title: Suite for Cathonia

contributor:
Hopkins, Tristan E.A. (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Campbell, Wanda) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: English & Theatre Studies

abstract: Suite for Cathonia is a novella that explores the relationship between people and sound and how a government might use religion and cultural norms to literally silence dissent. The story takes place in the isolated city of Asphel which exists within the underground world of Cathonia, where the very act of speaking in public is a crime. The main character, Phoea, is a girl who is ostracised and controlled by society run by the zealous religious authority—called the Harpokrian Order—due to her condition that causes her to have random outbursts of sound that only get worse the more they are suppressed. She has a love of architecture and hopes to one day live in Styxus, the affluent sector of the city where only the most talented artisans and builders are allowed to live. Phoea has few memories of her parents who died when she was very young and lives with her brother who works as an Inquisitor for the Order. When she discovers a photograph of a boy she does not remember from her past, things begin to change, and she is forced to question whether the life she is working for is the one she really wants.


title: Enhancing excited state intramolecular proton transfer reaction efficiency with ortho-alkyl substituents

type: Text Dissertation/Thesis

contributor:
Hopper, Victoria (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Lukeman, Matthew) (Thesis advisor)

rights: The author grants permission to the University Librarian at Acadia University to reproduce, loan or distribute copies of my thesis in microform, paper or electronic formats on a non-profit basis. The author retains the copyright of the thesis.

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: Chemistry

abstract:
Phenols experience an increase in acidity when excited to their singlet excited state. When this occurs, they may undergo an excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction, where the acidic proton on the hydroxyl group will transfer to a basic site on the same molecule. This research aims to increase the quantum yield of these reactions by adding R groups of increasing size to the 6-position on 2-phenylphenol (13).
6-Ethyl-2-phenylphenol (29) and 6-iso-propyl-2-phenylphenol (30) were prepared via bromination and Suzuki coupling, giving yields of 29% and 9%, respectively. These were then studied using IR spectroscopy and product studies. 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy were used to determine deuterium incorporation and thus determining quantum yields. Both 29 and 30 underwent ESIPT and reverse proton transfer (RPT), giving
a lower limit of F=0.40. IR data indicated that with increasing size of the added R groups, the molecule will preferentially adopt a conformation where the phenol OH is oriented toward the phenyl ring.
These results are consistent with the hypothesis that increasing size of R groups added at the 6-position will increase quantum yields of ESIPT.


title: Composition, morphometric characteristics and feeding ecology of alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) (Pisces: Clupeidae) in Minas Basin

contributor:
Stone, Heath Harris (author)
(Daborn, Graham) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1986

abstract:
The diet of summer resident alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) obtained from brush weir and drift gill net collections in Minas Basin from June to September, 1983, was analyzed
using number, volume and frequency of occurrence methods. Age composition, maturity, length-weight relationships and growth characteristics were also examined.
Feeding occurred over the diel and mtidal cycles and both species showed considerable overlap in their diet. Alewives favored larger, more benthic prey (e.g. amphipods, mysids, crangonid) while blueback herring appeared to concentrate their feeding on microzooplankters (e.g. calanoid copepods, cypris larvae, molluscan veligers). Differences in prey suggest that alewives frequently inhabit the lower portion of the water column, while blueback herring utilize the upper part of the water column. Yearling individuals of both species favored a more planktonic diet than older fish. Corophium volutator was the single most important prey item, particularly in alewives.
The Five Islands region appears to be an important foraging area for both species while feeding activity in Cobequid Bay is greatly reduced. Both species may feed more extensively outside of Cobequid Bay where
water temperatures are lower and food is more abundant and decrease their feeding activity in the upper reaches of the Bay where food is less abundant.

abstract: Biology


title: Nova Scotia moose: a new inventory technique

contributor:
Scott, Charles John (author)
(Dodds, Donald) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1976

abstract:
Two aerial inventories for moose in the Nova Scotia counties of Cumberland, Colchester, Pictou, and Antigonish are described. The findings and results of the inventories are discussed. The 1975 technique, using fixed-wing aircraft to fly transects and report all sightings of moose or tracks, and helicopters to count the animals at the sightings, is recommended for future use in Nova Scotia. It is applicable to other areas with similar terrain and forest vegetation, but especially the same type of snow cover and weather conditions.
The four county moose herd was found to number, in March, 1975, approximately one quarter of the animals reported by the last worker, who conducted a census in 1968. A recommendation to extend the moratorium
on hunting moose is a direct result. Conducting a mini-census each year, as is also recommended, will provide information essential to proper management and planning for the next open season.
A section on management is included. · All animals which were sighted appeared to be in excellent physical condition and one third of the cows accompanied by young of the year had twins. It is considered a reasonable conclusion that these are healthy animals, and that their numbers are below the carrying capacity of range. Management deals primarily with means of removing hardwoods in the higher elevations to
promote new growth as food for the ungulates.

abstract: Biology


title: Novel molecular skeletons derived from 2-tetralone and 2-naphthol analogs

contributor:
Huang, Po-Jung Jimmy (author)
(Jha, Amitabh) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

rights: The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: The naphthalene framework has been found in a wide variety of commercially important compounds such as pharmaceutical and agricultural agents. One of the interests in our lab is to synthesize new compounds which are based on 2-tetralone and 2-naphthol. The naphthalene skeletal framework served as a template for the three novel synthetic compound classes reported in this thesis. Chapter 1 of this thesis described the 2,3-dihydro-1'H'-naphtho[' 2,1-b']pyran scaffold derived from 2-tetralone and 2-naphthol analogs. The final compounds 2,2-disubstituted-2,3-dihydro-1'H'-napht ho[' 2,1-b']pyrans were successfully synthesized in good to excellent yields from 2-tetralone analogs and 2,2-disubstituted-3-hydroxypropanals. This methodology involves a facile acid-catalyzed aldol condensation and cyclization, followed by aromatization. Fifteen examples were prepared to demonstrate the generality of the reaction. In another endeavor, a novel multi-component synthesis of 3-dialkylamino-2,2-dialkyl-2,3-dihydro-1 ' H'-naphtho['2,1-b']pyrans was developed in a one-pot microwave-assisted procedure from 2-naphthol, cyclic secondary amines and 2,2-disubstituted-3-hydroxypropanals. Several side products such as 2-naphthol Mannich base, 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-1'H'-naphtho[' 2,1-b']pyran-3-ol, and 1-((2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)methyl)naph thalen-2-ol were also obtained. The investigation revealed that 2,2-disubstituted-3-hydroxypropanals underwent retro-aldol condensation into formaldehyde and _,_-disubstituted acetaldehyde, this was followed by the reaction of 2-naphthol, in-situ generated formaldehyde and the secondary amine to form a Mannich bases and an enamine intermediate formed by the secondary amine and in-situ generated 2,2-disubstituted acetaldehyde. Subsequently, the Mannich base underwent deamination to produce a quinone-methide intermediate which reacted with the enamine via pericyclic cycloaddtion to form the desired products in low to moderate yields. This proposition also explains the formation of isolated side products. Chapter 2 of this thesis deals with synthesis of novel bis-Mannich bases of 2-naphthols derived from aromatic aldehydes and diamines such as piperazine and 'N,N'-dialkylethylenediamine. Mannich bases of 2-naphthol have the ability to chelate strongly to metal ions. Hence, they have great potential to be used as chiral catalysts, metallo-enzyme inhibitors and/or scavenger of heavy metal poisons. An efficient and expeditious microwave assisted-synthesis of 'bis'-Mannich bases of 2-naphthols was developed under solvent-free conditions. With appropriate molar ratios of aromatic aldehydes, piperazine and 2-naphthol, 'N,N'' -bis(ary1-2-hydroxynaphthylmethyl)pipera zines were successfully prepared using three different conditions, namely microwave-assisted solvent-free conditions, conventional reflux in ethanol and room temperature standing in ethanol for various lengths of time.

abstract: Chemistry


title: Cyberbullying, social media, and Nova Scotia's intimate images and Cyber-protection Act: a discourse analysis

contributor:
Connolly, Carly (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Dahringer, Heather) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: Sociology

abstract:
The purpose of this study is to examine the extent of cyberbullying online, to tease out the larger environment in which cyberbullying occurs, and to add to the parameters of routine activity theory (RAT). Through the lens of RAT, I examine cyberbullying and the larger environment in which it occurs. Whisper, an online social media platform, is used to conduct the analysis.
Forty-five posts, twenty-six threads, including one hundred fifty-two replies provide the data from which a discourse analysis is conducted. The results depict a hostile online environment in which cyberbullying behaviours emerge. The dominant discourse surrounding cyberbullying pertains to its dismissal, rejection and resistance as an important phenomenon. Those discussants who have established authority in the
contentious Whisper environment frequently encourage self-harm, reject, diminish, and minimize the experience and views of others who do not fit within the framework of that environment, thus limiting discursive space on the forum.


