title: 'What ever happened to breakdancing?' : transnational b-boy/b-girl networks, underground video magazines and imagined affinities

subject: Break dancing.

subject: Dance in motion pictures, television, etc.

subject: Dance--Sociological aspects.

subject: Thesis (M.A.)--Brock University, 2007.

abstract:
In 1997, Paul Gilroy was able to write: "I have been asking myself, whatever happened to
breakdancing" (21), a form of vernacular dance associated with urban youth that emerged in the
1970s. However, in the last decade, breakdancing has experienced a massive renaissance in
movies (You Got Served), commercials ("Gotta Have My Pops!") and documentaries (the
acclaimed Freshest Kids). In this thesis, 1 explore the historical development of global b-boy/bgirl
culture through a qualitative study involving dancers and their modes of communication.
Widespread circulation of breakdancing images peaked in the mid-1980s, and
subsequently b-boy/b-girl culture largely disappeared from the mediated landscape. The dance
did not reemerge into the mainstream of North American popular culture until the late 1990s. 1
argue that the development of major transnational networks between b-boys and b-girls during
the 1990s was a key factor in the return of 'b-boying/b-girling' (known formerly as
breakdancing). Street dancers toured, traveled and competed internationally throughout this
decade. They also began to create 'underground' video documentaries and travel video
'magazines.' These video artefacts circulated extensively around the globe through alternative
distribution channels (including the backpacks of traveling dancers).
1 argue that underground video artefacts helped to produce 'imagined affinities' between
dancers in various nations. Imagined affinities are identifications expressed by a cultural
producer who shares an embodied activity with other practitioners through either mediated texts
or travels through new places. These 'imagined affinities' helped to sustain b-boy/b-girl culture
by generating visual/audio representations of popularity for the dance movement across
geographical regions.


title: Enhancing personal effectiveness : the impacts of Costa Rica Outward Bound on students in an independent school in southwestern Ontario

contributor: Department of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in Education

subject:
Self-realization.
High school students--Ontario.

abstract:
This project examines students in a private school in southwestern Ontario on a
17 -day Costa Rica Outward Bound Rainforest multielement course. The study attempted
to discover whether voluntary teenage participants could increase their self-perceptions of
life effectiveness by participating in a 17-day expedition. A total of9 students
participated in the study.
The experimental design that was implemented was a mixed methods design.
Participants filled in a Life Effectiveness Questionnaire (LEQ) at four predesignated
times during the study. These time intervals occurred (a) before the trip commenced, (b)
the first day of the trip, ( c) the last day of the trip, and (d) 1 month after the trip ended.
Fieldnotes and recordings from informal group debriefing sessions were also used to
gather information.
Data collected in this study were analyzed in a variety of ways by the researcher.
Analyses that were run on the data included the Friedman test for covariance, means,
medians, and the Wilcoxon Pairs Test. The questionnaires were analyzed quantitatively,
and the fieldnotes were analyzed qualitatively. Nonparametric statistical analysis was
implemented as a result of the small group size of participants. Both sets of data were
grouped and discussed according to similarities and differences.
The data indicate that voluntary teenage participants experience significant
changes over time in the areas of time management, social competency, emotional
control, active initiative, and self-confidence. The types of outcomes from this study
illustrate that Outward Bound-type opportunities should be offered to teenagers in
Ontario schools as a means to bring about self-development.


title: Understanding space, place and leisure of women over 85 living in the community

subject:
Older women--Home care.
Older people--Home care.
Quality of life.

abstract:
There is an increase in the number of older adults 85 and over, who are choosing
to live alone within the community. Moreover, older adults who live alone are
reportedly spending an extensive amount of time alone within the home
environment. In an effort to provide additional support and resources to older
adults living in the community, a compliment of services are being offered
through public and private organizations. These in-home supports focus on the
instrumental or functional tasks of daily living, such as personal and rehabilitative
care, nourishment, maintenance and upkeep of the home, as well as volunteer
social visitation. However leisure resources and programs are not included
among these services. Consequently, this creates a gap in leisure provision
among this segment of the population.
Throughout the life course, an individual's identity, role and purpose are
developed and sustained through instrumental work roles in the formal and
informal sector, as well as through personally meaningful leisure pastimes and
experiences. Although roles shift post retirement, participation in instrumental
and expressive activities can provide opportunities through which older adults are
able to fulfill their need for agency (individuality and autonomy) and affiliation
(social relatedness). Therefore barriers that inhibit instrumental or leisure
experiences can negatively impact older adults' quality of life.
This study explored the leisure lifestyles of four older adults, all of whom were
over 85, lived alone within the community and were oriented to person, time and
place. It became apparent that participants ordered their lives around a routine
that consisted of instrumental, expressive and socially integrated tasks and
activities. Moreover participants purposely chose to remain at home because
their home environment facilitated freedom, choice and independence. As a
result all four participants viewed their independence within the home as a critical
determinant to their overall quality of life. Challenges associated with the home
environment, participants' personal capacities and relationships were negotiated
on a daily basis. Failure to positively adapt to these challenges inhibited
meaningful engagement and personal fulfillment.
Traditionally, leisure service delivery has been offered within institutions and
through various community based venues. As a result leisure provision has been
focused on the needs of the frail elderly who reside in institutions or the well
elderly who are able to access leisure amenities within the community. However
the growing number of older adults electing to live alone is on the rise. As
individuals age the home becomes the preferred context for leisure experiences.
If older adults are choosing to live alone, then both their instrumental and leisure
needs must be addressed. As a result, it is imperative that leisure professionals
extend the scope of service delivery to include home centered older adults.


title: The impact of integrated programming on student attitude and achievement in grade 9 academic mathematics and science

subject: Interdisciplinary approach in education--Ontario.

subject: Mathematics--Study and teaching.

subject: Science--Study and teaching.

subject: High school students--Attitudes.

abstract:
This research studioo the effect of integrated instruction in mathematics and~
science on student achievement in and attitude towards both mathematics and science.
A group of grade 9 academic students received instruction in both science and
mathematics in an integrated program specifically developed for the purposes of the
research. This group was compared to a control group that had received science and
mathematics instruction in a traditional, nonintegrated program. The findings showed
that in all measures of attitude, there was no significant difference between the
students who participated in the integrated science and mathematics program and
those who participated in a traditional science and mathematics program. The findings
also revealed that integration did improve achievement on some of the measures used.
The performance on mathematics open-ended problem-solving tasks improved after
participation in the integrated program, suggesting that the integrated students were
better able to apply their understanding of mathematics in a real-life context. The
performance on the final science exam was also improved for the integrated group.
Improvement was not noted on the other measures, which included EQAO scores and
laboratory practical tasks. These results raise the issue of the suitability of the
instruments used to gauge both achievement and attitude. The accuracy and suitability
of traditional measures of achievement are considered. It is argued that they should
not necessarily be used as the measure of the value of integrated instruction in a
science and mathematics classroom.


title: "Re-huminization": the role of human-animal similarity in predicting prejudice towards immigrants and non-human animals

subject: Prejudices.

subject: Human-animal relationships--Psychological aspects.

abstract:
Research implies that there ~ay be an association between attitudes toward margil1alized
human outgroups and non-human animals. Very few studies, however, have specifically
tested this relation empirically. The general purpose of the present research was to
determine if such a relation exists and if perceptions of human-animal similarity avail as
a common predictor of both types of attitudes. Ideological orientations associated with
prejudiced attitudes (Social Dominance Orientation, Right-Wing Authoritarianism, and
Universal Orientation) were also examined as individual differences in predicting
perceptions of human-animal similarity. As predicted, people who endorsed prejudiced
attitudes toward human outgroups (Study 1) and immigrants in particular (Studies 2 and
3), were more likely to endorse prejudiced attitudes toward non-human animals. In Study
2, perceptions that humans are superior (versus similar) to other animals directly
predicted higher levels of prejudice toward non-human animals, whereas the effect of
human superiority beliefs on immigrant prejudice was mediated by dehumanization. In
other words, greater perceptions of humans as superior (versus similar) to other animals
"allowed for" greater dehumanization of immigrants, which in turn resulted in heightened
immigrant prejudice. Furthermore, people higher in Social Dominance Orientation or
Right-Wing Authoritarianism were particularly likely to perceive humans as superior
(versus similar) to other animals, whereas people characterized by a greater Universal
Orientation were more likely to perceive humans and non-human animals as similar.
Study 3 examined whether inducing perceptions of human-animal similarity through
experimental manipulation would lead to more favourable attitudes toward non-human
animals and immigrants. Participants were randomly assigned to read one of four
11
editorials designed to highlight either the similarities or differences between humans and
other animals (i.e., animals are similar to humans; humans are similar to animals;~~nimals
are inferior to humans; humans are superior to animals) or to a neutral control condition.
Encouragingly, when animals were described as similar to humans, prejudice towards
non-human animals and immigrants was significantly lower, and to some extent this
finding was also true for people naturally high in prejudice (i.e., high in Social
Dominance Orientation or Right-Wing Authoritarianism). Inducing perceptions that nonhuman
animals are similar to humans was particularly effective at reducing the tendency
to dehumanize immigrants ("re-humanization"), lowering feelings of personal threat
regarding one's animal-nature, and at increasing inclusive intergroup representations and
empathy, all of which uniquely accounted for the significant decreases in prejudiced
attitudes. Implications for research, theory and prejudice interventions are considered.


title: Course/instructor evaluation : perspectives of part-time graduate students

subject: Student evaluation of teachers--Ontario.

subject: Education, Higher--Evaluation.

subject: Curricula--Ontario--Evaluation.

