title: Reconstructing childhood and adulthood diets from a Caribbean population using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of dentin and bone collagen

contributor:
Varney, Tamara
Carney, Joseph
Malek, Ladislav

subject:
Food habits
Caribbean area
Carbon
Isotopes
Nitrogen

abstract: The purpose of this study was to establish stable carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) isotope signatures for the 43 individuals in this study population using bone and dentin collagen, and extrapolate the isotopic data to dietary regimes using historical and archaeological evidence as indirect baseline data. This research used stable isotope analysis to reconstruct the diets of 43 individuals recovered from the archaeological site of Sainte-Marguerite on the island of Guadeloupe in the West Indies. This site was excavated in response to severe erosion that threatened it.


title: The estimation of boreal forest properties using spectral indices

subject:
Aerial imagery
Biomass
Boreal forest
Remote sensing

abstract: The field of forestry has evolved to meet several objectives, including timber and other forest product production, tourism and recreation, habitat and wildlife management and climate change monitoring. As the field encompasses and affects several values, both public and private, the management of the forest and its properties needs to be efficient, timely, and accurate. As a result, there has been a lot of investment put into forest monitoring strategies, particularly with remote sensing. Several researchers have investigated the use of spectral indices to acquire certain forest attributes, such as biomass and characteristics of forest structure (age, basal area, species composition, etc.). Though spectral indices employed on multispectral images have been proven beneficial, other techniques such as texture analysis, hyperspectral remote sensing, RADAR, and LiDAR may be more useful in discriminating quantitative features of the forest and be favourable in certain applications, such as understory characterization. Studies of various spectral indices and other remote sensing techniques have been explored to determine their relatability and accuracy, to determine their usefulness in acquiring measurable properties in the forest. As technology and information advances, hopefully their capabilities will too.


title: Northern lights : a history of Thunder Bay Hydro / by David Leo Black.

subject: Public utilities Ontario Thunder Bay History.

abstract:
Electricity has played an important role in the economic and social development
of Ontario cities, and Port Arthur and Fort William located at the head of the Great
Lakes are no exception to this rule. Industrial development depended on an adequate
electric power supply, especially for the pulp and paper industry, the industrial mainstay
at the Lakehead. Safety in the city streets and a high quality of life for the citizens were
also provided by electric lighting and numerous electric appliances. There are few
households or businesses today that do not have access to electrical power; in this way,
it has touched each of our lives. This paper examines the history of the prime provider
of electric power at the Lakehead, Thunder Bay Hydro and its predecessors. For one
hundred and ten years this area has been served by the hydro electric Commissions of the
two cities. For the first four decades of their existence, roughly 1910 until the end of the
Great Depression, the Port Arthur Public Utilities Commission and the Fort William
Hydro-Electric Commission were influenced greatly by the inter-city rivalry. The two
cites are geographically isolated from other cities but in close proximity to each other
and this set the stage for their rivalry. They competed for such things as industries and
electric power. After the Great Depression began, however this rivalry subsided, where
electric power matters were concerned.


title: Lead oxide (PbO) for direct conversion detectors

contributor:
Reznik, Alla
Gallagher, Mark
Alexandrov, Dimiter

subject: Direct conversion flat panel X-ray detectors

subject: Lead oxide for direct conversion detectors

subject: Medical imaging detectors

abstract:
There is great interest in the utilization of non-crystalline photoconductors for direct conversion medical X-ray imaging detectors. Lead Oxide (PbO) is one of the most promising candidates for application in general radiography and fluoroscopy since it possesses high theoretical X-ray-to-charge conversion gain and high X-ray stopping power due the high Z of Pb (Z = 82). A further advantage of PbO compared with other photoconductors (like polycrystalline layers of HgI2, PbI2, CZT) is the absence of heavy absorption edges up to 88 keV, which inherently offers higher spatial resolution. Therefore, PbO exhibits many of the requirements for an effective detector material. However, although very promising, poly-PbO layers are known to exhibit a relatively high dark current, an incomplete charge collection and a residual signal after the end of X-ray exposure, called signal lag. The reported lag was the main obstacle of this poly-PbO-based detector prototype, since this restricts applications to static imaging only and obscures the full potential of PbO in medical imaging. Another disadvantage is the high porosity of poly-PbO and its structural instability in air, which makes this material challenging for practical utilization in X-ray detectors.
To combat the above problems (i.e. lag, porosity and structural degradation in air) we have advanced PbO deposition technology and developed a novel type of amorphous lead oxide (a-PbO). The obtained a-PbO layers have near single-crystal bulk densities and are stable in air. In addition, the layers are capable of withstanding higher electric fields, while at the same time iii
exhibiting lower dark currents than previously achieved. Also, the temporal response and charge yield were significantly improved and compare favorably with published results on conventional films of polycrystalline PbO and even a-Se – the only photoconductor currently utilized in direct conversion detectors. Our measured X-ray response show almost complete elimination of signal lag to a level sufficient for the high-speed operations. Our advances in PbO technology allow us to utilize the full potential of PbO for medical X-ray imaging applications.


title: Indirect key derivation schemes for key management of access hierarchies

subject:
Computer access control
Cryptography
Data encryption (Computer science)

abstract:
In this thesis, we study the problem of key management within an access
hierarchy. Our contribution to the key management problem is an indirect
key derivation approach we call the HMAC-method. It is called the
HMAC-method, because it is based on hashed message authentication codes
(HMACs) built from a fast, single, dedicated hash function (SHA-1). It is
intended to provide an efficient indirect key management method for large
access hierarchies resembling tree structures. We are able to achieve better
tree traversals using a technique we created called path addressing. Our
path addressing scheme allows us to efficiently calculate relationships between
security classes, determine traversal paths, and improve the performance of
indirect key derivation. We also present our cached key update scheme which
is meant to improve the indirect key derivation schemes on tree hierarchies by
delaying key updates when changes to the structure of the access hierarchy
are necessary, but the re-calculation and re-assignment of keys would either
be costly or inconvenient.
For access hierarchies represented as weakly/strongly connected directed
acyclic graphs, we suggest modifications to our path addressing and key
derivation scheme which could allow our HMAC-method to be appplied to
these types of hierarchies.
Along the way, we discuss various current key management methods and
discuss certain pragmatic issues that can arise which affect the applicability
and implementation of a key management method.


title: Mediators' perspectives on the Ontario family mediation process and its potential impact on abused women and children's education

contributor:
Chambers, Lori
Russell, Connie

subject: Mediation in Ontario family law

subject: Issues of mediation with abusers

subject: Regulation of mediators

subject: Mediation process

subject: Effects of divorce and violence on children's education

subject: Roles of children in mediation

abstract:
This research focused on the perspectives of seven mediators in Thunder Bay on
what will happen to abused women if the mandatory mediation information program is
actually implemented into the divorce process in Northwestern Ontario as well as
speculation on the potential effects of mediation on children’s educational achievement.
Utilizing a qualitative and feminist methodology, the study revealed that Ontario family
law rules are not universally implemented because attendance at the new mandatory
information session is not legally required in Thunder Bay. Furthermore, the study
revealed that mediators and the mediation process are under regulated with no
government-created political body monitoring how mediators run their practice.
Mediators in this study revealed that they would conduct mediation with high-risk
couples using shuttle mediation or involving external experts, but high-risk couples, such
as an abuser and victim, should not mediate given power imbalances. Children involved
directly or indirectly in the mediation process may be affected in various ways, including
their ability to concentrate on schoolwork. Mediators need training on how to mediate
divorces of high-risk couples safely and effectively, including specific procedures for
children’s participation. Further, policymakers in the province of Ontario need to
consider how the failure to oversee mediation is a problem with potentially devastating
consequences.


title: Modeling and identification of an axially-moving cantilever beam

contributor:
Liu, Kefu
Sedov, A.

subject:
Automatic control
Vibration

abstract:
An axially-moving cantilever beam is used to study identification o f time-varying
systems. A circuitry for DC motor current control and sensor conditioning is built. The
circuitry meets the design requirement of controlling the axial motion of the beam and
amplifying the sensor signals.
A linear time-varying model governing lateral vibration of the beam is developed.
Computer simulation is conducted to study the dynamic properties of the system, such as
transient responses, varying state transition matrices, “frozen” modal parameters,
“pseudo” modal parameters, etc.
A previously developed algorithm is applied to identify the system. Two identification
tasks are carried out. The system identification determines the discrete-time state space
model o f the system. The modal parameter identification determines the “pseudo” modal
parameters of the system. In both cases, an ensemble of freely vibrating responses are
used. The study addresses several critical issues encountered in the experiment such as
excitation, data preprocessing, the beam motion control, etc. The study also investigates
several important factors that affect the accuracy of identification, such as the number of
necessary experiments, model order, the block row number, etc. An algorithm based on
the moving-average method is developed to select the “pseudo” natural frequencies of
vibratory modes. The study shows that the algorithm is capable of estimating the
“pseudo” natural frequencies of the vibratory modes, present in responses, while it fails
to give good estimates for the “pseudo” damping ratios.


