title: Exploring Life History Strategies in Adolescence; Attachment, Personality, and Bullying

subject: bullying, Evolutionary Theory, Life History Theory, mortality prime

abstract: The purpose of the present study was to apply a component of Evolutionary Theory, termed Life History Strategy (LHS), to the study of bullying. The current study aimed to highlight the relationship between environmental pressures, slow and fast LHS, and bullying subtypes. A sample of 261 participants (125 males and 135 females) between the ages of 12 and 18 (M = 14.67, SD = 1.84) was collected from adolescents participating in extracurricular activities. Participants first filled out a questionnaire package assessing: Life History Strategy, bullying frequency, socio-economic status, sexual activity, personality, and attachment. Participants were then randomly assigned to an experimental group, which were primed with a mortality cue, or a control group, which were not primed. Following the priming, participants responded to six hypothetical bullying scenarios. It was predicted that participants with a fast LHS are more likely to use direct forms of bullying and participants with a slow LHS are more likely to use indirect forms of bullying. The results revealed that the prime manipulation was not effective; however, participants with a fast LHS did engage in more verbal bullying (F (1, 261) = 5.27, p <.05) with physical bullying approaching significance. Participants with a fast LHS also had higher levels of avoidant (1, 261) =42.54, p<.05) and anxious (F (1, 261) = 15.56, p<.05) attachment styles. In the present study, individuals with a fast LHS engaged in more direct forms of bullying. These results suggest that environmental pressures can increase the use of bullying as an adaptive strategy. This further highlights the need for interventions to incorporate elements of cost/benefit models that consider bullying as an adaptive strategy which is utilized differently based on environmental circumstances.


title: Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Men’s Psychobiological and Behavioural Responses to and Recovery from a Social-Evaluative Body Image Threat

subject:
Men
Body image
Weight training
Social self preservation theory
Coping

abstract: Negative body image, which often results from social-evaluative threats, is common in young men and related to many harmful outcomes. Social self-preservation theory (SSPT) suggests that social-evaluative threats elicit psychobiological (e.g., shame and cortisol) and behavioural responses (e.g., submission). Exercise is a long-term coping strategy for negative body image and can reduce psychobiological responses to social-evaluative threats unrelated to the body (e.g., giving a speech to a panel of judges). The present study investigated the psychobiological and behavioural responses to, and recovery from, a social-evaluative body image threat in university men, and whether weight training moderated the expected psychobiological responses. University men (N = 69; Mage = 20.8 years, SD = 1.84; MBMI = 25.25 kg/m2, SD = 3.23) were randomly assigned to a high-threat or low-threat condition. Results showed that men in the high-threat condition had greater levels of post-threat body dissatisfaction, body shame, social physique anxiety, and cortisol compared to men in the low-threat condition after controlling for pre-threat scores (psychological measures), body fat percentage and trait body image. At the recovery time point there were no longer significant differences between conditions. Participants in the high-threat condition also exhibited shame-relevant behaviours to a greater extent than men in the low-threat condition. Weight training did not moderate any of the psychobiological responses. These findings are consistent with SSPT and suggest that men respond to, and recover from, body image threats relatively quickly.


title: Creating Space, or Just Juggling? Exploring the Adoption of Innovation in Community Sport

creator:
Jurbala, Paul
Jurbala, Paul

subject:
Sport
Organizational change
Associations, institutions, etc.
Interorganizational relations
Nonprofit organizations

abstract:
Previous research into community sport organization (CSO) has focused heavily on capacity and resource deficits and the ways in which CSOs manage under these constraints. This study explores mechanisms influencing CSOs as they adopt and implement an innovation: Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD). A critical realist, extensive-intensive design spanning 36 months was used. The first, extensive phase of the study examines the contextual mechanisms influencing the approach of CSOs to adopting the LTAD innovation. Resource dependence and institutional perspectives are integrated to describe the forces acting on CSOs, how these manifest in structures, and how the structures channel the agency of CSO leaders as they work to balance resources and deliver programs. A contextual model of CSO operation under conflicting institutional logics is presented. The second, intensive phase examines the question of how CSOs plan, learn, and consolidate learning into structure as they integrate an innovation. Here, an engaged case study methodology was used to focus on the efforts of a single CSO over a one-year period as it worked to implement LTAD while managing multiple resource constraints. A learning cycle was used to explore processes of embedded agency resulting in structural change.
CSOs are conceptualized as juggling resource constraints while balancing conflicting institutional logics: the communitarian logic promoted by resource controllers such as municipalities and Provincial Sport Organizations, and the individualist logic followed by CSO members. The results of the study demonstrate how CSOs compete for resources while balancing these institutional pressures and how when possible, CSOs manipulate institutional factors to gain legitimacy and contingent access to resources. In
this competitive environment, LTAD represents a new institutional pressure. CSOs determine whether to adopt LTAD in part based on whether resource controllers signal that compliance will bring legitimacy and enhance resource access. When resource- controlling organizations introduce standards like LTAD intended to improve CSO program quality, the unintended result can be inter-CSO competition for legitimacy that can lead to the systematic privileging of large CSOs at the expense of smaller ones, driving professionalization and potentially increasing costs of sport participation.


title: A Steep Trajectory: An Educational Autoethnography of a Working Class Late Bloomer

contributor: Department of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in Education

subject:
working class
habitus
autoethnography
education
trajectories

abstract: Using Bourdieu’s theory of habitus and related constructs of capital, fields, and practice, I constructed an autoethnography that traced my early educational experiences as a First- generation student from a working class background. In light of persistent and substantial underrepresentation of Canadian working class students participating in and completing university, in this thesis I critically evaluate the trajectory that eventually led me to a master’s degree in education and an ostensibly upper-middle class life. Autobiographical narratives told from my current position in “social limbo” (Friedman, 2015, p. 4), were interwoven alongside theory, empirical evidence, personal school-related documents, and interview data from my parents to explore the ways in which social class helped to shape my disposition of ambivalence towards the education system and experiences of upward social mobility. Findings challenged popular conceptions of meritocracy and education as “the great equalizer,” and discourses that emphasize personal success and failure through their largely uncritical support for upward mobility. By providing a more complex analysis of social class and its intersections with gender, race, and important familial background characteristics, I present this autoethnography as a legitimate contribution to a small but growing body of Canadian literature concerned with the subjective experiences of working class students.


title: Coming Out by Staying In: Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Niagara Region and How They Represent Themselves Online

subject:
queer
masculinities
men who have sex with men
representations
cybergeography

abstract: In regions without a gay enclave and limited traditional gay venues, the Internet has become an important space for men who have sex with men (MSM) to connect. Understanding that socio-spatial relations govern gendered and sexual subjectivities, this study examines how the personal advertisement site, Craigslist, and the dating website, PlentyOfFish (POF), regulate the representations of MSM on those sites in the Niagara Region. Relying on two hundred fifty personal advertisements collected on Craigslist and one hundred dating profiles collected on POF, I develop two case studies that explore how website design and policies, performativities and notions of privacy contribute to the production of MSM representations. Using a queer theoretical approach, I deconstruct processes in these sites which produce gendered and sexual subjects. This study finds that heteronormative discourses embedded in the complex geographies of the two sites of study govern the gendered and sexual representations of MSM. The MSM representations examined in these case studies typically present particular intersections of masculinities that attempt to resemble hegemonic understandings of masculinity. These heteronormative discourses limit the queer expressions. The limiting of queer expressions challenges the utopian understandings of the Internet as a space for MSM to explore their gender and sexuality.


title: Deindustrialization and Urban Regeneration: Nietzsche, Activism, and Organically Emergent Forms of Civic Engagement in Windsor/ Detroit

subject: Deindustrializing Engagement Activism Nietzsche Insurgent

abstract:
The deindustrialization of cities represents a moment of cultural and political weakness and insecurity about what it means to be urban.  Specifically, within Windsor and Detroit the traditionally rooted modes of production and habitation that have framed the cultural and political landscape as well as the identities of these urban centers are in a state of massive transition.  Within these urban centers we find engaged residents mobilizing critical, self-critical and projective dispositions capable of meeting the challenges of their context, as well as issuing inquiries that put the inquirer on the spot, produce discomfort, and have potency: the capacity to change the way the inquirer thinks, acts and inhabits urban landscapes.  These practices are vital responses to the questions that drive our lived-experience of city life and are in the end matters of survival.  This work deploys an interpretation of the new category of philosopher forecasted by Nietzsche in Beyond Good and Evil in order to explore this moment when culture and politics meet at street level in the transitional deindustrializing cities of Windsor and Detroit.  This is a difficult moment to make articulate.  Many of the criticisms and prescriptions at work in the particular projects that we will examine are expressed as action: performed critique.
These urban centers themselves have the capacity to become foxholes of sorts.  Cities have a degree of receptivity to urban activism, and thus can become discrete political entities that mediate between culturally rooted criticisms and the larger political landscape.  These cities in turn have the capacity to generate larger political effects.  Urban activist initiatives, addressed in this project both theoretically and in their particularity, are rooted in the local and the biological in a manner that intimately ties experiences of suffering at the hands of economic and political systems responding to their acts of resistance.  Activist collectives aim to inflict a wound to the overall culture, thus inoculating not only the immediate urban culture, but culture more generally with something new and empowering.  This work explores the tension between embedded criticisms and proposals performed by urban activists and the trenchant forces that frustrate these actions.