abstract:
This study explored 6 part-time graduate students' perspectives on
course/instructor evaluation. The purpose was to explore whether a link exists
between the evaluation for course and instructors as contained in the Faculty of
Education courselinstructor evaluation form and the needs of part-time students
enrolled in that program. The literature review provided contextual information
concerning the 3 main subject areas based upon which the research questions
were designed: learner needs in the context of part-time graduate students,
courselinstructor eval~ation, and the potential lack of congruency between the 2.
Using a semistructured interview process, participants identified criteria important
or relevant to the evaluation process and incongruent with the course/instructor
evaluation form. A qualitative research methodology using a grounded theory
approach contributed to the theory on the nature of course evaluation instruments
in a graduate program and addressed the notion of where power was situated
within the evaluation process.
Findings suggested that the concepts of relevance and the instructor's role
that participants identified as important in their graduate learning experience were
congruent with what they considered important components of the
course/instructor evaluation form. Participants noted a lack of congruency
between their expectations of a quality graduate learning experience and the
format, content, intent, and timing of the evaluation process. The study confirmed
that students did want a voice in the evaluation of their learning experience at
both the course and program levels.


title: Attenuation of skeletal muscle FFA-induced insulin resistance by the polyphenol resveratrol. Elucidation of the mechanisms involved

subject:
Insulin resistance.
Resveratrol--Health aspects.
Diabetes--Treatment.

abstract:
Excess plasma free fatty acids (FFA) are correlated with insulin resistance and are
a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes. In this study we examined the effect
of the polyphenol resveratrol on FF A-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells
and the mechanisms involved. Incubation of L6 myotubes with the FF A palmitate
significantly decreased the insulin-stimulated glucqse uptake. Importantly, the effect of
palmitate was ameliorated by resveratrol. Palmitate significantly increased serine
phosphorylation of IRS..; 1 and reduced insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation, an effect
that was abolished by resveratrol. We then investigated the effect of palmitate and
resveratrol on the expression and phosphorylation of JNK, mTOR, p70-S6K, and AMPK
kinases. The results demonstrated that our treatments had no effect on the expression of
these proteins. However, palmitate increased the phosphorylation of mTOR and p70-
S6K, whereas resveratrol abolished this effect and increased the phosphorylation of
AMPK. Furthermore, all effects of resveratrol were abolished with sirtuin inhibitors,
sirtinol and nicotinamide. These results indicate that resveratrol ameliorated FF A-induced
insulin resistance by regulating mTOR and p70-S6K phosphorylation in skeletal muscle
cells, through a mechanism involving sirtuins.


title: News in the age of empire : two war scandals

subject: Iraq War, 2003---Mass media and the war.

subject: Iraq War, 2003---Press coverage--United States.

subject: Mass media and war--United States.

subject: Abu Ghraib Prison.

abstract:
This thesis argues that the motivations underpinning the mainstream news
media have fundamentally changed in the 21 sl century. As such, the news is no
longer best understood as a tool for propaganda or agenda setting; instead it
seems that the news is only motivated by the flow of global network capitalism.
The author contrasts the work of Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman with
that of Gilles Deleuze. Chomsky and Herman's 'Propaganda Model' has been
influential within the fields of media studies and popular culture. The
'propaganda model' states that the concentration of ownership of the media has
allowed the media elite to exert a disproportionate amount of influence over the
mass media. Deleuze, on the other hand, regards the mass media as being yet
another cog within the global capitalist mechanism, and is therefore separate
from ideology or propaganda. The author proposes that 'propaganda' is no
longer a sufficient word to describe the function of the news as terms like
'propaganda' imply some form of national sovereignty or governmental influence.
To highlight how the news has 'changed from an instrument of propaganda
to an instrument of accumulation, the author compares and contrasts the·
coverage of the Abu Ghraib Prison Scandal with that of the Haditha Civilian
Massacre. Although similar in nature, the author proposes that the Abu Ghraib
Prison Scandal received a disproportionate amount of coverage within the
mainstream press because of its exciting and sensational nature.


title: Language shifting among the Hodenosaunee of Southern Ontario : EdwaenagÃ©: tsgÃ³ -- Shogwaya> dihs> oh nidwawenÃ³ :de: shogwÃ¡:wi: tsÃ¡hohwejÃ¡da:t

subject: Iroquois language--Ontario, Southern.

subject: Language attrition--Ontario, Southern.

subject: Language and culture--Ontario, Southern.

subject: Linguistic change--Ontario, Southern.

abstract:
Through aggressive legislative and educational policies Indigenous languages
globally have been shifted to the language of the dominant society. Globalization has
brought previously geo-politically and/or geo-linguistically isolated people and language
. groups into close proximity that necessitated interaction and at times intense power
struggles. There are currently approximately 6,000 spoken languages in the world, more
than half are either endangered, dying or disappearing altogether. Canadian statistics
reveal an overall 3 % decline in the intergenerational transmission of language. Of the
original 60 Indigenous languages spoken in Canada, 8 are extinct, 13 are nearly extinct,
and 23 are critical. The remaining languages have a slim chance of survival. Within the
next 100 years only 4 Indigenous languages will remain. The Hodenosaunee languages
of Southern Ontario are not incl~ded among the list of languages that will survive the
next 100 years. There are, without a doubt, complex challenges in the maintenance of
Indigenous languages within a dominant-culture influenced environment. Given the
increasing awareness of the social impact of linguistic integrity and preservation of
languages on Indigenous people as a whole, this study considers how language is
currently being used; the social, economic, and political implications of language
shifting; the need to shift our social consciousness in order to understand the urgency in
privileging our Hodenosaunee languages; as well as ways in which we might achieve
those goals as individuals, as families, and as a community.


title: Advocating recognition and redistribution in poverty alleviation programs in Ghana : an examination of state and NGO programs and policies

contributor: Social Justice and Equity Studies Program

subject: Poverty -- Government policy -- Ghana.

subject: Poverty -- Social aspects -- Ghana.

subject: Poverty -- International cooperation.

subject: Non-governmental organizations -- Ghana.

abstract:
Abstract
This thesis argues that poverty alleviation strategies and programs carried out by the
government and Non Governmental Organizations in Ghana provide affirmative
solutions to poverty. This is because, these intervention strategies have been influenced
by conventional discourses on poverty that fail to adequately address non-economic
issues of poverty such as powerlessness, marginalization and tmder-representation. The
study is carried out in a two-pronged manner; first, it analyses state policies and
strategies, particularly the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS), on poverty
alleviation and compares these to NGO programs, implemented with funds and support
from external donor organizations. Specifically, I focus on how NGOs and the
governnlent of Ghana negotiate autonomy and financial dependency with their funding
donor-partners and how these affect their policies and programs. Findings from this study
reveal that while external influences dominate poverty alleviation policies and strategies,
NGOs and the government of Ghana exercise varying degrees of agency in navigating
these issues. In particular, NGOs have been able to adapt their programs to the changing
needs of donor markets, and are also actively engaged in re-orienting poverty back to the
political domain through advocacy campaigns. Overall, rural communities in Ghana
depend on charitable NGOs for the provision of essential social services, while the
Ghanaian government depends on international donor assistance for its development
projects.


title: An examination of how youth understand their rights during the criminal process

subject: Children's rights--Ontario.

subject: Juvenile justice, Administration of--Ontario.

subject: Teenagers--Legal status, laws, etc.--Ontario.

abstract:
In order for young people to meaningfully participate in the criminal justice system they
must possess an understanding of their rights and legal procedures. To examine their
understanding, 50 young people between the ages of 13-17 who received an extrajudicial
sanction or were sentenced to probation, were recruited from the Finch Courthouse in
Toronto, Ontario. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants regarding
their understanding of their due process rights and their rights under the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child. Youth who indicated involvement in plea
bargaining were also asked about their experiences during this procedure. In addition, the
present study examined youths' perceptions of power differences in their interactions
with criminal justice officials working within an institution that has tremendous control
over offenders' lives. The results indicate that while youth seem to have some
understanding oftheir rights and legal procedures, they nevertheless feel ill-equipped to
invoke their rights in an adult-led criminal justice system. Furthermore, while past
literature has often conceptualized youth understanding based on age (e.g., Crawford &
Bull, 2006) the findings of the present study demonstrate that while age plays some role,
the lack of power experienced by youth vis-a-vis adults, and specifically criminal justice
professionals, has the most bearing on the inability of youth to exercise their rights.


title: Comics carnet : the graphic novelist as global nomad

subject: Graphic novels.

subject: Travel writing.

subject: Stereotypes (Social psychology) in literature.

abstract:
An interdisciplinary approach is used to identify a new graphic novel genre,
'comics camet', and its key features. The study situates comics camet in a
historical context and shows it to be the result of a cross-pollination between the
American and French comics traditions. Comics camet incorporates features
from other literary genres: journalism, autobiography, ethnography and travel
writing. Its creators, primarily European rriales, document their experiences
visiting countries that Europe has traditionally defined as belonging to the
'East'. A visual and narrative analysis, using theoretical perspectives derived
from cultural and postcolonial studies, examines how comics camet represents
the non-European other and identifies the genre's ideological assumptions. Four
representative texts are examined: Joe Sacco's Palestine (2001), Craig
Thompson's, Camet de Voyage (2004), Guy Delisle's Pyongyang (2005) and
Mrujane Satrpi's Persespolis 2 (2004). The study concludes that the comics
camet genre simultaneously reinforces and challenges stereotypical assumptions
about non-European people and places.


title: A case study of the Ottawa Valley whitewater rafting industry : standards and risks

subject: Rafting (Sports)--Risk management|vCase studies.

subject: White-water canoeing--Risk management|vCase studies.

subject: Kayaking--Risk management|vCase studies.

subject: Boats and boating--Law and legislation--Ontario.

subject: Rafting (Sports)--Ottawa River (QuÃ©bec and Ont.)|vCase

subject: White-water canoeing--Ottawa River (QuÃ©bec and Ont.)|vCase

subject: Kayaking--Ottawa River (QuÃ©bec and Ont.)|vCase studies.

