title: Markov blanket: efficient strategy for feature subset selection method for high dimensionality microarray cancer datasets

subject:
Microarray datasets
feature selection methods
genetic algorithms
memetic algorithms
overfitting problem
fitness function
crossover
mutation
Markov Blanket
minimum redundancy-maximum relevant,
support vector machine
naive Bayes
k-nearest-neighbor
ensemble classifier
Bayesian networks

abstract:
Currently, feature subset selection methods are very important, especially in areas of application for which
datasets with tens or hundreds of thousands of variables (genes) are available. Feature subset selection
methods help us select a small number of variables out of thousands of genes in microarray datasets for a
more accurate and balanced classification.  Efficient gene selection can be considered as an easy computational hold of the subsequent classification
task, and can give subset of gene set without the loss of classification performance. In classifying
microarray data, the main objective of gene selection is to search for the genes while keeping the maximum
amount of relevant information about the class and minimize classification errors. In this paper, explain the
importance of feature subset selection methods in machine learning and data mining fields. Consequently,
the analysis of microarray expression was used to check whether global biological differences underlie
common pathological features in different types of cancer datasets and identify genes that might anticipate
the clinical behavior of this disease. Using the feature subset selection model for gene expression contains
large amounts of raw data that needs analyzing to obtain useful information for specific biological and
medical applications. One way of finding relevant (and removing redundant ) genes is by using the
Bayesian network based on the Markov blanket [1]. We present and compare the performance of the
different approaches to feature (genes) subset selection methods based on Wrapper and Markov Blanket
models for the five-microarray cancer datasets. The first way depends on the Memetic algorithms (MAs)
used for the feature selection method. The second way uses MRMR (Minimum Redundant Maximum
Relevant) for feature subset selection hybridized by genetic search optimization techniques and afterwards
compares the Markov blanket model’s performance with the most common classical classification
algorithms for the selected set of features.  For the memetic algorithm, we present a comparison between two embedded approaches for feature subset
selection which are the wrapper filter for feature selection algorithm (WFFSA) and Markov Blanket
Embedded Genetic Algorithm (MBEGA). The memetic algorithm depends on genetic operators (crossover,
mutation) and the dedicated local search procedure. For comparisons, we depend on two evaluations
techniques for learning and testing data which are 10-Kfold cross validation and 30-Bootstraping. The
results of the memetic algorithm clearly show MBEGA often outperforms WFFSA methods by yielding
more significant differentiation among different microarray cancer datasets.  In the second part of this paper, we focus mainly on MRMR for feature subset selection methods and the
Bayesian network based on Markov blanket (MB) model that are useful for building a good predictor and
defying the curse of dimensionality to improve prediction performance. These methods cover a wide range
of concerns: providing a better definition of the objective function, feature construction, feature ranking,
efficient search methods, and feature validity assessment methods as well as defining the relationships
among attributes to make predictions.  We present performance measures for some common (or classical) learning classification algorithms (Naive
Bayes, Support vector machine [LiBSVM], K-nearest neighbor, and AdBoostM Ensampling) before and
after using the MRMR method. We compare the Bayesian network classification algorithm based on the
Markov Blanket model’s performance measure with the performance of these common classification
algorithms. The result of performance measures for classification algorithm based on the Bayesian network
of the Markov blanket model get higher accuracy rates than other types of classical classification algorithms
for the cancer Microarray datasets.
Bayesian networks clearly depend on relationships among attributes to make predictions. The Bayesian
network based on the Markov blanket (MB) classification method of classifying variables provides all
necessary information for predicting its value. In this paper, we recommend the Bayesian network based on the Markov blanket for learning and classification processing, which is highly effective and efficient on
feature subset selection measures.


title: The effect of a six-week whole body vibration training protocol on the physical capacities and fatigability of overweight young female adults

publisher:
Laurentian University of Sudbury
Laurentian University of Sudbury

subject:
Young female adults
Overweight
Training

abstract:
Whole body vibration (WBV) training is a relatively new training technique and is considered low intensity as it elicits non-voluntary muscle contractions generated by mechanical vibrations. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-week WBV training paradigm on the physical capacities and fatigability of overweight young female adults. We hypothesized that WBV would increase fat free mass as well as leg power and strength, decrease the fatigue index of the lower limbs during the Wingate test, increase fatigue resistance, improve neuromuscular efficiency and decrease fatigue perception in overweight young female adults.
Participants (n=24) were overweight young female adults (body fat percentage 30-35) between the ages of 20 and 40 and were randomized into 2 groups; control group (CON; n=10) or whole body vibration group (VIB; n=14). This study consisted of six weeks of training and four testing sessions: 2 before (sessions 1 & 2) and 2 following (sessions 3 & 4) the training regimen. During testing sessions 1 and 3, the basal metabolic rate, body composition, leg power (Wingate), elasticity index (EI), squat and countermovement jumps and fatigue perception (questionnaires) were assessed for all subjects. Isokinetic tests to measure strength and muscle fatigue tests were performed during testing sessions 2 and 4. The training protocol lasted 6 weeks and exercises were performed 3 times a week. Sessions lasted 30 minutes and entailed 15 sets of 1-minute exercises followed by 1-minute rest intervals. One set consisted of 15 controlled and timed squats (15 flexion and extension per minute). The VIB group performed their exercises on the power Plate® pro 6. Vertical vibration amplitude settings were kept on low (2mm) throughout the entire 6 weeks and set at a frequency of 30Hz for weeks 1-3 and increased to 35Hz for weeks 4-6. The CON group performed the same exercises without vibration.
iv
The results revealed that a 6-week WBV training regimen had no effect on body composition or basal metabolic rate. WBV training did not affect EI as evidenced by similar squat jump and countermovement jump measures for both the CON and VIB groups. WBV training had no effect on leg power as measured using the Wingate ergocycle. The Wingate test did show a decrease in the fatigue index for both groups (p˂0.05). Unexpectedly, a decrease in strength was found in extension phase during the eccentric contractions (120°/s) and flexion phase during concentric contractions (120°/s and 180°/s). As there were no changes in fat free mass, it seems that the reduction in strength was due to central changes. The fatigue rate represented by regression slopes showed that the VIB group was more fatigue resistant post training compared to the CON group. Fatigue perception as measured using a multidimensional approach with questionnaires (FSS, MFI and SHARP) revealed no changes in fatigability for either group.
To conclude, this study demonstrated that WBV training in overweight young female adults had minimal effects on the physical capacities and fatigability of our subjects. Higher intensity vibration parameters, a longer training regimen or individualized vibration parameters may have greater benefits for overweight subjects and should be considered in future studies.

abstract: Maîtrise en activité physique (M.A.P)


title: Human development focusing on access to health care of South Asian immigrants living in the Greater Toronto area (GTA)

subject: Access to Health Care

subject: Human Development

subject: Quality of Life

subject: Visible Minority

subject: Immigrants

subject: South Asian in Greater Toronto Area (GTA),

abstract: Immigrant populations enter Canada hoping for a better quality of life and usually with higher health status because of the Canadian immigration process which screens out those who have health problems. However, after living in Canada for a time, visible minority immigrants experience barriers/challenges to accessing health care and their health declines. Visible minority immigrants are more likely to reach their full potential when they have equal and appropriate access to health-care opportunities in their host society. The objective of this study is to investigate the challenges/barriers South Asian immigrants face in accessing the appropriate health-care opportunities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) needed for maximizing their human development. Using the convenience sampling technique, a sample of 307 self-administered survey questionnaires and five focus groups of South Asian immigrants living in the GTA were collected. To analyze and measure human development, this research used Amartya Sen's capability and freedom approach that considers human development as a process of expanding people’s choices and opportunities which could enhance their capabilities and freedoms for their quality of life and human development. Access to health care is one of the significant components contributing directly to that quality of life. Using the SPSS software, this research tested the hypotheses, conducted cross-tabulation, chi-square tests and Cramer’s V; the results show that there are statistically significant associations between South Asian immigrants' self-rated health before and after coming to Canada; between self-rated health and access barriers; and between access barriers and capabilities and freedom variables. The results also show that South Asian immigrants’ self-rated health declined after living some time in Canada because of the barriers/challenges to accessing health-care opportunities in the GTA. The study also confirmed that access to health care challenges/barriers is limiting the South Asian immigrants’ growth of capabilities and freedoms and quality of life. For good quality of life and building of capabilities they need access to culturally appropriate health-care services.

abstract: Doctoral Theses


title: Studies on metal exchange and inhibition in anthrax lethal factor

subject:
anthrax
lethal factor (LF)

abstract:
Anthrax lethal factor (LF) is a zinc-dependent endopeptidase, and a component of the
anthrax toxin secreted by Bacillus anthracis. LF demonstrates two interesting contradictory
features: a propensity to readily exchange the active site metal ion with extraneous metal ions
in solution, while having at the same time a very high affinity (femto- to picomolar) for
metals in its active site. The hypothesis of this thesis was that metal exchange in LF occurs
via an associative mechanism involving the formation of a di-metal species through the
occupation of an inhibitory metal-binding site (by the incoming metal) located adjacent to the
active site. We demonstrate here that the spontaneous demetallation of LF is slow, especially
for the release of zinc (t1/2 ~3 h). In contrast, metal exchange (with 70Zn2+, Co2+ and Cu2+)
was found to occur with t1/2 values between 5 s and 180 s, hence supporting an associative
mechanism of exchange. In addition, the mode of inhibition exerted by Zn2+ on zinc-containing
LF (ZnLF) was observed to be non-competitive with an inhibition
(pseudo)constant of ~30 μM, a feature in agreement with turnover studies using stopped-flow
UV-Vis spectroscopy. Finally, present studies using Tb3+ suggest that the lanthanide ion
competes with other metal ions (Zn2+, Cu2+) for binding to the inhibitory metal site in LF,
hence decreasing the rate of metal exchange. This observation provides further support for
the intimate link between a putative inhibitory binding site and metal exchange. The results
of this study provide insight into how cellular metal pools may remain dynamic in vivo, and
have implications not only for LF, but for many other zinc-dependent enzymes where metal
substitution is used for spectroscopic studies.

