title: Increased calcium intake regulates colonic CaSR expression and inhibits induced colitis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling

contributor:
MacLeod, John R.
Physiology

subject:
Bowel disease
Colon cancer
Colitis

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physiology) -- Queen's University, 2012-12-21 13:18:12.874

abstract: One of the major complications in patients with long standing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is colitis-associated colon cancer. The signaling pathways that promote the transformation of colitis to colorectal cancer (CRC) are unknown but one candidate is the prolonged interaction between tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and its receptor, TNFR1. This interaction may stimulate a defective Wnt signaling pathway to evoke epithelial cells to hyperproliferate. This crypt hyperproliferation can lead to the development CRC. Activation of Extracellular Calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) a G-protein coupled receptor, on sub-epithelial myfibroblasts has been found to stimulate the expression of Wnt5a, a member of Wnt family, while CaSR activation on the epithelial cells stimulates Wnt5a receptor, Ror2, a member of receptor tyrosine kinase family. Wnt5a/Ror2 (non canonical signaling) interaction has been suggested to decrease TNFR1 expression and inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling to regulate cellular growth. The aims of this thesis were to determine whether increased dietary calcium will increase colonic CaSR expression, characterize the colons of “rescued” CaSR/PTH double homozygous knockout and their response to an acute model of colitis, and assess whether CaSR activation influenced the status of Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (pLRP6), co-receptor for Wnt, in cell culture models. Our results demonstrated that CaSR expression is higher in the colon of the NIH-Swiss Webster mice after feeding them 2% calcium alone or in conjunction with vitamin D for four weeks compared to two weeks, suggesting that dietary calcium alone or together with vitamin D can regulate colonic CaSR expression. We found the CaSR-/PTH- colons had a significant reduction in the non canonical signaling and enhanced Wnt/β-catenin signaling and the amount of inflammation was increased, suggesting that CaSR can inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the colonic crypt and acts as an anti-inflammatory signal.  Our results demonstrated that CaSR activation alone in CaSR-HEK and RKO cells reduced Wnt-stimulated LRP6 phosphorylation suggesting a crucial role of CaSR in the inhibition of LRP6 phosphorylation. The observations seen in this study strongly suggest a role for CaSR in inhibiting the defective Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, induced colitis, and LRP6 phosphorylation to regulate cellular growth.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Cross-Cultural Negotiations: Three Collections of African Visual and Material Culture in Canadian Cultural Institutions

contributor:
Jessup, Lynda
Art History

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

subject:
African Visual and Material Culture
Cultural Centres
Museum Representation

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Art History) -- Queen's University, 2012-12-21 14:49:24.852

abstract: In recent years, revisionism in Canadian museums has created a space for the development of different ways of classifying and representing non-Western visual and material culture. Despite these changes, many mainstream or authoritative museums and other cultural institutions still operate largely as separate from the constituent communities to which the non-Western collections in their possession are directly related. This thesis investigates the complex relationship between three different types of collections of African visual and material culture in Canada, the institutions in which they reside, and the relationship to the constituent communities that have a stake in the reception of these collections. These collections include the ethnographic collection of African artifacts at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, the Lang Collection of African Art at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre at Queen’s University in Kingston, and the African cultural collection at the North American Black Historical Museum and Cultural Centre in Amherstburg. As this thesis makes clear, the very nature of incorporating, classifying and displaying African visual and material culture in Western museums, which are a direct product of the colonial era, is fraught with contentions. In light of this, the growth in cultural centres in Canada in recent years has the potential to inform mainstream museums, offering new ways of approaching and engaging with not only non-Western objects, but also their diverse constituent communities. By focusing on the discourse of museum representation in relation to African collections in Canada, this thesis posits that these collections can be understood as crucial sites for the promotion of cross-cultural negotiations between African and non-African Canadian communities.

abstract: I wish to restrict my thesis for publication purposes.

abstract: PhD


title: Morphological Instruction in the Elementary Classroom

contributor:
Kirby, John R.
Education

subject: Reading, Spelling and Vocabulary Instruction

subject: Morphological Instruction

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Education) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-08 12:45:26.124

abstract:
In recent years the role of morphology has gained a great deal of attention regarding research on vocabulary and literacy learning. An attendant literature investigating morphology as a potentially rich context for instructional innovation has grown as well. Chapter 1 of this dissertation presents a critical review of that research. Its focus is on ways that this growing interest in morphology builds on lessons from previous decades of research on the relative effectiveness of instruction which targeted phonological features of words (sub-lexical features) compared to those which targeted learning to read words from context. A detailed description of the linguistic account of how English orthography operates to represent morphology and phonology is also presented.
Two studies investigating the role of morphology and morphology instruction in relation to literacy learning and theories of reading are reported. The first study is an intervention using experimental and control classes (Grade 4 and 5) to investigate the effect of instruction about morphology on vocabulary learning. Hierarchical regression analyses controlling for initial vocabulary showed that the experimental group gained in measures of vocabulary compared to a control group and that the morphological treatment group made better use of existing vocabulary knowledge in learning new vocabulary.
The second study is a quantitative synthesis of instructional studies assessing the effects of morphological instruction on sub-lexical, lexical and supra-lexical outcomes. Positive effects were found for morphological treatments compared to the 10 studies that used typical classroom instruction controls and effects equal to alternative treatments that mostly used well-established research-based instruction.  Less able students and younger students generally exhibited greater gains than undifferentiated and older students.
The results of these studies are discussed within the context of previous instructional research and established theories of reading and literacy instruction. It is suggested that the findings from these studies support the view that instruction should encourage learners to explicitly attend to the ordered lexical/sub-lexical morphological and phonological features of how oral and written words work as a means to foster generative word learning and greater literacy.

abstract: PhD


title: Measuring Forecasters' Perceptions of Inflation Persistence

contributor:
Smith, Gregor
Gregory, Allan W.
Economics

subject:
forecast revisions
conservatism
inflation expectations
rational bias
Survey of Professional Forecasters
inflation persistence

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Economics) -- Queen's University, 2012-12-21 15:39:23.616

abstract:
This dissertation presents a new measure of U.S. inflation persistence from the point of view of a professional forecaster. In chapter 2 I explore two different measures that give insight into the views of professional forecasters and link their views with U.S. inflation data. One of these measures, given by the persistence implied by forecast revisions, appears to have similarities with actual inflation persistence over the 1981–2008 sample period.
	Chapter 3 explores forecast revisions in a more general setting allowing forecasters to have their own views on inflation persistence as well as a unique information set. This chapter builds a measure of perceived inflation persistence via the implied autocorrelation function that follows from the estimates obtained using a forecaster-specific state-space model. When compared to the autocorrelation function for actual inflation, forecasters tend to react less to shocks that hit inflation than the actual inflation data would suggest. This could be due to increased credibility of the Federal Reserve, but it could also be a result of a bias in the underlying inflation forecasts.
	Chapter 4 focuses on this issue and finds that the reluctance of forecasters to make revisions to their previously announced forecasts causes their estimates of perceived inflation persistence to be understated as their announced inflation forecasts differ from their true inflation expectations. This chapter also presents a method to undo this bias by retrieving their true inflation expectations series.

abstract: PhD


title: Effects of parents’ attitudes, values, and beliefs on their risk decision-making on behalf of their children enrolled in minor hockey

contributor:
Kirby, John R.
Pelland, Lucie
Education

subject:
proxy risk
concussion
parents
health risk management
hockey

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2012-12-21 16:12:00.221

abstract: Although there have been many studies examining the factors involved in children’s risk of injury, there has been a dearth of research that examines specific individual parental factors in children’s risk of injury.  This thesis examined how the attitudes, values, and beliefs of 119 Canadian minor hockey parents of children (aged 9 to 12 years) with respect to their decision-making regarding their children’s safe participation in hockey.  Two studies are reported.  The first study describes: (a) the development of a questionnaire that quantifies the constructs of perceived control, probabilities, values, risk propensity, competitiveness, and assertiveness expectancies; and (b) a sample of hockey parents in terms of their demographic characteristics and their attitudes, values, and beliefs regarding their children’s participation in minor hockey.   The second study examined the relationships between these attitudes, values, and beliefs and a measure of their risk decision-making.  Overall, results showed that (a) this sample of hockey parents tended to be well educated, and did not see themselves as being generally over-competitive or aggressive; (b) hockey parents’ attitudes, values, and beliefs regarding their children’s risk of concussion had very little predictive value or reliable connection with respect to their risk decision-making on behalf of their children; and (c) the most significant factors in parents’ risk decision-making were the opinions of their children, and the opinions of the doctors.  The implications of these findings for future research and practice are discussed.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: A Qualitative Study Of Formative Assessment Practices In An Internal Medicine Clerkship Course

