abstract:
In this study, the potential of nanocellulose as a reinforcing agent in composite materials was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM was used to probe the mechanical properties of nanocelluloses and to investigate their interactions and adhesion in liquid media. Amplitude modulated-frequency modulated AFM was used to map the mechanical properties of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). Results showed Young’s moduli of 90 GPa and 120 GPa for CNCs and CNFs, respectively, which are comparable to literature values determined using other methods.
Additionally, colloid probe AFM was implemented to observe the interactions (attractive, repulsive, steric, adhesive) between cellulose and silica colloid probes with anionic CNCs (containing either a Na+ or H+ counterion) and cationic CNCs. Colloid probe AFM measurements were carried out in five different liquid media: two salt solutions (NaCl and CaCl2) and three surfactant solutions (cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB; anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS; and nonionic Triton X100). It was found that low salt concentrations resulted in electrostatic repulsion and high adhesion, whereas the reverse was observed at high salt concentrations. On the contrary, an increased surfactant concentration and increased number of surfactant aggregates (micelles, bilayers, etc.) resulted in increased adhesion. Surprisingly, the interactions were strongly dependent on the CNC counterion as surfactant adsorption seemed to be primarily driven by electrostatic interactions; CTAB adsorbed more to anionic CNCs, SDS adsorbed more to cationic CNCs and Triton X100 adsorbed minimally to all CNCs. Electrophoretic mobility and particle size data showed complementary results to colloid probe AFM, indicating that interactions between surfactants and CNC films and CNCs in suspension are closely related. This research suggests that CNCs have potential as reinforcing agents due to their high strength and the tunability of their interactions through the simple addition of salts or surfactants. This understanding can be directly applied in future formulation design to use nanocellulose in polymer nanocomposites, foams, emulsions, latexes, gels and biomedical materials.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)

abstract: Nanocellulose is a sustainable nanomaterial most commonly extracted from plants and trees. In recent research, nanocellulose has been shown to have potential as a reinforcing agent for materials such as plastics, foams, paints and adhesives. In this study, the potential of nanocellulose was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). As predicted, AFM measurements indicated that nanocellulose has a high stiffness, supporting the substitution of this biobased material in the place of metals and synthetic fibres. AFM was also used to examine particle interactions in salt and soap-like (surfactant) solutions; changes in nanocellulose size and charge were used to support the findings. Negatively charged nanocellulose interacted more with positively charged surfactants and vice versa. Low salt and high surfactant concentrations led to high adhesion and better material compatibility, which is preferred. This understanding can help us design better nanocellulose materials for future applications.


contributor:
Taylor, Martin
Geography

abstract: Title: The Utilization of Health Care Facilities by Children in Grenada, West Indies, Author: Manta Zahos, Location: Thode

abstract:
Given that there are many variables which influence health services utilization, this paper focuses on the effects of factors related to the home environment. The home is seen as providing a socio-geographic focus where disease can be transmitted and health behaviour can be learned. The effects of home-related factors on use of health care facilities by children less than eight years old in Grenada, West Indies are examined.

The data set which informs this study comes from a study called the McMaster-Grenada Child Health Project. Specific information on health care utilization was obtained on a study group in five communities in Grenada. A census, survey and utilization records comprise the data set.
Bivariate analyses were conducted between utilization measures and a variety of proposed household 'determinants'. These determinants were classified under the headings of household residential composition, household physical environment, household behavioural environment and distance related factors. The same analyses were conducted for the
children's older counterparts, aged 16-59 because it was felt that the comparison of results would prove insightful and perhaps aid in explaining some of the relationships found in the children's group.

The results of the analysis indeed showed that home related factors are significantly related to the children's use of health care facilities. Elements from all four dimensions of the home significantly influenced service use
by these children.

This study recommends that further studies be conducted on the determinants of children's utilization of health care facilities in developing nations since many previous studies have mainly focused on the developed world.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Bachelor of Arts (BA)


title: Structural Characterization of the Tn7 Target Selection Protein TnsE

contributor:
Guarné, Alba
Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences

subject:
Bacterial Transposition
Transposase
DNA-Binding Protein
Protein Structure
Tn7
TnsE
Transposon Targeting

abstract: Tn7 and Tn7-like transposons are complex elements found in disparate environments and are responsible for mobilizing a wide variety of genes and forming pathogenicity/fitness islands. They are novel in their ability to recognize both a single site in the chromosome and specifically target transposition into mobile plasmids via dedicated TnsD and TnsE targeting proteins. TnsE recognizes mobile plasmids through an association with the processivity clamp and a 3′ recessed DNA end during conjugal replication. However, the mechanism for the specific recognition of 3′ recessed DNA ends remains unclear. Structural analyses of the C-terminal domain of TnsE identified a novel protein fold including a central V-shaped loop that toggles between two distinct conformations. The structure of a robust TnsE gain-of-function variant has this loop locked in a single conformation, suggesting that conformational flexibility regulates TnsE activity. Structure-based analysis of a series of TnsE variants relates transposition to DNA binding stability. Follow up studies of full length TnsE bound to DNA are in progress.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Effective Interaction in Finite Nuclei

abstract: Title: Effective Interaction in Finite Nuclei, Author: Patrick Cheung-Yum, Location: Thode

abstract:
The solution of Bethe-Goldstone equation for finite nuclei is studied. Techniques of Nuclear Matter calculations are applied. A formalism is proposed to treat the low-lying discrete intermediate states. A shell-model calculation ie then done with reduced matrix elements thus obtained and
spectra obtained for O18 and F18 are compared with experiment. It is shown that the inclusion of the low-lying discrete states is significant.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The Effects of Partial Reinforcement on Stimulus Control Measured During Extinction

contributor:
Jenkins, H. M.
Psychology

subject: partial reinforcement, stimulus control, extinction, response, animals

abstract: Two experiments, involving 140 subjects, were performed to study the effects of two partial reinforcement variables on measures of stimulus control in extinction. Pigeons were required to make a fixed number of responses ranging from 1 to 64) to terminate discrete trial presentations and were rewarded on a predetermined percentage (ranging from 100% to 25%) of those completed trials. Generalization tests involved repeated nonreinforced presentations of the training stimulus and a new stimulus until animals ceased responding. Stimulus control measured by differences or ratios of responding to the two stimuli increased as response requirement increased. The percent of trials reinforced had no significant effect on either measure of control. Within-trial analyses showed that maximum stimulus control is exerted over the first response, some control continues to be exerted over successive responses, and there is a tendency for control to increase near the end of the requirement. Implications of the research were discussed.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Tiku, M.L.
Statistics

abstract: Title: Chi-Square and F Approximations of Hetelling's Generalized T0^2, Author: Davin Y.N. Yip. Location: Thode

abstract:
Chi-square approximation of Retelling's generalized T0^2 have
been investigated by Professor Tiku. In this project, further results
on the approximation are presented and examined. Also, an F approximation
for the distribution of Retelling's generalized T0^2 is proposed. The
results are compared with other approximations and discussed.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: K-Sample Analogues of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov Statistics and Binomial Group Tests

contributor:
Chorneyko, I. Z.
Mathematics

subject: k-sample analogues, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, statistics, binomial group tests, homogeneity, goodness-of-fit

abstract:
 The Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests of homogeneity or goodness-of-fit and the binomial group tests for eliminating defectives are of different nature. But they are both popular in applications. The former are widely used in nonparametric comparison, while the later are usually adopted in the group screening problems. When the experimenter has k populations, k-sample statistics should be considered for the testing of homogeneity or goodness-of-fit. On the other hand, when there are k experimenters available for performing group testing on a given population, a k-sample group testing procedure should be used.