abstract: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Chemical Sciences


title: Imagined disclosure of a close other’s mental health status: a strategy for reducing stigma by association

subject:
stigma by association
imagined contact
quality and quantity of prior contact

abstract:
The present research applied imagined contact theory (Crisp & Turner, 2009) to the context of
stigma by association, or stigma of mental illness as it relates to individuals associated with
persons accessing mental health services. Mental imagery was used to address stigma in a
sample of university students (N = 127). Participants, who had close relationships with someone
with a mental health condition, were randomly assigned to one of two conditions, imagined
contact group or control group. The former group imagined positively disclosing to a stranger
the closer other’s mental health status and the latter group imagined nature. In addition to
assessing the effects of imagined contact on stigma by association, the research assessed if this
depends on the quantity of prior disclosures, and quality of prior disclosures of the close other’s
mental health condition. The criterion variables were stigma by association, affiliate stigma, and
self-efficacy expectancy. Contrary to expectations, imagined contact did not have significant
effects on stigma by association, self-efficacy expectancy, or affiliate stigma. Importantly,
however, quality of prior disclosure predicted stigma by association, self-efficacy expectancy,
and affiliate stigma. In addition, participants’ quantity of prior disclosure was a significant
predictor for stigma by association, self-efficacy expectancy, and marginally predicted affiliate
stigma. These findings carry practical implications and lend to the discussion of future
directions regarding disclosures regarding mental health conditions.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology


title: Families raising children with FASD and autism in Ontario

subject:
fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
autism spectrum disorder
developmental disability
families

abstract:
The current document is a two-paper manuscript-based thesis investigating the experiences of
parents raising children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Autism Spectrum
Disorder (ASD) in Ontario, Canada. Supports are available in Ontario for families of children
with disabilities. However, many parents report that they are not adequately meeting their needs.
Therefore, the purpose of this research is to determine what supports parents believe they require
to help facilitate adaptation. Both papers used mixed methods, including a qualitative analysis of
semi structured interviews and a descriptive statistical analysis of their respective questionnaires.
The first paper examined the experiences of parents of adopted adult children with FASD and
their needs as they adapted to their children’s transition into adulthood. Interpretative
phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the interviews, and the Questionnaire on
Resources and Stress- Friedrich’s Version (QRS-F) was examined. Parents described a number
of stressors related to their children’s transition to adulthood and reported moderate levels of
perceived stress. The second paper examined parents’ formal and informal support needs as they
adapted to raising their middle childhood aged children with ASD and FASD. Thematic analysis
was used analyze to the interviews, and the Family Resource Scale as well as the Family Crisis
Oriented Personal Scales were administered. Results indicated that there are not enough services
to satisfy family needs. Implications for clinical interventions are discussed.

abstract: Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Psychology


title: Trauma and homelessness among Indigenous people in northern Ontario: a narrative study

subject:
trauma
homelessness
decolonization
Indigenous people
northern Ontario

abstract:
Homelessness has been rising over the last 20 years. The literature outlines the need for further
study of the experiences of trauma among Indigenous people who experience homelessness.
Social work research and front-line practice underscore the significance of trauma as a
contributing factor leading to homelessness. This thesis examines the narratives of an Indigenous
man (Fred) and an Indigenous woman (Kim) who have experienced similar life events, despite
their origins in geographically dispersed communities—a remote northern Cree First Nation and
an urban centre in western Canada. The main themes emerging from an examination of their
narratives reveal common sets of experiences linked to Indigenous heritage. Results of narrative
analyses of their life stories show that both Kim and Fred experienced early childhood trauma
leading to parallel experiences of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Kim and
Fred both identified disconnection from their culture, oppression, early childhood trauma,
seeking safety, substance misuse, marginalization and homelessness in their lives. These
experiences were compounded by seemingly cumulative effects, leading to a cycle of repeating
adverse experiences. The results of this study indicate that social workers should focus on
education in rural communities to offer more strategies to prevent early childhood and ongoing
trauma in adulthood. The results also revealed a need for social workers to develop specialized
training in substance misuse treatment that targets the reduction of and recovery from trauma
symptoms. The study also uncovered the need for more strategies for decolonization practices
and solutions to overcrowding in housing in First Nations communities.

abstract: Masters of Social Work (MSW)


title: Sibling experiences in families of an individual with a chronic health condition: Down syndrome and cystic fibrosis

subject:
siblings
chronic health conditions
Down syndrome
cystic fibrosis
stressors
positive experiences
coping
qualitative
FAAR

abstract:
This document is a manuscript-based thesis, exploring the lived experiences of individuals who
have a sibling with a chronic health condition, specifically Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis.
The first paper focuses on the experiences of having a sibling with Down syndrome, and the
second on having a sibling with cystic fibrosis. Both studies used a basic interpretive approach,
and were guided by the Family Adjustment and Adaptation Response (FAAR) Model (Patterson,
1988; Patterson & Garwick, 1994) to explore the difficulties faced by these siblings and the
supports and coping behaviours they employed. The data were collected through interviews and
analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA; Eatough & Smith, 2017; Smith,
Flowers & Larkin, 2009). Results suggested that siblings of those with Down syndrome or cystic
fibrosis generally view their experiences positively, though they related various difficulties
including taking on various roles, having worries, and the need for more supports for siblings.
The results of this study will aid in better understanding the sibling relationship when a brother
or sister has a chronic health condition, and will inform appropriate supports for siblings and
their families.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Psychology


title: A highway of pollution with no boundaries: a study using lead isotope ratios in wet deposition and lichen to trace atmospheric pollution

subject:
Lead
Isotopes
Pollution
Refining
northern Ontario
Coal Power

abstract: To fingerprint lead deposition over approximately a two year timeframe, possible variationsin the sources of lead pollution over Northern Ontario was investigated by collecting snowpack, rainwater and lichen. The collection of samples was along two main transects: A West East transect between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury; and a South North transect from Sudbury up through Timmins to Kapuskasing. Sample collection along these two transects was conducted during the summer of 2009 and during the Shutdown of Vale Inco’s Smelter in the winter month of January 2009. The objective was to determine if Pb anthropogenic pollution from major point sources in northern Ontario (Essar Steel Algoma, Xstrata Sudbury Smelter Operations, Xstrata Kidd Metallurgical Plant) could be traced using isotopic ratios. As a result the Pb isotope fingerprint in northern Ontario can be explained by a binary mixing of anthropogenic emissions from northern Ontario refining operations and coal fired power plant emissions that are transported with prevailing winds from the Ohio Valley. Major point sources showed distinct differences in signatures and samples that were not collected in proximity to a point source were diluted and greatly influenced by the U. S signature.

abstract: Master's Theses


title: Trauma and rural volunteer firefighters.

subject:
Volunteer firefighters
Ontario rural volunteer firefighters
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Trauma
Tutty's (1996) six-point framework

abstract:
Purpose: By the nature of their jobs, firefighters are exposed to trauma on a regular basis; they are, therefore, ideal candidates for the study of trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Since very little has been written on volunteer firefighters (Bryant & Harvey, 1995; 1996), the purpose of this research project is to add to the body of knowledge on such workers by exploring the work experiences of a group
of rural volunteer firefighters to better understand how they cope and identify the positive aspects of their work.
Data sources: Qualitative methods were chosen for this study. Data sources consisted
of a demographic questionnaire, individual in-depth interviews with nine northeastern
Ontario rural volunteer firefighters, and a follow-up telephone interview to discuss revisions/additions to their transcripts. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis, specifically, Tutty' s (1996) six-point framework of thematic analysis.Conclusion: This research project has helped to identify mediating factors in volunteer firefighters' experiences that offset the effects of trauma exposure, which is a component of their work. The study also identified some positive aspects of volunteer firefighting and enabled us to better understand the experiences of volunteer firefighters, particularly within a rural/northern context.
Implications for practice: Social Workers may be the first-line mental health/trauma workers who meet and treat volunteer firefighters in rural communities; they can play an important role in recognizing and treating PTSD symptoms in volunteer firefighters following exposure to repetitive trauma.