title: The Effects of a Single Bout of Plyometric Exercise on Anabolic and Catabolic Osteokines in Girls and Adolescents

subject:
mechanical loading
sclerostin
females
children

abstract: It is well established that dynamic mechanical loading is both beneficial and necessary to the promotion and development of healthy bones. The aim of this study is to determine the response of osteokines related to the anabolic Wnt signalling pathway [sclerostin and dickkopf 1 (DKK-1)] and the catabolic RANKL pathway, [osteoprotogerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β ligand (RANKL)], as well as the related transforming growth factors (TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3) to an acute bout of plyometric exercise in girls and adolescent females. Twenty six females, 14 girls (10.5 ± 0.4 years of age) and 12 adolescents (15.0 ± 0.3 years of age) were recruited to participate in this study. Serum samples were collected pre, 5 min post, 1 hour post and 24 h post exercise. Group differences were seen at baseline in DKK-1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 with girls having significantly higher concentrations than the adolescents. A significant decrease was found after 24 hours in DKK-1. A significant decrease was also found in RANKL at 5 minutes post exercise that remained suppressed 1 hour and 24 hours following the cessation of the exercise protocol in both groups. Plyometric exercise was therefore successful in suppressing the catabolic osteokines DKK-1 and RANKL up to 24 hours following the cessation of exercise in girls and adolescent females.


title: Statistical Image Analysis for Image Evolution

subject: Image analysis, Image evolution, Evolutionary arts, Statistical analysis, Lightweight image retrieval

abstract: This thesis is focused on using genetic programming to evolve images based on lightweight features extracted from a given target image. The main motivation of this thesis is research by Lombardi et al. in which an image retrieval system is developed based on lightweight statistical features of images for comparing and classifying them in painting style categories; primarily based on color matching. In this thesis, automatic fitness scoring of variations of up to 17 lightweight image features using many-objective fitness evaluation was used to evolve textures. Evolved results were shown to have similar color characteristics to target images. Although a human survey was conducted to confirm those results, it was inconclusive.


title: Shortest Path Routing on the Hypercube with Faulty Nodes

subject:
Parallel Computing
Hypercube
Shortest Path
Faulty Hypercube
Routing

abstract:
Interconnection networks are widely used in parallel computers. There are many topologies for interconnection networks and the hypercube is one of the most popular networks. There are a variety of different routing paradigms that need to be investigated on the hypercube. In this thesis we  investigate the shortest path routing between two nodes on the hypercube when some nodes are faulty and cannot be used. In this thesis the shortest path between two nodes is considered as the Hamming distance of them.

Regarding the shortest path problem in a faulty hypercube, some efficient algorithms have been proposed when each processor (node) has limited information regarding the status of other processors (whether they are faulty or not). There are also some proposed algorithms for the case where there is no limitation on the data of each processor but they are not efficient and are exponential in terms of number of faulty nodes and dimension of the hypercube.

To check whether there is a shortest path between two given nodes in a faulty hypercube, we propose a polynomial algorithm with time complexity of O(n^2 * m^2) where n is the dimension of the hypercube and m is the number of faulty nodes. Our algorithm only requires the source node to know the state of all other nodes. The proposed algorithm first checks whether there is a shortest path from the source node to the target node and then it can construct it efficiently.

Our idea is based on a so-called ordering and permutation model of paths in the hypercube. We use a constructive approach to find the path which is a permutation as well. We then use inclusion-exclusion and dynamic programming techniques to make our method efficient.
We also propose an algorithm for counting all possible shortest paths in the hypercube.


title: Effects of Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation on Skeletal Muscle Function and Metabolism in Male and Female CD-1 Mouse Offspring

subject:
supplemental folic acid
nutritional programming
skeletal muscle metabolism
contractility

abstract: In 1998, folic acid (FA) fortification of all white flour, enriched pasta and cornmeal products became mandatory in Canada to reduce the risk of neural tube defects at birth. Furthermore, Health Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada recommends all women take daily prenatal FA supplements in addition to FA- fortified foods during pregnancy, resulting in pregnant women being exposed to approximately 4 times higher FA during pregnancy than the current recommended guidelines. However, the influence of maternal FA supplementation on offspring development, specifically muscle, is currently unknown. Skeletal muscle is one of the most abundant tissues in the human body and is essential for locomotion and energy metabolism. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of supplemental FA (4 times higher than normal dietary consumption), in utero and throughout suckling on muscle function and metabolism in male and female CD-1 mouse offspring. The major findings were ~25% faster contractions in EDL, characterized by a more rapid relaxation rate, and ~15% slower contractions, characterized by a reduced force development rate, in SOL among females in FA group, with no differences in contractile function seen between groups in males. Additionally, carbohydrate metabolism markers in the FA group decreased in SOL among females, whereas, carbohydrate and oxidative metabolism markers increased in EDL and SOL, respectively, among males. These findings suggest that exposure to folic acid supplementation in utero and throughout suckling programs skeletal muscle function and metabolism in a sex-specific manner.


title: The Adaptiveness of Antisocial Personality Traits: Obtaining Reputation, Resources, and Reproduction Through Bullying

subject: Personality Bullying Reputation Resources Reproduction

abstract: Adolescents may compete with each other for access to adaptive outcomes (e.g., social, material, and sexual resources) that have reliably led to survival and reproduction in the ancestral past. However, adolescents may have varying levels of success in securing adaptive outcomes depending on their personality. For instance, antisocial personality traits may provide adolescents with competitive advantages through the use of antisocial behaviours such as bullying. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate if adolescents with certain personality traits may use bullying to express those traits adaptively to gain favourable outcomes. A sample of 231 adolescents (113 males, Mage = 14.60, SD = 1.57) completed self-report questionnaires on personality, bullying involvement, social dominance, material resources, and sexual behaviour. Mediation analyses were conducted and offered mixed support for hypotheses. Bullying partially mediated the relation of Honesty-Humility and Agreeableness with social outcomes, although both personality factors also had direct effects on material outcomes and indirect effects on sexual outcomes through bullying. Furthermore, there were no significant partial mediations between Emotionality and any of the adaptive outcomes. Results provide support for the adaptive function of bullying and suggest that adolescents with lower Honesty-Humility and lower Agreeableness may increase the willingness to use bullying to obtain social and sexual goals.


title: The Power of 'Slut': The Construction of 'Slut' and 'Slut-Shaming' in Contemporary Youth Culture

subject: feminist postructuralism, slut, youth, slut-shaming

abstract:
My thesis employs a feminist poststructural framework to understand the meaning and use
of the term ‘slut’ and its connection to ‘slut-shaming’ in contemporary youth culture, specifically
in relation to the Niagara region. I argue that the term slut is used as a way to police women’s
sexuality, and its use and meaning vary depending on gender, ‘race’ and class. The importance of
this study is in connection to sexual violence against women, and the complex ways that derogatory
language shapes how people view women in relation to sexual violence. Women and men help
maintain and perpetuate the term’s harmful meaning, however, the literature suggests the term may
have empowering aspects for women and it may be resignified or changed to have more positive
meaning. This resignification differs based on a person’s gender, ‘race’, class, etc. and the
intersections between them, with women from different cultures noting that the term cannot always
be reclaimed based on historical and cultural associations. Findings from my interviews suggest conflicting notions over what the definition of a slut is and its connection to ‘shame’. Most participants felt it was primarily young, white women who used the term against each other, and while some used the term in a playful manner, they did not believe it could be reclaimed as something empowering.


title: Investigating the Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Baroreflex Sensitivity

subject:
Cardiovagal Baroreflex Sensitivity
Arterial Stiffness
Blood Pressure Regulation
High-Intensity Interval Training
Cardiovascular System

abstract: Cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (cvBRS) is known to be influenced by endurance exercise. In fact, endurance exercisers typically display a greater cvBRS compared to sedentary controls. Despite the merits of endurance training, adherence to exercise is a problem for many individuals. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols generally involve less time and work completed while imparting similar cardiovascular responses compared to endurance training. To our current knowledge, the findings of HIIT and cvBRS have been equivocal. This study investigated the effects of 12-weeks of HIIT on cvBRS and the relationship between cvBRS and measures of arterial stiffness in 16 young, healthy males. Following HIIT, cvBRS appeared to be unchanged along with most measures of arterial stiffness (carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity, common carotid artery (CCA) distensibility, and compliance); however, CCA intima-media thickness (IMT) significantly improved. Systolic blood pressure, a major determinant of cvBRS, was unchanged, while resting heart rate appeared to improve following 12-weeks of HIIT. Therefore, these findings suggest that in this sample, 12-weeks of HIIT does not appear to influence cvBRS.


title: Identifying Changes in Physical Activity Behaviours That Lead to Weight Gain in First Year University Students

subject:
weight gain
body composition
physical activity
first year university

abstract: The transition to university is a critical time period for weight gain, possibly explained by a decrease in physical activity. The aim of this study was to identify changes in physical activity as students’ transition from high school to university and to assess if they relate to body weight and composition. Three hundred one (71 males, 230 females) first year Brock University students participated. Anthropometric and body composition data were collected in September and April. Students also filled out questionnaires assessing their physical activity behaviours. Significant increases in weight, BMI, and body composition were observed across the sample, accompanied by reductions in physical activity output and increases in factors preventing physical activity participation. However, the reductions in physical activity were not correlated with the changes in body composition. Therefore, in our sample, changes in physical activity behaviours are not the main cause of weight gain in first year university students.


