title: Modeling and control of a flexible-link manipulator

subject:
Manipulators (Mechanism)
Robots Control systems

abstract:
The behaviour of a flexible-link robotic manipulator is studied using an experimental
apparatus. The system is modeled based on the physical laws governing system
dynamics. A non-linear rigid body model is developed which includes backlash and
friction. Through comparison of experimental and simulation results, the small backlash
in the system is shown to have little effect on the system behaviour.
Friction is shown to have a considerable effect on the system dynamics. The finite
element method is used to develop a flexible body model for the flexible link.
Experimental results show that the lateral vibration of the manipulator exhibits the
behaviour of a clamped-free beam or a pinned-free beam during different stages of the
motion. A combined dynamic model has been developed. The model is comprised of
both a clamped-free beam model and a pinned-free beam model with the choice of model
being determined by the boundary conditions at the hub that change due to the non-linear
friction term included in the model.
Experimental and simulation results demonstrate that, at low speeds of rotation, the hub
friction causes the pinned frequencies of vibration to approach the clamped frequencies.
Vibration suppression controllers are considered based on the coupling torque from the
clamped beam model. Different vibration-suppressing controllers are found to be
effective in the pinned, high-speed region, the pinned, low-speed region and the clamped
region. The effectiveness o f vibration-suppressing controllers when added to a classical
PD controller is studied.


title: Theta rhythm production and creativity through simultaneous sensory stimulation

subject:
Electroencephalography
Biofeedback training
Sensory stimulation


title: Through the looking glass: a qualitative study of film in First Nations communities

contributor:
Stewart, Robert
Beaulieu, Michel
Dowsley, Martha

subject:
Indigenous films
Filming health and environmental issues
Filming in Indigenous Communities
First Nations films

abstract:
This thesis explores the use of film and its effectiveness in capturing knowledge being
transmitted from Elders to Youth while providing a ‘true’ indigenous voice. The research
is based on a case study conducted with two Indigenous communities involved in the
production of a research film about health and the environment, and employs interviews
with community members, academics and filmmakers. In the case study, film is used for
two purposes. For the researchers, the film is utilized as an anthropological analytic tool
to capture ethnographic information (for academic purposes). The communities are
employing film as a vehicle for intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge. The
results show that film can benefit both academics and participants based on these
objectives. Film is a tool for ethnological insight and can be used to impart life lessons,
traditional knowledge and history to future generations.


title: Primary nursing as a potentially humanizing innovation in nursing home care

subject:
Nursing home care
Nursing

abstract:
In four months of observation at Stafford House, an attempt was made to discover whether
or not residents were receiving "humanized" care and if so, if this humanization was a result of,
or was enhanced by, the implementation ofthe primary nursing method. After a tortuous analysis
of field notes, what became clear was that there was no obvious pattern of humanization.
Although there were numerous examples ofhumanizing resident care (i.e. shared decision making,
freedom of action, etc.) there were just as many instances of dehumanization. The lack ofa clear
pattern was disturbing and frustrating. Ifprimary nursing was a structural attempt to humanize
patient care, and if it was being implemented by all nursing staff, and with all residents, why
wasn’t there a clear pattern emerging? Instead, repeated analyses of field notes revealed a
seeming randomness of humanization.
This finding may appear to indicate that primary nursing is not an innovation which
humanizes health care. That is not necessarily the case. This thesis puts forth the argument that
theoretically primary nursing can be a humanizing intervention within the parameters outlined
by Howard (1975). The reason for its lack of success at Stafford House would appear to be a
result ofa number of factors. External constraints (ie inadequate funding, government regulation
etc.) were combined with a faulty, and unrealistic interpretation of what primary nursing is and
how it can be operationalized. Individual actors are forced to act within an organizationally and
individually imposed structure which is itself dehumanizing.


title: Study of Kenyan secondary school principals' perceptions of the effectiveness of KESI in-service programs

subject: High school principals Kenya

abstract:
The objective of this qualitative study was to determine the perceptions of Kenyan principals as
regards the effectiveness of the in-service programs given by the Kenya Education Staff Institute
(KESI). Respondents were recent graduates KESI programs and included both men and women.
Interviews were conducted with 17 purposefully identified principals representing the different
types of schools in Kenya. All interviews were tape recorded and analyzed using qualitative
research techniques.
The findings provided valuable insights into the establishment and functions of the Kenya Education
Staff Institute. Information about the structure, content, and delivery of the KESI programs was
garnered. The findings also revealed the dynamics of principalship in Kenya. Respondents gave their
assessment of the in-service and suggested ways of improvement.
The study concludes that KESI is a worthy venture that provides a valuable
service to principals, by giving skills which can be transferred to their stations.


title: Relaxation processes of polar molecules in some organic glasses

subject: Dielectrics Polystyrene Terphenyl

abstract:
Dielectric absorption studies of a variety
of polar solutes containing rotatable groups and of
some analogous rigid molecules dispersed in (i) an
atactic polystyrene matrix, (ii) glassy o-terphenyl
and polyphenyl ether have been carried out. Sample
preparations and the dielectric measurements using
General Radio 1615-A and 1621 capacitance bridges with
appropriate temperature-controllable cells have been
described. The glass transition temperature measurements
using the Glass Transition Temperature Measurement
Apparatus have also been described. The experimental
data as a function of frequency at different temperatures
were subject to analysis by a series of computer programmes
written in APL language. The activation energy barriers
opposing the dielectric relaxation processes were obtained
by the application of the Eyring rate equation.
Different types of polar rigid molecules have
been studied mainly to provide sources of relaxation data
and activation parameters in the three media for comparison
with those of flexible molecules of analogous size.
The results of these rigid molecules have been used
to obtain a correlation between enthalpy and entropy of
activation; enthalpy of activation and volume needed
for the reorientation of the rigid molecules. The
activation parameters for the rigid molecules were found
to depend on the nature of the solvent.


title: The role of beavers in ecosystem restoration and the environment

subject:
Wetlands
Fragmentation of habitat
Beaver dam
Aquatic organisms
Beaver restoration project

abstract:
This thesis analyzes the role of beavers in ecological restoration and the environment. At the same time, it discusses controversies related to beavers and gives
final recommendations. This paper analyzes the impact of North American and Eurasian beavers on wetland habitats and some species populations by consulting and integrating a large amount of literature data, and summarizes the importance of
beavers to ecological restoration and their negative effects on the ecological
environment. At the same time, this paper makes a further comparative analysis of
these two influences. The results show that from the current situation of the fragmentation of biological habitats and the continued increase in the number of
endangered species, beavers have the ability to build dams and carry out other actions
to protect biological habitats from damage to a certain extent; however, considering the aggravation of forest land degradation, the beaver restoration project is not
conducive to the improvement of the forest land environment, and it will also affect
the growth of some aquatic organisms. Therefore, in order to promote the restoration of ecosystems by beavers and reduce the harm of beavers to related species, it is
necessary to manage the population of beavers reasonably. This article provides a comprehensive literature on the role of beavers in ecological restoration and the environment, and at the same time it gives reasonable suggestions for the management and development of subsequent beaver restoration projects and lays the foundation for future ecological restoration programs.


title: Design methodology for Class D ultrasound transducer drivers

contributor:
Christoffersen, Carlos
Zhou, Yushi

subject:
Ultrasound transducers
Power amplifiers
Piezoelectric transducers

abstract:
Ultrasound refers to sound waves with frequencies above the upper limit
of human hearing. Due to the high frequency, the energy can be concentrated and used for therapeutic applications, such as ultrasound imaging and
therapeutic devices. This thesis focuses on the design of driving circuits for
ultrasound transducers. The Class D amplifier loaded with a piezoelectric ultrasound transducer is analyzed, and a design methodology is developed. The
resulting design achieves high efficiency and can handle transducer impedance
variations by adjusting two capacitances in the matching network. The amplifier topology is simple and low-cost. If this design is implemented in the
lab, it will require a variable DC voltage supply, a gate driver, two NMOSs,
an L-C filter, and a parallel capacitor.
A reference design to drive disc-shaped transducers with a radius of 20 mm,
and a thickness of 2.8 mm, made of piezo-composite crystal, is presented to illustrate the design methodology. The resulting amplifier can provide a power
of near 50 W at 1034 kHz with 97 % efficiency when driving six different
transducer samples. The analysis and design methodology are validated by
simulating the amplifier performance in LTSpice and a corner analysis considering matching network component variations.


title: Vibration control using switchable stiffness

subject: Switchable stiffness (SS) control strategy

subject: Effective vibration control techniques

subject: Mechanism, stability, and properties of the SS strategy

subject: 2DOF system

subject: Delayed SS control

subject: Modified SS control laws

subject: Direct SS control

abstract:
Over the last decade, the switchable stiffness (SS) control strategy has seen renewed
academic interest due to the need for effective vibration control techniques. The SS control
strategy involves switching the system’s stiffness between at least two distinct states. The system
switches to a high stiffness state when the mass is moving away from the equilibrium and a low
stiffness state when the mass is moving towards the equilibrium. The SS strategy has been shown
to be both theoretically and experimentally effective for shock isolation and residual vibration
suppression. The research presented in this thesis investigates the theory and implementation of
the SS control.
An experimental apparatus with an electromagnet (EM) actuator as a switchable stiffness
spring is presented for the testing and implementation of the SS control. The non-linear
dynamics, properties, and parameters are characterized through experimental identification. A
detailed analytical dynamic model of the system is derived and verified.
A series of computer simulations reveal the mechanism, stability, and properties of the
SS strategy. It is shown that potential energy is dissipated from the system through stiffness
reduction. A relationship is developed between the stiffness ratio and the amplitude reduction.
The simulations also show a possible instability problem due to time delays. A novel delayed SS
strategy, involving the introduction of an intentional delay, is presented to overcome this
problem. Simulations verify the effectiveness and limitations of the delayed SS strategy.
The SS control strategy is implemented in real-time. The experiments verify the
instability due to time delays and the efficacy of the delayed SS strategies despite the system
non-linearities. The performance of the system is, however, shown to be severely limited by the dynamics of the EM. It is postulated that a SS actuator with low energy input, high stiffness
variation, and fast-switching times will enhance the performance significantly.
The SS control strategy for 2DOF systems is investigated. A 2DOF system made up of
two SDOF systems coupled by a beam is introduced. The generalized 2DOF system equations
and models are derived. Preliminary simulations verify that the direct SS control strategy is
effective at suppressing the vibrations of linear and non-linear 2DOF systems. Simulations also
show that the delayed SS strategy is effective at suppressing vibrations for symmetrical 2DOF
systems with time delays.