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: Treating at-risk adolescent mothers and their children: family therapy delivered from the theraplay® model

subject:
adolescent mothers
children
treatment
therapy
family
Theraplay® Model

abstract:
This advanced practicum project describes a pilot project for teen mothers and
their preschool children, developed from the principles of Theraplay®, a play-based,
attachment-focused intervention. Specifically, the objective of this project was to explore
the applicability and value of using this type of intervention among adolescent mothers in
a limited service region in Sudbury, Ontario. My experience showed that using the
Theraplay model was useful in improving the relationship between adolescent mothers
and their children by promoting positive interactions. The findings indicate play-based
interventions have value with this at-risk population.

abstract: Master of Social Work Program


title: A First Nation model of Mishkauziwin [strength; resilience] : the revitalization of family/clan identity in an Anishnaabe family of Northwestern Ontario.

subject:
resilience
mishkauziwin
Anishnaabe
Indigenous Knowledge (IK)
Aboriginal
revitalization
decolonization
ceremony
family
clan
cultural restoration
indigenist research
strength
family reunion
survival
historical trauma

abstract:
This thesis uses a family-directed approach to study the topic of resilience through an extended Anishnaabe family’s perceptions of their mishkauziwin [strength; resilience] as they strive to revitalize their family/clan identity. The interdisciplinary/qualitative/indigenist study braids together complementary ways of research from indigenous knowledges and the Western academy in a participatory framework.
The perceptions of participants in studies on resilience are often sidelined, as are aspects of Aboriginal realities often missing from mainstream views of resilience in Aboriginal contexts. The perceptions of research participants in this study are the core-organizing feature of the research as they look at their relationships, traditional practices, and indigenous knowledge. The study contributes significantly to Anishnaabe communities and individuals as well as expands the body of knowledge on the topic of resilience in general. The study examines systemic issues impacting the lived experiences of participants, reviews the topic of historical
trauma as it relates to the family participants, inquires into cultural identity issues, and works to comprehend the ecological view in Aboriginal contexts.
The themes, patterns and metaphors of resilience from an Anishnaabe family’s perceptions serve to clarify significant findings about mishkauziwin, illustrating the process of restoration of family/clan identity as that of a strength based process which carries with it significant protective factors. The work together reaffirmed the value of a knowledge study emerging from the ground up as contrasted with top down approaches. Some aspects of the revitalization pro cess can be viewed as a grieving process, indicating that mishkauziwin means strength for healing and is the impetus for forward movement despite
colonization and historical trauma. Mishkauziwin is evident in the connections within and between families, in aspects of spirituality, clan roles, cultural traditions, survival, and love. Themes of restoring lost identity through connections to each other and their land, language,
and traditional culture are evident. Clan identity and the family revitalization are embedded in these processes, as are other protective factors, such as education, and spiritual and cultural factors, which modulate the effects of loss. This confirms findings of other research on resilience in Aboriginal contexts, and gives direction for future research.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Studies


title: Endocrinological manipulations and initial maternal behaviour in the Virgin rat (Rattus norvegicus)

subject:
ELISA
Endocrine
Estrogen
Hormones
Learning
Limbic system
Maternal behaviour
Maternal enhancement
Medical preoptic area
Osmotic pump
Plasticity
Progesterone
Pup sensitization

abstract:
Steroidal hormones are known to mediate maternal behaviour by influencing specific neural
structures that are responsible for initial onset and maintenance of this behaviour. Contrary to
typical extirpation and replacement strategies, this study examined hormonally intact animals to
evaluate the specific effects of hormonal enhancement in conjunction with endogenous
fluctuations on maternal behaviour. Rats were given a regimen of estrogen and progesterone
hormones via osmotic pumps and subcutaneous injections to mimic natural pregnancies.
Maternal behaviours were recorded for a twenty-four hour observation period either immediately
after parturition or after a sensitization period to foster pups. Neural tissue was removed from
the medial preoptic area after the observation period and prepared for future analysis with
electron microscopy. Behavioural results from this study revealed that initial behaviours are not
influenced in exogenously enhanced virgins compared to virgin and pregnant controls. These
results suggest the significance of neural moderation on the onset and magnitude of maternal
behaviour.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: Characterization of banded iron formations associated with gold mineralization: primary geochemical signatures and exploration implications

subject:
Banded iron formation
Precambrian
Algoma
geochemistry

abstract:
Algoma-type banded iron formations (BIFs), which represent chemical sedimentary rocks characterized by alternating layers of iron-rich minerals and chert intercalated with Eoarchean to late Paleoproterozoic volcano-sedimentary sequences, act as a favorable host rock for orogenic gold mineralization within several Archean cratons (i.e., Pilbara, Kaapvaal, Superior, Slave and Churchill). Besides this economic aspect, these Fe-rich sequences have long been appreciated as an important contributor to furthering our understanding of the geochemical evolution of the Earth. However, these deposits are in general tectonically deformed, metamorphosed and dismembered, thus making reconstruction of their depositional setting and overall geologic setting difficult.
Based on four Canadian BIF-hosted gold deposits (the Meadowbank, Meliadine, Musselwhite and Beardmore-Geraldton deposits), this thesis aims to establish the depositional setting of the Algoma-type BIF using the abundance of REE+Y of chert material used as proxy of the primary signature, as well as assess gold enrichment processes based on textures and trace element zoning of variable sulfides (i.e., pyrite, arsenopyrite and pyrrhotite) and finally study if there is a particular geochemical type of Algoma-type BIF associated with gold mineralization.
Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric (LA-ICP-MS) analyses performed on chert material suggest that BIFs from the four deposits show common depositional settings illustrated by deposition in semi-closed to closed basin under variable influence of high-temperature (>250ºC) hydrothermal fluids input and detrital contamination. Moreover, evidence of late diagenetic processes involving O isotopic exchange between chert precursor (i.e., opaline material) and seawater origined fluid have been documented. According to their primary
v
signature, it appears that barren versus mineralized BIFs do not show any geochemical divergence suggesting that the depositional setting may influence the epigenetic gold mineralization. Based on quantitative element distribution maps combined with line traverse and spot analyses by LA-ICP-MS on sulfides, a common gold mineralizing event characterized by intense stratabound sulfide-replacement of Fe-rich material was reported in three studied deposits exhibiting a Au-As-Se-Te-Ag element association. This result suggests that metamorphic/hydrothermal orogenic processes driven by devolatilization of a common weakly to unmetamorphosed source rock have ledto generation of gold-bearing fluid which channelled into Algoma-type BIF via major crustal faults and/or shear zones within low tensile strength rocks

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mineral Deposits and Precambrian Geology


title: Molecular analysis of Betula papyrifera populations from a mining reclaimed region: genetic and transcriptome characterization of metal resistant and susceptible genotypes

subject:
white birch
Betula papyrifera
metal contamination
genetic variation
nickel resistance
transcriptome
gene expression
restoration
methylation
metal toxicity

abstract:
The objectives of the present study were to; 1) determine if there’s an association between plant
population diversity and genetic variation in white birch (Betula papyrifera) populations with soil
metal contamination in the Greater Sudbury region (GSR), 2) assess if metal contamination and
soil liming has an effect on global DNA methylation, 3) develop and characterize the
transcriptome of B. papyrifera under nickel stress and, 4) assess gene expression dynamics in
white birch in response to nickel stress. No association between plant population diversity and
genetic variation with metal contamination was found. Liming increases plant population
diversity but has no effect on genetic variation in the studied white birch populations. There was
a decrease in root cytosine methylation in metal-contaminated sites compared to references.
Treatment with the dose corresponding to total level of Ni or Cu (1,600 mg/kg Ni, 1,312 mg/kg
Cu or combined) in sites of the GSR generated different responses within segregating populations
analyzed. The main Ni resistance mechanism of white birch was associated with the prevention
of translocation of Ni from root to shoot. We also observed lower ZAT11 and glutathione
reductase expression in resistant genotypes compared to susceptible. The transcriptome of B.
papyrifera was developed for the first time using Next Generation Sequencing. RNA from Ni
resistant, moderately-susceptible, susceptible and water controls treatment was sequenced. A total
of 209,802 trinity genes were identified and were assembled to 278,264 total trinity transcripts. In
total, 215,700 transcripts were annotated and compared to the published B. nana genome.
Overall, a genomic match for 61% transcripts with the reference genome was found. Expression
profiles were generated and 62,587 genes were found to be significantly differentially expressed
among the nickel resistant, susceptible, and untreated libraries. The main nickel resistance
mechanism in B. papyrifera is a downregulation of genes associated with translation and cell growth, and upregulation in genes involved in the plasma membrane. Seven candidate genes
associated to nickel resistance were identified. They include Glutathione S-transferase,
Thioredoxin, Putative transmembrane protein, Nramp transporter, TonB-like family protein and
TonB-like dependent receptor. This TonB receptor was found to be exclusive to the Betula genus.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) in Biomolecular Sciences


title: Examining the humor styles and positive aging in older adults and the role of cognitive functioning

subject:
humor styles
positive aging
older adults

abstract:
The current study examines how humor use may relate to positive aging in older adults. In
particular, it is proposed that the four different humor styles (self-enhancing, affiliative, selfdefeating, and aggressive humor) may be differentially associated with positive aging. The
current study also suggests that level of cognitive functioning may play a role in this relationship.
Accordingly, it is proposed that older adults with intact cognitive functioning will use more
positive styles of humor and experience more positive aging than those with impaired cognitive
functioning. Twenty-four older adults from Northern Ontario communities completed self-report
measures pertaining to the four humor styles, positive aging, and self-esteem, as well as
completed a brief assessment of cognitive functioning. Significant differences were found
between intact and impaired cognitive functioning older adults on use of self-defeating humor.
Additional exploratory analyses are further discussed. Limitations of the current study and
future directions are considered.