title: The Potential of microfossil use in paleodiet and paleoenvironmental analysis in Northwestern Ontario

subject:
Micropaleontology
Phytoliths
Paleoecology
Wild rice
Paleo-Indians
Northwestern Ontario

abstract:
Historically wild rice was important economically and spiritually across much of central
and eastern Canada, but the antiquity of its use by Native communities is unclear. Unlike plant
macrofossils, which have traditionally been used to identify this plant in prehistoric contexts,
silicophytoliths preserve well in archaeological sites and in carbonized food residue encrusted on
clay pots. This proxy, therefore, promises to yield considerable new insight into the antiquity
and intensity of wild rice harvesting in this region.
Various phytolith types from various grasses, sedges and aquatic plants were examined.
However, the focus was kept on rondel phytoliths, a form only produced in grasses. Thirty-eight
grass species were examined, including two species of wild rice (Zizania aquatica and Zizania
palustris). A minimum of three hundred rondels from each grass species were counted from
various parts of the plant including the inflorescence, the leaf and the stem. Based on extensive
morphological comparisons of phytoliths produced by wild rice (Zizania spp.), and other native
Boreal and Prairie grasses and maize (Zea mays), several phytolith morphotypes were identified
that are produced only in wild rice (Zizania spp.). In general, rondels with four spikes, with one
and three indentations, are characteristic of Zizania (spp.). However, differences between the
two wild rice species were not established.
Lake sediments from Lulu Lake in the Lake of the Woods area where modem wild rice
grows were analysed to determine if the types identified as being diagnostic of wild rice would
be present. As a preliminary analysis, the presence of wild rice (Zizania spp.) can be identified
in small quantities in lake sediments. Therefore, wild rice (Zizania spp.) phytoliths can be a
powerful tool in the identification of the plant in Holocene sediments.
Potsherds with encrusted carbonized residues from the Lake of the Woods and
surrounding area were also examined for the presence of diagnostic wild rice (Zizania spp.) and
maize (Zea mays) phytoliths. These archaeological samples are attributed to the Laurel (Middle Woodland), Selkirk (Late Woodland), Blackduck (Late Woodland), and Sandy Lake (Late
Woodland) cultures. Based on the use of diagnostic phytolith types for both wild rice (Zizania
spp.) and maize (Zea mays), the presence ofboth these cultigens was identified in the residues of
all four cultures mentioned above.
This is the first time maize (Zea mays) and wild rice (Zizania spp.) have been positively
identified in prehistoric carbonized food residues from the Boreal Forest. Based on pottery
types, wild rice (Zizania spp.) and maize (Zea mays) were consumed as early as the Middle
Woodland period (Laurel phase). Based on the samples examined, the evidence of maize (Zea
mays) phytoliths in the residue is greater than those of wild rice (Zizania spp.). However, this
might reflect sample bias or most likely biases due to processing of the plants before
consumption. Therefore, the absence of a wild rice (Zizania spp.) phytolith signature might not
represent that the plant was not consumed, rather that the parts of the plant with the diagnostic
phytolith types were removed before consumption.
Maize (Zea mays) horticulture during the Late Woodland period in the Lake of the
Woods and surrounding area does not seem likely because there is no evidence of gardening, or
heavy consumption of this plant. However, the latter might not be necessary for local
horticulture. In contrast, wild rice (Zizania spp.) stands are common in the Lake of the Woods
and surrounding area, and therefore local harvesting of this plant is inferred.


title: Cervical cancer screening among aboriginal women and the influence of nurse practitioners in providing screening / by Carienne V. Bowes-Kerber. --

subject:
Pap test
Cancer screening
Cervcal cancer - Diagnosis
Aboriginal women

abstract:
The primary objectives of the study were to explore Aboriginal women’s current cervical health practices and cervical cancer screening (CCS) utilization, to identify Aboriginal women’s knowledge and risk associated with cervical cancer, and to describe Aboriginal women’s level of satisfaction with primary health care nurse practitioner (NP) services
delivered through an Aboriginal health access centre (AHAC). Phase 1 included data collection from a cohort (Ni = 109) of Aboriginal-identified women ages 19 to 69 through the use of a comprehensive questionnaire that identified their current health care utilization rates, cervical cancer risks, knowledge and CCS history; cultural practices, general health beliefs, and experiences; and level of satisfaction with NPs. Phase 2
consisted of a descriptive analysis (N2 = 341) of Aboriginal women ages 19 to 69 who had accessed NP services through an AHAC during the 12-month period from October 2003 to October 2004. Questionnaire data showed that 99% of the participants reported having CCS in the past, with 81% self-reporting CCS within the past 2 years. The research showed that this cohort of women currently meets the Ontario program objective
to increase those women ever having been screened to 95% by 2010. More than 60% of the participants in phase 1 had three cervical cancer risk factors, with 68% of first pregnancies reported as occurring by age 20, and 62% self-identified as current smokers, of whom 93% reported regular smoking by age 19. NP services, available since 1999 through AHAC, provide on-reserve Well Women Clinics that have contributed to a
marked decrease in status on-reserve Aboriginal women’s reports of last Pap test greater than 2 years ago.


title: Interfacing an aggregate wood supply model with a geographic information system

subject:
Geographic information systems
Forest management mathematical models
Forest management computer programs
Forest management planning
Spatial analysis
Wood supply analysis

abstract:
By developing a general interface between forest
planning models and geographic information systems, the
forest planner is capable of spatially analyzing the results
of wood supply analysis. The planner can change the results
of the wood supply analysis by incorporating spatial
constraints in the actual scheduling of stands for harvest.
The effects of these changes can then be examined by
inputting the changed data into the wood supply analysis.
This thesis reports on an interface developed as part
of a forest management information system to spatially
represent the results of a non-spatial wood supply model.
The interface was developed to assist in the aggregation of
the forest stands into forest units, and upon completion of
running the wood supply model, enable the disaggregation of
the forest units back into individual stands. It was also
developed to assist in mapping of the stands to be treated
and the scheduling of individual stands for treatment.
In this study, the FORMAN wood supply model and the
ARC/INFO geographic information system were used. The
interface was tested for: 1) the extent to which it
assisted managers in the planning process; 2) whether it
provided new information to the manager; 3) how well the
results of the non-spatial wood supply analysis could be
checked using the geographic information system; and 4) its
ability to feed data back into the wood supply model.


title: Applications of golay complementary sequences in mc-cdma and compressed sensing

contributor:
Yu, Nam Yul
Wei, Ruizhong
Manzak, Ali
Naser, Hassan

subject:
Golay complementary sequences
Peak-to-average power ratio
Generalized extreme value
Partial Fourier codebooks

abstract: This thesis consists of two separate topics involved with Golay complementary sequences. In the first part, we present results of an experimental investigation where the distribution of peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) in downlink MC-CDMA systems is modeled by the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution. Two orthogonal sets of sequences, Walsh- Hadamard and Golay complementary sequences, are used in spreading processes in the system. Then the parameters of the GEV distribution are estimated for the PAPR distribution. Through intensive numerical results, it is shown that the GEV distribution is an accurate model of the PAPR distribution of MC-CDMA systems. Also, the statistically estimated GEV distribution parameters for the PAPR reveal that when the number of subcarriers increases, the PAPR distributions converge to the Gumbel distribution.


title: Intraspecific height variation of white spruce provenances in Ontario

subject:
Climate change
Provenance tests
Silvics of white spruce

abstract:
Provenance tests in Ontario have been used for decades to evaluate the optimal
seed sources for different environments. Understanding the genetics, adaptations and
selection pressures of tree species using provenance testing will help determine future
favourable planting locations. The growth of many tree species will be adversely
affected by climate change, as most woody plant species cannot keep up with the rate of
change. White spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) is a widespread, economically
important tree species for the Canadian forest industry. Being a widely distributed
species, Ontario has many white spruce provenance test trials with sources from across
the province and the country. Provenances from across Ontario have been planted at a
Kakabeka test site to determine the top performing seed sources. This thesis explores the
variation in height between provenances at this test site to determine the climatic
variables which are most significantly related to this intraspecific variation. The top
performing provenances at the Kakabeka site originated from southern Ontario and
Quebec, and the worst performing provenances mostly originated from northwestern
Ontario. Provenance and block effects explained a significant portion of variation in
mean heights. Growing season climate variables showed a significant relationship to
height variation among provenances. The best predicting variables were mean annual
solar radiation (MAR) and Hargreaves reference evaporation (Eref). This study provides
valuable data to determine the optimal seed sources for current climate conditions.


title: Determinant variables in seasonal migration cessation

subject: Residential mobility Ontario, Northwestern

subject: Aged Ontario, Northwestern

subject: Retirement Ontario, Northwestern

abstract:
Past research into the seasonal migration of the elderly has mainly
focused on how health and economic systems are affected by this group
as well as how social and kinship ties are maintained by active
participants. Deteriorating health has been implicated in past studies
as a major variable in cessation intentions. This research focuses on
why cessation has already taken place. It makes a contribution to
existing seasonal migration literature through exploration of several
variables determining cessation. Findings indicate that although health
concerns are a major contributing variable to cessation decisions, a
significant percentage lose interest in the activity after participating for
extended periods of time. This loss of interest supports Atchley’s
continuity of aging theory in that this once pleasurable behaviour,
initiated in mid-life, is redefined in later years and loses its significance
as a pursuable activity.


