title: The Effect of Perceived Deception on Consumer Repurchase Intention

subject: Perceived deception, Online shopping, Prevention/Promotion orientation, Product type, Repurchase intention, Consumer perception, Consumer loyalty, Advertising

abstract: Online commerce changes the way products are displayed. Bounded by less chance to present information of the product, e-retailers always face misunderstandings on the consumer side, and consequently, unfavourable consumer behaviour. This makes online retailing prone to perceived deceptive practice. Past research has mainly integrated perceived deception into existing consumer behavior theories. In the same vein, this research further examines the factors moderating the relationship between perceived deception and repurchase intention. Specifically, we tested how product type (hedonic versus utilitarian), consumer regulatory focus (promotion versus prevention), and their interaction can help mitigate perceived deception's negative effect on consumer repurchase intention. This research expands the literature on perceived deception. With the prior work establishing the negative effect of perceived deception on consumer purchase behaviour, this research further investigates the factors that may attenuate the unfavourable outcome. It also helps marketers increase repurchase rates by emphasizing the hedonic attribute and instigating promotion intention to help mitigate the negative effects of perceived deception.


title: The Effect of Muscle Length on Post-Tetanic Potentiation of skMLCK-/- and C57BL/6 Mouse EDL Muscles

subject: Potentiation RLC skMLCK Length Myosin

abstract: Post-tetanic potentiation of force in fast skeletal muscle is inversely related to muscle or sarcomere length, diminishing at longer lengths. This relationship has been mainly attributed to the structural effects of the primary mechanism of potentiation, phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain (RLC) of myosin, which is catalyzed by skeletal myosin light chain kinase (skMLCK). The purpose of this thesis was to compare the relationship between isometric twitch force potentiation and muscle or sarcomere length in fast twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from wildtype and skMLCK-/- mice.  It was hypothesized that in addition to reduced potentiation, skMLCK-/- muscles without the ability to phosphorylate the RLC would also display an altered length-dependence of potentiation compared to wildtype muscles with RLC phosphorylation. The main finding was that although twitch potentiation was greater in WT muscles at all lengths, the relationship between potentiation and muscle length was similar in both WT and skMLCK-/- muscles. This indicates that the length-dependence of potentiation cannot necessarily be attributed to RLC phosphorylation. Thus, additional mechanisms, possibly related to Ca2+ handling, thick filament mechanosensing and length-dependent activation may participate in the length-dependence of potentiation displayed by murine fast muscle models.


title: Urban Tree Canopy Assessment Using Geospatial Technologies: A Case Study of the Town of Lincoln, Ontario

contributor: Environmental Sustainability Research Centre

subject:
urban forest
remote sensing
i-Tree Canopy
canopy goals
climate change

abstract:
Urban trees provide important benefits to communities, from mitigating stormwater to improved air quality. Municipalities across Ontario encounter a decline in their urban tree canopy (UTC). UTC assessment is essential for the management of urban trees, especially in the context of climate change. However, quantifying the canopy remains a challenge, given that tree crowns are difficult to assess from the ground. Geospatial technologies provide a suitable alternative to costly, ground-based assessments. Still, they typically require a significant investment in resources, including technical expertise and equipment. For many small- and medium-sized municipalities facing the realities of climate change, these investments are cost-prohibitive.
This study aimed to assess the UTC within the Town of Lincoln, Ontario, using geospatial technologies. The first objective was to estimate canopy cover and distribution using image classification as the main approach. The second objective was to assess the proficiency of a low-cost method based on image interpretation (i.e., i-Tree Canopy) to calculate canopy cover compared to the main approach. The third objective was to examine the possibility of using the canopy goal designated by the Niagara Official Plan as a standard canopy goal. This research study produced three main results. First, the image classification indicated that the tree canopy covers 21% of the Town. Second, this study demonstrated that the results from the main approach are similar to those obtained from i-Tree Canopy. Given the similarity between these approaches, this study concluded that the lower-cost i-Tree Canopy method could be combined with other methods to prepare accurate and affordable canopy assessments for resource-limited municipalities. Finally, this study concluded that canopy goals should account for local
Urban Tree Canopy Assessment Using Geospatial Technologies
differences based on geographic location. This study makes a valuable contribution to the literature as it informs management of canopy resources in communities with limited resources. Outcomes from this study can also better inform tree-canopy goals and policies with a cost-effective method that requires minimal expertise. The ability to conduct UTC assessment in smaller communities is critical in mitigating the impacts of climate change facing most of these communities.


title: Examining The Influence of Social Augmented Reality Apps on Customer Relationships: The Mediating Role of Shared Social Experience

subject:
social augmented reality
customer-to-customer relationships
shared social experience
continuance intention

abstract: The development of augmented reality (AR) has provided firms with increasing opportunities to improve customer experiences, especially in a shared context where customers are encouraged to communicate with others. This study investigates the effectiveness of social AR in building relationships among customers through a shared social experience, one which includes shared sense of place, social interaction, and social identity. Data was collected from 378 active users of a social AR application and was analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and Hayes’ PROCESS Macro. Results from this study show that shared sense of place, social interaction, and social identity mediate the influence of social AR past usage on customer-to-customer relationships, which consequently enhance customers’ continuance intention to use the social AR application. Additionally, the results of the moderated mediation analysis reveal that the indirect effect of social AR past usage on continuance intention is positively moderated by extraversion, such that at higher level of extraversion the mediated relationship becomes stronger. These findings offer important contributions to the AR marketing literature and add valuable insights for practitioners to advance the use of AR technology.


title: Kinematics and Muscle Activity of the Upper Extremity While Performing Cleaning Tasks

subject:
Ergonomics
Kinematics
Muscle Activity
Cleaning Tasks
Upper Extremity

abstract: In Canada, occupations including janitors, caretakers, and building superintendents are the fourth most prevalent occupational group among men in the labour force, while cleaners are the 10th most prevalent occupational group among women (Statistics Canada, 2008). Cleaning tasks, typically labor-intensive, are characterized by a combination of static muscle loads (mainly involving bending and twisting of the back) and repetitive movements of the arms and hands requiring high physical exertion. Tasks such as lifting, mopping, and vacuuming often involve awkward postures with both dynamic and static muscular activities. These types of prolonged static and repetitive muscle activities cause muscle fatigue and may lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of custodial cleaning tasks on upper extremity muscle activity and to assess changes in kinematics throughout the duration of a shift. Ten custodians employed at Brock University performed six cleaning tasks during two different sessions (pre-shift and post-shift). Kinematics of the upper extremity were collected, and muscle activity was recorded from 8 upper extremity muscles. Our results showed no significant changes in mean joint angles or joint range of motion pre-shift to post-shift. However, significant changes were observed in mean and peak EMG amplitudes as a result of time. Higher muscle activity was observed in the upper trapezius and FDS while lower muscle activity was found in the anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, and EDC post-shift compared to pre-shift. This suggests that custodians use different muscular strategies to maintain task performance over the duration of a work shift. This may imply they are experiencing fatigue due to insufficient rest. This work acts as a stepping-stone into future investigations of custodial work and the adaptations over time.


title: Understanding Belongingness in Schools for Disabled Students Who Require a High Level of Support

subject: disability students belonging

abstract: The principles and practices of belonging are at the heart of inclusion (Slee, 2019, p. 917). The concept of belonging allows for a broadening of the debates around the inclusion/exclusion binary (Mee & Wright, 2009, p. 774). The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how processes of belongingness do and do not occur in schools for disabled students. A critical disability studies orientation guided the project, specifically, Meekosha and Shuttleworth’s (2017) four principles of CDS. The research questions were: (1) How do the students I work with (autistic students with IDD) develop a sense of belongingness in classrooms and school spaces? (2) What are the conditions in schools that allow belongingness to flourish? (3) What are the conditions in schools that prevent processes of belongingness from occurring? The study was influenced by Jean Clandinin and Micheal Connolly’s conceptual framework for narrative inquiry. G. Thomas Couser’s six guidelines for disability life writing and representation were used as a standard for the construction of the participant narratives. I examined the experiences of two interview participants—an autistic young adult, and a school principal with two disabled daughters. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interviews and construct themes. Based on the themes, I composed narratives in which I quoted the participants verbatim. Each interview resulted in its own themes, along with one similarity and two differences between the interviews, in relation to the research questions. I further reflected on these findings and their implications for my teaching practice as a special education teacher. The final discussion section answers the research questions through my findings from the participants, which are contextualized in relevant literature and CDS concepts.


title: Menstrual Cycle Related Fluctuations in Circulating Markers of Bone Metabolism at Rest and in Response to Running in Eumenorrheic Females

subject: bone female metabolism running menstrualcycle

abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate potential fluctuations in bone metabolic markers across
the menstrual cycle both at rest and after a 30-minute bout of vigorous-intensity running at 80%
of �̇
O₂max. Resting and post-exercise (0, 30, 90 min) sclerostin (inhibitor of bone formation),
parathyroid hormone (PTH, regulator of calcium homeostasis), carboxy-terminal cross-linking
telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX, marker of bone resorption), and procollagen type 1 N
propeptide (P1NP, marker of bone formation) were assessed in 10 young, eumenorrheic women
(21.7 ± 3.2 years, 23.2 ± 3 kg.
m2
) during the mid- to late-follicular (FP: day 8.0 ± 1.4) and midluteal (LP: day 22.0 ± 2.5) phases of the menstrual cycle. Ovulation was determined using
ovulation kits and daily measurement of oral body temperature upon awakening. Menstrual phase
was subsequently confirmed by measurement of plasma estradiol and progesterone taken on study
days, confirming an increase in both hormones during the mid-luteal phase. At rest, there were no
significant differences in sclerostin (FP: 266.5 ± 48.6 pg·mL-1
; LP: 296.0 ± 37.5 pg·mL-1
;
p=0.507), PTH (FP: 1.00 ± 0.22 pmol·L-1
; LP: 0.71 ± 0.16 pmol·L-1
; p=0.485), β-CTX (FP: 243.1±
52.7 ng·mL-1
; LP: 202.4 ± 30.8 ng·mL-1
; p=0.691), or P1NP (FP: 56.9 ± 11.30 ng·mL-1
; LP: 64.30
± 18.32 ng·mL-1
; p=0.133) between menstrual cycle phases. As there were no main effects for
menstrual phase and no significant interaction, post-exercise responses did not differ between
menstrual phases for any of the markers. Significant main effects for time were found in sclerostin,
PTH, β-CTX and P1NP. Specifically, sclerostin and PTH increased from pre- to immediately postexercise (+46% and +43%, respectively; p<0.0001), then returned to resting concentrations at 30
min post-exercise. P1NP also increased immediately post-exercise (+29%; p<0.0001), returning
to resting concentrations at 30 min post-exercise. β-CTX decreased from pre- to immediately postexercise (-20%; p=0.004) and remained below its pre-exercise concentrations at 30 min postexercise (-12%; p=0.039) and 90 min post-exercise (-17%; p=0.002). These results demonstrate
that sclerostin, PTH, β-CTX and P1NP do not differ at rest or in response to exercise across the
menstrual cycle.


