title: Expression, subcellular localization and functional characterization of RBM5 and RMB10 during the differentiation of C2C12 skeletal myoblasts (skeletal myogenesis)

subject: RBM5

subject: RBM10

subject: Skeletal Myogenesis

subject: C2C12

subject: Development Differentiation

subject: Alternative Spacing

subject: RNA-binding proteins

subject: cancer cells

abstract:
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are a highly regulated, evolutionarily conserved and
functionally distinct family of proteins involved in key RNA metabolic processes. The
RNA-binding motif protein RBM5 is an anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, putative tumor
suppressor. A paralogue of RBM5, RBM10, which shares 50% identity with RBM5,
functions in development. RBM5 and RBM10 are spliceosomal components involved in
alternative splicing. RBM5 and RBM10 are ubiquitously expressed with higher levels in
muscle (heart and skeletal) and pancreas. Most of the studies on RBM5 and RBM10 have
been focused on cancer cells. Several factors such as 1) abundance in muscle, 2)
developmental and temporal regulation, 3) alternative splicing activity and 4) association
with functional events related to muscle development led us to hypothesize that both
RBM5 and RBM10 are involved in skeletal muscle differentiation. The mechanism of
action through which these two RBPs effect differentiation is hypothesized to involve
alternative splicing of muscle differentiation-specific mRNAs. RBM5 and RBM10
expression and intracellular distribution was analyzed during muscle differentiation in the
C2C12 murine model using qPCR, end-point PCR, immunoblotting and confocal
microscopy. Also, RBM5 and RBM10 levels were transiently down-regulated using
siRNA either separately and/or together and the associated changes in cell phenotype,
expression of myogenic proteins plus a few alternative splicing events were analyzed. We
observed a decrease in RBM5 and RBM10 protein expression levels in the differentiated
myotubes compared to the myoblasts and myocytes, which indicates a time-dependent
potential regulatory role during differentiation. Further, changes in RBM5 and RBM10
protein expression without modulating the levels of mRNA variants suggests posttranscriptional
and/or post-translational regulation. Stage-specific differential localization
suggests multiple functions related to mRNA biogenesis. RBM5-depleted cells showed a
reduction in the total cell number during differentiation, and exhibited a delay in
differentiation, fusion and maturation with down-regulated expression of myogenin and myosin heavy chain (MyHC). This implies that RBM5 is necessary to maintain the cell
population to execute the myogenic differentiation process in a timely manner. RBM10-
depleted cells showed an increase in total cell number immediately after transfection, and exhibited a delay in differentiation with a decrease in inclusion of exon 11 in Dtna
mRNA. This indicates that RBM10 is required to maintain the necessary cell population
before induction and acts as a splicing regulator during differentiation. RBM5- and
RBM10- depleted cells differentiated and matured slowly, and had an increase in Mef2c γ
exon inclusion. Therefore, these two RBPs are associated with the alternative splicing of
Mef2cγ during differentiation. This is the first study to analyze the expression and the
function of these two RBPs in a murine skeletal muscle differentiation model, and has
implicated them in myogenesis, paving a way for further characterization. Future studies
can investigate the involvement of RBM5 and RBM10 in disease states such as muscular
dystrophy and rhabdomyosarcomas, given the known functions of RBPs in tumorigenesis
in other cell types.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomolecular Sciences


title: Monitoring landscape and spatial behavioural outcomes of large scale forest management for boreal caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in upland and lowland forests of Ontario, Canada

subject:
Boreal caribou
species conservation

abstract: Habitat management is a key tool used to support species conservation and sustainable timber harvest on managed forests; however assessments of long-term management outcomes are rare. My study is a qualitative assessment of the outcomes of over 15 years of large scale forest management for boreal caribou in two unique Ontario, Canada landscapes: the northwestern Boreal Shield and the northeastern James Bay Lowlands. I assessed: (1) the realized outcomes of forest management direction with respect to the landscape scale structure and configuration of caribou habitat and harvested areas, and (2) changes in caribou spatial behaviour in response to forest management. I found patterns opposite to those predicted based on management recommendations in terms of harvest configuration and size, and observed no detectable changes in caribou habitat continuity or area that could be related to management application. Similarly, I observed behavioural patterns suggestive of maladaptive behavioural response to management outcomes, which could be potentially detrimental to caribou population viability. Overall, these results suggest that further investigation into the management of habitat for boreal caribou in Ontario is required. Moreover, these results highlight the importance of long-term monitoring for management practices in order to ensure management success.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: Calibration and commissioning of the Helium and Lead Observatory

subject:
helium
SNO-LAB
lead
Helium And Lead Observatory (HALO)

abstract:
The Helium And Lead Observatory (HALO) is a dedicated supernova detector at SNOLAB
consisting of 79 tonnes of lead instrumented with 128 3He-filled neutron counters.
A burst of neutrinos from a supernova will interact with the lead and result in a burst of
neutrons, detectable by the counters. This burst can be identified as a supernova signal.
The previously existing HALO Monte Carlo simulation was revised to better represent
the detector and evaluate its supernova response. The composition of the paint used on
the lead blocks was estimated using new and previous measurements. Other geometry
updates were checked with neutron capture simulations to verify their implementation.
To verify the detection efficiencies of the Monte Carlo simulation, a 252Cf neutron source
was deployed in the 40 copper calibration tubes in the detector. The high neutron multiplicity
in Cf fissions allowed for the source strength to be determined along with the
neutron capture efficiency by an analysis of the relative population of the detected multiplicities.
This verified the Monte Carlo simulation’s results and gave an overall efficiency
for the detection of supernova-induced neutrons of (27.61   0.17)%.
Backgrounds to the detection of supernovae include neutrons leaking into the detector
from the lab, the spontaneous fission of uranium inside the detector, and muon-induced
spallation events in and around the detector. These factors along with the false positive
rates specified by the Supernova EarlyWarning System (SNEWS) limit the trigger threshold
to 4 neutrons detected in two seconds, giving a detection range of about 13.7 kpc for
supernovae with an average neutrino energy of 18 MeV and a pinching parameter of 2.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Physics


title: Differenciations of  “enfant” / “child” in the achievement of Gilles Deleuze

publisher:
Laurentian University of Sudbury
Laurentian University of Sudbury

subject: Deleuze Enfant Child Differenciation,

abstract: The thesis investigates the paradox of a word, “enfant,” or “child,” in its relation to ten works in the oeuvre of Gilles Deleuze, as produced by him and with others. The paradox is that this word circulates less as this word, “enfant,” than as, in the vocabulary of Différence et répétition (1968), an Idea, whose differential virtuality is multiple, and that differenciates, or actualizes, across the surfaces of these ten texts, repeating in different forms. This differencial circulation can also be read through the vocabularies of Logique du sens (1969) and Qu’est-ce que la philosophie? (1991). Differenciations include: “Dionysos-enfant” (1962); “Alice” of Through the Looking Glass (1969); “devenir-enfant” (with Félix Guattari, 1980); and “enfance du monde” (with Claire Parnet, 1988). The suggestion is developed that actualization of “enfant” for Deleuze also became an act, in that his suicide of 4 November 1995 resonates with both his “Dionysos” and “Alice.”

abstract: Master's


title: Smudge and mirrors: representations of First Nations knowledge in the Sudbury Catholic District School Board

subject:
Indigenous
First Nations
self-identified
colonization
decolonization
achievement
demographics
residential schools.

abstract:
This research seeks to explore the understanding of, and representation of Indigenous
knowledges within elementary schools within the Sudbury Catholic District School Board.
Moreover, the research seeks to examine the perceived barriers that are faced by educators in the
representation of Indigenous knowledges within elementary urban schools. The research will
conclude by exploring some recommendations on reshaping educational institutions to better
incorporate Indigenous content and knowledge within elementary schools.
This research confirms what First Nations parents, communities and students already know,
western systems of education are continuing to fail First Nations students and by extension First
Nations communities as they continue to perpetuate colonial approaches to the delivery
of education for First Nations students.

abstract: Master of Indigenous Relations (MIR)


title: An improved energy management methodology for the mining industry.

subject: energy management

subject: energy audits

subject: mining industry

subject: energy reporting

subject: energy benchmarking

subject: auxiliary mine ventilation

subject: dissemination of best practice energy management

subject: signal processing

subject: electricity disaggregation

abstract:
The focus for this work was the development of an improved energy management methodology tailored for the mining sector. Motivation for this research was driven by perception of slow progress in adoption of energy management practices to improve energy performance within the mining sector. Energy audits conducted for an underground mine, a mineral processing facility, and a pyrometallurgical process were reviewed and recommendations for improved data gathering, reporting and interpretation were identified.
An obstacle for conducting energy audits in mines without extensive sub-metering is a lack of disaggregated data indicating end use. Thus a novel method was developed using signal processing techniques to disaggregate the end-use electricity consumption, exemplified through isolation of a mine hoist signal from the main electricity meter data. Further refinements to the method may lead to its widespread adoption, which may lower energy auditing costs via a reduced number of meters and infrastructure, as well as lower data storage requirements.
Mine ventilation systems correspond to the largest energy demand center for underground mines. Thus a detailed analysis ensued with the development of a techno-economic model that could be used to assess various fan and duct options. Furthermore, the need for a standardized methodology for determination of duct friction factors from ventilation surveys was proposed, which included a method to verify the validity of the resulting value from asperity height measurements. A method was also suggested for determination of leakage and duct friction factor values from ventilation survey data.
Dissemination of best practice is a strategy that could be employed to improve energy performance throughout the mining sector, thus a Best Practice database was developed to
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improve communication and provide a standardized reporting framework for sharing of energy conservation initiatives.
Demonstration of continuous improvement is an underpinning element of the ISO 50001 energy management standard but as mines extract ore from deeper levels energy use increases. Thus ensued the development of a benchmarking metric, with the use of appropriate support variables that included mine depth, production, and climate data, that demonstrated the benefit of implemented energy conservation measures for an underground mine.
The development of an ultimate energy management methodology for all stages of mineral processing from ‘Mine to Bullion’ is beyond the scope of this work. However, this research has resulted in several recommendations for improvement and identified areas for further improvements.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Natural Resources Engineering


title: Médiation et engagement familial pour la réussite du placement de l'enfant dans la parenté.