contributor:
Shulha, Lyn
Education

subject:
Formative Assessment
Clerkship
Undergraduate Medical Education

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2012-12-24 07:06:24.439

abstract:
Accrediting bodies for medical schools require that medical students be provided with formative assessment in all clerkship courses. The literature describes many strategies for formative assessment in clerkship settings, but qualitative studies of clerk and supervisor experiences with formative assessment are lacking. In this thesis, I describe a study that explores clerk and supervisor experiences with formative assessment in one internal medicine clerkship course.
	First, the literature was reviewed to determine current conceptions of formative assessment and learning in medical education. Then, novice and experienced clerks were recruited to participate. Prior to starting their Core Internal Medicine course, each clerk participated in an interview to understand his or her concepts of learning and assessment. During the six-week course, they replied to an electronic weekly questionnaire to describe and reflect on learning experiences. Finally, they participated in a focus group at the end of the course, to explore their experiences with formative assessment. Supervisors, (residents and attending physicians), who supervised clerks were recruited to participate in one interview to explore their approach to supervision and assessment of clerks, and to understand factors that influenced their ability to do this. All relevant artifacts (forms, policies, procedures) were collected for subsequent analyses.
	Four experienced clerks and eleven novice clerks participated, along with eight attending physicians and five residents. Participants identified four key themes as playing a significant role in assessment and learning: (a) the developing role of doctor, (b) the role of the team, (c) working and learning environments, and (d) educational strategies. Data analysis revealed the participants had unclear formal concepts of formative assessment, even though they could all describe the key concepts about how assessment affects learning, and were quite clear about what factors supported learning, and which ones were barriers to learning.
	The study contributes to our understanding of clerks’ and supervisors’ experiences with assessment and learning in a workplace-based learning setting. Finally, the study led to recommendations about how to better support formative assessment in the Core Internal Medicine course, and for further research.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: The Adipocyte and Endothelial Cell-Specific Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma in Breast Tumourigenesis

contributor:
Nicol, Christopher J.
Pharmacology and Toxicology

subject: Breast Tumourigenesis

abstract: Thesis (Master, Pharmacology & Toxicology) -- Queen's University, 2012-12-24 11:28:17.668

abstract: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ plays a role in tumorigenesis. Previous studies with PPARγ(+/-) mice suggest PPARγ normally suppresses dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast, and other, tumor progression. Since many cell types associated with the mammary gland express PPARγ, each with unique signaling pathways, the present study aimed to define which tissues are required for PPARγ-dependent anti-tumor effects. Conditional adipocyte and endothelial cell-specific PPARγ knockout mice (PPARγ-A KO and PPARγ-E KO respectively) were used to evaluate whether PPARγ signaling normally acts to prevent DMBA-mediated breast tumour progression in a stromal cell-specific manner. Twelve week old PPARγ KO mice and their congenic wildtype (WT) controls were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. All mice were treated by gavage once/week for 6 weeks with 1 mg DMBA and maintained on a normal chow diet. At week 7, mice in each group were divided into those continuing normal chow, and those receiving a PPARγ ligand (ROSI, 4 mg/kg/day) supplemented diet for the duration of the 25 week study, and monitored weekly. Tumour and tissue samples were collected at necropsy, and portions of each were fixed and frozen for future analysis. In both PPARγ-A KOs and PPARγ-E KOs versus PPARγ-WT mice, malignant mammary tumor incidence was significantly higher and mammary tumor latency was decreased. DMBA+ROSI treatment reduced average mammary tumor volumes by 50%. Gene expression analyses of mammary glands by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence indicated that untreated PPARγ-A KOs had significantly decreased BRCA1 expression in mammary stromal adipocytes. Compared to PPARγ-WT mice, serum leptin levels in PPARγ-A KOs were also significantly higher throughout the study. In the PPARγ-E KO mice, both treatment groups saw a significant increase in thymic tumour incidence, a finding not established before with the study of other stromal cell knockout mice. These studies provide the first direct in vivo evidence that PPARγ signalling in stromal adipocytes and endothelial cells attenuates DMBA-mediated breast tumourigenesis. This study supports a protective effect of activating PPAR gamma as a novel chemopreventive therapy for breast cancer.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Studying Software Quality Using Topic Models

contributor:
Hassan, Ahmed E.
Computing

subject:
Cohesion
Coupling
Topic Model
LDA
Code Quality
Software Quality

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-08 10:10:37.878

abstract:
Software is an integral part of our everyday lives, and hence the quality of software is very important. However, improving and maintaining high software quality is a difficult task, and a significant amount of resources is spent on fixing software defects. Previous studies have studied software quality using various measurable aspects of software, such as code size and code change history. Nevertheless, these metrics do not consider all possible factors that are related to defects. For instance, while lines of code may be a good general measure for defects, a large file responsible for simple I/O tasks is likely to have fewer defects than a small file responsible for complicated compiler implementation details. In this thesis, we address this issue by considering the conceptual concerns (or features). We use a statistical topic modelling approach to approximate the conceptual concerns as topics. We then use topics to study software quality along two dimensions: code quality and code testedness. We perform our studies using three versions of four large real-world software systems: Mylyn, Eclipse, Firefox, and NetBeans.
Our proposed topic metrics help improve the defect explanatory power (i.e., fitness of the regression model) of traditional static and historical metrics by 4–314%. We compare one of our metrics, which measures the cohesion of files, with other topic-based cohesion and coupling metrics in the literature and find that our metric gives the greatest improvement in explaining defects over traditional software quality metrics (i.e., lines of code) by 8–55%.
We then study how we can use topics to help improve the testing processes. By training on previous releases of the subject systems, we can predict not well-tested topics that are defect prone in future releases with a precision and recall of 0.77 and 0.75, respectively. We can map these topics back to files and help allocate code inspection and testing resources. We show that our approach outperforms traditional prediction-based resource allocation approaches in terms of saving testing and code inspection efforts.
The results of our studies show that topics can be used to study software quality and support traditional quality assurance approaches.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Peer Assessment Process: a Case Study of University Students Receiving Peer Feedback

subject:
Peer Assessment
Higher Education
Formative Assessment
Peer Feedback

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2012-12-29 00:11:03.187

abstract:
The ability to receive regular peer feedback on learning should, in theory, be valuable to learners. A formative view will be presented in this study in which information is collected and used as feedback for student learning. This differs from summative practices where the purpose is to make judgments about the extent to which learning has taken place. This case study takes place in a first year master’s Occupational Therapy (OT) course where the focus is on the development of communication skills. These skills are developed through interviewing and assessment strategies. This case focuses on the feedback received by students from their peers based on the clinical interviews that were conducted.
	 Peers in this study are members of the same learning team who have been divided into these groups for the purpose of learning together. Students in this course receive both written and oral peer feedback during peer assessment exercises. This feedback is formally reflected on by students as self-assessment. Although, both peer and self-assessments are used for formative purposes in this course, the primary focus of this study is on peer assessment.
	Six participants were recruited for this study. The data for this inquiry consisted of transcripts from six semi-structured interviews and a focus group as well as written artifacts from the course. The data analysis revealed three core themes related to both the peer assessment process and peer feedback. Motivation for Learning and Awareness of Growth or Development were identified as two key themes relating to student learning. The third theme identified was Factors that Impacted the Learning Experience which had to do with how students felt about having engaged in the peer assessment process. A unique finding regarding the latter theme centered around the time factor required to take on the roles, inherent in peer assessment activities.  Students offered insights into the relationship between stress and motivation for learning when taking on peer assessment responsibilities.
	This study contributes to our understanding of the meaning and consequences of implementing peer assessment into the communication module of the OT course. Insights on the implications of this study to higher education in relation to peer assessment are also explored.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Investigation of Culvert Joints Employing Large Scale Tests and Numerical Simulations

contributor:
Moore, Ian D.
Civil Engineering

subject:
Rigid Pipe
Joint
Concrete
PVC
HDPE
Thermoplastic
Flexible Pipe
Culvert
Steel

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-12-29 12:47:31.826

abstract:
The performance of joints in buried gravity flow pipelines are important since failure of these elements can affect the structural capacity of soil-pipe systems and reduce their longevity. Currently, there are no clear guidelines to design joints for gravity flow pipelines and therefore their design is based on semi-empirical methods.  It is necessary to identify and quantify the demands that act across joints when subjected to service loading conditions to establish adequate design guidelines. Such demands will vary depending on the type of joint, type of pipe, burial and loading conditions. Therefore work is needed to investigate the influence of these conditions on the performance of joints.

Full-scale laboratory tests have been performed on rigid (reinforced concrete) and flexible (corrugated steel and thermoplastic) pipelines to investigate the response of their joints when buried and subjected to surface loading. The joints investigated are either ‘moment-release’ joints (those that accommodate rotation and reduce the longitudinal bending moments close to zero), or ‘moment-transfer’ joints (those that limit rotation and transfer longitudinal bending moments from one pipe to the next). These experiments evaluate the influence of different cover depths, loading locations, and installation conditions on the response of the joints. Additionally, the performance of each joint when the pipeline was buried with shallow cover and subjected to surface loads up to and beyond fully factored loads were also investigated. Furthermore, three-dimensional finite element analyses of a gasketed bell and spigot joint in a buried reinforced concrete pipeline subjected to surface loading have been developed employing material properties and joint rotational characteristics experimentally obtained.