title: “Getting Everyone on the Same Page” An Integrated Transition Planning Process for Youths with an Intellectual/Developmental Disability with a Social Return on Investment Perspective

subject:
Developmental Disability
Transitional Aged Youth
Intellectual Disability
Social Return on Investment
Multi-Sector Planning

abstract: Transitioning out of high school is a significant step in a young person’s life. The Tri-Sector TAY Planning process in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada has developed a single integrated transition plan for youths with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD). This plan unfolds collaboratively, with education and community professionals meeting at the same planning table with the family and the youth beginning at the age of 14 years. Notably, no new government funding was provided to support this process. The case study reported herein explored both the potential benefits of the Tri-Sector Planning process and the ways in which this multi-sector planning procedure might be improved. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourteen participants, including youths, parents, and professionals. A qualitative thematic data analysis was conducted. Collaboration was identified as an important component of the multi-sector integrated planning process, critical to promoting successful outcomes for youths, including gainful employment and entry into post-secondary education. On the question of possible improvements to the procedure, promoting increased youth engagement and agency during the planning process emerged as an important consideration. In addition, a Social Return on Investment (SROI) quantitative and qualitative data analysis was completed on the case study data to examine the identified impacts of the process. Even with the investment into the Niagara Region Tri-Sector TAY Planning process based only on an estimate of funding from participating organizations, the net SROI ratio was 1.00:4.92, illustrating that for every $1.00 of funding contributed by participating organizations, the after-cost impact benefit was $4.92.


title: There's No Place Like (Rural) Home: Why People Choose Rural Despite Decline

subject:
Community Development
Geography
Community Decline
Rural Development
Rural

abstract: Rural communities play a major role in the Canadian landscape and identity.  As such it is important to explore the role of rural Canadian communities and why people are so drawn to them.  The purpose of this research is to explore why people are so attached to rural communities across Canada despite the presence of economic and population decline.  This has been achieved through a thematic analysis of the transcripts of CBC TV series “Still Standing”.  An interview with the show producer was also conducted in order to gain background information of the show.  The results showed that, above all, there is a strong desire and determination to stay among community members.  They will do “whatever it takes” in order to stay in the community and continue calling it home.  Results also showed that residents were not concerned with initiating significant growth for the community, they simply wanted to maintain the livability of the community for themselves.  Many community members spoke about various initiatives and solutions that they had developed that were quite creative in terms of community resilience.  Community members also often used place-based assets and unique local qualities as a catalyst for development in the community.  One of the primary challenges that was common for communities regardless of their region or province was the threat and challenge of youth outmigration.  Many community members were concerned that youth outmigration would threaten the survival of their communities in the future.  Some of the challenges that emerged from this research included the limited number of communities that could be studied, as well as the fact that data was taken from the transcripts of an edited television show.


title: The Effects of the Mad Dog Diet on Bowel Function, Body Composition, Neuropathic Pain, and Depression in a Spinal Cord Injury and Multiple Sclerosis Population

subject:
Inflammation
Spinal Cord Injury
Multiple Sclerosis
Diet

abstract: Inflammation has been shown to negatively influence bowel function, body composition, neuropathic pain, and depression within the spinal cord injury (SCI) and multiple sclerosis (MS) populations. Four individuals with varying levels of SCI’s (C5-T1/AIS A-D/3 male 1 female) and two individuals with varying diagnoses of MS (SPMS & RRMS, female) were recruited for the study. Bowel function was assessed via The Bowel Management subset of the Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life (SCI-QOL) and Neurological Bowel Dysfunction (NBD)  questionnaires, body composition was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, neuropathic pain was assessed via the neuropathic pain questionnaire, and depression was measured via the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) questionnaire. This study investigated the effects of 6-weeks of the Mad Dog diet, which aimed to reduce inflammation, and improve the aforementioned ailments. The 6-week Mad Dog diet was associated with a significant reduction in total body mass (p=0.006), lean mass (p=0.046) and fat mass (p=0.038). Despite the significant reduction in fat mass, there were no significant changes in subcutaneous fat mass (p=0.091), or visceral mass (p=0.33), which suggests that the study was underpowered and could not distinguish the relative contribution of either fat source to the losses in total fat mass. Likewise, there were no significant changes in bowel function as determined by SCI-QOL scores (p=0.33), or NBD scores (p=0.29), and no significant changes in any domain of neuropathic pain (sensory, p=0.55; affective, p=0.15; sensitivity, p=0.12), or depression (CES-D scores, p=0.34). These findings demonstrate that 6 weeks of the Mad Dog diet may be beneficial for body composition in the SCI and MS populations. Findings from this research provide the basis for a larger study that can more fully assess the outcomes from this study along with changes in biological measures of inflammation.


title: Weighted Graph Compression using Genetic Algorithms

subject:
Genetic Algorithm
Graph Compression
Weighted Networks
Contact Networks
NSGA-II

abstract: Networks are a great way to present information. It is easy to see how different objects interact with one another, and the nature of their interaction. However, living in the technological era has led to a massive surge in data. Consequently, it is very common for networks/graphs to be large. When graphs get too large, the computational power and time to process these networks gets expensive and inefficient. This is common in areas such as bioinformatics, epidemic contact tracing, social networks, and many others. Graph compression is the process of merging nodes that are highly connected into one super-node, thus shrinking the graph. The goal of graph compression is to merge nodes while mitigating the amount of information lost during the compression process. Unweighted graphs are largely studied in this area. However, in this thesis, we extend the approaches to compress weighted graphs via genetic algorithms and analyse the compression from an epidemic point of view. It is seen that edge weights provide vital information for graph compression. Not only this, but having meaningful edge weights is important as different weights can lead to different results. Moreover, both the original edge weights and adjusted edge weights produce different results when compared to a widely used community detection algorithm, the Louvain Algorithm. However, the different results may be helpful to public health officials. Lastly, the NSGA-II algorithm was implemented. It was found that NSGA-II is more suitable as a pre-processing tool, in order to find a target compression that introduces a comfortable level of distortion, and then using the single-objective genetic algorithm to achieve an improved solution for the target.


title: An Exploration of the Current Orientation Practices for Clinical Instructors at Ontario University Nursing Programs

subject:
Clinical instructor
Nursing
Orientation

abstract: The Joint Provincial Nursing Committee in Ontario in 2015 set forth recommendations to improve clinical nursing education. This thesis was conducted to explore the current orientation processes for new clinical instructors within nursing programs at Ontario universities. Qualitative methodology, more specifically case study design, was chosen to guide the research process. Eight participants from six universities in Ontario were recruited, using purposeful sampling, and participated in semi-structured interviews. Four themes emerged from the data: (a) the process of orientation starts with the hiring process; (b) training methods and content of orientation programs; (c) completion of the orientation process; (d) clinical instructors as part-time employees. Findings indicated that there is a lack of a standardized orientation process across Ontario, resulting in inconsistencies in how clinical instructors teach across the province. It is recommended that an evidence-informed, standardized orientation model be developed to provide consistency in clinical education across Ontario.


title: An In-depth Examination of Personality and Aggression Across Different Contexts

subject: aggression honesty-humility personality organizational workplace

abstract:
Acts of aggression are associated with a variety of negative outcomes. Accordingly, research has aimed to identify the personality traits that give rise to different forms of aggressive behaviour. Recent work has indicated that the factor of Honesty-Humility is associated with a variety of deviant behaviours, including aggression towards others; however, the nuances of these relationships require further investigation. This dissertation aimed to address several gaps in this literature through three main studies. In Study 1, we extended previous findings to younger populations, examining the associations between Honesty-Humility and aggression longitudinally in a large sample of children and youth. These findings demonstrated a bidirectional relationship between Honesty-Humility and aggression over time, such that low levels of Honesty-Humility resulted in higher levels of aggression and vice versa. In Study 2, we explored the specific facets of Honesty-Humility to determine if they differentially predict proactive and reactive aggression. Despite the theoretical link between Modesty and reactive aggression, we found limited support for this association, especially when controlling for proactive aggression. Overall, the Sincerity and Fairness facets were found to strongly predict both forms of aggression. Lastly, Study 3 explored the associations between Honesty-Humility and deviance, aggression, exploitation, and victimization in a workplace context. Robust relationships were found between Honesty-Humility and several deviant behaviours, further emphasizing the importance of this trait. In particular, when provided with the opportunity to aggress, individuals low in Honesty-Humility were more likely to do so, regardless of their level of power in the situation. Collectively, these findings indicate that Honesty-Humility is the strongest predictor of aggressive and deviant behaviour among the broad factors of personality.
However, this dissertation extends previous findings by demonstrating the applicability of Honesty-Humility across different contexts and by providing a nuanced understanding of the components responsible for this relationship.