title: The Synthesis of α-Tocopentaenol (αT5), a Fluorescent Analogue of α-Tocopherol

subject:
Vitamin E
Tocopherol
Fluorescence

abstract: This thesis is focused on the investigation of synthesizing a fluorescent analogue of vitamin E, α-tocopentaenol (αT5).  α-Tocopentaenol contains five conjugated double bonds across the phytyl tail, resulting in its fluorescence characteristics.  Different methodologies of preparation were attempted to synthesize an all trans-configuration in the five-conjugated double bonds.  Unfortunately, across the C3’ bond on the tail, geometric isomers were obtained. However, TBSO-αT5 was produced in what appeared to be ≈ 2:1 E:Z mixture across the C3’ bond (having the four other olefins with trans-configurations).  α-Tocopentaenol showed a strong absorbance in ethanol with a maximum λab= 338 nm.  This compound is stable as an oil, stored at -78˚C and protected from light for over a month with minimal degradation.  Because αT5 resembles the naturally occurring form of the vitamin E, this analogue will enhance our ability to study the biological activity of vitamin E and will create an easy method of monitoring its presence in solution and cells.


title: High-Nuclearity Metal Complexes and Single-Molecule Magnets from the Employment of Oximato- and Alkoxido-based Ligands

subject:
Single-Molecule Magnets
Metal Complexes
High-Spin Molecules

abstract:
The employment of 2-pyrrolyloximes, pyridine-2,6-diketones and 3-hydroxy-2-naphthohydroxamic acid in homometallic 3d- and heterometallic 3d/4f-metal cluster chemistry has yielded new families of Fe, Mn and Mn/Dy clusters. These complexes were shown to possess interesting structural motifs and single-molecule magnetism (SMM) behaviour.
The introductory chapter discusses the fundamentals of molecular magnetism, polynuclear metal complexes, as well as the approaches used for the synthesis of new polynuclear metal complexes and the selection criteria for the chelating/bridging ligands. Chapters 2, 3 and 4 report the results of the current thesis.
In Chapter 2, the synthesis and characterization of a family of complexes resulting from the employment of 2-pyrrolyloximes in high-nuclearity transition metal cluster chemistry is reported. Complexes {Fe10} (1) and {Fe12} (2) are two of the highest nuclearity iron clusters containing an oximate ligand, while complex 3 is a barrel-like {Mn25Na} complex that exhibits SMM behaviour. Although there are previously reported examples of discrete {Mn25} barrel-like SMMs, complex 3 is the highest nuclearity Mn cluster organized into a 1D polymer through chelation with diamagnetic metal centers.
Chapter 3 includes the synthesis and characterization of new Mn complexes featuring ligands that result from the metal-assisted reactivity of pyridyl- and pyrazine-based diketones. Complexes {Mn6} (4) and {Mn10} (5) are the highest nuclearity Mn clusters containing any form of the ligand 2,6-di-(2-pyridylcarbonyl)pyridine [(py)CO(py)CO(py)]. Despite the large number of {Mn6} and {Mn10} complexes reported in the literature, both complexes 4 and 5 possess unique topologies in their respective oxidation state levels. Complex {Mn3Na2} (6) possesses a
iii
unique metal stoichiometry and is the only compound containing any form of the ligand pyridine-2,6-diylbis(pyrazine-2-ylmethanone) [(pz)CO(py)CO(pz)]. More interestingly, complex 6 contains the first {MnIII3(μ3-O2−)}7+ triangular core where the Mn centers are solely bridged by an oxido group, essentially being a unique ‘edge-naked’ equilateral triangle.
In Chapter 4, the synthesis and characterization of complexes bearing the ligand 3-hydroxy-2-naphthohydroxamic acid are presented. The {Mn10} complexes 7 and 8 are the highest nuclearity 3d-metal and the first homometallic Mn clusters containing the hydroxime form of the ligand. Both compounds possess unique metal topologies, which are affected by the nature of the carboxylate ligand present in the reaction mixture, and they behave as SMMs. The use of 3-hydroxy-2-naphthohydroxamic acid in Mn/Dy cluster chemistry has afforded the {Mn4Dy} complexes 9 and 10, as well as a family of {Mn8Dy2} complexes (11 and 12). These compounds are the first Mn/Dy complexes containing this particular hydroxime ligand and they also possess unique metal stoichiometries and topologies. The reported heterometallic products resulted from our efforts to deliberately replace the divalent Mn atoms located in 7 and 8 with DyIII as a means of enhancing the magnetic properties of the former. Complexes 11 and 12 were found to be single-molecule magnets.


title: The effect of an exercise and balance training intervention program on balance and mobility in community-dwelling older adults

subject:
Balance
Mobility
Older adults
Obstacle course
Intervention program

abstract: This thesis investigated the effect of a 12-week exercise and balance training intervention program on perceived and actual balance and mobility outcomes in healthy community-dwelling older adults. Forty-six older adults completed baseline testing including balance confidence and movement reinvestment questionnaires, and a series of balance and mobility tests. Those older adults who were randomly assigned to the intervention group participated in a 12-week program that included aerobic exercise, upper and lower body resistance training, flexibility training and balance training while those assigned to the control group were asked not to make any lifestyle changes during a 12-week control period. The same testing protocol was repeated upon completion of the 12-week intervention program or control period. The results indicated that the intervention group showed improved performance between baseline and 12-week testing sessions for two balance measures (e.g., faster Timed-Up and Go duration, fewer obstacle course errors) while there was no change observed in these measures in the control group. There was also a trend observed for higher balance confidence and less movement self-consciousness reinvestment at the 12-week compared to baseline testing session for the intervention group while no change in these measures was observed in the control group. The findings suggest that participating in 12 weeks of an exercise and balance training intervention can effect change in select perceived and actual balance outcome measures in healthy community-dwelling older adults.


title: Comparing the aerobic demand of various pieces of accessible exercise equipment in individuals with multiple sclerosis

subject:
exercise prescription
rehabilitation exercise
aerobic exercise
multiple sclerosis
exercise modality

abstract: Current research in the effectiveness of different aerobic exercise modalities for individuals with MS is incomplete. The primary aim of this study is to compare the aerobic response of six selected pieces of accessible exercise equipment at a moderate intensity, as indicated by the current exercise guidelines for individuals with MS. Exercise equipment preference was evaluated using a questionnaire. Participants (n=10) performed a steady-state exercise test on an arm ergometer, arm-leg recumbent stepper, body weight supported treadmill, arm-leg functional electrical stimulation (FES) recumbent stepper, arm FES cycle ergometer, and leg FES cycle. The average VO2 (mlkgmin-1) was recorded on each piece of equipment. Here, the body weight support treadmill, arm leg FES recumbent stepper, and the arm leg stepper were significantly more aerobically demanding than the arm ergometer (p<.05). Further, there were no differences in pain (p> .05), safety (p> .05), enjoyment (p >.05), or anticipated adherence to exercise guidelines in duration (p >.05) or frequency (p> .05). In this study, all forms of accessible aerobic exercise were equally aerobically demanding and preferred in individuals with MS, with the exception of the arm ergometer being less aerobically demanding.


title: The Effect of Recommended Sharpening Characteristics on Skating Speed

subject: Skate, Sharpening, Hockey, Skating Speed

abstract: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of combining recommended blade sharpening characteristics; namely, radius of contour, radius of hollow and pitch on skating speed in ice hockey players. An operational definition for recommended sharpening characteristics was derived from previous research, current industry practices and pilot work. Males, currently competing at the U16 (n = 21), U18 (n = 10), and Minor Midget AAA (n = 9) levels of competitive ice hockey were recruited to participate. Players completed a battery of eight on-ice skating drills representing skating skills typically used in game situations while skating on two blade sharpening conditions: (i) the player’s current sharpening characteristics and (ii) the recommended sharpening characteristics. Movement initiation time (T1; s) and total skating time (TT; s) were measured for each drill. Composite scores were calculated as the sum of times across seven of the eight drills for T1 (s) and TT (s). Two-tailed paired samples t-tests were conducted to determine if significant differences existed in T1 (s) and TT (s) between conditions. Significantly faster times were revealed for the recommended sharpening condition on 4 of the 8 measured T1’s (s/kg), on 2 of the 8 measured TT’s (s/kg), and on both composite T1 and TT scores (p < .05). Data was then grouped in three ways for further analysis; by the number of sharpening characteristics adjusted (1, 2, or 3), by position (forward & defense), and by player weight (≤81.6 kg & >81.6 kg). When grouped by the number of sharpening characteristics adjusted, results revealed no significant differences when one or all three characteristics were adjusted. When two characteristics were adjusted significant differences were observed in 2 of the 8 T1’s (s/kg) and TT’s (s/kg) and in composite T1 and TT scores. When results were grouped by position or player weight, mixed results were revealed; meaning significant differences were revealed only on select skating drills that varied by group. All significant differences revealed faster times for the recommended sharpening condition. The results revealed may be indicative of the complex relationship between sharpening characteristics and performance in various on-ice skating skills.


title: A study of lipid recognition and membrane binding by the human oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP).