title: The experiences of adults living with epilepsy : an interpretive description

subject:
epilepsy seizure in adults
health dimensions
lived experiences
interpretive description
nursing practice
well-being

abstract: A qualitative interpretive description study was conducted to explore adults’ experiences of living with epilepsy. Adults integrate epilepsy into their daily lives; however, there is dearth of literature that explores their lived experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants recruited from two health clinics situated in northern Ontario, Canada. The main theme was epilepsy as a temporal journey accompanied by others who knew of their past and present experiences, and future aspirations. The past included the onset of epilepsy and accompanied losses. The present was the balance between threats and well-being. Envisioned future was facilitated by hope. Each subtheme built upon the preceding in an attempt to create well-being and strive towards their envisioned future. Suggestions for nursing practice include fostering understanding in the past, promoting the creation of well-being in the present, and inspiring hope towards the future envisioned life.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Nursing


title: X-ray scattering point models for breast cone-beam computed tomography

subject:
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
Single Scattering Point (SSP)
Many Scattering Point (MSP)

abstract:
The purpose of this work was to determine via simulations the potential use of sim-
plified scattering point models in full-field breast Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
(CBCT).
A many Scattering Point (MSP) per incident beamlet model and a Single Scat-
tering Point (SSP) model were tested against Geant4 simulations, as well as against
each other. Comparisons were made using both homogeneous as well as heterogeneous
phantoms. The homogeneous phantoms were cylinders, 14 cm and 7 cm in diameter
and 10.5 cm in length with various fibroglandular(fib):fat compositions. The hetero-
geneous phantom was the 14 cm phantom mentioned previously, but modeled as pure
fib with a number of smaller embedded cylinders composed of fat. A second configu-
ration with the compositions of the main and embedded cylinders swapped was also
tested. The simulation used a 60 kV tungsten anode spectrum with a HVL of 3.7 mm
Al which irradiated the simulated breast phantom over 300 projections. The detector
was modeled as 300 × 300, 1 mm2 energy integrating pixels, with a DQE of unity.
Both of the models approximate the cone-beam as a number of individual beamlets
(300 × 300 to match with the detector) with scattering points placed along their in-
tersections with the phantom. The MSP model incorporated a single scattering point
per 1 cm of incident beamlet length within the phantom. The SSP model used an
adjustable single scattering point positioned at a fractional depth   within the phan-
tom. By comparing results from these two scattering point models, values of   were
determined which would yield SSP model scatter approximations matching those of
iii
the MSP model. Both models were tested against Geant4 simulations for their ability
to adequately estimate the scatter signals upon the detector. The SSP model was
also tested for its ability to correct for the cupping artifact in reconstructed images of
the heterogeneous phantom, without assuming knowledge of the inner heterogeneous
geometry.
The Hounsfield Units (HU) obtained with primary photons were 48.5±3.18 and
−159 ± 23.0 for fib and fat respectively for one of the heterogeneous phantom con-
figurations. Due to the cupping artifact in the reconstructed images which included
scatter, these values were −46.6 ± 18.9 and −215 ± 34.0 respectively. Following cor-
rections for the single scatter, via the SSP model, the corresponding CT numbers
became 52.3 ± 3.67 and −161 ± 23.3.
It was encouraging to see that a simple model can minimize the effects of single
scattered photons during CBCT of a heterogeneous phantom. The HUs obtained
post-scatter correction agreed well with those obtained with primary photons. The
preliminary findings encourage further efforts for thoroughly testing these scatter
point models’ applicability for obtaining higher quality CBCT images.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Physics


title: The black sun of boredom: Henri Lefebvre and the critique of everyday life

subject:
Henri Lefebvre
Boredom

abstract: This dissertation examines how boredom can be understood in the context of Henri Lefebvre’s (1901-1991) critique of everyday life. Through an integration of the boredom literature, both the fully developed studies as well as fragmentary passages, I argue that Lefebvre’s critique of everyday life adds an important dimension to understanding boredom in modernity. One of the leading strands in boredom studies today argues that boredom is an historically specific experience unique to the rhythms of life imparted with the onset of modernity. Viewed in this light, boredom is a relatively recent phenomenon that can be linked to what Lefebvre calls the ‘double process’ of industrialization and urbanization. Although the mass profusion of boredom has left a seemingly indelible mark on society, it has received relatively little attention in both everyday life and academia. First coined in the middle of the 19th century, boredom is a relatively new word for what today is an all too pervasive experience. Writing throughout most of the 20th century, Lefebvre makes numerous references to boredom, yet, despite claiming that a study of boredom would be a significant contribution to his critique of everyday life, he never developed an in-depth and sustained analysis of this experience. Lefebvre did, however, identify an internal dialectic of mass culture as being an integral component for understanding boredom. It is argued that Lefebvre’s theory of a dialectical process inherent to mass culture is a key for understanding boredom as an historically specific phenomenon. In organizing this dissertation, a constellation of themes are presented in order to articulate this dialectic. After exploring boredom’s relationship to modernity, I then discuss what Lefebvre considers as the verso of modernity, everyday life. Following this, I consider the contradictions of space that give rise to boredom in urban centres and suburban peripheries by critically analyzing both the production of those spaces as well as how they are consumed in everyday life. Finally, I consider the escape from boredom offered in select sounds and images of the culture industry and its opposite, the embrace of boredom in certain 20th century avant-garde art movements. Through a reading of Lefebvre’s critique of everyday life and complementary texts, this interdisciplinary dissertation is a contribution to understanding the mass phenomenon of boredom in modernity.


title: The potential role of consciousness in the collapse of random physical systems: a quantitative biophysical investigation of cognitive intention

subject:
Consciousness
Biophotons
Apogee-Perigee
Geomagnetic Activity

abstract: Decades of research into the anomalous phenomenon of consciousness-correlated collapse of random systems has supported the contention that human intention appears capable of eliciting significant deviations within these external systems. The following series of experiments was conducted in order to identify potential physical factors which might play a role in the consciousness-correlated effects on a random event generator device. Transcerebral application of a specific physiologically-patterned electromagnetic field was found to enhance the occurrence of this consciousness-mediated interaction. Furthermore, immersing the test area in electromagnetic ‘noise’ appears to interfere with the apparent effects of intention. Subsequent analyses were conducted in order to examine the potential contributions of gravitational sources on this phenomenon. Cerebral biophoton emission was also examined which determined that biophotons are related to the output of a proximal random event generator within both time and frequency domains. This initial series of experiments revealed a seemingly integral temporal component in this form of experiment which occurs at approximately 2 minutes into the test phase. Finally, space weather factors were examined for potential associations with the random event generator phenomenon which revealed a number of significant relationships that may contribute to this process. An artificial neural network was then constructed in order to predict values of geomagnetic activity for future experiments. These results may be among the first to quantitatively identify the probable energies and physical parameters associated with successful consciousness-mediated non-local interaction with an external system.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) in Human Development


title: The volcanic and deformation history, geodynamic setting, and metallogenesis of the Chisel Sequence, Snow Lake, Manitoba, Canada

subject:
volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits
Paleoproterozoic
Flin Flon belt
Snow Lake
volcanology
structural geology
metallogeny

abstract:
The largest Paleoproterozoic VMS district in the world is hosted in the Flin-Flon Glennie
Domain of the Trans-Hudson Orogen. Most of the VMS deposits occur within the Flin Flon and
Snow Lake arc assemblages of the Flin Flon belt. The Chisel sequence of the ca. 1.89 Ga Snow
Lake assemblage is host to six economic VMS deposits; however, its deformation history prior
to ca. 1.86 Ga and its ore-forming volcanic environment are poorly constrained. The Photo Lake
deposit occurs within the Chisel sequence and exhibits anomalous Au and Cu enrichment when
compared to the other Chisel sequence deposits, but the source of this metal enrichment and its
stratigraphic position are unknown.
Detailed field mapping, including lithofacies and structural mapping, was completed at 1:2,000
scale, with local detailed areas at 1:100 or 1:200 scale. Core from 20 Hudson Bay Exploration
and Development (HBED) drill holes were re-logged and an additional 39 drill holes were
examined using whole-rock geochemistry and drill logs provided by HBED to trace the extent of
units. Eighty-two outcrop samples and 65 drill core samples, including 32 sulfide samples, were
analyzed for whole rock major and trace element geochemistry. Eight of the outcrop samples
were also analyzed for whole rock Nd, Hf, and Pb isotopes. Scanning electron microscopy
provided the semi-quantitative compositions of mineral phases in least altered and altered
samples, and quantitative mineral chemical data for pyrite and pyrrhotite were acquired using an
electron microprobe. Trace element maps were produced by laser ablation inductively coupled
plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for individual pyrite grains in four of the sulfide
samples.
Detailed field mapping, re-logging of selected drill holes, and whole rock geochemistry
completed in this study indicate: 1) the volcanic rocks of the Snow Lake assemblage underwent a
folding and thrusting event prior to 1.86 Ga due to intraoceanic accretion or early accretion to the
Amisk collage; 2) with the exception of the Threehouse unit, the entire Upper Chisel sequence
represents folded and thrust-repeated Lower Chisel sequence strata; 3) the Chisel sequence VMS
deposits, including the Photo Lake deposit, formed within a single time-stratigraphic ore interval
during a protracted arc-rifting event; 4) Au enrichment in the Photo Lake deposits is syngenetic
and can be attributed to a magmatic input; 5) the Anderson VMS deposits formed during
widespread arc rifting, whereas the Chisel VMS deposits formed during localized extension
above a magma chamber in the extended arc.