title: Rural Youths’ Perspectives on the Significance and Impacts of New Roads:  The Case of Kaasa - Zogsa Road, Builsa North District, Ghana

subject:
Mobility
Rural Youth
Rural Road Infrastructures
Community Participation

abstract: This thesis investigates the uneven and differential implications of a newly constructed road for residents of Kaasa, a rural community in northern Ghana, with an emphasis on youth, a group whose experiences and practices in relation to road-based mobility have been largely overlooked. It also examines the labour-intensive model used to construct the road, and the relationship between this construction model and the completed road’s uneven implications for community members. Primary data was collected using in-depth qualitative phone interviews with a sample of 15 youth from Kaasa, the road-building project supervisor, and the local assemblyman. Analysis of this material, which employs a motility capital – or motility – framework, yielded three main typologies: (a) six implications of involving locals in the road-building process, (b) six themes that describe youths’ lived experiences of the new road, and (c) five additional themes that summarise youths’ perspectives on the implications of the new road for the community as a whole. Findings reveal that these three sets of implications overlap significantly, and that locals’ ability to experience the benefits of the newly constructed road depend mainly on their motility, including the assets and opportunities they possess as well as the ambition to act on available opportunities. By contributing to knowledge on the multifaceted material and social implications of rural road construction for differently positioned individuals in a small rural community, this thesis also adds to knowledge on rural development research and practice, and the new mobilities scholarship in the social sciences.


title: Assessing the prevalence of injuries in competitive rowing athletes: the effects of body location, sex, and perceived fatigue

subject:
Low Back Pain
Rowing
Injury Prevalence

abstract: The purpose of this study is to; assess the lifetime prevalence of musculoskeletal injures, based on different anatomical regions, including the perceptions of muscular fatigue as a contributing factor to these injuries in recreational rowing athletes; to assess the relative effect of muscle fatigue on musculoskeletal injury in male and female athletes, respectively; to assess the effect of sex on LBP prevalence and severity in recreational rowing athletes. With this purpose in mind a survey was conducted involving rowing athletes across all ages and sexes. In this survey information on rowing experience, injury history, prevalence of low back pain, subjective level of fatigue at the time of injury, activity at the time of most severe injury, and type of pain with most severe injury. The most severe injury incurred for participants most commonly on a rowing ergometer (n=31), followed by training on the water (sweep n=26, scull n=24), most severe injuries were described as a dull pain (n=77). The most common injury site was the back, which had a significantly higher prevalence than the upper body, lower body and other injury sites. Injury prevalence of the upper body was significantly greater than the lower body and other injury sites, and lower body injury prevalence was significantly greater than the other injury sites. Lastly, Participants perceived that they were significantly more fatigued when a back injury occurred than injuries to any other site. Additionally, Injuries to the lower extremity had a higher perception of fatigue than upper extremity and other injury sites. The current work also suggests that there are no systematic differences in the prevalence of low back pain between male and female rowing athletes, nor in the severity of duration of such pain experienced at the low back or in other more general body regions.


title: The Big Five Personality Traits and Choking Susceptibility

subject:
Choking Susceptibility
Personality
Neuroticism
Big Five Personality Traits

abstract: Choking susceptibility is the likelihood or potential of an individual choking under pressure (Mesagno et al., 2012). Choking susceptibility may be influenced by personality traits. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between the Big Five personality traits on choking susceptible and choking non-susceptible individuals. A protocol developed by Mesagno et al. (e.g., 2008; 2009), comprised of a self-consciousness scale, sport anxiety scale, and coping style scale, was used to measure choking susceptibility. Personality traits were measured using the Big Five Inventory-10. A total of 60 post-secondary students were analysed in this study; 30 were choking susceptible and 30 were choking non-susceptible. A MANOVA showed a significant effect of the personality traits on choking susceptibility. Separate univariate tests on the outcome variables (i.e., neuroticism, openness, extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) revealed a significant effect for neuroticism. Additionally, a discriminant function analysis further showed that neuroticism contributed the most to choking susceptibility compared to the other four personality traits. According to the current study, individuals higher in neuroticism are more choking susceptible than those lower in neuroticism. Therefore, individuals who are neurotic may benefit from interventions designed for their personality to combat the likelihood of choking under pressure. This study is the first to use Mesagno’s choking susceptibility protocol outside of sport.


title: Effects of a Tailored Social Marketing Campaign Targeting Smoking Policy Compliance on Smoking-Related Behaviour on Campus

subject:
policy
smoking
young adults
post-secondary
social marketing

abstract:
Introduction. Smoking represents a significant risk to Canadians. Young people in Canada have historically had the highest smoking prevalence of any other age group. Implementing
smoking policies can be an effective strategy for post-secondary campuses to interrupt smoking trajectories and reduce the risk of campus citizens being exposed to second-
hand smoke, however compliance can be a barrier to achieving these outcomes. This study examined the effects of a social marketing campaign on policy-non-compliance on a post- secondary campus in Ontario, Canada.
Methods. The 3-week campaign was implemented by students and focused on policy- compliance-related objectives. Six smoking sites were observed twice a day for one week before the campaign, and one week after the campaign was completed. 4 sites were designated smoking areas, as defined by the smoking policy at the institution. 2 sites were undesignated “hot-spots” where smoking was frequently observed to occur. A butt litter audit was completed before and after the campaign to determine if butt litter decreased after the campaign.
Results. At designated smoking sites, using the strict policy definition of the designated smoking sites, the proportion of observed behaviour that was non-compliant decreased in designated smoking areas (-0.079, 95% CI = 0.143, -0.0151, p < .05). Noncompliant behaviours also significantly decreased after the campaign using a more lenient measure of compliance (-0.102, 95% CI = -0.203, -0.001, p < .05). At undesignated hot spots, the average number of people using the areas to smoke decreased at both sites after the campaign. The proportion
of all cigarettes which were disposed of correctly in receptacles was 75.5% before the campaign
and 77.4% after the campaign. It is unclear if second-hand smoke exposure was reduced for non- smoking pedestrians despite the overall reduction in non-compliant behaviours.
Conclusions. Implementing a student-led, social marketing campaign focussed on improving compliance was an effective strategy to improve compliance with smoking policy.


title: An Examination of Collaborative Governance for Complex Adaptive Systems in the St. John River Basin

subject:
social-ecological systems
adaptive governance
social-ecological fit
social network analysis
exponential random graph model

abstract:
Climactic changes are having devastating impacts on communities and improved collaborative
decision-making is required to govern the changing social-ecological system. This research
sought to expand understanding of collaborative governance as it relates to social-ecological
complex adaptive systems by using a network perspective to examine governance network
properties in relation to adaptive governance and social-ecological fit. The collaborative flood
planning network in the St. John River Basin was collected and analyzed both independently and
within a multilevel social-ecological network. Analysis displayed a broad range of organizations
within the network, a tendency for transitivity, and limited social-ecological fit. While
collaboration aids in adaptive governance in the basin, the network was strongly impacted by
varying jurisdictional roles, responsibilities, and resources. This research contributes to the
growing body of literature on network governance for social-ecological systems and further
questions the role of top-down governance within collaborative arrangements.


title: Exploring Parental Experiences and Meaning of Involvement within Youth Sport: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

subject: Parental Involvement

subject: Youth Sport

subject: Role Identity Theory

subject: Gendered Norms

abstract: By applying an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach, the purpose of the study was to explore the lived experience of parental involvement in youth sport and the meaning the involvement holds. Specifically, I wanted to examine how role identity theory can provide deeper understanding to how parents experience and provide meaning to their involvement in their children’s sport. A key aspect to the study is that as the researcher, I was attempting to understand the experiences of the participant’s meaning-making. Master themes that capture the overall phenomenon were constructed that were present across the majority of participants while still allowing for each participant’s unique experience to be understood. The overarching themes interpreted from the data include: Desiring Involvement, Onus on Parental Roles within Involvement, Commitment, and Constructing Meaning-making of the Experience. These findings highlight the ways in which role identity salience defines the experience and the meaning involvement holds to a parent. This study provided deeper theoretical understanding of the experience of being a parent involved in youth sport, as well as highlighted the usefulness of conducting research in this field with an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach to explore a complex and diverse topic.


title: The Association Between Puberty, Emotional Difficulties, and Sleep Problems

subject:
puberty
sleep
emotional difficulties
adolescent development

abstract: Puberty is a period of developmental maturation that is often characterized by difficulties with sleep and emotion. However, the nature of the relation, if any, between pubertal development and emotional difficulties and sleep problems is unclear. The current three-year longitudinal study aimed to investigate whether adolescents’ pubertal status, level of sleep problems, and level of emotional difficulties at Time 1 predict subsequent changes in the developmental trajectories of sleep problems and emotional difficulties. Participants (N = 1284) aged 7-14 years completed a survey measuring their demographics, pubertal status, emotional difficulties, and sleep problems. The results showed that for both boys and girls, puberty was not associated with increases in emotional difficulties over time. Meanwhile, pubertal development was related to increases in sleep problems over time for girls, but not boys. Thus, the latter stages of puberty may be a time of onset for sleep problems in girls.


title: A Study on Immersion and Emotions’ Influence on Impulse Buying in Virtual Environments

subject:
Virtual Reality
Immersion
Impulse Buying
Gender
Emotion

abstract: Impulse buying has always been an interesting phenomenon that is observed in our daily lives. Statistics have shown that impulse purchases make up almost 40% of all purchases made online. Many studies have examined impulse buying, and they have found that emotions accompany impulsive behaviors naturally. With the recent development in virtual reality (VR) technology, this phenomenon is observable in online virtual environments. Retailers can create immersive virtual shops where the customer can walk among the aisles of a virtual store and make purchases. This study examines whether the effects of emotions on impulse buying vary across different immersion levels (2D vs. VR) and gender. To test our hypotheses, we collected data from the 2D and VR setting using experiments. The results provide evidence that gender plays a significant role in the three-way relationship between positive/negative emotions, immersion, and impulse buying. The unique setting of our research extends the literature on impulse buying, marketing, and virtual reality. The results offer valuable insights to marketers and retailers who want to develop virtual shops and influence impulse buying in these virtual shops.