 In this thesis, the distribution functions of k-sample analogues of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics have been found under certain conditions and a k-sample group testing procedure has been defined. This procedure has also been shown to be optimal in the sense that it requires a minimum expected number of k-sample group tests for finding a single defective from a binomial population.

 Our methods are mainly combinatorial: matrix enumeration, tree counting and construction algorithms are explored as a foundation of our study.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: A Study of Diffusion in Aluminum-Rich Alloys of Aluminum, Zinc and Copper by Activation Analysis

contributor:
Kirkaldy, J. S.
Metallurgy

subject: diffusion, aluminum-rich, alloys, zinc, copper, activation analysis, neutron

abstract: In this thesis, a theoretical study of certain properties of the diffusion coefficient matrix in a multicomponent system has been carried out. The ratio of the off-diagonal diffusion coefficient to the on-diagonal diffusion coefficient in a dilute ternary substitutional system has been evaluated theoretically. The effect of the second solute gradient on the diffusivity of the first one in a ternary substitutional solid solution has been experimentally determined using the neutron activation analysis technique.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: A Study of the Psychological Relationships Among the Piagetian Operations of Transitivity, Seriation and Classification

contributor:
Brooks, L. R.
Psychology

subject: psychological relationships, piagetian operations, transitivity, seriation, classification

abstract:
 Five to eight year old children were subjects in this study which examined relationships among the Piagetian operations of class inclusion, transitivity and seriation. Behavioral and verbal measures were taken of the latter two and the stimuli varied along size and weight
dimensions. Transitivity and seriation were related on the verbal level only. Behavioral measures showed less relationship across operations and dimensions than verbal measures
and doubts were raised as to the adequacy of using behavioral measures alone in assessing operational understanding. Only one measure of class inclusion showed any relationship to
transitivity and seriation. Independent tests revealed that while simultaneous combinativity may be a component ability of all these operations, successive combinativity definitely was not.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Game Design Principles: A formal analysis

contributor:
Carette, Jacques
Software Engineering

subject:
Game Design
Formal Model

abstract:
Game design principles have been discussed and developed since the late 1990's and are still created and discussed today. There have been many efforts to collect, identify, and create these principles, yet no effort has been made to test their implementation.

This thesis presents an approach to formally analyzing games with game design principles. We gathered 50 game design principles from textbooks, Internet journals, collection efforts, and academic papers. Informal analysis of all 50 were performed, specifically looking at their ability to apply directly to games itself, as well as how much knowledge of things external were required. Of these 50, 5 were selected and a more in depth analysis was done. For each of these 5 principles we present a specification one would use to model their game, and verify that the game design principle at hand applies.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc)

abstract: We present a formal analysis of many Game Design principles, giving formal models for each.


title: Supporting Caregivers of Persons with Dementia: A Psychoeducation Program at End-of-Life

title: Caregiver (Current and Bereaved) Perceptions of a Psychoeducation Program

contributor:
Kaasalainen, Sharon
Nursing

subject: Dementia Caregiver Psychoeducation Program End-of-life Intervention Perceptions Qualitative Bereave Family

abstract: Informal caregivers (CG) of persons with dementia can experience increased negative effects and symptoms of burden as the disease progresses, with long-term effects into bereavement. The purpose of this study was to describe staff and attendees’ perceptions of a unique CG psychoeducation program located in a Specialized Care Unit for persons with advanced dementia at end-of-life. This study used a qualitative descriptive design, which aimed to describe a natural experience. Sixteen individual interviews were conducted with current and bereaved CGs who jointly participated in the program, health care professionals (HCP) in the Specialized Care Unit and social work facilitators to understand experiences, perceived benefits and barriers of the program. Thematic content analysis was conducted with data collection following Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board approval. Final results indicate that the program was perceived positively, across all participant groups. Caregivers reported that the program contributed to improved emotional well-being, development of a close community, disease preparedness and empowerment. Participants also appreciated the open-ended, informal format of the program with continuity into bereavement. The study findings support the unique characteristics of this psychoeducation program compared to traditional education / support programs, which are closed to bereaved members and time-limited. This program model is translatable to multiple settings including long-term care. Moreover, study findings highlight the movement towards relationship-centered care for persons with dementia and their CGs. A future mixed-method study is warranted to measure quantitative outcomes, such as complicated grief, within CGs attending the program before and after bereavement.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)

abstract: Family caregivers of persons with dementia can become depressed, anxious and isolated over time from caregiving. These feelings often do not go away even after the person with dementia has died.  In this study, caregivers of people with advanced dementia or who had died, described how they felt about a new support and education program in a special unit of the hospital. Findings showed that caregivers believed the program helped them become: more balanced and part of a supportive community, empowered and prepared for end-of-life and occasionally frustrated. Caregivers whose family member had died felt the program gave them continued support, a chance to help others, and a place to continuing learning. Nurses should try to include caregivers in caring for people with dementia, learn about the program, become more involved, encourage people to attend, and help to begin the program in other areas of the hospital and long-term care.


title: A Geographical Study of Blandofrd Township

abstract: Title: A Geographical Study of Blandford Township, Author: Wolfgang F Ziegler, Location: Thode

abstract: Blandford, one of the smaller of Oxford country's townships, has a central location in Southern Ontario, being about equidistant from the three great lakes. From the outskirts of the important city of Woodstock and based on Highway 2 it extends as a narrow strip northwards fro a dozen miles to the county boundary. While the south is crossed by the major routes of Ontario, the north is a relatively rural area in the centre of a triangle formed by Kitchener, Strantford and Woodstock. Being almost entirely without urban settlements - only the one small village of Bright straddles its eastern boundary - Blandford is wholly dominated by agriculture. The small agricultural township, is, however, far from uniform exhibiting a variety of landforms, land use and landscape, and is in the transition zone between significant divisions of natural vegetation and climate. A traverse starting in the southwest readily reveals the general pattern.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Bachelor of Arts (BA)


abstract: Title: A Detector for FSK Signals Using Digital Phase-Lock Loops, Author: Robert G. Younger, Location: Thode

abstract:
A new detector for use in a frequency-shift keyinq communication system is described. Digital phase-lock loops replace correlators in the optimum detector implimentation.
Results of a working system, for a range of input signal to noise ratios are presented.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)