subject: oxysterol binding protein (OSBP)

subject: dual polarization interferometry (DPI)

subject: phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate

subject: 25-hydroxycholesterol

subject: Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)

abstract:
Recent studies have established oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) and members of the OSBP-related protein (ORP) family as global cellular sterol sensors that participate in non-vesicular anterograde transport of monomeric sterols from the endoplasmic reticulum to other organelles such as the Golgi and the plasma membrane. By exchanging sterols for phosphoinositides, these multi-domain proteins change the bilayer composition at membrane contact sites and thus, regulate various signaling pathways. Despite the wealth of knowledge garnered from the study of fluorescent/radiolabeled ligand-protein interactions and inter-vesicular lipid transfer assays in vitro, the precise nature of the association of ORPs with organellar membranes and the factors modulating such interactions have remained largely enigmatic. The goal of my project was to characterize the behaviour of human OSBP using a label-free analytical technique called dual polarization interferometry (DPI). This technique enables surface-immobilization of phospholipid vesicles to observe and analyze the behaviour of proteins towards adsorbed bilayers.
From my investigation, I found that OSBP prefers binding to membranes containing anionic phospholipids, such as phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI(4)P), over membranes made up of neutral phosphatidylcholine (PC). In the presence of PI(4)P, the wild-type protein clearly demonstrated a rapid bilayer association, followed by PI(4)P extraction and a slower dissociation, in a dosage-dependent fashion. The OSBP-related domain (ORD) mutant, OSBP-HH/AA, due to its impaired ability to extract PI(4)P, failed to dissociate from the membrane while the pleckstrin homology domain (PHD) mutant, OSBP-RR/EE, could not associate with membranes at all. The presence of sterols did not alter OSBP’s affinity for PC membranes despite a two-fold increase in protein adsorption per unit area in the presence of cholesterol in the membrane, compared to 25-hydroxycholesterol. Both cholesterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol competed with 22-NBD-cholesterol for the binding site in the ORD of OSBP, with resulting EC50 values of 15.6 ± 0.7 nM for the former and 5.0 ± 0.5 nM for the latter. OSBP also transferred ORD-bound fluorescent cholesterol to acceptor vesicles, but the rate remained unaltered upon incorporation of PI(4)P in those membranes. These results provide useful insight into the preferential association of OSBP with membranes containing specific recognizable ligands, such as sterols and PI(4)P, and help build a molecular level description of the mechanism of this protein.


title: Use of micro-computed tomography to evaluate changes to bone structure due to ovariectomy and polyunsaturated fatty acid intervention in a rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis

subject:
bone microarchitecture
osteoporosis
micro-computed tomography
flaxseed
menhaden

abstract:
The testing of osteoporosis-related therapies and the investigation into their mechanism
of action largely relies on the use of the preclinical model of postmenopausal
osteoporosis, the ovariectomized (OVX) rat. Study 1 evaluated the time-course of
changes to the trabecular and cortical microarchitecture of the proximal tibia of the
Sham-control and OVX rat over a 3-month period following surgery at 3-months of age,
a typical period used in the testing of nutritional and/or drug intervention. This study
confirmed the use of the 3-month OVX rat as a model for trabecular microarchitecture
changes, but did not support its use as a model for cortical bone changes. The OVX rat
was also used to test its resistance to repeated radiation exposure from micro-computed
tomography (μCT), a method necessary for the longitudinal evaluation of a single animal
(Study 2). The method of μCT and its scanning parameters were also investigated to
confirm their use in appropriately quantifying the 3-dimensional microarchitecture of the
rat hind limb both in vivo and ex vivo (Study 3). Together, findings from these
methodological studies led to its use in the evaluation of changes to bone structure in
response to a nutritional intervention in the OVX rat (Study 4). Previous studies of
growing rats and of OVX rats suggest a benefit to bone with supplementation with a
lower n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) dietary ratio, and to altered sources of
n-3 PUFA, but no study has investigated the impact of these nutritional patterns over the
life course. Therefore, Study 4 determined the effect of the dietary ratio and source of n-
3 PUFA on bone during periods of growth (1 through 3 months of age) and following
Sham or OVX surgery (at 3 months of age). A low PUFA ratio with n-3 provided from
flaxseed oil provided benefits to bone health during growth, but these changes were not
maintained following OVX. These data suggest that dietary PUFA, at levels attainable in
humans through a healthful diet, are not an adequate strategy for the prevention of the
rapid and drastic bone loss induced by OVX.


title: The Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Adult Sleep

subject:
sleep
trauma
childhood sexual abuse
mediator

abstract: The present study examined the role of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in adult sleep. Specifically, it investigated why those with histories of CSA are more likely to have disrupted sleep by examining two possibilities. First, the present study explored whether sleep disturbances are due to a generic effect of trauma or if they are unique to CSA. Second, the present study also examined trauma experienced after childhood as a possible mediator of the relation between CSA and adult sleep quality, as those with histories of CSA are more likely to experience subsequent adult abuse/trauma. The present study is an improvement to the current literature in terms of measurement as it used not only more thorough measurement by use of several sleep questionnaires, but also better quality of measurement by using measures with psychometric data. Likewise, it is an improvement in terms of sample and methodology as it used a large, non-clinical, community sample and included comparisons to other forms of abuse/trauma. Participants recruited from Mechanical Turk (n = 403) completed measures regarding childhood abuse/trauma, post-childhood abuse/trauma, and sleep. As hypothesized, those who experienced CSA were found to have poorer overall sleep than non-abused peers; however, they were not significantly different from those who experienced physical abuse only or sexual and physical abuse. Post-childhood trauma was found to act as a full mediator of sleep duration and habitual sleep efficiency, and a partial mediator of overall poor sleep quality, subjective sleep quality, sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction, disruptive nocturnal behaviours, sleep paralysis frequency, sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, RLS/PLMD, nightmares, nightmare frequency, factors influencing sleep, and impact of sleep complaints on daily functioning. In sum, these findings are largely consistent with prior theory, suggesting that adult sleep disturbances following CSA are due to a generic effect of trauma, and add to our understanding of why CSA is related to disrupted adult sleep by introducing post-childhood abuse or trauma as a mediating variable.


title: Becoming and Remaining an Activist: A Qualitative Study of Animal and Disability Rights Activism among Older Youth

subject:
animal activism
disability rights
Bronfenbrenner
distal and proximal influences
qualitative

abstract: Drawing on past research findings, this qualitative research study explored seven early childhood (i.e., distal) and current (i.e., proximal) factors self-reported by older youth as being important in shaping their personal life course toward becoming and remaining involved in the animal rights movement: 1) education, 2) gender, 3) lifestyle, 4) parental involvement, 5) first event, 6) empathy, and 7) collective identity. This research study also adopted a comparative lens and explored the similarities and differences in responses between older youth who engaged in animal and dis/ability rights activism. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with six animal rights activists and six dis/ability rights activists ranging in age from 21 – 30 years and Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Model of Human Development was applied. The qualitative research findings revealed that in terms of distal factors that are associated with becoming an animal rights activist the participants reported that education, gender, first events, parental involvement, lifestyle, and empathy were all significant factors. Proximally, the participants reported that education, lifestyle, empathy, and collective identity were significant factors associated with remaining an animal rights activist. The comparative analyses revealed the following five factors as relevant to understanding engagement in animal versus dis/ability rights activism: collective identity, first event, parental involvement, empathy, and gender. Unexpected themes were also revealed that help to explain some of the current challenges (i.e., problems within the movement) and benefits (i.e., intersectionality) that participants experience in the animal rights movement.


title: Age-related errors in the assessment of children

subject:
Screening
Developmental delay
Relative age effects

abstract:
Children's functioning can only reasonably be measured relative to that of other individuals of the same age.  In practice, age ranges are usually used to group children for this purpose.  Examples include school grades, age groups in sports, and age bands used in developmental assessments.  Age grouping is associated with systematic errors, often known as relative age effects (RAEs): Within each age group, older children outperform younger ones.  This type of assessment error may lead to opportunities and interventions being offered inefficiently or unfairly.

This thesis comprises 5 research projects that aim to clarify underlying causes of RAEs, examine their importance in different contexts, and develop analytic methods relevant to their study.  I use data drawn from two studies: A prospective cohort study including athletic performance measures (the Physical Health Activity Study Team project) and a validation study undertaken to compare measures of child development (Psychometric Assessment of the Nipissing District Developmental Screener).  I develop linear models to characterize age-related variation and then use results to draw conclusions, to inform other analyses, and to generate synthetic datasets.

Together, studies demonstrate a set of methods for the exploration and correction of RAEs.  They also yield several concrete findings: (1) A simple mathematical interpretation of RAEs can fully explain the errors seen in real datasets, meaning that other explanations are, in at least some contexts, unnecessary.  (2) RAEs have different effects in ranking and selection contexts, with ranking errors largest among average individuals but selection errors greatest when more extreme thresholds are used.  (3) Age bands cause misclassification in measures of child development, and the error rate rises rapidly with the width of age bands used.  (4) The use of different sets of age bands will prevent different assessments from agreeing closely.  (5) Age grouping in developmental assessments will create an illusion of longitudinal instability.  Finally, I demonstrate the use of alternative scoring approaches and discuss how these can reduce or eliminate errors related to RAEs.


title: Examining the Relationship between Anticipated Pain and Actual Pain Associated with Periodontal Surgery

subject:
Pain
Periodontal Surgery
Nutrition
Anticipated Pain

abstract: Patients cite fear of pain as a reason for avoiding necessary dental treatment. The relationship between expected pain and actual pain, nor the factors that influence actual pain experienced following periodontal surgery have been well characterized. To measure anticipated pain, patients completed a visual analog scale (VAS) prior to surgery and a 7-day diary that included a VAS for actual pain and a record of pain medication and nutritional supplement use. Linear regression was used for statistical analysis. A positive correlation was found between anticipated pain and actual pain. Factors that influenced pain experienced after surgery included anticipated pain, age, sedation during surgery, and number of pain pills used. Patients who anticipated more pain experienced more pain following surgery. Older patients and patients who take less pain pills reported experiencing less pain. Recognizing factors that influence the amount of pain experienced can help practitioners provide appropriate accommodations for patients.