title: Investigation of spider mite olfaction and behavior: electrophysiology reveals host plant-produced odours can be detected by Tetranychus urticae Koch

contributor:
Dhunna, Varun (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Hillier, Kirk) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: Biology

abstract: The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) is a polyphagous pest of many important plant species including kidney bean, tomato, and cannabis. An infestation by spider  mites often results in the complete defoliation of a plant which makes T.urticae an economically important pest. To elucidate the mechanism by which T. urticae detects and selects a host plant, electrophysiological assays such as electrotarsogram (ETG) were developed to screen compounds of interest from a volatile blend. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were collected from kidney bean and tomato plants and were used to test for differential biological/behavioral sensitivity against T. urticae. Putative chemosensory responsesinduced by kidney bean plant volatiles in T. urticae were identified as 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, acetophenone, cis-3-hexenyl 3-methylbutanoate, and 1-(4-ethylphenyl)-ethanone. Putative chemosensory responses induced by tomato plant volatiles in T. urticae were identified as α-phellandrene, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, acetophenone, β-phellandrene, and 1-(4-ethylphenyl)-ethanone. The identification of these compounds enhances our understanding of which chemical cues T. urticae perceives during host selection. To investigate host selection, behavioral assays were performed to determine spider mite preference between different host plants. We found that T. urticae significantly preferred kidney bean over tomato as a host plant in choice assays(P= 0.0009) and that they responded most strongly to kidney bean leaf in the no-choice assay (P=0.0002). The data collected from spider mite electrophysiology and behavioral studies will aid in the development of potential mite attractants/repellants and in the development pest management techniques for T. urticae.


title: Abundance of North American large raspberry aphid (Amphorophora agathonica) and concurrent virus load in raspberry fields in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Stegen, Samantha E. (author)
(Hillier, Kirk) (Thesis advisor)
(Bent, Erika) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract:
In  this  study,  I  investigated  the  abundance  of  the  North  American  large raspberry aphid Amphorophora agathonica Hottes (Hemiptera:  Aphididae)  in  the  Annapolis  Valley,  Nova Scotia. Amphorophora
agathonica is an important vector of two plant viruses (Rubus yellow-net virus and Raspberry leaf-mottle virus). The partnership with APM Agricultural Pest Monitoring Consulting Ltd. located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, provided access to three test fields with four collection  sites:  commercial raspberry  plantings (including  a  site  along  the  edge  of  the  field), wild  raspberry  plantings,  and  wild  blackberry  plantings.  This  study collected  aphid  samples using  two  collection  practices  common  to  Integrated  Pest  Management  (IPM),  visual  sampling and pan trapping. Our study also evaluated virus presence from wild and conventional raspberry and blackberry leaf samples to diagnose virus presence. In doing so, our study found more virus in  wild  raspberry and  blackberry  plantings than  conventional  raspberry  plantings. Suggesting
that  wild  raspberry  plants  can  act  as reservoirs for  these  viruses, ultimately  augmenting  the abundance of A. agathonica along the edge of the conventional raspberry fields.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Perceived social support, public versus private affection sharing, and well-being outcomes in same-sex, mixed-sex, and gender diverse romantic relationships

contributor:
Hudson, Chelsea (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Holmberg, Diane) (Thesis advisor)
(Blair, Karen) (Thesis advisor)
(Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: Psychology

abstract: The current research tested a moderated mediational model, which examined whether perceived social support for sharing relational affection predicted mental well-being via physical affection sharing (in private and public) and/or relational well-being, for individuals in same-sex, mixed-sex, and gender diverse relationships. 1850 participants completed an online survey. A series of regression analyses were conducted using Hayes’ PROCESS macro. Results revealed theoretical justification for the proposed model and support for most of the hypotheses. Specifically, perceived social support for sharing relational affection was identified as a predictor of affection sharing practices. The results highlighted associations between context and physical affection sharing, as well as between perceived support, affectionate touch, and relational and mental well-being. The findings revealed that individuals in marginalized relationships tended to perceive less support for sharing relational affection, but all groups experienced comparable relationship processes overall. Potential explanations and implications of the present research are discussed.


title: A study of winter concentration areas and food habits of moose in Nova Scotia

contributor:
Prescott, William Harry (author)
(Dodds, Donald) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1968

abstract:
No abstract
Biology


title: Field relations, petrology, and tectonic setting of the Ordovician West Barneys River plutonic suite, southern Antigonish Highlands, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Archibald, Donnelly Brian (author)
(Barr, Sandra) (Thesis advisor)
(Murphy, Brendan) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2011

abstract: The West Barneys River plutonic suite is an assemblage of medium- to coarse-grained  syenite to alkali-feldspar granite and gabbro which outcrops over an area of about  100 km2 in the central part of the southern Antigonish Highlands. Based on mapping and  petrological studies, the suite has been subdivided into three intermediate to felsic plutons  (Laggan, Brora Lake, and Haggarts Lake), two mafic plutons (Garden River and Duck  Ponds), and a large, heterogeneous pluton named the Poor Farm Brook composite pluton.  The Poor Farm Brook composite pluton is dominantly mafic (~65%) but also includes the  chemical equivalents of the intermediate and felsic rocks found in the other plutons.  Magma mixing and mingling textures indicate a co-magmatic relationship between the  intermediate-felsic and mafic lithologies. Intermediate to felsic rocks are hypersolvus and  in some cases show interstitial granophyre indicative of shallow emplacement. Many of  the intermediate and felsic rocks are highly magnetic but susceptibilities vary because of  variability in opaque mineral composition and degree of alteration. Geochemically,  intermediate and felsic rocks are dominantly alkaline and have characteristics of within-plate,  A-type granitoid suites. Gabbroic rocks are dominantly inequigranular (locally  porphyritic) and highly magnetic, attributed to the high percentage of opaque minerals  although some samples have lower susceptibilities. The gabbroic rocks are transitional  from tholeiitic to alkalic and have compositions characteristic of continental within-plate  rocks. Emplacement of these rocks is probably related to ensialic back-arc extension  associated with Tornquist sea oceanic lithosphere subduction beneath Avalonia  throughout the Ordovician. The West Barneys River plutonic suite represents an  important and previously unrecognized magmatic episode during the evolution of  Avalonia.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Help from far/far from help: the Mediterranean migration crisis, the UK, and Operation Sophia an analysis of securitization, power, and biopolitics

contributor:
Findlay, Kyle Adrian (author)
(Mutlu, Can) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
What is the relationship between migrating populations, security policies and practices, and borders in the context of the
government of the United Kingdom (UK) vis-á-vis the Mediterranean migration crisis and its participation in
Operation Sophia? How does the UK government manage migrant populations with security policies? How is sovereign power exercised over migrating populations, and how is that power managed? To what end do security practices, related to migration, serve, and for whom? What do mechanisms of power and security practices mean for the lives of migrants? How do the methods of categorizing migrants as refugees, economic migrants, and smugglers facilitate (im)migration policies at the national level? These questions are answered through the engagement of Securitization Theory, and theories of Biopolitics and governmentality.
Through Securitization Theory analysis, it is demonstrated that securitizing actors within the UK framed the crisis in a way which sees irregular migrant as the referent object of security, and human smugglers as the referent subject of security. This specific framing of this crisis is then coupled with the biopolitical tactics of filtering and controlling migrating populations through Operation Sophia. Analysis of power, biopolitics, and governmentality, further demonstrate that participating in the militarized Operation has facilitated the domestic political goals of reducing net-migration and maintaining secure borders in the UK. This is accomplished through the extra-territorialization of UK borders —an exertion of sovereign power, through maritime involvement in the Mediterranean, and the biopolitical rendering of migrants as a statistical population of the ‘Other’.

abstract: Politics


title: Constant temporariness ambiguity and illiberality in the Turkish refugee management regime

contributor:
Erar, Gunes (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Mutlu, Can) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: Politics

abstract:
The case of Syrians in Turkey presents an intriguing example of the current trends and policies in the global refugee politics. This is rooted in the fact that, despite constituting a large mass of refugee population, Syrians in Turkey are not considered as refugees. Their status in Turkey is regulated under TPR, which puts Syrians under a very delicate legal situation in which they are refugees only de facto, but not de jure. This
situation occurs as a result of the gaps in the international order and Turkish state’s ability to exploit this system. Thus, Turkish state uses this situation to create a system which temporariness exists as a constancy for its beneficiaries. In order to understand the Turkish system and its consequences, the thesis asks the questions of: What does the current Turkish system signify with regard to the nature of the existing international refugee management system? How does this reflect on the lives of Syrians living in Turkey? To answer these questions, the thesis conducts an explanatory research by employing a qualitative analysis method.


title: Community refugee sponsorship and integration in rural Nova Scotia

contributor:
McNally, Rachel K. (author)
(Mutlu, Can) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Canada’s community sponsorship program has a long tradition of refugee resettlement since 1979 when Canadians welcomed thousands of Indochinese “Boat People” refugees. In response to the Syrian initiative, Canadians have once again sponsored refugees in large numbers. In the Annapolis Valley, fourteen refugee sponsorship groups have welcomed seventeen refugee families since August 2015. This major wave of refugee sponsorship in the Annapolis Valley presents an opportunity for a case study of how the community sponsorship model impacts refugee resettlement and integration in rural areas. It draws from twenty-two in-depth interviews with former refugees, sponsors, settlement workers, and Sponsorship Agreement Holder staff involved with refugee sponsorship in rural Nova Scotia. It argues that while there are unique challenges with resettling refugees in rural areas, community sponsorship has a positive impact on integration and allows rural resettlement to be successful with support of governments and settlement services. Sponsors and refugees often develop family-like relationships. Rural sponsors fill in the gaps when services are limited, both general public services like public transportation and specialized settlement services like English as an Additional Language training. The factors
that help refugee families stay in rural communities are: building strong relationships with sponsors and the broader community, connecting with other families locally from their ethno-cultural group and finding employment. Finally, this thesis suggests six policy directions to improve rural refugee resettlement: expanding rural immigration hubs, enabling mobile urban services to travel to rural areas, addressing the mismatch between sponsor interest and the opportunity to sponsor, keeping families together and facilitating family reunification, matching families to communities based on community characteristics, and matching refugee skills to locally available employment opportunities.