subject:
Placement dans la parenté
Triangulation
Médiation
Engagement familial

abstract:
Ce mémoire vise à déterminer les conditions de réussite du placement de l’enfant
dans la parenté, c’est-à-dire un membre de la famille élargie ou un membre de la
communauté avec qui celui-ci entretient un lien significatif.
Le retrait d’un enfant de sa famille biologique, pour le confier aux soins d’une autre famille est quelque chose de bouleversant tant pour l’enfant qui a tissé un lien d’attachement avec ses parents, que pour ces derniers qui peuvent y voir un déni de leur parentalité, un échec de leur part aux yeux de la société, ou une injustice des services de protection de l’enfance. Ces sentiments peuvent créer de la frustration, de la honte ou un déni de responsabilité, ou encore entrainer un refus de collaboration avec la société d’aide à l’enfance (SAE), ainsi que la naissance ou la résurgence de dynamiques familiales conflictuelles avec la parenté qui a accepté de prendre l’enfant en charge. Face au refus de collaboration et aux dynamiques familiales conflictuelles, comment les intervenantes et intervenants réussissent-ils à gérer cette triangulation,
c’est-à-dire l’ensemble des interactions qui existent entre la SAE représentée par ces intervenantes et intervenants, la famille biologique de l’enfant et la parenté? La gestion de cette triangulation, pour l’harmonisation des points de vue des parties impliquées dans le processus du placement de l’enfant dans la parenté et l’engagement de la famille, s’avère être la médiation. Cette approche d’intervention permet aux parties en conflit de s’asseoir autour d’une table pour négocier une entente équitable qui ne lèse personne, et qui préserve les intérêts de l’enfant. Ce mémoire focalise sur ce que font exactement les intervenantes et intervenants dans le cadre de la médiation afin d’engager les parents à participer au bon déroulement du
placement de l’enfant dans la parenté. En s’appuyant sur le modèle écologique, une recherche qualitative de nature exploratoire a été menée auprès de neuf intervenantes et intervenants chargés du
placement de l’enfant dans la parenté, et travaillant dans l’une des SAE de la province de l’Ontario. Un guide d’entrevue semi-structuré a servi à la cueillette des données. Les résultats ont permis de mettre en lumière les facteurs qui favorisent la médiation et l’engagement familial, ou qui lui font obstacle, selon qu’ils appartiennent aux caractéristiques personnelles, familiales et environnementales des familles, au soutien
financier accordé à la parenté ainsi qu’à la pratique des intervenantes et intervenants.

abstract: Maîtrise en Service Social (MSS)


title: Soins palliatifs pédiatriques : une recherche documentaire sur l’accompagnement du bébé, de l’enfant, de l’adolescent et de leur entourage

subject: Soins palliatifs pédiatriques

abstract:
Le soin palliatif pédiatrique est un phénomène récent. L’objectif de cette étude documentaire
systématique, est de démystifier en quelque sorte l’accompagnement des enfants mourants et leur
entourage. La revue de la littérature montre qu’il existe trois types d’accompagnement. Le premier
accompagnement se rapporte à la détresse des enfants, des parents et des frères et soeurs. Ils sont tous
angoissés devant une situation pénible qu’ils ne peuvent contrôler. Le deuxième accompagnement
s’inscrit dans la douleur des enfants mourants. Les parents plus particulièrement ont de la peine à voir
souffrir leur enfant, ils se sentent impuissants. Le troisième accompagnement concerne le deuil et le
processus de toutes les personnes impliquées dans cette situation. Les personnes de l’entourage
immédiat ne savent pas quoi penser, quoi dire et quoi faire pour accompagner les jeunes mourants et ils
vivent, à travers le deuil anticipé de l’enfant (que ce soit un bébé, un jeune enfant ou un adolescent),
leur propre mort.

abstract: Mémoire de maîtrise au programme de maîtrise en sociologie


title: Crafting design: translating haute couture craft productions into architectural design

subject:
craft
analogy
haute couture
fashion
embodied knowledge
the hand
translation
material production
Paris, France
métiers
museum
underground architecture
skills
architecture

abstract:
The notion and practice of ‘craft’ is present
in all cultures, and in its broadest compass,
reflects the human desire to manifest subjective
aspirations through matter. As a concept, it
beholds a complexity that extends far beyond the
vague definition of ‘skillful making.’ Preceding all
recognized disciplines, the historical development
of craft suggests a common embodied identity that
is inherently engrained within our very individual
framework. Several theorists recognize that there is
great validity in craft methodologies, ranging from
deep knowledge of materials to the relationships
between making and ethical and moral awareness.
Good architecture calls for this existential wisdom,
highlighting the relevance and necessity for such
discussions.
Through the derived and adapted knowledge of
related design industries, architecture strengthens
its understanding of human conditions and needs.
Haute couture, an accredited sector within the
fashion industry shows many similarities to
architecture. Considering clothing as artifacts
that are more than a response to functional
requirements, haute couture exercises the design
and creation of custom-made objects within the
context of a strict and controlled professional
environment. The design of haute couture garments
and accessories revolves around proportions of
the human body, and often reflects the cultural
and stylistic priorities of its time. Beyond these
surface-level similarities, however, both architecture
and haute couture operate at the nexus of
high-quality design and craft. Despite the many
parallels, fashion is often not recognized as a
socially valuable practice, especially in association
with a heroic discipline such as architecture.
Concluding in the architectural manifestation of Le
Musée des Métiers de la Haute Couture, this thesis
will expose the craft productions of haute couture to
the general public of Paris, revealing and curating
the making of the artifact. Considering analogical
operations as part of the design process (Chupin,
2010), this dissertation extracts understandings of
craft principles from the discipline of haute couture
and translates the findings into an architectural
design, resulting in a dialogue between the two
disciplines. Synthesizing these similarities unveils
parallels, as well as differences, which encourages a
critical questioning of the contemporary approach to
architecture.
The structure of this thesis commences with
interpretations of fundamental texts that probe
the notion of craft. Comprehending the hand
as a thinking entity (Pallasmaa, 2009), craft as
a cultural phenomenon (McEwen, 1993), and
architecture as an interdisciplinary art form (Trasi,
2001) serves to define the design process of this
thesis project that is anchored in the craft of haute
couture. Recognizing craft as a means of material
consciousness and moral awareness (Sennett,
2008) that, by consequence, is imperative in the
creation of meaningful architecture, will emphasize
the necessity for this dialogue. In search of fresh
perspectives, the thesis puts forth three main
analogical operations for the design of the building:
between the pleat and the structure, the seam and
the connections, and embroidery and superimposed
ornamentation. These analogical operations between
fashion and architecture are explored concurrently
through the materialization of a full-scaled
garment and the design of the building. This thesis
project offers a critical proposal for how we might
strengthen the process of architectural design in the
technological age.

abstract: Master of Architecture (M.Arch)


title: The application of dialectical behavioural therapy and eco-systemic structural family therapy with children, youth, and families

subject: family therapy modalities

subject: Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy

subject: Emotion Focused Family Therapy

subject: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

subject: mental health challenges

abstract:
Kingston Health Sciences Centre is committed to using three family therapy
modalities with their clients at the Child and Youth Mental Health Clinic. Ecosystemic
Structural Family Therapy, Emotion Focused Family Therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour
Therapy are evidenced-based interventions, sometimes used as the sole method of
therapy, but often times as an adjunct to other techniques for children and youth afflicted
with mental health challenges. This thesis is an analysis of the three methods, using the
literature review to provide context, and eliciting examples from three families, that were
counseled throughout a five-month period.

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW) Program


title: Beyond the sandwich generation: the lived experiences of older Prince Edward Island women caregivers caring for an older adult

subject:
Prince Edward Island
women caregivers
aging Islanders
social work services

abstract:
This research examined the experiences of older Prince Edward Island women in providing care to an aging parent, partner, family member, or friend. I investigated these experiences using a feminist lens to recognize the valuable experience of women and use their voice in bringing attention to the issues related to caregiving. This study was designed to answer three research questions:
1) What is the experience of older female caregivers living on Prince Edward Island?
2) What does it mean to be caregiver?
3) How do Prince Edward Island women describe caregiving?
These questions were designed to determine what experiences, meaning, and description caregivers assign to their work and what can be learned from these experiences.
Previous research in the field of caregiving has largely focused on quantitative measures of caregiver burden, activities of daily living, or access rates for caregiver support. I conducted one-to-one, in-depth interviews based on open-ended questions designed to encourage participants to share their experience. This qualitative study has advanced understanding of the caregiver experience on Prince Edward Island by highlighting the challenges faced in providing care, as well as the positive growth associated with the role.
The findings offer insights in engaging family caregivers in policy and strategy development and implementation. It also offers a vision for the continued integration of social work services for aging Islanders and their families. The need for specific skills and training in gerontological social work, including a focus in end-of-life care, advocacy, and counseling support has been demonstrated.

abstract: Master of Social Work


title: Glutamine metabolism and energy homeostasis during oxidative stress.

