title: Exercise Depression and Learning in Young Adolescent Boys: A Descriptive Study

contributor:
Hutchinson, Nancy L.
Education

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subject:
Depression
Learning
Young Adolescent Males

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-16 10:16:52.226

abstract:
The symptoms of adolescent depression are often dismissed as quirks of the age—increased irritability or agitation, lack of concentration, frequent complaints, sleep disturbances, eating disturbances, decrease in grades or missed assignments. The impact of these symptoms reaches deeply into the both the academic and social lives of these adolescents.
Exercise is beginning to emerge as a potential alternative to standard drug treatment for depression; however, very little research has been conducted with adolescents. The purpose of this case study is to describe the experiences (thoughts, feelings and actions) of four adolescent males with symptoms of depression from multiple perspectives, while they were participating in a daily aerobic exercise program.
Throughout an eight-week program of daily three-on-three basketball scrimmages led by the researcher, four “at risk” boys aged 10-13 were invited to describe their experiences: their thoughts, feelings, attitudes and their beliefs about their social and academic life. Their parents and teachers also shared their perspectives through questionnaires, interviews and informal conversations.  Researcher observations and field notes made by the researcher throughout the school day, in addition to the other data were used in a cross-case analysis to develop an understanding of exercise and its effects on the social, emotional, and academic lives of these boys.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Improved Recipes for Polymer Gel Dosimeters Containing N-Isopropylacrylamide

contributor:
McAuley, Kimberly B.
Schreiner, John L.
Chemical Engineering

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

subject:
Gel Dosimetry
Radiation
Polymer
Mathematical Modelling
Parameters

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-16 15:59:14.034

abstract:
Experimental studies were undertaken to improve the radiation dose response and ease of manufacture of polymer gel dosimeters that use N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM) as the monomer. An alternative carageenan gelling agent was tested in place of gelatin. Although the carageenan did reduce the gelling time for the dosimeter solution, the dose response of the dosimeters was unsatisfactory. An alternative antioxidant system, ascorbic acid and Cu2+, was investigated with the aim of reducing the toxicity of dosimeter materials and providing opportunities for commercial production of prepackaged dosimeter kits. Unfortunately, the new antioxidant was ineffective for the NIPAM-based dosimeters that were studied. Three cosolvents, glycerol, N-propanol and isopropanol, were used to increase the solubility of N,N’-methylene-bisacrylamide (Bis) crosslinker in polymer gel dosimeter recipes that use NIPAM. These cosolvents enabled the manufacture of polymer gel dosimeters with higher levels of dissolved crosslinker than was previously possible. Preliminary results using x-ray computed tomography to read the resulting gels are very promising, due to enhancements in dose sensitivity.  Dosimeters with high N,N’-methylene-bisacrylamide content that used isopropanol or glycerol as cosolvents had good optical clarity prior to irradiation, but did not produce reliable optical CT results for non-uniformly-irradiated gels. Further experiments and recipe optimization are required to determine whether gels with cosolvents and high levels of N,N’-methylene bisacrylamide can be used effectively for verifying spatially non-uniform dose distributions using x-ray computed tomography.
A mathematical model that includes inhibition of NIPAM-Bis polymerization was developed and the inhibition effects of MEHQ and oxygen in polymer gel dosimeters were simulated. Kinetic parameters were obtained from the literature and were estimated using experimental data obtained by our research group.  Good agreement was obtained between model predictions and experimental data with and without oxygen contamination. Simulation results indicate that MEHQ has little influence on the duration of the inhibition period and the rate of polymerization when no oxygen contamination is present, so that removal of MEHQ from dosimeter recipes is not required. Effective oxygen removal is very important to achieve reliable dosimeter results.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Modifying the Three-Phase Synchronous Reference Frame Phase-Locked Loop to Remove Unbalance and Harmonic Errors

contributor:
Bakhshai, Alireza
Electrical and Computer Engineering

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subject:
grid synchronization
phase-locked loop

abstract: Thesis (Master, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-17 12:38:02.589

abstract:
As an increasing number of distributed power generation systems (DPGS) are being connected to the utility grid, there is a growing requirement for the DPGS to be able to ride through short grid disturbances. This requires improvements to be made to the grid-side control scheme of the DPGS. An important part of the grid-side control scheme is the grid synchronization method, which is responsible for tracking the phase angle of the grid voltage vector. The state-of-the-art grid synchronization methods being used today are phase-locked loops.

This thesis presents a modified phase-locked loop which is more robust towards grid disturbances. It consists of a multi-block adaptive notch filter (ANF) integrated into a conventional three-phase synchronous reference frame phase-locked loop (SRF-PLL). The addition of the multi-block ANF to the system allows it to become frequency adaptive. Also, since the multi-block ANF consists of multiple ANF blocks in parallel with one another, the system is able to remove multiple input signal distortions. Thus, the proposed system is able to eliminate the double frequency ripple that is caused in the conventional three-phase SRF-PLL by input unbalance, as well as harmonic errors, despite the presence of frequency variations in the input signal.

Simulation results found using Matlab/Simulink, and experimental results found using the dSPACE DS1103 DSP board, demonstrate the feasibility of the modified SRF-PLL. Also, the modified SRF-PLL is compared to a conventional three-phase SRF-PLL, as well as to a conventional three-phase SRF-PLL with a simple notch filter, and the advantages of the modified SRF-PLL are discussed.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Language, Cultural Norms, and Behaviours – How the Language Bilingual Chinese

contributor:
Ji, Li-Jun
Psychology

subject: Language Biculturalism Behaviour Bilingualism

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2009-04-24 15:17:20.623

abstract:
The purpose of this research was to determine if Chinese- English bicultural individuals show discomfort when conflicting behavioural norms are simultaneously activated. I first identified behaviours that differentiated Canadian and Chinese along a cultural value dimension. Participants then rated four muted video clips of female actors engaged in the
behaviours that were either consistent with Chinese or Canadian behavioural norms identified earlier. Within the set four video clips, the language spoken (English versus Chinese) and the topic (representing Canadian values or Chinese values) were crossed, such that each video contained a unique combination of the language and topic. As predicted, when actors spoke Chinese, they were rated more positively for the Chinese
value topic than for the Canadian value topic. Additionally, within the Canadian topic, a comparison of the language spoken revealed that actors were rated significantly more positively when they spoke English than when they spoke Chinese. Contrary to
predictions, however, European-Canadians in the control condition were better than chance at guessing the language actors spoke. European-Canadians in the experimental condition and Chinese participants in either condition did not perform better than chance
levels in the language guessing task. One major weakness of the study was that none of the behaviours thought to reflect Chinese culture were rated significantly differently by Chinese and European-Canadians. For that reason, the results did not completely support the predicted outcomes. Furthermore, European-Canadians’ familiarity with body language associated with speaking English may have accounted for the results of the language guessing task.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Paleoclimatic and instrumental records of environmental variability in northeastern North America

contributor:
Lamoureux, Scott F.
Geography

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subject: Climate paleoclimate AMO Varve

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-18 12:22:27.663

abstract:
Clastic varves and tree-rings offer unique opportunities to decipher various changing paleoclimatic and environmental conditions through the past. The environmental signals they contain can differ greatly from one proxy to the other, but given their common annual resolution, these signals can be isolated, compared and
eventually brought together to obtain a clearer picture of local, regional or global environmental changes. This thesis examines three different approaches by which
climatic, paleoclimatic and sedimentary time series from northeastern North America can be used as proxies of changing environmental conditions. Using existing and new paleoclimatic records from the eastern Canadian Boreal biome and the Arctic, we show that common variance shared by different independent proxies appears to correspond to an oscillation in North Atlantic sea surface temperatures commonly referred as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and demonstrate that
the AMO can be traced back to 1550 in the Canadian Arctic. By comparing historical climate records with an integrated record of North Atlantic sea surface temperature anomalies, we show, seasonally, the extent of the North Atlantic influence on the eastern and Arctic climate. Our analysis demonstrate the relative importance of the AMO on summer and spring climate in northern Canada as well as its imprint along the St. Lawrence during the winter months. Finally at the local level, using an array of techniques, we investigate the sedimentary history of Temiskaming Lake (Québec/Canada). The recent clastic varve sediments found this lake appear to be the product of three main controls: (1) a significant increase in fluvial input to the lake and accessibility to large supply of fine grained sediments due to historical land use changes; (2) an open, unstable landscape that promotes fluvial erosion and rapid streamflow during snowmelt period; and, (3) highly seasonal river discharge and presence of winter ice cover conditions that ensure the
formation of annual structures within the sediments. These conditions have previously not been investigated or reported in the boreal region of North America and these results point to the potential for other recent varve records in areas with suitable lakes and postglacial sediment supplies.