title: Exploring Environmental Stewardship in the Niagara Region of Canada: How Do Elements of Environmental Stewardship Relate to Success?

subject: environmental stewardship, social-ecological system, context, local, success

abstract:
Environmental stewardship is imperative as it provides a means for individuals and society to
reconnect with the biosphere as well as work to protect and conserve the environment for future
generations. While the concept of stewardship is not new, the scholarship addressing it is still
developing. In particular, there is limited research that addresses what makes stewardship
successful. This thesis addresses calls in the literature for empirical investigations into local-scale
environmental stewardship. Specifically, it contributes to a better understanding of elements of
stewardship and what makes stewardship initiatives successful. Two studies were conducted in
the Niagara Region of Canada. The first study investigated the social-ecological context of the
area and examined the elements of environmental stewardship initiatives by empirically testing
a framework for environmental stewardship. The second study examined factors allowing for
stewardship success, from the perspective of the organizations conducting the work. In concert,
the findings reveal: a nuanced relationship between context and stewardship elements; factors
making for stewardship success; and an expanded conceptual framework which more fulsomely
describes local environmental stewardship. Finally, recommendations for future work in this
realm of empirical environmental stewardship investigations are put forth.


title: The Influence of Posttetanic Potentiation on Neuromuscular Efficiency in Mouse Fast Twitch Muscle at 25°C

subject:
Potentiation
Skeletal muscle
efficiency
neuromuscular efficiency
extensor digitorum longus

abstract: Within skeletal muscle the release of calcium is responsible for the initiation of muscle contraction. In addition intracellular Ca2+ also induces the protein skeletal muscle myosin light-chain kinase (skMLCK) to phosphorylate the regulatory light chain (RLC) of fast myosin isoforms.  For a short time following RLC-phosphorylation a potentiated state is induced within muscle fibres in which force generation and other contraction dynamics are augmented. The intent of our study was to examine the effect of tetanic stimulation (>100Hz) induced potentiation on the efficiency of neuromuscular contraction (Work output: # of Pulses). Concentric contractions were used in which muscles shortened 1.10 -> 0.90 Lo, at ~70% maximal shortening velocity (Vmax). The fast twitch extensor digitorum longus muscles were excised and mounted in vitro (25oC) to examine the effect of NME on whole muscle function. Unique to our lab were the use of skMLCK-/- mice which are unable to phosphorylate their myosin-RLC, and thus display no magnitude of posttetanic potentiation. These models were used as a negative control for potentiation compared to the wild type EDL. NME was tested during series of submaximal tetani at five frequencies (10, 25, 40, 55, 80 Hz) before and after muscles were exposed to the conditioning stimulus (4 x 400 msec, 100 Hz, over 10 seconds). Neuromuscular efficiency was found to be increased at all frequencies for both wild type (P<0.001) and skMLCK-/- (P<0.002) genotypes following the CS (n=12). NME potentiation was significantly impacted by the expression of skMLCK and test frequency. At optimal frequency wild type EDLs displayed a 92% increased relative NME compared to the 33% seen in the skMLCK-/- genotype showing the importance of RLC-phosphorylation to contractile enhancement. Work values preceding the CS were not significantly different at any frequency in either genotype (P = 0.236). The presence of RLC phosphorylation is physiologically significant in enhancing force output as well as improving neuromuscular efficiency following PTP.


title: Effects of Exogenous Lipopolysaccharide Exposure on Bone Outcomes in Rodent Models

subject:
trabecular bone
cortical bone
micro-computed tomography
lipopolysaccharide
rodent model

abstract: Chronic low-grade inflammation has been identified as a potential contributor to the pathophysiology of osteoporosis. A key mediator may be lipopolysaccharide (LPS) released from gram-negative bacteria in the gut that can enter circulation stimulating an inflammatory response and upregulate bone resorption. Since rodent models mimic the loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and structure that occurs in humans, rodents offer an accelerated model for studying these inflammation-mediated changes. Therefore, the objective of this thesis was to characterize a rodent model of LPS-induced bone loss using repeated in vivo μCT scans to establish a time course effect of LPS longitudinally and for this purpose three studies were conducted. Study 1 & 2 were run simultaneously using the same control mice. Study 1 demonstrated that repeated irradiation had a negative impact on trabecular bone in both male and female CD-1 mice, while cortical bone was only negatively impacted in the females. In study 2, continuous delivery of exogenous LPS via osmotic pumps for 12 weeks elevated serum LPS in both male and female CD-1 mice but did not alter trabecular or cortical bone structure or BMD at any of the scanning timepoints. Results from Study 2 may in part have been influenced by the effects of repeated irradiation from the in vivo μCT scans at 4-week intervals for a total of 4 scans analyzed in Study 1. In study 3, a systematic review was conducted to better characterize a model of LPS induced bone loss and identify factors that may impact the effects of LPS on bone outcomes in rodent models. Regardless of study duration, exogenous LPS negatively impacted trabecular bone structure and BMD but not cortical bone structure, due to an upregulation in bone resorption. Together these data suggest that exogenous LPS can induce alterations in bone structure and BMD in rodent models, however a clearly defined model of exogenous LPS induced bone loss has yet to be fully characterized.


title: Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Body Mass, Physical Activity and Nutrition in Canadian Post-Secondary Students

subject:
COVID-19
Body Mass
Physical Activity
Nutrition
University Students

abstract: This study examined changes in body mass, physical activity, and dietary intake and habits in Canadian university students during the first (March – September 2020) and second (October 2020 – March 2021) lockdown/restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two observational, self-reported recall surveys were conducted online; in September 2020 (T1) and March 2021 (T2). Five hundred ten (99 males, 411 females) students completed the survey at T1 and 135 of them also completed the survey at T2. The surveys included demographic information (age, sex, living arrangements, activity level, etc.), body mass and height, and a series of standardized questionnaires on eating habits and behaviours, as well as energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake. Body mass and body mass index increased in both males and females. Body mass increased on average by 0.91 kg, t(132) = -2.7, p = 0.008, 95%CI = [0.24, 1.58]. Importantly, a significant change was shown that between T1 and T2 with a greater number of participants identified as overweight (19.8% to 24.4%) than normal weight (61.7% to 54.8%). Body mass change was not associated with changes in physical activity and dietary intake. Females were more likely to decrease At Home Workouts compared to males with no other significant changes detected for type of physical activity in either T1 or T2. Energy intake significantly decreased by ~200 kcals/d. Diet quality also changed in both sexes characterized by negative changes in in both macro and micronutrients. Restrictive eating behaviours were found to increase significantly in females and were more frequent in those with eating disorders. Therefore, modest weight gain did occur during the pandemic in Canadian university students despite the insignificant changes reported in physical activity and the decrease in overall dietary intake, which can be possibly attributed to the changes in diet quality and dietary behaviours.


title: Investigating the Effect of Cell Culture Compositions on Mitochondrial Metabolism, Dynamics,                                     and Transcriptome and Proteome of cells

subject: Cell culture, Mitochondria, Metabolism

abstract: The phytoestrogen Resveratrol (RES) is a natural polyphenol that has been detected in more than 70 plant species.  RES has structural similarity to mammalian estrogens and can bind to estrogen receptors, eliciting genomic and non-genomic effects. Both RES and physiological estrogens like 17-β-estradiol (E2) have wide-ranging effects on mitochondria.  In this thesis, I began by investigating RES’s effects on mitochondrial network dynamics (Chapter 2) and discovered a pro-fusion activity apparently mediated by the mitofusin enzyme Mfn2.  RES stimulated mitochondrial network hyper-fusion morphology in all three cell lines investigated (C2C12 (mouse myoblast), PC3 (prostate cancer), and MEFs (mouse embryonic fibroblast)), but the effect was absent in Mfn2-null MEFs. As this work was being completed; several research groups introduced ‘physiologic cell culture media’ that are modeled on the human plasma metabolome.  I co-authored a study (not in this thesis) demonstrating that RES’s effects on mitochondrial dynamics are dependent on cell culture conditions. To follow up on this, I investigated whether E2’s mitochondrial effects might also be dependent on the cell culture environment, and showed conclusively that this is indeed the case, using C2C12 cells as a model system (Chapter 3). These results and those published by others in 2017-2019 suggested that medium composition can profoundly affect cellular functions.  In Chapter 4, I followed this up by studying how culture conditions affect mitochondrial bioenergetics and network morphology using four cancer cell lines and showed that this is a significant issue.  Finally, to gain a more complete understanding of this phenomenon, I completed a full transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of media effects using MCF7 breast cancer cells as a model (Chapter 5). I showed that hundreds of transcripts and proteins are affected according to culture conditions. Taken together, the results presented in this thesis emphasize the significant extent to which the cell culture environment affects experimental outcomes, particularly with respect to mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics. This information contributes to the development of cell culture experiments providing results that can be translated in vivo.


title: Measuring the Reading-Attention Relationship: Functional Differences in Working Memory Activity During Single Word Decoding in Children With and Without Reading Disorder

subject:
reading disorder
working memory
neuroimaging
phonetic decoding
attention

abstract:
Working memory (WM) is linked to the development of reading skills and has been evidenced to
contribute to reading comprehension difficulties in children with reading disorder (RD). Several
converging models suggest WM to contribute to the development of foundational reading skills,
but few studies have assessed this contribution in either typically developing readers (TD) or
children with RD. In effort to bridge this gap, the current study identified whether a functional
neuroimaging task could be used to identify changes in WM activity during single word reading
in children with and without RD. Two groups of children (77 RD, 22 TD) aged 7-9 completed a
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) task which paired reading and n-back trials to
identify activation of a priori chosen regions of interest in the WM network during single word
decoding. Trials consisted of words, pseudowords, and false font stimuli to assess WM activity
between groups in relation to familiar words, unfamiliar words, and non-words. Exploratory
analysis of behavioural WM correlates were assessed using measures of performance on the
fMRI task as well as measures of verbal learning from the California Verbal Learning Test –
Children’s version. Results show the fMRI task was able to identify WM network activity in
both groups. In the RD group WM activity was indiscriminate to stimulus type and did not show
any patterns of lateralization. In the TD group, WM activity was strongly left lateralized, and
only detected during pseudoword reading, suggesting increases in WM activity during phonetic
decoding only. Findings suggest the WM network may contribute differently to single word
reading in children with and without RD and highlights the potential functional imaging may
have in defining this relationship over the course of reading development.