title: Fabrication, characterization and electrochemical studies of nickel and nickel-based materials

contributor:
Cheng, Aicheng
Gottardo, Christine
Gallagher, Mark

subject: Electrochemical dissolution/deposition of nickel

subject: Fuel cells

subject: Electrochemical capacitors

abstract:
Nickel is a naturally abundant transition metal and is very cost effective. This, along with mechanical and magnetic characteristics, and good catalytic activity in different applications, has made it an interesting non-noble metal for various applications such as anodic/cathodic electrode materials in fuel cells, and as an electrocatalyst for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions. It is also consumed in various industries like the plating industry where it is an alloying element for iron or copper. Studying the effect of different factors in nickel electrochemical dissolution/ deposition would result in an enhanced understanding of the fundamental aspects of nickel electrochemistry.
Here, the anodic dissolution of an electrolytic Ni electrode was quantitatively investigated by an Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy to elucidate the presence of metallic impurities. The electrolytic Ni electrode was subsequently anodically dissolved through the application of current densities at 4.0, 8.0, and 16.0 mA cm-2 in Watts solution, after which its crystalline nature and morphological changes were studied. Using μ- X-ray Diffractometry, changes in the crystallinity of a particular site on the electrolytic Ni electrode was investigated over time during the anodic dissolution at an applied current density of 8.0 mA cm-2. The cubic crystalline nature was not altered during the dissolution of electrolytic Ni, while the diminishment of the crystalline plane of Ni (111), and the growth of the Ni (200) crystalline plane were observed during this process.
The anodic dissolution of industrial electrolytic Ni samples in Watts solution was studied in order to better understand the possible causes behind residue formation in anode baskets under actual electroplating conditions in an industrial setup. Cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry at different applied current densities were employed to characterize the dissolution behavior of these samples prior to and during a long-term dissolution process. Further, residue formation was tracked as a function of the dissolution time by collecting the residue at different stages of the process. These studies showed that the dissolution was not as uniform as desired. Likely, it began from the more susceptible sites on the surface, such as flaws or scratches, and continued through the sublayers, which resulted in a spongy structure with far lower mechanical strength. Furthermore, the residue collected throughout the long-term dissolution showed that residue formation was negligible up to final stages of the dissolution. Further, the amount of accumulated residue increased by raising the current density. Moreover, the long-term anodic dissolution of electrolytic Ni electrode was examined and electrode properties such as impedance behavior, anodic and cathodic efficiencies during the long-term anodic dissolution were assessed.
Potential applications of electrocatalysts containing nickel were also studied. An efficient electrocatalyst, based on a nanocomposite involving nickel hydroxide, carbon nitride and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), was synthesized through a facile one-step electrochemical process for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media. Comparison of nanocomposites with various concentrations of nickel hydroxide showed that the catalyst containing 44% Ni in the precursor offered the best activity. As this novel nanocomposite is comprised of low cost naturally-abundant materials, the good catalytic activity, high stability and methanol tolerance make this non-precious metal based catalyst promising for practical applications.
The need for environmentally compatible, less polluting, and more efficient energy systems has spurred extensive research into the development of batteries and other energy storage devices. Here, we report on a novel three-dimensional (3D) porous nickel modified with iridium oxide (IrO2) toward the design of a high-performance pseudocapacitor. The 3D porous nickel was grown directly onto a Ni plate via a facile electrochemical deposition method assisted by a simultaneously formed hydrogen bubble template. The effects of the electrodeposition time and the current density were systemically investigated, revealing that 3.0 A cm-2 and 150 s were the optimal conditions for the growth of the 3D porous nickel with the highest active surface area, which was subsequently modified with different quantities of IrO2. The electrodeposited 3D porous Ni network structure served as a suitable template to accommodate the cast iridium chloride precursor, and to anchor the formed IrO2 during subsequent thermal treatment. The formed 3D porous NiIr(10%)Ox electrode exhibited high charge/discharge stability and a superb specific capacitance 1643 F g-1 at 1.92 A g-1, which was ~175 times higher than the 3D porous NiO, and over 95 times higher than the same amount of IrO2 deposited on a smooth Ni substrate.


title: Petrology of syenites from centre III of the Coldwell Alkaline Complex, Northwest Ontario

subject: Petrology Ontario Neys Provincial Park Region

subject: Syenite Ontario Neys Provincial Park Region

abstract:
The Coldwell Alkaline Complex, situated on the north shore of Lake
Superior, is of Neohelikian age. It is intruded into Archean supracrustal
rocks of the Superior Province, near Marathon, Ontario. The complex has a
diameter of 25 km and consists of three major magmatic centres. Each
centre represents the focus of a cauldron subsidence event. From earliest
to latest they are: Centre I-saturated alkaline rocks with peralkaline
oversaturated residua; Centre Il-miaskitic undersaturated alkaline rocks;
and Centre Ill-alkaline rocks with oversaturated residua. This thesis
documents the rocks of Centre III.
Centre III magmatism of the Coldwell Alkaline Complex is represented
by alkali feldspar syenites and alkali feldspar quartz syenites. In order
of intrusion from earliest to youngest these are (1) synneuritic
magnesio-hornblende syenite, (2) perthitic ferro-edenite syenite, (3)
contaminated ferro-edenite syenite and (4) quartz syenite. Amphiboles are
the major mafic phase in all syenite types. Their evolutionary
compositional trend ranges from magnesian hastingsite in the magnesiohornblende
syenite to riebeckite in the quartz syenite. Pyroxenes are
Ti-Al rich in the earliest syenites, but evolve to Na-Fe rich members in
the youngest. The contaminated syenites result from the assimilation of
xenoliths of oligoclase basalts which are interpreted to represent
contemporaneous lavas. Varying degrees of contamination lead to an
apparent plethora of syenite types.
The Centre III syenites are miaskitic and metaluminous with normative
quartz content increasing from the earliest to the latest varieties. All
of the syenites are enriched in U, Th, REE, and Zr, reflecting the
presence of zircon, chevkinite, REE-carbonates, Nb-rutile and aeschylite.
Centre III syenites have petrological affinities with A-type granites and
are interpreted to have been formed by partial melting of lower crustal
material.


title: Compact magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound phased array system

contributor:
Christoffersen, Carlos
Pichardo, Samuel
Curiel, Laura

subject:
High-intensity focused ultrasound
Ultrasound transducers

abstract:
Phased array ultrasound transducers (Txs) can induce electronically controllable localized
hyperthermia to tissue deep within the human body. This localized heating can be applied to
tumours as an adjunct therapy in multimodal oncology treatments. Magnetic resonance-guided
high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) systems utilize imaging techniques to monitor
tissue temperature during sonication, providing feedback for control of the Tx’s beam-forming.
The electromagnetic environment within and near the magnetic resonance (MR) bore restricts
the design of driving solutions. The arrays are normally driven by linear amplifiers and matching
networks placed at a distance from the MR bore. As clinical arrays can contain over 2000 Txs,
this method of driving can result in significant costs and heating.
This thesis proposes a novel MRgHIFU phased array system integration, and an associated
rapid design and production processes. The system’s array is designed for conformal use in
3T MR head and neck hyperthermia applications. The array is powered using a high-efficiency
quasi class-DE (qDE) driving method to yield equal acoustic output from all Txs without use of
inductors. This allows the drivers to be placed directly within the MR bore. The driver gating
signals are controlled by a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) also placed inside the MR
bore.
A rapid design and production process is proposed to facilitate case-by-case target oriented
arrays, which yield smaller arrays that can be used as conformal devices. These conformal
transducers can help facilitate treatment of targets in challenging locations, and help compensate
for patient movement. A Tx casing design was developed for individual ceramics to facilitate
repeated removal from various array shells. These removable Txs can be re-used in multiple
arrays as they are tuned for qDE driving independent of the array geometry A series of MATLAB functions were created to find sparse array designs by running thousands
3D k-space pseudospectral heterogeneous acoustic simulations, varying the pseudo-random Tx
positions, array geometry, or steering position between each simulation. The designed functions
are used to sweep array geometry and randomized element positions to find a configuration
that yields sufficient performance. Once an acoustically correct solution is found, it is verified
by executing k-Wave thermal diffusion simulations based on the acoustic simulation’s resultant
pressure waves. Heating was applied for 30 minutes using a discrete PID controller based on
temperature feedback. The array geometry can be exported from MATLAB for use in Autodesk
Inventor to 3D print the array exactly as represented in simulation. Multiple groups of Txs were
electrically characterized then binned until an appropriate qDE driving solution was achievable.


title: Characterization of the MAX porphyry Mo deposit using trace element geochemistry in hydrothermal alteration minerals, Trout Lake, B.C.

contributor:
Hollings, Peter
Cooke, David R.

subject:
Porphyry Mo deposits
Geology and mineralogy
Hydrothermal alteration
Hydrothermal rocks and veins
Whole rock geochemistry

abstract:
Over the last few decades it has become increasingly difficult to discover new ore
deposits and as existing deposits are exhausted, techniques for improving exploration success are
becoming vital. In this study I investigated the application of trace element mineral
geochemistry, in the context of well-defined petrology and field mapping, to the identification
and characterization of hydrothermal alteration of a small porphyry Mo deposit located in
southeastern B.C., Canada. Detailed geochemical analysis of the MAX Mo-porphyry deposit was
undertaken and the use of trace element geochemistry signatures of hydrothermal alteration
minerals were established. Ninety-six samples were collected from surface, underground and
drill core and graphic core logging was carried out on five holes. Whole rock geochemistry was
obtained for all samples in order to observe any general alteration trends. The trace element
concentrations of quartz, chlorite and epidote were analysed using laser ablation inductivelycoupled
plasma mass spectrometry. Cathodoluminescence was used to show textural differences
and growth zoning in quartz and to observe different generations of quartz. The results indicated
that in hydrothermal quartz Ti, Al and Li showed systematic increases in concentration towards
the porphyry center and could be used to infer the temperature of formation. The concentrations
of Ti, Al, Li, Ge, Mg and Fe could be used to distinguish between different types of quartz.
Hydrothermal quartz showed the most variance when it came to concentrations of individual
trace elements, whereas regional metamorphic quartz that was unaffected by hydrothermal
alteration had the lowest concentration of trace elements and a uniform trace element chemistry
regardless of proximity to the deposit center. Igneous quartz was depleted in Ge relative to
hydrothermal and metamorphic quartz.
For chlorite it was found that Ti, V and Sr concentrations varied depending on distance
from the porphyry center. Both Ti and V decreased in concentration away from the deposit
center, whereas Sr peaked around 350 - 400 meters and then decreased away from the deposit
center. The trace element alteration vectors identified in this study combined with subtle, but
identifiable, field criteria may assist exploration companies in the search for hidden deposits.