title: Temporal Diffusion MRI of Post-Exercise Human Calf Muscles

contributor:
Noseworthy, Michael D
Biomedical Engineering

subject:
magnetic resonance imaging
diffusion
skeletal muscle
exercise

abstract: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method that resolves structures by three-dimensional measurement of water movement, and has shown to benefit studies of anisotropic tissues such as brain and skeletal muscle. While many studies have used DTI to non-invasively study static tissue architecture, little attempt has been made to use this technique to temporally characterize muscle during post-exercise recovery. Thus, the goal of this work was to use DTI to study the timecourse of changes in skeletal muscle following exercise.  The first study was performed to test stability of DTI eigenvectors (ε1 ε2 ε3), and to determine how time-expensive parameters such as increased number of diffusion directions (NDD) or signal averages (NSA) improve vector stability. The ε2 vector was found to have more directional variability than ε1, and showed less improvement than ε1 with increased NDD or NSA. Furthermore, decreasing directional variability of ε1 was correlated with increasing NDD, not NSA (p<0.0008), while decreased variability of ε2 was correlated with increasing NSA, not NDD (p<0.0005). The variation in ε2 indicated that combining the corresponding minor eigenvalues into a measure of Radial Diffusivity is more robust than analyzing λ2 and λ3 eigenvalues separately.  The second study tested the use of DTI to characterize temporal calf muscle changes following a mild in-bore dorsiflexion-eversion exercise. DTI volumes were acquired before and immediately after exercise. Anterior tibialis (ATIB), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and peroneus longus (PER) showed significantly-elevated mean diffusivity (MD) post-exercise, while soleus (SOL) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) did not (p<0.0001). The EDL showed greater initial MD increase and remained significantly elevated across more time points than ATIB or PER (p<0.05 to p=7.41x10−10). Significant signal increases were observed in post-exercise EDL b=0s/mm2 volumes (S0) relative to other muscles across the majority of timepoints (p<0.01 to p<0.001). The notable differences of EDL temporal MD and S0 relative to ATIB and PER may be related to the physiology of the increased Type-II fiber content in this muscle.  The third and final study investigated the feasibility of a ’sliding window’ multiple-timescale temporal DTI approach, intended to acquire data with high temporal resolution and ongoing structural representation. Continuous diffusion data was acquired in the calf before and after four plantarflexion tasks, which varied by number of flexions (10 or 60), and weight load (10% or 40% of individual max). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and S0 were calculated from 3-direction subunits, while 15-direction subunits produced DTI measures such as mean diffusivity (MD). Four different post-exercise temporal patterns were observed for ADC, S0, and MD amongst the measured muscles: ’elevated-decline’, ’latent peak’, ’sub-to-peak’, and ’horizontal’. The 10-flex 10% condition elicited ’elevated-decline’ in active muscles, particularly SOLlat. Exercise of greater intensity produced ’latent peak’ and ’sub-to-peak’ patterns, with peak height related to greater workload. The 10-flex 40% trial produced a ’sub-to-peak’ pattern across all subjects only in the LG and MG, but ’latent-peak’ in these muscles 60-flex 40%. The specificity of temporal diffusion patterns according to muscle and task indicate that this technique could be beneficial to future studies of muscle function.  These experiments have demonstrated the limits of DTI in the study of skeletal muscle, yet established a basis for future investigation of muscle dynamics using temporal diffusion methods.

abstract: Dissertation

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Dunnett, C.W.
Statistics

abstract: Title: A Comparison of Two Methods of Analyzing a Set of Multidimensional Data, Author: Shiu-Chin Yip, Location: Thode

abstract:
In multivariate analysis problems, one often encounters the
analysis of categorical data. Some authors prefer the analogy of such
analyses with those used for quantitative data, analysis of variance
and regression analysis. In most recent multivariate literature, most
authors agree the use of multidimensional contingency table method.
The purpose of this project is to compare the results obtained in
analyzing part of the data in a psoriasis-liver-methotrexate
interaction study using analysis of variance method and a method which is
more appropriate for categorical data.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


contributor:
Smith, G.K.
Occupational Therapy

abstract: Title: Reticular Control of Cortical Unit Activity in the Cat, Author: Thomas L. Babb, Location: Thode

abstract:
Extracellular action potentials were recorded from the suprasylvian gyrus of the cat and compared with slow potentials derived from the overlaying cortical surface in experiments designed to investigate the influences of potine reticular formation on these fast and slow voltage transients. When pontine afferents were blocked by mid-pontine lesion or reversible cooling, the number of recordedable spontaneous and injury discharges was reduced as compared to that recorded from preparations with lower pontine, post-trigeminal, lesions. Bilateral gasserectomies in post-trigeminal preparations did not reduce unit activity. However, the mean and median average firing rates and the patterns of spontaneously-active cells were not demonstrably different fro high and low pontine preparations.

Either EEG synchrony or desynchronization was found to co-0exist with either high or low levels of unit activity.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
MacLean, David B.
Chemistry

abstract: Title: Re-Examination of Cyclized Products from Lycopodine and Clavolonine, Author: Norman M. C. You, Location: Thode

abstract:
Cyclized products derived from lycopodine and clavolonine through
the Hofmann and von Braun reactions were prepared and examined. From
evidence obtained new structures are proposed for the Hofmann products
of lycopodine and clavolonine.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MS)


title: Free Lattices and their Sublattices

contributor:
Bruns, G.
Mathematics

subject: free, lattices, sublattices, generators

abstract:
 This thesis deals with the construction of Free Lattices on various sets of generators, ranging from a set of unordered generators to a countable set of chains. It also considers
sublattices of the structures presented.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Studies on the Subcellular Distribution of Acid Phosphatase

contributor:
McCalla, D. R.
Chemistry

subject: subcellular distribution, acid, phosphatase, pea embryo tissue, homogenization

abstract:
 Preliminary experiments indicated that lysosomes are present in rat liver and onion embryos. A differential centrifugation study was made of the intracellular distribution of acid phosphatase in pea embryo tissue in an attempt to show that this enzyme is enclosed by a membrane forming granules similar to the lysosomes of hepatic tissue. The results reveal that acid phosphatase is soluble under the conditions employed, but it is believed that this may
well have resulted from excessive damage to the subcellular bodies during homogenization.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Visual Position Discrimination: A Model Relating Temporal and Spatial Factors

contributor:
Kinchla, R. A.
Psychology

subject: visual position, discrimination, temporal, spatial factors

abstract: This paper presents a decision theory model of the perceptual processes by which an observer compares two visual stimuli presented at different points in time and at different locations in the visual field. The model specifies how information about the first stimulus is lost during the interstimulus delay and over the spatial translation required for the comparison. Emphasis is placed on the manner in which the effect of temporal separation combines with the effect of spatial separation in determining the observer's sensitivity. Two experiments are reported. The observer was required to discriminate a difference in vertical position between two laterally separated points of light presented successively in the dark. The progressive loss in sensitivity with increasing temporal and spatial separations is consistent with the predictions of the model.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Topics in the Superconductivity of Simple Metals and Alloys

contributor:
Carbotte, J. P.
Physics

subject: superconductivity, simple metals, alloys, hydrostatic pressures, aluminum, lead, mercury, tin, temperatures

abstract:
 The effects of hydrostatic pressure on the superconducting transition temperatures of the simple metals aluminum, lead, mercury, tin and indium are investigated within the strong-coupling theory of superconductivity. The experimental variation of the transition temperature with volume change can be understood within a simple scaling model. Strong-coupling effects in the pressure dependence of superconductivity in lead and mercury are investigated.