subject:
Glutamine synthetase
ATP production
Oxidative stress
Metabolic network

abstract:
When living organisms are exposed to oxidative stress, they are known to devise intricate
mechanisms to counter reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is well established that ROS lead to the
reduction in the activity of numerous tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes and impede O2-
dependent energy production. In this study we demonstrate an alternative metabolic pathway to
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis when the microbe Pseudomonas fluorescens is challenged
by H2O2.in a medium with glutamine as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Under oxidative stress
the microbe utilized glutamine synthease (GS) to release a constant supply of energy locked in the
amide bond of glutamine. When grown in presence of H2O2, the level of GS was higher in the stressed
cultures compared to the control. The up-regulation of phospho-transfer enzymes such as acetate
kinase (ACK), adenylate kinase (AK), and nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) are involved in
maintaining ATP homeostasis in the oxidatively challenged cells. The increased amount of pyruvate phosphate dikinase (PPDK) and phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) in stressed cells helped
fuel the synthesis of ATP. The enhanced activities of isocitrate dehydrogenase-NAD dependent
(ICDH-NAD) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) also provided intermediate metabolites for
energy generation. These metabolic reconfigurations may reveal crucial therapeutic tools against infectious microbes dependent on host glutamine for proliferation.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Chemical Science


title: Peatland microbial community structure and function along a metal contamination gradient in Sudbury, Ontario

subject:
Microbial community structure
bacteria
archaea
microbial diversity
taxonomic relatedness
Illumina MiSeq
peatlands
enzymes
CO2
CH4 efflux
metals
industrial disturbance
Sudbury

abstract:
The Sudbury, Ontario region has had over a century of metal mining/smelter activity that has led
to significant sulphur and metal deposition and this has negatively affected both freshwater and
terrestrial ecosystems, including peatlands. Peatlands store organic materials, regulate nutrient
turnover and act as a carbon sink for global climate change, yet relatively little is known in
regards to the impact of the mining legacy of this region and the potential microbial communities
affected. Eleven peatland sites (poor to intermediate fens) around Sudbury were chosen in order
to study the microbial diversity and function that control decomposition and nutrient cycling. The
analysis of microbial communities was accomplished via high-throughput sequencing of 16S
rRNA genes in bacteria and archaea on the Illumina MiSeq platform, while the analysis of
microbial function was conducted through the Sinsabaugh enzyme protocol and gas
chromatography of in situ greenhouse gases. There was a difference across the site gradient with
microbial diversity, community structure, and microbially mediated gas efflux differing between areas closest to current and historical smelters to areas 55-km away. There was also a difference
within each peatland where vertical profiles in microbial enzyme function varied over four
depths, with the surface depth having the highest enzyme activity. Metal impact and pH are major
drivers of microbial diversity and community with pH driving metal availability. This is seen
where the sites with the lowest pH having the lowest microbial diversity and unique communities,
and sites with the highest pH having the highest microbial diversity and distinct communities. We
can also deduce that microbial function differs over depth because of the difference between the
aerobic and the anaerobic communities, where the aerobic communities appear to be more active.
We can reason that methane efflux was higher in impacted sites because of the increased
concentrations of Nickel, Copper, pH and possibly Sulphur creating restrains on microbially
mediated gas effluxes through the inhibition of methane production.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: An interprofessional approach to trauma-informed care in the Mood and Anxiety program at Health Sciences North

subject:
trauma-informed care
Mood and Anxiety Program (MAP)
Health Sciences North
group-based therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

abstract: The advanced practicum explored an interdisciplinary approach to trauma-informed care while working on an interprofessional health team in the Mood and Anxiety Program (MAP) at Health Sciences North in Sudbury, Ontario. The MAP team offers group-based therapy that is guided by evidence-based practices which include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT). Individual treatment is also offered to individuals with a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The literature review analyzed the following key themes: CBT trauma treatment, DBT trauma treatment, trauma and substance abuse, interprofessional collaboration and narrative therapy trauma models. Entry-level social workers have little knowledge about working with PTSD and trauma exposure is often the driving force of many presenting issues for individuals struggling with mental health issues. Social work students need to be educated and have practical experience about trauma-informed care to be effective practitioners in the field of social work.

abstract: Master of Social Work


title: Défi faites le calcul

subject:
pauvreté anthropologique
Thomas Hobbes
John Locke
Jean Jacques Rousseau

abstract:
La pauvreté et l’insécurité alimentaires sont des problèmes sociaux qui affectent plusieurs hommes, femmes et enfants au Canada. Afin de mieux comprendre ce problème, le présent mémoire examinera le vécu de la pauvreté anthropologique ainsi que les théories de Thomas Hobbes, John Locke et Jean Jacques Rousseau afin d’avoir une compréhension historique et théorique de la pauvreté.
Ce projet est développé dans le cadre d’un mémoire en service social étant donné que les valeurs en justice et transformation sociale soulignent l’importance d’avoir des structures politiques justes afin que les individus et communautés puissent se développer de manière efficace. À l’heure actuelle, les structures politiques du Canada ne permettent pas une distribution adéquate des richesses, ce qui fait en sorte qu’il y ait une certaine population des citoyens canadiens qui vivent la faim chronique par manque d’argent.
Afin de mieux faire comprendre les problèmes de la pauvreté et de l’insécurité alimentaire, une action sociale s’est développée partout en Ontario pour faire connaître le vécu de l’insécurité alimentaire et de la pauvreté. Aux fins de ce mémoire, les actions sociales du Défi faites le calcul de la Ville du grand Sudbury seront analysées. Les participants au Défi de la Ville du grand Sudbury sont des personnes non-pauvres d’une variété de sphères de la communauté qui se sont rassemblées pour vivre d’un panier de la banque alimentaire dans le but de lutter pour que les personnes sur l’assistance sociale puissent avoir 100$ de plus par mois pour mieux se nourrir, se loger et essentiellement pour mieux vivre.
Les conclusions du projet soulignent l’importance de continuer la lutte pour avoir des structures politiques qui encouragent la redistribution des richesses adéquate, qui valorisent la dignité de la personne et qui encouragent la solidarité dans nos communautés.

abstract: Mémoire en Service Sociale


title: Gendering social relations of work in the Canadian automotive industry: an autoethnographic study.

subject:
autoethnography
hegemonic masculinity
feminist political economy
embodied labour
automotive manufacturing industry
organizational theory

abstract:
This paper is an analysis of my gendered experiences working in the male-dominated industry of automotive manufacturing. My objective was to explore and critically analyze the gendered relations that I experienced while working in the contemporary automotive industry. Women working in male-dominated professions and environments often face circumstances that are unique to their male counterparts (Acker, 2006; Gottfried, 2013). The nature of the social relations affects women’s integration and potential success in male-dominated professions (Acker, 2006; Gottfried, 2013).
The purpose of this research was to explore the challenges that I experienced as a woman working within a male-dominated profession. This was an exploratory qualitative study which was conducted through the method of autoethnography. An investigation and examination of my journal allowed for me to select important themes that represented the gender relations I experienced in the workplace. The main findings indicated that while working in male-dominated profession I experienced a host of challenges that were inherent in my work setting. The main challenges were as follows: 1) negotiating dominant forms of masculinity, 2) gender stereotyping/gender role expectations, 3) sexual harassment, and 4) the ways in which women’s bodies were considered suspect. I adopt several concepts/ideas from feminist political theoretical perspectives as well as other literature to analyze these themes. There were a variety of different concepts and theories that could assist in explaining why I was treated in an oppressive and dominating fashion. These concepts were as follows: 1) hegemonic masculinity, 2) gendered division of labour, 3) gendered hierarchies at work, and 4) embodied labour and bodies at work (Acker, 2006; Bakker & Gill, 2003; Bird, 1996; Connell, 1995; Gottfried, 2013).

abstract: Master's Theses


title: Synthesis, properties and applications of functional polymer nanocomposites

subject:
polymer nanocomposites
cellulose nanocrystals
CNCs
multi-walled carbon nanotubes
MWCNTs
sodium alginate
SA

abstract:
Polymer nanocomposites have been extensively studied and have found numerous
applications as they provide versatile materials with substantially enhanced properties.
Despite the enormous developments, design of novel value-added polymer nanocomposites
with new superior functional properties through convenient low-cost synthesis remains a
continuous challenge. This thesis demonstrates the alternative, simple design of several novel
polymer nanocomposite systems with enhanced mechanical, surface, or catalytic properties.
Firstly, a new method for the modification of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is
developed with the use of hyperbranched polyethylene ionomers containing cationic
quaternary ammonium ions through an ionic interaction mechanism. A systematic study has
been undertaken on the modification process and the modified CNCs. In contrast to original
CNCs that can only disperse in water or few highly polar solvents, ionomer modified CNCs
are able to disperse in several nonpolar or low polarity organic solvents. Dispersions of
several modified CNCs in THF exhibit the unique thixotropic rheological behavior. The
modified CNCs have also become dispersible in a commercial non-polar hydrophobic
ethylene-octene copolymer (EOC) elastomer due to the presence of nonpolar polyethylene
modification layer. Based on thermal, rheological, and tensile mechanical characterizations,
EOC nanocomposites filled with the modified CNCs are significantly reinforced with nearly
doubled tensile modulus relative to neat EOC while with a much better-maintained
elongation at break relative to those filled with unmodified CNCs or surfactant-modified
CNCs.
iv
Secondly, a class of CNC-sodium alginate (SA) nanocomposites derived exclusively
from sustainable biopolymers has been designed to fabricate tough-strong nanocomposite
film. A systematic study on the effects of composite composition on the optical, thermal, and
mechanical properties of the prepared films has been undertaken. The calcium ion crosslinked composite films maintain high film transparency with higher thermal and mechanical
properties than the uncross-linked films, indicating that the calcium ions play an important
role in the enhancement of mechanical and thermal properties. The effects of various metal
ions on film mechanical properties have also been studied. As a result, the bivalent calcium
ions show the most optimum effect to render strong-tough composite films.
Thirdly, hybrid composites of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated
with polycyclopentene crystals have been synthesized by a novel in situ Pd-catalyzed
cyclopentene polymerization technique. It is demonstrated that the method offers a
convenient, large-scale, one-pot noncovalent surface decoration of polycyclopentene crystals
on the MWCNTs. Controlling the catalyst loading and/or polymerization time in the
polymerization effectively tunes the composition and morphology of the as-prepared hybrid
composites. Interestingly, films made of the composites show the characteristic lotus leaf-like
superhydrophobicity featured with high water contact angle (> 150), low contact angle
hysteresis (< 10), and low water adhesion, while being electrically conductive.
Lastly, a systematic study on ligand-assisted selective hydrogenation of alkynes
(phenylacetylene and diphenylacetylene) over three Pd nanocatalysts have been presented
with the purpose of identifying the most optimum ligands. Five ligands, including quinoline,
pyridine, DMSO, 3,6-dithia-1,8-octanediol (DTO), and triphenylphosphine, have been
v
screened with their performance compared. It is demonstrated that the sulfur-containing DTO
and phosphine-containing triphenylphosphine are the more efficient and practical ligands in
improving the alkene selectivity of the catalysts.