title: Linkage Behaviours and Outcomes for Serial Sexual Offenders

subject:
Crime Linkage Analysis
ViCLAS
Serial Offender
Sexual Offender
Criminal Behaviour

abstract:
The purpose of the present study was three-fold; 1) to describe the behaviours exhibited
by serial sexual offenders, including their criminal histories, 2) to gain a better understanding of
the information that is used when linking (potential) serial sexual offences, and 3) to explore
linkage outcomes and potential investigative barriers. Previous research on serial offenders has
focused on how to link offenders to their multiple offences using a process known as linkage
analysis. Through this process, trained analysts review case information and assess for potential
links to other cases. Linking offences together allows investigators to focus their resources on
investigating one offender that is responsible for multiple offences, rather than investigating each
offence separately. Further, the linkage process facilitates communication between law
enforcement agencies. This can help protect the public by aiding in the identification of
offenders and potentially reducing victimization. There is a gap in the literature with respect to
the information that is being used to link and confirm offences in practice. The current study
aimed to address these limitations by reviewing a sample of 78 potential linkages (57 male
sexual offenders) made by trained analysts from the Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System
(ViCLAS) centre to examine the information and offence behaviours that were used to link serial
sexual offenders to their offences. Further, this study described the current status of the linkages
and potential investigative barriers. Overall, the information used to make linkages was
consistent with previous research in that both consistent and distinctive offence behaviours were
used. Regarding linkage outcomes, at the time of writing, the majority of linkages remain as
potential (i.e., neither confirmed nor rejected) due to potential investigative barriers. As
investigations continue, these may be updated and confirmed in the future. Implications and
future directions are discussed.


title: Understanding Nepali Youth’s Community Participation in the Post-Disaster Context

subject: Nepali youth, community participation, post-disaster, Participatory Action Research (PAR)

abstract:
As Nepal witnessed the significant contribution of youth in the 2015 earthquake crisis, their community participation received nation-wide attention and acknowledgement (GoN, 2015, and Sherriff, 2016); however, a little attention has been paid to understand their participation practices and perspectives. Witnessing youth active participation in the community, this study has attempted to explore their engagement in the post-disaster context of Nepal by using Cornwall’s (2000a) situated practices, and Stammers’ (2009) paradox of institutionalization as conceptual frameworks.

This study adopted Participatory Action Research (PAR) method to explore the nature of youth engagement, factors for their community (dis)engagement, and youth’s conceptualization of participation based on their own lived experiences. 36 Nepali youth, who were actively engaged in the community (seven as co-researchers and 29 as research participants), participated in this study. Data were collected using Cooperative Inquiry (CI) workshops, interviews and focus group discussions, field visits, and social media content analysis. Later, data were analyzed using thematic analysis; and five key themes emerged from the collected data. These themes not only illustrated how youth were engaged in complex and hybrid ways, but also revealed the influence of socio-cultural and economic situation, and institutional practices on youth (dis)engagement in the community. The study exhibits the necessity of incorporating youth’s perspectives on participation and changing youth participation practices rather than mere adult-centric narratives of youth participation or institution-driven, tokenistic and unsustainable youth mobilization practices in Nepal.


title: Breaking the silence: Exploring women's experiences of the #MeToo movement

subject:
silencing
sexual violence
#MeToo
YouTube

abstract: The #MeToo movement encourages breaking the social silence about sexual violence online; survivors share their experiences of sexual violence under the hashtag #MeToo across social media platforms, joining with other survivors in a network of empowerment, resistance, and empathy. This thesis focuses on women’s participation in #MeToo through their video blog (vlog) postings on YouTube. I analyze 12 of the most viewed vlogs posted on YouTube under #MeToo between September 19th, 2019, and September 19th, 2020, addressing how women in this online forum represent their experiences of sexual violence, silencing, and participation in the #MeToo movement. Particularly, I investigate the affordances of participation that these women identify, as well as how they represent the #MeToo movement’s goals, what drawbacks they experience in relation to breaking the silence, and how they imagine their experiential narratives may affect other survivors of sexual violence. Through their detailed testimony on YouTube, vloggers voice and resist the structures that silenced them while encouraging other survivors to recognize and resist these structures in their own experiences. Analyzing these vlogs contributes to a greater understanding of how individual women think and feel about the #MeToo movement as they interact under the hashtag on YouTube, an online domain that is currently under-represented in research on digital feminist social movements.


title: Examining the morphological decomposition of complex words in native and non-native speakers of English

subject:
Morphology
English
Typing
Native Speakers
Non-native Speakers

abstract:
Word knowledge is an essential component of second language acquisition. For many
second language learners of English, acquiring new words can be a difficult task. Understanding
the structure of words may be a valuable strategy for vocabulary development. This study
examines the processing of morphologically complex English words by native and non-native
speakers of English in a word typing task. The evaluation of the stimuli through word typing is
also explored as a possible measure of functional ability in English in non-native speakers. A
total of 270 complex affixed words were used as stimuli with true and pseudo-affixed words
making up the real word-stimuli and novel-possible and novel-impossible stimuli. A total of 33
native speakers completed the lexical decision task in Experiment One that provided a validity
check on the stimuli. Experiment Two had 52 native and 55 non-native speakers complete a
typing task. Results indicated that complex real affixed words were typed more quickly than
complex novel affixed words. Of particular interest were changes in typing speed at the
morpheme boundary within a word. Native speakers displayed a greater slowing at the
morpheme boundary than the non-native speakers, indicating a greater sensitivity to the internal
structure of words. With respect to functional ability, the results suggest that typing sensitivity to
morpheme boundaries relates to more general functional ability.


title: The hydrological and limnological characterization of two Canadian water catchments sensitive to anthropogenic influences: Crawford Lake, Ontario and Old Crow Flats, Yukon

subject:
Crawford Lake
Old Crow Flats
Anthropocene
Hydrology
Geochemistry

abstract:
Crawford Lake, Ontario, and Old Crow Flats, Yukon, provide two unique locations to study interacting hydrological components and the effects of climate and anthropogenically- induced landscape changes on local hydrology, geochemistry, and limnology. Crawford Lake is a small meromictic lake near the Niagara Escarpment, whose bathymetry and wind-protected shores impede seasonal turnover, maintaining density stratification across the chemocline. Chemical and isotopic analysis identified a dense, highly conductive groundwater-fed monimolimnion permanently isolated from a less dense, more dilute mixolimnion. High concentrations of dissolved oxygen were measured in the monimolimnion year-round, with oxic conditions maintained by groundwater seeping through hydraulically conductive units in Silurian dolostones of the Lockport Group. This hydrologic setting facilitates the accumulation of varves below the chemocline where the lack of bioturbation is attributed to the saline, alkaline, and isolated nature of the monimolimnion, allowing the undisturbed laminations to provide an annually resolvable chronology of local and global anthropogenic impact.

The Old Crow Flats (OCF) is a remote Arctic wetland that holds over 8700 shallow thermokarst lakes and drain a 14,000 km2 headwater basin via the Old Crow– Porcupine – Yukon River system. OCF is the traditional territory of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nations who have observed widespread climate-induced landscape changes, including shoreline permafrost slumping, rapid thermokarst lake drainage, shrub encroachment, water level changes, and forest fires. Long-term analysis (2007 –2009 and 2015 – 2019 CE) of the hydrological response to these landscape changes have shown trends of increasing connectivity between the perched lakes and incised rivers, increased seasonal runoff contributions, and altered water chemistry. Analysis
of geochemical records sampled from 24 river stations allowed for the rapidly changing contributions of the hydrological endmembers over time (including precipitation, permafrost thaw, lake water, etc.) to be tracked and cross-referenced with the observed climate-induced landscape changes and regional headwater geology.


title: Reactivity of a Low Valent Gallium Compound

subject: Gallium, main group, low valent

abstract:
The work described in this thesis is conducted to expand the reactivity of the β-diketiminate gallium(I) compound, NacNacGa (NacNac=[ArNC(Me)HC(Me)NAr]−, Ar=2,6-iPr2C6H3). The reactivity of NacNacGa towards various unsaturated compounds is studied. In particular, reaction between NacNacGa and phenyl isothiocyanate resulted in the oxidative addition of the C=S bond under ambient conditions, leading to the isolation cyclization product NacNacGa(κ2-S2CNPh) and sulfide isocyanide-bridged dimer (NacNacGa)2(μ-S)(μ-CNPh). Additionally, a [1+4] cycloaddition with a conjugated aldehyde (methacrolein) and a [1+2+3] cycloaddition with isocyanate and carbodiimide are presented. The oxidative cleavage of P=S bond of triphenylphosphine sulfide at increased temperatures gave the previously reported sulfide bridged gallium dimer.
In situ oxidation of NacNacGa in the presence of substrates featuring donor sites led to the C-H activation reactions. As such, C-activation of pyridine N-oxide, pyridine, cyclohexanone, DMSO, and Et3P=O by a transient NacNacGa=O resulting in the corresponding gallium hydroxides is demonstrated. DFT calculations suggested initial formation of adducts between substrates and NacNacGa=O followed by a C-H bond abstraction from the substrate. Similarly, a transient gallium imide NacNacGa=NSiMe3, generated from the reaction of NacNacGa with trimethylsilyl azide, is shown to cleave C-H bonds of pyridine, cyclohexanone, ethyl acetate, DMSO, and Et3P=O with the formation of gallium amides.
In an attempt to isolate a gallium alkylidene, NacNacGa was treated with trimethylsilyl(diazomethane). Instead, a monomeric gallium nitrilimine and a metalated diazomethane were obtained. The gallium nitrilimine undergoes 1,3-addition reaction with phenylsilane and catecholborane forming gallium hydrazonides. Its reaction with diborane resulted in the formal nitrene insertion into the B-B bond to produce a gallium diborylamide. DFT calculations revealed intermediate gallium alkylidene formation from the reaction of NacNacGa with diazomethane that upon reaction with the second equivalent of diazomethane leads to a gallium nitrilimine.