title: Complexes of ethylxanthate and N, N-diethyldithiocarbamate and their adducts with some nitrogen bases

subject:
Diethyldithiocarbamate
Ethylxanthate
Metal oxidation states
Basic adducts of dithiolate complexes
Infra-red spectra

abstract:
This thesis concerns first row transition
metal complexes of ethylxanthate and diethyldithiocarbamate
(dtc). Complexes of the type
M(Xan)2 and (see document for formula) have been prepared and studied. It was found
that Cr(II) and Go{Il) could not be stabilized in
the presence of ethylxanthate, due to their tendency
to oxidize while Cu(II) was instantaneously reduced.


title: Enabling the Wild Child: Measuring Child Sense of Place and Connectivity to Nature in Relation to a Park Experience

contributor:
Koster, Rhonda
Hunt, Len

subject:
Nature-deficit disorder
Benefits of nature for children & youth
Measuring child connection to nature
Outdoor play

abstract:
Nature-deficit disorder is a condition termed by Richard Louv in 2005 to account
for the disconnect from nature experienced by individuals, families, and communities in
the developed world (particularly in a North American context). It has most notably been
documented as a problem that afflicts today’s children. In finding a solution to this
concern, an understanding of what connects children to natural places is necessary.
Connection to nature is defined in the context of this research as an emotional bond an
individual has with the environment (Jager & Halpenny, 2012). Increasingly more people
live in cities with less nearby nature; consequently, parks have become more important in
the role they play in exposing people to the natural environment. Sense of place theory
explores the meanings and attitudes people prescribe to a place (Derr, 2001) and thus
provides an appropriate theoretical framework for examining park attachment in children.
This research seeks to understand what experiences in parks are most influential
in fostering a sense of place and relate to a stronger connection to nature. This study
followed a mixed methods design, using a survey tool in the form of a park activity
booklet. The activity booklet contains both a sense of place and connection to nature
measure, capturing children’s voice through writing and drawings.
There were two levels of data collection and analysis. A pre-test was first
conducted with families (N=7) to improve upon the usability of the instrument, selected
through convenience sampling. The revised questionnaire was sent to schools in the
Thunder Bay Catholic School Board where children ages 8-12 (N=460) completed the
activity booklet in class while parents (N=133) completed the survey at home. Statistical nalyses were performed on the data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.
The qualitative written responses were coded to uncover resultant themes.
The findings of this study conclude that allowing children unstructured time to
explore the outdoors through imaginative play and nature appreciative activities is the
best way to foster a connection to place. Further, sharing experiences with family
members, and exploring natural features (e.g. lakes, forests, plants and animals) were
most indicative of sense of place.
This study has developed a means of measuring the relationship between
children’s sense of place and connectivity to nature using one local sample population. It
has provided insight on what experiences are most memorable in a child’s park visit and
gives reason to believe children can make meaningful connections to a place they visit.
This research has pragmatic implications for park staff, as it provides information on
aspects within parks that foster an attachment to place and connection to nature,
illustrating where efforts should be focused to increase family visitation.


title: Personality and hypnosis as variables in the treatment of sexual abuse / Marilyn L. Lylyk.

subject:
Sexual abuse victims Care.
Personality
Hypnotism Therapeutic use


title: Measurement of determinants of health in elementry school children

subject:
Health status indicators
Children (Health and hygiene)

abstract: Study setting : Maliseet First Nation community on the banks of the Saint John River (New Brunswick).

abstract:
In an attempt to ascertain the health status of a cohort of elementary school children a
determinant of health study was undertaken from October 2004 to June 2005. It was
hoped that by knowing the current health status of the children it would provide a lens for
the researcher to assess the potential future development of chronic diseases of this
group. Under the premise that the development of healthy lifestyle practices early in
childhood decreases the risk of future development of chronic diseases, the primary
purpose of this study was to measure the health status of this cohort of elementary
school children, to determine the prevalence of risk factors associated with the
future development of chronic diseases.


title: Who we are is where we come from : a historical curriculum resource for the Pic Mobert First Nation

contributor:
Gardner, Ethel
McPherson, Dennis

subject:
Ojibwa language
Instruction and study
Native language and education
Ojibwa Indians
Indians of North America

abstract: This qualitative study was undertaken in order to create a curriculum resource for use at the Netamisakomik Centre for Education (K-Grade 8 School) on the Pic Mobert First Nation. The Pic Mobert First Nation is located in the province of Ontario, within the Robinson Superior Treaty area. Combining archival data and interviews with community Elders, this study will provide teachers at the Netamisakomik Centre for Education with a tool for the development of historical and culturally relevant teaching and learning material. Data collection focused on the history of the Pic Mobert First Nation and used purposeful sampling, recorded interviews and both primary and secondary document sources. The study used an interpretational approach to data analysis with a focus on identifying constructs, themes, and patterns relating to Pic Mobert's history. The National Indian Brotherhood, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and the Union of Ontario Indians' Restoration of Jurisdiction in Education Process attest to the need for educational opportunities for Aboriginal students that are inclusive of their language, history, and culture. Furthermore, the literature shows that although there is documented data related to First Nation histories, individual community histories are not making their way into the classroom. The Elders highlighted the importance of teaching Pic Mobert children the Anishinabe language, of restoring wholeness to Anishinabe history and of what it means to be Anishinabe. It is hoped that this study will assist the Pic Mobert First Nation in its efforts to provide students at the Netamisakomik Centre for Education with an educational experience that is reflective of who they are and where they come from.


title: Effects of variable rate aerial application of Vision on moose (Alces alces) winter browsing and hardwood vegetation

subject: Vision (Herbicide)

subject: Glyphosate

subject: Moose Ontario Thunder Bay Region

subject: Conifer regeneration

subject: Hardwood browse biomass

subject: Hardwood browsing intensity & stem density

abstract:
Experimental  aerial treatment of 7  mixedwood  areas in late summer for   conifer
release with Vision® at 0.80, 1.06, and 1.60 kg a.e./ha, decreased living hardwood stem densities
after ten months by 42, 61 and 42% respectively on treated plots, while controls increased by 13%.
Twenty two months after treatment stem densities were reduced (from pre-spray levels) by 48, 65 and
61%; controls increased 19%. Greatest numbers of stems occurred on moderately deep, fresh soils.
After treatment, winter browsing rates decreased in both six and 18 months post spray on all plots
and were consistently higher on controls when compared with treated sub-blocks. Decline was
progressive over two years after treatment on sprayed areas but recovered in the second year on
controls. The two highest application rates had the lowest browsing levels. Conversely, winter
track  data showed no differences in moose use between sprayed areas and controls, nor any
difference among treatments. This suggested moose still traveled through sprayed areas, but did not
stop to browse. In addition to stem density counts, cover (%) for both herbs
and hardwoods were estimated to evaluate the effectiveness of Vision® as a conifer release.
Hardwood cover was reduced significantly by all application rates; differences among treatments
were not significant. Herbaceous ground cover was reduced approximately 20% on all treated areas
one season after spray but by next year these sprayed areas had recovered  to equivalent  levels as
controls.  Neither crop tree  diameter
nor height growth was affected by Vision® application at this early stage of the experiment. Moose
densities within these study areas appear to be low enough  that food  is not a limiting factor.
The small amount of spraying in Ontario (relative to the productive forest land base) is not
expected to affect moose populations. However, in areas with high concentrations of sprayed
cutovers there should  be concern.  Results of this short term study suggest that 0.80 kg a.e./ha
controlled hardwood and herbaceous competition as well as 1.06 & 1.60 kg a.e./ha. However, the
lowest application rate showed signs of increased moose use two years post spray compared with the
two higher rates. Consequently,  when spray programs are concentrated in one management unit,  the
0.80 kg a.e./ha rate is recommended.


title: The distribution and role of downed woody debris in nutrient retention and cycling during early stand establishment

contributor:
Reid, Douglas
Morris, Dave
Luckai, Nancy
Meyer, Lense

subject:
Coarse woody debris (CWD)
Boreal ecosystems
Dead wood
Forest productivity
Carbon storage
Biological diversity
Wood decay process

abstract:
Coarse woody debris (CWD) in boreal ecosystems has been hypothesized to play an important nutritional role following stand-replacing disturbances such as fire or harvest. Sites with shallow soil over bedrock or those with coarse textured soils can be especially susceptible to overstory removal as low carbon and nutrient pools may limit stand productivity in subsequent rotations.
This dissertation includes results from a series of in-situ and ex-situ experiments examining the nutritional role of CWD. The ex-situ experiment was designed to evaluate whether species (aspen, spruce), origin (fire, harvest), and/or decay class (1-5) influence the timing, and rate of nutrient release from CWD. Source/sink relationships of CWD leachate were largely a function of CWD decay stage for C (source, peaking at decay class 4 and then a slight decline in decay class 5), N (initial sink to eventual source) and P (initially a large source followed by low rate of release). Leachate values from harvested logs were similar to those of fire origin, with the exception of N and Mn, suggesting considerable volatilization of these two nutrients during wildfire events.