title: Ligand Design for Metal-Organic Frameworks and Single Molecule Magnets

subject: Ligand SMM MOF Magnet

abstract:
This thesis describes two projects in which ligand design has been employed for the synthesis of coordination compounds exhibiting interesting structural and magnetic properties.
In Project 1 a flexible, polydentate 4,4'-bipyridine ligand (LI) was prepared and fully characterized. Its coordination chemistry with Cu2(OAc)4 afforded a new complex with stoichiometry [Cu4(LI)1.5(OAc)2(py)2(OH2)]n (III). Single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments revealed that (III) crystallized as a porous, 3-D MOF with a structurally unique trinodal 4,4,5-c net topology. Variable temperature powder X-ray diffraction and TGA experiments revealed that (III) became amorphous upon desolvation, but that the crystallinity of the complex was fully restored after resolvation, rendering it a new addition to the family of breathable MOFs.
Project 2 presents a joint synthetic, experimental and theoretical approach towards the discovery of Ln-based SMMs. The synthesis and characterization of a new dual-compartmental macrocycle (LII), with an N3O2 cavity suitable for the preparation of seven-coordinate lanthanide complexes was achieved. Reaction of (LII) with LnCl3∙6H2O, (where Ln3+ = Dy, Tb and Er), in the presence of NaOH afforded three novel complexes with stoichiometry [Ln2Na2(LII)2(Cl)4(MeOH)]·xH2O (IVa-c). X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the complexes were isostructural, comprising two coordinated macrocycles linked via a bridging 2 chloride to afford a dimer. Both macrocycles of each dimer contained a Ln3+ ion with pseudo D5h geometry that is coordinated equatorially by the five donor atoms in the N3O2 pocket together with two axial chloride ligands, as well as a 6-coordinate Na+ ion, residing in the O3O22− pocket.  All three complexes have been magnetically characterized. A frequency dependence to the out of phase component of the ac susceptibility data was observed for the Dy3+complex (IVa), consistent with SMM behaviour. The ac data was successfully modelled to a single component Debye equation and a fit of the temperature dependence of c to the Arrhenius equation afforded an effective energy barrier (Ueff) of 12.6 cm−1 and a pre-exponential factor, τ0 of 2.91 x 10−7 s for this complex. Unfortunately, no slow relaxation of the magnetization was observed for the Tb3+ and Er3+ derivatives (IVb) and (IVc). Comprehensive ab initio studies carried out on (IVa-c) shed important light on the relaxation dynamics in all three complexes, revealing that deviation from idealised D5h geometry results in less well isolated ground states and active quantum tunnelling mechanisms, further supporting the experimental observations of predominantly field induced SMM behaviour for (IVa), but no SMM properties for complexes (IVb and c).


title: Molecular ecology and social evolution of the eastern carpenter bee, Xylocopa virginica

subject:
bee
social evolution
population genetic structure
competition
dominance hierarchy

abstract:
Bees are extremely valuable models in both ecology and evolutionary biology.  Their link to agriculture and sensitivity to climate change make them an excellent group to examine how anthropogenic disturbance can affect how genes flow through populations.  In addition, many bees demonstrate behavioural flexibility, making certain species valuable models with which to study the evolution of social groups.  This thesis studies the molecular ecology and social evolution of one such bee, the eastern carpenter bee, Xylocopa virginica.  As a generalist native pollinator that nests almost exclusively in milled lumber, anthropogenic disturbance and climate change have the power to drastically alter how genes flow through eastern carpenter bee populations.  In addition, X. virginica is facultatively social and is an excellent organism to examine how species evolve from solitary to group living.
	Across their range of eastern North America, X. virginica appears to be structured into three main subpopulations: a northern group, a western group and a core group.  Population genetic analyses suggest that the northern and potentially the western group represent recent range expansions. Climate data also suggest that summer and winter temperatures describe a significant amount of the genetic differentiation seen across their range.  Taken together, this suggests that climate warming may have allowed eastern carpenter bees to expand their range northward.  Despite nesting predominantly in disturbed areas, eastern carpenter bees have adapted to newly available habitat and appear to be thriving.  This is in marked contrast to many other bee species, particularly in the genus Bombus, who appear unable to shift their ranges along with climate change.
	Facultatively social organisms are interesting species to study the evolution of social groups, and the remaining chapters address questions of sociality in X. virginica.  I used observation nests and genetic relatedness to examined how females behave towards one another in the spring prior to the establishment of dominance hierarchies in social nests.  In spring, females directed fewer aggressive behaviours and more cooperative behaviours towards familiar rather than related individuals, indicating that females use nestmate recognition rather that kin recognition when interacting with conspecifics.  Overwintering groups often contain both related and unrelated individuals, indicating that many bees interacting with one another in the fall prior to overwintering may be unrelated, emphasizing the importance of recognizing nestmates.
	Within social carpenter bee nests three different types of female have been described: primary, secondary and tertiary.  Primary females are the dominant foragers and egg layers in the nest while secondary and tertiary females appear to join a reproductive queue behind the primary. To understand the nature and flexibility of this reproductive queue I performed removal experiments across three different years. This study showed that secondary females always assumed the role of replacement primary, while tertiary females rarely opted to forage and reproduce even if they were the only female in the nest.  Removal experiments demonstrated that social groups in X. virginica are complex and comprise two different reproductive strategies (breed in the current year or delay reproduction) as well as form dominance hierarchies among primary and secondary females.  Several tertiary females were able to become primary or solitary females in their second summer, providing evidence for how each type of female may have evolved in social nests.
	Finally, I examined how competition influences the evolution and maintenance of social groups in eastern carpenter bees.  In conditions of high population density significantly more social nests were present in the population, indicating that competition for limiting nesting resources drives individuals together into social groups. Within social groups relatedness was low, and siblings actually dispersed away from one another to other nests in the population, reducing competition among kin.  Eastern carpenter bees appear to demonstrate an interesting evolutionary route to sociality, where very high levels of competition among kin lead to dispersal, while limited nesting substrate forces individuals back into unrelated social groups. While predicted by kin selection, social groups of this nature are previously undescribed in the Hymenoptera, and further study of eastern carpenter bees can provide novel insights into alternate routes to sociality.


title: How to Make it Work: A Case Study of Inclusion in a Community Figure Skating Club

subject:
Inclusion
Integration
Disability
Sport
Organizational Culture

abstract: The purpose of my research was to a) examine the organizational and instructional features of the King City Skating Club (KCSC) that contribute to its ability to integrate persons with an accommodation into their figure skating programs and b) develop guidelines for other sport organizations that allow for full and meaningful integration of youth who require accommodations into their programming. I chose to undertake a case study of the KCSC. Data were collected via interviews and a focus group, and introspective field notes were taken within two hours of leaving the club or interview location to provide me with an ongoing internal audit trail. Data analysis involved the identification of salience and patterns as well as overarching thematics informed by Max van Manen’s phenomenological existential categories of body, space, time, and relation. Results indicated five considerations when examining meaningful inclusion in community sport: open and effective communication, education, sense of community, space and time, and having a focus on the participants’ needs. Recommendations for future research included a multiple case study design as well as a focus on specific health benefits.


title: Identification of transcripts associated with postharvest withering in Vitis vinifera L. ‘Cabernet Franc’ grape berry

subject:
Appassimento
Grape
Postharvest Withering
Gene Expression
Wine

abstract: The withering of grape berries following harvest is known in Italian as appassimento, and it used as a tool to alter the composition of the berries prior to winemaking. Specific gene expression patterns were determined by RNA Sequencing in the red-skinned berries of Vitis vinifera L. ‘Cabernet Franc’ for three time points during withering, at both slow and fast rates, up to 40.7 and 31.2 percent cluster weight loss respectively, with a target of 29 + 1 oBrix. Slow withering was associated with a higher number of differentially expressed genes, and those commonly up-regulated across all time points were associated with a higher number of gene ontology categories, including phenylpropanoid and cellular aromatic compound metabolism and biosynthesis. Commonly up-regulated genes across fast drying were only related to response to abiotic and biotic stimuli terms. Both slow and fast withering were associated with an up-regulation of numerous WRKY and MYB transcription factors, as well as stilbene synthase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase and trehalose-phosphate phosphatase. With respect to anthocyanin biosynthesis, there was no change in expression for MYBA genes, and UDP-glucose:flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase was down-regulated transiently in fast withering and showed no change in expression in slow. Slow withering was also associated with an up-regulation of a dehydrin and the CBF3 gene. The results of the present study suggest that fast withering may be associated with primarily an intense stress response, while slow withering may be associated with a senescence or over-ripening, in combination with a gradual adaptation to a less intense dehydration stress. As such, the influence of rate during withering will likely have a strong impact on the final berry composition, and thus will influence the characteristics of the resulting wines.


title: The Experience of Being a Collaborative Writer

subject:
collaborative writing
narrative
self-study
student-supervisor collaboration
identity

abstract: This qualitative self-study narrated and analyzed my experience of writing an academic textbook collaboratively with 2 other authors. Social constructivist theory and the idea of cognitive apprenticeship provided a conceptual framework. In this study, I compared my experience with the benefits, challenges, and relational dynamics reported in the literature. Data included face-to-face interviews, recorded Skype conversations, emails, and journal entries. Strategies that can enhance collaborative writing are presented. The study concludes with a discussion of the ways collaborative writing disrupts traditional cultural and academic notions of writing.


title: Athlete Perceptions of the Impacts of Adapted Performance Profiling Procedures in an Applied Sports Setting

subject: sport psychology, performance profiling

abstract: The Traditional performance profile (Butler & Hardy, 1992) has been endorsed by athletes and consultants as an effective tool in enhancing the delivery of sport psychology training with its ability to increase self-awareness, motivate athletes to improve and as a basis for goal setting. Variations to the Traditional profiling procedure have been developed and employed within applied settings, but have received limited evaluation as to their usefulness and impact. Further, no research has examined performance profiling in regard to its impact on adherence to, or intended participation to a sport psychological skills program. The purpose of this study was to explore and compare athlete perceptions regarding the impacts, usefulness and benefits of Traditional and Adapted performance profiling procedures. Athletes believed that Adapted performance profiling was not only useful, but had a significantly bigger impact on their self-awareness, motivation, and intention to participate in a future psychological skills program, than the impact of Traditional performance profiling.