title: The representation of athletes in tweets at the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games: an agenda setting analysis

subject:
Twitter
Pan Am Games
Parapan Am Games
agenda setting
para-sport
sport communication
social media

abstract:
The agenda setting theory questions how the selection and arrangement of
news affect the public’s perceptions over news events. As Twitter is a new platform
for sport organizations to release news, bypassing traditional agencies, “agenda
setting” bears new meanings. This thesis attempts to determine the agenda set
during the 2015 Toronto Pan Am and Parapan Am Games by examining the
representation of athletes on the Twitter account @TO2015.
Initially, without considering that the news release was the Organizing
Committee itself, the analysis assumed incorrectly that the representation favoured
the Pan Am Games. Without the support from the data, the researcher re-examined
the study and realized that his preoccupations with “equal representation” misled
his categorization of the tweets. Then the researcher reanalyzed the tweets in new
categories. This time the analysis observed the cultural differences of the two
Games, and thus came up with recommendations for more effective Twitter
management.

abstract: Master of Human Kinetics (MHK)


title: An examination of some theories that address the heavy alcohol consumption of university students

subject:
alcohol consumption
university students

abstract:
The following paper investigates some of the many theories used to explain underlying
reasons contributing to student drinking. Reasons for student drinking include escape from
reality, social discomfort, former child abuse and neglect, and specific personality types. After
reviewing various theories of addiction, this paper uses a deductive approach to identify the three
theories most relevant student binge drinking: the social learning theory, the behavioural theory,
and the personality theory. From social reasons to behavioural and personality related reasons,
students drink to be more social and to cope with stress, but these rewards do not come without
risks. The ability of theory to adapt to address the unique needs of individuals makes it an
important, albeit underused, tool. Using theory to inform intervention strategies, then, is essential
for developing effective treatment. Future research in this area should focus on methods for
integrating theory with addiction treatment.

abstract: Masters of Arts (M.A) in Interdisciplinary Health


title: The effects of stress on food preferences of high-saccharin and low- saccharin preferring rats

subject:
stress
taste preferences
high saccharin preference
low saccharin preference
caloric foods
non-caloric foods

abstract: High- Saccharin (HiS) and Low- Saccharin (LoS) preferring strains of rats are found to differ in preference for a saccharin solution, as well as reactivity to stress, drug seeking behaviour, and taste preferences. Because of this unique intersection of characteristics these rat strains were ideal for use in this study which examined how stress influences the consumptive behaviour of the HiS versus the LoS lines for flavoured foods instead of flavoured liquids (as used in the previous literature). Predictions were made within a sensation seeking/optimal arousal framework (SS/OA). The fourteen HiS (n= 7) and LoS (n= 7) rats received a restraint stressor for 30 minutes. Their consumptive behaviours were then monitored for 30 minutes. The stressor significantly reduced the consumption of the two lines. However, the taste preferences of the animals were not found to support SS/OA theory. It was posited that the addition of calories to the test foods of the current study influenced the consumption and taste preferences of the HiS and LoS lines in a way that is not predicted by the sensation seeking/ optimal arousal theory.

abstract: Master's Theses


title: Estimation of confined peak strength for highly interlocked jointed rockmasses

subject:
rockmass strenght
defected rock
Hoek-Brown
GSI
PFC
GBM

abstract:
The determination of rockmass strength for mining has become critically important in recent
years due to the increase in the number of projects at depths exceeding 1500 m. The commonly
used empirical approaches for the estimation of rockmass strength are primarily based on
experiences at shallow depths (< 1500 m) and from observations of rockmass behaviours at low
confinement (e.g., tunnel wall failure). Therefore, the application of these techniques for
estimating the strength of rockmasses when highly interlocked and confined (e.g., pillar cores) is
hypothesized to be flawed. The goal of this research is to develop reliable means of estimating
the confined strength of highly interlocked jointed rockmasses.
A two-dimensional code based on the Distinct Element Method (DEM) and its embedded Grainbased
Model (GBM) is used to simulate the behaviour of a highly interlocked jointed rockmass
to better understand its Strength Degradation (SD) from intact rock with increasing confinement.
The GBM is first calibrated to the laboratory response of intact and granulated marble. The term
"granulated" refers to a heat-treated marble where the cohesion at grain boundaries has been
destroyed. The granulated marble represents an analogue for a highly interlocked jointed
rockmass. The calibrated GBMs are then used to simulate micro-defected and defected rocks and
jointed rockmasses.
The results of triaxial test simulations on the calibrated synthetic rockmass specimens are used to
develop two semi-empirical approaches. In the first approach, called the SD approach, equations
that relate the strength degradation of a jointed rockmass from intact rock to the confinement are
developed. The second approach is based on adjusting the strength parameters of the Hoek-Brown failure criterion to extend its applicability to highly interlocked jointed rockmassess. It is
demonstrated that these two approaches can be used to estimate the confined strength of such
rockmasses in a situation where the unconfined and confined strengths of the intact rock and the
unconfined strength of the rockmass are known.
The findings of this research provides the foundation for a better characterization of the strength
for highly interlocked jointed rockmasses, and increases our understanding of the influence of
confinement on rockmass strength.

abstract: Doctoral Theses


title: Predicting Alzheimer's disease by segmenting and classifying 3D-brain MRI images using clustering technique and SVM classifiers.

subject:
ADNI database
Image processing
Segmentation
Registration
Vector of attributes
Classification
Machine learning
Training
Alzheimer's disease

abstract:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia affecting seniors age 65 and over. When AD is suspected, the diagnosis is usually confirmed with behavioural assessments and cognitive tests, often followed by a brain scan. Advanced medical imaging and pattern recognition techniques are good tools to create a learning database in the first step and to predict the class label of incoming data in order to assess the development of the disease, i.e., the conversion from prodromal stages (mild cognitive impairment) to Alzheimer's disease.
Advanced medical imaging such as the volumetric MRI can detect changes in the size of brain regions due to the loss of the brain tissues. Measuring regions that atrophy during the progress of Alzheimer's disease can help neurologists in detecting and staging the disease.
In this thesis, we want to diagnose the Alzheimer’s disease from MRI images. We segment brain MRI images to extract the brain chambers. Then, features are extracted from the segmented area. Finally, a classifier is trained to differentiate between normal and AD brain tissues. We discuss an automatic scheme that reads volumetric MRI, extracts the middle slices of the brain region, performs 2-dimensional (volume slices) and volumetric segmentation methods in order to segment gray matter, white matter and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), generates a feature vector that characterizes this region, creates a database that contains the generated data, and finally classifies the images based on the extracted features. For our results, we have used the MRI data sets from the Alzheimer’s disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database1.
We assessed the performance of the classifiers by using results from the clinical tests.

abstract: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Computational Sciences


title: The role of attentional resources in facial expression processing among individuals with high trait anxiety: an event-related potential study.

subject:
Anxiety
Emotional facial expression processing
Happy faces
Fearful faces
Neutral faces
Attentional resources
Event-related potentials (ERPs)
Rapid Serial Visual Presentation
Vigilance-avoidance

abstract: Previous research highlights a relationship between anxiety and emotional facial expression processing, particularly for fear, but the nature of this relationship remains unclear. The current study aimed to understand a possible underlying factor of this relationship—specifically, the role of attentional resources was explored using event-related potentials (ERPs). Participants (N=67) were asked to identify target happy, fearful or neutral faces in a Rapid Serial Visual Presentation while ERPs and accuracy were recorded. Results suggest that such processing is largely affected by the degree of attentional resources available and by anxiety level, and are in line with the vigilance-avoidance hypothesis. Individuals with high anxiety showed an early perceptual bias to fearful faces followed by later cognitive avoidance, especially when attentional resources were limited. Results are discussed in terms of clinical interventions which might focus particularly on high pressure situations to anticipate and regulate this sensitivity to threat in highly anxious individuals.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology


title: Synthesis of peptide-derived tetraoxazole containing macrocycles

subject: peptides Macrocycles

abstract:
Natural macrocyclic peptides isolated from marine metabolites have shown
interesting biological activities, including anticancer properties. In addition, they are
highly pre-organized for metal inclusion due to their structural features, such as the
presence of a cavity with perfectly located oxygen and nitrogen donors within the
macrocyclic structure. This thesis pertains to the development of a synthetic approach
towards the synthesis of natural macrocyclic structures. These macrocyclic peptides
are made up of four oxazole rings connected by amide bonds with functionalized side
chains. A synthetic strategy for the synthesis of natural peptide-derived macrocyclic
analogues was developed using solution phase peptide synthesis. The synthesis of the
tetraoxazole macrocycle is described in more detail where the synthesis started with
the formation of a dipeptide by coupling two amino acids, followed by oxazole ring
formation, and subsequent formation of the di-, tri-, and tetraoxazole peptide. All of
the peptide bonds were obtained using O-(benzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-
tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate (HBTU) or 1-ethyl-3-(3-
dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC.HCl) with
hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) with the base N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIEA).
Finally, macrocyclization of the linear unprotected tetraoxazole gave the macrocyclic
structure. The macrocyclization was achieved efficiently by using (ethyl
cyano(hydroxyimino)acetato)-tri-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-phosphonium hexafluorophosphate
(PyOxim) as a coupling reagent under very dilute conditions. All structures were
analyzed by 1H and 13C NMR. With the structural similarities to the macrocyclic
peptides isolated from marine sources, this tetraoxazole macrocyclic peptide might be
used as a chelating agent.