 A formalism which includes effects of force constant disorder on superconductivity in a binary alloy of simple metals is established within pseudopotential theory.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: How Do Therapists Understand and Intend to Implement Practice Guideline Recommendations for Rehabilitation of the Upper Limb Following Stroke?

contributor:
MacDermid, Joy
Rehabilitation Science

abstract:
Stroke rehabilitation interventions must be evidence-based and applicable to a range of stroke subtypes and severity of disabilities to obtain the optimal outcomes. Clinical practice guidelines assist clinicians to implement rehabilitation plans based on research evidence. Evaluations of clinicians’ practices suggest that therapists may not be following guidelines, which may explain why patient outcomes are less than expected.
To increase therapists' adherence to guidelines, it would help to understand their understanding, barriers and facilitators to implementing a clinical guideline. The purpose of this thesis was to demonstrate how rehabilitation therapists understand and interpret specific clinical guideline recommendations for upper limb rehabilitation post-stroke, and to identify perceived implementation barriers and facilitators.
This thesis has two elements. The first demonstrates the application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a conceptual framework for understanding rehabilitation professionals’ intention toward implementation of clinical guidelines in rehabilitation of persons following stroke. The second part illustrates how physiotherapists and occupational therapists understand the individual recommendations for rehabilitation of upper extremity after stroke from the Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Care. It also characterizes the barriers and facilitators that influence therapists’ uptake of these recommendations. The data for second manuscript were collected from therapists in two different countries (Canada and Saudi Arabia) to explore the global issues of clinical guidelines implementation.
The review of the Theory of Planned Behaviour informed the study design and thinking about barriers and facilitators; but thematic analyses were driven by the data, not by theory. The similarities across health systems in the two countries were more striking than the differences, highlighting common challenges for guideline implementation. The findings of this thesis highlight the need for clearer communication of the specific actions intended by the CPG, and education of therapists to ensure they know how to implement interventions utilizing these specific actions.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


contributor:
Jenkins, H.M.
Occupational Therapy

abstract: Title: Some Effects of Unconditional Reinforcement in the Pigeon, Author: Paul L. Brown, Location: Thode

abstract: Reliable acquisition of the pigeon's key-peck and development of observing responses (defined as any response which exposes an organism to discriminative stimuli) resulted after repeated unconditional (response independent) presentations of food after a response key was momentarily illuminated. Comparison groups showed that the acquisition of key-pecking was dependent upon light-food pairings, in that order. When compared with hand-shaping, the present method saves time and labor and produces the key-peck with surprising regularity. A technique for the measurement of observing responses in the same situation was developed. Use of the technique revealed that observing responses developed prior to key-pecking and both forms of behavior were maintained despite the absence of differential reinforcement. Pigeons preferred to view a stimulus which predicted that reinforcement was forthcoming rather than a similar non-informative stimulus. The simplicity of implementation and rapidity with which results may be gathered, recommend this technique for further investigation of the features which support observing responses.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Both and neither: Navigating the Experiences of Recent Social Work Alumni who Experience Mental Health Disabilities and/or Madness

contributor:
Fudge Schormans, Ann
Social Work

subject:
mental health
social work education
Madness

abstract:
While Canadian social work education has increasingly moved towards a dominantly anti-oppressive practice (AOP) approach (Larson, 2008), major gaps continue to persist in the universal application of AOP principles and values (Gormley & Quinn, 2009). This is particularly true of conceptions of mental health/illness, which have largely remained biomedical, ultimately encouraging an “us versus them” mentality between social workers and service users (Reid & Poole, 2013). This dichotomy creates challenging experiences for social work students who experience mental health disabilities and/or Madness, existing “in the hyphen” (Probst, 2014, p. 25), occupying both spaces at different or overlapping times in their lives. Despite this, there is limited research about these social work students, therefore, it was of interest to hear their stories and insights, learn more about their own identity formation, as well as their experiences in the classroom, field practicum, and early in their careers.
This project takes a critical social work theoretical approach, incorporating elements of anti-oppressive practice (AOP) and Mad studies to better understand and analyze participants’ experiences. Similarly, an eclectic methodological approach was employed, incorporating elements of critical social work research, narrative approach, anti-oppressive practice, and Mad studies. In total, four semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were completed, and a thematic analysis was conducted to highlight both the commonalities and differences between participants’ experiences. From this, seven major themes emerged including feelings of unworthiness as a barrier to accessing support and the challenges of negotiating an invisible disability. Suggestions for future directions and next steps are presented, including mandatory mental health education for professors and students, and the creation of a more supportive and inclusive mental health culture within social work education.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: The Question of Nonclassical Free Radicals: Decomposition of T-Butyl 7-Norbornene- and Norbornane- Percarboxylates

contributor:
Warkentin, J.
Chemistry

subject: nonclassical, free radicals, decomposition, percarboxylates, reaction

abstract:
 There is only one unambiguous report in the literature of anchimeric assistance by the π-bond in a free radical reaction. It was the purpose of this work to investigate the possibility of such acceleration in the thermal homolysis of 7-norbornene peresters. Two such t-butyl peresters, the isomeric syn- and anti-7-norbornene percarboxylates as well as t-butyl
7-norbornane percarboxylate, were prepared and their decomposition was studied by kinetic methods and product analysis.

 The homolysis of 7-norbornene peresters is shown to
occur with rate-determining perester O-O bond rupture, the transition state of which may be a hybrid of radical and polar structures. A low order of anchimeric acceleration may also assist the decomposition of the syn compound.

 The pKa values for syn- and anti- 7-norbornene- and 7-norbornane- carboxylic acid are reported.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Vanderwolf, C.H.
Psychology

abstract: Title: The Neural Basis of Grooming Behaviours in the Rat, Author: David A. Hopkins, Location: Thode

abstract:
Grooming was elicited by electrical stimulation of
the midbrain tectum, the limbic system, and the medial anterior hypothalamus.
Hypothalamic stimulation resulted in the more frequent
occurrence of one class of components of grooming (face-washing, fur-licking,
and biting), while another class (shaking and scratching)
occurred more frequently in spontaneous grooming and during and following
limbic system stimulation. Grooming elicited by anterior hypothalamic
stimulation resembled thermoregulatory grooming in some respects, except
that salivation and vasodilatation of the tail were absent. Components
of both evoked grooming and spontaneous grooming occur in organized
sequences, so that particular components tend to follow one another with
a high probability. Self-stimulation did not generally occur at
hypothalamic sites from which grooming was elicited.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Siegel, S.
Psychology

abstract: Title: Conditioned Hypoglycemia: A Mechanism for Saccharin-Induced Sensitivity to Insulin, Author: Robert Deustch, Location: Thode