title: Comparison of Prompting Procedures to Teach Internet and Information and Communications Technology to Older Adults

subject:
Applied Behaviour Analysis
Behavioural Gerontology
Older Adults
Internet Skills
Technology

abstract: Internet use has been found to produce meaningful social interactions and greater social support among older adults (White et al., 2002). The Internet and related information and communications technologies (ICTs) has the potential to serve as an excellent communication tool for older adults, as it allows individuals to stay in touch with family and friends and may even help to expand one’s social network (Gato & Tak, 2008). Despite these benefits, the Internet and ICTs are not widely used among the older-adult population (Cresci, Yarandi, & Morrel, 2010). With continuous technological advancements, and a growing population of older adults, there is an increased demand for effective ICT-training programs geared specifically toward older adults (Mayhorn, Stronge, McLaughlin, & Rogers, 2004). The current study utilized an adapted alternating treatments design to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of video prompting and text-based instructions on the acquisition of three tablet-based tasks: emailing, video calling (FaceTime® application), and searching for a YouTube™ video. Video prompting and text-based instructions were both effective for all three participants, with both prompting procedures being roughly equivalent in terms of efficiency for two of three participants and video prompting being more efficient than text-based instructions for the third participant.  Results are discussed in the context of potential limitations and areas for future research.


title: Rucking into New Territory: A Case-Study on the Experiences of Pioneer Female Club Rugby Players in Ontario

subject:
Women's Rugby
Pioneer Club Players
Ontario
Experiences
Gender Inequity

abstract: The gender hierarchy found within sport has been reinforced through the use of traditional interpretations of masculinity, making sport a well-suited arena to examine gender inequity in its many forms. My thesis explores the challenges experienced by female pioneer rugby players in Ontario and their participation in a traditionally masculine sport. In order to explore the experiences of the female pioneer club players in Ontario, I conducted interviews with eight women and did multiple forms of content analyses. The analyses allowed me to describe the type of support the participants had and the barriers these female players encountered relative to their male counterparts of the era. My findings indicated that gender inequity, in both blatant and habit based manifestations, was at the forefront of the challenges endured by the pioneer players. Further research should investigate women’s involvement with the political and policy development aspects of the sport of rugby.


title: Identifying changes in dietary intake, diet quality, body weight and body composition during first year university

subject:
first-year university
body weight
body composition
dietary intake
diet quality

abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify if dietary intake and eating habits change in students during first-year university and how these changes influence anthropometrics and body composition. 301 students (n=71 males, n=230 females) completed food frequency and dietary habits questionnaires. Anthropometry and body composition were measured at the beginning and end of first-year university. Both males and females gained body weight (p<0.05). Both gained fat mass and males gained significantly more lean mass than females. Energy intake significantly decreased by ~400 kcals/d for both sexes. Diet quality also decreased in both sexes characterized by negative changes in healthy and unhealthy foods. Caffeine intake remained the same and alcohol intake increased. Therefore, modest weight gain does occur during first-year university, males more than females, but the composition was different. Dietary intake and quality decreased in both sexes and changes in some dietary habits reflected these negative intake changes.


title: Multi-objective Genetic Algorithms for Multi-depot VRP with Time Windows

subject:
Vehicle Routing Problem
Genetic Algorithms
Age-layered Population Structure
Multi-objective GA

abstract: Efficient routing and scheduling has significant economic implications for many real-world situations arising in transportation logistics, scheduling, and distribution systems, among others. This work considers both the single depot vehicle routing problem with time windows (VRPTW) and the multi-depot vehicle routing problem with time windows (MDVRPTW). An age-layered population structure genetic algorithm is proposed for both variants of the vehicle routing problem. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is first work to provide a multi-objective genetic algorithm approach for the MDVRPTW using well-known benchmark data with up to 288 customers.


title: Leveling the Playing Field: Assessing Physical Literacy in Children and Youth with Physical Disabilities

subject: physical literacy, physical disabilities, assessment

abstract: Introduction: Research indicates that there are challenges associated with individuals with a disability acquiring mature movement patterns similar to their able-bodied peers (Capio, Sit & Abernethy, 2011), resulting in the notion that they are physically illiterate. Additionally, the benefits of physical literacy (PL) have not been comprehensively investigated in children/youth with disabilities, nor is there a reliable tool to assess PL in this population. Purpose: The main purpose of this research is to pilot a PL assessment tool for children/youth with physical disabilities. Methods: By modifying elements from Canadian Sport for Life’s Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAY), participants recruited from two recreation programs will take part in a pre- and post-test assessment using the amended tool. Lived experiences are also documented using semi-structured interviews. Results: Results indicate that everyone, regardless of ability, can be physically literate. Participants’ scores in individual PLAYSelf categories paralleled their ranking of PL as the most significant category of literacy. However, this was contradicted by ~70% of participants who testified to partaking in sedentary activities during their leisure time and reported limited participation in a wide range of physical activities. Conclusions: PL is an inclusive concept accessible to all and represents a unique journey for each person. The revised PL assessment tool represents the multidimensional facets of PL, but improvement is necessary to accommodate Paralympic or adapted sports/activities in the PLAYInventory questionnaire. Future research should look to comprehensively assess levels of physical literacy in individuals with any disability or exceptionality.


title: Affective Traits of Psychopathy and the Role of Early Visual Attention: An Electrophysiological Study

subject:
psychopathy
electrophysiology
amygdala
visual attention
event-related potentials

abstract:
Models of affective processing abnormalities in psychopathy have involved both amygdala abnormalities and attentional deficits to peripheral affective information. Neurophysiological bases for the latter are not currently well understood. Often presented as competing explanations for affective traits of psychopathy, these models may instead be compatible, describing different levels of analysis, with the amygdala playing a role in early attention allocation.

To explore this possibility, this dissertation was designed to integrate these two areas of the literature by proposing a neurophysiologically-based model of biases in attention to peripheral affective information in psychopathy. This model is centred on the idea that attentional biases seen in psychopathy may result from reduced responsivity of a subcortical thalamus-amygdala circuit that influences the allocation of attention to salient stimuli in the environment during initial stages of processing. Event-related potential (ERP) components that reflect attention allocation during early stages of visual information processing were used to test the hypothesis that individuals high in psychopathic traits would show reduced attention allocation to peripheral information in the form of reduced and/or delayed ERP responses. Explored were the relations between psychopathic personality traits and early ERP responses to simple stimulation of the visual system (Study 1) and to spatially-filtered emotional faces involving implicit versus explicit processing of the stimuli (Study 2).

ERP effects related to overall psychopathic trait severity, but also yielded factor-specific ERP response patterns. Study 1 results were consistent with the present hypotheses. Specifically, higher Factor 1 scores (primary, affect-based traits) were associated with reduced attention-related ERP amplitudes in response to a flash stimulus presented peripheral to task performance. Factor 2 severity (secondary antisocial and behavioural traits) was associated with ERP latencies in primary visual cortex. Study 2 also showed somewhat more complex but Factor-specific patterns of early visual processing.

Overall, the results were consistent with a reduced responsivity of the thalamo-amygdalar pathway in psychopathy-related individual differences in attention at early stages of visual information processing, both for affective information and simple sensory stimulation. This raises the question of whether such processing differences are a predisposing factor for the development of psychopathic traits.


title: A Catharanthus roseus mutant with trace levels of secologanin and monoterpenoid indole alkaloids does not express BIS1/BIS2 transcription factors and fails to activate iridoid biosynthesis.

subject: Catharanthus roseus translocation BIS iridoid

abstract:
The Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is the sole source of the monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) that result in several essential anti-cancer chemotherapies as well as being an important source for other MIA derived pharmaceutical agents. Most of the alkaloid and pre-alkaloid iridoid pathway has been elucidated, but some critical areas remain uncharacterized. The early iridoid pathway is localized to internal phloem associated parenchyma (IPAP) cells, with the latter part of the pathway localized to the epidermal cells indicating intercellular transport within the leaf tissue does occur. However, possible transport or translocation of MIAs or pre-MIAs between organs within Catharanthus roseus has not been studied.
Previously, 3600 EMS (ethyl methane sulfonate) mutagenized C. roseus plants had been screened with a simple TLC (thin layer chromatography) to identify mutants with altered MIA profiles yielded one plant with trace MIA production. This trace MIA status was confirmed using UPLC-MS (Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry) and the plant had a thick, stocky, short root system, small leaves, a rigid stem, premature senescence and was susceptible to infection resulting in its rescue to in-vitro.
Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of iridoid gene expression showed significant downregulation of several iridoid pathway genes as well as the downregulation of transcription factors BIS1 and BIS2.
Feeding the trace MIA mutant roots the iridoid secologanin resulted in alkaloid production in the leaves. While grafting trace MIA mutant shoots onto MIA producing WT roots also resulted in alkaloid production in the mutant leaves.
This study establishes that MIAs or pre-MIA iridoids, such as secologanin, may be translocated between the plant organs and this may be useful for the identification of novel transporters, enzymes, and transcription factors.