title: Implications of Non-Operating Room Anesthesia Policy for Operating Room Efficiency

subject:
NORA
operating room scheduling
simulation optimization

abstract:
This thesis focuses on examining the use of Non-Operating Room Anesthesia (NORA) policy in
Operating Room (OR) scheduling. A NORA policy involves a practice whereby the administration
of anesthesia stage is performed outside the OR. The goal of the thesis is to determine whether
NORA policy can improve OR efficiency measured by the performance of total costs, which
consists of a weighted sum of patient waiting time, OR overtime and idle time. A simulation
optimization method is adopted to find near-optimal schedules for elective surgeries in an
outpatient setting. The results of a traditional OR scheduling model, where all stages of the surgery
are performed in the OR, will be compared to the results of a NORA OR model where the initial
anesthesia stage is performed outside of the OR. Two cases are considered for the NORA model
given the decrease on mean durations: (1) a model with the same number of surgery appointments
and shorter session length and (2) a models with the same session length and more surgery
appointments. . The impact of a NORA policy on OR performance is further analyzed by
considering scenarios that capture Surgery duration variability and mean surgery durations which
are two traits for surgeries that have been shown to impact OR performance. This thesis aims to
investigate how a NORA policy performs when standard deviations and mean surgery durations
change. The results show that NORA policy can improve OR efficiency in all settings.


title: (A). Regulation of B-/Z-DNA transition in modified oligonucleotides; (B). Synthesis of cationic BODIPY analogues for antimicrobial and anticancer applications

subject: Nucleic acids, B-DNA, Z-DNA, BODIPY, Photosensitizers

abstract:
A. In this work, LNA-dG was incorporated into d(CG)6 sequence in a site-specific manner through the phosphoramidite chemistry-based solid phase synthesis to investigate the impact of this modification on the B→Z-DNA transition. Circular dichroism study showed that the incorporation of a single LNA-dG unit into d(CG)6 at internal positions virtually suppressed Z-DNA formation at 4 M NaCl concentration, whereas the presence of single LNA-dG unit towards the terminal ends showed only partially inhibition of B→Z-DNA transition. To further understand the influence of chemical modification on B→Z-DNA transition, modification at C8-position on LNA-dG residue was explored. Towards this goal, compounds such as 8-bromo-5′-dimethoxytrityl-N-dimethylformamidine-(2′-O,4′-C-methylene)-guanosine-3′-O-(2-cyanoethyl)-N,N-diisopropy phosphoramidite and 8-bromo-2′-deoxy-5′-O-dimethoxy-N-[(dimethylamino)methylene]-2′-fluoroguanosine-3′-O-(2-cyanoethyl)-N,N-diisopropyl phosphoramidite were synthesized.
B. In this study, N,N,N-trimethyl-2-(4,4-difluoro-2,6-diiodo-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacen-8-yl) ethylammonium iodide 111 was successfully synthesized. Singlet oxygen generation experiments suggested that BODIPY 111 is ~2.5 times more efficient with respect to Rose Bengal (RB) in generating singlet oxygen. However, based on the cell-culture experiment, BODIPY 111 treated culture plates showed only slight reduction in CFUs compared to Rose Bengal and control plates. BODIPY compounds 107 (iodinated-fluoro-BODIPY), 130 (brominated-fluoro-BODIPY) and 110 (brominated-meso-dimethylamine-fluoro-BODIPY) showed excellent stability both in dark and in light conditions and were found to be very efficient in generating singlet oxygen when compared to RB.


title: Investigation of the Anti-Proliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Extract on Androgen Independent Prostate Cancer Cells

subject:
cancer
rosemary extract
apoptosis
cell culture
cell proliferation

abstract: Prostatic carcinoma is established as the third most prevalent cancer type in the worldwide population and accounts for 21% of new cancer cases in Canadian men. Prostate cancer can be categorized as androgen dependent or androgen independent, indicative of the tumor’s ability to respond to testosterone stimulation. Currently available treatments include prostatectomy, radiation therapy, androgen deprivation therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. Despite all of these treatment options, biochemical reoccurrence, and progression into more advanced stages (castration-resistant prostate cancer- CRPC) is often seen, indicating a need for novel therapeutics that specifically and efficiently target the dysregulated mechanisms in prostate cancer. In some studies, rosemary extract and its polyphenolic constituents have been shown to have anticancer properties, but the exact effects and mechanisms of action are not known. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract (RE) on prostate cancer cells. PC-3 and 22Rv1 prostate cancer cells, representative in vitro models of androgen independent prostate cancer, as well as the PNT1A non-cancerous prostate epithelial cells were treated with RE and docetaxel (established prostate cancer chemotherapeutic drug) for the purpose of assessing the extent of survival and proliferation, and to investigate changes in expression of key proteins involved in apoptotic and survival signalling cascades. In our studies, RE inhibited the proliferation (IC50: 26 μg/mL; 70 μg/mL) and colony formation efficiency (IC50: 2.8 μg/mL; 4.8 μg/mL) of PC-3 and 22Rv1 prostate cancer cells, respectively, and enhanced cell death by stimulating apoptosis as shown by the increased levels of cleaved caspases 9, 7, 3, and PARP. Enhanced phosphorylation of ERK 1/2, paired with a notable increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also observed in RE- treated PC-3 cells. In contrast, RE had no effect on the proliferation and survival of PNT1A normal epithelial cells, suggesting an action of RE promoting inhibition of prostate cancer cells while sparing non-cancerous epithelial cells.


title: Beyond Drugs and Crime: Services Needed for Formerly Incarcerated Men in Cape Breton

subject:
Reentry
Carceral State
Welfare State
Stigma

abstract: This research is an institutional ethnographic exploration of the reentry of formerly incarcerated men who use illicit drugs in the Regional Municipality of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Formerly incarcerated drug users in Cape Breton have few resources available to them as they attempt to adjust to life outside prison. Facing many obstacles, they often find themselves vulnerable to denial of services, homelessness or substandard housing, social isolation and stigmatization, and, ultimately, reincarceration. Beginning with experiences as reported in interviews of previously incarcerated male drug users, as well as staff members of a local harm reduction organization, I identify the range of challenges men experience post-incarceration and how best to meet their needs. Drawing on the men’s vision for effective service provision and safer drug use policies, I make policy recommendations that will facilitate inclusion and effective reentry into society. My guiding questions are: What challenges and obstacles do men face after release? How effectively do men access welfare state services, employment, and housing and what are the specific barriers to access? What broad changes are required to avoid reincarceration and truly support the needs of illicit drug using men?


title: Acquisition of Joint Attention Skills in Children with Cortical Visual Impairment

subject: Telehealth

subject: Joint Attention

subject: Caregiver Training

subject: Children with Developmental Disabilities

subject: Cortical Visual Impairment

abstract: Joint attention (JA) is a skill that is essential to children’s later social and language development. Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of various behavioural teaching strategies in increasing children’s responses and initiations of bids for joint attention. However, research has predominantly relied on gaze alternation to evaluate the attainment of joint attention. This is problematic as gaze alternation is not the only method of demonstrating the skill; other sensory modalities can also serve the same function. Accordingly, research on the ability to engage in bids for joint attention is scarce among the child population with cortical visual impairment (CVI). Despite the scarcity, theories suggest children with visual impairment can learn joint attention skills through enriching social experiences. Furthermore, competent caregivers could facilitate these positive experiences by means of body contact, verbalizations, and activities involving singing and rhythm. In the current study, we examined the effectiveness of caregiver-implemented behavioural teaching strategies to teach children with CVI to engage in joint attention related skills. A multiple baseline design across subjects was used with three children between 3-4 years with CVI. In addition, pre to post changes in children’s engagement in joint attention were monitored. The caregiver-implemented behavioural teaching strategies were highly effective in increasing two target JA-related behaviours for one of three participants. Further, the study offers preliminary evidence that JA performance can generalize to a novel caregiver. Potential implications of the study involve allowing for children with CVI to experience more positive social experiences and improving parent-child socialization and play.


title: Structural, Magnetic, Dielectric, and Optical Properties of DyCrO3 and GeNi2O4 Materials

subject:
thin film
pole figure
Raman spectra
pulsed laser deposition
single crystal

abstract:
GeNi2O4 is a cubic spinel with two antiferromagnetic transitions at low temperatures,
while DyCrO3 has an orthorhombic perovskite structure with an antiferromagnetic transition
at a higher temperature. Thin films of these compounds are widely researched for
their applications in spintronics. The investigation of the structural, magnetic, dielectric,
and optical properties of deposited thin films of these two materials can contribute to a
better understanding of their physical characteristics which may lead to possible applications.
In this research, DyCrO3 and GeNi2-xMgxO4 (x=0, 0.03) epitaxial thin films
were deposited on SrTiO3 substrates using the pulsed laser deposition technique.
As the c-lattice parameter of the orthorhombic DyCrO3 and a-lattice parameter of the cubic
GeNi2O4 are almost having the same value, this is giving a rise to a small strain in their
epitaxial thin  films. Therefore, composite thin films of the DyCrO3 and GeNi2-xMgxO4
(x=0, 0.03) materials were also deposited. The structural properties of these thin films
were examined using different X-ray techniques such as an X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectivity,
reciprocal space mapping, and in-plane pole  figures. The results were analyzed to
determine the preferred orientation, the thickness of the thin films, the presence of strain
and defects, and the degree of epitaxy. The reciprocal space mapping results reveal a
dependence between the thickness of the thin  films and the presence of defects in the
epitaxial  films. The in-plane pole  figure results show the presence of domains with different
orientation in several thin films, although the results from the high-resolution X-ray
diffraction indicate a single orientation in those films. The temperature dependence of
magnetization in epitaxial thin films was measured in order to examine the magnetic
anisotropy for the magnetic field normal and parallel to the surface of the  films. These
results indicate the presence of magnetic anisotropy in several thin films.
GeNi2O4 is an interesting antiferromagnet as it has two closely spaced antiferromagnetic
transitions that are the result of a spin reorientation in two types of {111} planes.
Therefore, to better understand the ordering of the spins with respect to the {111} planes,
additional measurements and analysis of the results were done on GeNi2O4 single crystals.
The temperature dependence of magnetization was measured for the magnetic  field
applied parallel and perpendicular to the {111} planes. In addition, the temperature
dependence of Raman spectra of a GeNi2O4 single crystal was measured and analyzed.
These single crystal results of GeNi2O4 provide a better understanding of spin-phonon
coupling and spin ordering and reorientation in this spinel compound.