abstract: PhD


title: The Relationship Between Bottom-Up Saliency and Gaze Behaviour During Audiovisual Speech Perception

contributor:
Munhall, Kevin G.
Paré, Martin
Neuroscience Studies

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subject:
gaze behaviour
saliency
speech perception
eye movements
bottom-up

abstract: Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-18 13:10:01.694

abstract: Face-to-face communication is one of the most natural forms of interaction between humans. Speech perception is an important part of this interaction. While speech could be said to be primarily auditory in nature, visual information can play a significant role in influencing perception. It is not well understood what visual information is important or how that information is collected. Previous studies have documented the preference to gaze at the eyes, nose, and mouth of the talking face, but physical saliency, i.e., the unique low-level features of the stimulus, has not been explicitly examined. Two eye-tracking experiments are presented to investigate the role of physical saliency in the guidance of gaze fixations during audiovisual speech perception. Experiment 1 quantified the physical saliency of a talking face and examined its relationship with the gaze behaviour of participants performing an audiovisual speech perception task and an emotion judgment task. The majority of fixations were made to locations on the face that exhibited high relative saliency, but not necessarily the maximally salient location. The addition of acoustic background noise resulted in a change in gaze behaviour and a decrease in correspondence between saliency and gaze behaviour, whereas changing the task did not alter this correspondence despite changes in gaze behaviour. Experiment 2 manipulated the visual information available to the viewer by using animated full-feature and point-light talking faces. Removing static information, such as colour, intensity, and orientation, from the stimuli elicited both a change in gaze behaviour and a decrease in correspondence between saliency and gaze behaviour. Removing dynamic information, particularly head motion, resulted in a decrease in correspondence between saliency and gaze behaviour without any change in gaze behaviour. The results of these experiments show that, while physical saliency is correlated with gaze behaviour, it cannot be the single factor determining the selection of gaze fixations. Interactions within and between bottom-up and top-down processing are suggested to guide the selection of gaze fixations during audiovisual speech perception.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Geotextile and Granular Filters for the Remediation of Arctic PCB Contaminated Soils

contributor:
Rowe, Kerry
Rutter, Allison
Poland, John S.
Civil Engineering

subject:
polychlorinated biphenyls
remediation
cold regions
permeable reactive barrier
Canadian Arctic

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-18 15:08:40.348

abstract: The mobility of contaminants via runoff at sites which require soil excavation as source removal can be controlled through the use of surface permeable reactive barriers.   This has been accomplished at a remote military site in the Canadian Arctic for soils contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).  The design of these barriers should incorporate criteria for both granular as well as geotextile filters to maximize particle retention, without hindering hydraulic performance and with the consideration for adsorption/reaction mechanisms.   Field observations and laboratory testing in the form of batch and column tests were conducted to evaluate design criteria, filter performance and mechanisms of PCB retention.  The initial barrier prototype was constructed on site in July of 2003.  Modifications were required to improve hydraulic performance in the barrier and maximize sedimentation processes in the field.  These modifications resulted in an increase to funnel area, constructed flow impediments, and more permeable materials in the gate.  Two additional barrier systems were constructed in August of 2005.  Subsequent field and laboratory work demonstrated that granular materials trapped the majority of PCB-contaminated soil without impeding hydraulic performance; however, fines were escaping. Extensive column testing in the laboratory has shown that a nonwoven geotextile filter can be applied with success with a granular permeable reactive barrier system.  Batch and column testing indicated that particle retention was the most important factor in trapping PCBs in the filter system.  However, field sample results indicated that up to 62 ± 11% percent of PCB by mass was being partitioned on to the GAC (Granular Activated Carbon), a mechanism that was being inadequately captured by traditional batch and column tests.  Cold temperature laboratory tests (2-4oC) demonstrated that the presence of water had no effect on PCB adsorption to GAC and that particle-particle partitioning was affected by temperature.  Cold temperature column tests indicated that the primary mechanism of PCB transfer in the barrier system was via particle-particle partitioning.  The sequestration of PCBs in a permeable reactive barrier has important implications for both surface and subsurface remediation.

abstract: PhD


title: Mechanistic Studies of Radical-mediated Polyolefin Modifications

contributor:
Parent, J. Scott
Chemical Engineering

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subject:
radical-mediated
polymer modification

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-18 14:35:52.483

abstract:
The free radical addition of saturated polymers and small molecules to unsaturated monomers is used to prepare functional derivatives under solvent-free, reactive extrusion conditions. Of particular interest are the dynamics and yields of conventional peroxide-initiated grafting of vinyltrialkoxysilanes to polyethylene, as well as the mechanisms through which bicumene initiates the process at high temperatures.  Knowledge of these commercial processes is applied toward the development of new graft modification technology, including radical initiated polymer addition to alkynes, and a new variation of precipitation polymerization chemistry.

The thermolysis of bicumene at temperatures ranging from 220°C to 270°C was used to initiate C-H bond addition from alkanes to vinylsilanes in a high-temperature analogue of conventional grafting practice.  The initiation mechanism is shown to involve direct hydrogen atom abstraction by intermediate cumyl radicals, as well as autooxidation processes involving cumyl radicals and available oxygen.

Conventional peroxide initiated graft modifications of polyethylene with vinylsilanes are examined from the standpoint of reaction dynamics and yields.  The influence of peroxide loading and monomer concentration on these reaction variables can be described using a simple quasi-steady state kinetic analysis, while the unusual insensitivity of reaction yields to temperature requires further investigation.
A new chemical modification of saturated polymers involving free radical addition to mono-substituted alkynes is presented and examined in terms of reaction yield, graft structure, and changes to molecular weight. Model compounds are used to characterize alkyne grafting products, and to probe the relationship between reagent properties, reaction yields, and product structures.

The discovery of cross-linked particles in the products of polypropylene graft modifications with triallyltrimesate has led to a variation of precipitation polymerization wherein C-H bond addition to an allyl monomer contributes to molecular weight growth, thereby incorporating a significant amount of saturated hydrocarbon into the solid phase.  The relationships between reaction conditions and solid-phase composition and morphology are discussed.

abstract: PhD


title: Validation of conformal radiotherapy treatments in 3D using polymer gel dosimeters and optical computed tomography

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subject:
Radiotherapy
Gel Dosimetry

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-18 15:46:33.78

abstract: Polymer gel dosimeters are a three dimensional (3D) dosimetry system that may be conveniently applied for verifying highly conformal radiation therapies where standard dosimetry techniques are insufficient.  Polymer gel dosimetry with optical computed tomography (OptCT) can be used to measure spatial dose distributions with high resolution.  While long experience with MRI has yielded many studies reporting on experiments involving validation of clinical deliveries using polymer gel dosimeters, there are very few studies of this type where OptCT is used.  OptCT is a relatively new technique and consequently has not yet been adopted into the clinical environment.  As a result, methods and software tools for integrating OptCT measurements into clinical systems are not available.  Previous studies from the Medical Physics research group at the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario (CCSEO) and Queen’s University have therefore been limited to simple deliveries and two dimensional (2D) comparisons.  In this thesis various software tools and calibration techniques have been developed to allow comparative analysis between OptCT measurements with dose distributions calculated by treatment planning software.  Further, a modification of the γ-evaluation (Low et al. 1998) is presented whereby the vector components of γ are used to identify the sources of disagreement between compared dose distributions. Test simulations of the new γ-tool revealed that individual vector components of γ, as well as the resulting vector field can be used to identify certain types of disagreements between dose distributions: especially spatial misalignments caused by geometric misses.  The polymer gel dosimetry tools and analysis software were applied to a clinical validation mimicking a prostate conformal treatment with patient setup correction using image guidance.  In one experiment greater than 90 % agreement was found between dose distributions in 4%T 50%C NIPAM/Bis dosimeters (Senden et al. 2006) measured with the Vista OptCT unit and dose distributions calculated by Eclipse treatment planning software.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: On the Simulation and Prediction of Bed Morphological Adjustments of Equilibrium in Alluvial Meandering Streams

contributor:
da Silva, Ana Maria Ferreira
Civil Engineering

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subject:
Numerical Modeling
Meandering Stream
Bed Adjustment
Equilibrium State
Geometry Model
Sediment Transport Model

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-19 21:32:06.645

abstract:
This thesis concerns the computation of bed adjustments of equilibrium in alluvial meandering streams. It is assumed that the channel centerlines follow sine-generated curves, the banks are rigid, and the steady-state flow is turbulent and sub-critical. The flow width is assumed to remain constant in the streamwise direction, and the flow width-to-depth ratio is large (>=15, say). The bed material is cohesionless and homogeneous.
The purpose of the thesis is to develop and test a numerical model for the computation of bed development, given the aforementioned idealized conditions. The model comprises: 1- an initial bed topography generator, to generate the bed at time t = 0 of the calculations; 2- the vertically-averaged hydrodynamic model of Zhang (2007) to calculate the flow fields; and 3- a sediment transport model to relate the bed deformation to the flow. Both the initial bed topography generator (expression of the deformed bed surface) and the numerical sediment transport model based on the sediment transport continuity equation are original and developed entirely by the author. The resulting model is computationally very efficient. In contrast to previous works on the theoretical determination of bed deformation, the beds at the beginning of the calculations may represent any stage of the development process, and not necessarily the initial flat bed.
	The bed deformation was tested for several test cases, devised on the basis of laboratory runs available in the literature. These include Run ME-2 by Hasegawa (1983) in a 30-degree-channel, Run 3 by Binns (2006) in a 70-degree-channel and the run by Termini (1996) in a 110-degree-channel.
	The erosion/deposition patterns of the computed equilibrium bed topographies were found to be in reasonable agreement with their measured counterparts. However, as evidenced by the difference plots included in this thesis, in detail there are substantial differences between the computed and measured equilibrium beds, especially in the regions near the banks.
	As a by-product of the present thesis, the functions representing the parameters required by the hydrodynamic model of Zhang (2007) were also evaluated. In particular, the present results suggest that the coefficient Alpha-q appearing in the expression of the local friction factor (used in the flow model of Zhang 2007) depends on the flow width-to-depth ratio and bed roughness to a much larger extent than previously thought. Considering this, a generalization of the expression of Alpha-q due to El-Tahawy (2004) (and adopted by Zhang 2007 in her model) is proposed.
	Future work should be carried out to address the application of the present model to real river conditions, including generalizations to irregular meandering plan shapes, unsteady-state flows and non-homogenous bed materials.