title: Effects of a virtual reality intervention on postural adaptation of children with movement and balance problems

contributor:
Taylor, Jane
Przysucha, Eryk
Zerpa, Carlos

subject:
Wii Fit
Developmental coordination disorder
Postural adaptation
Balance intervention
Motor learning

abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 20-session Wii Fit intervention on postural adaptation of 10 children with movement and balance problems (M = 8.50 years; SD = 1.27 years). The children’s balance was assessed at pre-, post-, and after a 7-week wash-out period, with the Total Balance Score (TBS) of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) (Henderson & Sugden, 1992) and anterior-posterior (AP) sway, medial-lateral (ML) sway, area (Ao) of sway, and path length (L) measures of the balance space (BS) task (adapted from Geuze, de Jong, & Taylor, 1999), when the Wii board was placed on an Advanced Mechanical Technology Incorporation (AMTI) force plate (Krasniuk & Taylor, 2010). A series of repeated measures ANOVAs with Bonferroni corrections and effect sizes were used to examine and evaluate the effects of the Wii Fit intervention on the children’s balance. Subsequent dependent samples t-tests and effect sizes were computed to further investigate the effects of the intervention on TBSs, TISs, and path length measures.


title: Beat around the bush : the Lumber and Sawmill Workers Union and the new political economy of labour in Northern Ontario, 1936-1988 / by Douglas Thur.

subject: Trade-unions Lumbermen Ontario, Northern History.

subject: Lumbermen Ontario, Northern History

subject: Sawmill workers Ontario, Northern History


title: Limnology of two proximal pit lakes after twenty years of intense flooding

subject: Iron mines and mining Environmental aspects Ontario Atikokan Region

subject: Limnology Ontario Atikokan Region

subject: Iron mines and mining Environmental aspects Ontario, Northwestern

abstract:
Two adjacent pit-lakes, Caland and Hogarth, formed after the flooding of open pit iron
mines near Atikokan, Ontario, Canada, were examined for their water quality relationships
and potential to support aquaculture. Detailed sampling for physical and chemical
parameters took place during 1998.1999. and early 2000.
Since mining terminated in 1979. both pits have continued to fill with water from rainfall,
snowmelt. and groundwater seepage, and. by 2000. had water depths in excess o f 160 m.
Water quality in both pit-lakes was largely dependent on proximal waste rock composition
and surficial geology of the area. Limestone and dolostone deposits at the site countered
production of acid from waste rock and resulted in neutral water pH’s in Caland and
Hogarth pit-lakes. Drainage was a major factor in distinguishing the water quality between
the two pit-lakes. Inflow of freshwater was much greater into Caland and resulted in
meromictic conditions with a well defined mixolimnion, chemocline and anoxic
monimolimnion. Hogarth pit-lake had less inflow and the entire water column was sulfate-saline
and aerobic. Statistically significant variations occurred between the two pit lakes
for metal, anion, cation, conductivity, hardness, and dissolved oxygen concentrations.
Variations in precipitation and evaporation between the two sampling years resulted in
increased or decreased ion concentrations for the same seasons or depths within the two
pit-lakes.
Caland pit-lake has supported an aquaculture operation for the production o f rainbow trout
(Oncorhynchus mykiss) since 1989. Production increased from 20,000 kg in 1998 to
163,325 kg in 1999. Nutrient loading from excess fish food and waste increased
phosphorus and ammonia levels during 1999 and 2000. The expanding fish form also
decreased the volume of usable (>6.0 mg 1) dissolved oxygen. Hogarth pit-lake was
devoid of aquatic life. Using water from Hogarth, standard LC50 tests showed 100%
mortality of Daphnia magna at full strength concentrations. None of the tested metal
parameters had levels that would be considered toxic and elevated salinity was suspected
as the cause of mortality. Any future aquaculture in Hogarth pit-lake w ill require the use
of species tolerant to such saline conditions.


title: Second generation South Asian Canadians: family or individual mate choice model adoption

contributor:
Stroink, Mirella
Tan, Josephine

subject: Mate selection

subject: Autonomy vs. independence

subject: Socialization and acculturation

subject: Immigration in Canada

subject: Acculturation gap and generational conflicts

subject: Second generation individuals and conflict

subject: South Asian community in Canada

subject: Dating and marriage in South Asians

abstract:
Family processes have been shown to impact well -being in various immigrant
populations in Canada. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of individual choice and/or family choice model adoption of mate selection on well-being in second generation individuals. Our goal was to examine whether multiple moderators could account for the relationship between mate choice model adoption and well -being. Specifically, we examined acculturation alikeness and family conflict moderating the relationship between individual mate choice and well-being, and autonomy and family allocentrism moderating the relationship between family mate choice and well-being. Sixty-two second-generation South Asian
Canadians completed the online questionnaire assessing their experiences in regards to the aforementioned variables. No significant moderating relationships were found. Subsequent mediation analyses were conducted based on preliminary correlations between mate choice model and all other study variables. Perceived autonomy was found to mediate the relationship between individual mate choice model and self-esteem well-being, as well as self-actualization well-being. Both heritage acculturation alikeness and less intergenerational conflict were found to mediate the relationship between family mate choice model and satisfaction with life well -
being. Implications regarding the results of the study are provided for future research and clinical contexts.


Treatment of self-realization in Shakespeare's happy comedies


title: Developing a generic academia mobile sport messaging system using the notion of design patterns

subject: Text messages (Telephone systems)

subject: Mobile communication systems (Computer programs)

subject: Global system for mobile communications (Computer programs)

subject: Short Messaging Services Technologies (SMS)

subject: Mobile Station (MS)

abstract:
Designing reusable applications is vital area of research. Design patterns are
an innovative notion that promotes reusability. This thesis attempts to develop
generic and reusable Short Messaging Systems that can be used by the
academia environment using the notion of design patterns.
In this thesis the design and implementation of the two essential parts of
any Short Messaging System is carefully investigated and compared to the
relevant traditional approaches. Both the Short Messaging Service Center
(SMSC) and the Mobile Station (MS) have been fully implemented as generic
units based on selected design patterns.
In chapter 2, we investigated possible developing platforms to house the
SMSC. Different servers were also discussed. Ideally, the developing platform
should not limit the choice of server. JSP was used to develop the SMSC
application because it was found to operate properly on any server. The
second part of chapter 2 discussed three possible implementations of the
SMSC application. The first uses a simple architecture of only one JSP page.
The second realizes that true generality is only achieved through the use
design patterns and it implements the SMSC application with the aide of the
Model, View and Controller (MVC) design pattern. The third implementation
tries to enforce this crucial design pattern through Struts, which is based around
the MVC design pattern.
Chapter 3 includes three stages that were used to develop a SMSC
application for sending and receiving SMS messages. The first stage included
a crude SMSC application that lacked all structure. It placed all of the business
logic with the presentation logic, thus, making the page hard to read. The
second stage proposed separating the business logic and presentation logic
with a design pattern. The MVC design pattern was used and a lot of structure
was gained. Now that we have this great design pattern aiding the architecture
of the SMSC application we needed a way to enforce it. In the third
implementation we used Struts, which automatically applies and enforces the
MVC design pattern.
In Chapter 4, we explained the architecture of a MS. We also outline the
necessary steps for a mobile device to send and receive SMS messages.
J2ME is introduced as the preferred developing platform for a MS application.
This chapter also introduces two MS applications for sending and receiving
SMS messages. The first SMS application was developed by Sun
Microsystems and is easily deployable. However, it didn’t have a design
pattern so the second SMS application proposed two design patterns that will
serve the architecture some structure. The two design patterns were the MVC
and the Wizard Dialog.
Finally, in Chapter 5, conclusion and future research trends are discussed.


title: An investigation of the relationship between the occurrence of learning disabilities in children and the child rearing behaviors of their mothers: an exploratory study

subject:
Child psychology
Learning ability

abstract: The present study investigated the relationship between the occurrence of children's learning disabilities and the nature of the child rearing behaviors exhibited by their mothers. Seventy mothers and their children served as Ss, the experimental group consisting of 35 mothers of learning disabled children and the control group consisting of 35 mothers of children having no learning problems.


title: Entropy-based reliability analysis and design in slope engineering

subject:
Slope stability analysis (engineering)
Akaike's information criterion
Maximum entropy principle
Reliability based design
Vane shear field test

abstract:
Canada has a wide range of landslide types reflecting the diverse geomorphic
and geologic environments in the nation’s landscape. Many civil engineering
projects are located on or near sloping ground, and thus are potentially
subject to various kinds of slope instability, which often produces
extensive property damage and occasionally loss of life. A typical example
is the massive landslide occurred on the Nipigon River, north of the town of
Nipigon, Ontario in the 1990, which involved an estimated 300,000 cubic
meters of soil and extended almost 350m inshore with a maximum width
of approximately 290m.
The traditional methods for slope stability investigation are reliant on
deterministic approaches which involve an overall factor of safety to account
for various uncertainties. It is found that critical geotechnical parameters
such as shear strength parameters may be regarded as random variables
respectively with a probability distribution rather than deterministic
values or constants. In this research, an alternative approach of probabilistic
reliability method is adopted in slope engineering, which allows for systematic
analysis of uncertainties and for their inclusion in evaluating slope
performance. The research focuses on entropy-based reliability analysis
and design in slope engineering. The four sub topics are:
1. Introducing soil variables field testing by the vane shear test.
2. Proposing an entropy-based distribution free modelling for soil variables.
3. Developing a new reliability analysis method using entropy distributions.
4. Application of approach in the Nipigon slope’s analysis & design.
Firstly, the research involves the application of the vane shear test on the
Nipigon slope to obtain values of undrained shear strength (Su). Moreover,
the research proposes an entropy-based distribution-free method for
modeling of soil variables, using the combination of the maximum entropy
formalism (MEF) and Akaike information criterion (AIC). The method is
applied to generate the unbiased model for soil variables based on optimalorder
moments from soil samples. The method can adjust the level of sophistication
of the resulting probability as per the nature and quantity of
data. Its application on soil data of the slope of the Nipigon River landslide
area yields efficient results with the 3rd order being the optimal order
representing the quantified information very precisely.
Further, the research introduces a new reliability method to conduct a
reliability analysis of the Nipigon slope. The approach involves the modification
of the first-order reliability method to consider the non-normal
variables of the entropy distributions adequately, supported by GEO-Slope
software model analysis and response surface method to develop an explicit
performance function. The approach developed can incorporate the
uncertainties effectively and proficiently. The results imply that the Nipigon
slope is hazardous with a probability of failure value touching 40%. The
comparison of the proposed modified FORM with the GEO-Slope based
Monte Carlo simulation indicated similarities in the results, consequently
certifying the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Ultimately, a reliability-based slope is designed for the Nipigon slope
by implementing the proposed methodology. In the first case, pile reinforcement
is applied to the failure slope to enhance the stability of the failure
slope. However, the results display a spike in the reliability index, but
the slope is found unstable. Therefore, the slope is redesigned by creating a
homogeneous layer aided with pile reinforcement. The design reduces the
probability of failure up to 10-6, thereby making it stable.