The data obtained from the experimental and computational studies are used to evaluate joint performance and to identify key demands (shear force and rotation or moment) acting across them. In addition, the different patterns of vertical displacement along rigid and flexible pipes were established. It was found that the stiffness of the pipeline, the geometry of the joint, the loading and burial conditions influence the response (and therefore the demands) of the joints examined. Finally, recommendations are provided regarding development of structural design methods for these pipeline and joint systems.

abstract: Some of the chapters in the thesis will be submitted as papers in the next months. To avoid problems with the journals, I prefer to restrict my thesis until the papers are submitted and/or accepted.

abstract: PhD


title: Evolution of floral and mating system variation in Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia (Onagraceae): An evaluation of patterns and processes

contributor:
Eckert, Christopher G.
Biology

subject:
Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia
Mating system
Allozymes
Inbreeding depression
Pollen limitation
Geographic variation
Bud parasitism
Reproductive assurance
Floral variation

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2012-12-30 14:13:46.366

abstract:
Understanding how floral traits covary with one another and with mating patterns is an important step in understanding how and why mating systems evolve. I examined the evolution of floral and mating system variation in Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia (Onagraceae), a species that exhibits divergence in key floral traits expected to be associated with variation in the relative importance of outcrossing vs. self-fertilization.
I combined geographic surveys of floral variation with genetic estimates of the proportion of seeds outcrossed (t) and confirmed that t covaried with corolla width and herkogamy in a predictable way both within and among populations. I then performed geographic surveys, manipulative experiments and genetic analyses to evaluate the potential role that; inbreeding depression (ID), interactions between flowers, pollinators and florivores, and reproductive assurance (RA) may have played in shaping and/or maintaining the geographic pattern of mating system variation in this species.
The main selective factor maintaining outcrossing in large flowered (LF) populations appears to be ID, which was much stronger in LF compared to small flowered (SF) populations. These results are also consistent with purging of ID in SF populations. Increased selfing appeared to alleviate pollen limitation (PL) because it was associated with higher and less variable fruit set and reduced florivory by a microlepidopteran. However, evidence that florivores preferentially attacked larger flowers was equivocal. LF experienced stronger PL than SF populations suggesting that one condition for the evolution of selfing via RA is met in outcrossing populations. Floral emasculation experiments revealed that the timing of selfing also covaried with flower size among and within populations. SF self-pollinate before flowers open but LF do not, suggesting that selfing evolved in response to chronic outcross PL. Negative side effects of emasculation were detected which prevented a clear interpretation of the RA value of selfing. Given that much of what is known about RA comes from emasculation experiments, my results suggest that the assumptions of this approach, which are rarely verified, require more serious consideration. Taken together my results suggest that C. cheiranthifolia has evolved multiple stable mixed mating systems perhaps in response to selection for RA.

abstract: PhD


title: Long-term stability of cladoceran assemblages in small, shallow, South-central Ontario lakes subjected to multiple stressors

contributor:
Smol, John P.
Biology

subject:
Cladocera
Muskoka
shallow lakes
Multiple stressors
top/bottom study
paleolimnology

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2012-12-31 13:41:52.662

abstract: Shallow lakes in Muskoka-Haliburton have been largely ignored in previous limnological and paleolimnological studies, as many are considered to be less desirable for cottage development and other cultural activities.  Nonetheless, shallow lakes offer important habitat for many animals. 30 oligo- and mesotrophic, shallow lakes were chosen for a paleolimnological study to assess the impacts of multiple stressors on cladoceran invertebrates. Fossil cladoceran remains preserved in the sediment samples of the study lakes were used to evaluate the nature and magnitude of any changes in assemblages from both modern and pre-industrial times. Relationships between present-day assemblages and key environmental variables were investigated using redundancy analysis, which identified that lake area (p<0.01) and Secchi depth (p<0.05) were significant predictors of assemblage composition in the shallow lakes. Secchi depth was not correlated to water clarity measures, as it usually is, but rather to macrophyte abundance. The modern-day assemblages were compared to the pre-industrial assemblages using the snapshot “top-bottom” paleolimnological approach. The top and bottom assemblages were compared using an ANOSIM which was not significant (p=0.2), confirming that modern assemblages were similar to pre-industrial assemblages in shallow lakes. Full core analysis from three shallow lakes also showed only subtle changes in littoral assemblage composition through time, further supporting results from the top/bottom study. The changes recorded were mainly in the pelagic taxa, with the littoral taxa relatively very stable through time. These small, shallow lakes were then compared and combined with a deep lake set from the same region. The results show some striking differences between shallow and deep lakes. For example, pelagic taxa appear to be driving changes within assemblages across a depth gradient, with most of the changes in the deeper lakes. Water chemistry has an increasingly important role in structuring cladoceran assemblage as lakes become deeper, although lake morphometry does play an important role in defining cladoceran assemblages in all the study lakes. Cladoceran assemblages in shallow lakes appear to be more stable than deeper lakes, despite being exposed to the same regional stressors, such as acidification, calcium decline, and climate change.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Spatiotemporal Modeling of the Impacts of Forest Harvesting, Climate Change and Topography on Stream Nitrates in a Forested Watershed

contributor:
Chen, Dongmei
Geography

subject:
Time series
Climate change
Trend detection
Topography
GWR model
TFN model
Wetland
Forest harvest
Stream nitrate flux

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2012-12-31 22:37:39.137

abstract: This dissertation is an empirical modeling investigation of the impact of forest harvesting, climate change and topography on stream nitrate fluxes in the Turkey Lakes Watershed (TLW), Ontario, Canada. Data used for this study include topography (DEM), climate (mean monthly temperature and total monthly precipitation), wet nitrogen deposition (total monthly nitrate-N and ammonium-N), nitrate water samples and streamflow in 13 headwater catchments within the TLW. First, a paired-watershed approach was used to examine the impact of forest harvesting intensity on stream water nitrate fluxes by developing transfer function noise (TFN) models that related monthly stream water nitrate fluxes of three treatment catchments to those of one control catchment. Second, TFN models were also developed to relate monthly stream nitrate fluxes in 13 catchments to the temperature, precipitation and wet nitrogen deposition to examine the spatially varying responses of stream nitrate fluxes to changes in climate and bulk deposition. Third, geographically weighted regression (GWR) was introduced to model the spatial and temporal relationships between topography and stream nitrate fluxes in 13 headwater catchments. The results showed that there existed a new phenomenon of clustered wave-up and wave-down of the stream nitrate increases caused by clearcut and selectioncut at the monthly scale, respectively. This phenomenon was never reported by previous studies because it was not possible to be identified with ordinary least squares (OLS) regression at an annual scale. There also existed significant responses of stream nitrate fluxes to wet nitrogen deposition in all catchments at the monthly scale over a long-term record between 1982 and 2003. These responses were previously thought to be lower and masked by the impact of climate variations. There further existed significant spatial and seasonal variability of the relationships between topography and stream nitrate fluxes across space and over time. This variability was largely ignored in previous studies with possibly misleading interpretation on the empirical relations.

abstract: This dissertation is being organized into 4 manuscripts for journal publications. Some journals of this research area do not accept materials that have been already available for public access, such as in a digital format of thesis. For this reason, I prefer to restrict this dissertation for 5 –years from online digital publication.

abstract: PhD


title: Simulated and Experimental Kinematic Calibration of a 4 Degrees of Freedom Parallel Manipulator

contributor:
Notash, Leila
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Calibration
Robotics
Calibration Pose Selection
Mechanical Engineering
Kinematic Calibration

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-06 22:46:05.076

abstract:
This thesis discusses the kinematic calibration of the constraining linkage of a four degrees of freedom parallel manipulator. The manipulator has hybrid actuation of joints and wires, however the wires are not considered in this calibration. Two of the passive joints of the manipulator contain sensing so the calibration of the constraining linkage can be considered.

Four kinematic models are developed for the manipulator. For each of these models, an independent set of model parameters are identified through an analysis of the augmented identification Jacobian matrix.  Three different methods for formulating the augmented identification Jacobian matrix are explored.

For the calibration, an optical tracking system is used to track the end-effector of the manipulator. The procedure to collect the calibration data is explained and the sources of error are considered.  To further analyze the sources of error, simulated input data is created and the calibration using the experimental data and the simulated data are compared.

In an attempt to improve the calibration, the selection of measured poses to be used for calibration is explored. Several different pose selection criteria have been proposed in the literature and five are evaluated in this work. The pose selection criteria were applied to the experimental manipulator and also a simulated two degrees of freedom manipulator.  It is found that the pose selection criteria have a large impact when few poses are used; however the best results occur when a large number of poses are used for the calibration.

An experimental calibration is carried out for the manipulator. Using the joint encoders and the kinematic model, the expected pose of the end-effector is calculated.  The actual pose is measured using a vision tracking system and the difference between the actual and expected pose is minimized by adjusting the model parameters using a nonlinear optimization method.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: The Development and Application of a Simplified Thermal Performance Equation for a Sheet-and-Tube Photovoltaic Thermal Combi-Panel

contributor:
Harrison, Stephen J.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Solar Thermal
Solar Energy
PV/T
Photovoltaic

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-22 15:40:03.337

abstract:
PV/Thermal technology is the combination of solar thermal and photovoltaics - two mature and widely understood technologies. Combining the two technologies complicates existing standardized rating procedures and performance modeling methods. Currently a standardized performance test method does not exist for PV/Thermal (PV/T) panels. Existing and developing PV/T panels are commonly tested using separate standardized solar thermal and photovoltaic test procedures. Solar thermal performance is rated in terms of temperature difference whereas photovoltaic performance is dependent on absolute temperature level. The thermal and electrical performance of a PV/T panel is, however, coupled so performance equations derived using traditional test methods may not accurately reflect the performance of a combined PV/T panel over a wide range of conditions.
The purpose of this work was to develop an efficiency equation for a PV/T panel which can be derived from a minimal amount of empirical test data and still accurately predict its thermal and electrical performance over a wide range of conditions.  To accomplish this, a quasi- 3-dimensional steady-state model of a sheet-and-tube PV/T collector was developed and used to generate a broad data set from which a simplified PV/T performance equation was developed. Using this numerically generated data set, and introducing additional coefficients into the traditional solar thermal performance characteristic, a modified PV/T efficiency equation was derived which expressed the electrical and thermal efficiency in terms of ambient temperature, incident solar irradiation and the temperature difference between the inlet fluid and the ambient. It was also shown, for the case studied, that the efficiency equation can be produced from as few as 6 data points and still accurately predicts the performance at a wide range of operating conditions. A  TRNSYS [1] model was developed to demonstrate how the performance equation can be used to simulate the annual performance of a PV/T collector in a domestic hot water system. It was shown that a performance equation, derived from 6 data points, performed as well as a performance map which used over 1000 data points. The annual thermal and electrical production predicted by both models was within 1.5% of each other.  The PV/T efficiency equations were also shown to perform well for a range of electrical parameters, thermal properties and substrate thermal conductivity values.
Future work is recommended to validate the PV/T performance equation using real empirically derived data for a range of collector designs.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Simulating Remediation of Trichloroethylene in Fractured Bedrock by Thermal Conductive Heating Using the Numerical Model TMVOC

contributor:
Kueper, Bernard H.
Civil Engineering

subject:
Trichloroethylene
Remediation
Fractured Bedrock
Numerical Model
Thermal Conductive Heating