abstract: PhD


title: Holding Hands With Wampum: Haudenosaunee Council Fires from the Great Law of Peace to Contemporary Relationships with the Canadian State

contributor:
Carson, James Taylor
History

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subject:
Iroquois
Haudenosaunee
Wampum
Covenant Chain Alliance
Great Law of Peace
Aboriginal-Canadian Relations

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, History) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-19 15:18:03.721

abstract: “Holding Hands With Wampum” weaves a story of disparate peoples who came together to create a new North American World over a period of more than five centuries.  The Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora member nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy conceptualized their universe according to the kaswentha ethic and above all treasured autonomy on local, national, and confederate scales.  “Holding Hands With Wampum” traces the spiritual foundations of this Haudenosaunee worldview and then uses ethical discourse to explain the evolution of Haudenosaunee-European relationships through the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to Canadian Confederation and, finally, to the modern age of land reclamations and assertions of Haudenosaunee sovereignty.  Unravelling a uniquely Haudenosaunee perspective of the past, “Holding Hands With Wampum” is a cultural form of intellectual history, as it employs Haudenosaunee culture and ethical discourse to understand the place of a diverse community in the very public world of council fires and other political interactions.  As an exercise in ethnohistory, “Holding Hands With Wampum” combines the documentary record with wampum belts and oral interviews in an effort to create a balanced historical narrative that situates culture in a constantly changing geo-political reality.  The concept of métissage also provides a framework for understanding how these dramatically different peoples came together in the eighteenth century and created a new, common diplomatic protocol.  Only by shedding light upon Haudenosaunee-European relations over such a long period can we hope to understand contemporary issues of land and treaty rights and, perhaps, learn how to rekindle the métissage of a not so distant past.

abstract: PhD


title: The Impact of Minimum Investment Barriers on Hedge Funds: Are Retail Investors Getting the Short End of Performance?

contributor:
Johnson, Lewis
Management

format:
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subject:
minimum investment
retail investor
probability omega
performance metric
managerial self-selection
funds characteristics

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-21 23:57:11.475

abstract: Using paired tests of high and low minimum investment group funds on several performance measures for hedge funds and funds-of-funds from 1991-2005, we find that funds imposing a higher entry fee requirement on their investors produce significantly better performance both on a raw basis and a risk-adjusted basis. Differences in the performance of the high and low entry fee funds are found to be less significant economically and statistically in later years, suggesting a diminishing gap in performance differences. We also find that there is considerably more cross-sectional dispersion in investing in funds with lower minimum investment levels, which indicates a much higher level of fund selection risk for undiversified investors desiring investment in funds with low entry fee barriers.

abstract: PhD


title: Dynamic Arsenic Cycling in Scorodite-Bearing Hardpan Cements, Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia

contributor: Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering

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subject:
Arsenic
Hardpan
Scorodite
Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-22 09:36:08.157

abstract:
Hardpans, or cemented layers, form from precipitation and subsequent cementation of secondary minerals in mine tailings and can act as both physical and chemical barriers. During precipitation, metals in the tailings are sequestered, making hardpan a potentially viable method of natural attenuation. At Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia, tailings are partially cemented by the iron (Fe) arsenate mineral scorodite (FeAsO4•2H2O). Scorodite is known as a phase that can effectively limit aqueous arsenic (As) concentrations due to its relatively low solubility (<1 ppm, pH 5) and high As content (~30 wt.%). However, scorodite will not lower As concentrations from waters to below the Canadian drinking water guideline (0.010 ppm).

To identify current field conditions influencing scorodite precipitation and dissolution and to better understand the mineralogical and chemical relationship between hardpan and tailings, coexisting waters and solids were sampled to provide information on tailings-water interactions. Hardpan cement compositions were found to include Fe arsenate and Fe oxyhydroxide in addition to scorodite. End-member pore water chemistry was identified based on pH and dissolved concentration extremes (e.g. pH 3.78, As(aq) 35.8 ppm) compared to most other samples (avg. pH 6.41, As(aq) 2.07 ppm). These end-member characteristics coincide with the most extensive and dispersed areas of hardpan.

Nearly all hardpan is associated with historical arsenopyrite-bearing concentrate which provides a source of acidity and dissolved As+5 and Fe+3 for scorodite precipitation. A proposed model of progressive arsenopyrite oxidation suggests localized As cycling involving scorodite is occurring but is dependent on sulfide persistence. Therefore, permanent As sequestration is not expected. Remediation efforts would have to consider the possibility of scorodite dissolution after complete sulfide consumption or as a consequence of applying certain technologies, such as a cover. Conversely, if scorodite stability were maintained, the hardpan could be considered as a component in remediating the tailings at Montague.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Gender, Politics and Social Medicine in South Africa, 1940 - 1959

contributor:
Epprecht, Marc
History

format:
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subject:
Social Medicine
Politics
Gender
South Africa

abstract: Thesis (Master, History) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-12 13:36:14.393

abstract: This thesis is a first step to a gender analysis of South Africa’s social medicine experiment of the 1940s. The research focused on the work of the Health Centres, in particular Grassy Park and Polela, which were established in South Africa between 1940 and 1959, i.e., the date when all Health Centres were either closed down or converted into ordinary outpatient clinics for the Provincial Hospitals.  It is based on an examination of archival records such as the reports of the Health Centres, in, and the official records prepared by the then Department of Public Health and the Medical Officers-in-Charge of the Health Centres. In order to undertake a gender analysis, I asked two main questions: how Health Centre Practice (HCP), i.e. discourse and work of the Health Centres, responded to gender roles and relations it encountered in the community where it operated and secondly, how HCP advocates constructed a particular discourse about black people’s health that effectively depoliticized health, poverty and the role of the state in the creation and maintenance of disease and poverty. There is sufficient evidence to show that the Health Centres provided a valuable service to black women at a time when the state did not prioritize black people’s health, however, the historical moment within which HCP was conceived and implemented, implies that neither the project nor its implementers could escape the dominant racist, patriarchal political values.

abstract: M.A.


title: Blind Estimation of Perceptual Quality for Modern Speech Communications

contributor:
Chan, Wai-Yip Geoffrey
Electrical and Computer Engineering

format:
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subject:
Quality Estimation
Gaussian Mixture Models
Hidden Markov Model
Modulation Spectrum
Wireless Communications
Wireless-VoIP
Reverberation
Text-to-Speech

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-22 14:54:49.28

abstract:
Modern speech communication technologies expose users to perceptual quality degradations that were not experienced earlier with conventional telephone systems. Since perceived speech quality is a major contributor to the end user's perception of quality of service, speech quality estimation has become an important research field. In this dissertation, perceptual quality estimators are proposed for several emerging speech communication applications, in particular for i) wireless communications with noise suppression capabilities, ii) wireless-VoIP communications, iii) far-field hands-free speech communications, and iv) text-to-speech systems.

First, a general-purpose speech quality estimator is proposed based on statistical models of normative speech behaviour and on innovative techniques to detect multiple signal distortions. The estimators do not depend on a clean reference signal hence are termed ``blind." Quality meters are then distributed along the network chain to allow for both quality degradations and quality enhancements to be handled. In order to improve estimation performance for wireless communications, statistical models of noise-suppressed speech are also incorporated.

Next, a hybrid signal-and-link-parametric quality estimation paradigm is proposed for emerging wireless-VoIP communications. The algorithm uses VoIP connection parameters to estimate a base quality representative of the packet switching network. Signal-based distortions are then detected and quantified in order to adjust the base quality accordingly. The proposed hybrid methodology is shown to overcome the limitations of existing pure signal-based and pure link parametric algorithms.

Temporal dynamics information is then investigated for quality diagnosis for hands-free speech communications. A spectro-temporal signal representation, where speech and reverberation tail components are shown to be separable, is used for blind characterization of room acoustics. In particular, estimators of reverberation time, direct-to-reverberation energy ratio, and reverberant speech quality are developed.

Lastly, perceptual quality estimation for text-to-speech systems is addressed. Text- and speaker-independent hidden Markov models, trained on naturally produced speech, are used to capture normative spectral-temporal information. Deviations from the models, computed by means of a log-likelihood measure, are shown to be reliable indicators of multiple quality attributes including naturalness, fluency, and intelligibility.

abstract: PhD


title: Inducible gene expression systems for aging studies in Drosophila melanogaster

contributor:
Seroude, Laurent
Biology

format:
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subject:
Tet-Off/GAL80
Inducible expression in aging
Drosophila melanogaster
Gene-Switch lines