title: The effect of a 6-week progressive, combined resistance and cardiovascular training program on muscular strength, endurance, and body composition in young adults with a mild to moderate intellectual global delay

contributor:
Przysucha, Eryk
Kivi, Derek
Paterson, Glen

subject: Intellectual disabilities

subject: Health and intellectual disability

subject: Barriers to physical activity

subject: Physical fitness and activity

subject: Measuring muscular strength, cardiorespiratory endurance and body composition

abstract: Individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) are defined as people who have significant limitation in both intellectual functioning such as learning and problem solving, as well as in adaptive behavior such as social and practical skills (Schalock et al., 2010). As a result of these issues they do not participate in regular physical activity and most exhibit a sedentary lifestyle leading to a multitude of health issues (Segal et al., 2016). In fact, Dixon-Ibarra and colleagues (2013) reported that only 6% of older adults (age 50+) and 13% of young adults (age 18- 49) with ID and were meeting daily activity guidelines on a regular basis. In previous research, a number of different approaches were implemented in order to improve the health status of these individuals (Boer & Moss, 2016; Carmeli et al, 2005; Temple & Stanish, 2008). However, the majority of the programs did not incorporate resistance training and only prescribed cardiorespiratory exercises at very moderate intensity (Sungmen et al, 2016; Tamin et al, 2015). Also, the two studies that did include a combination of resistance and cardiovascular training have not incorporated full body strength training (Carmeli et al, 2005; Temple & Stanish, 2008). In addition, the past programs devised for this population did not include the principle of progressive training, a crucial component of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM, 2017) exercise guidelines. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 6-week, progressive combined training program on muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition in young adults with a mild to moderate global delay (M= 23.1 years, SD= 2.29). The sessions were implemented 3 times a week for 1-hour sessions and incorporated full body resistance training with machine and free weights, followed by cardiorespiratory training (treadmill, stationary bike and elliptical).


title: Eco-arts Education: Developing a Connection with the Natural World through Yoga and Mindfulness

subject:
Yoga and mindfulness
Student wellbeing
Forming community
Understanding the natural world

abstract:
This research studies how yoga and mindfulness, in an outdoor setting, helps elementary students
connect to and understand the natural world. The four interrelated spheres of holistic
development created as the conceptual framework for this research were based on Sauvé’s
(2009) framework, and focus on student wellbeing, yoga and mindfulness, forming community,
and understanding the natural world. This research borrowed from narrative inquiry, and artsinformed
research practices (both qualitative methodologies), focusing on student discussions,
journaling, drawing, and a clay creation to inform the research. Through their journey in a
program called Snowga (yoga in the snow), four students learned about mindfulness and living in
the present moment through yoga postures and meditations over an eight-week period (one-hour
session each week). This thesis describes the positive changes observed through my reflective
journaling (i.e. expressing care for the natural world; expressing a sense of belonging and
understanding of the natural world; showing that they feel a connection to the more than human
world and to understanding it at a deeper level) that occurred in student understanding and
growth of the natural world as they explored self, community, and the natural world through
yoga, mindfulness, and the creation and discussion of their journals and artwork. Through my
research, I hope to engender awareness of the efficacy of mindfulness and yoga practices in an
outdoor setting, and advocate for these practices to become a part of everyday class time in an
effort to move students outside and build a connection to the natural world.


title: Effects of road construction cost in determining whether a block should be harvested in the summer or winter on the Romeo Malette Forest

subject:
Bearing capacity
Cost comparison
Road construction
Summer road
Winter road

abstract:
Permanent and temporary forest roads are key infrastructures for the removal of raw
forest products. Ensuring an efficient road network is laid out and proper construction
methods are chosen will aid in reducing the total cost. Winter roads tend to be found
on lower elevated blocks where there tends to be lower volumes. Summer roads are
constructed on higher terrain or higher volume blocks. Green First and Debastos and
Sons provided data and maps to undergo a cost comparison on three blocks. Three
scenarios were used to determine the most optimal road network that will ensure the
transportation costs will be economical. Summer roads were determined to be the
more suitable construction method for blocks 417 and 449. Gravel aids in increasing
the bearing capacity of the roads but can become costly if the haul is too far. Block 532
is located in lower terrain where a winter road network was recommended as the
block contains low volume. We concluded that lower elevated blocks with summer
road networks would cost too much. The low volume and wetlands increase the costs
significantly as the construction process will require more work. This study determines
an optimal road network for each block and provides cost comparison of each scenario.


title: Interpolation and quasi-interpolation using triangular splines

subject:
Interpolation
Spline theory

abstract:
This thesis is a study of the applications of Regular Triangular
Splines to the bivariate approximation problem. Our primary interest
will concern the numerical approximation of functions in two variables,
and implementation of the mathematical theories as working programs on
high speed computers.


title: At the banquet : images of the carnivalesque in Salman Rushdie's The Moor's Last Sigh

subject: Carnival in literature

abstract:
This thesis examines the carnivalesque nature of The Moor's Last Sigh bv Salman
Rushdie in relation to Gargantua and Pantagruel by Francois Rabelais. In particular, I
focus on the abundant banquet imagery of this novel by borrowing terminology coined by
Mikhail Bakhtin in his dissertation Rabelais and His World. Bakhtin believes that the
carnivalesque nature of the folk promotes a world that encourages the celebration of
material life. Eating and drinking promote laughter, which banishes fear. Rushdie enjoys
the portrait ofthe unregenerate, laughing human, who is unafraid to challenge any
orthodoxies, including religious orthodoxies. Rushdie creates a carnivalesque narrator
who is morally ambivalent and physically grotesque to tell the tales in The Moor’s Last
Sigh. In this thesis I explore the carnivalesque portrayal of food, and its effect on love,
language and nationality.
Rushdie uses pepper to define the love stories of this novel. Spices serve as a
metaphor for the relationship of these characters, who defy social and religious
convention to unite. “Pepper love” is passionate, fearless, and volatile. Banquet images
champion the organic world. Eating, drinking, copulating, birthing and dying are
common human experiences that reveal the bond between individuals. I examine food’s
role in romantic love, sexual love and the love of family.
Food’s effect on language is paramount. Over meals people converse, debate, and
share ideas. I examine the links between speech and food, specifically focusing on
Moor’s storytelling abilities and his role as a chef Moor uses the techniques of the
carnivalesque barker, who uses language to both praise and abuse the audience. Food influences his abilities to tell tales about his experiences as the descendant of Vasco da
Gama.
The tale of India’s history as a colony due to the West’s search for spices serves at
the historical vehicle for this novel. Spices define the volatile relationship of the East and
West, although Rushdie represents this relationship as more complex than an Us versus
Them dichotomy. Food’s role in defining nationalism can be both positive and negative,
but Rushdie believes that the banquet serves as a paradigm for improving relations
amongst humans - the more varied and numerous the “guests’ at he feast the more
interesting and successful the party. The carnival banquet reflects future promise for a
utopian world.


title: Personal space: the relationship to mode of field approach

subject:
Visual perception
Social perception

abstract: The literature pertaining to personal space and field-dependency is ambiguous with reference to the nature of the relationship between these two variables. The present study proposed to explore the possible relationship of personal space to field-dependency by comparing the performance of relatively field dependent and relatively field independent individuals on three personal space tasks. It was expected that the two groups would differ significantly on each task, and that subjects would demonstrate consistent space characteristics.


title: Influence of mode of training and gender on Borg's Rating of Perceived Exertion in cardiac rehabilitation

subject:
Borg's Rating of Perceived Exertion
Coronary heart disease
Exercise therapy

abstract:
The influence of gender and training mode (treadmill,
cycle, swimming and volleyball) on Borg's Rating of Perceived
Exertion (RPE) and heart rate was investigated in a Phase III
cardiac rehabilitation program. Twenty-three patients with
ischemic heart disease (IHD) participated for eight months in
a triweekly 60 minute exercise session where RPE and heart
rate were monitored at peak activity. The results indicated
that both male and female IHD paticents have equal ability to
perceive effort, A significant difference (p>.05) was found
in the influence of training mode on both RPE and heart rate
in the case of volleyball, although the subjects were
required to train on all four modes within a narrow heart
rate range. An analysis of individual trends showed that
certain subjects were able to rate RPE consistently with
heart rate over all four modes, while others were not.
Overall the subjects were consistent at rating RPE within a
narrow heart rate range (12 beats per minuter) 667, of the
time. These findings reveal that RPE is a valid general
indicator of work intensity on various modes. It is
recommended that the RPE scale be used with caution for IHD
patients requiring strict, monitoring of exercise intensity,
and that it be used for intraindividual comparisons only.