abstract:
This qualitative case study identifies and discusses the standards and risk
management practices of the Ottawa Valley whitewater rafting industry and the impacts
of the government enforced Special-purpose Vessels Regulations are discussed. Data
collection occurred using a single case study design, which included interviews and
document analysis. This study found that internal, industry, and actual standards are
influenced through a variety of sources. These standards were found to affect the risk
management practices of commercial whitewater rafting providers. In general, these
standards promoted a high level of risk management within the Ottawa Valley rafting
industry. The Special-purpose Vessels Regulations were found to be non-influential in
raising the risk management standards of the Ottawa Valley whitewater rafting industry.


title: A demonstration of educational craft : an outdoor educator's autoethnography

subject:
Educational anthropology--Ontario.
Outdoor education--Philosophy.

abstract:
Ellis (2004) argues that auto ethnography is a methodology that begins with the
researcher as the site of study. Employing a qualitative storytelling structure shows,
instead of tells. As the audience reads, they are encouraged to relate the research to their
experiences, provoking reflective knowledge development. As an outdoor educator, I
began to question the nature of my craft and how it was being shaped by my personal
educational philosophy. So, drawing on a reflective journal I kept while employed as an
outdoor educator in 2007, three outdoor educators published narratives, and a historical
review of newspaper articles about Ontario-based outdoor education, conducted an
autoethnographic inquiry and built a fictional story about my craft. I exposed five
faultlines or areas of ideological tension, shaping my views about outdoor education and
my craft.


title: An electrophysiological investigation into the influence of affect on the attentional blink

subject:
Attention--Physiological aspects.
Attention--Psychological aspects.

abstract:
Accuracy at identifying or detecting a second-target (T2) is reduced if presented within
approximately 500 ms of the first target (TI) - an attentional blink (AB). Affect has
previously been shown to influence the magnitude of the AB such that positive affect
(PA) is associated with smaller ABs. To account for these findings, Olivers and
Nieuwenhuis (2005) proposed an overinvestment hypothesis where P A was said to
reduce overinvestment of attentional resources in TI and distractors, leaving more
resources for T2. In the present study, P3, CNV, and average activation on distracter-only
trials were used to measure attentional investment. The goal was to investigate whether
these electrophysiological measures mediated the relationship between self-reported
affect and the AB. Results demonstrated that investment of attentional resources was not
associated with self-reported affect, or AB magnitude. However, self-report measures of
affect, personality and electrophysiological measures of investment did follow some
predictions derived from the overinvestment hypothesis.


title: Autonomic regulation and blood pressure in children

subject:
Hypertension in children.
Blood pressure--Regulation.
Autonomic nervous system.

abstract:
Vagal baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) is a measure of short term blood pressure (BP)
regulation through alterations in heart rate. Low BRS reflects impaired autonomic system
regulation and has been found to be a surrogate marker for cardiovascular health. In
particular, it has found to be associated with the pathogenesis of adult hypertension.
However, only limited information exists as to the negative consequences of childhood
BP on baroreflex function. The objective of this study was to investigate BRS in children
with 2 different BP profiles while controlling for the effects of age, maturation, sex, and
body composition. A preliminary subsample of 11-14 year-old children from the HBEAT
(Heart Behavioural Environmental Assessment Team) Study was selected. The children
were divided into 2 BP groups; high BP (HBP; 2:95tl1 percentile, n=21) and normal BP
(NBP; <90th percentile, n=85). Following an initial 15 minutes of supine rest, 5 minutes of
continuous beat-to-beat BP (Finapres) and RR interval (RRI) were recorded (standard
ECG). Spectral indices were computed using Fast Fourier Transform and transfer
function analysis was used to compute BRS. High frequency (HF) and low frequency
(LF) power spectral areas were set to 0.15-0.4 Hz and 0.04-0.15 Hz, respectively. Body
composition was measured using body mass index. After adjusting for body composition,
maturation, age and sex ANCOV A results were as follows; LF and HF BRS, LF and HF
RRI, and RRI total power were lower in the HBP versus NBP participants (p<0.05). As
well, LF IHF SBP ratio was significantly higher in the HBP compared to the NBP group
(p<0.05). The regression coefficients (unstandardized B) indicated that in changing
groups (NBP to HBP) LF and HF BRS decreases by 4.04 and 6.18 ms/mmHg,
respectively. Thus, as BP increases, BRS decreases. These data suggest that changes in
autonomic activity occur in children who have HBP, regardless of age, sex, maturation,
and body composition. Thus, despite their young age and relatively short amount of time
having high BP compared with adults, these children are already demonstrating poor BP
regulation and reduced cardiovagal activity. Given that childhood BP is associated with
hypertension in adulthood, there is a growing concern in regards to the current
cardiovascular health of our children and future adults.


title: Bullying in physical education : its prevalence & impact on the intention to continue secondary school physical education

subject: Bullying in schools -- Ontario.

subject: Physical education and training -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Ontario.

subject: Physical education and training -- Psychological aspects.

subject: Self-perception in adolescence.

abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of bullying in physical
education and its influence on students' intention to participate in the class in the future.
Additionally, the study researched the relationship between bullying and body image as
well as bullying and physical competency in physical education. A survey was utilized
that collected both quantitative and qualitative data about students' experiences in
physical education. Two-hundred and thirty-four grade 10 students (144 female and 90
male) from 8 different secondary schools participated in the study. Data analyses were
completed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0.
Results showed thaLapproximately 18.3% of respondents had .experienced physical
bullying in physical education; 23.7% had experienced verbal bullying; and 20.4%
experienced social bullying. Furthermore, those who experienced frequent bullying in
physical education did not intend on taking the class in the future. The relationship
between body image and bullying was not found to be significant. However, physical
competence was found to significantly predict bullying in physical education. These
results show how prevalent bullying is in physical education classes and how it
negatively impacts future participation in the class.


title: Canadian curling coaches' use of psychological skills training

subject: Coaching (Athletics)--Psychological aspects.

subject: Curling--Canada--Psychological aspects.

subject: Curling--Canada--Study and teaching.

abstract:
Hom's (2008) model of coaching effectiveness proposes a series of direct
relationships between the beliefs and values of coaches, their behaviours, and the
perceptions of their athletes. One specific area of coaching behaviour that is in need of
more research is their use of psychological skills training (PSn. The purpose of this
study was to examine the relationship between the beliefs and behaviours of curling
coaches with respect to PST, and the perceptions of their athletes. In collaboration with
the Canadian Curling Association, data was collected from a national sample of 115
curling teams with varying levels of competition and experience. One hundred and fifteen
coaches completed PST attitude (SPA-RC-revised) and behaviour (MSQ-revised)
measures, while 403 athletes completed two perception measures (CCS and S-CI).
Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to ensure intra-team consistency.
All ICCs were positive, ranging from r =.39 to .56, and significant at the p < .01 level. A
series of multiple regressions were performed. Three of the four regression models were
significant, with coaches' PST behaviours accounting for 16% of the variance in athletes'
evaluation of their coaches' competencies (GeC). The models for athletes' PhysicalSport
Confidence (P-SC) and Cognitive-Sport Confidence (C-SC) accounted for 15% and
36% of the variation, with GCC and coaches' PST behaviours both being significant
predictors of the models. After statistically controlling the influence of GCC, coaches'
PST behaviours accounted for 3% and 26% of the variation in athletes P-SC and C-SC.
These results provide partial support for Hom's (2008) model of coaching effectiveness,
and offer new insight into the benefits of coaches' use of sport psychology-related
training behaviours.


title: Chemical synthesis of glycosylated oligoribonucleotides for siRNA development

subject: Small interfering RNA--Synthesis.

abstract:
In this study, an efficient methodology for the preparation of carbohydrate-RNA
conjugates was established, which involved the use of 3,4~diethoxy-3-cyclobutene-l,2-
dione (diethyl squarate) as the linking reagent. First, a glycan moiety containing an
amino group reacted with diethyl squarate to form an activated glycan, which further
reacted with an amino modified oligoribonucleotide to form a glycoconjugate under
slightly basic conditions. The effect of glycosylation on the stability of RNA molecules
was evaluated on two glycoconjugates, monomannosyl UlO-mer and dimannosyl UlO-mer.
In the synthesis of aromatic fluorescent ribosides, perbenzylated ribofuranosyl pyrene
and phenanthrene were synthesized from perbenzylated ribolactone. Deprotection of
benzyl-protected ribofuranosyl phenanthrene and pyrene by boron tribromide gave
ribofuranosyl phenanthrene and ribopyranosyl pyrene, respectively. UV/vis and
fluorescent properties of the ribosides were characterized.


title: Collegiate volleyball players' need fulfillment, balance and well-being

subject:
Volleyball--Psychological aspects.
Well-being.

abstract:
Proponents of Basic Needs Theory (BNT; Deci & Ryan, 2002) contend that the
mechanism underpinning psychological well-being is the fulfillment of basic
psychological needs with their fulfillment addressed in an independent (Deci & Ryan,
2002) or balanced manner (Sheldon & Niemiec, 2006). The purpose of this investigation
was to explore the associations between the fulfillment of basic psychological needs and
two forms of psychological well-being, namely hedonic and eudaimonic indices.
Employing purposive sampling and a cross-sectional design, collegiate volleyball players
(N = 219; nfemales = 127) completed a battery of self-report instruments assessing
psychological need satisfaction and well-being toward the mid-to-end portion oftheir
competitive season. Aligned with BNT (Deci & Ryan, 2002) tenets and study hypotheses,
results demonstrated that basic psychological need fulfillment was associated with
psychological well-being in the context of volleyball. Albeit minimal, balanced need
fulfillment was generally predictive of well-being indices beyond independent need
contributions with suppressor effects noted. In sum, the results of the present
investigation generally coincide with previous sport based BNT (e.g., Reinboth & Duda,
2006) and balanced need satisfaction (e.g., Sheldon & Niemiec, 2006) literature.
Additional BNT support has been garnished and suggests that the fulfillment of the basic
psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness may be targeted as the
mechanisms to facilitate athletes' psychological well-being. Along with Ryan and Deci's
(2007) recommendations, the outcomes of this investigation highlight the need for further
empirical study ofBNT's tenets in the realm of sport including assessments of balanced
need satisfaction as well as varied hedonic and eudaimonic indices.