abstract: Politics


title: Privacy concerns related to the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems within Canadian law enforcement

contributor:
Murney, Alexander C. (author)
(Mutlu, Can) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2017

abstract: Since roughly 2012, Canadian law enforcement agencies have been acquiring and employing unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, in their policing practices.  Employing a practice analysis of Supreme Court of Canada and Canadian law enforcement agencies, this thesis attempts to understand under what conditions an expectation of privacy exists in Canada, and how the use of UAS by law enforcement could undermine this expectation.  Ultimately, it is found that the current policies and regulations that oversee the deployment of UAS by government agencies are inadequate to curtail privacy concerns.  In the conclusion, this thesis concludes with offering some basic steps that could be taken to help alleviate these issues.

abstract: Politics


title: Canadian climate change policy: a commitment to environmental securitization and its effects on the Athabasca oil sands

contributor:
Farkas, Sebastian J. (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Mutlu, Can) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: Politics

abstract:
How is the federal government’s climate change policy of environmental securitization affecting the production abilities  of the Athabasca oil sands in Fort McMurray, Alberta? Canada’s federal government has made it clear that climate  change is an immediate threat that must be dealt with now as the future depends on it. Since becoming Prime Minister in 2015, Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government has taken great strides to secure the environment against the potential damages of climate change. From declaring a national climate emergency, to implementing  a carbon tax, the federal government has made climate change a significant priority. However, this is having a devastating effect on the oil sands. Historically, the oil sands have been relied on by Canada to ensure national prosperity, yet that may no longer be the case. Securitization deals
with combating extreme phenomenon’s deemed immediate threats or emergencies by the state, and therefore, requiring solutions “beyond politics”. This thesis argues that by affirming there is only one (universal)  solution to combating climate change that is achieved through suspending the process of democratic deliberation, Canada not only undermines and taints their system of democracy, it illustrates an attitude of willful ignorance by purposefully overlooking key considerations necessary  for forming enlightened policy. The Justin Trudeau federal government has engaged in a climate change policy that values speed and efficiency over the norms, principles,  and values represented within a democratic system of governance. A position that diminishes the legitimacy of a democratic system, and a commitment to responsible  governance.


title: Geopolitics with Chinese characteristics: China's involvement in East Africa through international organizations

contributor:
Mitchell, Colin (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Mutlu, Can) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Politics

abstract:
Since the early 2000s, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has become increasingly active on the international stage. This has manifested as China exerts influence on its ‘near-abroad’ in Africa as it looks to fill a power vacuum as traditional superpowers like the United States back off the world stage. While looking to avoid colonial rhetoric, China has exerted influence via the use  of  soft  power  through  international  organizations  which  provide  the  opportunity  to  build
Chinese international prestige. This thesis explores the following question: how has China used international organizations to further its geopolitical interests in East Africa? Chapter 2 conducts an examination of geopolitics and explores the evolution of the term, arguing that a neoclassical understanding of geopolitics is necessary to understand China’s use of international organizations. Chapter 3 focuses on the infrastructure investments and use of soft power by China, with specific emphasis on the multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, the Chinese push for military bases along the East African coast and for a blue water navy, and educational reforms and pop culture investments in states such as Kenya. Chapter 4 discusses Chinese involvement in information and communications technology development in Rwanda through international organizations, drawing from numerous interviews and focusing on the work of the United Nations Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, the International Telecommunication Organization, and the African Union.


title: The Safe Third Country Agreement: a tool for securitization at Canada's southern border

contributor:
Briggs, Paula Santana Ochoa (author)
(Mutlu, Can) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: The creation and implementation of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between Canada and the United States came as a response to the September 11 attacks that resulted in calls for increased border security.  This thesis addresses one of the ways in which the increased level of security affects the safety of migration.  I argue that the STCA securitizes Canada’s southern border, further narrowing legal channels for asylum seekers to enter Canada.  Through a discourse analysis, government documents and policy as well as news coverage are examined in order to understand the consequences of the STCA.  By examining this through a securitization lens, I find that the Safe Third Country Agreement narrows the category of eligibility for asylum seekers and acts as a blanket ban on asylum claims from people who first land in the U.S. with a very small group of exceptions.  This overarching agreement instead pushes people to enter Canada irregularly in order to access the Canadian asylum system.  While the agreement focuses on each country effectively meeting its obligations to refugees according to international agreements, its implementation undermines these commitments.  The emphasis on security of Canadian citizens puts the needs of asylum seekers themselves at the bottom of the list of government priorities and makes the refusal to address the inadequacies of the STCA a source of risk.  Instead of focusing on new agreements addressing irregular migration, the Canadian government needs to address the inadequacies of the STCA.  Without any solutions, the STCA will continue to perpetuate irregular migration and make migration from the U.S. to Canada between ports of entry dangerous to those who see it as their only option.

abstract: Politics


title: Exploring the activation of orthography in spoken non-word processing: an event-related potential study of pseudohomograph priming

contributor:
Fenwick, Chelsea (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Newman, Randy Lynn) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Psychology

abstract:
The present study examined the impact of orthographic knowledge on spoken non-word processing using Event Related Potentials (ERPs). The key manipulation in this study involved the use of pseudohomographs (PsHGr), spoken non-words that may be spelled like a word (e.g., the spoken non-word deef can be spelled d-e-e-f or d-e-a-f). Participants made rhyme judgements when presented with a spoken non-word target (e.g., zeef with a long e) that was preceded by one of three
spoken primes: A PsHGr prime that rhymed with the target (e.g., deef), whose alternative spelling (e.g., deaf) did not rhyme; a non-pseudohomograph (NonPsHGr) prime (e.g., teef) that rhymed with the target and did not have a spelling consistent with a word; and an unrelated prime (e.g., zoot) that did not rhyme with the target. ERP responses were recorded to presentation of the target. Results revealed a significant rhyme effect as seen in the reduction of the N400, a component
associated with phonological priming, to targets that rhymed with the prime. Despite there being a noticeable difference in the N400 amplitude between the pseudohomograph and non-pseudohomograph condition (i.e., an orthographic effect), this difference was not significant. Future research should add to the current sample before drawing firm conclusions as to whether orthography is automatically activated in tasks involving spoken non-words.


title: Eating with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: examining nutrition narratives to enhance medical nutrition therapy

contributor:
Bonnell, Heather (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Morley, Catherine) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Nutrition & Dietetics

abstract:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic illness with serious impacts on nutritional status, eating, and relationships with food. The research question was: How, if at all, are the food, nutrition, and eating experiences of people with IBD who live in Nova Scotia relevant to medical nutrition therapy, nutrition counselling, and research?
Objectives: 1.) To purposively recruit adults who live with IBD in Nova Scotia to participate in unstructured interviews;
2.) to analyze the findings using content categorization; 3.) to share the findings through knowledge mobilization.
Methods: Participants recruited via word of mouth and connections through Ostomy Halifax engaged in 1:1 open-ended interviews about how IBD has affected their food, nutrition, and eating experiences. Transcripts underwent content categorization using the Organizational Framework for Examining Nutrition Narratives (OFFENN). Narrative information was organized into table format based on the OFFENN and underwent thematic analysis.
Results: Ten themes emerged regarding the effect of IBD on eating, including concerns for mental health due to traumatic food experiences, sense of belonging in familial and social environments, an altered relationship with food, altered perception of body image resulting in disordered eating habits, adopting coping mechanisms to define a new normal, hindrance in achieving one’s full potential in life, and the value of experiential knowledge and a shared experience. Advice for health professionals include a desire for individualized care, a need for nutrition professionals to have specialized knowledge in diet and IBD, and the need for long-term respectful relationships between client and practitioner.
Implications & Conclusions: Although the biomedical impacts of IBD are well researched, there is little attention given to the inter- and intra- personal impacts of living with the condition. By examining the ways in which IBD affects all aspects of a person’s life, health practitioners can deepen their understanding of the disease and be better positioned to have a
positive impact on their clients’ overall quality of life, in addition to ensuring excellence in medical care.


title: Truth and knowledge in pure mathematics

contributor:
Farooqui, Husna (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Maitzen, Stephen) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Philosophy

abstract:
Thinking about mathematics generates intriguing philosophical questions. For instance, what is mathematical truth about?
That is, is mathematical truth about something we construct, or is mathematical truth instead about something independent of us? Are there mathematical truths in the first place? Furthermore, how do we attain mathematical
knowledge? For that matter, how do we gain beliefs about mathematics at all?  In answering these questions, I defend standard platonism about mathematicsas the best account of mathematical truth and knowledge.
In doing so, I explain why we should accept standard platonism as opposed to naturalised platonism or plenitudinous
platonism. I also examine the various epistemological and ontological problems that confront standard platonism, and I present responses to these worries. I then discuss an account that aims to explain the reliability of mathematical
inquiry and show how Paul Benacerraf’s famous condition for explaining reliability fails. Thus, I reject a causal account of the generation and reliability of our mathematical beliefs. In light of this rejection, I propose an explanation that depends
upon inference and the resources of mathematics itself.
Finally, I consider a selection of standard platonism’s foremost rivals. This list includes other platonist views such as Penelope Maddy’s naturalised platonism, W. V. O. Quine’s naturalised platonism, plenitudinous platonism, and set-theoretic reductionism. But I also examine competing non-platonist accounts such as nominalism, intuitionism, and
structuralism. In surveying these positions, I aim to show that the various rivals of platonism in mathematics either
face worse problems or else imply the very platonism they aim to avoid.