title: School leadership for effective communication in the 21st century / by Ying She. --

contributor:
Fennell, Hope-Arlene
Brady, Patrick

subject:
Educational leadership.
School management and organization.
Communication skills

abstract:
School leaders are facing increased challenges as they enter the 21st century. In seeking to share the vision of the school, and achieve the agreed upon goals and objectives, school leaders are constantly advocating, nurturing, delegating and developing the potential of followers. Leaders also seek the cooperation of teachers to sustain a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning, and staff professional growth.
This case study was conducted primarily through document analysis and semi-structured interviews in one large school within one Board of Education in North-western Ontario. In the study, the researcher explored the process of communication for school operations, pursuing for communication strategies as a means to develop leadership strategies that will enable a leader to achieve effective communication in school settings in the 21st century. Seven respondents were
interviewed, and official documents of the school were collected. Four themes emerged from the analysis of the data: vision, commitments, interpersonal relationships, and communication competence. Findings from the study included the observation that school leaders must hold a clear vision, and fulfill commitments to achieve the goals and vision of the school. In this process, school leaders must develop close interpersonal relationships to enhance communication, and overcome factors or barriers that interfere with communication by means of communication competence. Regardless of the leadership style being exercised, school leaders must try to achieve effective communication. In school settings, effective leadership demands effective
communication.


title: Investigation on liquid-liquid dispersion in stirred tanks through experimental approach and computational fluid dynamic (CFD)

contributor:
Pakzad, Leila
Azar, Ehsan
Liao, Baoqiang

subject:
Stirred tanks (chemical engineering)
Electrical resistance tomography
Homogeneity (engineering)
Computational fluid dynamics

abstract:
Stirred tanks have a vital role in chemical engineering industries. Among the various
applications of stirred tanks, mixing of two immiscible liquid phases is of interest in chemical
processes. Mixing of two immiscible liquids in the stirred tank is an integral part of achieving
a stable emulsion, which impacts the product quality. The design of the stirred tanks including
but not limited to the geometry and dimensions of the vessel, the location, size, and the type
of the impeller, fluid rheology, and the volume fraction of dispersed phase relies on
comprehensive knowledge about the liquid-liquid mixing performance. One of the major
factors affecting the stability of liquid-liquid dispersion is droplet size distribution (DSD) of
dispersed phase. The study of DSD in liquid-liquid dispersions still relies on experimental
data.
The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of dispersed phase viscosity, volume
fraction, and agitation speed on dilute liquid-liquid dispersions. Therefore, the liquid-liquid
dispersion in stirred tank has been evaluated through electrical resistance tomography (ERT),
focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM), and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
ERT provides a non-intrusive online measurement to evaluate the mixing hydrodynamic of
dispersion in the tank. FBRM technique is an online particle size measurement technique
which evaluates the effect of mixing process on particle interactions and droplet size
distribution. Using CFD coupled with population balance modeling (PBM) is the last step
toward complete analysis of liquid-liquid dispersion process.


title: The Potential use of SIFT-MS as a breath diagnostic tool

subject:
Lungs
Cancer
Diagnosis
Research
Celiac disease
Breath tests
Health aspects
Mass spectrometry

abstract: The measurement of volatile chemicals in human breath has recently emerged as a non-invasive technique with the potential for the early diagnosis of disease. A benefit of early diagnosis is that treatment plans including lifestyle changes can be implemented earlier, which will lead to improved patient outcomes. A novel gas analysis technique called selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) offers a more rapid breath analysis process without the need for calibration. The SIFT-MS technique is currently being investigated as to its potential to be used as a diagnostic tool for various diseases.


title: Iterative learning control for robot manipulators

contributor:
Tayebi, Abdelhamid
Natarajan, Krishnamoorthy

subject:
Intelligent control systems
Iterative methods (Mathematics)
Neural networks (Computer science)

abstract:
When a system is performing the same task repeatedly it is, from an engineering
perspective, advantageous to use the knowledge from the previous iterations of the
same task in order to reduce the error on successive trials.
In control systems, the aim is to force the system output to follow a desired
trajectory as closely as possible. Specific norms and measures of optimality are used
to determine how close the output is to the desired trajectory. Although control
theory provides many different possible solutions for such problem, it is not always
possible to achieve a desired set of performance requirements. This may be due to
the presence of unmodeled dynamics or parametric uncertainties exhibited during
the system operation, or due to the lack of suitable design techniques for particular
class of systems. Iterative learning control (ILC) is a relatively new addition to these
techniques that, for a particular class of problems, can be used to overcome some of
the difficulties associated with performance design of control systems.


title: Influence of overstory composition on understory vegetation and resource environment in the boreal forests of Canada

contributor:
Chen, Han
McLaren, Brian
Mackereth, Rob

subject:
Forest canopy ecology
Understory plants
Understory vegetation
Photosynthetic photon flux density
Broadleaf forests

abstract: Study areas : Thunder Bay Region, Northwestern Ontario ; Northeastern Quebec.

abstract:
The forest canopy is a major determinant of microclimate within the forest
ecosystem, as it intercepts, absorbs and modifies light environment in the understory. The
availability of resources in the understory has implications on the growth and
establishment ofunderstory plants. The objectives ofthis thesis were to: (1) determine by
means of literature synthesis whether understory plant species diversity is driven by
resource quantity and/or resource heterogeneity, and (2) examine the influence of
overstory composition on understory vegetation, and on the understory light resource
environment in mature boreal forest stands of central and eastern Canada.
A database of studies that investigated the effects of resources on understory plant
diversity was compiled and analyzed using log-linear models. Whether resource quantity
or resource heterogeneity is the determinant of understory plant diversity in individual
studies was dependent on stand successional stage( s ), presence or absence of intermediate
disturbance, and forest biome within which the studies were conducted. Resource
quantity was found to govern species diversity in both young and mature stands, whereas
resource heterogeneity dominated in old-growth stands. Resource quantity remained the
important driver in both disturbed and undisturbed forests, but resource heterogeneity
played an important role in disturbed forests. The results suggested that neither resource
quantity nor heterogeneity alone structures species diversity in forest ecosystems, but
rather their influence on understory plant diversity vary with stand development and
disturbances in forest ecosystems.


title: Integrated resource management plan combining STELLA and Goal Programming models

subject: Natural resources Management Mathematical models

subject: Integrated resource management

subject: Forest management alternatives

abstract:
The primary objective of this study was to develop mathematical
models with existing computer programs and to use these models
to assist in providing useful information for multiple use planning.
Two different models were used: 1) a system dynamic model
(STELLA) and 2) Goal programming (GP). These two types of the
models were combined to complement each other. Timber, wildlife
(represented by moose), and forest aesthetics were selected as the
three variables in this study. The modelling approaches of the two
models were discussed. The STELLA model was developed based on
past experience and knowledge, while the GP model was formulated
based on the simulation results of the STELLA model. Gross merchantable
timber and the dry weight of browse were used as goals
in the GP model. Area constraints in the sensitive area (SA) zone
were used to indicate aesthetic potential. The use of the two models
was illustrated with a case study area, which is located in management
unit 030 of Abitibi-Spruce River Forest, Northwestern Ontario.
A thirty-year planning horizon and three management alternatives
were employed. The results show that the STELLA model can help
the forest manager to better his understandings of forest dynamic
behaviour, and the solution of the GP model was improved by the
reasonable goal levels set by using the simulation results from the
STELLA model. As a result, the combination of two models made
the integrated resource management planning more suitable and
practical.


title: Investigation and optimization of group III-N semiconductor thin-film growths using DC nitrogen plasma

subject:
Thin-film growth methods
Nitrogen plasma

abstract:
The Lakehead University remote plasma-enhanced metalorganic chemical vapour deposition (RPE-MOCVD) reactor utilizes nitrogen plasma to provide the required nitrogen species in group III-N semiconductor material growth. This plasma provides advantages over conventional MOCVD systems, typically using ammonia as the nitrogen source. An issue with using ammonia is that the dissociation temperature is high, restricting the growth of certain materials and limiting possible substrates which may be grown on. The disassociation reaction efficiency of ammonia also plateaus at a low value. With RPE-MOCVD, the system is able to perform growths at significantly lower temperatures, limited only by the metalorganic dissociation temperatures, and the nitrogen plasma species composition and production rates may be varied.
In this work the nitrogen plasma used in the RPE-MOCVD reactor is investigated in order to determine how varying system settings affects plasma conditions. This is done in an effort to optimize group III-N semiconductor thin-film growth conditions in this reactor.
Spectroscopic and Langmuir probe measurements are performed and analyzed as system parameters are varied to investigate the resulting plasma conditions. Experimental GaN growths are performed with varying system parameters on sapphire substrates. The resulting growths are analyzed and compared with the use of X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) characterization techniques.


title: Risk-sensitivity in a rat population under interval schedules of reinforcement : open and closed economies

subject:
Rats Behavior
Reinforcement (Psychology)

abstract:
A group consisting of eight male Hooded rats was tested for
risk-sensitive foraging preferences in an eight station
operant arena, under conditions of open and closed economies.
The group could choose to forage at either four fixed
interval stations or four variable interval stations of the
same mean interval value. The visual, tactile, and spatial
discriminative stimuli associated with the fixed and variable
stations was enhanced to assist in discriminating between the
variances of the schedules associated with the stations. The
following four interval values were tested, with each in
effect for five consecutive days: 15, 30, 90, and 180
seconds. The open economy was defined by a 30 minute session
conducted twice a day followed by a supplemental feeding at
the end of each day. The closed economy consisted of
continuous 2 4 hour access to the stations, with no
supplemental feeding. Results revealed differential effects
upon foraging choices by the two different economies. In the
open economy, the group of rats were risk-indifferent in
their foraging preferences, while in the closed economy the
rats foraged in a manner that was contrary to risk-sensitive
theory. During the closed economy the rats were risk-prone
when net energetic gain was high and became less risk-prone
as net energetic deficits occurred. Discussion is given on
the possible influence of competition and discriminatory cues upon a rat populations foraging preferences.