title: Comparison of non-HDL cholesterol and waist circumference vs. triglyceride levels and waist circumference in predicting coronary heart disease risk

subject: Coronary heart disease--Prevention.

subject: Coronary heart disease--Risk factors.

subject: Coronary heart disease--Pathophysiology.

abstract:
BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is recognized as a major cause of coronary heart disease
(CHD). Emerged evidence suggests that the combination of triglycerides (TG) and waist
circumference can be used to predict the risk of CHD. However, considering the known
limitations of TG, non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL = Total cholesterol - HDL
cholesterol) cholesterol and waist circumference model may be a better predictor of
CHD.
PURPOSE: The Framingham Offspring Study data were used to determine if combined
non-HDL cholesterol and waist circumference is equivalent to or better than TG and
waist circumference (hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype) in predicting risk of CHD.
METHODS: A total of3,196 individuals from Framingham Offspring Study, aged ~ 40
years old, who fasted overnight for ~ 9 hours, and had no missing information on nonHDL
cholesterol, TG levels, and waist circumference measurements, were included in the
analysis. Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve (ROC) Area Under the Curve (AUC)
was used to compare the predictive ability of non-HDL cholesterol and waist
circumference and TG and waist circumference. Cox proportional-hazards models were
used to examine the association between the joint distributions of non-HDL cholesterol,
waist circumference, and non-fatal CHD; TG, waist circumference, and non-fatal CHD;
and the joint distribution of non-HDL cholesterol and TG by waist circumference strata,
after adjusting for age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and hypertension
status.
RESULTS: The ROC AUC associated with non-HDL cholesterol and waist
circumference and TG and waist circumference are 0.6428 (CI: 0.6183, 0.6673) and 0.6299 (CI: 0.6049, 0.6548) respectively. The difference in the ROC AVC is 1.29%. The
p-value testing if the difference in the ROC AVCs between the two models is zero is
0.10. There was a strong positive association between non-HDL cholesterol and the risk
for non-fatal CHD within each TO levels than that for TO levels within each level of nonHDL
cholesterol, especially in individuals with high waist circumference status.
CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the model including non-HDL cholesterol and
waist circumference may be superior at predicting CHD compared to the model including
TO and waist circumference.


title: Comprehensive school health : an ethnographic case study

subject: School health services--Burlington (Ont.)|vCase studies.

subject: Schools--Health promotion services--Burlington (Ont.)

subject: Health education--Burlington (Ont.)|vCase studies.

subject: Health promotion--Burlington (Ont.)|vCase studies.

abstract:
The purpose of this ethnographic case study was to describe the characteristics of one
school's Comprehensive School Health (CSH) initiative and to explore the experiences of
school community members in order to gain an understanding of how one school
embraced a Comprehensive School Health approach. An elementary school (grades
Junior Kindergarten to six) in Burlington, Ontario was the research site for this study.
Multiple methods of data collection (observations, document analysis, interviews) were
used in keeping with the ethnographic and case study approach. The data were coded
using both a deductive and then inductive process (Merriam, 1998). From a deductive
perspective, the coding system and the subsequent identification of categories were based
on a priori categories identified by using the elements of CSH based on the
Comprehensive School Health Consensus Statement prepared by the Canadian
Association of School Health and the research questions. Findings included the role that
various school community members as well as the implementation of different programs
and policies played in applying a CSH approach. The impact ofthe physical environment
was described as well as successes and challenges related to the school's experience in
implementing CSH. Three main themes emerged that characterized this school's
experience. The first theme relates to the fundamental question about CSH which is the
school community's understanding o/the concept. The second theme focused on positive
school culture and the third and most diverse theme was that of capacity. Engaging in
CSH is a complex and long-term undertaking involving both the school and greater
community. Based on the experiences of this school's community members,
recommendations address the different levels of influence on the health of children.


title: Evolutionary synthesis of stochastic gene network models using feature-based search spaces

subject: Computational biology--Methodology.

subject: Stochastic processes--Computer simulation.

abstract:
A feature-based fitness function is applied in a genetic programming system to synthesize
stochastic gene regulatory network models whose behaviour is defined by a time course of
protein expression levels. Typically, when targeting time series data, the fitness function
is based on a sum-of-errors involving the values of the fluctuating signal. While this approach
is successful in many instances, its performance can deteriorate in the presence of
noise. This thesis explores a fitness measure determined from a set of statistical features
characterizing the time series' sequence of values, rather than the actual values themselves.
Through a series of experiments involving symbolic regression with added noise and gene
regulatory network models based on the stochastic 'if-calculus, it is shown to successfully
target oscillating and non-oscillating signals. This practical and versatile fitness function
offers an alternate approach, worthy of consideration for use in algorithms that evaluate
noisy or stochastic behaviour.


title: Examining and describing professional development and continuing education in the personal training and fitness industry : sites and issues of disconnect

subject:
Personal trainers--Education.
Personal trainers--Training of.
Physical fitness--Study and teaching.

abstract:
The following phenomenologically oriented study examines and describes the
relevance and effectiveness of professional development and continuing education
programs for real-world situations of personal trainers. The participants were personal
trainers, facility managers, and persons involved in the accreditation process. Data
collection took place in 3 phases. The first phase consisted of the participants completing
the PUMP Questionnaire, followed by focus groups with personal trainers and interviews
with managers. The study's 3 data sets required reduction via a content analysis by
question, content analysis by existential categories, and further thematic analysis using
the lived relation existential dimension. The discussion contains the salient sites and
issues of disconnect between clients, personal trainers, and facility managers and how
they might affect the personal training experience. The intergenerational disconnect
emphasized between Boomers as clients and Millennials as personal trainers requires
further exploration and dialogue and underscores the need for different approaches to
content and delivery of professional development and continuing education experiences
for personal trainers and managers of fitness facilities.


title: Examining sport commitment and intentions to participate in intramural sports : application of the Sport Commitment Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour in a campus recreational sport setting

subject: Intramural sports--Psychological aspects.

subject: College sports--Canada.

subject: Sports--Psychological aspects.

abstract:
Fifty-six percent of Canadians, 20 years of age and older, are inactive (Canadian
Community Health Survey, 200012001). Research has indicated that one of the most
dramatic declines in population physical activity occurs between adolescence and young
adulthood (Melina, 2001; Stephens, Jacobs, & White, 1985), a time when individuals this
age are entering or attending college or university. Colleges and universities have
generally been seen as environments where physical activity and sport can be promoted
and accommodated as a result of the available resources and facilities (Archer, Probert, &
Gagne, 1987; Suminski, Petosa, Utter, & Zhang, 2002). Intramural sports, one of the
most common campus recreational sports options available for post-secondary students,
enable students to participate in activities that are suited for different levels of ability and
interest (Lewis, Jones, Lamke, & Dunn, 1998). While intramural sports can positively
affect the physical activity levels and sport participation rates of post-secondary students,
their true value lies in their ability to encourage sport participation after school ends and
during the post-school lives of graduates (Forrester, Ross, Geary, & Hall, 2007).
This study used the Sport Commitment Model (Scanlan et aI., 1993a) and the
Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen, 1991) with post secondary intramural volleyball
participants in an effort to examine students' commitment to intramural sport and
1
intentions to participate in intramural sports. More specifically, the research objectives of
this study were to: (1.) test the Sport Commitment Model with a sample of postsecondary
intramural sport participants(2.) determine the utility of the sixth construct,
social support, in explaining the sport commitment of post-secondary intramural sport
participants; (3.) determine if there are any significant differences in the six constructs of
IV
the SCM and sport commitment between: gender, level of competition (competitive A vs.
B), and number of different intramural sports played; (4.) determine if there are any
significant differences between sport commitment levels and constructs from the Theory
of Planned Behaviour (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and
intentions); (5.) determine the relationship between sport commitment and intention to
continue participation in intramural volleyball, continue participating in intramurals and
continuing participating in sport and physical activity after graduation; and (6.) determine
if the level of sport commitment changes the relationship between the constructs from the
Theory of Planned Behaviour.
Of the 318 surveys distributed, there were 302 partiCipants who completed a
usable survey from the sample of post-secondary intramural sport participants. There was
a fairly even split of males and females; the average age of the students was twenty-one;
90% were undergraduate students; for approximately 25% of the students, volleyball was
the only intramural sport they participated in at Brock and most were part of the
volleyball competitive B division. Based on the post-secondary students responses, there
are indications of intent to continue participation in sport and physical activity. The
participation of the students is predominantly influenced by subjective norms, high sport
commitment, and high sport enjoyment. This implies students expect, intend and want to
1
participate in intramurals in the future, they are very dedicated to playing on an
intramural team and would be willing to do a lot to keep playing and students want to
participate when they perceive their pursuits as enjoyable and fun, and it makes them
happy. These are key areas that should be targeted and pursued by sport practitioners.


title: Examining the role of goals and motives for physical activity and eating behaviour in commercial weight-loss program participants

subject: Weight loss--Psychological aspects.

subject: Reducing exercises--Psychological aspects.

subject: Reducing diets--Psychological aspects.