abstract:
Evidence was presented in Experiment I which replicated
previous findings, indicating that ingestion of the non-nutritive
sweetener, saccharin, potentiates insulin-induced mortality in rats.
Five additional experiments were conducted to determine the mechanism
for this effect. The specific hypothesis examined was the view that
saccharin ingestion augments the effect of insulin because the taste
of saccharin elicits a conditioned hypoglycemic response. Since
glycemic metabolic events have in the past been contingent on the
preceding gustatory sensations associated with the ingestion of sweet
nutritive substances, sweet taste alone may elicit these glycometabolic
events as a conditioned preparatory response, thus leading to a reduction
in blood glucose level. The present research has shown that saccharin
ingestion alone results in hypoglycemia, and that this response is
extinguished by long-term access to saccharin, but not by long-term access
to glucose (a nutritive sweet substance). Furthermore, it was demonstrated
that the hypoglycemic response can be elicited by stimuli, either gustatory
or olfactory, which have been specifically paired with direct intragastric administration of glucose. These results were interpreted as
supporting the conditioning account of the potentiating effect of
saccharin on insulin-induced mortality. Such conditioning has implications
for predicting the organism's response to drugs with glycometabolic
actions, and, more generally, points out the importance of conditioned
preparatory responses in the digestion and utilization of food.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Three Essays in Public Economics: Charities and Charitable Giving

contributor:
Payne, A. Abigail
Economics

subject:
Charities
Charitable Giving

abstract:
This thesis explores three topics in the study of charities and charitable giving. The first chapter studies a classic question in public economics which deals with how charities react to government grants. In recent years this question of understanding crowd-out from the charity's perspective has been extended by numerous authors.  This chapter is an extension of this work by using the framework from Andreoni, Payne, and Smith (2014) which studied the impact of a specific granting program in the UK. We use a grant program for charities from a Canadian provincial government agency to explore the extent to which these grants crowd out revenue from other sources. We are able to explore more than 15,000 applications by charities for funding over a 10-year period and have constructed a rich data set that captures information about the application and the revenues and expenses of the charity. We demonstrate that the overall revenues of the charity increases approximately 20% and that the effect of the grant extends several years. We also find that the grant raises revenue nearly dollar-for-dollar for small charities and by more than dollar-for-dollar for medium and large charities.

The second chapter further explores how charities operate by studying how managers of charities influence the charity's finances. Using a novel dataset of Canadian charities that links the manager of a charity to the charity's financial data I employ a multi-leveled fixed effects model to estimate the effect the manager of a charity has on the charity's financial outcomes. I find that a one standard deviation increase in manager quality leads to a 0.516 standard deviation increase in total revenue, which amounts to over $500,000, with similar magnitudes for other measures of revenue and expenditures. I then use characteristics of the manager such as gender and marital status to find which characteristics are more prevalent in managers with higher estimated ability. Finally, I present evidence of positive match effects between managers and charities suggesting that good managers are assigned to good charities, and that the effect of a manager can persist even after the manager leaves the charity.

Finally in the third chapter we explore the extent to which donation decisions are influenced by government policies. Specifically we study the extent to which the salience of a tax-induced incentive for charitable giving influences donors behaviour. Previous academic work has focused on estimating the price elasticity of giving and differences between permanent and transitory effects of changes in the price. This paper focuses on the timing and salience of tax incentives for giving. The Quebec provincial government responded to the January 12, 2010 Haiti Earthquake by permitting donations for the relief effort to be reported on the 2009 tax return. Residents in the rest of Canada reported their donations for Haiti relief efforts on their 2010 tax return. This difference in policy as well as the widespread announcement of the Quebec policy provides a natural experiment for testing whether the timing associated with reporting donations on one's tax return and the salience of the announcement of the policy affects charitable giving. In Canada, all tax filers with a tax liability can benefit from the reporting of donations and the credit available for such donations is tied to the level of the reported donations. We find that Quebec taxpayers gave more than taxpayers in the rest of Canada during this period and that this effect is driven by both an extensive (increased givers) and intensive (increased giving) margin. This result has important policy implications and contributes to current debates on the use of tax incentives to encourage charitable giving.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Quantitative SPECT Image Reconstruction using an Accelerated Monte Carlo based Maximum A-Posteriori (MAP) Algorithm

contributor:
Farncombe, Troy
Medical Physics

subject: SPECT, Monte Carlo, Image Reconstruction, Dual-iostope SPECT, Simulation, MAP Reconstruction