title: Examination of youth tobacco cessation needs, demand and services within the City of Greater Sudbury

contributor:
Sevean, Pat
Martin, Lynn

subject: Youth Tobacco use Ontario Sudbury

subject: Teenagers Tobacco use Ontario Sudbury

subject: Cigarette smokers Services for Ontario Sudbury

abstract:
Tobacco use contributes to a significant amount of morbidity and mortality.
Youth are interested in quitting smoking yet most often do not choose assisted cessation
approaches which have been shown effective in the literature (CDC, 2006). Youth within
the City of Greater Sudbury (CGS) have indicated a desire to quit smoking however
anecdotal evidence has pointed to the lack of services in the area (Groulx, 2005; Sudbury
& District Health Unit [SDHU], 2004a). To better understand local interest and demand
for cessation services, analysis of a subset of data from the School Health Action,
Planning and Evaluation System (SHAPES) Ontario (tobacco module) survey was
completed. Data were derived from one secondary school in the CGS yielding 589
completed questionnaires. Analysis included frequencies, cross tabulations, and logistic
regressions and focused on identification of local youths preferred cessation methods,
factors most likely to impact youth success in smoking cessation, and factors influencing
the students' preference to use assisted tobacco cessation methods/aids. Similar to
previous studies which analyzed the provincial SHAPES dataset, most youth preferred to
quit on their own. However, unlike previous literature, interest in, and factors
contributing to interest in some assisted cessation methods was demonstrated. Analysis
into the forces impacting the demand and provision of cessation services at the local level
was also conducted. Despite the great capacity at the local level, environmental factors
and provincial forces impacting the demand for cessation are evident as is the lack of
youth specific cessation services. Recommendations for public health are proposed and
are aimed at increasing demand for, and provision of evidence based cessation support
for youth.


title: Pre-service teachers' conceptual understanding of perimeter, area, and volume

subject:
Mathematics (Study and teaching)
Space perception in children
Space perception (Study and teaching)

abstract:
In this study, pre-service teachers’ understanding of perimeter, area, the relationship
between the two, and volume are explored. A questionnaire on these concepts was administered
to 110 participants, comprising the three divisions of teacher candidates enrolled in a small
northern Canadian Faculty of Education. This was followed by sample interviews to help clarify
some of the responses found in the questionnaire. The results were surprising. Regardless of
division or mathematics background while some had a conceptual understanding of the concepts
many did not. Many students demonstrated only a procedural understanding including a sizable
proportion of the I/S students. These findings are discussed as well as recommendations for
further research and teacher training.


title: Development of junior intermediate preservice teachers' mathematical knowledge and values / by Carlos Zerpa.

subject: Mathematics teachers In-service training

subject: Mathematics - Study and teaching

subject: Teachers In-service training

abstract:
This research thesis is composed of two studies. The first study examined the validity and reliability of a locally developed instrument called the Perceptions of Mathematics (POM) questionnaire (Kajander, 2005). The POM questionnaire was used to measure mathematical knowledge and values on junior intermediate preservice teachers in the second study of this
research thesis.
The second study investigated preservice teachers’ change in mathematical knowledge and values via a mathematics methods course in education. This study included pretests and post-tests to examine preservice teachers’ preliminary mathematical knowledge, beliefs, and changes, in these factors, after taking the mathematics methods course at the junior intermediate
level.
The results in the first study show evidence that the POM questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument. The results in the second study suggest that it is possible to change preservice teachers’ conceptual and procedural mathematics knowledge via a mathematics methods course in education. In addition, the results o f the second study suggest that preservice
teachers’ academic background does not appear to influence their change in conceptual mathematical knowledge and values via a mathematics methods course. On the other hand, preservice teachers’ conceptual and procedural mathematical knowledge at the pretest, plus preservice teachers’ courses taken in high school, appear to influence their change in conceptual mathematical knowledge the most. These findings have implications for mathematics educators of teachers, as well as school boards, to help them better assess professional development needs.


title: Power minimization and optimum ONU placements in integrated wireless optical access networks

contributor:
Naser, Hassan
Tizghadam, Ali

subject: Optical fibre

subject: Integrated wireless optical access networks (IWOAN)

subject: Optical network units (ONU)

subject: Wireless communication

subject: Wireless access technologies

abstract:
The deployment of optical fibre in place of copper cable in access networks has experienced remarkable growth over the past several years due to a wide range of benefits. A major benefit of optical fibre over copper cable is that it is more secure and immune to electromagnetic interferences. Optical fibre has also provided the capability of handling higher throughputs for longer distances, and experiences no crosstalk between other fibre optic cables. However, the last mile reach to end-users with optical fibre is very costly. This alternative replacement results in increased costs for manual labour and energy consumption in the access network. The current demand in all areas of telecommunications, and especially access networks, is greener networking. In order to offset the high costs of optical access implementations and to satisfy this demand, an investigation into integrated wireless optical access networks (IWOAN) is warranted.
The proliferation of wireless devices has also motivated the interest in IWOAN as it combines the flexibility and efficiency of wireless with the security and stability provided by optical. With the emergence of smart phones and tablets, wireless access networks are now supporting an increasing amount of traffic volume with improved throughput and accessibility. We employ a Passive Optical Network (PON) infrastructure from the central office to the customer, traced from the Optical Line Terminal (OLT) to the customer premises devices known as Optical Network Units (ONUs) for IWOAN. At the ONU, the optical fibre is terminated and wireless communication is implemented. The ONU acts as a wireless access point/gateway for wireless Base Stations (BS) serving different coverage areas in point-to-point topology. With recent trends of advanced wireless technologies, premium rich applications such as multimedia streaming, interactive gaming and cloud computing are delivered in a satisfactory and economic way. This wireless-optical integration aims to reduce and solve the cost of replacing copper cables. However, another issue is raised with increased costs in energy consumption due to the integration of wireless and optical communication. Typically a large number of ONUs need to be deployed in order to serve many wireless BSs located in different coverage areas. As a result, any cost savings gained by the integration process is exhausted with the increased cost of power consumption.


title: Aging with a long-term physical impairment: An ever-changing process

contributor:
Stone, Sharon Dale
Wakewich, Pamela
Taylor, Jane

subject:
Older people with disabilities
Aging with impairment
Premature aging

abstract:
The experience of people aging with long-term physical impairments is a relatively new
area of research which requires further attention. There will be more people who reach old age
who have lived with a long-term physical impairment as the population ages and life expectancy
continues to increase. There is a gap in the research that explores life course theory while a
person ages with a physical impairment. Using a life course perspective, this thesis examines the
aging experiences of eight people between the ages of 50 and 68 who have lived with their
physical impairment for more than 10 years. Data were gathered through in-depth, semi-
structured interviews. My participants experienced problems in their life as a result of their
physical impairment and the stereotypes and barriers constructed by mainstream society. Their
impairments have led to physical, emotional and financial problems throughout their lives. They
have learned to develop coping mechanisms, mostly on their own, to adjust to these problems
and continue participating in society despite initial limitations. My thesis concludes by offering
suggestions to improve policies to meet the needs of a large population of people aging with
long-term physical impairments.


title: An ostensible exercise in modernity: law, religious intervention, and social science in the case of Bedford vs. Canada

subject:
Canadian prostitution law
Canadian sex trade
Bedford case
Legal moralism

abstract: Drawing on Adele Clarke’s (2005) method of situational analysis as well insights from the social construction of social problems approach (Spector and Kitsuse 1977; Best 2008), symbolic interactionism (Prus 1999) and feminist approaches to power and situated knowledge (Collins 1990; Smart 1992; Haraway 1999; Comack 2006), this study examines how law, religion and science interact to construct an image of the Canadian sex trade in the case of Bedford v. Canada. Historically, prostitution has been debated in academic accounts, public forums and the Canadian courts. This debate resurfaced in Canadian courts in 2010, deploying a host of perceptions from religious groups, academics and the general public. Attending to sites of silence as well as latent power relations in the current debate, I examine the interactions between law, religion and science in the Bedford case. Emphasizing how novel precedent developments in the Canadian context as well as historical discourses are shaping actors’ constructions of the dangers associated with prostitution in Canada, I explore concepts such as “legal moralism”, “the risk of harm”, “expertise” and “advocacy” and how legal definitions of these concepts shape the terrain on which rights cases are negotiated in Canadian courts. Moreover, the present case study examines how legal fictions presenting the law as neutral and objective construct false binaries between lay and expert knowledge, masking the value-laden nature of Canadian rights cases.