title: Production and characterization of polystyrene resins containing fine activated carbon particles

subject:
activated carbon
polystyrene
ion exchange resins
gold loaded fine activated carbon
PSAC
(Polystyrene Activated Carbon) beads
autoclave
stripping
gold recovery
elution
adsorption
desorption
cyanide adsorption/stripping
porosity
surface area
size distribution
leaching
in carbon-in-pulp (CIP)
carbon-in-leach (CIL) processes
gold losses
morphology
, resin in pulp (RIP)

abstract:
The development of high capacity adsorbent using engineered activated carbon fines
technology, and their ability to extract gold from solution is presented. The unique
feature of these adsorbents is their ability to adsorb gold ions from low concentration
solutions like mine effluent as well as from leached solutions in gold mills.
Production of polystyrene ion exchange resins containing fine activated carbon
particles denoted, PSAC, (Polystyrene Activated Carbon) and their gold stripping
kinetics were studied. Polystyrene beads were prepared by simple suspension
polymerization. However, addition of fine activated carbon (AC) during suspension
polymerization was not successful in producing small beads, but rather a
conglomerated mass, which was then broken up and shaped into smaller beads. PSAC
beads were also produced by co-extrusion of polystyrene with activated carbon and by
physical adsorption of activated carbon onto raw polystyrene beads in an autoclave at
a temperature above the glass transition temperature of polystyrene. Stripping tests
were performed which identified the latter bead type as being the most promising
form of PSAC bead for future research. The work was aimed at optimizing the
production of the beads in terms of their physical and chemical properties. This work
led to the development of a new polystyrene/activated carbon ion exchange bead as an
alternative to pure activated carbon. A mini-elution column was also designed to carry
out the test work to study the performance of beads and loaded fine carbon stripping
parameters under typical industrial conditions. Further development of this research
may lead to a new method of stripping loaded fine carbon on mine sites as part of the
existing gold milling and extracting circuits.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Natural Resources Engineering


title: Étude de la situation socioculturelle et linguistique des jeunes franco-ontariennes et franco-ontariens face aux défis d'accès aux services de santé de qualité en français à Timmins

subject: jeunes Franco-Ontariens

subject: jeunesse

subject: francophonie ontarienne

subject: défis

subject: services de santé de qualité

subject: politiques provinciales.

subject: étude

abstract:
Conduite selon la méthode qualitative et envisagée épistémologiquement selon
l’approche constructiviste combinée à la démarche herméneutique et au modèle
écologique, cette recherche de maîtrise en travail social est une problématique qui, tout
en étant aussi la même que celle des Francophones de Timmins que nous rencontrons et
avec lesquels nous partageons la vie au quotidien, s’est inspirée de notre expérience
migratoire et professionnelle vécue en matière d’un cruel manque de services de santé de
qualité en français à Timmins. Afin de frayer les avenues susceptibles de dénouer la
complexité et l’ampleur des enjeux liés à cette problématique, cette recherche visait à
explorer les représentations, les perceptions, les expériences et les alternatives que les
jeunes Franco-Ontariennes et Franco-Ontariens de Timmins âgé(e)s de 20 à 30 ans, ceux
et celles de naissance ou les JFON et d’adoption ou les JFOA, ont de leur situation
socioculturelle et linguistique par rapport aux défis d’accès aux services de santé de
qualité en français à Timmins.   Ainsi, grâce à la réalisation des dix entrevues qualitatives avec ces jeunes, la présente
étude permet de comprendre que la situation socioculturelle et linguistique de
l’échantillon typiquement de ces dix JFON et JFOA témoigne essentiellement de la
conscience de l’existence de nombreux défis d’accès aux services de santé de qualité en
français à Timmins, et que la cause de ces défis se situe, en dernière analyse, dans la
prédominance de l’anglais, aussi bien dans la ville de Timmins que dans la prestation de
ces services, notamment à l’Hôpital de Timmins et du district. Ce faisant, cette étude fait
toutefois voir que ce sont les JFOA qui, à la différence des JFON, dont la majorité parle
plus naturellement les deux langues officielles du Canada (le français et l’anglais), ont
nécessairement besoin de la langue française, considérée comme leur première langue
officielle parlée pour accéder aux besoins vitaux dans la communauté franco-ontarienne,
dont l’accès aux services de santé de qualité, puisqu’ils/elles sont majoritairement plus
limité(e)s en anglais, ainsi que les personnes âgées francophones ontariennes.
Développant une réflexion sur ses résultats selon le cadre d’analyse écologique, cette
recherche montre que les problèmes de fonds en matière de santé des FrancoOntariennes
et Franco-Ontariens notamment de Timmins se trouvent dans l’exo et le
macro systèmes, dans lesquels les valeurs de la société ontarienne et les lois politicojuridiques
se situent. Par conséquent, cette recherche situe la vraie solution aux défis
d’accès, notamment aux services de santé en français en Ontario, dans la mise en
exergue de la Charte canadienne des Droits et Libertés pour officialiser le bilinguisme,
notamment en Ontario. Ainsi, ce mémoire s’avère un outil à offrir aux personnalités
politiques franco-ontariennes déplorant le sort particulièrement des Franco-Ontariennes
et des Franco-Ontariens et de leurs défis.

abstract: Maîtrise en Service Social


title: The use of surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy in characterizing small molecule-based nerve growth factor inhibitors

subject:
NGF
neurotrophin
SPR, biosensor
pain therapeutic
inhibition
binding

abstract:
Neurotrophins are well known for their effects on neuronal survival and growth. Over the
past two decades, considerable evidence has accumulated from both human and animal
models that one neurotrophin, nerve growth factor (NGF), is a peripheral pain mediator,
particularly in inflammatory pain states. NGF is upregulated in a wide variety of
inflammatory conditions, and NGF-neutralizing molecules are effective analgesic agents in
many models of persistent pain. Such molecules are now being evaluated in clinical trials
and although seemingly effective in early clinical studies, many deteriorating side effects are
now being brought to light. Thus, a need still remains for novel NGF-quenching therapeutics.
In the past two decades, a handful of small molecule NGF-inhibitors have been described,
however, their effects are still quite minimal compared to other inhibitory agents. The
central aim of this thesis was to use novel screening strategies to identify small molecule
NGF-inhibitors capable of modulating NGF signalling with greater efficiency than previously
reported compounds for the purpose of therapeutic development. Using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, established NGF-inhibitors and a series of novel compounds
were analyzed for their specificity to NGF and their inhibitory properties of NGF binding to
the TrkA receptor. In vitro techniques confirmed the high nanomolar inhibitory properties of
a novel compound, BVNP-0197. Molecular modeling techniques also described a putative
binding domain for BVNP-0197 to NGF at the loop II/IV cleft, an alternative domain than
previously described by small molecule compounds. This binding domain describes an area with higher specificity for TrkA over binding for p75NTR. Serum albumin was also described as
having a role in the binding events that occur between small molecule compounds to NGF in
vitro. SPR kinetic analysis established that the addition of serum albumin into solution with
small molecule compounds increased their specificity for NGF, as well as decreased their
potential toxicity. The findings presented in this thesis will contribute to the future
development of small molecule NGF-inhibitors.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomolecular Sciences


title: Nursing processes related to unplanned intensive care unit admissions

subject:
patient deterioration
urgent
unplanned intensive care unit admission
Nursing Role Effectiveness Model

abstract:
Timeliness is an important factor in the care of critically ill patients on the general wards
in order to prevent an unplanned intensive care unit admission. The recognition of patient
deterioration can be influenced by many factors. This study looks specifically at how
communication, documentation and the recognition of patient deterioration affect unplanned
intensive care unit admissions. Unplanned intensive care unit admissions may result in higher
rate of mortality, longer lengths of stay and a prolonged recovery post discharge.
The goal of this retrospective quantitative research study is to explore how
communication, documentation and recognition of patient deterioration are utilized by nurses in
order to help prevent an unplanned intensive care admission.
This study was guided by the Nursing Role Effectiveness Model which considers how
structures and processes lead to outcomes and has been utilized in many quality improvement
initiatives.
Communication, documentation and recognition of patient deterioration are key
components that nurses can use to improve upon patient care. The benefits to preventing patient
deterioration are clearly documented. Strengthening communication, documentation and
recognition of patient deterioration skills will improve patient outcomes and in turn help to
prevent the need for unplanned intensive care unit admissions.

abstract: Masters of Science of Nursing (MScN)


title: The Noojamadaa Project: using visual research methods to elicit Indigenous women’s perspectives on healthy relationships and support reconciliation in Canada

subject:
Canada
Indigenous peoples
First Nations
photovoice
intimate partner violence
qualitative methods
visual research methods
cultural safety
TRC
visual thinking strategies

abstract:
Indigenous women experience higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV), when compared
with non-Indigenous women. Little research has focused on Indigenous women's perspectives of
IPV. Three Northern Ontario First Nations communities wished to collaborate with researchers
on IPV research. To provide women’s perspectives on IPV, groups of participants were
established in each community (n=3). Participants (n=23) chose to approach research on
IPV from a strengths-based approach and, together with researchers, transformed the photovoice
method to research according to Indigenous worldviews. Gaataa’aabing is a new visual research
method which adapts to the cultural values of participants and emphasizes participant-desired
outcomes as a required result of research. Video footage and images from group sessions on IPV
were used to create an educational video that promotes cultural safety for service providers who
work with Indigenous women, shares Indigenous women’s perspectives on healthy relationships,
highlights strengths which might help address IPV, and works toward reconciliation.