title: Study of the third dimension in the Thunder Bay silver veins : fluid inclusion and stable isotope results

subject:
Fluid inclusions Thunder Bay Region
Mineralogy Ontario Thunder Bay Region
Silver Ontario Thunder Bay Region

abstract: "Historic drill core from the Shuniah Mine and more recent drill core from the Keystone and Porcupine Mines have provided the basis for a study of these past silver-producing veins as a function of depth. Precipitation was initiated from a boiling fluid at temperatures in excess of 370 deg.C. Cooling of the fluid and precipitation of calcite and sulfides followed generally at 100 deg. C. Several episodes of deposition separated by fracturing events are evidenced. From fluid boiling temperatures the depth of emplacement for the veins is 1 km with the pressure regime alternating between hydrostatic and lithostatic. The ore-depositing solutions appear, therefore, to have arisen from depth and deposited their ores in proximity to diabase sills, which cap the various vein systems, in response to hydrologic factors." -- from abstract.


title: Self-assembled thin films of thiocyanate and selenocyanate bithiophenes

contributor:
MacKinnon, Craig
Chen, Aicheng
Gottardo, Christine
Ylijoki, Kai

subject: Thiolate thin film

subject: Development of thiocyanate precursors

subject: Surface analysis techniques

subject: Atomic force microscopy (AFM)

subject: Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive microscopy (SEM/EDX)

subject: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)

subject: Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS)

abstract:
Presented herein is the organic synthesis and thin film (TF) assembly of six alkyl-substituted
thiocyante and selenocyante bithiophene molecules: NCSe-T2-Hx, NCS-T2-Hx, NCS-Hx-T2-Hx, NCSe-
Hx-T2-Hx, NCS-Hx-T2-Hx-SCN and NCSe-Hx-T2-Hx-SeCN. TFs assembled from these thio and
selenocyanates were characterized by six different techniques: electrochemical capacitance (Cp)
measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX),
atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary
ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). Cp experiments were used to confirm the development of TFs on an
amorphous Au surface using ethanol or hexanes as a reaction solvent. A sputtered Au surface was
observed by SEM/EDX to be an inappropriate surface for TF assembly. TFs assembled onto epitaxially
grown Au were characterized by multiple techniques. Large crystallites were observed on TFs assembled
from NCSe-T2-Hx and NCSe-Hx-T2-Hx-SeCN. Chemical maps of these crystallites were obtained
through SEM/EDX. The presence of a covalent Au-S or Au-Se bond on the surface was confirmed by
XPS signals from the S 2p3/2 and Se 3d5/2/3d3/2 regions respectively. XPS signals of ~ 399 eV in the N 1s
region were observed in all assemblies characterized by this technique, indicating the presence of residual
gold-bound cyanide (Au(CN)ads) on the surface. ToF-SIMs chemical intensity maps confirmed the
presence of expected TF fragments on the surface of all TFs characterized by this technique. ToF-SIMS
results suggested that TFs connected to the Au surface through an aromatically bound S or Se atom
produced TFs with higher surface coverage.


title: Measurement and analysis of self-perceived pressure in male and female collegiate basketball players

subject:
Basketball players
Stress (Psychology)
Stress, pressure and performance

abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess
relationships between aspects of self-perceived
pressure of male and female collegiate basketball
players prior to recurrent sporting events. The
research design selected was a number of replications
of a single subject case study. The Sport Pressure
Checklist was administered before the two practices
preceding a game and prior to both games in weekend
double-header conference competitions. Immediately
following a game each subject evaluated his/her
performance. The data were analysed to determine (a)
the consistency of responses of individuals over an
extended period of time, (b) possible interactions of
pressure sources within the team setting, and (c) the direct effect of one
competitive performance on pressure parameters
preceding another close competitive effort. The
subgroups of women*s starters displayed some,
significant relationships between pressure and
performance. The pressure area scores were consistent
over a four day measurement period. The amount, type,
and source of pressure for each subject was deemed to
be.unique and quite individualistic.


title: Fruit and vegetable intake of students and prevalence of vegetarianism at Lakehead University / by Hesam Kooshesh.

subject:
University students - Diet
University students - Nutrition
Vegetarianism
Thunder Bay (Ontario)

abstract:
Purpose : The purpose of this study was to assess the daily intake levels of fruits and vegetables in a population of post-secondary students at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario [Northwestern Ontario] and to measure the prevalence rate of vegetarianism in this population.
Methods: Food intake, demographic variables and vegetarian status were measured with a survey and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) filled out by students who ate at the Aramark residence cafeteria of Lakehead University between Sunday February 1st and Saturday February
7th, 2009. Two hundred sixty-seven students participated, of which 197 were on the Aramark meal plan and therefore ate all of their meals at this cafeteria (response rate= 43.5% for this group).
Results: Forty-three percent of the sample was female, with a mean age of 21 ± 3 years of age. Mean intake of fruits and vegetables was 5.0 ± 2.3 servings/day for females and 4.6 ±2.1 servings/day for males. Females ate significantly more vegetables than males (p < 0.01), Caucasians ate more fruits and vegetables than non-Caucasians (p < 0.01) and vegetarians ate
more fruits and vegetables than non-vegetarians (p < 0.01). Within the sample, 6.7% (18/267) self-reported as vegetarian, with the majority being female (14/18) and ovo-lacto vegetarian (13/18).
 Conclusions : Fruit and vegetable intake in this population is below recommended levels and below the estimated national average for their age group. Males, non-vegetarians and non-Caucasians are at a particular risk of future health deficits due to insufficient fruit and vegetable intake. The prevalence of vegetarianism among Canadian post-secondary students may be higher than in the rest of Canada.


title: Mandated citizenship: facilitating and reflecting on the development of citizenship through the Ontario mandated high school community service requirement

contributor:
Greenwood, David
Kerr, Don

subject: Mandatory community service (Education)

subject: Community-based learning and civic education

subject: Service-learning

subject: Community involvement (Education)

abstract:
Civic education and community service are widely viewed as worthwhile educational pursuits. Recent Canadian studies have shown that youth are now engaged in voluntary service more than any other age group in Canada. A key contributing factor to youth involvement has been the development of community service requirements for high school graduation; Ontario is a current example. This research sought to develop a better understanding of the effectiveness of the Ontario high school community involvement program through a qualitative case study of one Northwestern Ontario high school. Multiple sources were accessed including: civic educational philosophy, academic best practices, curriculum documents, and interviews with key high school educators. A particular interest was dedicated to identifying the factors within the Ontario program that promote and inhibit community-based learning and civic education. The following key findings are offered as a result of this case study investigation:
- Emphasis is often placed on only one type of responsible citizenship,
- Tension exists between the initiative’s written purpose and how it is practiced,
- The program is inconsistent in offering meaningful opportunities for all students,
- Guided reflection has been overlooked as an integral program requirement,
- A need exists to renegotiate the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders,
- The program’s structure must be revised to support its written purpose.


title: Indigenizing Environmental Education: How can Land-Based Practices become an Educational Journey of Reconciliation?

contributor:
Korteweg, Lisa
Oakley, Jan

subject:
environmental education
Indigenous education
non-Indigenous educators
Land-based activities
Outdoor education

abstract: Environmental education today centres on the protection and conservation of land for settler-Canadians. This research explores how including an Indigenous perspective of Land into environmental education can aid non-Indigenous environmental education teacher candidates in widening their understanding of Land so that they are able to address the neo-colonialism that exists in the field while also participating in a journey of reconciliation. By centering the tenets of Indigenous research—respect, responsibility, relationship and eciprocity—I participated, observed and conducted narrative interviews to explore pre-service teachers’ changing understandings of Land and Indigenous people. This study spanned two Land-based programs (a single day immersion event and a six-week, one afternoon per week, program) and each involved pre-service teachers, professional educators, and Land-based activities. The one-day event opened the door for non-Indigenous pre-service teachers to imagine a journey of reconciliation whereas the longer six-week experience created the actual time and space for this journey to actualize and begin in earnest, to llow for deeper and broader understandings of awareness, relationship building and restitution. This study demonstrates the longer non-Indigenous educators can participate in Land-based activities with Indigenous youth and students, the greater the potential for deeper, more significant learning towards reconciliation-through-education.


title: Mobile robot tank with GPU assistance

contributor:
Liu, Xiao
Liu, Kefu

subject: Robotic research

subject: Robotic vision input

subject: Robot interaction

subject: Open source computer vision library (OpenCV)