abstract:
Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships
between physical activity and healthy eating behaviour with the participant's
motives and goals for each health behaviour.
Methods: Participants (N 121; 93.2% female) enrolled in commercial weightloss
programs at the time of data collection, completed self-reported instruments
using a web-based interface that were in accordance with Deci and Ryan's (2002)
Self-Determination Theory (SDT).
Results: Multiple linear regression models revealed that motivation and goals
collectively accounted for between 0.21 to 0.29 percent and 0.03 to 0.16 percent
of the variance in physical and healthy eating behaviours in this sample. In
general, goals regarding either behaviour did not appear to have strong predictive
relationships with each health behaviour beyond the contributions of motives.
Discussion: Overall, findings from this study suggest that motives seem to
mattermore than goals for both physical activity and healthy eating behaviour in
clientele of commercial weight-loss programs. Therefore commercial weight-loss
program implementers may want to consider placing more attention on motives
I
than goals for their clientele when designing weight-loss and weight-maintenance
initiatives.


title: Experiences and meaning of the aquatic environment for individuals with physical disabilities

subject: Physical education for people with disabilities.

subject: Swimming--Psychological aspects.

subject: Scuba diving--Psychological aspects.

subject: Exercise therapy.

abstract:
This study examines the experiences and meaning of physical activity in the aquatic
environment to enhance social, cultural and political understanding of its impact in the
lives of individuals with physical disabilities. Interviews, lived experience descriptions
and artifacts present an explanation of the felt sense oftheir bodies as they engage in
swimming or scuba diving.
11
Combining written, verbal and visual descriptions generated by informants
provides a detailed account of the unique qualities of physical activity in the water for
those with physical disabilities. Participants' descriptions highlight that context is an
important aspect of physical activity among individuals with physical disabilities through
discussion of motility and the role of the lived body. Aspects of the aquatic environment
create a setting that facilitates forgetfulness of the lived body's presence. Instructors and
participants alike will benefit from learning the difference between the object body and
the lived body, listening to the body's voice as they participate in physical activity .


title: Exploring authentic leadership : a narrative case study

subject: Leadership|vCase studies.

abstract:
The purpose of this study was to provide an in-depth, life history examination of
the leadership qualities of the President of a for-profit sport organization and explore this
individual's leadership development within the framework of the Authentic Leadership
Development Model (ALDM). A series of semi-structured interviews was conducted,
including interviews with the President, three employees within the organization, and
three individuals as selected by the President who attested to her authenticity and lifehistory.
As well, observations for a period of three months were used to create a lifehistory
of the President and determine if she was aligned with the ALDM. Creating a lifehistory
of the President allowed the researcher to outline the story of her life up until the
conclusion of the study. The narrative case study of the female President of a for-profit
sport organization provided a glimpse into the life of a person whose values, beliefs, and
actions aligned. The major findings of this study suggested that the President displayed
characteristics similar to those identified as outcomes of the ALDM model.


title: Exploring Chinese-Canadians' perspectives on health : a quantitative study

subject:
Chinese Canadians--Health and hygiene.
Health attitudes--Canada.
Health behavior--Canada.

abstract:
Chinese have unique perspectives on health and illness, which is mostly umecognized by
western medicine. Immigration may contribute to problems with health consultations,
inconvenience, and dissatisfaction. As the largest visible minority in Canada, Chinese-
Canadians' perspectives on health should be studied in order to help Chinese immigrants adapt to
a new health-care and health-promotion system, and keep them healthy.
A quantitative questionnaire was designed based on the findings from a pilot study and
previous literature. A hundred participants were recruited from Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, and
St. Catharines. Descriptive analysis and correlation analysis were used to investigate the
structure of the variables.
Findings indicated that most oftheir attitudes and corresponding practices to the different
health aspects were positive. The relation between dietary practices and attitude was only found
in small cities. Their attitudes were impacted by their length of stay in Canada. Their attitudes to
regularly timed meals and psychological consultation were related to their acculturation level, as
was the regularity of their practice of dental flossing. Their self-evaluated general health levels
were also found to be affected by their medical history, education level, feeling to talk about
•
sexual health, and smoking, particularly in the male subjects of the study.
In conclusion, they realized that each health aspect w~s important to their health.
However, their practices did not bear a strong relation to their beliefs. Traditional thoughts about
health reseeded with time. Acculturation level did not affect most of their attitudes or practices.
Under pressure, the priority of the daily health practices decreased. Older persons, those with
low incomes, lower education levels or families under stress need to pay more attention to their
health level. In-depth future research was recommended.


title: Investigating opposing aftereffects in 8-year-olds and adults

subject: Face perception.

abstract:
Previous studies have shown that adults and 8-year-olds process faces using
norm-based coding and that prolonged exposure to one kind of facial distortion (e.g.,
compressed features) temporarily shifts the prototype, a process called adaptation,
making similarly distorted faces appear more attractive (Anzures et aI., 2009; Valentine,
1999; Webster & MacLin, 1999). Aftereffects provide evidence that our prototype is
continually updated by experience. When adults are adapted to two face categories (e.g.,
Caucasian and Chinese; male and female) distorted in opposing directions (e.g., expanded
vs. compressed), their attractiveness ratings shift in opposite directions (Bestelmeyer et
aI., 2008; Jaquet et aI., 2007), indicating that adults have dissociable prototypes for some
face categories.
I created a novel meth04 to investigate whether children show opposing
aftereffects. Children and adults were adapted to Caucasian and Chinese faces distorted
in opposite directions in the context of a computerized storybook. When testing adults to
validate my method, I discovered that opposing aftereffects are contingent on how
participants categorize faces and that this categorization is dependent on the context in
which adapting stimuli are presented. Opposing aftereffects for Caucasian and Chinese
faces were evident when the salience of race was exaggerated by presenting faces in the
context of racially segregated birthday parties; expanded faces selected as most normal
more often for the race of face that was expanded during adaptation than for the race of
face that was compressed. However, opposing aftereffects were not evident when
members of the two groups were presented engaging in cooperative social interactions at
a racially integrated birthday party. Using the storybook that emphasized face race I
11
provide the first evidence that 8-year-olds demonstrate opposing aftereffects for two face
categories defined by race, both when judging face normality and when rating
attractiveness.


title: Investigating the association between motor proficiency and body satisfaction in grade 5 children

subject:
Motor ability in children.
Body image in children.

abstract:
The inverse relationships between motor proficiency and overweight, and
between overweight and body satisfaction have been well documented.
However, the association between motor proficiency and body satisfaction has
been largely neglected in the literature. Knowledge of the influence that low
motor proficiency may have on body satisfaction is essential if the full burden that
those children with poor motor abilities face is to be fully recognized, as low body
satisfaction has been linked to an increased risk for low self-esteem, depression,
and disordered eating.
The cohort investigated in this report included 1907 (971 males, 936
female) Grade 5 students from the Physical Health Activity Study Team (PHAST)
project in the Niagara Region of Southern Ontario. Children were grouped as
overweight or healthy weight (using BMI cut offs for age and gender), and as low
motor proficiency or normal motor proficiency (cut-off set at lowest 10% Bruininks
Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-short form (BOTMPsf).
It was apparent from analyses of variance (ANOVAs) by gender that boys
demonstrated significantly higher motor proficiency scores. As a result separate
multiple logistic regressions by gender were used to determine the relationship
between body satisfaction, BMI, and motor proficiency. There was a significant
relationship between BMI and body satisfaction for both genders (p<0.01) and for
males a significant relationship between motor proficiency and body satisfaction
(p<0.03). Overweight females were less likely to be satisfied with their bodies
with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.33 (CI: 0.23-0.47). The same trend was found in
overweight males (OR: 0.42, CI: 0.29-0.59). Males with low motor proficiency
were significantly less satisfied with their bodies (OR: 0.53, CI: 0.29-0.97). Males
with poor motor proficiency were at greater risk for low body satisfaction
regardless of their overweight status.
Overweight is known to be prevalent among children with low motor
proficiency and, these results indicate that low body satisfaction is also a
significant concern. These findings confirm that attention needs to be paid to
perceptions of body satisfaction among children with low motor proficiency. This
is particularly true for boys, as their bodies may fail them in two common societal
expectations, shape and skill and for whom their risk of low body satisfaction is

heightened by their poor motor proficiency.


title: Leisure-time physical activity in individuals with osteoporosis : associations with psychological well-being

subject: Osteoporosis--Exercise therapy.

subject: Physical fitness--Psychological aspects.

abstract:
With approximately 16% of the Canadian population living with osteoporosis,
and rates expected to increase (Osteoporosis Canada, 2009), cost-effective treatment
modalities that improve bone health and psychological well-being reflect an important
public health agenda. Physical activity has been implicated as one non-pharmaceutical
mechanism to help improve psychological well-being in the general population (Fox,
Stathi, McKenna, & Davis, 2007) and in people diagnosed with osteoporosis
(Osteoporosis Canada, 2007). The purpose of this investigation was to determine the
association between leisure-time physical activity (LTP A) and well-being in people
diagnosed with osteoporosis. A secondary purpose, using Basic Needs Theory (BNT;
Deci & Ryan, 2002) was to determine if the fulfillment of three psychological needs (i.e.,
competence, autonomy and relatedness) mediated the relationship between LTP A and
well-being. People diagnosed with osteoporosis (N= 190; Mage = 68.14; SDage = 11.54)
were asked to complete a battery of questionnaires assessing L TP A, hedonic and
eudaimonic well-being and perceived psychological need satisfaction in physical activity
contexts. Bivariate correlations revealed a pattern of negligible (r's -0.02 to 0.35) to small
correlations between LTP A and well-being with contextual positive affect (r = 0.24) and
subjective vitality (r = 0.22) demonstrating statistical significance (p < .01). Results of
the multiple mediation analysis indicated that perceived satisfaction of the three
psychological needs mediated the relationship between LTPA and well-being with
perceived competence emerging as a unique mediator. As such, LTP A was positively
associated with well-being in people who are diagnosed with osteoporosis, and the
fulfillment of the three psychological needs may be the mechanism through which this
111
effect is carried. Health promotion specialists and practitioners should encourage patients
with osteoporosis to engage in LTP A, and support their needs for competence, autonomy
and relatedness. Practical implications for researchers and health promotion specialists
are discussed in terms ofthe results of this investigation.