title: Product placement in House of Cards: the effects of mode of presentation and prominence on memory

subject:
product placement
memory
recall
Netflix

abstract:
Product placement refers to the inclusion of commercial products in noncommercial
settings. Research has typically focuses on attempting to determine what
characteristics make a product placement more effective and is often measured by
explicit memory of the brands presented. Previous studies have had issues with
generalizability due to the lack of an objective and consistent use of an operational
definition for factors such as prominence. This study aims at validating a coding system
developed by Concave Brand Tracking, which established and operationally defined five
levels of visual prominence. This study measures explicit memory for each of the five
levels of visual prominence with the hypothesis that, as level of prominence increases the
memory of the exposure to the brand would increase as well. The results of the
experiment support this hypothesis. The effects of presentation mode (i.e. audio or visual)
on memory were also investigated. The hypothesis based on the theory of dual coding
was, when a product has both an audio and visual presentation, memory is improved
compared to a product placement using a single presentation mode. This hypothesis was
also supported by the results of the experiment. Overall this study suggests both mode of
presentation and level of prominence have an impact on viewer’s ability to accurately
remember exposure to product placement within the Netflix series House of Cards


title: Practical approaches to complex role assignment problems in role-based collaboration

subject:
Group role assignment (GRA)
Role-Based Collaboration (RBC)

abstract:
Group role assignment (GRA) is an important task in Role-Based Collaboration (RBC). The complexity of group role assignment becomes very high as the constraints are introduced. According to recent studies, considerable efforts have been put towards research on complex group role assignment problems. Some of these problems are clearly defined and initial solutions are proposed. However some of these solutions were unable to guarantee an optimal result, or the time complexity is very high. In fact, many real world collaboration problems concern many types of constraints. Therefore, to make them practical, the accuracy and efficiency of the algorithms should be improved.
Role is the center of a role-based collaboration mechanism. Role plays a very essential part in the whole process of a collaboration system, without the roles, there would be no collaboration. One important function of the role is that it defines the features or requirements of a position which can be used to filter or access the candidates. The definition of roles greatly influences the evaluation results of candidates, which in turn influence the RBC algorithms significantly. Based on previous research, the role-based evaluation is associated with multiple attribute decision making (MADM). Role-based evaluation methods can be adopted from MADM methods. Selecting an appropriate method for a specific problem is difficult and domain oriented. Therefore, a dynamic evaluation model which can be expanded by domain experts and adapted to many cases is required. At present, there is limited research related to this requirement.
This thesis first focuses on two complex role-based collaboration problems. The first being group role assignment problems with constraints of conflicting agents, and the
iv
second an agent training problem for a sustainable group. Practical solutions to these problems are proposed and resolved by IBM ILOG CPLEX. Simulations are conducted to demonstrate the performance of these solutions. From which I compare the solutions’ performances with the initial solutions, and indicate the improvement of these proposed solutions. Secondly, this thesis clarifies the difficulties of connecting evaluation methods with real world requirements. In order to overcome these difficulties, I introduce an additional parameter, propose a dynamic evaluation model, and provide four synthesis methods to facilitate the requirements of a co-operation project which is funded by NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada).
The contributions of this thesis includes: clarifying the complexity of two complex role-based collaboration problem; proposing a better solution and verifying its efficiency and practicability; discussing the difficulties of connecting evaluation methods with real world problems; introducing an additional parameter to improve the accuracy of evaluation to some problems; proposing a role-based evaluation model to meet the requirements of adaptive and expandable.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Computational Sciences


title: Économie informelle et analyse relationnelle

subject:
Economie
pays en développement
sociologie
Laflamme
Weber

abstract:
Cette thèse de doctorat a pour objet la connaissance du processus de formation d’une culture de l’économie informelle et sa reproduction chez l’élite dans les pays en développement. Son questionnement de base est : comment étudier l’économie informelle dans les pays en développement dans une perspective relationnelle ? Elle a mis à profit la complémentarité des connaissances de l’économie et de la sociologie dans la compréhension des dimensions rationnelles et non rationnelles des comportements et attitudes de l’élite dans les pays en développement face à cette économie. Nous avons considéré les fonctionnaires comme indicateurs de l’élite.
Cette thèse apporte deux contributions majeures 1) l’élargissement du modèle Laflamme et de l’analyse compréhensive de Weber grâce à l’opérationnalisation du concept de socialisation et 2) l’identification de quelques éléments porteurs de l’économie informelle sur lesquels il faut asseoir la dynamique de la réduction de la pauvreté. Cette contribution doit être inscrite dans les limites géographiques de l’étude. L’application de la méthodologie dans d’autres villes du pays et dans d’autres capitales des pays en développement permettrait d’en vérifier la généralisation.

abstract: Doctorat en philosophie (Ph.D.) en sciences humaines


title: Surviving to thriving terminology and family reactions to disability a literature review

subject:
family reaction to disability
ABCX model
Double ABCX model
FAAR model
Ecological Systems Theory
model of transformational outcomes

abstract:
This
literature
review
examined
the
theories
and
models
surrounding
the
topic
of
family
reaction
to
disability.
Five
models
were
assessed
in
terms
of
their
structure
and
their
terminology.
An
historical
review
has
been
provided
to
give
context
for
the
models
under
examination.
Concerns
with
terminology
used
include
the
application
of
the
words
adjustment
and
coping
within
Patterson’s
(1988)
Family
Adjustment
and
Adaptation
Response
model
(FAAR),
as
well
as
the
applicability
of
the
construct
of
resilience
to
the
FAAR
(Patterson,
2002).
The
relationship
between
theories
was
also
discussed
with
the
FAAR
and
Scorgie,
Wilgosh
and
Sobsey’s
(2004)
Transformational
Outcomes
model
found
to
be
the
most
complementary.

abstract: Master of Interdisciplinary Health (M.A.)


title: Star-structured polyethylene nanoparticles via Pd-catalyzed living polymerization : synthesis, characterization, and catalytic applications.

subject: cross-linked polynorbornadiene (PNBD)

subject: SPE-NPs

subject: living ethylene polymerization

subject: Heck coupling reaction

subject: iodobenzene

subject: n-butyl acrylate

abstract:
The arm-first synthesis of large unimolecular star-structured polyethylene nanoparticles or SPE-NPs (MW > 1,000 kg/mol, PDI ≈ 1.1) joined by a cross-linked polynorbornadiene (PNBD) core is described in this thesis. SPE-NPs having high arm number (fn > 100) and tunable arm topologies (hyperbranched HBPE or linear-but-branched LBPE) are conveniently synthesized in a single reactor following four consecutive steps.
In step 1, living ethylene polymerization is catalyzed by 0.1 mmol of Pd-diimine catalyst 1 to grow HBPE arms (1 atm C2H4/15 °C) or LBPE arms (27 atm C2H4/5 °C) of tunable lengths (tE = 1-5 h, Mn = 11-40 kg/mol). In step 2, the norbornadiene (NBD) cross-linker is added into the ethylene reactor for several hours (tNBD = 1-4 h) yielding PE-b-PNBD block copolymers with a short PNBD segment bearing cross-linkable pendant double bonds. SPEs are then formed in step 3 during precipitation in acidified methanol (H+/MeOH) and the final SPE-NPs are formed in step 4 after several hours of drying in vacuo at 120 °C.
A thorough systematic investigation of the reaction parameters indicates that to produce increasingly larger SPE-NPs, it is essential to add a significant molar excess of NBD to 1 ([NBD]0/[1]0 > 50) and synthesize short LBPE arms but large HBPE arms. When synthesized with LBPE arms, the SPE-NPs have higher MW compared to those synthesized with HBPE arms due to the lower steric hindrance of the linear arms which enables a high number of arms to be joined at the PNBD core.
Furthermore, the Pd-diimine catalyst used in the synthesis of the SPE-NPs was encapsulated within the cross-linked PNBD core. These encapsulated Pd(II) species were tested for their activity in hydrogenation reactions of terminal alkenes and alkynes (1-octene, 1-hexene, and 1-hexyne) and Heck coupling reactions of iodobenzene and n-butyl acrylate. Preliminary data suggests that these SPE-NPs may be used as models for the design of more advanced recyclable nanovessel for Pd(II) catalysts.

abstract: Master's Theses


title: Sustainability in cold climates: a vernacular study of Icelandic turf houses

subject:
sustainability
cold climates
Icelandic turf houses
vernacular architecture
passive design strategies

abstract:
This thesis investigates the principles of vernacular architecture
in cold climates to inform sustainable design and building practices
in the 21st Century. More specifically, the thesis aims at studying the
building typology of Icelandic Turf Houses, to develop a series of
informed architectural strategies for cold climates, that will support
the environmental and culturally sustainable development and
transformation of northern built environments. Through literature
review and a material and spatial analysis of existing turf houses, this
thesis sheds light on three key aspects of a cold climate sustainable
architecture: 1) Passive and environmental strategies, ancient and
new, as they relate to cold climate conditions; 2) material selection
and expression; and 3) its relation to social structures and interactions.
Observed principles are then further explored in the project Turf
House Complex, a sustainable building complex addressing issues of
the climate balanced protected indoor and outdoor spaces, farm to
table food sustainability, as well as incorporating strategies of passive
systems resulting in a sustainable occupation of the project.

abstract: Master of Architecture (M.Arch)


title: Meta-analyses of the effect of ergonomic intervention on low back pain outcomes and whether LBP leads to absenteeism among manual material handling workers

subject:
Low back pain (LBP)
manual material handling (MMH)
absenteeism
ergonomic interventions
MMH workers
effect of ergonomics on LBP
effect of LBP on absenteeism
MMH workplaces.

abstract:
Low back pain (LBP) is experienced by 80% of population at some point in their working life.
Previous research has demonstrated that musculoskeletal loading in manual material handling
(MMH) workplaces results due to interaction between biomechanical factors and human factors.
Loading then causes changes in spinal tolerance, ultimately LBP. Repetitive MMH activities are
considered high risk activities for LBP and sequential absenteeism. Absenteeism drains funds not
only from MMH industry but also from the health industry as well, with a simultaneous effect on
the quality of life of a particular MMH worker. Ergonomics has the potential to reduce the LBP
and can also restore human functioning to a maximum level. Ergonomic interventions such as
engineering solutions and administrative controls can decrease the effect of risk factors on
loading and in-turn LBP.  Individual studies tend to support that ergonomic interventions decrease the effect of LBP in
MMH workers and also, the fact LBP causes absenteeism in MMH workers. There are still few
quality studies that address these issues. It is therefore beneficial to combine such individual
studies in a meta-analysis. Studies measuring the effect of ergonomics on LBP and effect of LBP
on absenteeism in MMH workers are combined to find the pooled effect. The results show that
ergonomics has no significant effect in decreasing LBP in MMH workers but absenteeism due to
LBP is reported less in workers having ergonomic intervention in MMH workplaces.