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-22 17:13:42.089

abstract: Two common strategies used to identify specific genes that influence aging in Drosophila melanogaster are overexpression screens and candidate gene approaches.  Both of these strategies rely on gene expression systems.  A very popular gene expression system in Drosophila is the bipartite UAS/GAL4 system, where binding of GAL4 to a UAS sequence can direct the expression of a UAS-linked transgene in a pattern determined by GAL4.  Although the UAS/GAL4 system allows for spatial regulation of transgene expression, it does not allow researchers to control when transgene expression will occur.  This is an important consideration since aging research is primarily interested in identifying genes that influence aging during adulthood, therefore requiring that transgene expression be effectively blocked during pre-adult stages.  Both the Gene-Switch and the Tet-Off/GAL80 systems are attempts to establish temporal control over GAL4 activity. The Gene-Switch system is based on a modified form of GAL4 whose transcriptional activity can be controlled through the antiprogestin molecule RU486.  The Tet-Off/GAL80 system, where expression of GAL80 (a negative regulator of GAL4) is under the control of a tetracycline sensitive expression system, allows regulation of GAL4 activity through the antibiotic tetracycline.  Characterization of these systems reveals that although neither system can completely repress leaky transgene expression, the Tet-Off/GAL80 system is much better at preventing unwanted transgene expression at most stages of the fly life cycle.  Furthermore, comparison of muscle specific GAL4 and Gene-Switch strains revealed that upon treatment with their respective inducers, the Tet-Off/GAL80 system allows for GAL4 activity in the muscles, while the Gene-Switch system results in GAL4 activity in other tissues in addition to the muscles.  In other characterized Gene-Switch strains, GAL4 activity is achieved only in a subset of the cells of the targeted tissue, suggesting that the Gene-Switch system may be ill-suited for aging studies.  These findings, along with the fact that the Tet-Off/GAL80 but not the Gene-Switch system is compatible with the hundreds of characterized GAL4 lines presently available which allows transgene expression to be targeted to most tissues, indicate that the Tet-Off/GAL80 system is the best-suited for aging studies in Drosophila at present.

abstract: PhD


title: Limit States Testing of a Buried Deep-Corrugated Large-Span Box Culvert

contributor:
Brachman, Richard W. I.
Moore, Ian D.
Civil Engineering

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subject:
Limit States Testing
Box Culvert

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-23 11:56:12.314

abstract:
Results are reported from full-scale testing of a buried, deep-corrugated, large-span box culvert with a 2.4 m rise and 10.0 m span under controlled laboratory conditions. A total of twenty-one experiments were conducted on the structure, measuring its response without backfill, during backfilling, under a loaded tandem axle dump truck, and under simulated vehicle loading with force applied by an actuator. Surface strain measurements were used to calculate bending moments and thrusts, while deflections were monitored using an electronic theodolite.
	Tests conducted to a maximum force of truck loading specified by the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code multiplied by a dynamic load allowance factor were performed at three cover depths. The maximum moment increased from 6 to 41 kNm/m as the cover was reduced from 1.5 to 0.45 m. This was attributed to less load distribution and decreased soil-structure system stiffness at shallower cover. The maximum bending moments were consistently observed directly beneath the applied force.
	Tests were also conducted at forces larger than the design values to identify the ultimate limit state(s) of the structure. An ultimate limit state was encountered at approximately 800 kN where the geotechnical resistance beneath the loading pads was exceeded. A subsequent test with the loading pad force spread over larger areas permitted larger forces to be applied. An ultimate limit state of the structure involving the formation of three plastic hinges occurred at 1100 kN. The plastic hinge initially formed at the crown, followed by hinges located at each shoulder. Post-test observations showed evidence of local buckling of the conduit wall, gaps between the plates at the seams, the tilting of bolts along the longitudinal seams, and surface cracks in the soil. Applying the material resistance factor of 0.9 to the ultimate load limit of 1100 kN measured for the structure yields a reserve capacity of 1.7 when compared to the fully factored load including dynamic load allowance and live load factors.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Hybrid Members Employing FRP Skin Reinforcement for Beams and Cladding Wall Applications

contributor:
Fam, Amir Z.
Civil Engineering

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subject:
Sandwich Panel
CFT

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-23 12:25:09.685

abstract:
This thesis explores two hybrid systems employing a core material reinforced by an external skin, namely, cladding walls composed of polyurethane foam core sandwiched between fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) skins, and beams composed of concrete-filled FRP or steel tubes. The walls were studied in two phases. In phase I, the polyurethane foam core was injected between two carbon-FRP (CFRP) skins. Ten panels were tested to investigate their structural performance and failure modes. Test parameters included quality control in terms of reproducibility of test results, moment-shear ratio, and the orientation of an architectural masonry-like coating. The study showed that design is governed by stiffness and not strength and that the CFRP was underutilized. Also, quality control was shown to be poor for this method of fabrication. As such, in phase II, ten panels were fabricated by laminating glass-FRP (GFRP) skins to prefabricated polyurethane foam blocks. Similar flexural testing was carried out to investigate two different densities of foam, and moment-shear ratio.  The study showed evidence of high quality control and that the density of the foam core significantly affected flexural capacity and stiffness.
Rectangular concrete-filled tubes (CFTs), with either steel or pultruded GFRP tubes were fabricated and tested as beams in three-point bending, at different shear span-to-depth (a/d) ratios of 1 to 5 to examine crack patterns, strength and failure modes. It was shown that the critical (a/d) ratio, at which moment capacity drops, is between 4 and 5 for CFTs with GFRP tubes and between 1 and 2 for CFTs with steel tubes. It was also shown that ductility is drastically reduced at (a/d) ratios below 3 for steel tubes. Crack pattern and size were highly dependent on the magnitude of slip between the concrete and tube. A major full depth flexural crack developed in all CFTs with GFRP tubes. However, when internal steel rebar was added, major diagonal cracks were formed in addition to fine flexural cracks. In CFTs with steel tubes, fine flexural cracks developed, except at a/d = 1, where fine diagonal cracks were predominant. A strut-and-tie model was developed and provided reasonable agreement with test results.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Field Measurements of Surface Displacements from Pipe Bursting

contributor:
Beninger, Richard J.
Moore, Ian D.
Take, W. Andy
Civil Engineering

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subject:
pipe bursting
pipe replacement
displacements

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-23 12:52:08.301

abstract: Two field studies of surface displacements during pipe bursting were conducted.  The first field study consisted of a controlled experiment in clay soil.  Three vitrified clay pipelines, each at a different burial depth, were up-sized to high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes using static pipe bursting techniques.  Surface displacements during the pipe bursting process were monitored using digital imaging techniques as well as surveying.  It was found that ground displacements were largest in the vertical direction, such that the maximum vertical displacements measured during pipe bursting ranged from 71.8 ± 7.5 mm at a depth of cover of 0.6 m and 11.2 ± 1.2 mm at a depth of cover of 1.5 m.  Transverse displacements generated during pipe bursting were found to correspond to tension cracking of the ground surface above the pipe.  The second field study examined pipe bursting installations which took place at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police College campus in Ottawa, Ontario.  During this study, five pipe bursting installations were monitored.  Each installation varied in terms of the surface and subsurface conditions, host pipe size and material, replacement pipe size, and depth of cover.  The pattern of displacements distributed in all three directions was consistent with the results from the controlled study.  However, greater variability in results was found during the Ottawa project.  Vertical displacements were found to range from 0.6 ± 0.1 mm to 11.3 ± 0.2 mm for pipe bursts carried out to the same up-size dimension, at approximately the same depth of cover, surrounded by similar surface and subsurface conditions.  In general, pipe bursting in clayey soils with an unpaved surface resulted in larger displacements having a narrower distribution over the ground surface than the paved installations.  Additionally, increased variability in results occurred under real construction conditions due to inherent variability in subsurface and host pipe conditions.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Identifying Myocardial Infarction Patients Using Automated Text Mining in Family Practice Electronic Medical Recoreds: A Validation Study of Emerging Methods

contributor:
Lévesque, Linda E.
Tu, Karen
Community Health and Epidemiology

subject:
Primary Care
Myocardial Infaction

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-24 12:34:41.913

abstract:
Background: As Electronic Medical Records(EMRs) are being utilized increasingly in primary care physician’s offices, the potential exists to collect a vast amount of clinical information for research purposes. However, variation in clinician documentation of diagnoses makes it challenging to accurately identify diseases within the EMR. We set out to develop and validate a text-mining tool to identify MI diagnoses within the EMR.
Methods: We selected a random 5% sample from the 19,376 active adult patients in our EMR database. This sample of 1293 charts was reviewed by trained abstractors and used as the gold standard for the evaluation of the validity and reliability of the automated text-mining tool in identifying myocardial infarction patients. We also compared the results of the manual EMR abstraction with the hospitalization records of each patient to evaluate the validity and reliability of myocardial infarction diagnosis in the EMR. We manually reviewed all discordant records to investigate and categorize the reasons for discordance.  Lastly, we compared the results of using administrative data versus EMR data for the measurement of selected MI quality indicators.
Results: When compared with the gold standard of manual chart review, the text-mining tool had a sensitivity of 97.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 94.8%–99.2%), a specificity of 96.2% (CI 94.9%–97.4%), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 88.9% (CI 85.5%–92.7%) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.1% (CI 98.6%–99.3%). When compared with the current standard of hospital discharge abstracts the EMR manual chart review had a sensitivity of 94.9% (CI 92.0%–97.7%), a specificity of 91.7% (CI 90.0%–93.5%) and PPV of 71.6% (CI 66.6%–79.2%) and a NPV of 98.8% (CI 98.1%–99.0%). The assessment of MI quality indicators were the same whether measured using the EMR or administrative data, with the exception of the proportion of patients on ASA (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The text-mining tool identified myocardial infarction diagnosis in the EMR with a high level of accuracy. In addition, EMRs may represent an important data source for a comprehensive identification of MI patients and the evaluation of quality of care.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Soil-structure Interaction Associated with Buried PVC Sewers with Vertical Risers

contributor:
Moore, Ian D.
Civil Engineering

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subject:
Vertical risers
Soil-Structure Interaction
Sewer fittings
PVC pipes