title: Magnetic and transport properties of (Ba1-xKx)Fe2As2

subject:
Superconductors--Magnetic properties.
Superconductors--Electric properties.

abstract:
Single crystals of (Bal - xKx)Fe2As2 were prepared using the Sn flux method. Two
heating methods were used to prepare the single crystals: the slow heating and rapid
heating methods. It was found that the single crystals grown using the slow heating
method were not superconducting due to a significant loss of potassium. When
the rapid heating method was used, the single crystals were observed to be superconducting
with the desired potassium concentration. The energy dispersive X-ray
spectroscopy analysis indicated the presence of multiple phases in the single crystals.
Using single crystal X-ray diffraction, the crystal structure of the single crystals
was found to be 14/mmm tetragonal at room temperature. The magnetic measurements
on the single crystals indicated the presence of multiple phases and magnetic
impurities.


title: Neuromuscular adaptations in endurance-trained boys and men

subject:
Endurance sports training.
Muscle strength.
Neuromuscular transmission.

abstract:
Competitive sports participation in youth is becoming increasingly more common in the
Western world. It is widely accepted that sports participation, specifically endurance
training, is beneficial for physical, psychomotor, and social development of children. The
research on the effect of endurance training in children has focused mainly on healthrelated
benefits and physiological adaptations, particularly on maximal oxygen uptake.
However, corresponding research on neuromuscular adaptations to endurance training
and the latter's possible effects on muscle strength in youth is lacking.
In children and adults, resistance training can enhance strength and mcrease
muscle activation. However, data on the effect of endurance training on strength and
neuromuscular adaptations are limited. While some evidence exists demonstrating
increased muscle activation and possibly increased strength in endurance athletes
compared with untrained adults, the neuromuscular adaptations to endurance training in
children have not been examined. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine
maximal isometric torque and rate of torque development (RID), along with the pattern
of muscle activation during elbow and knee flexion and extension in muscle-endurancetrained
and untrained men and boys.
Subjects included 65 males: untrained boys (n=18), endurance-trained boys
(n=12), untrained men (n=20) and endurance-trained men (n=15). Maximal isometric
torque and rate of torque development were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer
(Biodex III), and neuromuscular activation was assessed using surface electromyography
(SEMG). Muscle strength and activation were assessed in the dominant arm and leg, in a
cross-balanced fashion during elbow and knee flexion and extension. The main variables
included peak torque (T), RTD, rate of muscle activation (Q30), Electro-mechanical delay
(EMD), time to peak RTD and co-activation index.
Age differences in T, RTD, electro-mechanical delay (EMD) and rate of muscle
activation (Q30) were consistently observed in the four contractions tested. Additionally,
Q30, nonnalized for peak EMG amplitude, was consistently higher in the endurancetrained
men compared with untrained men. Co-activation index was generally low in all
contractions. For example, during maximal voluntary isometric knee extension, men were
stronger, had higher RTD and Q30, whether absolute or nonnalized values were used.
Moreover, boys exhibited longer EMD (64.8 ± 18.5 ms vs. 56.6 ± 15.3 ms, for boys and
men respectively) and time to peak RTD (112.4 ± 33.4 ms vs. 100.8 ± 39.1 ms for boys
and men, respectively). In addition, endurance-trained men had lower T compared with
untrained men, yet they also exhibited significantly higher nonnalized Q30 (1.9 ± 1.2 vs.
1.1 ± 0.7 for endurance-trained men and untrained men, respectively). No training effect
was apparent in the boys.
In conclusion, the findings demonstrate muscle strength and activation to be lower
in children compared with adults, regardless of training status. The higher Q30 of the
endurance-trained men suggests neural adaptations, similar to those expected in response
to resistance training. The lower peak torque may su9gest a higher relative involvement
oftype I muscle fibres in the endurance-trained athletes.
Future research is required to better understand the effect of growth and
development on muscle strength and activation patterns during dynamic and sub-maximal
isometric contractions. Furthennore, training intervention studies could reveal the effects
of endurance training during different developmental stages, as well as in different
muscle groups.


title: Participation factors in optional high school health and physical education

subject: Physical education and training--Study and teaching

subject: Health education--Study and teaching (Secondary)--Ontario.

abstract:
Student enrolment rates in optional health and physical education (HPE)
classes have been steadily declining, to the point where most Ontario students
stop taking HPE after completion of their one required credit, typically taken in
grade nine. This study looked at factors that could contribute to HPE enrolment,
sampling 227 grade ten students from five schools. These factors included selfefficacy
(SE), perceived autonomy support (PAS), task value (TV), motivational
regulation (autonomous, AR; controlled, CR), HPE grade average and body size
discrepancy (BSD). Qualitative information was also gathered from students
regarding likes and dislikes ofHPE, as well as reasons for their HPE enrolment
choice. Cronbach Alpha values of each scale fell within acceptable values.
ANOVA analysis revealed differences between enrolment groups in SE, TV, AR,
HPE grade average, and BSD (p < .05). Reasons students reported for not taking
HPE included a dislike of health classes, scheduling challenges, not needing HPE
for future endeavors, concerns about social self-presentation, and a dislike of
sports and/or competition. This research shows important differences between
students and their HPE class choices and calls for a re-evaluation of how HPE
classes are structured, advertised and scheduled by high school practitioners.
Future works should look toward what other factors could be at play in students'
decisions for or against optional HPE and how those factors interact with the
constructs that were found to be of significance in this study.
Keywords: Health and physical education, high school students, participation.


title: Particle swarm optimization for two-connected networks with bounded rings

subject:
Ring networks (Computer networks)
Mathematical optimization.
Particles (Nuclear physics)
Swarm intelligence.

abstract:
The Two-Connected Network with Bounded Ring (2CNBR) problem is a network design
problem addressing the connection of servers to create a survivable network with
limited redirections in the event of failures. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is a
stochastic population-based optimization technique modeled on the social behaviour
of flocking birds or schooling fish. This thesis applies PSO to the 2CNBR problem.
As PSO is originally designed to handle a continuous solution space, modification
of the algorithm was necessary in order to adapt it for such a highly constrained
discrete combinatorial optimization problem. Presented are an indirect transcription
scheme for applying PSO to such discrete optimization problems and an oscillating
mechanism for averting stagnation.


title: Perceptions of intergroup bias : the roles of social projection and meta-stereotypes

subject:
Stereotypes (Social psychology)
Racism.

abstract:
Underlying intergroup perceptions include processes of social projection (perceiving
personal traitslbeliefs in others, see Krueger 1998) and meta-stereotyping (thinking about
other groups' perceptions of one's own group, see Vorauer et aI., 1998). Two studies
were conducted to investigate social projection and meta-stereotypes in the domain of
White-Black racial relations. Study 1, a correlational study, examined the social
projection of prejudice and 'prejudiced' meta-stereotypes among Whites. Results
revealed that (a) Whites socially projected their intergroup attitudes onto other Whites
(and Blacks) [i.e., Whites higher in prejudice against Blacks believed a large percentage
of Whites (Blacks) are prejudiced against Blacks (Whites), whereas Whites low in
prejudice believed a smaller percentage of Whites (Blacks) are prejudiced]; (b) Whites
held the meta:..stereotype that their group (Whites) is viewed by Blacks to be prejudiced;
and (c) prejudiced meta-stereotypes may be formed through the social projection of
intergroup attitudes (result of path-model tests). Further, several correlates of social
projection and meta-stereotypes were identified, including the finding that feeling
negatively stereotyped by an outgroup predicted outgroup avoidance through heightened
intergroup anxiety.
Study 2 replicated and extended these findings, investigating the social projection
of ingroup favouritism and meta- and other-stereotypes about ingroup favouritism. These
processes were examined experimentally using an anticipated intergroup contact
paradigm. The goal was to understand the experimental conditions under which people
would display the strongest social projection of intergroup attitudes, and when
experimentally induced meta-stereotypes (vs. other-stereotypes; beliefs about the group
11
preferences of one's outgroup) would be most damaging to intergroup contact. White
participants were randomly assigned to one of six conditions and received (alleged)
feedback from a previously completed computer-based test. Depending on condition, this
information suggested that: (a) the participant favoured Whites over Blacks; (b) previous
White participants favoured Whites over Blacks; (c) the participant's Black partner
favoured Blacks over Whites; (d) previous Black participants favoured Blacks over
Whites; (e) the participant's Black partner viewed the participant to favour Whites over
Blacks; or (£) Black participants previously participating viewed Whites to favour Whites
over Blacks. In a defensive reaction, Whites exhibited enhanced social projection of
personal intergroup attitudes onto their ingroup under experimental manipulations
characterized by self-concept threat (i.e., when the computer revealed that the participant
favoured the ingroup or was viewed to favour the ingroup). Manipulated meta- and otherstereotype
information that introduced intergroup contact threat, on the other hand, each
exerted a strong negative impact on intergroup contact expectations (e.g., anxiety).
Personal meta-stereotype manipulations (i.e., when the participant was informed that her/
his partner thinks s/he favours the ingroup) exerted an especially negative impact on
intergroup behaviour, evidenced by increased avoidance of the upcoming interracial
interaction. In contrast, personal self-stereotype manipulations (i.e., computer revealed
that one favoured the ingroup) ironically improved upcoming intergroup contact
expectations and intentions, likely due to an attempt to reduce the discomfort of holding
negative intergroup attitudes. Implications and directions for future research are
considered.


title: Polyglutamine monomer structure and its implications for molecular self-assembly

subject: Neuropeptides.

subject: Huntington's chorea--Treatment.