abstract:
Monte Carlo is an important and well established research tool used in emission tomography. While used extensively in research applications, these techniques are not typically implemented clinically due to their low detection efficiency and long acquisition times. In order to make this computational tool faster, the variance reduction technique known as convolution-based forced detection (CFD) has been implemented into the SIMIND MC code (CFD-SIMIND) by our group. Briefly, at each site of interaction within the object, photons are forced to travel in a direction perpendicular to the detector and are then convolved with a distance dependent blurring kernel specific to that collimator and photon energy. A similar CFD method has already been implemented as an option in the SIMIND Monte Carlo program. The study presented in Chapter 2 performs a comparison between a well established, non-VRT Monte Carlo program, GATE, with our accelerated CFD-SIMIND. The intent of this work is to establish if CFD-SIMIND can either replace or be used in conjunction with GATE in order to gain significant reduction in simulation times for low and medium energy isotopes. A number of simulation studies were performed using point sources in air and water, along with the 3D XCAT phantom and a rectangular sheet source for Tc-99m with low and medium energy collimator and In-111 with medium energy collimator. A comparison in the projection domain was then performed in terms of spatial resolution, sensitivity, image profiles and energy spectra. The study has shown percent differences of between 3−5% in sensitivity between CFD-SIMIND and GATE with mean universal image quality index value of 0.994 ± 0.009 and spatial resolution within 0.2 mm of each other. CFD-SIMIND offers a significant reduction in simulation time by a factor of 5−6 orders of magnitude compared to GATE. This acceleration time is useful for many applications. This study also provides an objective tool that can help to determine if CFD-SIMIND can be used in place of GATE in order to achieve images of sufficient quality within a reduced time and at much lower computational cost.
Simultaneous multi-isotope SPECT imaging has a number of applications in cardiac, brain and cancer imaging. The major concern however, is the significant crosstalk contamination due to photon scatter between the different isotopes. The second study
(Chapter 3) focuses on a method of downscatter compensation between two isotopes iii
in simultaneous dual isotope SPECT acquisition applied to cancer imaging using Tc-99m and In-111. We have developed an iterative image reconstruction technique that simulates the photon down-scatter from one isotope into the acquisition window of a second isotope. Our approach uses CFD-SIMIND for the forward projection step in an iterative reconstruction algorithm. The MC estimated scatter contamination of a radionuclide contained in a given projection view is then used to compensate for the photon contamination in the acquisition window of other nuclide. We use a modified ordered subset-expectation maximization (OS-EM) algorithm named simultaneous ordered subset-expectation maximization (Sim-OSEM), to perform this step. In this study, we have undertaken a number of simulation tests and phantom studies to verify this approach. The proposed reconstruction technique was also evaluated by reconstruction of experimentally acquired phantom data. Reconstruction using Sim- OSEM showed very promising results in terms of contrast recovery and uniformity of object background compared to alternative reconstruction methods implementing alternative scatter correction schemes (i.e., triple energy window or separately acquired projection data). In this study the evaluation is based on the quality of reconstructed images and activity estimated using Sim-OSEM. In order to quantitate the possible improvement in spatial resolution and signal to noise ratio (SNR) observed in this study, further simulation and experimental studies are required.
It is perceived that in simultaneous dual-isotope breast SPECT studies using 123I-labelled Z-MIVE and Tc-99m sestamibi, I-123 labelled Z-MIVE not only detects the presence of estrogen receptor (ER) but, also thought to complement Tc-99m sestamibi in differentiating between benign and malignant breast lesions for patients with breast cancer (Chapter 4). The major concern in simultaneous Tc-99m/I-123 SPECT is the significant crosstalk contamination between the different isotopes used. The current study focuses on a method of crosstalk (downscatter and spillover) compensation between two isotopes with data acquired using Thallium activated Sodium Iodide (NaI(Tl)) detector (Energy resolution 9.8% at 140 keV ) and Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) detector (Energy resolution 5% 140 keV ) respectively. The study uses Sim- OSEM for crosstalk compensation between the isotopes. We have undertaken a number of simulation studies using our modeled breast phantom to verify this approach. Reconstruction using Sim-OSEM showed very promising results in terms of crosstalk and scatter compensation and uniformity of background. In our case images obtained using Sim-OSEM were comparable or even better than the images reconstructed from separately acquired projection data using analytical attenuation based reconstruction. This may be due to better small angle scatter compensation in case of Sim-OSEM as CFD-SIMIND based MC forward projector was used.
Compensation of the image degradation effects (i.e. attenuation, scatter and collimator-detector response) is necessary for an accurate quantification in SPECT imaging. We have previously proposed an accelerated Monte Carlo (MC) based iterative SPECT reconstruction algorithm that accurately corrects for attenuation and scatter once provided with attenuation information (Chapters 3 and 4). This algorithm uses SIMIND MC program accelerated through the implementation of a variance reduction technique known as, convolution forced detection (CFD), (CFD-SIMIND). With ever increasing number of hybrid SPECT/CT systems, CT-based attenuation correction is becoming a standard clinical protocol. This co-registered CT image with SPECT data can also be used to incorporate anatomical information as a prior into a maximum a-posteriori (MAP) SPECT image reconstruction algorithm. The study presented in Chapter 5 proposes a MAP reconstruction algorithm that includes CFD-SIMIND as a forward projector and a CT-image as an anatomical prior (CFD-AMAP) for simultaneous compensation of scatter and attenuation and, enhancement of spatial resolution during reconstruction. We have performed a number of simulation and experimental studies to elaborate the advantages of CFD-AMAP. These studies show an accurate quantification (within ±5% and ±8% for simulation and experimental studies respectively) accompanied by a significant reduction in coefficient of variation (CoV ). This reduction of CoV results in an improved boundary delineation and the Gibbs artifact compensation. However, this compensation comes at the cost of loss of an overall contrast in the reconstructed images due to a more uniform distribution of estimated activity over the regions of interest (ROI’s).
Further studies with more complex phantoms and real patient data, task-based ROC studies, improvement in CFD-SIMIND in terms of speed and use of better Bayesian image reconstruction algorithms are needed to elaborate on the strengths and weaknesses of this proposed MC based forward projector and to pave the way for CFD-SIMIND based image reconstruction algorithms from research to clinic.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The Structures of Some 1:1 Adducts of Selenium Tetrafluoride

contributor:
Gillespie, R. J.
Chemistry

subject: structures, adducts, Selenium Tetrafluoride, x-ray powder diffraction, solid state, nuclear magnetic resonance

abstract:
 The addition compounds of selenium tetrafluoride with sulfur trioxide, boron trifluoride, and arsenic, antimony, bismuth, vanadium, niobium and tantalum pentafluorides have been prepared. These compounds have been studied in the solid state using X-ray powder diffraction, and infra-red and Raman spectroscopy; in the molten state using Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and conductimetric and viscosity measurements; and in solution using Raman spectroscopy, cryoscopy, conductivity and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

 The compound SeF4SO3 has a fluorosulfate-bridged polymeric structure. The remaining compounds have fluorine-bridged structures, this interaction being the strongest in SeF4BF3 and SeF4VF5 and decreasing in the order SeF4NbF5  SeF4TaF5  SeF4AsF5  SeF4SbF5  SeF4BiF5.

 The characteristics of the SeF3+ group are discussed. The properties of fluorine bridging and various methods of detecting such interactions are also considered.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: The Computer Simulation of Phosphate Removal from Wastewater Using Lime

contributor:
Kramer, J. R.
Geology

subject: computer simulation, phosphate removal, wastewater, lime, calcite, precipitation

abstract:
 A simplistic equilibrium, computer model was devised to simulate the removal of orthophosphates from wastewater. The components of the model were calcium, magnesium, carbonate and orthophosphate present as simple hydrated ions, ligands, acid-base dissociation products, ion pairs, ion pair complexes, ion complexes and precipitates. Data from laboratory experiments were tested in the model to determine the apparent activity products of calcite, hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate and brucite. The results indicated a degree of supersaturation of hydroxyapatite between 15 to 20 orders of magnitude dependent on the
aqueous species included in the calculations. The apparent pKsp values for different sets of data showed the mean ranging from 95 to 102.5 with standard deviations 2 to 5. The
inclusion of the aqueous ion complexes Ca2·HPO4·CO^o 3 and Ca2·PO4·CO- 3 when calculating the apparent activity products results in a pKsp of 102.5 which varies little with pH or the presence of magnesium. The solubility of tricalcium phosphate varies more with pH than hydroxyapatite, a mean pKsp of 26.8 was calculated which compares favourably with the pKsp of 27.0 quoted in the literature. The apparent activity product of brucite was strongly dependent on pH while that of calcite was extremely variable. When hydroxyapatite precipitated, there was a minimum residual phosphate between pH 8.5 - 9.0, followed by an increase of phosphates in solution due to calcium being removed by the precipitation of calcite. Beyond pH 10, the phosphate concentration in solution decreased rapidly as there was an increase in the precipitation of hydroxyapatite coupled with a decrease of calcite. Under identical initial conditions, the precipitation of tricalcium phosphate compared to hydroxyapatite resulted in similar orthophosphate residuals. The use of the apparent activity products compared to literature solubility products results in 2 to 3 orders of magnitude greater phosphate residuals in solution.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


abstract: Title: The Behavioural Syndrome of Septal Damage in Laboratory Rats, Author: David K. Dirlam, Location: Thode

abstract:
Experiment 1 included a study of the following behaviours in normal and septal-damages rats: drinking; hyperemotionality (rated with a new scale); escape from electric shock; movement inhibition (MI) shaping and performance; jump avoidance conditioning with no handling and a 15 sec. CS-US interval (JA-15); and weight gain.