subject: Robot tank software design

abstract:
Robotic research has been costly and tremendously time consuming; this is due to the cost of sensors, motors, computational unit, physical construction, and fabrication. There are also a lot of man hours clocked in for algorithm design, software development, debugging and optimizing.
Robotic vision input usually consists of 2 or more color cameras to construct a 3D virtual space. Additional cameras can also be added to enrich the detailed virtual 3D environment, however, the computational complexity increases when more cameras are added. This is due to not only the additional processing power that is required running the software but also the complexity of stitching multiple cameras together to form a sensor.
Another method of creating the 3D virtual space is the utilization of range finder sensors. These types of sensors are usually relatively expensive and still require complex algorithms for calibration and correlation to real life distances. Sensing of a robot position can be facilitated by the addition of accelerometers and gyroscope sensors.
A significant robotic design is robot interaction. One type of interaction is through verbal exchange. Such interaction requires an audio input receiver and transmitter on the robot. In order to achieve acceptable recognitions, different types of audio receivers may be implemented and many receivers are required to be deployed. Depending on the environment, noise cancellation hardware and software may be needed to enhance the verbal interaction performance. In this thesis different audio sensors are evaluated and implemented with Microsoft Speech Platform.
Any robotic research requires a proper control algorithm and logic process. As a result, the majority of these control algorithms rely heavily on mathematics. High performance computational processing power is needed to process all the raw data in real-time. However, any high performance computation proportionally consumes more energy, so to conserve battery life on the robot, many robotic researchers implement remote computation by processing the raw data remotely. This implementation has one major drawback: in order to transmit raw data remotely, a robust communication infrastructure is needed. Without a robust communication the robot will suffers in failures due to the sheer amount of raw data in communication.
I am proposing a solution to the computation problem by harvesting the General Purpose Graphic Processing Unit (GPU)’s computational power for complex mathematical raw data processing. This approach utilizes many-cores parallelism for multithreading real-time computation with a minimum of 10x the computational flops of traditional Central Processing Unit (CPU). By shifting the computation on the GPU the entire computation will be done locally on the robot itself to eliminate the need of any external communication system for remote data processing. While the GPU is used to perform image processing for the robot, the CPU is allowed to dedicate all of its processing power to run the other functions of the robot.
Computer vision has been an interesting topic for a while; it utilizes complex mathematical techniques and algorithms in an attempt to achieve image processing in real-time. Open Source Computer Vision Library (OpenCV) is a library consisting of pre-programed image processing functions for several different languages, developed by Intel. This library greatly reduces the amount of development time.
Microsoft Kinect for XBOX has all the sensors mentioned above in a single convenient package with first party SDK for software development. I perform the robotic implementation utilizing Microsoft Kinect for XBOX as the primary sensor, OpenCV for image processing functions and NVidia GPU to off-load complex mathematical raw data processing for the robot.
This thesis’s objective is to develop and implement a low cost autonomous robot tank with Microsoft Kinect for XBOX as the primary sensor, a custom onboard Small Form Factor (SFF) High Performance Computer (HPC) with NVidia GPU assistance for the primary computation, and OpenCV library for image processing functions.


title: The effects of smelling salts on hockey players' reaction time, anaerobic performance and sympathetic nervous system

contributor:
Newhouse, Ian
Przysucha, Eryk
Sinden, Kathryn

subject:
Effects of smelling salts
Ammonium carbonate inhalants
Anaerobic power output

abstract:
Background/Objectives: Smelling salts are a commonly used ergogenic aid in various sports,
particularly in elite hockey. However, the extent of performance enhancing effects of smelling
salts on reaction time and performance remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was
to compare the effects of smelling salts vs. no salts on: 1) simple and choice reaction time tasks;
2) anaerobic power through measurement of peak power, mean power, and power drop of a
Wingate test and; 3) the sympathetic cardiorespiratory response as measured by heart rate and
breathing rate. It was hypothesized that smelling salts would stimulate the sympathetic nervous
system, which may in turn improve reaction time and anaerobic performance that may improve
hockey player performance.


title: Substance use motives and personality traits among a First Nation treatment-seeking population

subject: Substance use

subject: Substance use among Indigenous populations

subject: Risky personality traits, motives, and substance use

abstract:
Problematic substance use is one of the top disparities affecting Indigenous people.
Among non-Indigenous people, specific personality traits and drinking motives are associated
with problematic patterns of alcohol use. The Modified Drinking Motives Questionnaire –
Revised (MDMQ-R) is a measure for examining drinking motives among youth and adults.
Despite cross-cultural use, the MDMQ-R demonstrated a different factor structure among
Indigenous youth in Canada (Mushquash et al., 2014). The MDMQ-R has also been examined in
relation to personality traits, where findings suggest that specific personality traits and drinking
motives together are associated with problematic patterns of alcohol use. This study examined
the factor structure of the MDMQ-R in a substance use treatment-seeking sample of Indigenous
adults. Additionally, this study sought to understand how personality traits are related to
substance use motives. Sex differences regarding substance use motives were investigated as
well. As hypothesized, a three-factor structure solution received support, consistent with findings
among Indigenous youth. Hypotheses regarding personality traits were supported, whereby
positive reinforcement motives were associated with impulsivity and sensation-seeking traits,
and negative reinforcement motives were associated with hopelessness and anxiety sensitivity
traits. Sex was not predictive of higher scores on any MDMQ-R subscales. Examining the
MDMQ-R structure may provide culturally relevant information about the use of this measure with Indigenous populations in Canada. These findings may inform future research led by
Indigenous communities to understand better the needs of their members facing problematic
substance use.


title: Tachistoscopic study of reading related operations in average readers and those experiencing difficulty

subject:
Reading disability
Reading

abstract:
Thirty elementary school children were classified
into equal groups of poor and average readers. In a
series of four experiments, subjects were requested to
provide vocal responses to tachistoscopically presented
stimuli representing an array of reading related tasks.
Poor readers maintained a performance throughout two
experiments suggesting a left hemisphere deficit, and the
persistence of a serial approach to verbal processing
characteristic of right hemisphere stimulus entry in
normals (Bub and Lewine, 1988). It was hypothesized that
normal readers were induced to perform in a manner
conforming to Kershner's (1983) model of learning
disabilities, and the performance of poor readers in this
study. The use of morphographic analysis (Dixon and
Engelmann, 1979) and the exploration of prolonged
stimulus exposure to individual hemispheres were proposed
as novel methods of reading remediation. A tentative
experiment on metacontrol revealed an inconsistency in
structural and semantic preferences to a target word in
the left visual field of poor readers.


title: Habitat change and the scale of predation risk

contributor:
Morris, Douglas
Mallik, Azim

subject: Predation (Biology)

abstract: In their efforts to maximise fitness while reducing the probability of dying, animals must trade off food for safety. The trade-off is likely to depend on habitat and habitat change. I imagine an environment with both safe and risky (manipulated) patches in which foragers can respond by altering their pattern of foraging, by avoidance, or by reduced activity. Analytical models predict that if foragers exploit risky patches, predation risk will either increase with distance from safety, or with the area foraged. But if foragers avoid risky patches, predation risk will either decelerate or decline sigmoidally with area away from the risky patch.


title: Books and readers, 1591 : a survey and analysis of all books printed in England or in English abroad during the year 1591

subject: English literature Early modern, 1500-1700 History and criticism

subject: Bibliography Early printed books 16th century

subject: Books History 1400-1600


title: Factors associated with internet gambling in university students / by Nicholas M. Harris.

contributor:
Mazmanian, Dwight
Jamieson, John

subject:
Internet gambling
University students

abstract:
Problem gambling can have devastating financial, psychological, and social effects on the individual and the individual’s family. Over the past 15 years, Internet gambling has grown at an incredible pace and is believed to be a contributing factor to the increase in problem and pathological gamblers. Of particular concern is the increase in problematic gambling behaviours
in university students. Research shows that university and college students engage in gambling more than any other group. The etiology of problem and pathological gambling is unknown, but is likely the result of numerous biological, psychological, and environmental factors. The current study examined factors related to problem Internet gambling in a university student sample (N = 325). Measures administered included the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), the DSM-lV-TR-Based Questionnaire (DBQ), the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI), three scales from the Jackson Personality Research Form (PRF) (Impulsivity, Desirability, and Infrequency), and a questionnaire examining gambling and Internet gambling behaviours and attitudes. Results showed that Internet gamblers were significantly more likely than non-Internet gamblers and non-gamblers to report engaging in high risk behaviours such as alcohol use, tobacco use, and marijuana use. Many Internet gamblers reported that Internet gambling negatively affects their academic achievement and some reported that it affects their class attendance. Internet gamblers were more likely than non-Internet gamblers to have reported having a family member with a past or current gambling problem, but no differences were found between Internet problem gamblers and Internet non-problem gamblers on this variable.  Furthermore, as hypothesised, (1) Males were significantly more likely to gamble on the Internet, significantly more likely to meet DSM-IV-TR criteria for pathological gambling, and significantly more likely to meet CPGI criteria for problem gambling. However, males were not found to be significantly more likely than females to meet SOGS criteria for problem gambling.  (2) Internet gamblers were significantly more likely to meet DSM-IV-TR criteria for pathological gambling and meet SOGS and CPGI criteria for problem gambling and (3) Internet gamblers were significantly more likely than non-Internet gamblers to report trusting the Internet gambling
industry. Finally, although impulsivity was not significantly correlated with problem gambling among all Internet gamblers, a significant positive correlation was found between impulsivity and problem Internet gambling behaviours among males.
Study population : Lakehead University students (Thunder Bay, Northwestern Ontario)


title: Christianity and lesbian subjectivity in texts by Alice Walker, Jeanette Winterson & Carla Trujillo

subject:
Christianity in literature
Lesbianism in literature
Lesbians in literature

abstract:
This thesis focuses on the ways in which Christianity seeks to limit lesbian
subjectivity in three novels: Alice Walker's The Color Purple (1982), Oranges Are Not the
Only Fruit (1985) by Jeanette Winterson, and What Night Brings (2003) by Carla
Trujillo. Despite variations in place, culture, and belonging, these three novels share a
basic Christian ideology that is patriarchal and homophobic, a repressive ideology within
and against which each novel's protagonist struggles to assert her lesbian identity. My
first chapter, "Redefining the Boundaries of Spirituality: Celie's Discovery of Lesbian
Desire as an Alternative Spiritual Path in The Color Purple," explores the way that Celie's
conceptualization of God changes from the Baptist model of a punishing white male
figure to a more feminine God who parallels her love relationship with Shug. I argue
that their lesbian connection is a catalyst for spiritual transformation. My second
chapter, "Embracing Forbidden Fruit: Jeanette's Journey Away From God in Oranges Are
Not the Only Fruit." discusses the Evangelical church's attempts to "cure" Jeanette of
her sexual deviance and to force her to suppress her "otherness." I argue that this
ultimately leads to rebellion against the church in favour of her lesbian identity. My third
chapter, "Away from Anatomy, Towards Desire: Lesbian Yearnings vs. Religious
Ideology in W hat Night Brings," focuses on prayer and confession as they parallel
Marci's struggle to come to terms with her "deviant" sexuality. I argue that Marci is able
to defy both her family and the Catholic Church in favour of sexual freedom and an
intensely personal, individualistic form of spirituality. Throughout the analysis that
follows, this thesis shows how each character develops a stable identity beyond the
confines of her familial ties to religion and creates a space for herself that promotes new
forms of subjectivity and truth.