title: Exploring gene expression during wound healing and limb regeneration in the common sea star, Asterias rubens

contributor:
Scovil, Alexandra (author)
(Easy, Russell) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract:
There are over 1500 species of sea stars living in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. The common sea star, Asterias rubens, is a marine invertebrate of the phylum Echinodermata, and is found predominantly in intertidal zones of the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. A. rubens have regenerative capabilities; they can undergo autotomy in response to a traumatic event and regenerate a genetically identical appendage. The objective of my research is to explore developmental genes involved in wound healing and arm regeneration in A. rubens. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, we explored four
sets of genes involved in sea star regeneration including the immunoglobulin kappa region, genes for cysteine proteases, a homeobox domain, and an elongation factor subunit. Prior to experimental amputation, expression levels of all genes were not detectable. Following post-arm amputation, expression was seen in all genes of interest though the time at which this expression was detectable varied between gene targets. From a healthcare standpoint, understanding the regenerative capacity of sea stars may provide insight into the molecular basis of wound healing and regenerative capacities of higher vertebrates. Since 70% of echinoderm genes have human homologs the results of this research could be a significant contributor in exploring the genetics of wound healing in humans.

abstract: Biology


title: Shakespeare's comic killjoys: female protagonists as feminist advocates in the Winter's Tale, the Taming of the Shrew, and the Merchant of Venice

contributor:
Bullock, Laura (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Slights, Jessica) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: English & Theatre Studies

abstract:
This thesis explores three of Shakespeare’s comic heroines in the context of Sara Ahmed’s concepts of the feminist killjoy and the willful subject. I argue that Ahmed’s contemporary feminist vocabulary reveals the strategies by which Paulina in
The Winter’s Tale, Katherine in The Taming of the Shrew, and Portia in The Merchant of Venice resist patriarchal oppression in their communities and advocate on behalf of themselves and others. In the first chapter, I argue that Paulina self-identifies as a feminist killjoy and uses her rhetorical skills to mount on Queen Hermione’s behalf a willful advocacy that
effectively destabilizes Sicilia’s tyrannical patriarchy. The second chapter explores the notable absence of supportive female friendships in The Taming of the Shrew and proposes that Katherine’s strongest act of feminist resistance manifests in her act of breaking the fourth wall and creating a community of women in her famous final speech. Finally, I argue in the third chapter that when Portia disguises herself as Balthazar, a male lawyer, she resists gendered conventions about intellectual capacity and so disrupts the patriarchal culture of exchange and trafficking that dominates Venice and Belmont’s domestic and economic life. These discussions aim to demonstrate that a contemporary vocabulary is useful in understanding women’s marginalization by and resistance to patriarchy in a wide range of cultural contexts, and can also engage in a process of feminist community-building across temporal and literary boundaries.


title: Doubly uniparental inheritance: partial sequence of the male-transmitted mitochondrial genome of the ribbed mussel, Geukensia demissa

contributor:
O'Reilly, Mark (author)
(Stewart, Donald) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract:
Doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI) is an unusual system of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) inheritance found only in some bivalves. Under DUI, two distinct gender-associated mtDNA lineages exist, one that is paternally transmitted through sperm  (M-type) and one that is maternally transmitted through eggs (F-type). Role reversal events occur periodically in which an F type mt genome recombines with an M-type control region, which facilitates the recombinant genome entry into the paternal route of transmission. Because the male control region (CR) is always transferred during role reversal/recombination events it is thought to play an integral role in the transmission of mtDNA through male mussels. Additional DUI-positive species need to be studied to characterize molecular signals in the CR that play a role in maintaining DUI. The strategy for amplifying the male mitochondrial genome of Geukensia demissa, a mussel in the family Mytilidae, was to amplify and sequence part of the cytochrome oxidase subunit III (cox3) gene and use the resulting sequence for designing primers for use in Long-Range PCR to amplify the whole genome in large fragments. A partial coding sequence for male cox3 mtDNA was obtained and used to design primers that amplified a ~12 kb fragment of the male mitochondrial genome (~ three-quarters of the mt genome), by LR PCR. The remaining putative region of male mtDNA between cox3 and
16SrRNA was not successfully amplified. The ~12 kb fragment was sequenced by Pacific Biosciences RS II sequencing technology (Génome Québec, McGill). A putative partial male mt genome was assembled and edited from PacBio circular consensus reads using Geneious v.2019.1. The partial male G. demissa mitochondrial genome was annotated using MITOS and Geneious and compared to female G. demissa mtDNA obtained by a previous honours student. The complete male mtDNA sequence will be required for definitive identification of the control region and a comprehensive comparison with the female mt genome.

abstract: Biology


title: Geochemical and mineralogical dispersal in till from East Kemptville SN-ZN-CU-AG deposit, southwest Nova Scotia

contributor:
Smith, Crystal G. (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Brushett, Denise) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences

abstract:
The use of glacial diamicton as a medium for exploration in southern Nova Scotia requires an in-depth understanding of the dispersal characteristics in this region to accurately interpret results.   This study provides information on the type and abundance of indicator minerals and indicator/pathfinder elements that reflect the glacial erosion and dispersal of the East
Kemptville Sn-Zn-Cu-Ag deposit.  This information combined with knowledge of the local ice-flow history, can aid in the exploration of tin and other polymetallic deposits in southern Nova Scotia.  Indicator minerals were hand picked from heavy mineral concentrates of till samples and checked with a scanning electron microscope.  Indicator/pathfinder elements were determined for the <0.063 mm size fraction of till and analyzed using a total digest, lithium eta/tetraborate fusion/ICP-MS, as well as a partial digest, aqua regia/ICP-MS.
Indicator elements recovered in till and dispersed from the East Kemptville deposit, includes the ore minerals cassiterite and wolframite, and gangue mineral topaz.  Cassiterite was recovered in the 0.25-0.5 mm heavy mineral concentrate
(>3.2 S.G.) in till 30 km southeast and topaz up to 50 km southeast of the East Kemptville deposit. All three indicator minerals were recovered in the coarse sand fractions of till (0.5-1.0 mm and 1.0-2.0 mm) overlying the deposit and when considered together, indicate close proximity to source.  Indicator elements recovered in the <0.063 mm fraction of till include Sn, Cu, Zn, and Ag.  Tin was found in elevated concentrations up to 50 km southeast of the deposit, along the previously defined tin dispersal train by Shell Canada Ltd.  Pathfinder elements include W, Mo, Cs, Bi, As, Cd and In.  Analysis of clast lithologies, indicator minerals, and review of airborne radiometric data over southwest Nova Scotia
confirmed glacial dispersal to the southeast.  Further sampling is recommended to refine dispersal patterns at depth and dispersal directions.


title: Petrology and economic mineralization in core from two drill holes in the Faribault Brook Formation, western Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Hooey, Garrett R. (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Barr, Sandra) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences

abstract:
The Faribault Brook Formation forms the lower part of the Jumping Brook Metamorphic Suite which underlies a large part of the western Cape Breton Highlands east of Cheticamp. It consists mainly of variedmafic metavolcanic rocks interlayered with metawacke similar to that in the overlying Dauphinee Brook Formation. Both formations host occurrences of sulphide minerals, Au, and Ag; however, the rocks are strongly deformed and metamorphose, and stratigraphic relationships and the nature of the mineral occurrences that they contain are poorly understood. In this study, core from two drill holes, GM-08-08 and FB-01-86/08, was logged in detail by visual inspection combined with magnetic susceptibility measurements, petrographic study of representative thin and polished sections, and chemical analyses.  In combination these data enabled
identification of greenschist-facies metabasalt, metatuff, metawacke, and metarhyolite, intruded by thin sills of younger
unmetamorphosed amygdaloidal basalt. The mafic units are difficult to distinguish based on petrography as all are dominated by actinolitic amphibole chlorite, epidote, plagioclase, and quartz and have similar low magnetic susceptibilities. Hence protolith variations were distinguished geochemically using immobile elements and elemental ratios, including
Zr/TiO2, Zr/Y, and Nb/Y. As in other studies of metabasic rocks in the Faribault Brook Formation, the mafic samples display depletion in Nb and light rare earth elements, and overall the chemical characteristics are those of mid-ocean ridge basalt erupted or intruded in association with turbiditic wacke in a back-arc basin. Sulphide mineral as well as gold occur as disseminations in the metabasic rocks and in association with quartz-carbonate veins parallel to and locally cross-cutting the foliation. The rocks have potential to contain economic deposits of both volcanogenic massive sulphide and vein type.


title: Effects of inert granite dust treatment on volatile emmisions and herbivory of Asiatic lilies (Lilium asiaticum L.)

contributor:
MacIsaac, Megan (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Hillier, Kirk) (Thesis advisor)
(Faraone, Nicoletta) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences

abstract:
Plants produce a multitude of volatile compounds that have roles in reproduction, stress response, and multitrophic interactions. Current trends in agriculture seek to find safer, sustainable methods for crop protection against such pests. Recent work has determined a novel granite dust bio-product as a natural alternative (similar to diatomaceous earth) which has been used as an insecticide and repellent agent with promising results in controlling Lilioceris lilii (lily leaf beetle), an invasive pest that causes significant damage to Lilium spp. It has been observed that dust-treated lily plants repelled lily leaf beetles. This study explores how this mineral dust may affect volatile emission and herbivore acceptance in lily plants.
Granite rock dust was applied as soil, foliar and soil+ foliar treatments to lily plants. Volatiles were collected from untreated and treated lilies at different time intervals and analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Electroantennograms were performed in order to investigate the response of L.lilii adults towards volatiles from treated and control lily leaves that underwent mechanical damage. No differences were detected in volatile emissions within
treatments over time, with the only exception of benzyl alcohol which was only emitted by foliar + soil treatments. It is unknown if lily beetles are responsive to this compound. Electrophysiological response of lily leaf beetles to foliar and soil + foliar treatments was significantly greater than responses to untreated plants; soil treatments did not elicit significant
responses. Changes in plant volatile emission after rock dust application may provide novel approaches for managing insect pests, while improving the sustainability of conventional agricultural practices.