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-02 22:32:05.274

abstract:
A thermal conductive heating (TCH) pilot test was conducted at the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) in West Trenton, New Jersey in 2009 in collaboration with TerraTherm, Inc., the Naval Facilities Engineering Services Center and the United States Geological Survey. The NAWC site was historically used as a jet engine testing facility from the mid-1950s to the late 1990s. During this time, the subsurface was contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE) which was a common solvent used at the facility. The pilot test consisted of 15 heater/extraction wells installed to a depth of 16.8 m in weathered mudstone and operated for 102 days. Rock core samples were taken pre- and post-remediation to measure the initial TCE concentrations and evaluate the effect the TCH pilot test had. The data collected during the pilot test was used to create a two-dimensional (2D) finite difference model using TMVOC. TMVOC is part of the TOUGH 2 family of codes and is a numerical model that is capable of simulating multiphase flow, heat transfer and transport of volatile organic compounds in three-dimensional heterogenous porous media or fractured rock.

The 2D model was used as a screening model to investigate TCE removal from the rock matrix when heating for 100 days with a similar heating pattern to what was employed at the NAWC site. The numerical domain incorporated three primary fractures with competent bedrock in between. As the test pilot was conducted in the weathered bedrock zone, a sensitivity analysis was first completed on the matrix permeability to help to match the TCE removal from the pilot test. The pilot test had a 63.5% removal of TCE from the study area compared to 67% from the baseline model. A limited sensitivity analysis was completed which investigated how the matrix porosity and rate of energy application would have on the success of TCE removal from the rock matrix. It revealed that the TCE removal increases with increased matrix porosity and increased rate of energy application.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Engineering the Nile: Irrigation and the British Empire in Egypt, 1882-1914

contributor:
den Otter, Sandra M.
History

subject: Egypt Irrigation

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, History) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-04 12:28:11.274

abstract:
This thesis examines technological and social mechanisms of British imperial water control as created and managed by British irrigation engineers in Egypt between 1882 and 1914. In the aftermath of the British military conquest of the Ottoman colony, irrigation engineering was lauded as a way to make Egypt prosperous and financially solvent through the growth and sale of cash-crop cotton on the global market. The irrigation engineers who transferred into Egypt in the wake of the British occupation to enact this revivification of irrigation were Indian-experienced military engineers; these Royal Engineers officers and their British superiors in Egypt and the Foreign Office enacted the principles of late nineteenth century liberal economy, including the construction of large-scale public works.
 	The British engineers imported their Indian experiences when they transferred to the Egyptian Irrigation Department. Their engineering epistemologies included economic frugality, an emphasis and reliance on hydraulic science, and skepticism of the viability of local irrigation practices. Permanent dams were built or reconstructed across the Nile at Cairo (Delta Barrage, 1887-1890) and at Aswan (Aswan Dam, 1898-1902). With these structures, among other major projects, the engineers created a system of water control that extended their abilities to manage the Nile and local irrigation practices. Always chaotic, contingent, and geographically and temporally specific, the engineers forced Egyptian peasants, cash crop cotton, and the Nile into the interconnected web of politics, economics, and science that was transnational British imperialism.

abstract: PhD


title: Oxygen Delivery Challenges of Maximal Exercise and Initial Orthostatic Hypotension

contributor:
Tschakovsky, Michael E.
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
Oxygen Delivery
Blood Flow
Exercise
Critical Power

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-04 15:04:44.391

abstract: The ability to exercise for more than a short period requires energy to be supplied by using oxygen (aerobic energy supply).  How quickly we can supply energy depends on how much oxygen we can deliver to muscles. Similarly, delivery of oxygen (O2 del) to the brain is important as brief, transient disruptions can cause nausea or fainting.  Therefore, regulation of O2 del so that the O2 supply matches the metabolic requirement (O2 del matching metabolic demand) is essential to exercise tolerance and brain function. O2 del to the brain is often researched in response to orthostatic stress, however little is known about vascular responses protecting O2 del.  In muscle, use of a forearm exercise model is common as measuring O2 del is difficult in other exercise modalities.  Unfortunately, it is also difficult to measure/test metabolism in the forearm. Hence, measuring O2 del response to exercise at a known metabolic intensity is difficult.  Purpose:  To investigate O2 del matching metabolic demand in the following manner: 1) develop a repeatable and reliable critical power (CP, highest sustainable rate of aerobic metabolism) test for the forearm exercise model 2) discover if individual differences in O2 del account for differences in forearm CP (fCP) 3) determine if fCP is sensitive to changes in O2 del 4) characterize cerebral vascular response to an orthostatic challenge Methods:  Echo and Doppler ultrasound measured blood flow through the brachial artery.  Venous blood samples were used to measure hemoglobin and O2 content for calculations of O2 del and consumption. Middle cerebral blood velocity measured via transcranial Doppler ultrasound.  Blood pressure was measured using finger photoplethysmography.  Results: 1) fCP can be accurately estimated from a maximal effort handgripping test 2) Inter-individual differences in O2 del account for most of the variance in fCP 3) fCP is sensitive to changes in O2 del 4) cerebral vascular responses blunt cerebral hypoperfusion in response to initial orthostatic hypotension.  Conclusions: CP is an exercise characteristic of aerobic metabolism which is dependent on and sensitive to O2 del.  Therefore, fCP can be used in the forearm exercise model to research O2 del-metabolism matching.

abstract: PhD


title: Character Development in Music Making: Understanding How Songwriting Can Develop Character

contributor:
Egnatoff, William
Education

subject:
Character Education
Music
Songwriting
Music Education

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-06 19:24:02.226

abstract: Music is often used by its advocates as a vehicle to promote positive changes in students, academically, emotionally, and socially (Catterall, Chapleau & Iwanaga, 1999; Fiske 1999). In this study, I examined the implementation, in my own public elementary classroom, of a five-month Character Really Matters! songwriting program that I developed. The study is designed to provide insight into the potential impact of such songwriting music programs on students’ character development. The study examined the connections students made between the songwriting program and their lives. The data for this study were derived from a guided student reflection form used as a normal part of teaching. To provide further elucidation of the impact of the songwriting program on students’ character development, I supplemented the reflection-form data with my direct classroom observations using field notes and a character-tracking checklist. Findings from the research revealed connections between songwriting and its impact on developing children’s work habits in collaboration, cooperation, commitment to quality work, and in turn, character development. By writing songs, students were able to tell stories and reflect on their learning from their songwriting experiences. The findings from this study inform the justification and improvement of the program and contribute to the school board’s body of evidence used to examine its character education program.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Expression, Purification, And Characterization Of Elastin-Like Polypeptides Containing Chondroitin Sulphate Binding Domains

contributor:
Woodhouse, Kimberly
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Tissue Engineered Blood Vessels (TEBVs)
Hyperplasia
Chondroitin Sulphate
Coacervation
Elastin
Elastin-Like Polypeptides

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-06 21:03:37.788

abstract: The development of small-diameter artificial blood vessels that mimic the properties of natural blood vessels has proven to be a clinical challenge. While autologous vessels are the standard, they can be difficult to obtain and require invasive surgeries. Synthetic materials have been successful in large diameter applications, but they have been unsuccessful in small-caliber environments due to a number of factors including thrombus formation, intimal hyperplasia, and infection. Intimal hyperplasia, of particular interest in this study, involves the build up of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the intimal layer of the artery due to abnormal migration and proliferation. This work focuses on the development of a new polymer that has the potential to function as an intimal/medial component of a small-diameter blood vessel. Using recombinant elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) developed by the Woodhouse laboratory, as well as chondroitin sulphate-specific binding sequences (CSBD1 and CSBD2) determined by the Panitch laboratory, a new elastin-like polypeptide-chondroitin sulphate binding domain (ELP-CSBD) block copolymer has been developed and characterized. The expression of the ELP1-CSBDs was accomplished using E. coli BL21 cells in a bioreactor or shaker flask systems. The polypeptides were purified using dialysis and ion exchange chromatography and expression and purity were characterized using mass spectrometry and amino acid analysis. Both ELP1-CSBDs were successfully expressed using these methods and ELP1-CSBD1 was produced to high purities. ELP1-CSBD1 was able to undergo coacervation in vitro, suggesting that ELP1-CSBD1 is able to self-assemble in a manner similar to native elastin. In the presence of the glycosaminoglycan chondroitin sulphate (CS), the temperature of coacervation of ELP1-CSBD1 is increased, the rate and extent of coacervation is decreased, and aggregates remain in solution even at higher temperatures. The influence of heparin was also explored as previous studies indicated that the CS binding domains were shown to also bind to heparin. Studies completed in the presence of heparin showed that there were no significant changes to the coacervation characteristics of ELP1-CSBD1. It is anticipated that when combined with CS, ELP1-CSBD1 will gel, forming a basis for an intimal/medial layer of a TEBV that will modulate SMC response and increase graft integrity.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Optical Antenna Photovoltaics & Making Metallic Nano-rods

contributor:
Nunzi, Jean-Michel
Chemistry

subject:
Optical Antenna
Nanorods

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-07 12:36:57.17

abstract:
Solar power is a clean, renewable source of energy. There is a growing demand for cheap, high efficiency photovoltaic cells. Of the many emerging solar harvesting technologies, a concept that has not been widely explored is that of optical antennas.
In 1972 Bailey et al.[1] explored scaling down of antenna technology to match the solar spectrum. A recent review was given by Lukas Novotny et al.[2], in which they outline the major hurdles as being the lack of reliable nano-fabrication and an inability to rectify into the Tera-hertz frequencies band.
Presently we aim to fabricate photovoltaic cells that incorporate an array of vertically aligned metallic nano-rods (MNR). Porous aluminum oxide (PAO) is used as a nano-structured template for growth of the MNR. PAO exhibit vertically aligned pores (D = 20 - 200nm) in a densely packed hexagonal arrangement. MNR fabrication is achieved through templated electrochemical deposition, and investigated with SEM and VIS-IR spectroscopy.
MNR samples have been specifically designed to be incorporated as a photoactive material for a novel photovoltaic cell. Through fine control of their length, the
MNR excitation energy can be tuned to the visible spectrum. Excitation of the MNR leads to energy transfer with localized acceptor molecules, creating a rectification of the field. The fabrication of MNR helps progress the development of the proposed antenna photovoltaic device.