abstract: Master of Human Kinetics


title: An exploratory study of the experiences of social workers who are employed in nurse practitioner-led clinics in the province of Ontario

subject:
social worker
Ontario
health care
Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics
NPLC
experiences

abstract:
This study explored social workers’ experiences working in primary health care—specifically,
those employed in Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics (NPLC). This qualitative study utilized a
sample of nine social workers employed in Ontario. Data were analyzed using a thematic
analysis. Results revealed two thematic clusters pertaining to the social work role and the
organizational/structural aspects of the role. Subthemes of the first cluster identified (1) the
social work role as multi-faceted and hard to define, (2) issues of poverty and (3) the lack of
understanding of the social work role by other professionals, including the importance of positive
collegial relationships. Subthemes of the second cluster identified (1) a lack of supervision and
the importance to self-care, (2) working in isolation as a challenge, and (3) conflicting models
including subthemes on professional hierarchy and pay disparities. Results may help to define
the role of social workers who are employed in NPLCs as well as the challenges they may
encounter. This research offers a vision of how social work can make a difference within the new
era of primary health care aimed at developing health care systems more suited to the needs of
individuals, families and communities

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: The 0 -1 multiple knapsack problem

subject:
generalized assignment problem
assignment problem
knapsack problem
multiple knapsack problem
branch and bound algorithm
bound and bound algorithm
transportation problem
multiple assignment problem
adapted transportation problem
vogel approximation method
group role assignment problem.

abstract:
In operation research, the Multiple Knapsack Problem (MKP) is classified as a
combinatorial optimization problem. It is a particular case of the Generalized Assignment
Problem. The MKP has been applied to many applications in naval as well as financial
management. There are several methods to solve the Knapsack Problem (KP) and
Multiple Knapsack Problem (MKP); in particular the Bound and Bound Algorithm
(B&B). The bound and bound method is a modification of the Branch and Bound
Algorithm which is defined as a particular tree-search technique for the integer linear
programming. It has been used to obtain an optimal solution. In this research, we provide
a new approach called the Adapted Transportation Algorithm (ATA) to solve the KP and
MKP. The solution results of these methods are presented in this thesis. The Adapted
Transportation Algorithm is applied to solve the Multiple Knapsack Problem where the unit profit of the items is dependent on the knapsack. In addition, we will show the link
between the Multiple Knapsack Problem (MKP) and the multiple Assignment Problem
(MAP). These results open a new field of research in order to solve KP and MKP by
using the algorithms developed in transportation.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Computational Science


title: Connecting architecture and nature at the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area

subject:
architecture
environmentalism
sustainability
system thinking
conservation area
design guidelines
nested scales
sequence / discovery

abstract:
This thesis explores how a matrix of architectural interventions
at a variety of nested scales can elaborate on existing site conditions
and integrate nature to mitigate their impact on a protected ecological
landscape. The Nickel District Conservation Authority is the governing body
that oversees all activities and projects within the 9.5 square kilometers
of the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area in Sudbury, Ontario. Through
extensive empirical site research and documentation of ecological and
human elements within this site, a network of systems was analyzed. It
was found that a number of existing interventions such as benches,
bridges and stairs were designed and fabricated to serve a functional and
practical purpose without incorporating the characteristics of their natural
surroundings. Thus, a set of design guidelines have been developed and
tested through potential architectural interventions that include a pavilion,
a lookout and a bench. These interventions are located at various regions
of the site and demonstrate how architecture can mitigate its impact on
nature so the two can co-exist in a symbiotic manner.

abstract: Master of Architecture (M.Arch)


title: High throughput sequencing-based transcriptiome analysis of diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma patients with samples taken at diagnosis and after therapy relapse: a feasibility study toward developing personalized therapies

subject:
sequencing
illumina
Oxford nanopore
diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
DLBL
whole transcriptome sequencing
personalized medicine
cancer

abstract:
Traditionally, prognostic information and selection of therapies for individuals with
cancer is based on the results of studies that evaluate large groups of patients, in which there has
been demonstrated a statistical benefit for the group. The success of this approach is directly
related to the biological homogeneity of the chosen study group. Therefore, this approach is
inherently sub-optimal for many individual patients, particularly in very heterogeneous disease
entities such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBL). However, with the recent introduction of
high-throughput sequencing, it has become possible to extensively evaluate the biology of
individual patient samples, which may eventually be used to transition to an era of true
individualized management for cancer patients. Challenges to this approach include the
complexity of the technology for clinical laboratories, high cost, and the immaturity of the
databases analysis technology that are required to evaluate the results. Fortunately, rapid
improvements continue to be made in all of these areas. The primary goal of this project was to
explore the feasibility of creating “clinical-grade” evaluation methods toward developing
personalized therapies in the near future. Clinical samples from patients with DLBL were used to
examine the potential of two platforms, Oxford Nanopore and Illumina company products, for
the analysis of complete mRNA transcriptomes since they can be representatives of intracellular
biology. I found that the Illumina platform technique is feasible for the goal, while the Oxford
Nanopore technology is not. Feasibility was further shown by successful use of the Illumina
technology and the analysis method developed, to verify prediction of DLBL aggressiveness as previously determined by an alternate method, considered the “gold standard” in published
literature. Finally, mRNA transcriptome data generated from pre-therapy diagnostic and post-therapy recurrence samples of DLBLs was used to demonstrate that it is feasible to use opensource
databases and programs to generate a list of therapeutic candidate proteins and pathways
in each individual case. Although this feasibility study was carried out with only small number of
patients, it shows that the components may finally be available to consider moving forward.
However, further work is required to successful transition individualized tumor evaluation
approaches into routine clinical practice.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: Preliminary investigation into the usefulness of tattoos for identification purposes

subject:
forensic science
decomposition
tattoo
ink
identification
Northeastern Ontario

abstract: Tattoos are common distinguishing features of many people in today’s populations, however, investigation into their usefulness in a forensic context is only just up-and-coming. This study uses four ink colours common in tattoos and the Northeastern Ontario fall and winter climates to see how study tattoo composition in skin is when presented in a harsh environment. Ten samples of tattooed pork (Sus scrofa) shoulder with skin attached were left out in the environment for 141 days. Upon collection, eye-visual analysis as well as technological analysis via photographs were done on the colours to determine change. Visually changes were not noted in most samples but, using CMYK and classified Pantone® colours, slight differences were noted. This study shows the preservative properties of a Northeastern Ontario winter and raises areas of future study for the usefulness of tattoos as an identification tool in forensic casework.


title: Jugement des microexpressions faciales émotionnelles chez les individus anxieux

subject:
émotions
expressions faciales
microexpressions
reconnaissance
trait d’anxiété

abstract: Dans la littérature, il est prédit qu’une personne ayant un score plus élevé au niveau du trait d’anxiété démontre une plus grande attention à des stimuli menaçants ou négatifs comparativement aux stimuli positifs ou neutres. La présente étude cherche à examiner si les individus avec un trait d’anxiété élevé sont meilleurs à juger l’authenticité des sourires qui contiennent des microexpressions, comparativement aux individus avec un trait d’anxiété faible. On cherche également à évaluer s’il y a des différences entre ces deux groupes au sujet des connaissances explicites à propos de l’émotion sous-jacente. Les participants sont exposés à 96 images présentées au hasard, dont 48 sourires authentiques et 48 sourires de masquages avec traces d’émotions négatives (colère dans les yeux et sourcils, colère dans la bouche, dégoût, peur, tristesse dans les yeux et sourcils et tristesse dans la bouche). Ils doivent ensuite répondre si l’expression présentée est vraiment joyeuse ou pas vraiment joyeuse. Dans le cas d’une réponse « pas vraiment joyeux », la même image est présentée et les participants doivent dire si une autre émotion est présente ainsi que nommer l’émotion. Lorsqu’on évalue la proportion de bonnes réponses, les résultats démontrent que tous les participants, peu importe leur niveau d’anxiété, ont une proportion de bonnes réponses plus élevées pour les sourires authentiques que pour tous les sourires de masquages. Par contre, les individus avec une anxiété élevée sont significativement moins précis avec les visages de masquage dont il y a des microexpressions de colère dans les sourcils, de dégoût, de peur, de tristesse dans les sourcils et sont marginalement moins précis, lorsque le sourire masque la tristesse dans la bouche. De plus, tous les participants, peu importe leur niveau d’anxiété, sont moins bons à nommer la peur que le dégoût. Ils sont aussi moins bons à nommer la peur que la tristesse, peu importe si la tristesse se trouve au niveau de la bouche ou au niveau des yeux et sourcils.