subject: Nervous system--Degeneration--Treatment.

subject: Nervous system -- Diseases--Treatment.

abstract:
Polyglutamine is a naturally occurring peptide found within several proteins in
neuronal cells of the brain, and its aggregation has been implicated in several
neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease. The resulting aggregates
have been demonstrated to possess ~-sheet structure, and aggregation has been shown to
start with a single misfolded peptide. The current project sought to computationally
examine the structural tendencies of three mutant poly glutamine peptides that were
studied experimentally, and found to aggregate with varying efficiencies. Low-energy
structures were generated for each peptide by simulated annealing, and were analyzed
quantitatively by various geometry- and energy-based methods. According to the results,
the experimentally-observed inhibition of aggregation appears to be due to localized
conformational restraint placed on the peptide backbone by inserted prolines, which in
tum confines the peptide to native coil structure, discouraging transition towards the ~sheet
structure required for aggregation. Such knowledge could prove quite useful to the
design of future treatments for Huntington's and other related diseases.


title: Predictors of prejudice perceptions and the role of group identification in international students

subject:
Racism in higher education.
Students, Foreign.

abstract:
The purpose of the present study was first to determine what influences international
students' perceptions of prejudice, and secondly to examine how perceptions of
prejudice would affect international students' group identification. Variables such as
stigma vulnerability and contact which have been previously linked with perceptions of
prejudice and intergroup relations were re-examined (Berryman-Fink, 2006; Gilbert,
1998; Nesdale & Todd, 2000), while variables classically linked to prejudicial attitudes
such as right-wing authoritarianism and openness to experience were explored in relation
to perceptions of prejudice. Furthermore, the study examined how perceptions of
prejudice might affect the students' identification choices, by testing two opposing
models. The first model was based on the motivational nature of social identity theory
(Tajfel & Turner, 1986) while the second model was based on the cognitive nature of
self-categorization theory/ rejection-identification model (Turner, Hogg, Oakes, Reicher,
& Wetherell, 1987; Schmitt, Spears, & Branscombe,2003).
It was hypothesized that stigma vulnerability, right-wing authoritarianism, openness to
experience and contact would predict both personal and group perceptions of prejudice. It
was also hypothesized that perceptions of prejudice would predict group identification. If
the self-categorizationlrejection-identification model was supported, international
students would identify with the international students. If the social mobility strategy
was supported, international students would identify with the university students group.
Participants were 98 international students who filled out questionnaires on the Brock
University Psychology Department Website. The first hypothesis was supported. The
combination of stigma vulnerability, right-wing authoritarianism, openness to experience
and contact predicted both personal and group prejudice perceptions of international
students. Furthermore, the analyses supported the self-categorizationlrejectionidentification
model. International identification was predicted by the combination of
personal and group prejudice perceptions of international students.


title: Properties and algorithms of the (n, k)-star graphs

subject:
Computer networks.
Multiprocessors.
Computer algorithms.

abstract:
The (n, k)-star interconnection network was proposed in 1995 as an attractive alternative
to the n-star topology in parallel computation. The (n, k )-star has significant
advantages over the n-star which itself was proposed as an attractive alternative to
the popular hypercube. The major advantage of the (n, k )-star network is its scalability,
which makes it more flexible than the n-star as an interconnection network. In
this thesis, we will focus on finding graph theoretical properties of the (n, k )-star as
well as developing parallel algorithms that run on this network.
The basic topological properties of the (n, k )-star are first studied. These are
useful since they can be used to develop efficient algorithms on this network. We then
study the (n, k )-star network from algorithmic point of view. Specifically, we will
investigate both fundamental and application algorithms for basic communication,
prefix computation, and sorting, etc.
A literature review of the state-of-the-art in relation to the (n, k )-star network as
well as some open problems in this area are also provided.


title: Social comparison and body image in non or infrequent exercisers and exercisers

subject:
Body image--Social aspects.
Exercise--Psychological aspects.
Comparison (Psychology)
Social perception.

abstract:
Body image refers to an individual's internal representation ofhis/her outer self
(Cash, 1994; Thompson, Heinberg, Altabe, & Tantleff-Dunn, 1999). It is a
multidimensional construct which includes an individual's attitudes towards hislher own
physical characteristics (Bane & McAuley, 1998; Cash, 1994; Cash, 2004; Davison &
McCabe, 2005; Muth & Cash, 1997; Sabiston, Crocker, & Munroe-Chandler, 2005).
Social comparison is the process of thinking about the self in relation to others in order to
determine if one's opinions and abilities are adequate and to assess one's social status
(Festinger, 1954; Wood, 1996). Research investigating the role of social comparisons on
body image has provided some information on the types and nature of the comparisons
that are made. The act of making social comparisons may have a negative impact on body
image (van den Berg et ai., 2007). Although exercise may improve body image, the
impact of social comparisons in exercise settings may be less positive, and there may be
differences in the social comparison tendencies between non or infrequent exercisers and
exercisers.
The present study examined the nature of social comparisons that female collegeaged
non or infrequent exercisers and exercisers made with respect to their bodies, and
the relationship of these social comparisons to body image attitudes. Specifically, the
frequency and direction of comparisons on specific tal-gets and body dimensions were
examined in both non or infrequent exercisers and exercisers. Finally, the relationship
between body-image attitudes and the frequency and direction with which body-related
social comparisons were made for non or infrequent exercisers and exercisers were
examined. One hundred and fifty-two participants completed the study (n = 70 non or
ill
infrequent exercisers; n = 82 exercisers). Participants completed measures of social
physique anxiety (SPA), body dissatisfaction, body esteem, body image cognitions,
leisure time physical activity, and social comparisons.
Results suggested that both groups (non or infrequent exercisers and exercisers)
generally made social comparisons and most frequently made comparisons with same-sex
friends, and least frequently with same-sex parents. Also, both groups made more
appearance-related comparisons than non-appearance-related comparisons. Further, both
groups made more negative comparisons with almost all targets. However, non or
infrequent exercisers generally made more negative comparisons on all body dimensions,
while exercisers made negative comparisons only on weight and body shape dimensions.
MANOV As were conducted to examine if any differences on social comparisons
between the two groups existed. Results of the MANOVAs indicated that frequency of
comparisons with targets, the frequency of comparisons on body dimensions, and
direction of comparisons with targets did not differ based on exercise status. However,
the direction of comparison of specific body dimensions revealed a significant (F (7, 144)
= 3.26,p < .05; 1]2 = .132) difference based on exercise status. Follow-up ANOVAs
showed significant differences on five variables: physical attractiveness (F (1, 150) =
6.33,p < .05; 1]2 = .041); fitness (F(l, 150) = 11.89,p < .05; 1]2 = .073); co-ordination
(F(I, 150) = 5.61,p < .05; 1]2 = .036); strength (F(I, dO) = 12.83,p < .05; 1]2 = .079);
muscle mass or tone (F(l, 150) = 17.34,p < .05; 1]2 = 1.04), with exercisers making more
positive comparisons than non or infrequent exercisers.
The results from the regression analyses for non or infrequent exercisers showed
appearance orientation was a significant predictor of the frequency of social comparisons
N
(B = .429, SEB = .154, /3 = .312,p < .01). Also, trait body image measures accounted for
significant variance in the direction of social comparisons (F(9, 57) = 13.43,p < .001,
R2adj = .68). Specifically, SPA (B = -.583, SEB = .186, /3 = -.446,p < .01) and body
esteem-weight concerns (B = .522, SEB = .207, /3 = .432,p < .01) were significant
predictors of the direction of comparisons. For exercisers, regressions revealed that
specific trait measures of body image significantly predicted the frequency of
comparisons (F(9, 71) = 8.67,p < .001, R2adj = .463). Specifically, SPA (B = .508, SEB =
.147, /3 = .497,p < .01) and appearance orientation (B = .457, SEB = .134, /3 = .335,p <
.01) were significant predictors of the frequency of social comparisons. Lastly, for
exercisers, the results for the regression of body image measures on the direction of social
comparisons were also significant (F(9, 70) = 14.65,p < .001, R2adj = .609) with body
dissatisfaction (B = .368, SEB = .143, /3 = .362,p < .05), appearan.ce orientation (B = .256,
SEB = .123, /3 = .175,p < .05), and fitness orientation (B = .423, SEB = .194, /3 = .266,p <
.05) significant predictors of the direction of social comparison.
The results indicated that young women made frequent social comparisons
regardless of exercise status. However, exercisers m,a de more positive comparisons on all
the body dimensions than non or infrequent exercisers. Also, certain trait body image
measures may be good predictors of one's body comp~son tendencies. However, the
measures which predict comparison tendencies may be different for non or infrequent
exercisers and exercisers. Future research should examine the effects of social
comparisons in different populations (i.e., males, the obese, older adults, etc.).
Implications for practice and research were discussed.


title: Gas chromatographic electron capture negative ionization mass spectrometric (GC/ECNI/MS) determination of unique fluorinated compounds in the sediments of Lake Ontario and the effect of high-boiling alcohols (as injection solvents) on chromatographic behaviour of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in gas chromatography

subject: Gas chromatography.

subject: Fluorine compounds--Spectra.

subject: Contaminated sediments--Ontario, Lake (N.Y. and Ont.)

subject: Alcohols.

subject: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons--Spectra.