[1] R. L. Bailey, “A Proposed New Concept for a Solar-Energy Converter," Journal
of Engineering for Power, pp. 73-77, Apr. 1972.
[2] P. Bharadwaj, B. Deutsch, and L. Novotny, “Optical Antennas," Advances in
Optics and Photonics, vol. 1, pp. 438-483, May 2009.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Luminescent Transition Metal Complexes Based on N-Heterocyclic and N^C-Chelate 4-Coordinate Organoboryl Ligands

contributor:
Wang, Suning
Chemistry

subject: luminescent transition metal complexes

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-07 15:20:45.675

abstract:
The objective of this thesis is to examine the photophysical and structural properties of Ru(II)/Re(I) based bimetallic complexes based on p-[N-2-(2’-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl]-[N-2-(2’-pyridyl)indolyl]-benzene (L1) ligand, as well as the photophysical and photochemical properties of N^C-chelate 4-coordinate organoboron compounds that contain a metal acetylide group.
Ligand L1 was synthesized and fully characterized. Due to the incorporation of two distinct chelating sites, an N^N-chelate site and an N^C-chelate site, L1 has been found to be very effective in selective binding to two different metal ions.
Two new heterobimetallic complexes Ru(II)-Pt(II) and Ru(II)-Pd(II) using L1 as the bridging ligand were prepared and fully characterized. All Ru(II)-containing complexes have been found to be luminescent. The Pt(II) unit appears to enhance phosphorescent efficiency of the Ru(II) unit while the Pd(II) unit has little influence.
Using L1 as the bridging unit, two new Re(I) based heterobimetallic complexes Re(I)-Pt(II) and Re(I)-Pd(II) were also successfully synthesized. Results indicate that there is communication between the two different metal centers. The preliminary results indicated that the mononuclear Re(I) complex based on L1 is a promising candidate for the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes were synthesized with an atropisomeric bis-pyridyl chelate ligand bis{3,3’-[N-Ph-2-(2’-py) indolyl]} (L4). To examine the potential use of the trans-chelate L4 ligand in oxidative coupling reactions catalyzed by Pd(II) compounds, acetoxylation of arenes by PhI(OAc)2 using PhI(OAc)2/L4 (2:1) as the catalyst was examined and found to accelerate the reaction, but lower the overall yield.
Finally, to examine the impact of metal ions on photochromic properties of N^C-chelate organoboron compounds, three metal acetylide compounds that contain a photo-active N^C-chelate BMes2 unit (B(ppy)Mes2) were prepared and fully characterized. The studies indicated that by taking advantage of different heavy metals the photoisomerization quantum efficiency of the boron chromophores can be readily tuned through the adjustment of 3LC state localized on the chelate backbone or the involvement of MLCT state in the lowest energy electronic transition.

abstract: PhD


title: IDSaaS: Intrusion Detection System as a Service in Public Clouds

contributor:
Martin, Patrick
Computing

subject:
Intrusion Detection System
IDSaaS
Cloud Computing
Computer Science
Security

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-10 08:29:23.136

abstract:
In a public cloud computing environment, consumers cannot always just depend on the cloud provider’s security infrastructure. They may need to monitor and protect their virtual existence by implementing their own intrusion detection capabilities along with other security technologies within the cloud fabric. Also, cloud consumers may want to collect network traffic and log them for further analysis. This can help them in writing tailor-made attacking scenarios specifically designed based on the nature of the application they want to protect. Furthermore, consumers’ applications can be distributed among different regions of the cloud or in non-cloud locations. The need to protect all these assets from a centralized location is fundamental to many cloud consumers.

We provide a framework and implementation for an intrusion detection system that is suitable for the public cloud environment. The Intrusion Detection as a Service (IDSaaS) targets security of the infrastructure level for a public cloud (IaaS) by providing intrusion detection technology that is highly elastic, portable and fully controlled by the cloud consumer. These features allow cloud consumers to protect their cloud-based applications from security threats and unauthorized intruders. We developed a proof-of-concept prototype on Amazon EC2 cloud and performed different experiments to evaluate its performance. After examining the experimental results, we found that IDSaaS can provide the required protection in a reasonable and effective manner.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Polyolefin Formulations for Improved Foaming: Effects of Molecular Structure and Material Properties

contributor:
Kontopoulou, Marianna
Park, Chul C.
Chemical Engineering

subject: Rheology Polyolefin Foaming

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-29 14:46:52.042

abstract: The morphology and mechanical properties of foams made out of ethylene-α-olefin copolymers (EC) having well-characterized rheological properties were investigated. The polymers differed in the amount of comonomer contained, type of comonomer and molecular weight, resulting in variable thermal properties and different rheological responses under shear and extensional flow. All of the octene-based copolymers with comparable rheological properties had similar foam morphology. However grades with low extensional viscosity and low crystallization points resulted in poor foams. Increasing density resulted in a higher secant modulus of the foamed samples. To further investigate the effects of material properties, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA) and triallyl trimesate (TAM) coagents were used to generate a series of PP derivatives through radical mediated melt state reactive modification. Coagent modification resulted in pronounced effects in the molecular weights and viscosities of the derivatives. However, evidence of long-chain branching (LCB) was only present in TAM modified PPs. Significant increases in the crystallization temperature, heat of fusion and crystallization rate were attributed to the formation of nanoparticles, which resulted in a heterogeneous nucleation effect, both for crystallization and foaming. Generally lower viscosities, coupled by strain hardening, enhanced nucleation and increased crystallization temperatures induced by the nanoparticles resulted in foams with higher expansion ratios and smaller cells, due to higher rates of cell growth, coupled with suppressed coalescence. Nanocomposites based on isotactic PP and nanosilica (SiO2) were prepared using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder (TSE) in order to investigate foaming on a larger scale. High shear stress, sufficient residence time, and high fill ratio in the melting section of the screw were the most important factors in achieving good nanosilica dispersion. Well-dispersed surface-modified hydrophobic SiO2 particles were effective nucleating agents for foaming, when used at loadings below 1 phr.

abstract: PhD


title: Ground Reaction Forces in Feet with Morton's Syndrome

contributor:
Costigan, Patrick
Rehabilitation Science

subject:
foot biomechanics
ground reaction force
metatarsal protrusion ratio
Morton's syndrome

abstract: Thesis (Master, Rehabilitation Science) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-14 14:38:55.255

abstract:
Morton’s syndrome is a foot condition where the 1st metatarsal does not protrude as far distally as the 2nd metatarsal.  Clinicians believe that short 1st metatarsal protrusion affects foot mechanics and leads to painful conditions of the foot.  Normal protrusion ratio of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal has not been delineated in scientific literature, and little is known about the mechanics of feet with short 1st metatarsal protrusion beyond anecdotal clinical evidence.  In the first part of this two-part study, a novel tool was developed to guide metatarsal measurement and reduce measurement error so values for normal metatarsal protrusion ratios could be established.  In the second part, subjects were divided into those with shorter and longer than average 1st metatarsal protrusion ratio and we measured if there were any differences in the foot-floor forces between the two groups.
In Part 1, the feet of 65 healthy subjects were measured with a novel measurement tool and it was determined that the average ratio (1st metatarsal/2nd metatarsal) was 0.902, suggesting a 1st metatarsal that does not protrude as far distally as the 2nd metatarsal.  For Part 2, participants were divided into two groups: the short 1st metatarsal group had a ratio of more than one standard deviation below the mean (0.866 or lower) while the control group had a metatarsal ratio of more than one standard deviation above the mean (0.938 or higher).
We hypothesized that short 1st metatarsal protrusion would cause an imbalance across the forefoot because the 1st metatarsal would not be able to carry the required load on the medial side of the foot; however, the results of the gait study did not show this as only forces in the walking direction near toe-off correlated with metatarsal protrusion ratio.  We can only speculate as to the relationship between the metatarsal protrusion ratio and increased shear force in the walking direction, but it is possible that to compensate for the diminished stabilizing capacity of the shorter 1st metatarsal, the foot must push off with more force to propel the body forward.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Comfort/Discomfort: Allyson Mitchell's Queer Re-Crafting of the Home, the Museum, and the Nation

contributor:
Helland, Janice
Art History

subject: Contemporary Craft Art

subject: Feminist Art

subject: Interventions in Public and Private Spaces

abstract: Thesis (Master, Art History) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-14 15:58:08.015