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-28 21:18:30.363

abstract:
The design of service connections to deeply buried sewers involves a number of challenges. In practice, the loads that develop from vertical risers can damage the Tee or Wye fitting to which it is connected. This thesis studies the expected loads and resistance of these connections, and provides some recommendations for the solution of this engineering problem.
	Laboratory tests have been performed to explore the capacities of the existing fittings both in air and when buried in uniform sand. A test procedure different from the standard quality control test methods described in ASTM F1336-02 is used to study the performance of the fittings in air. A special test configuration was also developed for an existing pipe test cell to explore the capacities of the existing PVC Tee and Wye fittings when buried in uniform sand.
	An analytical formula analogous to pile downdrag and numerical analyses have been used to evaluate the test results, to calculate the capacities of the buried heavy-wall fittings, and to explore the downdrag forces that develop along vertical risers. Through comparisons with experimental measurements, it was demonstrated that these methods of analysis can be used to estimate the downdrag forces and determine the adequacy of specific fittings to resist those forces.
	The major conclusions drawn for the specific fittings tested in this project are summarized as follows. When axially loaded in air, both Tee and Wye fittings experience plastic yield failure. When buried, the Tee fitting fractures or yields only along the base of the riser part; while the Wye fitting itself does not fail, the riser cracks near its base where it connects to the curved pipe (450 elbow) above the Wye. Both the capacities and stiffness of the buried fitting system (either Tee or Wye) are approximately linear functions of the confining stress supplied by the surrounding soil. The accumulated downdrag along the riser in the coarse-grained soil is much smaller than that in fine-grained soil.
	Various practical solutions for the vertical riser problem are then discussed and recommended.

abstract: PhD


title: Role of bubbling from aquatic sediments in mercury transfer to a benthic invertebrate in the St. Lawrence River, Cornwall, Ontario

contributor:
Hodson, Peter
Biology

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subject:
Methylmercury
Bioavailability
St. Lawrence River
Benthos

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2008-12-30 23:34:20.287

abstract: Benthic uptake of mercury (Hg) governs bioavailability to fish yet there are still large gaps in our knowledge of what mediates this process.  Without this information it is difficult to ascertain where Hg accumulation in the foodweb will be greatest.  In the St. Lawrence River Area of Concern (AOC) at Cornwall, one contaminated zone (Zone 1) shows elevated Hg in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and their prey items compared to those from other zones in the AOC.  Greater availability of Hg to benthos due to unique physical features (large deposition of woodfibre deposits) of Zone 1 is hypothesized to account for this observation.  In this study, amphipods (Gammarus fasciatus) and (Echinogammarus ischnus) were collected in Zone 1 using artificial substrates between June-September 2007, and Hg concentrations compared to those obtained in sediments and porewaters of surficial sediments, as well as methane gas evasion rates.  Methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in amphipods were significantly related to porewater total Hg (THg) and MeHg concentrations.  No parallel relationship was found for sediment Hg concentrations or methane bubbling rates from sediments.   Spatial and temporal trends in Hg bioavailability were evident from significant relationships with water column depth and temperature.  Water column depth was associated with higher MeHg concentrations in amphipods and porewaters.  Concentrations of porewater MeHg were above the detection limit in all of the June samples, the month which also coincided with highest amphipod MeHg concentrations.  Finally, sediment organic matter may be influencing patterns of MeHg availability in Zone 1, and displayed a negative relationship to amphipod MeHg. Although bubbling from contaminated sediments did not directly correlate with amphipod Hg uptake, future studies should look at the influence of bubbling on the redistribution of contaminated sediment particles within the zone.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Corporatizing Dhaka Water Supply And Sewerage Authority, Bangladesh

contributor:
McDonald, David A.
Environmental Studies

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subject:
Water Privatization
Urban Water Supply Service Provision
Developing Countries
Dhaka WASA Bangladesh

abstract: Thesis (Master, Environmental Studies) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-06 12:06:45.901

abstract: Efforts to commercialize water supply and sanitation in Dhaka, Bangladesh, have been pushed vigorously by internal and external proponents of neo-liberalism. The thesis takes a critical look at these developments and analyzes the role of multinational finance institutions in this process. In particular, it looks into the role of these finance institutions in funding reform projects to corporatize Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA), examining the impacts on end users, especially marginalized sections of society. The thesis describes how, in the process of corporatization, Dhaka WASA is and will continue to be more assertive in its commercial orientation than it was previously. The paper also studies a highly touted ‘successful’ co-operative model for revenue management called Program for Performance Improvement (PPI), seen by some as an alternative to privatization. I argue that the model in fact emerged as a consequence of the commercialization efforts of neoliberal reforms and that the revenue management model has created an isolated business unit with a reclusive management that undermines the egalitarian objectives of the water utility as a public service entity.

abstract: M.E.S.


title: Relationship Between Oceanography and Brachiopod Geochemistry; eastern Great Australian Bight

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subject: geochemistry isotopes oceanography brachiopod

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-29 16:23:44.036

abstract:
Determination of water masses and circulation in the eastern Great Australian Bight, in conjunction with analysis of δ18O values and trace element concentrations in the articulated brachiopod Anakinetica cumingi, indicate that brachiopods faithfully record ambient temperatures and oceanographic conditions. Five water masses are identified on the shelf during March 1998, on the basis of temperature, salinity, δ2H and δ18O values. The warm, high salinity Great Australian Bight Plume occurs in the western part of the study area both at the surface and at depth, and the cool, low salinity Flinders Current flows west along the continental slope. The Flinders Current provides upwelling water along the Eyre Peninsula and in the central Great Australian Bight, and mixing of this water with Great Australian Bight Plume and shelf waters forms the combined water masses Flinders Current + Great Australian Bight outflow, Modified Flinders Current and Mixed waters. The Great Australian Bight Plume and Flinders Current are isotopically distinct, with Great Australian Bight Plume waters having lower δ18O values and higher δ2H values than Flinders Current waters.

Using mean annual temperatures and δ18O values of seawater, brachiopod temperatures calculated from their δ18O values are within 1°C of measured temperatures. δ18O values in the brachiopods, in conjunction with seasonally variable temperatures and δ18O values of seawater, provide evidence for brachiopod major growth periods. Calculated brachiopod temperatures are most accurate assuming 70% of brachiopod growth occurs during summer when upwelling is occurring and 30% of growth occurs during the rest of the year. Brachiopods may be growing more during upwelling periods in response to increased food supply.

Ba, Ni and V concentrations in the brachiopod shells show spatial variation that matches with water mass distribution on the shelf. Ba positively correlates with nitrate contents in the water and is enriched in brachiopods growing in upwelling areas. Ni and V positively correlate with seawater temperatures, suggesting that incorporation of these two elements into brachiopod calcite is temperature dependant. All three elements reflect the anticlockwise circulation pattern present in the eastern Great Australian Bight during the summer major growth period.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Mathematical Modelling of an Industrial Steam Methane Reformer

contributor:
McAuley, Kimberly B.
Peppley, Brant A.
Chemical Engineering

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subject:
Reforming
Steam Methane Reforming
Steam Methane Reformer
Mathematical Modelling
Radiant Furnaces
Furnace Modelling
Hottel Zone
Zone Method

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-06 21:50:35.04

abstract: A mathematical model of a steam-methane reformer (SMR) was developed for use in process performance simulations and on-line monitoring of tube-wall temperatures.  The model calculates temperature profiles for the outer-tube wall, inner-tube wall, furnace gas and process gas.  Reformer performance ratios and composition profiles are also computed.  The model inputs are the reformer inlet-stream conditions, the geometry and material properties of the furnace and catalyst-bed. The model divides the furnace and process sides of the reformer into zones of uniform temperature and composition.  Radiative-heat transfer on the furnace side is modeled using the Hottel Zone method.  Energy and material balances are performed on the zones to produce non-linear algebraic equations, which are solved using the Newton-Raphson method with a numerical Jacobian.  Model parameters were ranked from most-estimable to least estimable using a sensitivity-based estimability analysis tool, and model outputs were fitted to limited data from an industrial SMR.  The process-gas outlet temperatures were matched within 4 ºC, the upper and lower peep-hole temperatures within 12 ºC and the furnace-gas outlet temperature within 4 ºC.  The process-gas outlet pressure, composition and flow rate are also accurately matched by the model.  The values of the parameter estimates are physically realistic.  The model developed in this thesis has the capacity to be developed into more specialized versions.  Some suggestions for more specialized models include modeling of separate classes of tubes that are in different radiative environments, and detailed modeling of burner configurations, furnace-gas flow patterns and combustion heat-release patterns.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Origin of the Paleoproterozoic Denault Dolomite, Labrador.