title: The association between “leg length to height ratio” and blood pressure in  peri-adolescents

subject: Leg length to height ratio, blood pressure, peri-adolescents

abstract:
Background: Hypertension has a high prevalence in adults, and is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Children and adolescents with higher levels of blood pressure tend to have high blood pressures as adults. Identifying children with higher levels of blood pressure would be critical for effectively implementing preventive measures among them. Stature components have been found to be associated with the risk of CVD in adults and some CVD risk factors in children. A few studies have found an association between leg length to height ratio (LLHR) and blood pressure in children; however, none of these studies have been in Canada.
Objective: To ascertain the relationship between leg length to height ratio and blood pressure in Canadian youth.
Methods: This cross- sectional analysis was done using data from the Heart Behavioural Environment Assessment Team (HBEAT) study, which was conducted with students from Niagara Catholic District School Board. Blood pressure and stature components of 689 students between the ages of 9-14 years were included for the analysis. The height range was 106.3 cm to 178.5 cm, and the blood pressure range was 67 mmHg to 142 mmHg for systolic blood pressure, and 30 mmHg to 96 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure. Regression models were used to examine relationships between LLHR and blood pressures.
Results:  In the regression analyses, for every one standard deviation increment in LLHR, the systolic, diastolic, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure were on average 1.08 mmHg (p<0.01), 0.88mmHg (p<0.01), 0.20mmHg and 0.95mmHg (p<0.01) lower after adjusting for selected covariates.
Conclusion: Inverse relationships between LLHR and systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure have been observed among Canadian youth. However, whether this can be used to predict the future risk of high blood pressure among children with a lower LLHR needs further studies.


title: Biofilm Formation and Quorum Sensing in Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1

subject:
biofilm
quorum sensing
autoinducer
c-di-GMP

abstract:
A bacterial biofilm is a community of microorganisms adhering to a surface, exhibiting biochemical and phenotypic differences from their planktonic counterparts. The transition from a free-floating to sessile cell type has been shown to be, in part, mediated by high intracellular levels of the nucleotide second messenger c-di-GMP. It is suggested that one of the environmental cues for biofilm formation, recognized by members of the c-di-GMP network, is local cell density. In areas of high cell density, cells can communicate through a system called quorum sensing. In gram negative bacteria, acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) molecules are excreted into the surrounding medium and recognized by cells in close proximity. It is hypothesized that upon recognizing AHLs through c-di-GMP signaling, gene expression is altered leading to a sessile lifestyle. Thus, the
long-term goal of this research is to provide evidence for the link between c-di-GMP and quorum sensing-mediated mechanisms in biofilm formation in Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf0-1. The first objective towards this goal was to identify the AHLs utilized by P. fluorescens Pf0-1 in quorum sensing mechanisms. Through gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GCMS), two AHLs were identified in the supernatant of P. fluorescens Pf0-1; N-butyryl-HSL and Ndecanoyl-
HSL. Subsequent work will focus on the identification of AHLs with longer acyl-chain and varying levels of acyl chain oxidation. The second objective towards this goal was to utilize the 96-well static microtiter plate biofilm assay as a platform for studying the relationships between c-di-GMP and AHL-mediated mechanisms in biofilm formation. As a protocol for 96-well static biofilm assays that was previously successful was no longer reproducible, different microtiter plate surfaces were surveyed for their ability to support P. fluorescens Pf0-1 biofilm and to investigate potential factors that could interfere with development on the abiotic surface. Throughout the troubleshooting process, biofilm assay experiments carried out in microtiter plates with the same type of surface chemistry, but from different manufacturers and batches, resulted in variable quantities of biofilm. This observation then inspired the production of a surface that would create more favorable interactions with bacterial cells and offer increased points of attachment to further promote biofilm formation. In this new platform, microtiter plates are pre-treated by abrasive forces such as sandblasting and drilling before biofilm assays, which gives robust biofilm formation that will allow for future investigation into connections between c-di-GMP and AHL-controlled mechanisms of biofilm formation in P. fluorescens Pf0-1.


title: Cardiac Autonomic Assessment and Diastolic Function in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

subject: Spinal cord injury, autonomic function, QT-Variability Index, diastolic function, echocardiography

abstract:
The primary purpose of this thesis was to examine the validity and reproducibility of the QT-variability index (QTVI) as a measure of cardiac autonomic function in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The secondary purpose was to investigate the influence of cardiac autonomic activity and blood volume on diastolic function in individuals with SCI. Results from Study 1 showed that the QTVI increased when participants performed a cardiovascular (CV) stress maneuver, and subsequently returned to baseline after blocking sympathetic outflow via metoprolol. Moreover, while participants were resting, the QTVI increased after blocking parasympathetic activity via atropine. These results suggest that the QTVI may reflect both cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic activity in those with incomplete SCI, depending on the autonomic state of the individual.  Results from Study 2 demonstrate high day-to-day reproducibility of the QTVI in participants with SCI, regardless of injury level, and also in those with high level injuries who may have reduced cardiac sympathetic regulation. Results from Study 3 showed that indices of cardiac parasympathetic activity (HRV and QTVI) were correlated with left ventricular filling in able-bodied individuals but not in individuals with SCI, suggesting a disconnect between cardiac parasympathetic activity and diastolic function after SCI. In addition, for the able-bodied group, the cold face test (CFT) increased vagal activity which was associated with bradycardia and augmentation of diastolic filling. However, for the SCI group, the increase in vagal activity during the CFT was associated with no change in heart rate and an attenuation of diastolic function. Results from Study 4 showed that although individuals with SCI were hypovolemic, resting diastolic velocities were similar compared to the able-bodied group. This maintenance of diastolic function appeared to be attributed to the cardiac atrophy that manifests following SCI. In addition, there was no between-group difference in the diastolic response to rapid saline infusion.
Findings from this dissertation suggest that the QTVI is a valid and reliable tool for non-invasively estimating cardiac autonomic regulation in individuals with SCI. In addition, although the mechanical aspect of diastolic function is preserved after SCI, atypical vagal-diastolic interactions may impair ventricular filling in this population.


title: THE EFFECT OF GROUP SIZE ON SYNCHRONY AND THE SYNCHRONY EFFECT

subject: behavioural synchrony, endorphins, pain threshold, group effect, rowing

abstract: Synchronization of behaviour has repeatedly shown to increase endorphin activity as measured by pain threshold (Cohen, Ejsmond-Frey, Knight, & Dunbar, 2010; Sullivan & Rickers, 2014). Although research on synchronous behaviour and the synchrony effect has noted instances of the synchrony effect in multiple physical activities (Cohen et al., 2010; Davis, Taylor, Cohen & Mesoudi, 2015; Kokal, Engel & Kirschner, 2011), it has only incorporated small group trials. Additionally no previous literature has investigated endorphin level subsequent to the immediate termination of exercise. The current study examined the effect of group size on the magnitude of the synchrony effect and explore the length of time the synchrony effect lasts. Thirty-three participants rowed 3 twenty minute time trials on a Concept II ergometer under three counterbalanced conditions - alone, paired and large group (n=12). Pain threshold, was assessed before, immediately post, 5 minutes post, and 10 minutes post each session. Contrary to previous research, a significant synchrony effect was not observed between the solo and group conditions. A significant positive change in pain threshold was reported at the 10 minute post exercise time point compared to the paired condition. This result suggests a longer lasting synchrony effect in a large group condition and that synchronous movement in large groups allows for individuals to exert themselves longer in such conditions.


title: Lossy Compression of Quality Values in Next-Generation Sequencing Data

subject: quality values compression lossy sequencing

abstract:
In this work we address the compression of SAM files which is the standard output file for DNA assembly.
We specifically study lossy compression techniques used for quality values reported in the SAM file and we
analyse the impact of such lossy techniques in the CRAM format. We also study the impact of these lossy
techniques in the SNP calling process. Our results show that lossy techniques allow a better compression ratio
than the one obtained with the original quality values. We also show that SNP calling performance is not negatively
affected. Moreover we confirmed that some of the lossy techniques can even boost the SNP calling performance.


title: Secondary Transmission Dynamics of the West Nile Virus in Mosquitoes

subject:
West Nile
Virus transmission
Transovarial
Vertical transmission
Mosquitoes

abstract:
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a member of the genus Flavivirus and is transmitted by mosquitoes. It first appeared in North America in New York City in 1999 and was first detected in Windsor Ontario in an infected bird collected in early August 2001. Prior to WNV, flaviviruses were not of major concern in Canada as only 1 short outbreak had occurred in the country. The secondary transmission cycles of WNV are typically overlooked in regards to their role in maintenance and survival of the virus in nature.
The first component of this thesis was to investigate transovarial or transovum transmission (TOT) of WNV in Ontario during the 2012 and 2013 epidemic seasons. 89 males from 7 different traps were tested from samples collected in 2012. During the 2013 season individuals across 9 different WNV vector species were collected throughout the Niagara region with 1023 tested for the presence of naturally occurring WNV TOT. None of the samples showed signs of TOT. A single gravid female Culex pipiens tested positive for WNV, but no viral RNA was found in any of her 270 offspring, highlighting the many difficulties in detecting this type of transmission in natural populations.
Laboratory testing was conducted to further investigate secondary transmission of WNV. A novel method for infecting adult mosquitoes was developed during this process; it was found more individuals would feed on an infectious sugar meal (ISM) as opposed to an infected blood meal in the lab setting. The ISM showed rates of infection, dissemination, and transmission by the WNV vector Aedes albopictus that were similar to those observed in previous vector competence studies. The ease of infecting adults and the similar rates of infection to previous literature suggests that this method could be used to investigate vector competence of other species for WNV.
The ISM was also successful in the infection of male Aedes albopictus and was used to investigate WNV venereal transmission (VT) within the species. Evidence showed that 45% of the uninfected virgin females were positive for WNV after mating with infected males, indicating for the first time that male Aedes albopictus could transmit the virus venereally.