title: Transgression in queer theory

contributor:
Moreau, Christine (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Quéma, Anne) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Sociology

abstract:
Through an analysis of several theorists who have influenced queer canon, this thesis explores the concept of transgression and queer subjectivity. Beginning with the claim that subjects experience queerness through a process as opposed to a fixed, internal queer identity possessed by a subject, the work frames social and institutional power and
subjectivity as intersecting phenomena in the production, reinscription, and performativity of queer transgression. Theoretically engaging Judith Butler, Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, Michel Foucault, and Sara Ahmed, the thesis draws upon frameworks of performativity, the Body without Organs, The History of Sexuality, and The Cultural Politics of Emotion to claim that queer subjectivity and institutional sexuality operate in tandem through the idea of transgression.


title: A paleolimnological assessment of sediment in Sitmu’k Lagoon, Pictou Landing, Nova Scotia, to determine the influence of geogenic and anthropogenic activity on water quality change through time

contributor:
Wyles, Dylan G. (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Spooner, Ian) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences

abstract:
This project focused on a lagoon and barrier beach complex known as Sitmu’k in Pictou Landing, Nova Scotia. This dynamic system has historically been of importance to the community of Pictou Landing First Nation for recreational and cultural purposes. Over the past few decades there has been significant landscape change and human activity in the area that has inhibited use and enjoyment of this valued landscape feature. Issues identified include water quality degradation, and the legacy of historical industrial impacts. The purpose of this thesis was to determine influences of environmental change through time in Sitmu’k by conducting a paleolimnological assessment of the geochemical changes recorded in the sediment archive. To determine anthropogenic and geogenic influences on Sitmu’k, the data was compared to nearby reference sites. Geochemical analysis was conducted using x-ray fluorescence (XRF), total carbon (C), total nitrogen (N) and stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N). Total C/N and isotope analysis indicated that carbon input at Sitmu’k is predominantly from marine sources. XRF analysis indicated that metal concentrations were below sediment quality  guidelines  and  reference  site  averages.  Water  quality  tests  were  conducted throughout the summer 2018 season to determine current environmental conditions in the lagoon. Water quality data indicated gradual but persistent increases in temperature, total
coliforms, nitrate and total phosphorus from May to August. Through air photo and satellite imaging, it is apparent that the barrier, Lighthouse Beach, is migrating towards mainland. Sediment redistribution from the beach into Sitmu’k has resulted in shallowing and restricting which is causing higher water temperatures, poor circulation and elevated nutrient and coliform levels. Collectively the data suggest that much of the water quality degradation noted in the past 50 years is likely due to natural landward migration of the barrier-beach complex, resulting in reduced water depth and circulation coupled with increased local anthropogenic land use; the data did not indicate significant industrial impact at the site.


title: Cecil Lake British Columbia: a paleolimnological analysis of natural and anthropogenic environmental change

contributor:
Velkjar, Garrett (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Spooner, Ian) (Thesis advisor)
(Mallory, Mark) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences

abstract:
Lake sediment archives are an established tool for examining environmental change over time. Cecil Lake is a productive shallow lake located in the Peace River Region of northeastern British Columbia and supports a variety of waterbirds, including a significant northern breeding population of eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis). Over 2% of the Canadian population of eared grebes breed at Cecil Lake; this species is iconic and may be an indicator of ecosystem health. The Cecil Lake watershed was primarily well-forested muskeg when the surrounding area was first homesteaded in 1928. As of 2018, ~80% of the landscape has been developed by the agricultural and energy sectors. Consequently, Cecil Lake represents an opportunity to examine the effects of this development on a northern lake. The bulk geochemistry of the lake sediment
archive at Cecil Lake was investigated to decouple natural and anthropogenic impacts over time. Water samples were collected for limnological assessment. Three sediment cores were collected in July 2018 using a gravity corer. A 30 cm core was extruded at a 0.5cm scale to determine stratigraphic variations in bulk geochemistry (metals, δ15 N, δ15C, Total C, N). X-ray fluorescence analysis was used to determine metal concentrations at different depths in the core. Total lead data suggested the recovery of a greater than 100-year record. A distinct zone of change, estimated to have occurred 1920-1940, was characterized by increasing calcium, and manganese, as well as decreased titanium, potassium, and iron. This period was also characterized by increased %C, δ13C, and %N and a steadily increasing trend in the δ15N ratio. Strontium, zinc, and iron data showed increased variability from ~1940 onwards. Collectively these data indicate three distinct zones: background conditions, a strong response to initial clearing and development, and increased environmental fluctuations associated with resultant water level variability and nutrient input changes. 210Pb analysis of the core will provide stronger
temporal control allowing for the accurate correlation of historic events to the sediment archive. In the future this record will be coupled with ecological data to better understand the vulnerability of habitat in northern lakes to environmental changes.


title: Running on empty: determining the presence of feeding behaviour in anadromous alewife in Jolicure Lake, NB

contributor:
Stewart, Sarah I.D. (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Stokesbury, Michael) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences

abstract:
Alewife  (Alosa  pseudoharengus)  are  an  anadromous  species  of  herring  that  live  in  the  Atlantic Ocean.  Adult Alewife  spend  most  of  their  lives  in  the  marine  environment,  only  travelling  into freshwater lakes to spawn each year. As thousands of these fish pass upstream through rivers on their  annual  spawning  migration,  they  have  become  a  commercially  valuable  species  for  many maritime communities. Although research has been conducted on adult feeding behaviour and prey selection in both their estuarine and marine habitats, there is very little information on adult feeding
behaviour in freshwater. As many larger predatory species feed on Alewife both in freshwater and at sea, whether or not
Alewife are feeding at their spawning site could have large implications for nutrient transfer through trophic levels when they return to sea. In this study, I assess the evidence for Alewife feeding as well as the primary and secondary prey organisms important to freshwater Alewife diets. During the summer  of 2019, 30  Alewife  from the Missiguash Tide Gate  and 202 from  Jolicure  Long  Lake  were  sampled  and  dissected.  Measurements  of  spawning  stage  were evaluated using gonad mass, Gonadosomatic Index (GSI), and visual spawning stage assessment. Measurements of stomach fullness were estimated using a Stomach Fullness Index (SFI). Overall, fish  from  the  tide gate were  found  to be  in  an  earlier spawning stage than  fish  at Jolicure Long Lake. Although all fish were found to have stomach contents, fish from the Tide Gate had a higher stomach fullness (0.015 ± 0.003) than fish at Jolicure Long Lake (0.011 ± 0.008). The primary and
secondary prey species of Alewife feeding in freshwater were determined to be calanoid copepods (Calanoida spp.) and mayfly nymphs (Ephemeroptera Ephemeriidae).


title: Tne anti-cancer potential of the anti-cancer peptide mastoparan and its derivatives on HCT-116 colon cancer cells

contributor:
Stevens, Jacqueline (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Coombs, Melanie) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Biology

abstract:
Anti-cancer peptides (ACPs) are small peptides that exhibit increased toxicity towards cancer cells. Mastoparan is an amidated venom peptide extracted from the wasp species Vespula lewissi. Mastoparan acts as a broad-spectrum ACP that
possesses increased toxicity towards cancer cells compared to normal cells. With a single amino acid change from the parent peptide 4 derivatives of the peptide have been made: R7, S8W14, W1, G2. Here we report the anti-cancer effects of
mastoparan and derivatives of mastoparan on the HCT-116 colon cancer cell line in vitro. Following treatment with mastoparan, it was found through a methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay that HCT-116 cell metabolic
activity decreased. Through flow cytometric analysis, a decrease in cell viability and an increase in PI positive cells was also
observed following treatment with each ACP. ACP W14 demonstrated decreased cell metabolic activity towards colon cancer cells at lower concentrations in comparison to other ACPs. Further understanding the mechanism by which mastoparan kills colon cancer cells and exploring the full potential of known mastoparan derivatives in addition to new
mastoparan derivatives are areas of interest in the future.


title: Addictive worldviews: a terror management perspective on cannabis use

contributor:
Rafferty, Marcus (author)
(Hayes, Joseph) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Much research has attempted to get a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in substance use and substance use disorders. Despite these scientific efforts, modern societies are struggling with the negative outcomes associated with these behaviours, and there remain many uncertainties about the prospects for individual recovery. The current research aimed to understand some of the mechanisms involved in substance use by taking a terror management perspective. The focus of this study was cannabis and the cultural worldviews that motivate its use. Cannabis users were randomly assigned to read either an anti-cannabis culture threat-condition essay, or a pro-cannabis culture non-threat condition essay. Following the threat or non-threat condition participants’ death thought accessibility was measured. Cannabis users with high investment in the cannabis cultural worldview, who use cannabis regularly, showed higher mean death thought accessibility scores when the worldview was threatened compared with the control group. Also, those with high investment in the cannabis cultural worldview showed marked increases in derogation of the author of the threat condition piece, which denigrated the cannabis worldview. This suggests worldview defence mechanisms may be at work within highly invested users of cannabis. It is hoped that this research will provide added insight into the motivations involved in cannabis use, as well as to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in a successful recovery from roblematic use. If worldviews do play a role in mitigating the anxiety of death for cannabis users then future studies might look at other substances and the worldviews that surround their use.