abstract:
Part I - Fluorinated Compounds
A method has been developed for the extraction, concentration, and
determination of two unique fluorinated compounds from the sediments of Lake
Ontario. These compounds originated from a common industrial landfill, and
have been carried to Lake Ontario by the Niagara River. Sediment samples from
the Mississauga basin of Lake Ontario have been evaluated for these compounds
and a depositional trend was established. The sediments were extracted by
accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and then underwent clean-up, fractionation,
solvent exchange, and were concentrated by reduction under nitrogen gas. The
concentrated extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography - electron capture
negative ionization - mass spectrometry.
The depositional profile determined here is reflective of the operation of the
landfill and shows that these compounds are still found at concentrations well
above background levels. These increased levels have been attributed to physical
disturbances of previously deposited contaminated sediments, and probable
continued leaching from the dumpsite.
Part II - Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry is the most common method for
the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from various
matrices. Mass discrimination of high-boiling compounds in gas chromatographic
methods is well known. The use of high-boiling injection solvents shows
substantial increase in the response of late-eluting peaks. These solvents have an
increased efficiently in the transfer of solutes from the injector to the analytical
column. The effect of I-butanol, I-pentanol, cyclopentanol, I-hexanol, toluene
and n-octane, as injection solvents, was studied.
Higher-boiling solvents yield increased response for all PAHs. I -Hexanol
is the best solvent, in terms of P AH response, but in this solvent P AHs were more
susceptible to chromatographic problems such as peak splitting and tailing.
Toluene was found to be the most forgiving solvent in terms of peak symmetry
and response. It offered the smallest discrepancies in response, and symmetry
over a wide range of initial column temperatures.


title: Synthesis and characterization of BODIPY-Î±-tocopherol : a new ligand to explore the intracellular transfer of Vitamin E

subject:
Vitamin E--Metabolism.
Vitamin E--Synthesis.
Fluorimetry.

abstract:
Since its discovery nearly a century ago, a-tocopherol (vitamin E) research has
been mainly focused on its ability to terminate the cycle of lipid peroxidation in
membranes. Nitrobenzoxadiazole fluorescent analogues were made previously to study
the intracellular transfer of vitamin E in cells. However, these molecules were reportedly
susceptible to photobleaching while under illumination for transfer assays and
microscopy.
Here is reported the synthesis of a series of fluorescent analogues of vitamin E
incorporating the more robust dipyrrometheneboron difluoride fluorophore (BDP-a-Tocs;
Aex = 507 nm, Aem = 511 nm). C8-BDP-a-Toc 42c, having an eight-carbon chain between
the chromanol and fluorophore, wa<; shown to bind specifically to a-tocopherol transfer
protein with a dissociation constant of approximately 100 nM. Another fluorescent
analogue of vitamin E with a thienyl derivative of BODIPY that is excited and fluoresces
at longer wavelengths (Aex = 561 nm, Aem = 570 nm) is in development.


title: The effects of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives on the central thermoeffector threshold temperatures and width of the interthreshold zone

subject:
Body temperature.
Basal metabolism.
Menstrual cycle.
Contraceptives.
Ovulation--Detection.

abstract:
Basal body temperature (BBT) and thermoeffector thresholds increase following ovulation in
many women. This study investigated if solely central thermoregulatory alterations are responsible.
Seven females in a non-contraceptive group (NCG) were compared with 5 monophasic contraceptive
users (HCG) on separate accounts: pre-ovulation (Trial I; d 2-5) and post-ovulation (Trial 2; 4-8 d
post-positive ovulation) for NCG, and active phase for HCG (d 2-5, d 18-21). During immersion in
28°C water to the axilla, participants exercised for 20-30 min on an underwater ergometer. After
steadily sweating, immersion continued until metabolism increased two-fold due to shivering. Rectal
(Tre) BBT was not different between trials for neither NCG (1: 37.34±0.16°C; 2: 37.35±0.27°C) nor
HCG. At exercise termination, Tre forehead sweating cessation increased (P<0.05) in trial 2
irrespective of group (1: 37.55±0.39°C; 2: 37.90±0,46°C). Tre shivering onset did not increase
(P>0.05) in trial 2 (1: 36.91±0.50°C; 2: 37.07±0,45°C). The widths of the interthreshold zone
increased (P<0.05) in trial 2 (1: 0.64±0.22°C; 2: 0.82±0.37°C) due to the increased sweating threshold
only. HCG cooled quicker (1: -l.15±0,43°C; 2: -1.00±0.50°C) than NCG participants (1: -
0.58±0.22°C; 2: -0.52±O.29°C), and tympanic (Tty) sweat thresholds were significantly (P<0.05)
decreased (1: 34.76±0.54°C; 2: 35.39±0.61°C) versus NCG (l: 35.57±0.77°C; 2: 35.89±1.04°C).
Lastly, Tre and Tty thresholds were significantly different (P<O.05) for all thresholds within the same
trial. In conclusion, BBT is not a reliable indicator of ovulation, only the central thermoregulatory
drive for sweating is altered by menstrual phase, contraceptive users have enhanced thermal
sensitivities, and Tty opposed to Tre provides different measures of core temperature.


title: The journey towards comprehensive school health within an aboriginal community

subject: School health services--Canada.

subject: Obesity in children--Prevention--Canada.

abstract:
The purpose of this research is to describe the journey towards Comprehensive
School Health at two Aboriginal elementary schools. An advocate and a healthy
schools committee were identified at both schools and were responsible for
developing initiatives to create a healthy school community. A case study was used
to gather an in-depth understanding of Comprehensive School Health for the two
schools involved. As a researcher, I functioned within the role of a participantobserver,
as I was actively involved in the programs and initiatives completed in both
schools. The research process included: the pilot study, ethics clearance and
distribution of letters of invitation and consent forms. Data collection included 16
semi-structured, guided interviews with principals, teachers, and stupents.
Participant observations included sites of the gymnasium, classroom, playgrounds,
school environments, bulletin boards as well as artifact analysis of decuments such as
school newsletters, physical education schedules and school handbooks. The
interviews were transcribed and coded using an inductive approach which involves
finding patterns, themes and categories from the data (patton, 2002). Research
questions guided the findings as physical activity, physical education, nutrition and
transportation were discussed. Themes developed t~rough coding were teacherstudent
interactions, cultural traditions, time constraints and professional development
and were discussed using a Comprehensive School Health framework.


title: The practical application of a meta-analysis of deinstitutionalization : adaptive behaviour outcomes and the piloting of a transitional questionnaire for adults with intellectual disabilities

subject: People with mental disabilities--Deinstitutionalization.

subject: People with mental disabilities--Care.

subject: Community mental health services.

abstract:
This investigation examined the effects of de institutionalization on the adaptive
behaviour and adjustment of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). In study 1, a meta-analysis
was conducted with 23 studies on deinstitutionalization adaptive behaviour outcomes.
Deinstitutionalization was associated with modest improvements in adaptive behaviour however
outcomes varied across adaptive behaviour domains and other substantive variables. Clinical and
service implications of these results were explicated. Noting the trends from the meta-analysis,
study 2 used this information in refining and piloting an Agency Transition Survey used to
evaluate community transitions for persons with ID. Information derived from the survey was
found to be valuable and adequate for the effective evaluation of transitional success. Potential
applications of the survey and meta-analysis results were illustrated.


title: What gets plans off the shelf? : a multi-site case study of the factors influencing municipal recreation plan implementation

subject: Outdoor recreation--Ontario--Planning|vCase studies.

subject: Recreation areas--Ontario--Planning|vCase studies.

subject: Parks--Ontario--Planning|vCase studies.

abstract:
Municipalities that engage in recreation planning have the potential to use their
resources more effectively. However, successful planning means getting the plan off the
shelf and implemented. This study investigated the factors that influenced municipal
recreation plan implementation in three municipalities. Interviews were conducted with
eleven key informants (recreation directors, planning consultants, a city councillor, and
members of plan steering committees). The findings of this study suggested that because
the implementation of recreation plans occurs in a highly political environment,
recreation professionals will need effective strategies to get their plans implemented and
that implementation can be facilitated by developing or expanding strategies that: (l)
build the power of the recreation department within the municipal government structure;
(2) build support for recreation within the local community; and (3) build the political
and organizational capacity in the recreation department.


title: Winâ  Foy : functional object-oriented programming language

subject: Winâ  Foy (Computer program language)

subject: Object-oriented programming (Computer science)

abstract:
This thesis will introduce a new strongly typed programming language utilizing
Self types, named Win--*Foy, along with a suitable user interface designed
specifically to highlight language features. The need for such a programming
language is based on deficiencies found in programming languages that support
both Self types and subtyping. Subtyping is a concept that is taken for granted
by most software engineers programming in object-oriented languages. Subtyping
supports subsumption but it does not support the inheritance of binary
methods. Binary methods contain an argument of type Self, the same type as
the object itself, in a contravariant position, i.e. as a parameter. There are
several arguments in favour of introducing Self types into a programming language
(11. This rationale led to the development of a relation that has become
known as matching [4, 5). The matching relation does not support subsumption,
however, it does support the inheritance of binary methods. Two forms
of matching have been proposed (lJ. Specifically, these relations are known as
higher-order matching and I-bound matching. Previous research on these relations
indicates that the higher-order matching relation is both reflexive and
transitive whereas the f-bound matching is reflexive but not transitive (7]. The
higher-order matching relation provides significant flexibility regarding inheritance
of methods that utilize or return values of the same type. This flexibility,
in certain situations, can restrict the programmer from defining specific classes
and methods which are based on constant values [21J. For this reason, the type
This is used as a second reference to the type of the object that cannot, contrary
to Self, be specialized in subclasses. F-bound matching allows a programmer
to define a function that will work for all types of A', a subtype of an upper
bound function of type A, with the result type being dependent on A'. The
use of parametric polymorphism in f-bound matching provides a connection to
subtyping in object-oriented languages. This thesis will contain two main sections.
Firstly, significant details concerning deficiencies of the subtype relation
and the need to introduce higher-order and f-bound matching relations into programming
languages will be explored. Secondly, a new programming language
named Win--*Foy Functional Object-Oriented Programming Language has been
created, along with a suitable user interface, in order to facilitate experimentation
by programmers regarding the matching relation. The construction of the
programming language and the user interface will be explained in detail.