title: Functional Imaging of the Lungs using Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Inert Fluorinated Gases

contributor:
Albert, Mitchell
Curiel, Laura
Das, Gautam

subject:
Lung
Inert fluorinated gas MRI
Hyperpolarized gas MRI
Fractional ventilation
Apparent diffusion coefficient
Inflammation
Ventilation gradients
UTE

abstract:
Fluorine-19 (19F) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lungs using inhaled inert fluorinated gases can potentially provide high quality anatomical and functional images of the lungs. This technique is able to visualize the distribution of the inhaled gas, similar to hyperpolarized (HP) helium-3 (3He) and xenon-129 (129Xe) MRI. Inert fluorinated gases have the advantages of being nontoxic, abundant, and inexpensive compared to HP gases. Due to the high gyromagnetic ratio of 19F, there is sufficient thermally polarized signal for imaging, and averaging within a single breath-hold is possible due to short longitudinal relaxation times. Since inert fluorinated gases do not need to be hyperpolarized prior to their use in MRI, this eliminates the need for an expensive polarizer and expensive isotopes. Inert fluorinated gas MRI of the lungs has been studied extensively in animals since the 1980s, and more recently in healthy volunteers and patients with lung diseases.
This thesis focused on the development of static breath-hold inert fluorinated gas MR imaging techniques, as well as the development functional imaging biomarkers in humans and animal models of pulmonary disease. Optimized ultrashort echo time (UTE) 19F MR imaging was performed in healthy volunteers, and images from different gas breathing techniques were quantitatively compared. 19F UTE MR imaging was then quantitatively compared to 19F gradient echo imaging in both healthy volunteers and in a resolution phantom. A preliminary comparison to HP 3He MR imaging is also presented, along with preliminary 19F measurements of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and
iv
gravitational gradients of ventilation in healthy volunteers. The potential of inert fluorinated gas MRI in detecting pulmonary diseases was further explored by performing ventilation mapping in animal models of inflammation and fibrosis. Overall, interest in pulmonary 19F MRI of inert fluorinated gases is increasing, and numerous sites around the world are now interested in developing this technique. This work may help to demonstrate that inert fluorinated gas MRI has the potential to be a viable clinical imaging modality that can provide useful information for the diagnosis and management of chronic respiratory diseases.


title: Climate change impacts on growth of black spruce in western Canadian boreal forest

subject:
Tree rings
Climate change
Black spruce (Picea mariana)

abstract:
This study explored the effects of changes climate on the growth rate of black spruce
in western Canadian boreal forests over a 55-year time from 1950 to 2005. A multiple
linear regression model was run for tree ring data, mean annual temperature, and
precipitation from three sites at different latitudes including the Northwest Territories,
norther Yukon, and central Saskatchewan. Correlations between temperature and black
spruce in high latitudes were the lowest, while those in middle latitudes were the highest.
The effect of precipitation on black spruce was not significant in western Canadian
boreal forests. Climate change was found to negatively affect the growth of black spruce,
possibly due to its intolerance to drought, resource competition, and temperature stress.
In the future, the number and size of black spruce in forests of western Canada are
expected to continue to decline if climate change trends continue.


title: Identifying use of knowledge translation theory in applied ergonomic research

contributor:
Sinden, Kathryn
Dorman, Sandra
Sanzo, Paolo

subject: Work-related musculoskeletal injuries

subject: Knowledge translation in applied ergonomics

subject: Workplace injuries

abstract:
Introduction. Work-related injuries are a leading cause of physical disabilities impacting
individuals’ quality of life. Work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries continue to impact
Ontario employers costing approximately one billion dollars and resulting in two and a half
million employee sick-days. The cost of medical care and return-to-work programs has also
continued to increase over the past several years. In a physically demanding occupation such as
mining, MSK injuries are prevalent leading to disability and lost time claims. Using knowledge
translation (KT) approaches and ergonomic research, it is possible to integrate evidence and
mitigate factors associated with work-related injuries. Although preliminary studies have
identified the use of KT theory in applied ergonomic research, there is a general lack of
understanding of the impact of using KT theory/frameworks in industrial or organizational settings
to inform best practice for ergonomic interventions aimed to reduce workplace injury.
Objective. The two primary objectives of this project were to: 1) conduct a scoping review of the
use of KT theory/frameworks to guide applied ergonomic research; and 2) use the findings of the
scoping review to inform development of PDA@Work as a KT tool focusing on mitigating
workplace musculoskeletal injury.
Method. To address objective 1, methods developed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) and
Aromataris (2017) were adapted (Appendix A) to identify and appraise relevant studies related to
KT theories used in ergonomic research. The adopted scoping review strategies were described in
several stages; identifying the research question, identifying relevant studied and selection criteria,
appraisal of the data, and synthesis of the findings (Arksey & O’Malley, 2005). To address
objective 2, findings of the scoping review were used to facilitate development of the KT tool
(PDA@Work). PDA@Work is a computer application that consolidates physical demand
information associated with various jobs at a local above-ground mine. Health care professionals
and occupational health and safety agents were asked for feedback using the “Interface User
Feedback Questionnaire”.


title: Breast cancer in rural communities

subject:
Breast cancer Canada
Medicine, Rural Canada
Rural health services Canada
Rural caregiving
Telehealth, telemedicine, teleoncology

abstract:
This paper provides a review of the existing research on women’s experience of breast
cancer in rural communities. It includes a total of 46 studies that used quantitative and qualitative
research methods. In the review of the literature, the challenges identified for rural women with
breast cancer include: travel issues; financial hardships; work-related issues; impacts on family
members and caregivers; psychosocial adjustment; and information needs. The findings indicate
that rural and urban women often receive different treatments for breast cancer; that access to
health care services is more limited in rural communities; and that rural women and their
families have a considerable need for support and information. Nonetheless, rural women with
breast cancer are able to rely on friends and family, peer supports, doctors, and informal
networks in their close-knit communities. Further, utilization of health care delivery approaches
such as mobile breast screening, telemedicine and teleoncology have the potential to increase
rural women’s access to health services. The review discusses the practice and policy
implications of these findings as well as suggestions for future research.


title: Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults: A Descriptive & Etiologic Analysis

contributor:
Kristman, Vicki
Bedard, Michel
Martin, Lynn

subject: Traumatic brain injury

subject: Impact of depression

subject: Association between depression and falling

subject: Antidepressants and falling

abstract:
A two-part study was undertaken to determine the characteristics and incidence of older adults
who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) while in Ontario home care from 2003 to 2013, and
to determine the association between depression and sustaining a TBI. Both parts used data from
the Ontario Association of Community Care Access Center’s database. Data were retrieved for
all service users 65 years or older who had home care between 2003 and 2013; these data are
based on the Resident Assessment Instrument-Home Care. The variables used in the analyses
included: TBI, depression, demographics, neurological conditions and history of falling. For the
descriptive component, comparisons of characteristics were made between service users who did
and did not sustain a TBI using odds ratios (OR). The ten-year trend of annual cumulative
incidence and standardized incidence rates were assessed using regression. For the etiologic
component, incident TBI cases were matched to four controls by age, sex and date of assessment.
Crude OR’s were determined for the association between depression and TBI. Multivariable
conditional logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders and identify effect
modifiers. Multivariable estimates were stratified by history of falling. A total of 554,313 service
users were included, of which 5215 (0.9%) had a TBI and 39,048 (7.0%) had depression.
Characteristics associated with TBI were: male sex (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.45, 1.62), aboriginal
origin (OR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.57, 2.50), increasing age (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.35 for 70-74;
up to OR: 2.31, 95% CI: 2.05, 2.59 for >90; referent group 65-69), being widowed (OR: 1.59,
95% CI: 1.41, 1.80), having a history of one or more falls (OR: 2.31, 95% CI: 2.19, 2.44), the
use of antidepressants (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.40, 1.59) and the presence of depression (OR: 1.57,
95% CI: 1.43, 1.71), dementia (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.54, 1.76), hemiplegia (OR: 4.34, 95% CI:
3.88, 4.85), multiple sclerosis (OR: 3.19, 95% CI: 2.49, 4.08) and parkinsonism (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.38). Incidence was significantly higher than previously reported figures in the general
population. There was a decrease in the annual cumulative incidence over the ten-year period.
Female standardized rates decreased significantly (p<0.05) in a linear fashion while male and
overall decreased in a non-linear fashion. The crude OR for the association between depression
and TBI was 1.54 (95% CI: 1.43, 1.64). Stratified analyses indicated that the association was
significantly different for those with a history of falling (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.22, 1.73) and those
without a history of falling (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.42). Multivariable analysis suggested that
there were three significant effect modifiers for the exposure: history of falling, level of
education and Alzheimer’s. As the level of education increased, the association between
depression and TBI became smaller (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.30, 2.70 for 8th grade or less compared
to OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.78, 1.65 for graduate degree). Service users with a TBI had greater odds
of having a history of falling (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.22, 1.73) and being diagnosed with
Alzheimer’s Disease (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.32). Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm
this finding, as our study was cross-sectional in nature, and to investigate the association between
other chronic conditions and TBI.


title: Population genetics of caribou in the Brightsand range of Ontario

subject:
Woodland caribou
Habitat fragmentation
Anthropogenic disturbance
Population genetic diversity

abstract: Boreal woodland caribou are listed as threatened in Ontario. This thesis examined whether the genetic diversity of boreal woodland caribou in the Brightsand Range differs comparing populations in portions of the range with contrasting levels of disturbance. The GenAlex software was used to run three Analysis of Molecular Variances that showed that there was no significant difference in allele frequencies of the populations of caribou in the Brightsand range, but that the genetic diversity was lower in southern populations with more cutting of trees and road access causing fragmentation of the habitat. The lack of difference may be due to gene flow that is high enough to prevent loss of genetic diversity in the southern portion of the range.


title: Perceptions of control and equality in relationships, and implications for the gender differential in physical and psychological health outcomes / by Sherry L. Grace.

subject: Control (Psychology)

subject: Women Health and hygiene Psychological aspects

subject: Sex differences (Psychology)


title: Production of wood pellets from forest product waste

subject:
Wood pellets
Wood biomass
Torrefaction
Wood pellet manufacturing

abstract:
Wood pellet production is increasing due to lower costs and supply stability as compared to
natural gas and has less environmental concerns. A wood pellet is made mechanically from a
uniform substance that has initially been hammered and ground into a homogenous dough-like
mass by squeezing it through a press into a cylindrical shape. Wood pellets have an approximate
size of 6-10 mm in diameter and lengths vary between 10-30 mm usually. The production of
wood pellets from biomass is environmentally feasible and sustainable contributing to the
economy of North America. Municipal waste is a modern method of energy production and, in
addition to wood and agricultural products, municipal waste is the third most important biomass
resource for energy production. Torrefaction is another method of converting raw material into a
more energy dense fuel that could play a significant role in the production of wood pellets.
Biomass fuels have received a lot of attention as a potential alternative to fossil fuels because of
their ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biomass fuels, however, have storage,
transportation, and energy density issues. Low density values can reduce energy density,
resulting in higher transportation and storage costs. In the world, China is the largest producer of
wood pellets, while United States is second followed by Canada and then Vietnam.