abstract: Psychology


title: Effects of custom-fitted jaw-repositioning mouthguards on posture and balance in competitive athletes

contributor:
Aucoin, Rachelle (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Mekary, Saïd) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Kinesiology

abstract:
Mouthguards have been typically used in sport as teeth protecting oral devices that can reduce the risk of orofacial and
dental injuries. These mouthguards often employ a simplistic design that merely covers the teeth and does not mold properly to the athlete's jaw. However, recent exploration into sports dentistry has shown that mouthguards can act as an
ergogenic aid, when designed properly. Studies have found that aerobic and anaerobic performance as well as muscular strength can be improved by the addition a custom-fitted jaw-repositioning mouthguard (CJM). These improvements are
attributed to various mechanisms, all brought on by the specific design of the oral device. Further research into this topic has demonstrated that CJMs can also alter posture and balance in a positive manner. As posture and balance are cornerstones of athletic performance, it is possible that the enhancement of these attributes could increase overall performance in sport. Furthermore, greater postural control and balance ability has been linked to a reduced risk of injury during training and sport participation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a CJM on posture and balance and investigate the relationship to risk of injury in competitive athletes. Results indicate that the use of the CJM enhances posture, balance and lowers the risk of injury through Functional Movement Screening. This is the first study to link jaw position, posture and injury risk in athletes. The outcomes from this study could provide the necessary framework for future research on this topic.


title: The "Year of Apology": reconciliation and official apology in Australia and Canada

contributor:
Russo, Sacha (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Henderson, Stephen) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: History & Classics

abstract:
Australia and Canada are often compared to each other due to similarcolonial histories. Moreover, they are often compared for their treatment of Indigenous populations through historical assimilationist policies. In recent decades, both
countries have attempted to form new relationships with Indigenous populations through the decolonisation process of reconciliation. Though a subjective term, reconciliation in both Australia and Canada has included federal apology for these past policies that have caused significant, intergenerational harm in Indigenous communities. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia apologised to the Stolen Generations on 13 February 2008, and Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologised to residential school survivors on 11 June 2008.
Rudd opened the apology period while Harper effectively closed it four months later. When observing the timeline of reconciliation and the calls for apology, the four-month period appears suspicious considering how reconciliation has developed in both countries. In an analysis of the lead-up to each of the apologies, it is evident that Harper had not only internal pressures from Indigenous activist groups, but external, international pressure from Australia to deliver the apology.


title: The effects of handling stress on Cannabinoid receptor expression in killfish, Fundulus heteroclitus

contributor:
Guthrie, Jack (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Easy, Russell) (Thesis advisor)
(Wilson, Brian) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Biology

abstract:
The endocannabinoid system is composed of protein receptors, enzymes, and lipid-based neurotransmitters. The system is located within the central nervous system and peripheral organs in vertebrates, and is implicated in many physiological and cognitive functions, including neural development, memory, anxiety and immune cell proliferation. ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are ligands known to interact with the endocannabinoid system which induce the
psychoactive and medicinal effects seen in users. This project looked to examine how stress affects gene expression and protein synthesis of the two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, in the brain and spleen of killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus).
Killifish were exposed to a handling stress for 30 sec, and sampled at 1, 6, and 24 hours following the stress. RNA was extracted from the brain and spleen, and protein was extracted from the brain. RNA was reverse transcribed into cDNA, and qPCR was used to examine cb1 expression in the brain and cb 2expression in the spleen. The DDCq method was used to determine fold regulation and standard error between the stressed and non-stressed groups. Western blotting was used to explore protein production in the brain. Blot volumes and densities of CB1 and CB2 were normalized to b-actin to compare relative protein production. cb2was upregulated at 6 and 24 hours following exposure to stress, while cb1 was
upregulated at 24 hours. CB1 and CB2 synthesis was significantly increased at 6 and 24 hours following the handling stress.
This study demonstrated that cannabinoid receptor gene expression and protein synthesis are upregulated in response to anaerobic handling stress in F.heteroclitus. Future research can examine how cannabinoid receptor expression is affected by exposure to exogenous cannabinoids.


title: Reading between the wines: studying the impact caloric values have on consumers' sensory perceptions of  rosé wines

contributor:
Hayward, Lydia (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(McSweeney, Matthew) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Nutrition & Dietetics

abstract: With the production of wine increasing in Nova Scotia, Canada, the industry has become an intriguing area of research. The primary objective of this study is to identify the attributes consumers use to describe NS rosé wines. The secondary aim of this study was to identify if mandating caloric labels on wine bottles would impact the consumers’ sensory perception. With the rising demand for standardized nutrition labels on alcoholic beverages, businesses are eager to determine how nutritional labels will influence the consumption of alcoholic beverages, including wine. The first trial used the projective mapping method and ultra-flash profiling, with untrained panelists, to describe a sub-set of NS rosé wines (n=8). In the second trial, consumers were asked to complete a check-all-that-apply (CATA) question and to rank their liking of the wine on a 9-point hedonic scale (n=4). Each wine was evaluated without a label, and with each of the four fabricated labels (n=65). Results demonstrated two main categories of attributes, fruit and non-fruit flavours, with fruit associated attributes driving liking. There was no significant difference between the caloric value and sensory perception of wine. For future research, nutrition labels and not just calories alone should be used to make more accurate predicitions as to the trends that will be seen.


title: An exploration of spoken rhyme effects in adults using event-related potentials

contributor:
Loomer-Scott, Chloé (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Newman, Randy Lynn) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Psychology

abstract:
It is widely accepted that the N400, an event-related potential (ERP) associated with phonological and semantic processing, will be attenuated in amplitude to rhyming word pairs compared to non-rhyming word pairs. However, the timing of the rhyme effect has varied across studies from as early as (150 ms) to as late as (500 ms). The current study explored whether the reason for this discrepancy relates to the use of an implicit rhyming task versus an explicit one. Participants (N=16)
completed a picture-word matching task while ERP responses were recorded. Spoken words either matched the picture or mismatched the picture in one of two ways: the spoken word either rhymed with the picture (e.g., CONE, bone) or was unrelated to the picture (e.g., CONE, fox). An early response, the Phonological Mapping Negativity (PMN) did not show a rhyme effect, nor did the early part of the N400. However, the later part of the N400 did demonstrate a rhyme effect as it was attenuated to rhyming words compared to unrelated words. The late occurring rhyme effect suggests that implicit tasks delay rhyming effects, which has implications for the type of tasks employed to study the development of the N400.


title: Use of eyespots for species identification in two cryptic skate species, Leucoraja erinacea and Leucoraja ocellata.

contributor:
Ough, Gwendolyn (author)
(Avery, Trevor) (Thesis advisor)
(Quinn, Danielle) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract:
Two species of skates residing in the Minas Basin and Bay of Fundy, Little Skate, Leucoraja erinacea, and Winter Skate,
Leucoraja ocellata, share many morphological similarities, making them difficult to distinguish. This crypticism can cause fisheries bycatch records to be unreliable. As a result, the relative populations could be affected differentially if the species are managed or conserved as a complex. Many identification guides state Winter Skate grow larger and have eyespots whereas Little Skate are smaller and without eyespots. The study objective was to investigate differences between species
commonly used to distinguish them, but which past research has suggested is not reliable. Over 11,000 skates were caught in Avon Estuary, Scots Bay, or Bay of Fundy/Scotian Shelf, Nova Scotia, and 1349 were identified to species using genetics. A subset was measured for total length, weighed, and eyespots identified (presence/absence) and/or counted. The relationship of body size, eyespots, and capture location was modeled. We found the presence of eyespots in both species to be variable and no significant relationship existed between skate size and presence of eyespots. However, regional differences were shown, but only when pooling species (thus increasing sample size), suggesting eyespots may be environmentally driven. There was potential unintentional bias in skates selected for species identification which may preclude regional results.

abstract: Biology


title: Canadian federal election expenses modeling

contributor:
Goud, Michael (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Chipman, Hugh) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics

abstract:
Money  and  election  results  are  related.   Candidates  who  spend  more  money  win more elections.  This thesis explores the relationship between election spending and percentage of the vote won, at the level of individual candidates.  A regression model is estimated using data from the 2011 and 2015 Canadian federal elections to predict percentage of the vote won for federal ridings.  In addition to spending, variables such as political party, incumbency, rural ridings, perceived leader quality and region are used as predictors.  After adjusting for these variables, there is a strong and nonlinear
relationship  between  spending  and  percentage  of  the  vote  won.   Model  predictions are used to determine the probability that a candidate will win a riding.  Using these predictions as inputs to a linear programming problem, different spending strategies are  identified  to  find  the  best  allocation  of  funds  for  major  political  parties.   The analysis  uses  the  model  to  determine  optimal  allocation  of  fundraising  dollars  in various scenarios for the 2015 federal election, including how the Conservative party could possibly have allocated funds differently to win more seats, preventing a Liberal
majority in 2015.


title: The rail to trail from Wolfville to Kentville and its impacts on the elderly demographic

contributor:
Vince, Bradley S. (author)
(Bissix, Glyn) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract:
The  Annapolis  Valley  is  home  to  the  Harvest  Moon  Trail  corridor  that  stretches one hundred  and  ten  kilometers  from  Grand  Pré,  Kings  County  to  Annapolis  Royal  in Annapolis  County all  located  within  Nova  Scotia.  This  study  specifically  focuses  on  the  corridor from Wolfville to Kentville in Kings County to assess its potential to better serve
the  elderly  demographic.  This  thesis  examines  literature  focusing  on  trail  systems, greenways, and the elderly demographic and combines this with data collected from field observation, semi-structured   interviews,   focus   groups,   and   an   online   questionnaire conducted  with  professionals,  users  and  non-users.   The  data  collections combined
purpose was   to   understand   the   trail’s   potential   and   limitations   for   the   elderly demographic. From this analysis
recommendations were developed.