abstract:
Through an exploration of Toronto-based artist Allyson Mitchell’s craft-art, this thesis investigates the complexities surrounding the functions and roles of public and private spaces; particularly the home and the fine art museum within Canadian society.  I propose a reading of Mitchell’s art practice, activism, scholarship, and curatorial activities that focuses on a queering of both private domestic space and public social space through a conflation of the two.  Mitchell’s textile installations make intimate and cozy the otherwise impersonal space of the public art museum, while Mitchell queers the heteronormative space of the family home by turning it into a public art institution, an archive and a classroom.
Mitchell’s bright textile enclosures, "Hungry Purse: The Vagina Dentata in Late Capitalism" and "Menstrual Hut, Sweet Menstrual Hut," for example, visibly disrupt the sanitized and impersonal space of the art museum, disrupting the dominant ideological framework that privileges normative assumptions of sexuality and sexual identity, and exclusionary hierarchies of class, able-bodiedness and access.  While Mitchell’s theatrical textile installation, "Ladies Sasquatch," has predominantly been theorized as a queer critique of the myths of femininity, gender, sexuality, and the detrimental treatment of the female body within popular media; I present a reading of "Ladies Sasquatch" as a radical decolonizing spectacle that has the potential to interrupt larger nationalistic and colonial narratives reproduced by museums.  Through these powerful interventions in public and private space, I suggest that Mitchell’s crafty installations offer playful acts of resistance that create counter narratives which function to decolonize our physical, psychic and emotional space, while also creating new imaginings that undermine the status quo.

abstract: M.A.


title: Effects of Environmental Factors, Physical Barriers and Season on the Fish Community Composition of the Lower Ottawa and Mississippi River Systems as Determined from Quantitative Electrofishing

contributor:
Casselman, John M.
Nelson, William A.
Biology

subject: Electrofishing Diversity River Fish Richness Community Dams Quantitative

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-17 15:36:05.658

abstract: Environmental and physical conditions are considered primary drivers of fish community assemblages. The anthropogenic alteration of aquatic ecosystems is implicated as a primary threat to fisheries worldwide. In riverine ecosystems, river-wide barriers may alter natural fluvial processes and hinder fish movement through the system. In this study, I use data collected from two successive years (2008 and 2009) of intensive quantitative electrofishing Casselman and Marcogliese (2008, 2009) performed in different seasons (late fall and late summer) on the lower Ottawa and Mississippi River systems, Ontario, to investigate the effects of sampling season, distance from the river mouth, water temperature, conductivity, rank of velocity and dams on fish abundance, species richness and the Shannon-Weiner Index (SWI) as a measure of species diversity.  Sampling in late summer, compared with late fall, resulted in greater species richness and diversity.  Colder water temperature affected community composition, and species richness decreased upstream, while diversity did not change. In both seasons, the distance from the river mouth influenced fish community composition, whereas dams appeared to have no effect. This suggests that the continuous gradient model of the River Continuum Concept (RCC) would be applicable in these fragmented systems, which are not heavily altered by fractionation. To effectively manage cost and accuracy when collecting fish community data in large rivers, it is essential to sample strategically during seasons likely to maximize diversity and richness. Sampling intensively during warm water months in various river reaches would likely provide the most complete representation of fish assemblage.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Characterization of the Alphaherpesvirus Tegument Protein US2

contributor:
Banfield, Bruce
Microbiology and Immunology

subject: us2

subject: Alphaherpesvirus

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Microbiology & Immunology) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-21 01:25:54.103

abstract:
Members of the Herpesviridae are large enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses, whose virions are comprised of a viral genome-containing icosahedral capsid, a layer of tegument and a glycoprotein-embedded envelope. The tegument contains numerous viral proteins and cellular proteins. Most of the tegument proteins are poorly understood and require further investigation. This study focuses on one of the tegument proteins, Us2, and utilizes two model alphaherpesviruses: pseudorabies virus (PRV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Us2 is conserved among all alphaherpesvirus with the exception of varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The amino acid sequence of all Us2 orthologs share three N-terminal conserved regions whereas the C-terminal sequences are highly variable. PRV Us2 contains a C-terminal prenylation motif that targets Us2 to the plasma membrane. Although it is indispensable for virus growth in cell culture, deletion of Us2 gene in PRV caused an accumulation of virions in the cytoplasm of infected primary cells. Furthermore, PRV Us2 spatially regulates MAPK ERK activity by sequestering it to the plasma membrane. Inhibition of ERK kinase activity caused a delay in the release of extracellular viruses and the defect was more profound in PRV Us2-null virus infected cells. Altogether, these data suggest a requirement for ERK activity and significance of PRV Us2-ERK interaction in virus egress. To understand the mechanism of Us2-ERK interaction, PRV Us2 determinants for ERK interaction were mapped. Our data revealed that the N-terminal 214 residues are the minimal sequence of Us2 required for interaction with ERK. In addition, PRV Us2 oligomerizes and forms complexes with ERK via the ERK common docking (CD) domain that facilitates the interaction of ERK with many of its substrates.
Unlike PRV Us2, HSV-2 Us2 does not have any putative membrane targeting signals. However, our data revealed that HSV-2 Us2 localizes to the plasma membrane and is lipid raft associated. In addition, HSV-2 Us2 interacts directly with ubiquitin. As ubiquitination is responsible for proteasomal degradation and is involved in endocytosis and lysosomal degradation, these findings suggest that Us2 may be involved in proteasomal degradation pathways that counteract host defenses, or participate in final envelopment in endocytic compartments by facilitating the endocytosis of viral envelope proteins.

abstract: part of the thesis will be submitted to journal for publication

abstract: PhD


title: A Socio-technical Investigation of the Smart Grid: Implications for Demand-side Activities of Electricity Service Providers

contributor:
Webster, Jane
Management

subject:
Demand-Side
Smart Grid
Big Data
Dynamic Stability
Information System
Information Pocessing
Sociotechnical

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-21 12:04:43.652

abstract:
Enabled by advanced communication and information technologies, the smart grid represents a major transformation for the electricity sector. Vast quantities of data and two-way communications abilities create the potential for a flexible, data-driven, multi-directional supply and consumption network well equipped to meet the challenges of the next century. For electricity service providers (“utilities”), the smart grid provides opportunities for improved business practices and new business models; however, a transformation of such magnitude is not without risks.

Three related studies are conducted to explore the implications of the smart grid on utilities’ demand-side activities. An initial conceptual framework, based on organizational information processing theory, suggests that utilities’ performance depends on the fit between the information processing requirements and capacities associated with a given demand-side activity. Using secondary data and multiple regression analyses, the first study finds, consistent with OIPT, a positive relationship between utilities’ advanced meter deployments and demand-side management performance. However, it also finds that meters with only data collection capacities are associated with lower performance, suggesting the presence of information waste causing operational inefficiencies. In the second study, interviews with industry participants provide partial support for the initial conceptual model, new insights are gained with respect to information processing fit and information waste, and “big data” is identified as a central theme of the smart grid. To derive richer theoretical insights, the third study employs a grounded theory approach examining the experience of one successful utility in detail.  Based on interviews and documentary data, the paradox of dynamic stability emerges as an essential enabler of utilities’ performance in the smart grid environment. Within this context, the frames of opportunity, control, and data limitation interact to support dynamic stability and contribute to innovation within tradition.

The main contributions of this thesis include theoretical extensions to OIPT and the development of an emergent model of dynamic stability in relation to big data. The thesis also adds to the green IS literature and identifies important practical implications for utilities as they endeavour to bring the smart grid to reality.

abstract: Protection of intellectual property; restrict until after publication in journal.

abstract: PhD


title: Normalizing Object-oriented Class Styles in JavaScript

contributor:
Cordy, James R.
Dean, Thomas R.
Computing

subject:
Computer science
normalization
Classes
object-oriented
migration
JavaScript

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-22 09:29:10.693

abstract:
JavaScript is the most widely used client-side scripting language, and has become
increasingly popular as a crucial component of the AJAX technology. JavaScript
is a dynamic, weakly typed, multi-paradigm programming language that supports
object-oriented, imperative, and functional programming styles. Many di erent programmers
appreciate this
exibility when implementing complex and interactive web
applications. This wide range of possible styles can hinder program comprehension
and make maintenance di cult, especially in large projects involving many di erent
programmers. A particular problem is the several di erent ways in which objectoriented
classes can be expressed in JavaScript. In this work we aim at enhancing
the maintainability of object-oriented JavaScript applications by automatically normalizing
the representation of classes to a single model. We begin by analyzing the
di erent ways that JavaScript programmers have represented the class concept, identifying
and cataloguing the di erent class patterns used in the language. We choose
one of these, and show how it is possible to automatically migrate JavaScript applications
from any mix of class styles to the chosen one, making it easier to understand
and maintain object-oriented JavaScript programs.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Joint Modelling of Longitudinal Quality of Life Measurements and Survival Data in Cancer Clinical Trials

contributor:
Peng, Paul Yingwei
Tu, Dongsheng
Mathematics and Statistics

subject: Statistics

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mathematics & Statistics) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-23 14:04:14.297

abstract:
In cancer clinical trials, longitudinal Quality of Life (QoL)
measurements on a patient may be analyzed by classical linear
mixed models but some patients may drop out of study due to
recurrence or death, which causes problems in the application of
classical methods. Joint modelling of longitudinal QoL
measurements and survival times may be employed to explain the
dropout information of longitudinal QoL measurements, and provide
more efficient estimation, especially when there is strong
association between longitudinal measurements and survival times.