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subject: Precambrian dolomite

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-07 15:09:43.994

abstract:
The Denault Formation (2.1-1.9 Ga) outcrops in the Labrador Trough, northeastern Quebec and western Labrador. The Denault crops out around the town of Schefferville and at Marion Lake, fifty kilometers east-northeast of Schefferville. In June 2007, four stratigraphic sections were measured and samples were collected from eight locations. Occurrences of the Denault near the town of Schefferville contain textural characteristics consistent with deposition on the middle and outer portions of a storm-influenced shallow ramp. Mid-ramp facies consist of intraclastic grainstones with hummocky cross-stratification (HCS), swaley cross-stratification (SCS), current ripples, and graded event beds. Further outboard, grainstones grade into deeper water laminites that are composed of even, mm-scale couplets of flat-lying organic and micritic laminae. Scours within the laminites suggest occasional storm activity. Laminites gradually grade into outer ramp deep-water shales. Separated from these ramp facies by 50km (present day) is an isolated eastern stromatolitic accumulation. This outcrop can be interpreted as the remnant of a near-continuous margin or may simply represent an isolated accumulation that developed on a pre-existing topographic high.
Microscopic (2-10µm) lathes of dolomite are interpreted to be pseudomorphs after gypsum. The presence of such pseudomorphs and solution-collapse breccias provide evidence for evaporative conditions during the deposition and early diagenesis of the Denault. Seepage-reflux of brines generated through evaporation during the deposition of the Denault and the overlying Fleming Formation are interpreted to have caused early, mimetic dolomitization in a shallow burial setting. Subsequent burial diagenesis resulted in recrystallization of some rock to fabric-destructive, anhedral dolomite.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Intrinsic exciton dynamics from single air-suspended semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes

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subject:
carbon nanotubes
exciton dynamics

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-08 20:38:56.433

abstract:
Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (S-SWCNTs) have direct band gaps
with a range of 0.5 to 2 eV depending on the SWCNT chirality. The photoluminescence
(PL) quantum efficiency and the carriers’ radiative lifetime have been previously
studied but neither of them have been confirmed due to the large variation resulting
from ensemble averaging, environmental effects, SWCNT defects, and SWCNT bundles.
For example, quantum efficiency was estimated to be 0.01% to 7% and radiative
lifetime was estimated or calculated to be 10 to 100 ns. In this thesis, we study absorption
cross section, PL quantum efficiency and exciton relaxation dynamics from
single air-suspended S-SWCNTs and extract “intrinsic” S-SWCNT properties.

The photo-excited carriers are electron-hole pairs (called excitons) in a SWCNT
due to the strong Coulomb interactions in the nm-scale system. We selected relatively
bright and less defected S-SWCNTs on our samples for investigation. For each SSWCNT,
the tube length, orientation, absorption and emission spectra were recorded.
Experimentally, we observed that PL from a single S-SWCNT increases linearly at
low excitation intensity (linear regime) and saturates at higher intensity (saturation
regime). We also studied the exciton relaxation dynamics on each S-SWCNT by
femtosecond excitation correlation (FEC) spectroscopy and resolved two relaxation
time constants which were independent of the excitation intensity. We compare the
simulation results based on a stochastic model to the experimental data and extract essential parameters including S-SWCNT unitless absorption coefficient (typically
0.02 to 0.06), PL quantum efficiency (typically 7 to 20 %) and exciton relaxation
time constants. We observed very fast nonlinear exciton-exciton annihilation rate (>(2 ps)^−1) in a typical 5 μm-long S-SWCNTs. The exciton dynamics were consistent
from 4 different S-SWCNTs in the saturation regime and the average total exciton
number per pulse per tube in this saturation regime ranges from 2 to 12.

Compared to past work, the results (PL saturation curves and FEC data) between
S-SWCNTs are very consistent which supports our belief that we are studying
“intrinsic properties”. We found a higher absorption coefficient, and higher PL quantum
efficiency of S-SWCNTs compared to previous work. We also observe very fast
nonlinear exciton-exciton annihilation in a relatively longer S-SWCNT and at lower
exciton numbers.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Accessing Resources in a Global Economy: Three Essays on Outsourcing and Immigration

contributor:
McHale, John
Management

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subject: Immigration Outsourcing

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-12 13:55:27.301

abstract:
This thesis is a collection of three manuscripts. In the first manuscript I develop a general equilibrium model that explains the growth and maturation of outsourcing – an outsourcing lifecycle – based on industry learning and market feedback. When outsourcing starts, buyers lack the knowledge to develop effective contracts so they rely on relationships. As contract knowledge develops, contracts become stronger and eventually replace relationships as the primary form of governance and the market grows. Under contractual governance, continued strengthening of contracts benefits buyers. The size of the market determines whether suppliers benefit or suffer with increased contracts strength.

The second manuscript explores the design of an optimal skills-based immigrant selection system based. This system is based on two factors: a threshold in predicted-earnings that is used to determine whom to accept and reject, and a human-capital-based earnings regression for making error-minimizing predictions of immigrant success in the host labor market. We first show how to design a points system based on what we assume to be the optimal predicted-earnings threshold and the optimal prediction regression. We next develop a method for identifying the optimal threshold given the prediction regression. The method produces a “selection frontier” that dictates the options facing policy makers. The frontier shows the tradeoff between the average quality of admitted immigrants and the number of immigrants admitted. The frontier shifts out with improved accuracy in predicting earnings as well as with increases in the variation and average quality of the applicant pool. Finally, we show how the policy maker chooses the optimal selection system given the selection frontier.

The third manuscript demonstrates the feasibility of the optimal immigrant selection method by developing an illustrative points system. We also explore how the selection system can be improved by incorporating additional information such as country-of-origin characteristics and intended occupations. We discuss what our findings imply for the debate about the relative merits of points- and employment-based systems for selecting economic immigrants.

abstract: PhD


title: Slicing UML's Three-layer Architecture: A Semantic Foundation for Behavioural Specification

contributor:
Dingel, Juergen
Computing

format:
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subject:
UML
modeling
actions
activities
executable UML
interpreter
software
computer science
semantics
formal

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-12 20:16:47.738

abstract:
One of the main notational contexts in which model-driven software development has been studied is the Unified Modeling Language (UML), the de facto standard in software modelling.  The current trend in software development is not just towards the use of models, but the use of executable models.  In 2006, the Object Management Group issued a Request for Proposal (RFP), soliciting the definition of an Executable UML Foundation, with a fully specified executable semantics.  The purpose of such a version of UML is to make the advantages of executable models available to UML users by enabling "a chain of tools that support the construction, verification, translation, and execution" of models.

An oft-voiced criticism of UML is its lack of a formal, unambiguous description of its semantics.  In an effort to improve the support for model-driven development, especially with respect to executable modelling, the UML 2 specification introduced a novel three-layer semantics architecture.  This architecture provides a stratification of the description of UML models that clearly separates 'low-level' behavioural specification mechanisms, such as actions, from 'high-level' behavioural formalisms, such as activities, state machines and interactions.  Although UML describes the effect of actions, it does not provide either the concrete syntax or the formal semantics of an action language.

Our research focuses on a top-to-bottom slice of the three-layer architecture.  We formally define the execution semantics of two-thirds of UML actions, including the most complicated actions---invocation actions.  Our formal definition is expressed in terms of state changes to a global state machine representing an executing UML model.  Our work provides an alternate formalization to that of the current submission to the RFP and could be used to enhance that submission.

To validate our formal semantics and to determine the usefulness of the three-layer architecture, we have created an interpreter for UML actions and activities.  This interpreter was designed in accordance with the complex token passing semantics of UML  and provides analysis capabilities that have been successfully used to identify problems even in published activity diagrams.  In effect, we have created a tool that supports the construction, verification and execution of a subset of UML models, namely activities.  Our handling of this slice of the three-layer architecture is a preliminary step to realizing the grander vision of general executable (and analyzable) models.

abstract: PhD


title: Developmental Regulation of Cell Fate And Disease Resistance in Plants

contributor:
Regan, Sharon
Biology

subject:
ethylene
trichome
ACC Deaminase
Fumonisin
Poplar
Activation tagging
hormone
pest resistance

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-13 10:08:03.605

abstract:
Plant-wide communication between tissues and cells is organized, in part, by a suite of compounds called hormones.  I have chosen to focus on the effects of one plant hormone, ethylene; how its synthesis is controlled and how its perception is mediated to differentially control cell development and response to pathogens.

In the production of ethylene, one level of control is by modulating the levels of the immediate precursor to ethylene, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC).  I characterize here a plant encoded gene homologous to bacterial ACC Deaminases, AtACD1, and show through up- and down-regulation of the gene that it can modulate the plants sensitivity to exogenous ACC.  Once ethylene is produced, it is sensed in Arabidopsis thaliana by a family of 5 receptors.  I show that ETR2 in Arabidopsis is responsible for modulation of the microtubule cytoskeleton assembly as loss-of –function mutations to this gene cause randomized microtubule assembly in trichomes and increase sensitivity to microtubule depolymerising drugs in root hairs.  In studies of plant:pathogen interactions, ethylene is a central signaling agent required for plant resistance.  While it has been shown that etr1 mutants show increased susceptibility to fungal pathogens, exogenous ethylene has also been shown to speed the progress of pathogenesis.  Using Fumonisin B1 (FB1) to induce cell death I show that etr1-1 has accelerated cell death while ein4-1 has a reduced rate of necrosis.  Further to this, mutations to the other three ethylene receptors do not have any effect on the rate of cell death.

My interest in cell development led to the characterization of an activation tagged Populus tremula x P. alba line with increased trichome initiation. The gene responsible for these phenotypes was identified as PtMYB186, which also affected growth rate, transpiration rate, photosynthetic capacity, and resistance to the Tussock moth larvae.

Together these studies provide a new framework for our understanding of how the ethylene signal is modulated in plants and the controls behind cellular development.  This knowledge will help reconcile studies which show that ethylene has different effects on plant development and provide new avenues of research into trichome development.

abstract:
Please restrict public access to this thesis for 6 months due to the proprietary information contained within the thesis.  We plan to patent some of the information within chapter 5 and therefore cannot have a public disclosure of the data therein.