title: Population structure, somatic incompatibility, and sporocarp overwintering in Chondrostereum purpureum

contributor:
Setliff, Edson C.
Tripp, P.
Parker, W. H.
Parr, R.

subject:
Chondrostereum purpureum
Hardwoods Diseases and pests
Silver leaf disease

abstract:
An investigation was conducted o f the population structure, the somatic incompatibility
reaction, and sporocarp overwintering in Chondrostereum purpureum (Pers.:Fr.) Pouzar, a
proposed mycoherbicide of undesirable hardwood species. Chondrostereum purpureum breeding
populations o f recent cut-over sites in Thunder Bay, Ontario were found to have a high number of
individuals possessing different alleles for somatic incompatibility. Up to nine fungal individuals
per wood unit (logs, stumps) were found, with the majority of wood units having only one to
three individuals. The macroscopic appearance of the somatic incompatibility interaction zone on
malt extract agar varied among paired isolates and was occasionally ambiguous. Phenotypic
variability of the interaction zone ranged from scant mycelia to massed hyphae between the two
colonies. Microscopically the sparse interaction zone had chains of swollen spindle-shaped cells,
while the massed interaction zone had distorted hyphae, encoded hyphae, and hyphal knots. Of
overwintered sporocarps collected in the spring o f 1998 and 1999, 86% produced viable spores.
Basidiospore levels in the spring may be greater than once thought, and thus may pose a threat to
winter-damaged trees. This should be considered in the assessment of the epidemiology of C.
purpureum, and in the assessment o f this fungus as a biocontrol agent.


title: Perceptions of marketing teachers regarding sustainability in marketing education: a case study in Canada

contributor:
Berger, Paul
Field, Ellen

subject:
Sustainability education
Marketing education
Marketing teachers
Perceptions of sustainability
Sustainability integration
Business schools

abstract:
Broadly, the concept of sustainability provides directions for sustainable development in the
global context whereas sustainability education is referred to as a systemic response to
sustainability issues (Holdsworth & Thomas, 2020). In higher education, business schools train
business leaders who will in turn operate much of the business sector. Business schools therefore
have economic, social and environmental impacts on societies through their training programs.
Particularly, marketing is one major stream of business education that trains marketers for the
business sector. Given the sustainability focus that many universities have adopted (Kemper et
al., 2020a), university teachers play important roles in inculcating sustainability principles of in
students. However, in the context of marketing education, there is little research on how
university teachers perceive sustainability or how that would affect their teaching. This
qualitative case study explores the perceptions of marketing teachers regarding sustainability in
marketing education. A university in Canada is selected as the research site because of its stated
focus on sustainability. The research adopts semi-structured one-on-one interviews with five
teachers specializing in marketing. For data triangulation, marketing course syllabi were
reviewed to enhance the research credibility. Thematic analysis with NVivo identified themes
arising from interview data. [...]


title: Advocacy, stress, and quality of life in parents of children with developmental disabilities

subject: Parents of handicapped children Ontario Thunder Bay Region Social conditions

subject: Parents of handicapped children Ontario Thunder Bay Region Psychology

abstract:
Research has consistently demonstrated that parents of children with developmental disabilities
experience more stress than parents of non-disabled children (Beckman, 1991; Dyson, 1991). In
order to face the challenges involved in raising a child with a developmental disability, parents
must empower themselves by developing the skills to act effectively as advocates. However, little
is known about the relationship between advocacy and family stress and quality of life. The
purpose of this study is to determine the nature of this relationship through a qualitative analysis
of parents’ responses to a structured interview. Twenty-six primary caregivers of children with
developmental disabilities were interviewed. Their responses were analysed using qualitative
methodology outlined by Guba (1978) and Patton (1990). Advocacy was found to be related to
both negative outcomes, involving increased stress and decreased quality of life, as well as
positive outcomes, involving decreased stress and increased quality of life. Seven themes were
found to be critical in determining the direction o f the relationship. These themes include the
parent’s perception of the role of advocacy, the outcome of the advocacy actions, the relationship
with professionals, the focus of the advocacy efforts, the effect on the parent’s personal life, and
the parent’s personal feelings regarding their experiences as a parent of a child with special needs.


title: Carbon stock estimates for red spruce (Picea rubens) forest in central Nova Scotia

contributor:
Wang, Jian
Dang, Qing-Lai
Brown, Ken

subject:
Forest management
Carbon storage
Carbon sequestration (Nova Scotia)
Greenhouse gas

abstract:
Carbon storage was measured in natural red spruce dominated stands in the
Eastern Eco-region of central Nova Scotia (NS). Twenty-four plots over a 140-year
chronosequence were established. Within each plot, major carbon pools including above-and-
belowground tree biomass, dead organic matter (DOM) and upper (0-0.1 m) mineral
soil were measured. Carbon storage measurements were compared with simulation
results for NS predicted by the beta-version of the CBM-CFS 3 in order to observe any
significant differences and make potential calibrations. The calibrated beta-model was
then used to simulate and compare several forest management scenarios currently being
used in NS to manage red spruce forests and to examine their potential to enhance carbon
sequestration. Overall carbon storage increased throughout stand development peaking in
the 81-100 year age class at 247 Mg C ha'1. Significant differences between the observed
carbon storage and the CBM-CFS 3 (beta) predicted values were recognized. These
differences were attributed to over estimation of belowground DOM pools by the model
and the design of the sampling regime of the observed data. A traditional clear-cut
scheme (100% removal of aboveground tree biomass) used to manage red spruce in NS,
and a partial-cut scheme (50% removal of aboveground tree biomass) were then
simulated with the calibrated model. The partial-cut stand displayed maximum carbon
storage of 232.38 Mg C ha"1, while the clear-cut stand showed 197.75 Mg C ha'1. On
average the partial-cut stand stored 202 Mg C ha'1 between years 80 and 240 of the
simulation, while the clear-cut stand stored 123 Mg C ha'1, thus indicating a higher
carbon sequestration potential for partial-cutting.


title: Mating behaviour, spermatophore structure, ecology and systematics of the Cicindela splendida group (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae)

subject:
Tiger beetles
Cicindela limbalis
Cicindela splendida

abstract:
Observations of copulating pairs of conspecific and
interspecific individuals of Cicindela splendida Hentz and
Cicindela limbalis Klug revealed behaviour similar to that
previously described for Pseudoxych.ila tarsalis Bates, and
for five species of Cicindela including C. limbalis.
Differences in behaviour of both species studied here
compared to previous studies included: absence of a distinct
phase 3 in copulation; ejection of the spermatophore by the
female immediately after the aedeagus was withdrawn; repeated
copulation with increased intercopulatory intervals and
smaller spermatophores; and contact guarding by the male
during time spans ranging from 6 to 10 hours in length.
The spermatophore consisted of a two-chambered
capsule, the outer surface of both being rippled and
cratered. The smaller capsule, referred to here as the
lateral capsule, contained a mass of sperm cells and other
cellular material. Although the lumen of the large capsule
appeared empty in examination the presence of a few suspended
cells suggested that it was probably fluid filled. The rapid
transfer of the spermatophore and the details of its complex
structure suggested that the male carried a pre-made
spermatophore which probably formed within a field of spines
and was moulded around one of the sclerites of the internal
sac. (see document for full abstract)


title: The Heroine's reclamation of the girlish and the portrayal of girl-power in Sailor Moon

subject:
Woman Heroes
Sex role on television
Heroines on television
Sailor Moon (Television program)

abstract: This thesis considers the value of 1990s girl-power as demonstrated by the cartoon Sailor Moon. Girl-power and the girlish body were often chastised in 90s popular culture for providing girls with a negative example of empowerment that valued only a shallow, pleasure-seeking, and self-involved model of strength. Consequently, the girl-power genre is unfairly lumped in under the negative umbrella of post-feminism. Post-feminism is a label that sometimes includes ideas and thinkers that place themselves in opposition to feminism.


title: Mitochondrial DNA analysis of ancient hair shafts from the Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt : challenges and recommendations

subject:
Mitochondrial DNA
Hair analysis
Extraction of DNA from hair shafts

abstract:
To date, there have been no previous reports in the literature on DNA extraction or
analysis of ancient human hair. The hair shaft has an extraordinarily stable structure that
enables it to remain unchanged for centuries and persist in the archaeological record. Hair
shafts, in theory, should provide one of the best archives of mitochondrial DNA, since
hair is well protected by the cuticle layer (anhydrotic) and is not subject to postmortem
DNA destroying autolytic enzymes. In this thesis, the latest extraction and purification
methodologies were tested on modem human and ancient Egyptian hair shafts. In
addition, closer attention was paid to the structural components of hair, particularly
keratin. PGR amplification of DNA retrieved from the ancient Egyptian hair shafts was
limited in success. PCR inhibitors that co-purified with DNA extracted from the ancient
hair shafts contributed to PCR failure. A variety of analytical techniques were used to
identify the presence of PCR inhibitors present in the DNA extracts including Gaschromatography-
Mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
(SIMS), Raman Spectrometry and Induced Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectrometry. Realtime
PCR proved to be pivotal in the analysis of DNA from ancient Egyptian hair shafts.
The preliminary Real-time PCR results indicate that mtDNA is present in low yet
analyzable levels in ancient human hair shafts from two Kellis burials (K2 124, G 10-3).
The use of Real-time PCR with the Gilbert et al (2004) method holds the greatest
potential for future ancient DNA research.