title: Cross laminated timber (CLT) future potential in Ontario compared with BC and Quebec

subject:
Cross laminated timber
Engineered wood products
Wood property
Glulam
Renewable resources in construction

abstract:
Cross Laminated Timber is a relatively new timber product in Canada
with a bright future The product is an advancement that is allowing the industry
to create products for larger structures and more specifically taller structures as
building codes allow for taller wood structures in the three provinces being
studied. This paper mainly focuses on whether CLT will progress in Ontario
compared with how it has in British Columbia and Quebec. The analyze will look
at the market, technological process, species used in CLT, and case studies of
CLT in BC and Quebec to predict if Ontario has the opportunity to develop its
own CLT production facilities. With global increases in engineered wood
products there is opportunities for Ontario’s wood industry to become a producer
of CLT products. The benefit of innovations such as CLT are many, such as using
a renewable resource to replace non-renewable resources in construction,
sequestering large amounts of carbon in wood products and wood products are
considered a carbon neutral product.


title: A Qualitative study on the experiences of students attending Thunder Bay area rural, one-room schools in the early 20th century

contributor:
Fennell, Hope-Arlene
Epp, Walter

subject:
Rural Schools
Ontario, Northwestern
Ontario
Thunder Bay District
Port Arthur
Fort William
Education, Rural

abstract: One-room country schools, which began appearing in the early 1900s in the District of Thunder Bay in Northern Ontario, Canada, provided educational opportunities to the children of the first and second generation immigrant settlers to the area. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate, through the oral history interview process, the experiences of students who attended these one-room schools and to examine the socialization processes employed through this organized education system for integrating the children of immigrants into a specific representation of Canadian citizenship culture. The five participants in this study were, at the time of attendance at school, one landed immigrant, three first generation Canadian citizens and one second generation Canadian citizen.


title: Death education : simulating the end of life to beginning healthcare providers

contributor:
Korteweg, Lisa
Kuchpaski
Kelly, Mary Lou
Kerr, Don
Kuchpaski, Renee

subject:
Palliative care education
Interprofessional education
Healthcare education and simulation
Simulated death education

abstract:
The national Quality End-of-Life Care Coalition of Canada report advocates that professional
healthcare education must become even more important for a systems-wide approach to
handling hospice palliative and end-of-life care in order to ensure that the soaring numbers of
dying Canadians receive quality care in all settings where they die over the next 10 years. Recognizing
this critical societal need and addressing it as an educational challenge, this grounded
theory study examines undergraduate student experiences with high fidelity simulation labs in
death education or interprofessional palliative care. This study is guided by the central questions:
What forms of knowledge and processes of learning are generated in an interprofessional palliative
care simulation learning environment? And what is the experience and impacts of the interprofessional
palliative care simulation from the undergraduate healthcare learner’s perspective?
This research study recognized that learner participation in the instructional technological platform
of simulation prompts questions about the nature of experiential learning and how it is that
learning arises out of simulation.
The design for this study followed standard processes in grounded theory by using constant
comparisons throughout the data analysis process and by adopting a constructivist perspective
toward the research process. Nine participants, all enrolled in an Ontario university and accredited
an Introduction to Palliative Care course, completed two palliative care simulation lab
experiences designed to provide opportunity to test drive their knowledge using a palliative approach,
and to start a conversation about their role as future palliative care practitioners. The data
were collected from student group debrief sessions following the simulation labs; from the
study’s 3 phases’ interviews that each participant individually engaged in (each participant x 3
interviews); and finally, from my own extensive observations and field note journals. Analysis
followed grounded theory procedures and initial, focused, axial and theoretical coding was performed.
The substantive emergent theory is an explanatory model to address the studied phenomenon:
the undergraduate interprofessional palliative care learning experience using high fidelity
simulation. This new theory, 3H of Head, Heart & Hands, attempts to capture the student
experience in simulated death education as it pertains to learning processes, perceptions of learning,
impacts on learning, and meanings associated with learning that resulted from their participation
in the study. The findings and 3H theory that emerged have significance and implications
at individual, organizational, and societal levels of analysis pertaining to the fields of simulation
in higher education, undergraduate interprofessional programs, and palliative care of the dying
and their families.


title: Estimating site quality from early height growth of white spruce and red pine plantations in the Thunder Bay area

subject: Forest site quality Ontario Thunder Bay

subject: White spruce

subject: Trees Growth Ontario Thunder Bay (Ont. : District)

abstract:
Growth intercepts and breast height-age height growth curves were developed for estimating the site quality using early height growth in white spruce {Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) and red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) plantations in the Thunder Bay, Ontario area. These
methods for estimating site quality were developed from height growth data obtained using annual node measurements and stem analyses of three dominant, undamaged, trees in each of 46 white spruce and 25 red pine plots located throughout the Thunder Bay area.
White spruce growth intercepts were computed using series of one through seven internodes from eight starting heights between 0 and 3.0 m. Red pine growth intercepts were computed using series of one through 10 internodes from the same eight starting heights. The best estimates of white spruce and red pine site quality were obtained from the average length
of the first three, four, and five internodes above 2.0 m, and the first three, four, and five internodes above 1.5 m, respectively.
Both white spruce and red pine height growth patterns were best described by an expanded Chapman-Richards function capable of expressing polymorphic height growth patterns. These height growth patterns compared well with those of eastern Ontario and the Lake States. Height growth below breast height for both species was very erratic and was not
related to site quality. Consequently, total height-age height growth curves that included this
early erratic height growth did not provide accurate estimates of site quality in these white spruce and red pine plantations. Growth intercepts provided accurate estimates of site quality in early years. However, breast height-age height growth curves provided more accurate estimates of site quality when plantations exceeded the ages required for these growth intercepts.


title: Administering the Auditory Comprehension Test to a group of learning disabled subjects

subject:
Audiometry
Learning disabled children
Auditory Comprehension Test

abstract:
This study attempted to replicate the finding by Green
and Josey (1988) in some groups of learning disabled
children of better comprehension of spoken language in
one single ear (monaural condition) than in both ears
together (binaural condition). The Auditory
Comprehension Test (ACT) which is designed specifically
to measure this "binaural deficit" was administered to
36 learning disabled children, from which a subgroup of
learning disabled subjects judged by teachers to have
prominent difficulty comprehending everyday speech was
later selected, and a control group of 36 non-learning
disabled children individually matched for age, sex,
and IQ with the learning disabled children. The ACT
involves presenting short news item-style stories via
headphones to either ear alone, or both ears
simultaneously. After each story the subject repeats
as much of the story as s/he can remember. The
resulting three scores (left ear, right ear, and both
ears simultaneously) are compared to determine if
listening with either single ear produces better
comprehension than listening with both ears together (i.e. to see if a binaural deficit exists).
Comparisons between the control and learning disabled
groups revealed significant differences in the
direction of (1) higher average test scores for the
control group, and (2) higher overall binaural deficits
for the learning disabled group, as well as a larger
number of subjects in the learning disabled group
having a binaural deficit. The control group also
performed significantly poorer in the binaural
condition than in either single ear alone, indicating a
possible bias in the ACT itself, and/or a possible
selection bias. The test bias points to the need for
revisions to the ACT in its application to children.


title: Feature learning boosts network performance

contributor:
Yang, Yimin
Wei, Ruizhong

subject: Neural network-based feature extraction techniques

subject: Machine learning

subject: EEG-based emotion recognition

subject: CNN auto-encoder

abstract:
Features are an important part of machine learning. Features are often the
reduced-dimensional representation of input data, feature calculation, extraction, and
fusion directly affect the final result of the network. This thesis proposes a total of 3
feature learning methods, and all of them have achieved good results.
In the chapter four of this thesis, the method of video feature extraction is mainly
introduced. In this thesis, 3D pre-trained CNN model is used to extract features
from continuous video frames, and the feature data is input into the classifier with
subnetwork node, and good results are obtained. And the experimental results show
that the pre-trained model effectively reduces the training time and improves the
testing accuracy. 3D CNN can fully extract the temporal and spatial features of
objects. For the subsequent classification accuracy has played a good effect.
Chapter three and five are mainly focus on EEG-based signal emotion recognition.
EEG data is a one-dimensional signal, but because the human cerebral cortex has
different feedback areas for different emotions, the data of EEG data on different
electrode channels are spatially related. And different channels of data have a positive
impact on different emotional states. Therefore, this chapter improves the accuracy
of the test results by converting the one-dimensional data of the EEG into a two-dimensional matrix and adding weights to the corresponding electrodes to extract
spatial features and fuse them with frequency-domain features.
Since the EEG signal is continuous in time, the time-domain features also have
a great effect on the final sentiment classification result. Therefore, the fifth chapter
adds the extraction of time-domain features based on the fourth chapter. The final
accuracy of emotion recognition has been significantly improved.