Thank you for your consideration.

abstract: PhD


title: The mechanism of retene toxicity in the early life stages of fish

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subject:
retene
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
blue sac disease
cytochrome P450 1A
aryl hydrocarbon receptor
early life stage toxicity

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-13 12:10:31.373

abstract: Alkylphenanthrenes such as retene (7-isopropyl-1-methylphenanthrene) are aquatic contaminants commonly found in anthropogenically-, industrially-, and petroleum-contaminated environments, and have been implicated in crude oil toxicity.  In the early life stages (ELS) of fish, exposures to alkylphenanthrenes produce signs of toxicity typical of those observed in exposures to halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, particularly to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).  TCDD, the most toxic congener, serves as the basis of the current mechanism-based risk assessment model.  The model assumes that congeners that produce TCDD-like toxicity share a common mode of action and act additively.  The mechanism of TCDD-like toxicity is assumed to be mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor involved in the xenobiotic response (e.g., induction of cytochrome P450 1A enzymes; CYP1A) and in normal development.  CYP1A enzymes are not involved in the mechanism of TCDD toxicity. Alkylphenanthrenes toxic to the ELS of fish are AhR ligands, but in contrast to TCDD, are readily metabolized by CYP1A enzymes.  The byproducts of CYP1A metabolism have been implicated in retene toxicity.  However, the target tissue of retene and the direct roles of AhR and CYP1A in retene toxicity are unknown, but are expected to be similar to those of TCDD. The results presented in this thesis suggest that in the ELS of fish: (1) the primary target of retene is the cardiovascular system (Chapters 2 & 5); (2) retene toxicity is stage-specific (Chapter 2); (3) the mechanism of retene toxicity is mediated by AhR2, and is independent of CYP1A enzymes (Chapter 5); (4) multiple CYP1A-independent toxicities can result from exposures to different mixtures of CYP1A inducing (retene) and CYP1A inhibiting (alpha-naphthoflavone or 2-aminoanthracene) PAHs (Chapters 3 & 4); and (5) multiple concentration-dependent mechanisms of toxicity (i.e., synergism and response addition) can occur in co-exposures of a CYP1A inducer (retene) with a range of CYP1A inhibitor (alpha-naphthoflavone) concentrations (Chapter 3).  Thus, retene toxicity is mechanistically similar to that of TCDD toxicity, suggesting alkylphenanthrenes can be included in the current risk assessment model.  However, the observed variable mixture toxicities and species differences in retene toxicity raise questions about the effectiveness of this model.

abstract: PhD


title: Development of Pt/CNT Catalyst and Transport-Kinetic Characterization of PEMFC Catalyst Layer

contributor:
Karan, Kunal
Chemical Engineering

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subject:
Fuel Cell
Catalysis

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-13 14:46:53.853

abstract:
The electrochemical performance of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is known to be dominated by the cathode processes comprising the various reaction and transport steps in the overall oxygen electro-reduction to water occurring in the catalyst layer (CL). This thesis is concerned with one such transport process – oxygen transport in ionomer phase of the CL – and the synthesis/characterization of platinum catalyst on an alternative support – carbon nanotubes (CNT). Specifically, the objectives of the thesis are: (i) exploration of methods for determining the effective permeability of oxygen in the ionomer phase of the carbon-ionomer composite representing the PEMFC catalyst layer (ii) synthesis of Pt/CNT catalysts and characterization thereof.
An electrochemical method for determination of oxygen permeability in Nafion and Nafion-carbon composite films was explored. Since the method is suitable for dense films, mathematical model for data analysis had to be modified to allow treatment of porous films. Applying the modified model to the porous Nafion film, the oxygen permeation in the Nafion phase was found to agree with the literature data for oxygen permeation in Nafion membranes. However, no relationship between the effective permeability and ionomer content was found.
Two methods for synthesis of Pt/CNT catalysts were studied – the precipitation method and the colloidal/ethylene glycol method. Functionalization of CNTs was found to be critical to obtaining any significant amount of Pt deposition on CNT. The precipitation method did not yield reproducible results. Pt/CNT catalysts of desired properties were synthesized via the colloidal/EG method. It was found that a high pH of 8.5 to 10.5 resulted in smallest Pt particle size. The Pt particles size was determined to range 2-4 nm. The synthesized Pt/CNT catalysts were also tested in a fuel cell environment. Steady-state polarization curves in humidified H2/Air system were obtained that demonstrated performance comparable to commercial electrodes in that cell potential of greater than 0.6 V at current density of 800 mA/cm2 electrode area and a limiting current density of 1200 mA/cm2 electrode area were observed.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Ageing of HDPE Geomembranes Used to Contain Landfill Leachate or Hydrocarbon Spills

contributor:
Rowe, Kerry
Civil Engineering

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subject:
Ageing of Geomembrane
Antioxidants
Durability
Fluorinated
HDPE Geomembrane
Jet Fuel
Landfill
Leachate
Performance of Geomembrane
Service Life

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-14 10:46:31.089

abstract:
The ageing of high density polyethylene geomembrane (GM) liners used to minimize advection and diffusion of contaminants in municipal solid waste landfill leachate and in hydrocarbon spills to the environment is examined.

The evaluation of the ageing of GMs used in landfills involved four components. First, a laboratory-accelerated ageing investigation of a GM exposed to air, water and leachate at elevated temperatures. Service life of a GM (Stage I: Antioxidant depletion, Stage II: Induction, and Stage III: Polymer degradation) is examined. The results demonstrate the critical role of antioxidants in protecting against oxidative degradation. The service life of the GM is predicted. Second, a study was conducted to provide an estimate of Stage I for a GM in a composite liner. The results indicated that immersion tests are too severe and the service life is substantially greater for a GM in composite liner than implied by leachate immersion tests. Third, a comparison of ageing with three different “protection” layers between the GM and overlying gravel and leachate is reported. A slower antioxidant depletion rate is observed when geotextile-geosynthetic clay liner and geotextile-sand-geotextile are applied than with a typical geotextile alone. This could be partially attributed to the attenuation of leachate constituents by the protection layer as well as the buildup of antioxidant concentration on either side of GM thereby reducing the concentration gradient and outward diffusive flux of antioxidants. Fourth, diffusion modelling is used to evaluate the results from immersion and composite liner simulation tests. Diffusion modelling provided a means for predicting the performance of the GMs in conditions other than the typical test conditions.

The evaluation of the ageing of GM used in barrier system for hydrocarbon involved two components. First, untreated and fluorinated GMs immersed in jet fuel were tested. Results show that antioxidants depleted at slower rate from fluorinated GM than untreated GM. This suggested a significant beneficial effect of fluorination. Antioxidant depletion time is predicted at field temperatures. Second, the time dependant change in GM samples used at jet fuel containment site constructed in 2001 is reported. The GM is shown to be performing very well.

abstract: PhD


title: Investigation of Maximum Mud Pressure within Sand and Clay during Horizontal Directional Drilling

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subject:
Maximum Mud Pressure
Mud Loss
Directional Drilling
Ground Heave

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-14 12:23:35.069

abstract:
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) has been used internationally for the trenchless installation of utility conduits and other infrastructure. However, the mud loss problem caused by excessive mud pressure in the borehole is still a challenge encountered by trenchless designers and contractors, especially when the drilling crosses through cohesionless material. Investigation of mud loss problem is necessary to apply HDD with greater confidence for installation of pipes and other infrastructure.

The main objectives of this research have been to investigate the maximum allowable mud pressure to prevent mud loss through finite element analysis and small scale and large scale laboratory experiments. The recent laboratory experiments on mud loss within sand are reported. Comparisons indicate that the finite element method provides an effective estimation of maximum mud pressure, and “state-of-the-art” design practice- the “Delft solution” overestimates the maximum mud pressure by more than 100%. The surface displacements exhibit a “bell” shape with the maximum surface displacement located around the center of the borehole based on the data interpreted using Particle Image Velocimetry (Geo-PIV) program.

A parametric study is carried out to investigate the effect of various parameters such as the coefficient of lateral earth pressure at rest K0 on the maximum allowable mud pressure within sand. An approximate equation is developed to facilitate design estimates of the maximum allowable mud pressure within sand.

A new approach is introduced to consider the effects of coefficient of lateral earth pressure at rest K0 on the blowout solution within clay. The evaluations using finite element method indicate that the new approach provides a better estimation of the maximum allowable mud pressure than the “Delft solution” in clay when initial ground stress state is anisotropic (K0 ≠1). Conclusion of this research and suggestions on future investigation are provided.

abstract: PhD


title: The Canadian No Fly List: A Sociological Analysis of its Supposed Distinctiveness

contributor:
Lyon, David
Sociology

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subject:
No Fly List
Precaution

abstract: Thesis (Master, Sociology) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-14 18:08:51.773

abstract: Since the events of 9-11, aviation security has become a mounting concern for both the American and Canadian government.  Because of the alleged “threats to security,” the Canadian government has followed in American footsteps and enacted the Passenger Protect Program, otherwise known as the “no fly list.”  This thesis will examine the emergence of the Canadian version of the no fly list in the context of the U.S. “Secure Flight” program in order to analyze the claim that the Canadian list is unique and distinct from the American version.  Drawing from the literature on surveillance and risk, this thesis suggests that both lists are operating on the precautionary principle and are thus not distinct in purpose, process or overall outcome, and that a “made in Canada” approach is a misleading notion.  In fact, this thesis will show that the Canadian and U.S. governments continue to share no fly lists, use the same criteria and sources for placing an individual’s name on the list, and handle redress issues in the same manner.  Most importantly, the consequences for ordinary citizens are the same regardless of whether one finds themselves on the Canadian or the American list.  This thesis will (a) describe the origins of the no fly list in Canada and the USA, (b) examine the ways in which personal data are obtained from the Passenger Name Record (PNR), how these are used to construct the list(s) and how they are mined for further purposes and (c) what the consequences are for specific classes of persons, especially minorities, refugee and asylum claimants, civil libertarians, peace activists and others.

abstract: M.A.