Most joint models in the literature assumed classical linear mixed
model for longitudinal measurements, and Cox's proportional
hazards model for survival times. The linear mixed model with
normal-distribution random effects may not be sufficient to model
longitudinal QoL measurements. Moreover, with advances in medical
research, long-term survivors may exist, which makes the
proportional hazards assumption not suitable for survival times
when some censoring times are due to potential cured patients.

In this thesis, we propose new models to analyze longitudinal QoL
measurements and survival times jointly. In the first part of this
thesis, we develop a joint model which assumes a linear mixed tt
model for longitudinal measurements and a promotion time cure
model for survival data. We link these two models through a latent
variable and develop a semiparametric inference procedure. The
second part of this thesis considers a special feature of the QoL
measurements. That is, they are constrained in an interval
(0,1). We propose to take into account this feature by a
simplex-distribution model for these QoL measurements. Classical
proportional hazards and promotion time cure models are used
separately to the situations, depending on whether a cure fraction
is assumed in the data or not. In both cases, we characterize the
correlation between the longitudinal measurements and survival
times by a shared random effect, and derive a semiparametric
penalized joint partial likelihood to estimate the parameters. The
above proposed new joint models and estimation procedures are
evaluated in simulation studies and applied to the QoL
measurements and recurrence times from a clinical trial on women
with early breast cancer.

abstract: PhD


title: Empirical Studies of Mobile Apps and Their Dependence on Mobile Platforms

contributor:
Hassan, Ahmed E.
Computing

subject:
Android OS
Empirical Software Engineering
Mobile Apps
Mobile Computing

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-24 10:15:56.086

abstract:
Our increasing reliance on mobile devices has given rise to a new class of software applications (i.e., mobile apps).  Tens of thousands of developers have developed hundreds of thousands of mobile apps that are available across multiple platforms.  These apps are used by millions of people around the world every day.  However, most software engineering research has been performed on large desktop or server applications.

We believe that research efforts must begin to examine mobile apps.  Mobile apps are rapidly growing, yet they differ from traditionally-studied desktop/server applications.

In this thesis, we examine such apps by performing three quantitative studies.  First, we study differences in the size of the code bases and development teams of desktop/server applications and mobile apps.  We then study differences in the code, dependency and churn properties of mobile apps from two different mobile platforms.  Finally, we study the impact of size, coupling, cohesion and code reuse on the quality of mobile apps.

Some of the most notable findings are that mobile apps are much smaller than traditionally-studied desktop/server applications and that most mobile apps tend to be developed by only one or two developers.  Mobile app developers tend to rely heavily on functionality provided by the underlying mobile platform through platform-specific APIs.  We find that Android app developers tend to rely on the Android platform more than BlackBerry app developers rely on the BlackBerry platform.  We also find that defects in Android apps tend to be concentrated in a small number of files and that files that depend on the Android platform tend to have more defects.

Our results indicate that major differences exist between mobile apps and traditionally-studied desktop/server applications.  However, the mobile apps of two different mobile platforms also differ.  Further, our results suggest that mobile app developers should avoid excessive platform dependencies and focus their testing efforts on source code files that rely heavily on the underlying mobile platform.  Given the widespread use of mobile apps and the lack of research surrounding these apps, we believe that our results will have significant impact on software engineering research.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Identification of compounds in heavy fuel oil 7102 that are chronically toxic to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) embryos

contributor:
Hodson, Peter
Biology

subject:
rainbow trout
embryos
ecotoxicology
PAH
heavy fuel oil

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-24 14:14:16.278

abstract: Spilled heavy fuel oil (HFO) sinks within the water column and accumulates in sediments, affecting aquatic organisms that are not typically exposed to oils that float. Previously, the 3-4 ring alkyl substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been identified as the major toxic components in crude oil. Since HFO is comprised of higher concentrations of 3-4 ringed alkyl PAH and an abundance of 5-6 ringed PAH relative to crude oil, it is predicted to be more toxic to the early life stages of fish. An effects-driven chemical fractionation (EDCF) of HFO 7102 was undertaken to establish the toxicity relative to crude oil, and to identify the compounds that are bioavailable and chronically toxic to the early life stages of fish. In this EDCF, the complex HFO 7102 mixture was separated by low temperature vacuum distillation into three distinct fractions, 2, 3 and 4. Each fraction was assessed using a chronic bioassay to determine whether it contained components that caused toxicity to rainbow trout embryos similar to that of the whole oil. Acute bioassays with juvenile trout demonstrated the presence of compounds that induce cytochrome P450 enzymes, an indicator of exposure to PAH. Fraction 3, the fraction more toxic than the parent mixture, was further separated by cold acetone extraction into fraction 3-1 (PAH-rich extract) and fraction 3-2 (wax residue), and assessed with the same bioassays. Simultaneous chemical analysis with bioassays guided the fractionation, and identified compounds abundant and consistently present in toxic fractions.  Due to resistance to dispersion of HFO, a chemical dispersant was used with vigorous mixing to drive the maximum amount of oil into solution to minimize the potential for false negatives and the volume of test material used. The potency of HFO 7102 and its fractions were also measured using water accommodated fractions (WAFs) produced by a continuous flow system of water flowing through oil coated gravel. Both exposure methods traced the toxicity from whole oil into fractions containing higher concentrations of 3-4 ring alkyl PAH, similar to crude oil. This research is the first toxicological assessment of HFO 7102, which is essential for determining the risk of spills of HFO to fish, and whether the risk of oils can be predicted from their alkyl PAH composition.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Structural Insights Into Novel Microbial Metalloenzymes

contributor:
Jia, Zongchao
Biochemistry

subject:
Biochemistry
Protein Crystallography
Structural Biology

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biochemistry) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-24 21:21:36.195

abstract: Metalloproteins represent a large portion of the total proteome. When bound to a protein a metal ion influences both protein stability and function through structural, catalytic or regulatory roles. Discovery of a metal ion cofactor presents new insight into both the structural and functional aspects of a protein and can be essential for the elucidation of the functional and mechanistic details of a protein of interest. The cupin, 2-oxoglutarate/Fe2+-dependent oxygenases (2OG oxygenases) and the di-iron oxygenase families of metalloproteins exemplify the diversity and catalytic potential of a metal ion cofactor, as well as the conservation of 3-dimensional fold and structural features in proteins with similar functions. The structural and biochemical characterization of three novel microbial metalloenzymes are presented; two Escherichia coli hypothetical proteins of previously unknown function, E. coli cupin sugar isomerase (EcSI) and a 2OG oxygenase, YcfD, and the novel microbial carbon-phosphorus (C-P) bond cleavage enzyme, PhnZ, are presented. In each case the identification of a metal ion cofactor and structure determination led to important functional insights. EcSI is encoded by a gene that is highly conserved among pathogenic bacteria. It has been identified as a sugar isomerase with specificity for the rare sugar D-lyxose as well as D-mannose based on structural homology to the cupin phosphoglucose isomerases, suggesting a role for EcSI in metabolism of alternative carbon sources. Structural homology of YcfD, the second metalloenzyme, to the 2OG oxygenase family, particularily human proteins involved in ribosome assembly, combined with evidence that YcfD interacts with the essential ribosomal protein L-16 provides the first evidence of translational regulation by a 2OG oxygenase in E. coli. The third metalloenzyme, PhnZ, was previously identified as an iron dependent oxygenase. Structural characterization revealed that PhnZ possesses a di-iron cofactor and shows significant structural homology to a di-iron oxygenase, providing structural evidence for its novel mechanism of C-P bond cleavage. Combined, these three structures also highlight several features of metal ion-enzyme interaction and regulation mechanisms employed by metalloenzymes as well as the importance of structure in the elucidation of functional and mechanistic characteristics of a protein.

abstract: Restriction of the thesis is required due to the fact that Chapters 3 and 4 are still in preparation for publication.

abstract: PhD


title: Exploring the Use of 360 Degree Curvilinear Displays for the Presentation of 3D Information

contributor:
Vertegaal, Roel
Computing

subject:
Curved Displays
Human-Computer Interaction
Telepresence
3D Displays

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-29 14:14:33.822

abstract:
In this thesis we examine 360 degree curvilinear displays and their potential for the display of 3D information. We present two systems: a spherical display prototype and a cylindrical display. Our spherical display prototype used the lack of set user position and natural visibility constraints of a spherical display to create a 3D display system that treated the sphere as a volumetric display through the use of 360 degree motion parallax and stereoscopy. We evaluated these properties by examining how our use of stereoscopy and 360 degree motion parallax, might aid in the preservation of basic body orientation cues and in pose estimation tasks in a telepresence application with our final cylindrical display. Results suggest the combined presence of 360 degree motion parallax and stereoscopic cues within our cylindrical display significantly improved the accuracy with which participants were able to assess gaze and hand pointing cues,
and to instruct others on 3D body poses. The inclusion of 360 degree motion parallax and
stereoscopic cues also led to significant increases in the sense of social presence and telepresence reported by participants.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of Ion Transport Along G-Quadruplex DNA Channels