title: H2S as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for asthma

contributor:
Wang, Rui
Yang, Guangdong
Khaper, Neelam

subject:
Asthma research
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S)

abstract:
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease with hyper-responsive bronchoconstriction and airway remodeling, leading to extensive airway narrowing. The pathophysiology of asthma remains unclear. The literature shows that the cystathionine gamma lysase (CSE)/ hydrogen sulfide (H2S) system participates in the regulation of airway contractility and immune response. In this PhD thesis study we found that CSE was a major enzyme responsible for endogenous H2S synthesis in the lung and spleen. CSE gene knock-out (CSE-KO) dramatically decreased H2S production rates in these two organs. In an asthma model established via ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitization and challenge, airway resistance of CSE-KO mice (12-16 weeks old), in response to aerosolized methacholine (MCh) at 12.5 mg/ml, was two times higher than that of wild type (WT) mice (12-16 weeks old). CSE-KO mice also developed more peribronchial inflammation and had higher levels of type-2 helper T cell (TH2) cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). As allergic asthma is more
prevalent among children than in adults, we next used young (3-4 weeks old) and old (7-8 months old) mice to observe whether the CSE/H2S system was involved in early onset asthma. With the same intensity and duration of OVA-treatments, young WT mice developed much more severe asthma with greater lung resistance, higher levels of eosinophils and TH2 cytokines in BALF, and more peribronchial inflammation
than did old WT mice. This age-dependent propensity for immunoreaction and asthma development resulted from lower levels of CSE expression and H2S production in splenocytes from young mice, which was reversed by H2S supplementation. Human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells also had lower level
of CSE proteins than peripheral blood mononuclear cell from human adults. CSE-KO mice had more severe asthma than WT mice but without age-dependent variation.  Lower endogenous levels of CSE/H2S promoted the differentiation of splenocytes into type-2 cytokine-generating cells in young WT mice and in CSE-KO mice at all ages. This effect was suppressed by H2S supplementation. CSE/H2S-induced inhibition of type-2 immunity was not mediated by STAT-6 activation. Instead, H2S caused S-sulfhydration of GATA3 in splenocytes and decreased GATA3 nuclear translocation, leading to the inhibition of type-2 immunity. We also found that CSE expression in the airways of WT mice increased in an age-dependent manner. In the
absence of allergen exposure, lower abundance of CSE in young WT mice or absence of CSE in young/old CSE-KO mice aggravated airway responsiveness to MCh challenge by more than twice compared to old WT mice. In conclusion, CSE/H2S in peripheral lymph tissues and the lung suppresses allergen-induced type-2 immunity, airway responsiveness and the consequential asthma. Lower activity of the CSE/H2S
pathway renders a higher incidence of allergic asthma in childhood.


title: Study of mortality and cancer incidence in Xstrata's Ontario nickel workers : history, results, impact, and recommendations / by Bradley Gottfred.

subject: Nickel industry - Health aspects

subject: Nickel mines and mining - Health aspects

subject: Sudbury region (Ontario)

subject: Xstrata Nickel

subject: Occupational cancer risk

abstract:
OBJECTIVES: Xstrata is a global diversified mining group whose businesses maintain a meaningful position in seven major international commodity markets, including those of copper and nickel, with a large cohort of nickel workers employed in the Province of Ontario, Canada at Sudbury in northeastern Ontario. Operating since 1929, Sudbury operations have historically included underground, milling, and smelting related to the
production of nickel, copper, cobalt and other precious metals.
The objective for this study is to: follow-up and examine cancer incidence and mortality for various diseases in this occupational cohort
Methods: This study will describe a retrospective occupational cohort study of
mortality (1964-2001) and cancer incidence (1964-2001) conducted for Xstrata Nickel’s Ontario male nickel workers (n= 10,253 males). The cohort was originally assembled by researchers at McMaster University, with responsibility transferred, to the Northeastern Ontario Regional Cancer Centre of the Sudbury Regional Hospital in the late 1990s. Company nominal role and work history information were linked to provincial health data at Cancer Care Ontario. Given minimal out of province migration, using the Ontario population as a reference, standardized mortality ratios for a wide variety of diseases and standardized cancer incidence ratios were calculated overall, by start decade, by work area, by duration of employment, and by work area and duration of employment and by work area and start decade.
RESULTS: In the cohort of male workers, there were 1,984 (19.35%) deaths and 1,127 (10.99%) incident cancers. While the results reflected very few significantly high SERs or SMRs, notable data was observed in deaths resulting from accidents, poisonings, or violence as both workers with less than 15 years since first hire (SIR=133,95% Cl: 111-158) and workers with 15 or more years since first hire (SIR=123,95% Cl: 104-144) displayed significantly high results. Notable data was also seen in workers with less than 15 years since first hire, with SMRs for rail, road, or air (SMR=136,95% Cl: 102-177) and possibly job-related (SMR=241, 95% Cl: 159-351) significantly high.
CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant overall increase displayed for cancer incidence. Overall mortality displayed significant increases in deaths resulting from accidents, poisonings, or violence as well as deaths resulting firom rail, road, or air.


title: Long, intermediate and short term effects of the alpha conditioning process

subject:
Biofeedback training
Alpha rhythm


title: The invasion of garlic mustard in North America and control measures

subject:
Invasive species
Biodiversity
Ectomycorrhizal fungi,
Ecological invasion
Biological control
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

abstract:
The purpose of this report is to investigate the impact of garlic mustard invasion on
forest and control measures. Invasive species often cause harm to local ecosystems.
Garlic mustard is an invasive herb native to Europe that was brought to North America
in the early 1800s. Its seeds are small and numerous and spread easily. It is one of the
most aggressive invasive species in Ontario. Garlic mustard invades undisturbed
forests and its main effect is to reduce the abundance of soil and root mycorrhizal fungi,
inhibiting the growth of native plants. Garlic mustard alters the diversity and activity
of forest soil microorganisms. And studying the complex population dynamics of
invasive species can help with planning and management. It is also important to choose
appropriate control methods, mechanical control and chemical control (hand pulling,
herbicide, etc.) on garlic mustard treatment effect is not obvious. The introduction of
natural enemies in biological control is an efficient control method. Four weevil
species have great potential in garlic mustard control. The possibility of eradicating
invasive plants can be greatly improved by applying population genetics to biological
control.


title: Role of aquatic macrophytes in trophic status of Northwestern Ontario lakes

subject:
Eutrophication Ontario, Northwestern
Freshwater plants Ontario, Northwestern
Lake ecology Ontario, Northwestern

abstract:
This research focusses on the development, refinement, and assessment of regional trophic status
models for lakes of northwestern Ontario. Two companion papers describe the application of
image analysis of aerial photographs as a technique for mapping aquatic plant distribution, and the
design of an innovative sampling device to simplify the collection of macrophytes.
Trophic status models were developed for lakes of northwestern Ontario, based on empirical
relationships between Secchi disk transparency, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a concentration.
Corrective terms were added to the equations to adjust for the effect of water colour on Secchi
disk transparency, and the effect of aquatic macrophyte abundance on the chlorophyll -
phosphorus relationship. The adjusted models demonstrated an improvement in performance, as
measured using standing stock of benthos as a response variable. These models would be
expected to have applicability across the Precambrian Shield region of Canada.
Distributional maps of aquatic vegetation were produced for area lakes using digital image analysis
of aerial photographs. Recent improvements in the price and performance of computer hardware
and software make this a viable alternative to the conventional, visual mapping technique. The
maps produced are highly detailed, with differentiation to species possible in some instances.
Certain species may be further partitioned into density classes. The authenticity of the maps
depends on the ability to properly define the spectral 'signatures' for different macrophyte types.
These signatures were most easily defined for floating-leafed and emergent forms; submersed
vegetation proved more difficult to classify. The main detriment to this approach is the steep
learning curve associated with the image analysis software. A thorough description and assessment of this technique is provided, with a discussion of its merits and deficiencies when
compared with the conventional visual interpretive method.
A portable macrophyte sampler was designed for use in the relatively inaccessible lakes of this
region. As such, it was required to be lightweight, easily transportable, and useable by a single
person. The device is effective for obtaining quantifiable biomass samples of most rooted aquatic
plants over a wide variety of substrates and sampling depths. Details on the design, operation,
and performance of the sampler are documented within.


title: Exploring the effect of predator experience on Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) behaviour and predator recognition

contributor:
Rennie, Michael
Morris, Douglas
O'Connor, Constance
Robinson, Beren

subject:
Fisheries management
Foraging
Invasive species
Prey naivety
Anti-predator response

abstract:
Recreational and commercial fisheries are important resources that can be
vulnerable to disruption by invasive species, particularly the introduction of top predators
into water systems that have not previously supported them. How prey fish species assess
and respond to predation significantly influences their vulnerability to this disruption. In
this experiment, 12 groups of 8 Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) from four lakes with
different exposures to piscivorous predators were placed into enclosures to observe and
record their behaviour around a food source and use of their environment, as well as how
the presence of a predator within the enclosure might affect this behaviour. In the first
trial, perch started in the half of the enclosure opposite a food source and upon removal
of a central barrier, were allowed access to a suspended porous container filled with food.
After this a second trial was conducted but with a Northern Pike (Esox lucius) present in
the half of the enclosure with food to determine how the perch behavior changed from the
first trial. In response to the presence of a predator, predator-experienced Yellow Perch
consistently and significantly increased schooling and cover use while decreasing
foraging behaviour at the food source while in contrast, predator-naive Yellow Perch did
not significantly alter their behaviour. These trends in behaviour were consistent across
two rounds of sampling (summer and fall). This study demonstrates that previous
predator experience significantly affects Yellow Perch foraging and exploration
behaviour in the presence of a predator, highlighting that populations without previous
predator experience might be more susceptible to the detrimental effects of invasion by
top predators.