title: Children with Neurodevelopmental and Behavioural Challenges: A Descriptive Case Study Examining the Integration of Dance and Behaviour Therapy Within Day Treatment

subject: recreational dance, behaviour therapy, motor skills, consumer satisfaction

abstract: Dance is a form of physical activity that may improve motor skills and coordination while simultaneously providing opportunities for social interaction and promote development of socio-emotional skills. A manualized program, Dance with a B-E-A-T! (behaviour analysis and therapy), combines recreational dance with components of behaviour analysis and therapy to help facilitate improvements in motor skills, social skills, emotional regulation, and self-coping. Building on a pilot study completed by Davis et al. (in progress), the present study evaluated a similar program incorporating behavioural components such as antecedent strategies, positive reinforcement, a token economy, relaxation strategies and positive self-talk.  In collaboration with day treatment staff of a mental health centre, the dance program was integrated within children’s day treatment. The intensive dance program was offered for five consecutive days to five participants with behavioural challenges (7-9 years) from the same day treatment cohort. The aim of this project was to use a blended behaviour therapy and dance program to teach three dance combinations and examine collateral benefits. Observational probes at pre and post-test measured percent of dance skills completed correctly, and in-person semi-structured interviews with the counsellor and elementary school teacher evaluated satisfaction of the program within day treatment. Results suggested a positive impact on the physical and social skills of participants; increased physical activity and bidirectional use of socio-emotional skills.


title: Investigating the Modulation of Drosophila melanogaster Body-wall Muscle Contraction by the Neuropeptide DPKQDFMRFamide

subject:
Neuropeptides
Drosophila
Neuromuscular junction

abstract:
The chemical synapse is the site of communication between a neuron and its target cell, where an electrical impulse depolarizes the presynaptic cell causing chemical release. The chemicals released at the synapse are signaling molecules referred to as transmitters and co-transmitters that exert effects on the target cell and can sometimes modulate the effects of each other. A class of signaling molecules, known as neuropeptides, can act as transmitters or can be released as hormones that can modulate chemical synapses and ultimately affect many physiological functions. The neuropeptide, DPKQDFMRFamide, is an important neuromodulator of neuromuscular junctions in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. DPKQDFMRFamide has previously been shown to enhance excitatory junctional potentials (EJPs) elicited by specific neurons, to enhance nerve-evoked contractions, and to induce contractions directly in Drosophila 3rd instar larval body-wall muscles. This thesis investigated how the DPKQDFMRFamide peptide modulates muscle contractions elicited by the excitatory transmitter of the neuromuscular junction, L-glutamate, in D.melanogaster 3rd instar larvae. Effects were assessed by co-applying peptide with L-glutamate after removing the central nervous system. The results indicate that DPKQDFMRFamide enhances glutamate-evoked contractions in a dose-dependent manner, and there was synergy between the effects of L-glutamate and DPKQDFMRFamide on muscle contraction. DPKQDFMRFamide increased membrane depolarization in muscle when co-applied with glutamate, and it enhanced contractions induced by caffeine in the absence of extracellular calcium. Thus, the peptide appears to act at the cell membrane to increase depolarization and at, or downstream of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) to enhance caffeine-induced contractions. However, the effects of DPKQDFMRFamide do not appear to involve
the 2nd messenger nitric oxide or the calcium/calmodulin activated protein kinase, CaMKII.


title: CEO Overconfidence and the Probability of Bankruptcy

subject: Overconfidence, Probability of bankruptcy, Altman Z-Score, Overinvestment, CEO dominance

abstract: This thesis examines the relation between CEO overconfidence and the probability of bankruptcy. In addition to the main research question, we develop two additional hypotheses. We evaluate the potential link or channel between CEO overconfidence and the probability of bankruptcy. In the relationship between CEO overconfidence and the probability of bankruptcy, we seek for any interaction effects of CEO dominance. It is not uncommon for CEOs to be overconfident about their firms' prospects. In our sample, we use data from the year 2000 to 2019 for US companies. We proxy the bankruptcy probability using Altman’s Z Score. We use a stock option-driven measure of overconfidence, and this measure assumes that non-overconfident CEO will exercise their stock options if it is in the money, while overconfident CEOs will hold stock options beyond a rational threshold. We construct both continuous and indicator-based measures of overconfidence to test the hypotheses. The empirical findings reveal that CEO overconfidence increases the probability of bankruptcy. We do not find any evidence in favor of overinvestment which we consider as a channel through which overconfidence leads to increased bankruptcy risk. We also find that dominant and overconfident CEOs are suited for innovative firms, implying that giving an overconfident CEO a dominant position can minimize a firm's probability of bankruptcy. The implications of this study are that firms should be cautious in hiring overconfident CEO and they should take measures to reduce the negative effects of CEO overconfidence like the probability of bankruptcy. One way to reduce the probability of bankruptcy in innovative firms is to appoint overconfident CEO into a dominant position.


title: Winemaking techniques to manage tannins of Cabernet sauvignon and Pinot noir wines made in Ontario, Canada

subject:
Winemaking
red wine
tannin extraction
Pinot noir
Cabernet sauvignon
cool climate

abstract:
Seed tannins are responsible for the bitter and astringent mouthfeel in red wines (Smith et al., 2015; Arnold et al., 1980). Skin tannins are mostly responsible for colour stability of red wines (Kennedy, 2008). Tannins are present in different amount in the grape berries, and they vary in concentration from one variety to another (Bautista-Ortin, 2005; Kennedy, 2008). This project, which is part of a bigger project called TanninAlert: Improve Ontario red wine quality and consumer acceptance through winemaking techniques by grape variety and tannin level, aims to define winemaking techniques that improve the skin tannin extraction while minimizing seed tannin extraction in order to improve the color and mouthfeel of red wine produced in Ontario. Winemaking techniques were selected based on the concentration of skin and seed tannins in the grapes at harvest. Pinot noir and Cabernet sauvignon have been the focus of this study for two vintages (2019 and 2020).
The data collected through out ripening contributed to the categorization of the tannin in Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir on a scale from low to high. Specific winemaking techniques were applied to each of the varieties. For Pinot noir wines, the focus was put on the addition of skin tannins and two kinds of macerating enzymes: LAFASE He Grand Cru (Laffort, France) and ULTRASI DarkBerry (A.O. Wilson, Canada). Results showed no significant impact on total extractable tannin extraction in the wine when skin tannin were added. On the other hand, a significant increase in total extractable tannins was observed when pectolytic enzymes were added during fermentation. The addition of the DarkBerry enzyme showed the best tannin retention over time in the wines.
For Cabernet Sauvignon, juice removal (Saignée 14%), pre-fermentation pressing of berries and addition of DarkBerry enzyme were studied. Results from the Saignée treatment were inconclusive; it increased the extraction in 2019, but not in 2020.  The pre-fermentation pressing of the grapes showed no impact on total extractable tannins. When both treatments (Saignée + addition of DarkBerry enzyme) were applied to the wines, the total extractable tannin concentration was significantly higher than in the control wines.


title: Extending Intergroup Contact Theory to Men’s Anti-Women Biases

subject:
sexism
intergroup contact
intergroup emotions
housework
sexual exploitation

abstract: Men’s exploitation of women in heterosexual relationships is commonplace, both through sexually assaulting or otherwise taking advantage of women’s bodies, and in exploiting women for domestic labour such as housework and childcare. In the current investigation, we first present evidence for the co-occurrence of men’s willingness to sexually exploit and their willingness to domestically exploit their partners, then assess predictors and emotional processes underlying such hostility. Specifically, in Chapter 2, we develop a two-dimensional scale of willingness to exploit women with male participants (Study 1a; n = 103) and provide evidence that sexual exploitation willingness and domestic exploitation willingness are indeed separate, but related, factors. In Study 1b, we perform confirmatory analysis of this measure in two additional samples (n = 129 and n = 632 respectively) and provide evidence of construct validity for the scale. Then, Study 1c (n = 281) we provide evidence for stability of the construct over time, as well as its ability to predict behavioural indicators of exploitation. In Chapter 3, we investigate predictors and emotional processes underlying anti-women hostility and willingness to exploit women drawing on intergroup contact theory. In a correlational investigation (Study 2; n = 229), we find that perceived negative experiences with women predict greater anti-women bias via greater anger toward women. We then confirm this pattern of results using an experimental manipulation in Study 3 (n = 174), finding indirect effects of anger toward women in the relation between negative contact condition (vs. control) and greater anti-women bias. Positive contact, in contrast, has little relation with more positive attitudes toward women. Finally, in a three-wave longitudinal investigation (n = 577), Study 4 presents evidence for more nuanced relations between perceived contact, anger, and anti-women hostility; the findings suggest that not only do negative contact experiences predict downstream anger toward women, but also that anger and anti-women attitudes feed into men’s perceptions of their contact experiences with women. Overall, these findings reveal that perceived negative (but not positive) contact with, and anger toward, women are particularly relevant to understanding anti-women biases in heterosexual relations and future directions for reducing anti-women hostility are discussed.