abstract: Master of Indigenous Relations (MIR)


title: Innovative technology and change management: E-health applications in Canada.

subject:
Innovative technology
E-health applications
Electronic Medical Records
Personal Health Records
Change management

abstract:
Background
Focusing on the Canadian healthcare system, this study explores factors influencing the adoption of recent specialized technology in e-health applications due to concerns about the allocation of economic resources and governmental policy formulation. This study focuses on the specific technologies of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR)-based-Personal Health Record (PHR) and their use by physicians and residents of Northern Ontario.
Objectives
The primary objective of this study is to understand the interdisciplinary factors that predict Northern residents’ attitude toward EMR-based-PHR innovative technology. Conducting this study also serves to increase awareness of patient-driven e-health in Northern Ontario and provides decision makers with useful quantitative data and strategies to support future initiatives.
Methods/Materials
Using customized data obtained from the National Physician Survey (NPS) in Canada and primary data collected through an adaptation of this survey, a comparative analysis was conducted to understand the electronic patient-physician relationship and explore interdisciplinary factors regarding perception and use of EMR-based-PHR. The data was analyzed using Descriptive Statistics, Z Test for two Population Proportions, ANOVA and Regression Analysis.
Results
The results indicate significant differences between Northern physicians and patients in usage and preference regarding several technological applications. More Northern patients use websites, social media and mobile applications than Northern physicians. In capturing health information, fewer physicians exclusively prefer to use electronic records than use a combination of paper charts and electronic records, and most Northern patients prefer either a combination of both methods or exclusively paper charts in their healthcare. Interdisciplinary factors related to EMR-based-PHR were significant predictors and explained 69.6% of the variance in the behavioral attitude and 74.5% of the variance in the behavioral intention to adopt this innovative technology.
Conclusions.
Establishing an electronic patient-physician relationship in the Canadian healthcare system requires coordinated and concerted efforts from all stakeholders involved in this process. Significant cost without benefits is evidence of a misallocation of Canadian resources and requires increased attention. New strategies must address current gaps in educational, technical, managerial, and financial supports. Physician support, however, is ultimately the key to increasing the adoption rate of EMR and fostering positive attitudes toward PHR among the Canadian people.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Studies


title: Sibling relationships in families of children with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

subject:
Siblings
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Down syndrome (DS)
fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)
developmental disability (DD)
thematic analysis
sibling demands
positive transformational outcomes
supports

abstract:
Background: Studies have shown that it is often a sibling who takes on the support and caregiving role in the life of a person with a developmental disability (DD) when the parent is no longer able to. However, very little research has examined how siblings adapt to their brother or sister with DD, specifically with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), and Down syndrome (DS). Differences in the behavioural challenges posed by children with ASD, FASD, and DS are critical, and to the extent that those difficulties vary across diagnoses, differences in sibling reactions are possible.
Method: Siblings of children with ASD, FASD, and DS participated in in-depth qualitative interviews employing a basic interpretative approach.
Results: Thematic Analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts and three main themes were identified: Sibling Demands, Positive Transformational Outcomes, and Supports Conclusions: Supports must be tailored to meet the specific needs of siblings of children with different types of disabilities.

abstract: Master of Art (MA) in Interdisciplinary Health


title: Biological recovery in an urban industrial stream: using the reference condition approach to assess the current state of  Junction Creek, Sudbury, Ontario

subject:
Junction Creek
mining
restoration
benthic macroinvertebrates
Sudbury
recovery
reference condition approach
bioassessment
temporal trends
urban

abstract:
Benthic macroinvertebrate communities in Junction Creek, Sudbury, have recovered remarkably
since the 1970s, following government initiatives to lower atmospheric pollution, the
implementation of mine wastewater treatment, and Greater Sudbury’s Regreening Program. To
understand contemporary temporal and spatial patterns of biological condition in this stream
system, I employed a number of benthic community metrics and the Reference Condition
Approach. There was little evidence of temporal trends in the benthic macroinvertebrate
communities across the 2003-2015 study period, however there was strong evidence of
community composition, water and sediment quality differences among study sites.
This urban industrial stream is affected by multiple stressors (straightening, culverts, urban and
mining pollutants, overflow from sewer outfalls, etc.), which accumulate as the water flows
downstream. Lime-treated metal mining effluent forms the headwaters, which receive cold
groundwater from the upper reaches and is further diluted by the Maley tributary before reaching
the heavily urbanized city. In these upper reaches, community metrics that are indicative of
sensitive organisms and higher diversity are elevated and metal levels are lowest within the study
area. Biological and chemical conditions decrease slightly heading downstream, but are much
better following the millions of dollars spent in 2001 on diverting acid mine drainage
underground to be treated kilometers away before being discharged into the creek below the
study area. Treated surface runoff from a historic mine site, and a portion of each the Clarabelle
Mill property and slag storage area from one of the world’s largest metal mining and smelting
complexes in the world feed Nolin Creek, which then enters the stream through concrete box
culverts that run beneath the city’s downtown core before re-surfacing and flowing South of the
city. Despite the recent appearance of fish within Nolin Creek, it is still a major source of
contaminants to Junction Creek, with elevated water and sediment metal levels and low benthic
macroinvertebrate community diversity and abundance.
This research showed that use of select benthic macroinvertebrate community metrics served as a
better tool to assess biological conditions within the stream than comparison to near-pristine
reference sites, but that local reference sites would serve as a best practise since they take
account for naturally high regional metal levels, and the effects from decades of atmospheric
pollution have had on Sudbury soil, lakes and streams. Additionally, test site benthic macroinvertebrate metric scores were surprisingly similar to those of pristine reference sites, but
abundance was much higher at all reference sites. The apparent similarities between test and
reference biotic conditions may be due to high nutrients and ions found in urban environments,
inappropriate matching of reference and test sites or numerous cumulative effects. It was
therefore recommended that ecosystem processes and functioning be studied in order to obtain a
more accurate view of the current biological condition of Junction Creek. Finally, aqueous metal
levels have decreased substantially and benthic macroinvertebrate community abundance and
richness have increased substantially in the last 50 years, but appear to be at a relatively stable
point currently, although the variation in both metrics is generally higher than those of reference
sites. Biological and chemical conditions will likely not improve until the major current stressors
(residual contamination of sediments and soils, and addition of mining effluent) are removed and
habitat is improved.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: An assessment of the validity and acceptability of  a novel, audio-video food journaling method, in a free-living setting

subject:
nutrition
mobile health
energy balance
dietary assessment

abstract:
Introduction
A novel method of dietary assessment was introduced in a field study with wildland firefighters,
published in 2017. The purpose of this thesis was to validate this novel, audio-video method of
dietary assessment, and to determine whether it can be integrated into clinical practice, to replace
written food journals. The validation process was completed in two phases and is presented as
two manuscripts within this thesis.
Manuscript One
Phase one was designed to validate the audio-video method in comparison to the gold standard:
weighed food assessment; in a free-living setting. With the exception of Vitamin E (mg) and
total weight (g), kilocalories, macro and micronutrient values were highly correlated between the
audio-video diary recorded estimations and weighed food items. We concluded that the novel
method was able to make accurate estimations of energy and nutrient intake, and may therefore
be a meaningful alternative to diary recording in a free-living setting.
Manuscript Two
Phase Two was designed to assess the application of the 3-day, audio-video method in a clinical
setting, to replace the current method of 3-day, written food journaling. We found that the diet
assessments, as performed by a Registered Dietitian for the same participants, were comparable
between written and audio-video diaries. In consultation with the Registered Dietitian, we
conclude that the audio-video method is acceptable for use in clinical practice.
iv
Conclusion
The audio-video method is a suitable method for assessing food items, when the portion sizes
from the video are estimated by persons with training on portion sizing (i.e. researchers or
Registered Dietitians). In addition, the AV method was determined to be an acceptable method
for use in clinical practice, to replace written food journals. Participants indicated that if the
method was developed into a mobile phone application, for use on their personal device, they
would be more likely to accept it as a food journaling method, when compared to the written
method of food journaling.

abstract: Master of Human Kinetics (MHK)


title: Comparative morphogenesis of cynipid leaf galls induced by Diplolepis polita  and Diplolepis nebulosa (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) and modification by inquilines of the genus Periclistus (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae)

subject:
Cynipid galls
wasps
Hymenoptera

abstract:
Cynipid galls are atypical plant growths induced by wasps in the family Cynipidae that provide larvae with shelter and nutrition. Larvae gain control of attacked plant organs and send them on a new developmental trajectory, with three developmental phases known as initiation, growth, and maturation. Each of the approximately 1400 species of cynipid gall wasps manipulates plant tissues in a slightly different manner such that galls of each species are structurally distinct. Although the means by which cynipids initiate galls has fascinated naturalists for hundreds of years, the basic events in gall induction are still poorly understood.
In an attempt to understand the galling strategies and developmental processes responsible for species-specific galls, I chose to compare the intimate details of life history strategies of two taxonomically related species attacking the same plant organs. The strategies included host specificity, phenology, and oviposition strategies, along with gall development to highlight basic events in gall biology and reveal possible stages in past speciation events. It is argued that differences in phenology and gall development played a role in driving speciation and thus, the patterns observed today are a result of extensive ecological interactions in the past that have influenced the evolution of these complex insect-plant relationships.

Two species of cynipid wasps of the genus Diplolepis that occur on the wild roses of central Ontario proved to be ideal candidates for the study. One species, Diplolepis polita, induces single-chambered, prickly galls found in clusters on the adaxial surface of leaflets of Rosa acicularis whereas, the other species, D. nebulosa, induces single-chambered, smooth-surfaced galls found in clusters on the abaxial surface of the leaflets of Rosa blanda. Galls at all stages of development, from freshly oviposited eggs to maturation, were found in large numbers for both species. Leaf tissues from the bud stage to maturity of both species of rose were fixed in FAA, embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained for histological study. Likewise, leaf tissues with freshly oviposited eggs of both species and galls from immaturity to maturity were fixed, sectioned, and stained.