Experiment 2 included jump avoidance conditioning with a 5 sec. CS-US interval (JA-5) and MI (without shaping) tested in counterbalance order. Seven groups received either sham, unilateral septal, bilateral septal, preoptic, septal-preoptic, caudate-septal, and frontal cortex-septal lesions.

Experiment 3 included JA-5 with below-the-grid lighting tested in septal damaged and control rats.

Septal lesions disrupted directed movements made
during exploration, escape, MI and JA. This disruption
correlated with hyperemotionality when tested after prior
handling but not when tested before handling and not with
weight gain. A new hyperemotionality scale was developed
which correlated with Brady and Nauta's (1953) scale but
was more reliable, especially for the less emotional rats
(in control rats reliability for the new scale was .95 and
for the old it was .77).

For the septal damaged animals prior experience
with JA improved MI performance but prior experience with
MI impaired JA performance . These effects were mitigated
by adding preoptic damage to the septal damage .

Below-the-grid lighting had no detectable effect on the JA-5 impairment caused by septal dmage.

Generalizations about behaviour after septal damage were discussed with emphasis on generalized fragmentation
of voluntary responses into isolated, component acts .

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Relationships Between Hippocampal EEG and Behavior in the Rat

contributor:
Black, A. H.
Psychology

subject: relationships, Hippocampal EEG, behavior, rat

abstract: Relationships between dorsal hippocampal EEG and behavior were studied in the rat. Walking etc, and lever pressing were associated with significantly more hippocampal RSA than operant licking, normal drinking, polydipsic drinking, grooming, saliva spreading and holding still. The results suggested that hippocampal EEG is related to the form of response, rather than to perceptual or sensory processes or to central integrative processes. Furthermore, the results suggested that hippocampal EEG is not related to the operant role of response or to relative intensities of response.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Stratified Flow Test

contributor:
Robinson, J. E.
Stern, F.
Engineering Physics

subject: stratified, flow, test

abstract:
Abstract Not Provided
Thesis
Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: The Determination for Cadmium in Biological Materials

contributor:
Fritze, K.
Chemistry

subject: cadmium, biological materials, pollution, hazardous, atomic-absorption, neutron-activation

abstract: With the increasing concern about pollution the need has arisen for accurate trace analysis of hazardous or toxic trace elements such as cadmium. While the modern analytical chemist has at his disposal a great many different techniques for analysis, surveys of inter-laboratory analyses have often produced serious discrepancies among results done by different methods and/or workers. The purpose of this thesis will be to review the different methods for trace analysis of cadmium in biological samples and to experimentally compare two of these, atomic-absorption spectrometry and neutron-activation analysis.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


contributor:
Stricker, Edward M.
Psychology

abstract: Title: Behavioural and Physiological Aspects of Sodium Replacement in Sodium Deficient Rats, Author: John E. Jalowiec, Location: Thode

abstract: The relationship between sodium deficiency and consequent sodium appetite was examined in rats experiencing high endogenous levels of aldosterone prior to diuretic-induced sodium loss and in rats incapable of secreting aldosterone because of adrenalectomy. Sodium appetite of rats with high aldesterone secretion was characterized by marked over-compensation for sodium deficits while salt intake comparably deficient rats not experiencing high aldesterone secretion until after natriuresis was precisely sufficient to replace sodium loss. It is proposed that enhanced aldosterone secretion potentiates other natrorexigenic effects of sodium deficiency in the elicitation of sodium appetite, thereby resulting in salt intake in excess of need. Adrenalectomized rats also overcompensated for deficits incurred during sodium deprivation, but this is ascribed to repeated experience with sodium deficiency and replacement.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


title: Variations in Mass Transfer with Dispersed Bubbles

contributor:
Murphy, K. L.
Civil Engineering

subject: mass transfer, dispersed bubbles, liquid flow regime, velocity, gas transfer, surfactant levels

abstract: Using a single bubble suspended in a liquid flow regime, the effects of velocity, bubble size, and surfactant levels on the gas transfer process across the bubble interface were investigated. Mass transfer data reported in the literature for non-circulating carbon dioxide bubbles was verified. A mathematical model predicting the mass transfer process for the single bubble system used in this study was formulated and this model provided a reasonable fit for experimental data obtained for the dissolution of a carbon dioxide bubble into an aqueous solution of a second sparingly soluble gas. The fate of a hypothetical air bubble in an aerator was briefly considered.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (MEngr)


title: Examination of the relationship between blood urea nitrogen, macronutrient intake, and postnatal growth of body compartments in very low birth weight preterm infants

contributor:
Christoph, Fusch
Medical Sciences

subject: postnatal growth, preterm infant, body composition, growth, randomized controlled clinical trial, BUN,

abstract:
Background: Given that 43-97% of preterm infants face postnatal growth restriction by hospital discharge, monitoring of growth is challenging but critical for clinical management of preterm infants. Currently, serial anthropometric measurements of weight and height are used to monitor growth but lack sensitivity. Thus, by the time significant deviations in growth trajectory are identified, an infant has already reached sub-optimal growth. A biomarker that is predictive of sub-optimal growth can serve as a preventative tool in clinical decision making.  Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) may be one such potential metabolic biomarker, as it has been used as a measure of protein adequacy and thus, may additionally indicate quality of growth. While protein intake has a well-established correlation with growth, it is currently unknown if BUN is correlated with postnatal growth and if it can be used as a biomarker for growth.
Objectives: 1) to examine the relationship between BUN and macronutrient intake factors such as protein intake, protein-to-energy (P:E) ratios, and carbohydrate to non-protein energy (CHO:NPE %) to better understand BUN response; 2) to examine the potential of using BUN as a predictive metabolic biomarker of growth status in a multiple linear regression. We hypothesize that BUN will positively correlate with protein intake, P:E and negatively with CHO:NPE ratio. It will also be positively correlated with growth parameters: growth velocity, length gain, head circumference gain and fat free mass.
Methods: Very low birth weight preterm infants (n=101) born ≤30 weeks of gestation at McMaster Children’s Hospital’s level III NICU were included. BUN was assessed at three time points: baseline (SDay1), study day 14 (SDay14) and study day 21 (SDay21). Intake of protein and energy were collected for the 24-hour period prior to the BUN measure, their averages computed over SDay14 and SDay21 and included as confounding predictor variables. Other confounding variables such as maternal characteristics and baseline study group characteristics were also considered. Growth velocity, length gain and head circumference gain at SDay14 and SDay21, and body composition (FFM%, FFMI) between 36-40 weeks were examined as dependent growth variables. After an initial univariate analysis of baseline and maternal confounders, multiple linear regression models were then developed in a block design as follows: for the analysis of BUN vs macronutrient factors- block 1: 24-hour macronutrient intake factors + relevant baseline and/or maternal confounders; block 2: average macronutrient factors; for the analysis of BUN vs growth- block 3: BUN.
Results: In the analysis of BUN and macronutrient intake, BUN was found to have a significant positive correlation with P:E ratio at all time points. Protein intake was positively correlated with BUN only at SDay1 and SDay21. CHO:NPE ratio did not correlated with BUN at any time point. The R2 for the multiple regression of BUN and  macronutrient factor analysis at SDay1, SDay14 and SDay21 was 0.19, 0.42 and 0.44 respectively. In the analysis of BUN vs growth, SDay1 BUN had a significant negative correlation with SDay21 growth velocity (p=0.02). The addition of SDay1 BUN to the model of SDay21 growth velocity was significant (p<0.01 of F change statistic, R2= 0.17). SDay21 BUN also had a significant negative correlation with SDay21 growth velocity (p<0.01) and its addition was significant to the model (p<0.01 of F change statistic, R2 =0.22). BUN was not related to SDay 14 growth velocity, or to length gain, head circumference gain or any body composition estimates at any time point. Additionally, P:E was found to be significantly negatively correlated with growth.
Conclusion: BUN is a statistically and clinically significant marker of nutritional adequacy, both of protein intake and energy in relation to protein intake. Addition of BUN adds to the explanation of variation in growth, and this is statistically significant, however, the additional variation explained may be too small to be clinically significant. Additionally, we observed that P:E ratio was significantly negatively correlated with growth. Thus, it may be more clinically pertinent to use high BUN values as a marker of inadequate energy to protein intake to prevent future sub-optimal growth.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Science (MSc)