title: Phage-mediated biological control of Erwinia amylovora: The role of CRISPRs and exopolysaccharide

subject:
Bacteriophage
Biological control
Erwinia amylovora
CRISPR/Cas system
Exopolysaccharide

abstract:
Fire blight, caused by bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is a very serious disease affecting apple, pear and other fruit plants. The development of phage-based biopesticides is currently in progress in our lab. Emergence of phage-resistant bacteria is a valid concern. Two attributes of the bacterial host that may contribute to the development of resistance were studied, the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/ CRISPR-associated (CRISPR/Cas) system and exopolysaccharide (EPS) interaction with phages.
The structure of E. amylovora CRISPR/Cas system was determined in 8 E. amylovora isolates from different geographical regions. Three CRISPR-array sets named CR1, CR2 and CR3 were detected in 4 isolates, and only 2 arrays were determined in the rest of the isolates. No significant similarity was found between spacers in any of these systems to phage DNA sequenced in this study or from GenBank. Also the Cas level of expression was not stimulated during phage infection. Introduction of extra copies of Cas genes to enhance expression did not result in phage resistance. Nevertheless, E. amylovora CRISPR/Cas system was found to be efficient in blocking the transformation of plasmids carrying protospacers matched spacers in CRR1 and CRR2.
Among phages that have been sequenced in this study are ΦEa9-2 and ΦEa35-70. ΦEa9-2 (Podoviridae) genome is 75,568 bp, and found to be related to coliphage N4. ΦEa35-70 (Myoviridae) genome is 271,084 bp, and found to carry a potential EPS depolymerase gene. Activity of ΦEa35-70 EPS depolymerase was only detected when cloned and expressed in E. coli, but His-tagged purified protein did not exhibit any EPS-depolymerase activities.
This study offers critical information for the design of novel and effective phage-based biopesticides for the control of E. amylovora. It provides a new knowledge on the molecular structure and function of CRISPR/Cas system and EPS-phage interaction.


title: Coaching Abuse Experiences in Young Elite Female Artistic Gymnasts: An Ethical Appraisal

subject:
Abuse
Artistic Gymnastics
Elite
Ethical Appraisal

abstract: Artistic gymnastics coaches continue to face criticism stemming from the training requirements they place on their young gymnasts. The purpose of this study is to discover and examine coaching abuse experiences of young elite female artistic gymnasts, and provide an ethical appraisal of such abuse using two distinct moral frameworks. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with former elite artistic gymnasts. Data analysis was guided by phenomenological methods and a textural description of the phenomenon was created. Findings revealed that gymnasts’ experienced forms of physical, sexual and emotional abuse from their coaches, and attributed these experiences in part to a lack of coaching education. Furthermore, the shared experiences of the gymnasts were not consistent when two moral frameworks were applied to the data. Based on the ethical implications of coaching abuse in elite female gymnastics, recommendations for mitigating coaching abuse toward young female gymnasts and future research were also discussed.


title: Influence of upper limb ischaemia-reperfusion injury on the regulation of cutaneous blood flow during local thermal hyperaemia

subject:
laser-Doppler
microcirculation
oxidative stress
sensory nerves
skin blood flow

abstract: The present research was developed to investigate the effects of acute upper limb ischaemia- reperfusion (I-R) on neurovascular and endothelial control of the cutaneous micro-circulation in the forearm and finger by evaluating its influence on the magnitude and kinetics of the vasodilatory response to local skin heating. Study 1 investigated between-day reliability of the local heating response in non-glabrous and glabrous index finger skin. Study 2 investigated the effects of I-R on the local heating response in non-glabrous and glabrous skin of the index finger. Study 3 investigated within- and between-day reliability of the local heating response in non-glabrous forearm skin. Study 4 investigated the effects of I-R on the local heating response in non-glabrous forearm skin, as well as the contribution of sensory nerves in mediating the magnitude and kinetics of this response. When data were normalized for blood pressure and expressed as cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) reliability was generally comparable across all skin sites. In non-glabrous skin reliability was superior when CVC was normalized to maximum heating. At all skin sites, normalizing CVC to baseline produced poor results. Vasodilatory onset time and time to initial peak during local heating produced moderate to good reliability for all skin sites in Studies 1 and 3. In the finger, I-R did not influence the magnitude of the local heating response for the initial peak or plateau phases in either skin type. However, I-R did cause a ~23% delay in vasodilatory onset time and a ~16% delay in time to initial peak in non-glabrous skin. In the forearm, I-R attenuated the initial peak and plateau phases by ~31% and ~34%, respectively. Vasodilatory onset time was also delayed by 34% post-ischaemia. The contribution of sensory nerves in mediating the initial peak and vasodilatory onset time were significantly reduced post-ischaemia, while sensory nerves did not influence the plateau. It is concluded that upper limb I-R impairs the local heating response in non-glabrous forearm and index finger skin. A combination of cutaneous sensory nerve impairment and reduced nitric oxide bioavailability appear to be responsible for attenuating the vasodilatory response to local skin heating under these conditions.


title: Experiences of Secondary School Teachers, Students, and Administrators in One Exemplary EcoSchool: A Description of Successful Practices and Challenges

subject:
Environmental Education
Ontario EcoSchool Program
Program Implementation
Transformative
Environmental Stewardship

abstract: This descriptive case study focused on the implementation strategies, experiences of teacher members, and involvement of students in an Ontario environmental education (EE) program called EcoSchools. Data were collected during the 2015–2016 academic year within a Gold certified secondary school in southern Ontario. Data sources included document analysis of 7 years of Eco certification portfolios, observations of EcoTeam activities, and semi-structured interviews with 15 teachers, administrators, and students. The study offered important insights into the successes and challenges of EcoSchools implementation. Successes include democratic EcoTeam dynamics, administrative support, student leadership opportunities, and rewarding greening projects in the school and local community. Data reveal major challenges with low student involvement in the EcoTeam and eco-projects, emphasizing participation over student learning, and a lack of engaging activities for secondary level students. Recommendations for schools include incorporating eco-goals into the school improvement plan, recruiting more student volunteers for school ground greening projects, planning environmental stewardship projects that engage the whole school community, and emphasizing the educational focus of eco-campaigns. Critical recommendations for Ontario EcoSchools program developers include revising activities to specially engage secondary school students, requiring an action plan so EcoSchools make data-driven decisions towards improvements, and promoting school-wide professional development to build capacity for all teachers. It is also recommended that student environmental literacy assessments be initiated across the province to build accountability for the Ontario EE policy framework and encourage EE to hold more of a priority position within secondary schools.


title: Mind over Matter: Exploring the Power of a Positive Body Image

subject:
appearance-related commentary
body appreciation
filter
impression formation
weight trajectory

abstract:
This dissertation examines positive body image and its relationship with appearance-related commentary, body weight, and impression formation among young adult women. It explores how women’s unique individual experiences are constructed within social interactions. The present dissertation examined weight using a dynamic approach - weight trajectory (i.e., whether someone is gaining, losing, or maintaining weight).
	In study 1, body appreciation and a body image coping strategy (i.e., positive rational acceptance coping), which are characteristics associated with positive body image, were tested as mediators in the relationship between the frequency of positive appearance-related commentary and the effect elicited from those compliments. Only body appreciation produced indirect effects, as the frequency of appearance compliments only impacted the effect felt from those comments through body appreciation as the processing mechanism.
In study 2, women were interviewed about their body image experiences with appearance-related commentary at differing weight trajectories. Women described how their body image was influential in filtering appearance-related commentary both while a higher and lower body weight. A more positive mindset (e.g., body acceptance), rather than weight loss, fostered positive effects from positive appearance-related commentary.
Study 3 determined whether information provided about a female target’s weight trajectory and/or body image altered the participants’ impression of that target. The target described as on a weight loss trajectory compared to a weight gain trajectory was rated more favourably on certain personality and physical characteristics. Further, the target described as having a positive body image (including high self-esteem) compared to a target described as having a negative body image (including low self-esteem) was also rated more favourably on numerous personality and physical characteristics.
All three studies demonstrated the value of having a positive body image both from an intrapersonal and interpersonal perspective. This has important implications for future research and body image programs designed to foster positive body image.


title: Special Educators’ Experiences of Change Through Inclusive Education:  The Development of the Inclusion Continuum of Change

subject:
inclusion
teacher change
exceptionalities
inclusive pedegogy
special educators

abstract:
This phenomenological case study explored the change experiences of special education teachers who have transitioned from teaching in self-contained classes to inclusive class settings.  Ten educators completed surveys and participated in a focus group.  Of the original ten, five chose to participate in individual interviews.  Descriptive statistics and focus group themes indicated that all ten of these educators had experienced shifts in their pedagogy and their overall beliefs and teaching methods for students with exceptionalities in inclusive classrooms.  Data collected from the five individual interviews was combined using a descriptive phenomenological method, to create a single collective description that illustrated the change experience of special education teachers from segregated education for students with exceptionalities to inclusive education settings.
	The overall findings indicated that despite their special education training, these educators were challenged by their own beliefs and expectations, the attitudes of others and systematic barriers in the education system.  They were equally surprised by the academic and social performance of students with exceptionalities in inclusive classes, as well as, the growth and development of the other students, and the overall pedagogical shifts they recognized in themselves.  These findings suggest implications for professional development and training with special education teachers for inclusive practice.  As well, opportunities to maximize the skills of these educators in a Professional Learning Community (PLC) and in mentorship opportunities within their schools where they serve as experts working with their colleagues is recommended.  Consideration is also given to how these implications affect all educators as schools become more inclusive environments.
	From examining the literature on inclusion and teacher change and the findings of this research, a graphic representation titled The Inclusive Educators’ Continuum of Change was developed to illustrate the change experience of these special educators.  This figure can provide special educators with a framework for which to map their own change experience.  Further research to establish whether this graphic representation applies to all educators in inclusive settings is needed.