abstract: Community Development


title: An investigation of the excited-state dynamics of thiolate-protected gold nanoclusters and a method for evaluating the monodispersity of metal nanocluster solutions

contributor:
Hebert, Alexander J. (author)
(Stamplecoskie, Kevin) (Thesis advisor)
(Tong, Anthony) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract:
Gold nanoclusters are an emerging class of materials that show great promise in a wide variety of analytical, catalytic, and biomedical applications due to their unique optical properties.  They exhibit single-photon and multi-photon absorptions,  fluorescence, as  well  as  excellent  catalytic  reactivity.   To  achieve  their  full  potential,  specifically in  catalysis,  it  is  important  to  understand  how  size,  geometry,  and  ligand  choice influence their electrodynamics.
A  series  of  gold  nanoclusters  of  various  sizes  (Au18–Au144)  were  prepared  with thiolate  protecting  ligands.   Raman  spectroscopy  was  attempted  on  the  most  stable  species  of  the  clusters,  Au25 (SC2H4Ph) 18.   However,  no  peaks  attributable  to the nanocluster were observed.  Femptosecond transient absorption spectroscopy was performed  on  each  of  the synthesized  clusters  and the  kinetics  of the  excited-state relaxation  were  investigated.   The  majority  of  phenylethanethiolate-protected  clusters exhibited a two-step relaxation decay, while the glutathionate-protected clusters exhibited  a  three-step  decay,  demonstrating  the  ligand  effects  on  the  excited-state dynamics of gold nanoclusters.
Finally, parallel factor analysis was applied to excitation-emission matrices of binomial  solutions  of  gold  nanoclusters  to  develop  a  rapid  technique  to  evaluate  the monodispersity of nanocluster solutions.  A qualitative, pass-fail, method of monodispersity evaluation was achieved, which could reduce the need for mass-spectrometry during cluster synthesis.  The method also shows promise as a stand-alone evaluation of cluster solution monodispersity.  However, more research is needed.

abstract: Chemistry


title: An investigation of network time protocol

contributor:
Li, Hanjie (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Diamond, Jim) (Thesis advisor)
(Zhang, Haiyi) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Computer Science

abstract: Time is widely used in life: most people want to accurately know the time.  If we have a mechanical watch, maybe it is sufficient to make it accurate to one second. However, on computers, especially on computers with high speed CPUs and networks, people want their system time to be more accurate. Time is sensitive for some programs, such as logging programs or a program related to stock market transactions.  The Network Time Protocol is designed to synchronize computers’ system times.  The basic idea is to let a computer communicate with servers whose system times are synchronized, then  based  on  the  response,  the  computer  can  change  its  system  time.   There  are some atomic clocks which are extremely accurate.  Some servers can synchronize to them, and more servers can synchronize to synchronized servers.  The servers become a network.  When we want to synchronize our computer, we can try to synchronize to servers in the network.  The difficulty is we do not know how long a request packet takes  to  travel  from  us  to  servers,  how  long  it  takes  for  a  server  to  deal  with  the request  and  how  long  a  response  packet  takes  to  travel  back  to  us.   The  Network Time  Protocol  is  designed  to  overcome,  as  much  as  possible,  this  difficulty.   This thesis investigates how the Network Time Protocol operates and explains the complex algorithms employed.


title: Gene expression profiles of potential 6-(4-hydroxpiperidino) naphthalen-2-ol-based selective estrogen receptor modulators in mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus)

contributor:
Visser, Zachary (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Easy, Russell) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Chemistry

abstract: Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators or SERMs, are hormone therapy drugs used to combat hormone-positive breast cancers. Dr. Amitabh Jha and his team at Acadia have synthesized two novel 6-(4-hydroxypiperidino)naphthalen-2-ol based SERMs that have shown potential in preliminary biological studies. The mechanism of action of these drugs can be assessed through differential gene expression studies. Gene pathways of interest for these SERMs include cyclin D1, rap1gap, and foxP3. By extracting RNA from gill tissue of fish treated with the various SERMs and using quantitative PCR (qPCR) techniques, gene expression profiles can provide insight toward the mechanism of action of these SERMs. qPCR analysis showed stable expression for foxP3, rap1gap, and cyclin D1 when treated with DMSO alone. β-actin was variably expressed in the DMSO-treated fish and so was discarded as a reference gene. Elongation factor α was much more suitable, as it was stably expressed during DMSO and SERMs treatments. The transcription factor foxP3 did not vary in expression during SERMs treatment. Cyclin D1 increased in expression for both novel SERMs and 17-β estradiol at the six-hour time point, an upregulation that was maintained at 24 hours.  This work is significant for the understanding of the cellular pathways modified by these drugs. This is useful for the screening of potential SERMs and synthesis of future potential SERMs, working toward better treatment options for hormone-positive breast cancers.


title: Measuring wellbeing: a critical analysis of eight metrics

contributor:
Gomersall, Emily M. (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Colton, John) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Environmental & Sustainability Studies

abstract:
This research is an examination into the question of how “wellbeing” manifests in a community, large or small, and how to manage or measure changes in wellbeing. Many policies or developments consider the financial costs and benefits of intervention, but often less research is invested into assessing the social or environmental impacts of such interventions.  This  imbalance appears  to  be due in  part  to  the  comparative  lack  of understanding  of social  or  environmental  systems. This  thesis  critically  analyses  eight different metrics which aim to measure or promote wellbeing and uses this insight to form recommendations for the development of future wellbeing measurement tools.
This assessment can be divided into three primary components: a presentation of metrics,  a  comparative  analysis,  and  a  discussion.The  first  chapter  examines  eight popular wellbeing tools for their purpose, process, and application . The second chapter explores these metrics more closely through eight variables of comparison, ranging from the scale to the
delivery of findings. Finally, common factors are analyzed and discussed to provide recommendations for creating an efficient and effective wellbeing metric.
Three  core  findings  are  discussed  in  this  final  chapter: empowerment, affordability,  and utility. The  most  accurate  metrics  involve  a  variety  of  stakeholder groups,  though  the  method  of  collaboration varies.  Additionally, in  the  pursuit  of comprehensiveness, metrics sometimes grow to become too expensive or complicated for  certain  (particular
ly  low-income)  communities to  utilise.  These  and  other considerations are discussed as recommendations for those developing wellbeing metrics in the future.


title: Textual analysis of Apple's entrepreneurial orientation

contributor:
Major, Kristina D.A. (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(MacNeil, Ryan) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Business

abstract:
Building on the study of sentiment and text within accounting and finance, this thesis uses the word list approach to observe the signaling of an organization’s entrepreneurial orientation in its official annual reports (10-K filings). An entrepreneurial orientation as described by Gregory G. Dess and George Lumpkin (1996) is a compilation of the organization’s strategic view of value creation amongst all organizational components such as leadership and culture. While
significant research has been completed to observe the sentiments of negative and positive words within business communication, there has yet to be a similar examination of the underlying factors of the organization, such as an entrepreneurial orientation (EO), that would influence an organization’s financial performance. With the modification of a pre-developed software to include the entrepreneurial orientation word list developed by Short, Broberg, Cogliser & Brigham (2010), this study was applied to a single longitudinal case of Apple Inc. Upon analysis of Apple’s annual reports from 2001 to 2018, words that indicate the existence of an entrepreneurial orientation were discovered. Only 3 of 5 dimensions of EO were represented within Apple’s annual reports: innovativeness, risk-taking, and competitive
aggressiveness. There was also considerable variation in the number of words found over time. This thesis provides three plausible explanations for the fluctuations over time: (1) some changes in performance may be properly explained by the
company’s EO, (2) some increases in EO language may be a rhetorical technique to reinforce investor confidence, and (3) some shifts in EO language may be driven by changes in authorship, such as the shift from Steve Job’s to Tim Cook’s leadership at Apple. This thesis also recommends future research directions for this new type of analysis.


title: Attachment style, pet loss and online bereavement: the associated effect on complicated grief

contributor:
Manels-Murphy, Megan (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Symons, Doug) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Psychology

abstract: The current study investigated the relation between attachment style, pet loss, offline and online bereavement activities and their effect on complicated grief. Participants answered a questionnaire assessing measures of attachment, pet attachment, complicated grief and bereavement activities. The survey was shared across multiple pet-oriented Facebook groups; 88 participants responded, 80 =female. Results contributed to an understanding of attachment style, bereavement activity, and complicated grief within Bowlby’s (1980) original descriptions of loss. An anxious attachment style was shown to be related to poorer adjustment to bereavement and avoidance as a buffer against grief. We cannot assume that online and other bereavement activities are necessarily helpful; involvement may be a manifestation of complicated grief symptoms in the first place.