title: Introducing texture into anisotropic VBO to model the deformation of Zirconium alloys

contributor:
Jain, Mukesh
Metzger, Donald
Mechanical Engineering

subject: VBO Texture AVBO ATXVBO Zr-2.5Nb Unified

abstract: There is no unified phenomenological model available for Zr alloys that allows for the inclusion of a complete set of texture input parameters in order to describe the anisotropic behaviour during plastic deformation at different strain rates and thermal creep.  This research shows how AVBO, an anisotropic version of VBO, can be enhanced by introducing single crystal based tensors to describe the material response to different Kearns factors, which uniquely describe the texture of a sample with two numbers only.  It is demonstrated with the aid of published thermal creep test data that small tensile deformation behaviour of Zr-2.5Nb is consistent with predominant slip of Zr alloy crystals parallel to their single crystal α basal planes, supporting the strategy to model the behaviour of these HCP materials with a phenomenological constitutive model.  It is demonstrated that the new version of AVBO, ATXVBO, predicts trends consistent with a slip mechanism parallel to the basal planes.  Multi-objective optimization was employed successfully to determine the set of 67 constants.  It is proven that the theory relies on a limited number of tests to perform optimization of all the unknown constants.  Numerous validation and sensitivity evaluations were performed to test the optimized solutions despite the limited availability of plastic deformation test data with documented texture information.  It is demonstrated that, in order to capture dynamic strain aging effects, different strategies will be required at different evaluation temperatures.  It is also shown that although texture variation can be accommodated that different manufacturing routes each requires a unique optimized set of constants.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

abstract: A unified phenomenological theory ATXVBO has been established that can predict the deformation of HCP materials, including Zr alloys, that can account for texture variation.  It is postulated that the inelastic polycrystal properties can be derived from hypothetical single crystal properties and the Kearns factors, used to describe the texture.


contributor:
Morrison, G. Rolfe
Psychology

abstract: Title: Discrimination of Two Auditory Durations by Pigeons, Author: Juliane B. Kinchla, Location: Thode

abstract: Auditory duration discrimination in pigeons was investigated using a procedure designed to provide a direct analogue to the conventional "yes-no" signal detection task with humans. Two experiments were reported and discussed, the scope of which include development and maintenance of the discrimination using highly confusable durations, manipulation of the values of the auditory durations, achievement of stochastic stationary, manipulation of the probability of reinforcement and extinction of the discrimination.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Black, A.H.
Psychology

abstract: Title: The Effect of Punishment Intensity and Stimulus Characteristics on Discrimination Escape Conditioning, Author: Eric A. Clark, Location: Thode

abstract:
Punishment intensity and stimulus characteristics
were manipulated in a two-choice visual discrimination
task using a combined escape-punishment procedure. Under
some conditions an inverted U-shaped function was found
relating punishment intensity and discrimination
performance. There was some indication that optimum
punishment intensity was determined by the relative salience
of specific features of the discriminative stimuli, rather
than simply by task difficulty as suggested by the Yerkes-
Dodson .Law. In all punishment conditions it was found that
discrimination performance was superior when the negative
stimulus was relatively more salient or contained the
only distinctive feature. The results were interpreted
as indicating that discrimination in escape or escape punishment
procedures develops primarily through control
by the negative stimulus.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Heron, W.
Psychology

abstract: Title: The Effects of Perceptual Deprivation on Sleep in Human Subjects, Author: Wendy K. Potter, Location: Thode

abstract: Eight human subjects underwent perceptual deprivation for either four or seven days. In addition, they slept in the laboratory for three nights before and three nights after the deprivation period. Continuous recordings of the electro-encephalogram, electro-oculogram, and electromyogram were made during these nights and during deprivation. The amounts of time spent in the awake state and in the various sleep stages were ascertained by the method of Dement and Kleitman (1957). Subjects slept much more than usual in early deprivation, but gradually returned to normal by about day four. The effects of deprivation on the various sleep stages are described and the implications of these for theories of sleep and sensory deprivation are discussed.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
MacLean, D.B.
Chemistry

abstract: Title: Application of Mass Spectrometry in the Study of Some Isoquinoline Alkaloids, Author: Chi-Kuen Yu, Location: Thode

abstract:
The structures of three new tetrahydroprotoberberine alkaloids,
caseanadine, cavidine and apocavidine have been determined on the basis
of mass spectral and p.m.r. data.

The mass spectra of spirobenzylisoquinoline alkaloids with
different oxygenated substituents in the five-membered ring have been
recorded. Fragmentation mechanisms are proposed to account for the
major peaks in all the spectra. High resolution mass measurements have
been used to aid in the interpretation of the spectra. The structure
of a new spirobenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, F-38, has been elucidated by
spectroscopic methods.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)


contributor:
Sainsbury, J.
Gadsby, R.
Engineering Physics

abstract: Title: Some Aspects of Volatile Fission Product Behaviour and Associated Population Dose in Postulated Accidents, Author: Peter S.L. Yuen, Location: Thode

abstract:
In this report, models, equations, and methodology useful in the analysis of remval of radioactive ionedine in the form of elemantal iondone and methyl iodide from the reactor containment by sprays and deposition after a postulated Loss of Coolant and Loss of Emergency Core Coolant (LOC/LOECC) accident are discussed.

 Also discussed are applicable methodology useful in the estimation of population dose as a result of the escape of radioactive iodine and noble gases out of the containment after such a postulated accident. A computer program POPDOSE was written to estimate population dose based on this methodology.

Results of analysis and details of POPDOSE are not important for the purposes of this report and are not included here.

abstract: Thesis

abstract: Master of Engineering (ME)