Comparing the several thousand slides made for the study revealed that galls of D. polita and D. nebulosa differ in their developmental events as well as the anatomy of their mature galls. Like the galls of all species of cynipids, those of D. polita and D. nebulosa are composed of distinct layers of gall cells known as nutritive, parenchymatous nutritive, sclerenchyma, cortex, and epidermis. Galls of D. polita consist of nutritive cells, parenchymatous nutritive cells, and an epidermis throughout the initiation and growth phases. Larvae remain small in relation to chamber volume until the maturation phase, when a hard layer of sclerenchyma differentiates. In contrast, galls of D. nebulosa have a delayed initiation phase, where galls remain nearly undetectable on leaflets for several weeks after oviposition before they enter the growth phase. Freshly-hatched larvae are protected by two layers of bowl-shaped patches of sclerenchyma that differentiates soon after initiation, along with nutritive cells and parenchymatous nutritive cells that surround the larval chambers, but galls of this species develop without an external layer of epidermis. Galls become spherical as they mature and a second layer of sclerenchyma differentiates within the walls of the galls, as does a layer of spongy cortex that appears between the second layer of sclerenchyma and the gall exterior. Larvae of D. nebulosa occupy nearly the entire volume of their larval chambers throughout gall development.

The size of each type of cell found within developing galls of both species, from gall initiation to gall maturity were measured and compared. Cells in the galls of both species continue to increase in size throughout development; however, the cells comprising the galls induced by D. polita are significantly larger than those induced by D. nebulosa. Comparing the biologies and galls of these two species, demonstrates how niche partitioning has occurred. It also shows that striking differences in structures occur within the galls of closely taxonomically related species as a result of differences in adult phenology, oviposition strategies, egg placement, and environmental conditions such as moisture levels. Although it has been proposed by other authors that diversity in cynipid galls results from differentiation of tissues found in the outer parts of galls, such as cortex and epidermis, the present study indicates the reasons are more complex. Furthermore, it is apparent that many aspects of gall development and anatomy have been overlooked by previous researchers and a variety of ecological factors contribute to differences in gall structure.

To further complicate the already complex series of events that occur over the course of gall development, galls of D. polita and D. nebulosa are inhabited and structurally modified by inquilines of the genus Periclistus. These insects are also cynipid wasps, and have evolved a close relationship with Diplolepis galls whereby they kill the inducer larvae, feed on gall cells, and change the developmental trajectory of attacked galls. Galls of D. polita and D. nebulosa are attacked by two undescribed, but gall-specific species of Periclistus. Here, the inquiline associated with the galls of D. polita is referred to as Periclistus 1 and the inquiline associated with galls of D. nebulosa is referred to as Periclistus 2. The purpose of this study was to histologically examine all phases of modification by the two species of Periclistus to establish the events that are developmentally unique to inquilines.

Periclistus 1 and 2 are phenologically distinct as Periclistus 1 oviposits into immature galls of D. polita in late May soon after galls are induced, and Periclistus 2 oviposits into immature galls of D. nebulosa in July. Modified galls of D. polita differ from modified galls of D. nebulosa as they are significantly enlarged compared to normal galls. Periclistus 1 chambers are arranged around the periphery of the inner gall whereas modified galls of D. nebulosa are of a similar size to normal galls. Chambers of Periclistus 2 are evenly distributed throughout the inner gall. Periclistus 1 and 2-modified galls undergo four phases of development identified as the egg phase, gall enlargement, chamber formation, and maturation phases. Both Periclistus 1 and 2 oviposit into immature galls, killing the inducer larvae with their ovipositors, and then the presence of Periclistus eggs along the inner chamber surface cause changes in gall structure. Diplolepis-induced nutritive cells degrade and Diplolepis-induced parenchymatous nutritive cells enlarge. Galls become significantly enlarged compared to those inhabited by inducer larvae and then feeding by first-instar Periclistus larvae stimulates the differentiation and proliferation of Periclistus-induced parenchymatous nutritive cells and nutritive cells. Immature larvae of both species of Periclistus initially feed around the inner surface of the Diplolepis-induced chamber, and then restrict their feeding to one spot. This results in cell proliferation such that each larva becomes restricted to the centre of a bowl-shaped growth of cells. Continued proliferation causes Periclistus nutritive and parenchymatous nutritive cells to rise up and completely encase the larvae. As this is occurring in modified galls of D. polita, a layer of sclerenchyma, referred to here as the inquiline-induced primary sclerenchyma, differentiates and circumscribes the periphery of the entire gall. This does not occur in galls of D. nebulosa until maturity. In modified galls of both species, nutritive cells and parenchymatous nutritive cells appear in dense clusters throughout the inside surface of Periclistus chambers. Once modified galls enter the maturation phase, inquiline-induced primary sclerenchyma differentiates, circumscribing the periphery of galls of D. nebulosa. In addition, Periclistus 1 and 2-inhabited galls both develop a second layer of inquiline-induced sclerenchyma, known as secondary sclerenchyma, around each inquiline chamber. Secondary sclerenchyma cells in the walls of Periclistus chambers are smaller than primary sclerenchyma cells circumscribing the entire gall.

Gall cells induced by Periclistus 1 are larger than those induced by Periclistus 2; however, gall cells induced by both species of Periclistus are larger than those of their host Diplolepis galls. Based on differences in phenology, gall development, and final gall structure, modified galls of D. polita and D. nebulosa are anatomically distinct with each species of Periclistus responsible for gall tissues that are species-specific. In addition, the developmental pattern of Periclistus-modified galls is distinct from that of Diplolepis galls, illustrating the level of control inquilines have over the tissues of their host galls.
This thesis demonstrates the complex nature of the interrelationships between cynipid wasps of the genera Diplolepis and Periclistus and their host roses. Diplolepis are true gall inducers that have an intimate relationship with the genus Rosa and there are many attributes of the genus Rosa that have contributed to the success of Diplolepis and allowed for their extensive radiation and divergence in their galls. Similarly, Periclistus inquilines have an intimate relationship with Diplolepis and the rose hosts. Periclistus have evolved the ability to manipulate rose tissues that have previously been under the influence of Diplolepis. Based on two species of inquilines examined in this thesis, Periclistus have also evolved an array of phenologies and modification strategies and like the developmental patterns of the Diplolepis, the developmental trajectories of Periclistus are also species-specific. This project has shown that the histological approach to studying cynipid galls, as well as those occupied by Periclistus inquilines, is highly rewarding and contributes to our overall understanding of these fascinating insects.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: Geology and genesis of hybridized ultramafic rocks in the  black label hybrid zone of the black thor intrusive complex,  McFaulds Lake Greenstone Belt, Ontario, Canada

subject:
hybrid rocks
Black Label Hybrid Zone (BLHZ)
Black Thor Intrusive Complex (BTIC)
Late Websterite Intrusion (LWI)
websterite intrusion
magma-xenolith hybridization processes
McFaulds Lake Greenstone Belt

abstract:
The ca. 2.7 Ga Black Thor Intrusive Complex (BTIC) is a komatiitic elongate layered
intrusion composed primarily of dunite, lherzolite, olivine websterite, websterite, and chromitite
overlain by lesser gabbro and anorthosite. After emplacement but before complete crystallization,
a Late Websterite Intrusion (LWI) reactivated the feeder conduit and intruded the base and the
core of the BTIC, including the Black Label Chromitite Zone. LWI is a discordant to semiconcordant
intrusion that produced marginal zones of heterogeneous, interfingering hybrid
matrix and clasts defined as the Black Label Hybrid Zone (BLHZ). The clasts range from 1 to
200 cm in size (rarely > 5m), exhibit amoeboidal to subangular shapes, with sharp to diffuse
margins, and varied in compositions from dunite to lherzolite to chromitite. The nature of these
clasts appear to have been controlled by the compositions of the lithologies, the thickness of
layering, the nature of the contacts between layers, and the initial temperatures of the lithologies
being incorporated. There are two types of hybrid groundmass: 1) hybrid harzburgite containing xenocrystic olivine within a websterite, and 2) hybrid chromite harzburgite containing
xenocrystic chromite and olivine within a websterite. Both types of hybrid rocks are
exceptionally well preserved in terms of mineralogy and textures. The genesis of the BLHZ is
extremely complex and involved five interdependent assimilative processes: (1) mechanical
disaggregation of clasts resulting in dispersal of xenocrysts; (2) grain-boundary melting
(clinopyroxene + plagioclase) resulting in selective assimilation via partial melt mixing; (3)
mineral-reaction relation resulting in the dissolution of high-Mg olivine xenocrysts and
subsequent growth of intermediate-Mg hybrid orthopyroxene; (4) Mineral-melt re-equilibration
between entrained chromite and olivine xenocrysts in LWI melt resulting in diffusive chemical
exchange; and (5) complete dissolution of xenocrystic phases very locally formed clast-free rocks of intermediate composition. From map- and core-scale cross-cutting relationships a possible emplacement model can be made: 1) initial emplacement of the BTIC and primary
cumulate layers; 2) LWI reactivation of the BTIC feeder, and the diking/silling, stoping and
partial assimilation of BTIC wall rocks; 3) formation of heterolithic breccias, heterogeneously
hybridized rocks (BLHZ), and associated sulfide mineralization; and 4) local late stage fractional
crystallization of LWI magma. The intrusion of LWI magma into the BLCZ does not appear to
have consumed any of the chromitite, but has locally reduced the grade of the mineralization
through dilution and dispersal. Low-grade patchy disseminated to net-textured Fe-Ni-Cu-(PGE)
sulfide mineralization locally occurs in clast-rich regions of the BLHZ and appears to have been
generated during the hybridization process. This is the first occurrence known to us where
mixing of a magma and cognate xenoliths has led to the formation magmatic sulfides. This style
of mineralization is relatively restricted within the BTIC but is consistent with the limited  solubility of S in mafic-ultramafic magmas and the small amounts of magma involved.