abstract: Undergraduate Theses


title: Potential analysis of gene expression in nerve growth factor treated cells using semi quantitative PCR technique

title: (Spine title: NGF INDUCES CHANGES IN GENE EXPRESSION) (Thesis format: Monograph)

subject:
Nerve growth factor
TrkA, p75 receptors
PCR
gene expression

abstract:
Over sixty years ago, nerve growth factor (NGF) was originally discovered as a
neurotrophic factor essential for the survival of sensory and sympathetic neurons during
development. However, recent studies in patients with chronic pain indicate elevated
levels of NGF in their sera and within injured and inflamed tissues. Abnormal
neurotrophin action has been suggested to have an effect on acute and chronic pain, and
in the development of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, neuropathy, and
cancer. NGF signals through two different types of receptors: TrkA and p75. These
signals can be disrupted by the presence of small molecules inhibitors such as PD90780,
ALE-0450, and PQC 083 by specifically binding to NGF. The binding by these
molecules antagonizes the action of NGF from binding to its receptors, therefore blocking
its signalling pathways. This could have a potential application in pain control and
treatment of degenerative diseases. More recently, pain therapy has focused on selective
NGF inhibition.
The aim of this study was to utilize gene expression analysis to investigate the intricate
results of signalling in NGF treated cells compared to cells treated with both NGF and NGF
inhibitors. A better understanding of genetic networks may contribute to the identification
of novel drug targets, and more sensitive diagnostic strategies.
In this research, peak time expression for Egr-1 in NGF treated cells was evaluated. Also,
Egr-1 gene expression was assessed in NGF treated cells using semi-quantitative RT-PCR.
This may provide a better way to identify new drugs through the examination of cell
signalling response. Moreover, these findings will be helpful as a model for in vivo
applications.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: Identifying ICU patient safety priorities within a Northern Ontario setting : a delphi study

subject:
northern Ontario
patient safety
ICU
Delphi

abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore patient safety priorities as perceived by clinical experts working in a northern Ontario adult ICU. A modified Delphi was used to elicit consensus regarding patient safety priorities from the perspective of an expert panel of registered nurses and intensivists. At the onset of the study, the consensus level was set at 70%. Data was collected through serials rounds with researcher-developed questionnaires. Descriptive statistical analysis was completed. No consensus was reached at Round 1. Three points of consensus regarding patient safety priorities were reached at Round 2: improving pain and agitation management; incorporating a checklist into the bullet round reporting tool; and implementing use of visual cues for high-risk lines. These strategies support the need for anticipation, recognition, and management of at risk situations. The results have the potential to guide the advancement of the patient safety mandate within an ICU setting.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Nursing


title: Les jeunes femmes de l'Ontario français et  le féminisme

subject:
féminisme
jeunes femmes
Franco-Ontariennes
identité féministe

abstract:
Dans ce projet de recherche féministe qualitative, par l’intermédiaire de quatre groupes de discussion, nous avons mené des entrevues auprès de 13 jeunes femmes francophones âgées entre 18 à 24 ans qui sont inscrites au niveau d’études universitaires à l’Université Laurentienne. Nous avons voulu connaître si ces jeunes femmes s’identifient comme féministes, et quelles sont leurs définitions et leurs visions du féminisme.
À la lumière des revendications du mouvement féministe, on peut se demander si les jeunes femmes de l’Ontario français s’identifient au féminisme ? En adoptent-elles les valeurs ou ont-elles adopté des valeurs différentes ? Existe-il chez elles une distance par rapport au féminisme ? Enfin, comment ces jeunes femmes définissent-elles la pensée féministe ? Voici donc nos principales questions de recherche.
Compte tenu du caractère qualitatif de notre étude, nous avons procédé à partir d’un échantillonnage non probabiliste, en fonction de certaines caractéristiques précises de la population étudiée. Une recension intégrative de la littérature portant sur la construction de l’identité féministe nous a mené à divisé le canevas d’entretien en quatre thèmes :
 les définitions personnelles du féminisme et du mouvement des femmes;
 l’analyse du concept féministe (égalité et acquis);
 les besoins et dossiers actuels;
 l’identité féministe.
Nous avons ensuite analysé les résultats des entretiens à l’aide de la méthode d’analyse de contenu. Les résultats obtenus révèlent que la formation de l’identité féministe des jeunes femmes francophone est en voie de transformation. Ces jeunes femmes, qui ont grandi pendant les années 1990 à présent, se disent « féministes » dans la sphère privée, mais elles rejettent l’appellation « féministe » dans la sphère publique. Par l’entremise de cette étude, nous pouvons postuler que les jeunes femmes francophones de l’Ontario français s’identifient peu comme « féministe » mais qu’elles adhèrent tout de même aux valeurs féministes.

abstract: Master`s Theses


title: Creating canadian olympians: a look at a successful trampoline olympic development environment

subject:
talent development
Olympic
elite athlete
trampoline
sport environment

abstract:
The process of creating Olympic level talent is complex and multifaceted. Researchers in
the worlds of talent identification, talent development and career transitions have
contributed to the identification of appropriate sport environments, called athlete talent
development environments that contribute to athletic success. In addition, descriptions of
sport environments that have the ability to develop senior level competitors have been
established. Although researchers have been able to identify these contextual components
that help athletes become successful, a description of a sport environment that is able to
repeatedly create Olympic medal performances from athletes is still unknown. This
project compiled a description of an Olympic development environment– Skyriders
Trampoline Place. Four central themes were identified by the participants in this study as
relevant to Olympic level success. The four themes are 1) the development of Skyriders,
2) the Skyriders training environment at present, 3) coaching strategies and 4) team
interactions.

abstract: Master of Human Kinetics (M.H.K.)


title: Air entrainment and air-water separation in hydraulic air compressors

subject:
hydraulic air compressor
minimum work air entrainment
separator design
flow irreversibility
bubble size distribution

abstract:
A hydraulic air compressor (HAC) is an isothermal gas compressor that uses hydropower to
compress air, originally developed by Charles Taylor in the 1890s to supply industry with
compressed air. In the modern revival of this technology, the hydropower will be provided by
pumps rather than natural sources. As such, energy efficiency is an important driver of
component design; all of the hydropower is consumed either to overcome irreversibility or to
compress air. The compressor relies on the increasing pressure of water flowing downward in a
downcomer to compress air in the form of bubbles being dragged along with the flow. The air
entrainment process at the top of the downcomer is facilitated by a mixing head. At the bottom of
the downcomer, the bubbles are separated from the flow in a separator vessel. The objective of
this thesis is to develop the design methodology for the air entrainment and air-water separation
components on either end of the downcomer process.
Several mixing heads were tested on a small (4.5 m height) prototype HAC. The test without a
mixing head successfully entrained air, confirming that air entrainment is a system effect. Two
heads with dissimilar geometry were associated with the lowest irreversibility, leading to the
conclusion that the best design at that scale is a mixing head incorporating some form of vortex
breaker. Air entrainment is driven by a system energy balance and not exclusively by a local
Venturi geometry.
The fraction of the air successfully captured in the plenum of the separator is called the separator
effectiveness. Mechanistic models have been created to characterize both the irreversibility and
separator effectiveness of two types of gravity separator (horizontal and vertical orientation) for
iv
the design of separators for future commercial-scale compressors. The separator effectiveness
models require as input the flow field information from computational fluid dynamics analysis
and the bubble size distribution at inlet. The bubble size distribution was measured on the small
prototype and used to select a bubble size prediction model for testing on a much larger scale (29
m height) demonstrator HAC. The displacement model for horizontal separators matched the
actual performance at the prototype scale well, particularly at high flow rate. The vertical
velocity model produced a good match for the separator on the demonstrator HAC, but not for
the same bubble size model identified on the small prototype.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Natural Resources Engineering


title: Identification of secreted metalloprotease from the culture supernatant of Mycobacterium bovis BCG

subject:
Mycobacterium
Metalloproteases
M. bovis BCG
M. tuberculosis

abstract:
Tuberculosis is considered one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, claiming the lives of
approximately 1.2 to 1.5 million people each year. It is caused by a member of a class of bacteria
called Mycobacterium (M. tuberculosis), which includes saprophytic and pathogenic species. M.
bovis causes similar disease in cattle. This latter species is used for the production of all currently
available tuberculosis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccines. There has been progress made
in the past 20 years in understanding the pathogenesis of Tuberculosis but much more research is
needed to fully understand the mechanisms that mediate the survival of the pathogen in
phagocytic cells. Metalloproteases are a subfamily of proteases that utilize metals, mostly zinc,
for their catalytic activities. They are involved in virulence, cell wall processes and intermediary
metabolism in bacteria. Metalloprotease activity in the culture supernatant of M. tuberculosis has
been detected previously in other laboratories and we are able to detect this activity in the culture
supernatant of M. bovis BCG. Bioinformatics analysis of the proteome of M. tuberculosis reveals
a large number of putative proteases (66 in total) with 23 having the zinc-binding motif
(PROSITE PDOC00129). The goal of this study was the direct identification of the protein responsible for the protease activity in the culture supernatant of M. bovis BCG. The protease in
the supernatant was identified by zymography, with partial purification of the protease activity
by ion exchange chromatography. A band on electrophoresis gels associated with the protease
activity was then subjected to N-terminal sequencing of the purified protein, which identified
hexapeptide sequence VTGGGA. Using a bioinformatics approach, the best matching protein
with this sequence was identified as PstS, a phosphate binding protein normally considered a
component of the phosphate transport system.