title: Utility of the theory of planned behaviour in health services research when examining the intentions of immunization provider behaviour

subject: Health Services Research

subject: Immunization Ontario Psychological aspects

subject: Public health Ontario Psychological aspects

abstract:
This paper will demonstrate the need for public health involvement with health services
research in order to effectively meet its' mandate for achieving population health.
The success of our public health programs requires working effectively with other health service
providers to achieve desired outcomes. The goal of the vaccine preventable disease program in
Ontario will be used to illustrate the importance of health services research in accomplishing the
desired outcomes. In Ontario, immunizations are primarily administered outside of the public
health domain with approximately 85% of immunizations being administered in primary
healthcare settings such as family physician offices or community health care centers. How do
public health professionals affect immunization provider behaviour that is performed by
independent practitioners in other healthcare sectors? The answer lies with health services
researchers who wish to predict and understand specific behaviour in health care professionals.
Knowledge transfer or implementation research which focuses on investigating the
uptake of evidence-based practice in health care professionals has been conducted through
questionnaires based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (Francis et ah, 2004). The importance
of immunization and the goal of the vaccine preventable disease program in Ontario will be
presented. The theoretical framework of the Theory of Planned Behaviour will be examined to
higlilight the constructs of the theory and how they interact with one another. Next, the
application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a theoretical model on which to base the
design of a questionnaire to assess health care provider's immunization behaviour will be
reviewed. A survey instrument (jointly developed by the Communicable Diseases Epidemiology
Services of the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control and the Clinical Trials Research Centre from Dalhousie University) to measure the psychological determinants of immunization
intentions of Canadian Immunization Providers will be examined to detennine its usefulness for
public health. Finally recommendations for future research will be presented in order to identify
priorities for health service research to effectively advance the goals and objectives of staff
working in the vaccine preventable diseases program area in Ontario.


title: Reliability of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children – Second Edition: Age Band 2

contributor:
Przysucha, Eryk
Zerpa, Carlos
Johnson, Vineet

subject: Kinesiology

subject: Motor impairment tests

abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of age band 2 of the Movement
Assessment Battery for Children – Second Edition (MABC-2), using test re-test, internal
consistency, and standard error of measurement (SEM) reliability estimates. To date, only one
study has been conducted on the reliability of age band 2 (7 to 10 year olds) (Holm, Tveter,
Aulie, & Stuge, 2013), thus more research is warranted as many practitioners consider this tool
as a gold standard in this area. Forty typically functioning children (18 boys, 22 girls) between
the ages of 7 and 10 (M = 9 years, 0 months, 5 days, SD = 1 year, 0 months, 15 days)
participated in this study. Each child completed two, thirty-minute sessions, one to two weeks
apart, and was examined by the same researcher in the same laboratory setting. Intra-class
correlation (ICC) coefficient was used to examine the test-retest stability of the Total Impairment
Score (TIS) and three sub-section scores. Cronbach’s alpha was used to examine the internal
consistency of the items. Lastly, the SEM was computed to infer the magnitude of absolute
reliability for each of the four scores.
The normality, skewness and kurtosis of ICC, Cronbach’s alpha and SEM were tested
first across standard, component, and percentile scores. The analyses showed that for the
standard scores, aiming and catching and balance sessions at time 1, and balance items at time 2
did not meet the assumptions of normality. The component scores showed similar results, while
the assumption of normality was jeopardized for six out of eight percentile scores. The analyses
of variance and scatterplots supported the inferences emerging from the normality tests. Overall,
the normality results revealed that the standard scores best represented a normal distribution and
met the necessary statistical assumptions.


title: The	invasion of dreissenid mussels into Lake Simcoe and their effect on benthic invertebrates

subject:
Dreissenid mussel
Invasive species
Aquatic ecosystem
Effects of dreissenids on ecosystems

abstract:
The establishment	of dreissenid	mussels (zebra	mussel,	Dreissena	polymorpha
and	the	quagga	mussel	Dreissena	rostriformis	bugensis)	in	Lake	Simcoe	in	1997 and
2008, respectively, in	Lake	Simcoe	has	drastically	altered the	benthic	invertebrate
community	in	the	lake.	Non-dreissenid	benthic	invertebrate	abundance greatly
declined	in	the	year	2009 during	the	quagga	mussel	invasion, whereas dreissenid
abundance increased	greatly	in	the	same	time	period.	Pre-invasion	abundance of
gastropods,	amphipoda,	oligliochaetes,	plecypoda	and	chironomids followed similar
density patterns	after	zebra	mussel establishment.	A	decline	in	several	taxa to
undetectable	densities was	found	post-quagga	mussel	invasion,	except	for
chironomids. These	changes	in	benthic	communities	have	likely	impacted	fish
populations	because	fish	had to	shift	to	hard	shelled	food	sources possibly	causing
decreased fish health	and	decreased	individual	growth,	a	direct	result	of	the	zebra
mussel	as	they	invade	shallower	depths.	The	gastropod	and	chironomid	populations
were	able	to	slightly	increase	their populations	in	2017, facilitated	by	an	increase	in
quagga	mussels.	Water	quality	of	Lake	Simcoe	has	also	likely	been negatively impacted
by	dreissenid	mussel	establishment,	given	changes	in	benthic	community,	oxygen
presence, and	nutrients	available.


title: Charles Ritchie and the English diary tradition

subject:
English diaries
Canadian diaries

abstract:
The literary merit of the diaries of Charles Ritchie is
apparent to anyone who reads them. A more critical assessment is
hindered, however, by the fact that there is as yet in Canada no
literary context in which the writings of any indigenous diarists may
be placed. In order to assess the literary merit of the diaries of
Charles Ritchie, therefore, this thesis examines them in relation to
the "conceptual perspectives" for English diary-writing as established
in Private Chronicles; A Study of English Diaries, by Robert A.
Fothergill of York University in Toronto. The introduction presents
the case for such an examination and outlines the history of the
English diary tradition and the scope of Fothergill's study. Chapter
One defines the criteria which Fothergill believes have been developed
for the diary genre by the "great" diarists themselves, and which are
based on the two complementary concepts of "book of the self" and
"imprint." These two concepts are then applied to the writings of
Charles Ritchie, and his use of "new forms" containing "new expressive
possibilities" is described. Various motives for diary-writing are
discussed in Chapter Two, in relation to the discernable motives of
Charles Ritchie. Chapters Three and Four divide the four volumes of
Ritchie's diary into two distinct parts, with Chapter Three discussing
the two earlier diaries as the work of a "Becoming" diarist, and
Chapter Four treating the two later volumes as the work of a diarist who has "Become". Ritchie's "autobiographical consciousness" is the
subject of Chapter Five, which asserts his claim to the title of
"serial autobiographer." Chapter Six looks at Ritchie’s contribution
to the "history of 'sensibility'" and shows how his particular
sensibility reflects not only the age in which he lives, but also his
Nova Scotian Canadian identity. This study concludes by determining
that Charles Ritchie is a "serial autobiographer" with creative
"sensibilities," who has found a "new form containing new expressive
possibilities." As such, he deserves an honoured place in the English
diary tradition and membership in that company of "great" diarists
which includes such distinguished peers as Samuel Pepys and Anais Nin.


title: Real-time implementation of some attitude estimation algorithms on a quadrotor UAV / by Siddhant Nayak.

subject:
Drone aircraft.
Attitude control systems.
Rotors (Helicopters)
Automatic control.

abstract:
The recent developments in research pertaining to the field of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is motivated by its technical challenges as well as its practical implications in areas where human presence is inefficient, redundant or dangerous. The absence of human interference requires more robust and precise control techniques. However, most modern attitude control techniques require the knowledge of the current orientation of the body. There is no sensor available that explicitly measures the attitude
of a rigid body and hence, for small scale UAVs. it must be estimated using inertial vector measurements from low-cost and low-weight Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors like gyroscopes, accelerometers and magnetometers.
The predominant attitude representation formulations of a rigid body in three-dimensional space are recapitulated to elucidate the dynamical model of a quadrotor UAV. Low-cost MEMS are prone to significant noise effects from temperature change, vibrations, on-board magnetic fields generated by motors and currents. To improve the accuracy of the measurements sensor calibration techniques are explored. Primitive attitude estimation techniques like TRIAD, Davenports q-method, QUEST.FOAM, SVD method, etc. (which were aimed to be static optimization solutions to Wahbas Problem) were reviewed. These algorithms were extended to incorporate filtering techniques like Kahnan-type, to handle the measurement noise, and complementary filtering, where sensor measurements are fused
to reconstruct the orientation of a rigid body. Tlie latest nonlinear observers are also discussed for implementation purposes.
Practical implementation and performance comparison of various attitude estimation algorithms has been conducted on a small-scale quadrotor UAV, consisting of an inertial measurement unit (3-axis gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer), microcontroller, brushless motors, electronic speed controllers, on-board power supply and necessary frame constructs.


title: Public health nurses' perceptions of duty during an influenza pandemic : a qualitative study / by Janice Tigert Walters.

contributor:
Wiersma, Elaine C.
Knutson, Glenna
Poole, Karen
Jack, Susan

subject:
Public health nurses
Epidemics
Influenza
Duty of care.

abstract:
For this study, a grounded theory qualitative design was used to explore public health nurses’ perceptions of their professional duty to care during a severe influenza pandemic or an infectious disease outbreak where there would be some degree of personal risk. This study examined their underlying personal values, beliefs and morals as well as their professional ethics and understanding of a duty to care. This research
was specifically interested in the conflicts they anticipated experiencing between their personal female care-giving roles and family responsibilities (female identity) and their professional nursing obligations (professional identity).
A purposeful sample of twenty-two public health nurses from five Ontario health units were interviewed using an open-ended semi-structured questionnaire. A theoretical framework was developed from the prevalent themes that emerged during the data analysis. A grounded theory is offered for how public health nurses develop their self-identity from a core, female and professional identity and how their self-identity can “reassort” over the course of their lives based on situational influences. The self-identity that is dominant in a nurse at the time of a public health crisis will affect her perception of duty. Public health nurses will be significant human health care resources during a severe influenza pandemic or any public health crisis involving an infectious disease.  This study offers important information on identity construction for employers,
governments and policy makers to consider as they plan for future pandemics or other outbreaks to ensure the strongest public health nursing response when needed.