contributor:
Wu, Gang
Chemistry

subject:
Ion Dynamics
G-quadruplex DNA channel
Molecular Dynamics

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-25 17:38:07.489

abstract:
Guanine-rich DNA and RNA sequences can fold, in the presence of alkali metal ions such as Na+ and K+, into G-quadruplex structures. These alkali metal ions are necessary for the stabilization of G-quadruplex structures. However, little is known about the ion dynamics in G-quadruplex structures. In this thesis, we used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the energetics of ion transport in G-quadruplex DNA channels. In particular, we applied, for the first time, adaptive biasing force (ABF) and umbrella sampling (US) methods to obtain potential of mean force (PMF) profiles for Na+, K+, and NH4+ ion movement along [d(TG4T)]4 and [d(G3T4G4)]2 channels. We found that the ABF and US methods produce very similar PMF profiles, in qualitative agreement with the very limited experimental data in the literature.
We found that, within a G-quadruplex channel, K+ and NH4+ ions experience significant energy barriers (13-17 kcal/mol) to cross a G-quartet, whereas the Na+ movement encounters minimal resistance (5-7 kcal/mol). All ions are nearly fully dehydrated inside the channel but quickly become hydrated after exiting the channel. Our simulations suggested that the free energy landscapes for ion movement between the channel exit points and bulk solution are quite flat (ca. 2-4 kcal/mol) regardless of the loop topology in the region. We discovered that the directional symmetry of the ion movement within any G-quadruplex channel depends critically on both the DNA sequence and the folding of the G-quadrupelx structure. While the ion movement inside the [d(TG4T)]4 channel shows the same free energy barrier in either direction, the [d(G3T4G4)]2 channel exhibits a free energy difference of 3-4 kcal/mol for NH4+ ions exiting from the two ends. We hypothesized that the mode of base-stacking is the determining factor for the G-quartet stiffness and this stiffness then contributes to the free energy barrier for any ion to across it. This hypothesis appears to be consistent with all currently available experimental observations. When a G-quadruplex channel contains multiple ions, we found that the ion-ion repulsion is an important factor that must be considered in order to have a complete understanding of the ion movement within G-quadruplex DNA channels.

abstract: PhD


title: Automated Analysis of Load Testing Results

subject:
Load Testing
Test Analysis
Software Performance Engineering
Software Engineering

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-26 22:58:29.881

abstract: Many software systems must be load tested to ensure that they can scale up under high load while maintaining functional and non-functional requirements. Studies show that field problems are often related to systems not scaling to field workloads instead of feature bugs. To assure the quality of these systems, load testing is a required testing procedure in addition to conventional functional testing procedures, such as unit and integration testing. Current industrial practices for checking the results of a load test remain ad-hoc, involving high-level manual checks. Few research efforts are devoted to the automated analysis of load testing results, mainly due to the limited access to large scale systems for use as case studies. Approaches for the automated and systematic analysis of load tests are needed, as many services are being offered online to an increasing number of users. This dissertation proposes automated approaches to assess the quality of a system under load by mining some of the recorded load testing data (execution logs). Execution logs, which are readily available yet rarely used, are generated by output statements which developers insert into the source code. Execution logs are hard to parse and analyze automatically due to their free-form structure.  We first propose a log abstraction approach that uncovers the internal structure of each log line. Then we propose automated approaches to assess the quality of a system under load by deriving various models (functional, performance and reliability models) from the large set of execution logs. Case studies show that our approaches scale well to large enterprise and open source systems and output high precision results that help load testing practitioners effectively analyze the quality of the system under load.

abstract: PhD


title: Longitudinal Dynamics of Trait Emotional Intelligence: Measurement Invariance, Construct Stability, and Mean Level Change from Late Childhood to Adolescence

contributor:
Holden, Ronald R.
Parker, James
Psychology

subject:
personality
longitudinal
psychology
self-concept
emotional intelligence

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-29 17:40:30.322

abstract: Emotional intelligence (EI) encompasses abilities (ability EI; AEI) and self-perceptions (trait EI; TEI) related to the expression, understanding, and management of emotions. Research on its developmental dynamics remains heavily weighted by the AEI perspective, whereas TEI has received virtually no attention in the developmental literature. This is a major oversight, as the two EI components are conceptually distinct and contribute independently to the prediction of important outcomes. Using multi-wave data from the Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, this project examined rank-order stability (Study 1) and mean-level change (Study 2) in TEI over a 6-year period from late childhood (age 10-11) to adolescence (age 16-17). Longitudinal measurement invariance of the TEI assessment was also tested (Study 1). Longitudinal mean and covariance structures models (Study 1) and latent growth curve models (Study 2) were fitted to the data from 773 children (51% girls) who completed the Emotional Quotient Inventory–Youth Version Brief form at four biannual waves. Principles from the self-concept literature were used to outline an integrative theoretical framework within which the developmental dynamics of TEI could be studied and understood. Study 1 found that three of the four TEI domains could be measured consistently and reliably over time, and that individual differences in these domains became progressively more stable with age. Contrary to the maturity principle guiding the development of AEI, Study 2 found that mean-level changes in TEI followed a curvilinear trajectory characterizing the development of self-concepts: EI self-perceptions declined between late childhood and early adolescence and then increased later in adolescence. These findings provide, for the first time, important validity evidence for the TEI construct as developmentally distinct from AEI and developmentally similar to self-concept. From an applied standpoint, this implies that enhancing EI abilities alone may not necessarily result in concomitant increases in EI self-concepts, and vice versa. Instead, both AEI and TEI may need to be targeted to maximize the effectiveness of intervention efforts. From a theoretical standpoint, the conceptual link between TEI and self-concept theories suggests that other properties of self-concepts might also generalize to TEI – an important avenue for future research.

abstract: PhD


title: Concept Design and Testing of a GPS-less System for Autonomous Shovel-Truck Spotting

contributor:
Marshall, Joshua A.
Mining Engineering

subject:
mobile robotics
GPS
pose estimation
autonomous vehicles
spotting times

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mining Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-28 09:49:20.584

abstract:
Haul truck drivers frequently have difficulties spotting beside shovels. This is typically a combination of reduced visibility and poor mining conditions. Based on first-hand data collected from the Goldstrike Open Pit, it was learned that, on average, 9% of all spotting actions required corrective movements to facilitate loading. This thesis investigates an automated solution to haul truck spotting that does not rely on the use of the satellite global positioning system (GPS), since GPS can perform unreliably. This thesis proposes that if spotting was automated, a significant decrease in cycle times could result.

Using conventional algorithms and techniques from the field of mobile robotics, vehicle pose estimation and control algorithms were designed to enable autonomous shovel-truck spotting. The developed algorithms were verified by using both simulation and field testing with real hardware. Tests were performed in analog conditions on an automation-ready Kubota RTV 900 utility truck. When initiated from a representative pose, the RTV successfully spotted to the desired location (within 1 m) in 95% of the conducted trials. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach is a strong candidate for an auto-spot system.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: A model for Free Recall

contributor:
Mewhort, Douglas J. K.
Psychology

subject: memory list-learning

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-28 14:12:49.99

abstract:
Abstract
A model for free recall of words is presented and applied to representative free-recall experiments. According to the model, a subject's lexicon contains a representation for each word and for the association between each pair of words. Studying a word in a list strengthens that word's representation in the lexicon, but reduces the strength of previously studied words. In addition, while studying the list, the subject associates pairs of items and, thereby, strengthens the corresponding associations in the lexicon. A subject's efficiency at forming associations drops off as the number of pairs increases. Retrieval is initiated with a report cue. Selection of an item for report is based on its strength in the lexicon plus the strength of its association with the retrieval cue. Selecting an item for report changes the strength of its association with the cue in the lexicon. To test the model, parameters were obtained by fitting it to serial-position curves taken from the archival literature. The model predicted three additional dependent measures: order of report, items correct per trial, and the number of intrusions per trial. In addition, I applied the model to phenomena associated with the free-recall task and showed that it captures the list-strength effect, interference in part-list cuing, clustering with categorized lists, and distraction effects. The model itself does not change to capture these experimental data. Word lists are presented to the model according to the experimental protocol used in the original experiments, and the model captures output measures derived from the experimental data. The model demonstrates that simple mechanisms can capture a wide range of apparently complex behaviour if we allow for a large enough knowledge base. In effect, the complexity of behaviour in free-recall paradigms lies in the interactions in the lexicon, not in the complexity of the recall mechanisms.

abstract: PhD


title: Enantio-Selective Mechanism of the Poly-Proline Chiral Stationary Phase: a Molecular Dynamics Study

contributor:
Cann, Natalie M.
Chemistry

subject:
Chiral Stationary Phases
Molecular Dynamics
Poly-Proline

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2013-01-28 14:31:53.316

abstract:
Poly-proline-based chiral stationary phases are relatively new stationary phases and have shown to be competitive to other commercially available chiral stationary phases for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The conformational studies, solvation properties and enantio-selective mechanism of this chiral stationary phase are the main focus of this thesis. Semi-flexible models are developed based on an extensive series of ab initio calculations for proline selectors from di- to hexa-proline and a series of six chiral analytes. Then molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study the solvation, conformational preferences at the interface, and the selectivity.
The solvation and conformational preferences of poly-proline selectors at the interface are examined in a normal phase n-hexane/-2propanol and a reverse phase water/methanol solvent. We noticed a significant difference between conformational preferences of poly-proline chains in these solvents indicating the effect of solvent polarity and hydrogen bonding on the relative stabilities of poly-proline conformers. Solvent partitioning occurs at the interface and this creates a polarity gradient between the stationary phase and the bulk that encourages analyte docking at the interface. Hydrogen bonding to the poly-proline selectors is shown to be a function of solvent composition and poly-proline conformation at the interface.
The selectivity of the poly-proline chains was studied by molecular dynamics simulations of chiral analytes docking into the interface. The selectivity factors for a set of enantiomers were predicted successfully. Enantio-resolution has been shown to mostly happen with hydrogen bonding to poly-proline carbonyl oxygens located close to the interface. Steric interactions and conformational flexibility of the analytes are also contributing factors for enantio-resolution.

abstract: PhD