title: The Role of ASK1 in Allergen-mediated Mast Cell Signaling and Activation-dependent Inflammatory Responses

subject:
Mast Cells
ASK1
IgE-mediated Inflammation
Allergies
Apoptosis-signal regulating kinase 1

abstract: The prevalence of allergies has been increasing at alarming rates and identifying key targets in allergen-induced mast cell-mediated inflammation is crucial for therapeutic development. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) that is involved in various cellular responses, including oxidative stress, high calcium concentrations and receptor-mediated inflammation. ASK1 has been known to be a key player in various inflammatory-based pathologies, such as liver, kidney, and cardiovascular disease, and has been investigated in various immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells. However, its role in IgE-FcERI-activated mast cells remains elusive. The purpose of this project is to expand on current knowledge of MAPK signaling and the role of ASK1 in mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation. Bone marrow-derived mast cell and fetal liver-derived mast cells were sensitized with TNP-BSA-specific IgE antibodies and stimulated following treatment with various GS-444217 treatment concentrations. GS-444217 (ASK1-IN)  is a potent and ATP-selective ASK1 inhibitor. Following incubation of various inhibitor concentrations,  IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation responses were significantly reduced in both BMMC and FLMC models. Other mast cell signaling responses in BMMCs, such as protein/mRNA expression, cytokine/chemokine secretion, receptor expression, and cell viability were also investigated. Through western blotting, our results show that GS-444217 does not alter JNK, p38, ERK, or ASK1 protein levels. Phosphorylation of ASK1 could not be detected, however the presence of ASK1 in mast cells has been identified. qPCR data also shows that there were no alterations in TNF-a-, IL-6-, CCL2-, and CCL3 mRNA expression following ASK1-IN treatment. Interestingly, contrary to mRNA expression levels,  5µM ASK1-IN treatment caused a significant reduction in CCL1, IL-6, and IL-13 secretion. Lastly, two key receptors associated with IgE-mediated mast cell activation – c-kit and FcERI – showed no changes in expression following inhibitor treatment. Cell metabolic activity was also investigated to ensure cell viability and no significant changes occurred compared to controls. Our results suggest that ASK1 may play a role as an upstream regulator in secretory mechanisms in mast cell-directed allergic inflammation and may warrant future consideration as a therapeutic target candidate.


title: Paleoceanography and dinoflagellate cyst record of northwestern North Pacific ODP Site 882 during the Pliocene–Pleistocene transition

subject: Dinoflagellate Acritarch Pacific Pliocene Pleistocene

abstract: A palynological study of the Pliocene–Pleistocene transition (2761 to 2497 ka) at Ocean Drilling Program Site 882, located on the Detroit Seamount in the western Subarctic Gyre of the northern North Pacific, provides a detailed record from 68 productive samples of dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts) and acritarchs with preservation varying from good to moderate. Dinocyst assemblages are characterized by an overwhelming dominance of round brown cysts, scarcity of phototrophs including Impagidinium species, and low taxonomic richness (a total of 11 dinocyst taxa for the entire study), reflecting the elevated nutrient levels but harsh conditions and reduced salinities of the North Pacific Subarctic Gyre.  Cool, saline surface waters characterize the interval from 2761 to 2.72 Ma, as indicated by relatively abundant Impagidinium species including I. pallidum.  Following the establishment of the modern halocline at ~2.72 Ma, significant shifts are recorded in both dinocyst concentrations and abundances of the acritarch Cymatiosphaera? invaginata. Productivity evidently remained fairly high even during glacial cycles, including the intense glacial Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) G4 at 2.70 Ma marked by common Habibacysta tectata and Pyxidinopsis reticulata, implying ice-free conditions at least during the summer. Dinocyst concentrations, and by inference productivity, are at their lowest during MIS 104 (2.6 Ma) which is associated with pronounced cooling in the northern North Atlantic and across the higher latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere.  Low abundances of Cymatiosphaera? invaginata throughout the interval 2600–2565 ka, which includes interglacial MIS 103, unusually suggest reduced precipitation and hence elevated salinities at this time. The interval 2558–2497 ka registers a return to sporadically abundant Cymatiosphaera? invaginata in glacial MIS 100 and interglacial MISs 101 and 99, suggesting the return of reduced salinities and perhaps enhanced nutrient levels. In general, productivity seems to remain relatively unchanged although with a peak in interglacial MIS 101. Most species recorded occur within their published stratigraphic ranges. However, this study extends the highest reported occurrence of Impagidinium detroitense Zorzi et al., 2020 from Upper Pliocene (2700 ka) to Lower Pleistocene (2544 ka).


title: Identification of clone x rootstock effects on cold hardiness and relevant dehydrins changes in Cabernet franc (Vitis vinifera L.)

subject:
Cold hardiness
Clone
Rootstock
Dehydrins
Cabernet franc

abstract: Cold injury can harm grapevines and severely reduce yields in cool-climate regions. Previous studies indicate bud cold hardiness differences among Vitis vinifera cultivars, but comparatively, little attention has been given to the effect of clone and rootstock. This study investigates the bud cold hardiness of Cabernet franc with different clones and rootstock combinations throughout dormancy during the stages of cold acclimation, maximum hardiness and deacclimation.  The research also looks at the protein expression of dehydrins which may impact cold hardiness. Four clone × rootstock combinations of Cabernet franc (214 × 101-14, 327 × 101-14, 327 × 3309, and 327 × Riparia Gloire) were assessed over two dormant seasons in 2018-19 and 2019-20. Buds were sampled every two to four weeks and were measured for cold hardiness by differential thermal analysis (DTA). Cold hardiness was reported as low temperature exotherms (LTE). Vine performance including phenological stages, yield components, vine balance, environmental resistance, and fruit composition including titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids, and pH were measured in 2019 and 2020. SDS-PAGE profiles and immunoblots measured dehydrins intensity during two dormant seasons in 2018-19 and 2019-20. Rootstock was found to impact cold hardiness of Cabernet franc. No significant differences were observed in bud hardiness between clones of Cabernet franc; despite significant differences in bud hardiness of clone × rootstock combinations of Cabernet franc. Dehydrin bands of five molecular weights (62 kDa, 57 kDa, 41 kDa, 30 kDa, and 23 kDa) were detected in the 2018-19 dormant season, and dehydrin bands of four molecular weights (62 kDa, 41 kDa, 30 kDa, and 23 kDa) were detected in the 2019-20 dormant season. The development of dehydrin bands varied for clones, rootstocks, and different molecular weights. No consistent correlations were observed between dehydrin intensity and LTE50 values, despite the increase of dehydrin intensity and the decrease of LTE50 values observed during acclimation. This study reveals the effect of clone and rootstock on cold hardiness, which is important for clone and rootstock selection in cool climate regions to reduce cold injury, and the complexity of the relationship between cold hardiness and dehydrins. In the future, studies should continue to focus on cold hardiness of clone and rootstock in different cultivars. Change of dehydrin levels during dormant seasons in more cultivars should also be studied to reveal the relationship between dehydrins and cold hardiness.


title: Living Well with Chronic Pain: A Heuristic Examination of Strategies used by Young Adults to Achieve Well-Being

subject:
living well
chronic pain
young adults
leisure
heuristic phenomenology

abstract: The purpose of this research was to examine how young adults with chronic pain are living well. The scholarly literature supports the notion that chronic pain is debilitating. It is important, however, to explore what factors affect the lived experience of chronic pain for young adults, and what contributes to their ability to live well. Study findings are organized around three major steps that allowed young adults living with chronic pain to attain a state of living well: managing the crisis of chronic pain, achieving stability, and creating a baseline and exceeding the baseline towards living well. These steps facilitated growth, opportunity, and awareness to the ways in which living with chronic pain as a young adult while overcoming adversity. Utilizing a heuristic phenomenological approach, the co-researchers were able to share their lived experience followed by an intense qualitative data analysis. Upon completion of data analysis, the information revealed a moving model demonstrating living well with chronic pain. Study findings also identified key strategies for living well with chronic pain: increasing positive emotion, prioritizing personal health, hope and optimism, and increasing social connection. Each strategy facilitates movement from living with chronic pain to living a meaningful life within the parameters of their chronic pain experience. This study found that young adults living with chronic pain can engage in purposeful actions to increase their capacity to live well and achieve satisfaction with life. These findings have implications for professionals who work with individuals who live with chronic pain, particularly for the young adult demographic.


title: A longitudinal investigation into well-being and the influence of injury and perceived exertion on female basketball players

subject:
USports
Well-being
Injury
Training Load
Athlete

abstract: Athlete mental health and associated components (e.g., ill-being, role of the coach, mental health literacy) have become a focal point in athletics and research, however, little attention has been given to positive mental health (i.e., well-being). The primary objective of this study was to observe variation in university athlete well-being. A secondary purpose was to assess the influence of injury and internal training load (i.e., RPE) on athlete well-being. Using a non-experimental longitudinal research design, female university basketball players (N = 11; Mage = 20.29 years) provided self-report data via the mobile application AthleteMonitoring™  for 22 consecutive weeks. Well-being was assessed using the 7-item Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS; Stewart-Brown et al., 2008). Injury and internal training load data was collected via self-report. Athletes reported ‘average’ well-being across the 22-week data collection period based on SWEMWBS scores (M = 22.76; SD = 1.98). Repeated-measures Analysis of Variance indicated statistically significant differences in well-being (F(3.54, 35.42) = 3.24, p = .027; np2 = .25). Magnitude-based differences showcased considerable variability in individual athlete’s well-being trajectories over 22 weeks. SWEMWBS scores did not differ by injury status of the athlete, nor were they predicted by internal training load. Given the interpretation of aggregate scores and individual trajectories in this study, it is clear that university female basketball athletes experience fluctuations in their well-being. The results of this study support the need for further investigation into athlete well-being and more specifically, the aspects that influence it.