abstract: Master of Science (M.Sc.) Geology


title: Child neglect: predicting future protection concerns and a comparison of profiles

subject:
Child maltreatment
child neglect
verified protection concern recurrence
social support
caregiver capacity
child vulnerability
family functioning

abstract:
Research suggests that factors that influence child maltreatment are not restricted to one
area (e.g. parental characteristics, child characteristics, societal characteristics), but are spread
across numerous ecological systems. Child protection data from the Ontario Family and Child
Strengths and Needs Assessment (FCSNA) was obtained. Records for children and caregivers of
128 families who had verified child neglect allegations were used in predictive analyses, in order
to determine which families would return with further child protection concerns. Results of
logistic regression analyses showed that variables related to caregiver capacity and social support
were predictive of verified maltreatment concern recurrence. Caregivers with alcohol, drug, and
substance abuse concerns, resource management issues, and strengths in physical health were
more likely to be involved in recurrent investigations than those non-recurrent parents. Higher
levels of social support from peer and adult relationships (for children) indicated a greater
likelihood of child protection recurrence. Results suggest greater attention to substance abuse
issues, as well as resource management and poverty in families with verified child neglect
concerns. Furthermore, the results offer insight into the nature of the relationship between child
maltreatment recurrence and social support. Recommendations of future research directions are
discussed.

abstract: Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Psychology


title: State and religion: the conflicts of ultra-orthodox jews in Israel.

subject:
Jews
Israel
politics and religion

abstract:
The thesis examines issues of religion and politics in Israel. The thesis is constructed around a
critical reading of the literature written on the subject and an indepth first-person interviews with
expatriates living in Ultra-Orthodox communities in Israel. After a careful presentation and
examination of the various religious groups in Israel and their relationships with the state, the
thesis offers a discussion on some of the many difficult issues Israeli society faces over the place
of religion. More specifically, it explores the dynamics and processes of inclusion/exclusion of
ultra-orthodox communities within / from the Israeli society. It looks at various policy sectors
such as military service, housing, education and civil matters to see how the state has tried to
find accomodations for Haredi people and how these latter have influenced and informed the
ways public policies have been elaborated. It concludes that the historical statu quo on this
question is no longer possible as witnessed in the last decade with growing tensions between
various segments of the Israeli society. Therefore, the thesis proposes different scenarios to
bridge the societal gaps between Haredi communities and the Israeli society.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology


title: Effects of uncaria tomentosa on the growth and survival of B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells

subject:
Uncaria tomentosa
B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells
anticancer.

abstract:
Uncaria tomentosa is a medicinal plant native to Peru that has been traditionally used in the treatment of various disorders, including cancer. U. tomentosa is one of the best-selling herbs in the world and is used as an immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer remedy.
This study assessed the effectiveness of U. tomentosa on the growth and survival of B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells. Both ethanol and PBS extracts of U. tomentosa extracts were tested in vitro and in vivo in order to evaluate their potential anticancer activity. In addition, different methods to measure the effect of treatment were used, including MTT assay, immunofluorescence (Ki67 protein and TUNEL assay) and the isogenic tumour transplantation
model. The present results showed that U. tomentosa significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced morphological changes in vitro. Furthermore, U. tomentosa was able to increase the percentage of apoptotic cells in a concentration-dependent manner. There was also decrease in the expression of Ki-67 (cell proliferation marker). Two experiments were performed to assess the ability of U. tomentosa to inhibit B16-BL6 cell growth in vivo. Mice were injected subcutaneously (on the top of the muscle) with B16-BL6 cells and tumours were allowed to progress for two weeks. In some animals, U. tomentosa extracts were injected intraperitoneal and intratumour. The animals were sacrificed and tumour diameters and weights were measured.
The results showed that U. tomentosa caused a significant reduction in tumour weight but the tumor size was not significantly affected when compared to the controls. Interestingly, there were no significant differences in mouse weight for all treated groups. Overall, U. tomentosa showed promising results and caused a marked reduction in B16-BL6 melanoma cell growth.

abstract: Master's Theses


title: Rural restorative agritecture: the case of Grassridge Farmstead in Brant County

subject:
rural design
restorative design
regenerative design
agritecture
farmstead
rural architecture
material culture
placemaking

abstract:
This thesis investigates the relationship between architecture and agriculture, considering
that the two disciplines have frequently been unrelated. The emerging field called Rural
Design (Thorbeck 2012, Stringer 2018) shows the potential of the teachings of Restorative
Agritecture for reimagining the relation between agriculture and architecture. More
particularly this thesis explores restorative principles, and strategies of placemaking, to
revive abandoned farmsteads and create a sense of community, considering the case of
Grassridge Farmstead, situated in Brant County, Ontario. Combining an investigation on
the process of rural design with reflection on a collection of personal experiences, and a
careful material culture analysis of the existing site and its artifacts, three strategies were
developed – repair, reinvention, restorative – to design a cooperative community
farmstead.

abstract: Master of Architecture (M.Arch)


title: Interpretation of rock mass yield using apparent stress of microseismic events – examples from Glencore’s Nickel Rim South Mine, Sudbury, Ontario

subject:
Glencore’s Nickel Rim South Mine
Sudbury, Ontario
stress
seismic events
seismic source
stope
blasts

abstract:
Seismic events are manifestations of sudden, inelastic deformations in a rock mass. The
characteristics of these deformations are reflected in quantitative descriptors of seismic events,
known as seismic source parameters. The seismic source parameter apparent stress (σa) is a relative
estimate of co-seismic stress change. This parameter has been used by other authors to infer local
stress conditions in a rock mass and how they vary in space and time. This thesis investigates short term space-time variations in apparent stress in spatially-isolated volumes of a rock mass following
open stope blasts. The results are used to infer how the new excavation affects the nearby rock
mass. These excavations are expected to cause local stress increases as stress redistributes around
the void, and stress decreases as rock mass near the excavation yields and sheds stress.
Data for this research is taken from Glencore’s Nickel Rim South Mine (NRSM) in Sudbury,
Ontario. This modern operation has a state-of-the-art microseismic monitoring array that
consistently locates events with less than 5 m of residual error and provides accurate source
parameter estimates for large and small events. NRSM uses a bulk open stoping mining method,
which creates large excavations on the order of several thousand tonnes in a matter of a few
seconds. The large stress changes and loss of confinement produced by these blasts can generate
large seismic responses which provide an abundance of information about rock mass behaviour.
Analysis of apparent stress over time is performed spatially isolating a group of events and tracking
apparent stress variation in a moving window. This analysis shows that apparent stress:
• Rapidly increases for a matter of minutes immediately following the blast.
• Gradually decreases for a matter of hours to a lower level than before the blast.
• Slowly increases over a matter of days to weeks.
Based on the mechanics of rock masses near excavations and use of apparent stress to infer local
stress conditions, these variations are interpreted to correspond with:
• Mining-induced stress increasing with the creation of a new excavation.
• Stress decreasing as the rock mass near the stope yields and/or enters its post-peak strength.
• Stress increasing farther from the stope as a result of the more damaged rock mass closer
to the stope shedding stress onto less damaged regions.
Variations in event-stope distances are also analysed to re-enforce the inferences made based on
the variations in apparent stress over time. The analysis of event-stope distances shows that events:
• With high apparent stress tend to locate farther from the stopes than events with low
apparent stress.
• Initially move away from the stopes for a matter of hours after the blast.
• Gradually move back towards the stopes for a matter of hours to days.
• Gradually move away from the stopes again for a matter of days to weeks.
The inferred rock mass behaviour based on these variations are:
• Higher stress conditions in more confined and less damaged regions of the rock mass.
• Stress redistributing around the new excavation and creating a new zone of active rock
mass yield.
• Yield occurring in a more consistent region of the rock mass as redistribution of stress
outside the more damaged regions slows.
• Growth of damaged zones as rock mass yield progresses over time
These observed variations and inferred behaviour are used to propose a conceptual model for rock
mass yield which describes the formation of an excavation damage zone following a blast. Further
study based on this research may use more detailed aspects of the variations to calibrate
constitutive behaviour of rock masses (making it a useful tool for numerical model calibration), or
relate variations in apparent stress to the occurrence of large events (making it a useful tool for
seismic hazard forecasting).

abstract: Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc.) in Natural Resources Engineering


title: Development of a new velocity measurement technique :  the laser bessel velocimetry

subject: scattered light detection

subject: Bessel beam

subject: Laser Bessel velocimetry (LBV),

subject: LDV system

subject: refractive linear axicons

abstract:
The present thesis describes the design, construction and testing of a new velocity measurement optical technique system. The technique has similarities with the laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) in that it uses scattered light detection, in order to measure one component of the velocity vector of moving flows or solid surfaces. It uses the fringes of a Bessel beam produced by an axicon to generate the measurement volume. This technique, which we call Laser Bessel velocimetry (LBV), is noninvasive and permits continuous velocity measurements of moving particles. The experimental measurement set-up including the laser source, the optical devices, a moving stage with known velocities, a photodetector to capture scattered light and signal processing and data acquisition components, was developed and used to provide a proof of concept of this new technique. The set-up was also tested with a commercial LDV system.
Two types of refractive linear axicons have been used to generate a Bessel type beam by illuminating the axicons with blue and red collimated and coherent laser light of dissimilar wavelengths, λ. The linear axicons offer the advantage of simplicity. The software tools for measurements, acquisition and analysis of the data are developed using NI Labview and MATLAB. Results from both theoretical simulation and experimental measurements are presented and compared.

abstract: Master's Theses