title: Triangulation of a Hierarchical Hexagon Mesh

contributor:
Stewart, James
Computing

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subject:
Triangulation
Global Grids
Hexagon Hierarchy

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-21 12:11:02.532

abstract: Recently, a multi-resolution, hierarchical version of the hexagon mesh was introduced. In order for computers to display this mesh of hexagons, it must be triangulated. This thesis describes an algorithm to triangulate the multi-resolution, hierarchical hexagon mesh. The triangulation provides good triangle strips, which result in efficient rendering of the hexagon mesh, and well-proportioned triangles, which avoid rendering artifacts. This algorithm was designed for the rendering of hexagon meshes on the globe, though it currently does not support the pentagons of the truncated icosahedron.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: A comparison of three methods of ultrasound to computed tomography registration

contributor:
Stewart, James
Abolmaesumi, Purang
Computing

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subject:
Mutual information
Image registration
Iterative Closest Point (ICP)
Medical image
Rigid registration

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-22 04:21:22.569

abstract: During orthopaedic surgery, preoperative CT scans can be aligned to the patient to assist the guidance of surgical instruments and the placement of implants.  Registration (i.e. alignment) can be accomplished in many ways: by registering implanted fiducial markers, by touching a probe to the bone surface, or by aligning intraoperative two dimensional flouro images with the the three dimensional CT data.  These approaches have problems: They require exposure of the bone, subject the patient and surgeons to ionizing radiation, or do both.  Ultrasound can also be used to register a preoperative CT scan to the patient.  The ultrasound probe is tracked as it passes over the patient and the ultrasound images are aligned to the CT data.  This method eliminates the problems of bone exposure and ionizing radiation, but is computationally more difficult because the ultrasound images contain incomplete and unclear bone surfaces.  In this work, we compare three methods to register a set of ultrasound images to a CT scan: Iterated Closest Point, Mutual Information and a novel method Points-to-Image.  The average Target Registration Error and speed of each method is presented along with a brief summary of their strengths and weaknesses.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Long-Term Cardiovascular and Behavioural Consequences of Maternal Iron Restriction During Gestation in Rat Offspring

contributor:
Nakatsu, Kanji
Adams, Michael A.
Pharmacology and Toxicology

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subject:
Iron Deficiency
Developmental Programming
Hypertension
Vascular Function
Nitric Oxide
Bahaviour

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Pharmacology & Toxicology) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-22 23:32:40.931

abstract:
Maternal and fetal stressors during development can permanently alter various physiological functions and impact long-term health. These alterations are said to be programmed because they persist long after the original insult. Current evidence indicates that iron deficiency (ID) during pregnancy can induce a host of long-term programming effects, including cardiovascular complications and behavioural deficits.

Despite the relevance of ID as a model of developmental programming, these effects have not been extensively studied. The purpose of the present series of experiments was to develop a model of maternal ID throughout pregnancy to study its long-term cardiovascular and behavioural consequences in neonatal and adult offspring.

Female rats were fed either a low iron diet (3 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg Fe) or a control diet (> 225 mg/kg Fe) prior to and throughout gestation. At birth, all dams were fed a control diet (270 mg/kg Fe). This treatment caused altered growth trajectories which persisted in adulthood. Adult perinatal ID (PID) offspring, despite showing no signs of anemia at that time, had persistent elevations in arterial pressure (AP), as well as enhanced responsiveness of AP to high and low sodium intake. These animals also had altered responsiveness of renal medullary blood flow to changes in AP. PID offspring also had altered function of intrarenal and vascular nitric oxide signaling. Similar studies performed in acute ID animals revealed opposite trends in intrarenal and vascular NOS function, as well as in effects on the cardiovascular system.

In addition to the cardiovascular effects, adult PID male offspring exhibited a number of behavioural changes, as assessed by monitoring locomotor activity in their home cages (by radiotelemetry) as well as in a novel environment. PID male offspring also performed poorly in a Morris water maze compared to controls. These differences were not observed in female PID animals.

In summary, these studies provide evidence that ID during gestation has deleterious effects on various aspects of the offspring’s physiology. Given the global incidence of ID, as well as its propensity to afflict pregnant women, developmental programming from this condition could have profound implications on global health.

abstract: PhD


contributor:
MacDonald, Eleanor
McGarry, John
Political Studies

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subject:
Women
Northern Ireland
Israel
Palestine
Peace-Building

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Political Studies) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-23 11:47:13.061

abstract:
"Beyond the Ethnonational Divide: Identity Politics and Women in Northern Ireland and
Israel/Palestine" is a comparative analysis of the conflict resolution processes and peace-building strategies employed in Northern Ireland and Israel/Palestine, focusing on the experiences of women’s feminist peace movements. I draw on feminist thought in the international relations and
comparative politics literatures, as well as the critical identity politics literatures developed outside these fields, to demonstrate the value of broadening our understanding of social identity in conflict. In particular, I apply a post-positivist realist approach to identity to evaluate the extent to which women’s feminist peace communities develop untested ideas related to conflict resolution
and peace-building in these cases. I argue that the dominant ethnonational conflict resolution literature, developed largely
within the comparative politics field, advances an ‘elite accommodation’ strategy for resolving conflict that grants the most militant and sometimes violent ethnonational leaders the authority to speak for the body public during transformative constitutional moments. I propose that conflict resolution schemes that privilege ethnonational elite political figures and treat the interests of all actors in intrastate conflict as fundamentally derived from ethnonational interests do not produce a stable post-conflict period of peace and governance, they fail to secure human rights, equality guarantees and justice provisions for all communities in a post-conflict period, and they fail to
capitalize on the local, participant knowledge and alternate visions of conflict resolution and peace that are developed in “subaltern” identity-based communities.
In my view, when we consider the genesis and development of the feminist peace movements in Israel/Palestine and Northern Ireland, we can see how a politics based on solidarity
and alliances, across ethnic, national, gender, class and sexuality divides, is informed by the endogenous conditions of conflict and also the exogenous development of transnational feminist theory and praxis. The negotiation of identity in women’s feminist peace communities has been complex and, at times, difficult. However, it has also led to the development of novel ideas related to peace, inclusion, human rights and justice that have been sidelined, to varying degrees, in the conflict resolution processes in both cases.

abstract: PhD


title: Educational Innovation in an Undergraduate Medical Course: Implementation of a Blended e-Learning, Team-Based Learning Model

contributor:
Shulha, Lyn
Education

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subject:
medical education
team based learning
eLearning
innovation

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-24 10:02:24.877

abstract:
Medical education has been the subject of ongoing reform since the second part of the 18th century (Papa & Harasym, 1999). Most recently, medical education has been redefined to include a broad set of competencies over and above traditional expertise. In an attempt to facilitate this approach, different instructional models have been proposed. Most of these seek to foster learner engagement and active participation and promote life-long learning. Nevertheless, there is no consensus amongst medical educators about the optimal way to teach future physicians.
	Despite the efforts of both researchers and local champions, instructional innovations frequently fail. Fullan (2001) ascribes this to faulty assumptions on the part of planners as well as to the inherent complexity of the organizations involved, further stating that effective change requires some degree of reculturing. This study examines the process of educational change in an undergraduate medical course over a three-year period. Formerly taught exclusively by large class lectures, the course was redesigned to include a blend of e-learning and Team-Based Learning (TBL). The process of change is described and viewed in parallel from the perspectives of both student and teacher while uncovering contextual and process elements that contributed to the outcome.
	Shifting student attitudes to teaching and learning were identified over time, suggesting that these evolve in parallel to faculty experience implementing a new teaching strategy. Van Melle (2005) has suggested that acceptance of educational innovation is dependent on the environment and organizational context. The results of this study highlight the importance of these factors in the successful introduction of a new instructional paradigm as well as the value of longitudinal evaluation of instructional changes in order to better understand their transformational potential.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Pictures for the Nation: Conceptualizing a Collection of 'Old Masters' for London, 1775-1800

contributor:
Brooke, Janet M.
Jessup, Lynda
Art History

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subject:
Collections History
Robert Walpole
John Boydell
Eighteenth-Century London
Noel Desenfans
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Joshua Reynolds

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Art History) -- Queen's University, 2009-01-26 09:01:22.591

abstract:
This thesis addresses the growing impulse towards establishing a public, national collection of Old Master pictures for Britain, located in London, in the last quarter of the eighteenth-century.  It does so by identifying the importance of individual conceptualizations of what such a collection might mean for a nation, and how it might come to be realized for an imprecisely defined public.  My thesis examines the shifting dynamics between private and public collections during the period of 1775 to 1800, repositioning notions of what constituted space for viewing and accessing art in a national context, and investigates just who participated in the ensuing dialogues about various uses of art for the nation.  To this end, three case studies have been employed.  The first examines the collection of pictures assembled by Sir Robert Walpole and their public legacy.  The second explores the proposal for a national collection of art put forth by art dealer Noel Desenfans.  The third examines the frustrated plans of Sir Joshua Reynolds for his collection of Old Master pictures.
	Through the respective lenses provided by the case studies, it is demonstrated that the envisioning of a national gallery for Britain pitched competing perspectives against each other, as different kinds of people jockeyed for cultural authority. The process of articulating and shaping these ambitions with an eye towards national benefit was only beginning to be explored, and negotiations of private ambitions and interests surrounding picture collections for the public was further complicated by factors of social class and profession.  This thesis demonstrate that the boundaries of participation in matters concerning art for the nation were not fixed regarding Old Master pictures and the value placed on them in late eighteenth-century London.

abstract: PhD