abstract: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biology


title: Food insecurity, poverty and lived experience of homelessness: a study of women in Northeastern and Southwestern Ontario

subject:
Food insecurity
Women’s Health
Poverty
Homelessness
Geography

abstract:
Understanding the connections between geographical location (Northern vs Southern Ontario)
and gender inequalities and food insecurity, poverty, homelessness and health is vital within the current
social and political context characterized by restraints in public funding. First, this study describes the
experiences of poor and/or homeless women with or without dependents in two mid-size urban
communities in Northeastern Ontario (City of Greater Sudbury) and Southwestern Ontario (City of
London Ontario) with regard to food insecurity, homelessness, poverty and the perceived impacts on
physical and mental health. Second, it identifies the profile of food-insecure women in Northeastern and
Southwestern Ontario, as well as the factors associated with their general and mental health perceptions.
The study employed a sequential descriptive multi-methods approach to address the objectives.
A descriptive, qualitative exploration of food insecurity experiences among poor and/or homeless
women in the two regions was conducted. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview with
twenty poor and/or homeless women, 10 from each of the two communities. The participants were near
homeless or absolutely homeless and all had prior histories of homelessness. The interview data were
thematically analyzed. Subsequently, a quantitative secondary data analysis of extracted variables
including sociodemographic, health and food insecurity from the Canadian Community Health Survey
(CCHS, 2014) was conducted to describe the profile and factors associated with general and mental
health perceptions for 408 women in the northeast and southwest of Ontario.
The main themes were food and financial hardship, motherhood, resourcefulness and health
perceptions. The quantitative findings did not capture the association between health perceptions and
place of residency among food-insecure women. The general and mental health perceptions of these
women were significantly related to household size, employment, worries about running out of food,
inability to afford balanced meals and cutting or skipping meals regardless of where they lived.
This study’s findings highlight the intersection of geography, health, gender and vulnerability to
food insecurity and show that Northeastern and Southwestern women merit greater attention and support
in accessing nutritious food. Such findings are important in shaping gendered public and social policies.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Rural and Northern Health


title: Testing the reliability of predictive models on three different devices

subject:
Predictive models
Fitts’ law
Hick-Hyman law
Keystroke-level model
Weber’s law
Serial Position Effect law
HCI
Human-Computer Interaction techniques

abstract:
Nowadays, the first sources of information are websites on the Internet with its categories. Some
users find certain websites’ layout and design not always user friendly. This may lead to poor
performance, ambiguity and loss of potential customers. Websites designs’ use the principles of
user interface (UI) laws and usability guidelines to be consistent and convenient to users. Due to
the evolution of technology, society now uses various devices with a wide range of features like
screen size, in order to obtain their information. Examples include personal computers (PC),
smartphones (SP,) and tablets (TB). Since user interface laws were founded in the 20th century
and most were applicable for the PC’s websites, this thesis tests and investigates the reliability of
predictive models on three devices: PC, SP and TB. User interfaces were designed with five
tasks, and each task represented one of the user interface laws. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) techniques, user interface design and evaluation methods were followed to test the
reliability of predictive models on different devices.


title: Are nurses protected? Observing the risk of skin contamination when donning and doffing personal protective equipment, using a Canadian protocol.

subject:
Personal protective equipment
Donning and doffing protocol
Donning and doffing simulation
GloGerm contamination

abstract:
This study aimed to determine whether the Public Services Health and Safety Association’s
donning and doffing protocol for Ebola are effective in the prevention of skin and clothing
contamination. Ten third-year nursing students performed a donning and doffing simulation,
which included donning personal protective equipment (PPE), being sprayed with GloGerm,
performing eight simulated movements, and doffing PPE. Fluorescent stains were observed
using an ultraviolet scan and were documented by their location and size. Four participants (N=4)
experienced at least one contamination event following the doffing of PPE. Contaminations were
observed on: the left dorsal lower leg (41.3mm; 64.0mm); the right dorsal lower leg (77.9mm); the
left plantar (9.5mm); the left index finger (2.8mm); the right middle finger (1.6mm); the left scapula
(38.1mm); and the right buttock (57.2mm). Areas of difficulty in the protocol included donning and
doffing: the gown, N95 respirator, and the outer footwear. Failures with the equipment, including
breaches and punctures, also contributed to the documented contamination. Near-miss incidents were
observed in nine of the twenty-four steps in the protocols and occurred a total of twenty times.
Revisions to the protocols were completed and included additional information for the following
protocol steps: hang hygiene, N95 respirator, gown, outer footwear, verification process.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Interdisciplinary Health


title: Quality of work life: investigation of occupational stressors among obstetric nurses in Northeastern Ontario

subject:
nursing
psychological stressors
social stressors
Northern Ontario
obstetric nurses

abstract:
Nursing is a stressful occupation with various physical and psychosocial
stressors inherent in its practice. While the physical stressors of nursing are generally
understood, less understood are the psychological and social stressors of the profession. With the
many changes in healthcare facilities and structures that are occurring today and, in turn,
affecting nurses, it is increasingly important to better understand the psychosocial stress
experiences of nurses. Grounded in the Job Demand-Control-Support Framework, the objectives
of this study were to: 1) examine factors associated with quality of work life (QWL) of
Registered Nurses working in four small urban hospital-based obstetric programs, 2) determine if
nursing occupational stress, QWL, and various factors (e.g., demographic, locations with and
without cross-training) are associated with nurses’ work ability, where work ability is the
worker’s capacity to perform their work, as was measured by the work ability index, and 3)
review and evaluate some workplace interventions targeting occupational stress management and
burnout for nurses.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Interdisciplinary Rural and Northern Health


title: Patterns of soil health for prime agricultural lands in the Greater City of Sudbury Area

subject:
soil
health
agricultral lands
Greater City of Sudbury Area

abstract: At the regional scale, soil information regarding commonly employed land uses allows for improved negotiations between land owners, land managers and city planners, and also guides the adoption of sustainable policies and management practices to maintain the finite soil resources required for the on-going preservation of the local agricultural industry under stresses of a changing climate. The increasing management intensity of agricultural soils in the Greater Sudbury region, as elsewhere around the world, is placing negative pressure on the critical soil resource. This pressure is a result of reduced land availability from encroaching non-agricultural land uses, more powerful farming equipment, and a heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers. These diverse pressures are also intensified in the study area due to the strong local demand for topsoil and sod for urban development on the shallow rocky soils of much of the nearby urban area. In this study, a novel geo-referenced database was developed from measured soil health properties sampled in locally significant prime agricultural lands. Using Kruskal-Wallis comparisons, descriptive statistics and coefficients of variation, seven common land uses of the region were evaluated. Soil health properties were found to reflect land use cover and varied along a land use intensity gradient. The results from this study suggest that intensive land management practices in the region decreased topsoil total C concentrations, increased bulk density, narrowed the soil C to N ratio, increased total and available soil major nutrient levels, whilst triggering decreased micronutrient availability. Furthermore, in combination to contrasting soil health differences between dominant land uses, continuous predicted surfaces of soil properties created using GIS software, proved to be useful to highlight spatial patterns of soil properties influenced by local land use decisions. The results in this study confirm that soil resources in the prime agricultural lands of the region are at greater risk of ongoing loss of soil health due to management intensification.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: Educational data mining using fuzzy sets to facilitate usability and user experience - an approach to integrate artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction

subject:
Educational Data Mining
Fuzzy Sets
Computational Intelligence
Human-Computer Interaction

abstract: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) have the common goal of enhancing effectiveness of a system and making it easier for people to use. AI accomplishes that by demonstrating intelligent behavior on a machine, whereas HCI involves the design approach required to obtain usability and user experience. This study integrates AI and HCI techniques in a real-world application complementing the aims of each field. A web based system was developed for a school board in Eastern Canada by following the user-centered approach of HCI. In the course of designing a good interface, it was found that fuzzy inference of AI was going on in users’ minds when they formed conceptual models to understand the application. The interface was evaluated by applying heuristic evaluation, cognitive walkthroughs and user feedback. It was shown that usability and user experience can be improved by employing fuzzy set techniques. Therefore, fuzzy set modeling can serve as a user centered method for HCI design. Furthermore, data gathering techniques of HCI helped to define the cognitive processes that could be replicated with the aid of fuzzy sets.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Computational Sciences


title: Credibility modeling with applications

subject:
credibility modeling
statistical modeling
class perspective
aggregate perspective
Bayesian
Buhlmann
Buhlmann-Straub

abstract:
The purpose of this thesis is to show how the theory and practice of credibility
can bene t statistical modeling. The task was, fundamentally, to derive models that
could provide the best estimate of the losses for any given class and also to assess the
variability of the losses, both from a class perspective as well as from an aggregate
perspective. The model  tting and diagnostic tests will be carried out using standard
statistical packages. A case study that predicts the number of deaths due to cancer is
considered, utilizing data furnished by the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment. Several credibility models are used, including Bayesian, B uhlmann and
B uhlmann-Straub approaches, which are useful in a wide range of actuarial applications.

abstract: Master's Thesis


title: The secondary structure of the 5’-end of the STb mRNA affects its secretion efficiency

subject:
T3SS
mRNA
T2SS
secretion system
protein
E. coli
5' end

abstract:
The majority of secreted proteins in E. coli are targeted to and translocated across the
cytoplasmic membrane through a signal sequence within the N-terminus of the protein. The major
membrane complex facilitating this process is the general secretory or Sec-dependent membrane
complex, also known as T2SS secretion. Research with proteins that are processed for export
through a different pathway, called the T3SS secretion system, has recently challenged this widely
accepted hypothesis. This research has provided evidence that the T3SS secretion system
substrates may use mRNA sequences as a secondary means of protein targeting in addition to the
N-terminus of the synthesized protein. The main objective of this study was to test whether or not
the mRNA of the T2SS secretion system substrates may have structural information sufficient for
efficient targeting of the protein for secretion. A well-studied substrate of the T2SS secretion
system in E. coli is the heat-stable enterotoxin B (STb). The STb gene was cloned and a number
of mutations were introduced within the 5' end of its mRNA to look at the effect of such mutations
on protein secretion. The results showed that mutations that lead to changes in the AT/GC ratio
within this 5’ region of the gene, while conserving the amino acid sequence of that region, affected
toxin secretion. Bioinformatic analysis showed that these mutations affected the secondary
structure of the 5' end of the mRNA and indicated that significant changes can be produced in the
secondary structure of the mRNA when the AT/GC ratio is modified. This data shows that
alterations in the secondary structure of the 5' end of the mRNA, without changes in the amino
acid sequence of the N-terminus of the protein, can affect the efficiency with which the toxin is
secreted and hints to a possible role for the mRNA in targeting proteins for export across the
cytoplasmic membrane.

abstract: degree of Master of Science (MSc) in Biology