title: Sex, leg and sport differences in ankle joint angles and moments during unanticipated cutting and jumping movements

contributor:
Hatt, Ellen (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Landry, Scott) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Biology

abstract:
Ankle injuries are a frequent setback to athletes across a wide range of sports. Dependant on the severity of injury, athletes can be side-lined from their respective sports for weeks at a time and develop increasingly higher susceptibility to future injuries. Ankle sprains as well as Achilles tendon ruptures are common injuries at the level of the ankle. Due to the frequency and severity of these injuries, identifying risk factors, or groups at greater risk of injury within sport is important in preventing such injuries. The purpose of this study was to identify leg, sex, and sport differences in ankle joint angles and moments during common athletic movements such as cutting and double and single legdrop jump landings. This study worked to compare the biomechanical differences of court and field sport athletes, thus emphasis was placed on analysing basketball and soccer athletes. This study utilized  data  collected  at Acadia  University’s John  MacIntyre  motion  Laboratory  of Applied  Biomechanics  (mLAB) and  the  four  groups  that  were  statistically  compared included: male basketball athletes (age = 18 ± 4.3, height =179.28 ± 11.25, weight = 74.17 ± 19.28); male soccer athletes (age = 18.14 ± 3.0, height = 177.21 ± 5.90, weight = 69.37 ± 8.75); female basketball athletes (age = 18 ± 3.1, height = 169.31 ± 6.00, weight = 68.39 ±± 16.60); and finally female soccer athletes (age = 17.93 ± 2.5, height = 164.61 ± 5.26, weight = 59.47 ± 6.02). Motion analysis data, including EMG, ground reaction forces, and 3D marker position, were collected for all participants. Using Visual3D, ankle joint internal moments and angles were calculated for the stance phase of unanticipated cutting, double
leg drop jump and single leg drop jump landing trials. Processed data (maximum and instant of contact joint moments and angles) were analysed using a 3-way ANOVA to test for significant leg (dominant vs non-dominant), sex (male vs female) and sport (basketball vs soccer) main effects, as well as interaction effects. Results from this study indicated significant sex and sport main effects in moments during drop jump landings in the sagittal plane (plantarflexion/dorsiflexion), sex, leg and sport main effects in moments and angles during cuts and jump landings in the frontal plane (toe-in/toe-out), and finally, leg, sex and sport main effects in moments and angles during jump landings in the transverse plane (inversion/eversion). The findings of this study provide insight into factors that might put specific athletes at greater risk of ankle injury and it is suggested that future studies include lower limb muscle activation patterns, to help better understand ankle injury.


title: Characterization of oncogenic protein-protein interactions involving the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor

contributor:
Branch, Makenzie A. (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Easy, Russell) (Thesis advisor)
(Langelaan, David N.) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Biology

abstract:
Human skin is an important barrier against pathogens and excessive water loss. In the skin, specialized cells known as melanocytes synthesize melanin, which provides protection from damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to skin cancer. During melanocyte development, several transcription factors are critical to control gene expression and coordinate cellular growth and differentiation. In particular the Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is the ‘master regulator’ that controls melanocyte differentiation and melanin synthesis. MITF continues to influence melanoma properties and is essential for cellular proliferation. To control cellular properties, MITF binds to gene promotors using a
central basic-helix-loop-helix DNA binding motif. The N-terminal and C-terminal regions of MITF then interact with the
transcriptional co-activators CREBs binding protein (CBP) and p300 (CBP/p300), which acetylate histones and activate gene transcription. Despite the influence that MITF has on melanoma, there is very little structural or mechanistic knowledge of how MITF functions.  Using a combination of protein interaction assays, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and biophysical techniques, we determined that the N-terminal activation domain of MITF binds with high affinity to the TAZ2 protein domain of CBP/p300. These results will help to determine how MITF interacts with transcriptional co-activators to regulate gene transcription and will provide strategies to disrupt MITF function for the potential treatment of melanoma.


title: How does political culture affect abortion accessibility?: a study of abortion pill access in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island

contributor:
Hathaway, Madison (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Crandall, Erin) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Politics

abstract:
This thesis asks how political culture impacts accessibility to the abortion pill (Mifegymiso) in Canada by focusing on two case studies, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Abortions have been decriminalized since the 1980s, yet women in different provinces continue to struggle to acquire access to this legal right and basic autonomy over their own bodies. In Prince Edward Island (PEI), women had a distinct problem with access until very recently, having to request time off and find a referral in order to travel to another province to get access to an abortion. This lack of access can be attributed in large part to the political culture of the province. This thesis takes a most similar cases approach. These two provinces
share many commonalities that are useful for this  study  and  have  connections  in  terms  of  abortion  access, as Nova  Scotia has frequently provided women from PEI with abortions. For the period of this study, both provinces had the same provincial party in power, and despite their different political culture in the past, their cultural difference gap has since diminished and is no longer evident on this divisive topic and have quite similar policies. By focusing on the years following the decriminalization of abortion, particularly 2015 onward (when the abortion pill was legalized in Canada), this thesis argues that political culture is an important explanatory variable for understanding differences in the abortion policies in these two provinces.


title: Temporal frameworks, musical memory, and personal logic: an analysis of Henri Dutilleux’s Ainsi la nuit

contributor:
Stewart, Breanna (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Hennessy, Jeff) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Music

abstract:
Completed in 1976, Henri Dutilleux’s string quartet Ainsi la nuit provides one of the clearest examples of the composer’s hard sought-after personal voice. Undeniably, Dutilleux’s core aim is to compose with the upmost sincerity and conviction, in which musical and philosophical devices, traditional and modern, coalesce into a united musical identity and coherent language. Dutilleux’s “progressive growth” is the manifestation of his coherent personal language and is most simply defined as a process of evolution and manipulation of musical material, such that complex relationships and associations are created throughout the music. Specifically, the fundamental goal of “progressive growth” is to affect the listener’s perception of the music by manipulating memory and time. Thus, the musical material in Ainsi la nuit holds its meaning within time and fundamentally through its ability to create a formal framework of associations realized through the process of recollection and perception.
Consisting of twelve continuous formal sections – seven movements, four “parentheses”, and an untitled introduction – the approximately 18-minute long Ainsi la nuit establishes a complex and self-referential structure devoted to manipulating time and memory. This analysis argues for a multitude of distinct musical objects that combine, separate, and associate across the piece in methodical formal and temporal placements. I argue that the placement and duration of musical objects and formal sections within a temporal plane creates certain patterns, symmetries, and cyclicities, and this temporal structure is what endows the otherwise multifarious and tumultuous musical material within Ainsi la nuit with logic and formal structure. For Dutilleux, the enigmatic process of association and evolution throughout Ainsi la nuit fulfilled his desire for freedom and mystery in expression, while the methodical temporal patterning and placement supplied the resolute coherence and logic he valued so highly.


title: Risk-based oil spill response planning for the south coast of Newfoundland

contributor:
Liu, Zhen (author)
(Sarhadi, Hassan) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: The south coast of Newfoundland is one of the most popular marine oil transportation regions, and millions of tonnes of fuel products and petroleum are shipped along the coastline of Newfoundland. Extensive use of marine oil transportation in this area imposes great risks to the local environment, economy and local communities. To improve preparedness against the imposed risks, this study employs a two-stage stochastic linear programming model with conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) as a risk measure to optimize the response activities to oil spills. The use of CVaR as a risk measure allows oil spill response operators to incorporate their risk attitudes in decision making. The required data was collected from Transport Canada and was applied to a linear programming model under different oil spill scenarios. The numerical results of this model show that risk attitude of operators is critical in determining the optimal oil spill response planning.

abstract: Business


title: Observing plant reactions from mimicking florivory from Mompha capella, (Momphidae) larvae on populations of Crocanthemum canadense (L.) Britt, (Cistaceae)

contributor:
Machat, Hannah (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Evans, Rodger) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences

abstract:
Crocanthemum canadense is a small, flowering perennial that thrives in sand barren habitats. It is currently listed as critically imperiled in Nova Scotia with a few, relatively small populations contained in the Kings County area. This species employs dimorphic cleistogamy as its system ofreproduction. This specialized mating system produces two different flower types on the same plant in one growing season; chasmogamous (open, insect-pollinated) and cleistogamous (closed, self-
pollinating). Populations of C. canadense have been declining from habitat loss, lack of genetic diversity, and possibly from
florivory by Mompha capella larvae. To investigate the reproductive consequences of florivory, C. canadense populations in Kings County were subjected to three treatments; control, natural infection, and removal of terminal chasmogamous
flowers. Plants were monitored throughout the season for indication of infestation and were then harvested at fruit set to measure several vegetative and reproductive parameters (e.g., lateral branch production and length, cleistogamous fruit
production, etc.). The objective of this study was to investigate possible changes in allocation of reproductive energy in C. canadense when subjected to a treatment (decapitation) that aimed to mimic the effects of infestation from Mompha capella. Approximately 42.9% of control plants were naturally infected (N=142). Plants that had their terminal bud removed showed an increased number of axillary branches. Results from this study will be used to assist future conservation efforts of Crocanthemum canadense populations.


title: More than meets the eye: nonconformist art during the Khrushchev thaw

contributor:
Ellis, Emily (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Duke, David) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: History & Classics

abstract: When discussing the nonconformist art movement during Khrushchev’s Thaw, the general assumption is that the artists were a cohesive unit reacting against the rigid structures of Socialist Realism and taking advantage of a period of liberalization and artistic tolerance to launch a calculated attack on the Party apparatus. Through an examination of the primary source material, this thesis reveals that the assumption that the nonconformist artists were a unified group sharing a single goal is false. They were labelled as a group because their art fell under the four categories of unacceptable art as outlined by “the Authorities,” but their personal attitudes and political aims differed greatly. This thesis also reveals that Khrushchev’s de-Stalinizing campaign and subsequent liberalization during the Thaw was disingenuous and did not stem from a real desire for reform, as made evident by the conservative reaction from within the Party, and Khrushchev’s outburst at the Moscow Manège in 1962. These factors in combination fostered a sense of betrayal that permeated the relationships between the artists and the Party, resulting in the collapse of the Thaw and Khrushchev’s ouster, which ushered in a more conservative period under the leadership of Leonid Brezhnev.