title: A study of the effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) on acute stress behaviours of zebrafish

contributor:
Jeanneret, Valerie (author)
(Easy, Russell) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract: Stress in animals is typically caused by factors such as predation and competition. In humans, stressful experiences more often include major life events, trauma, abuse and, even more commonly, difficult social situations, job loss, and navigating relationships. Potential treatments or coping mechanisms for dealing with or mitigating stress would be useful. The objective of this study was to determine if Δ9-etrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) had an effect on the acute stress response of the zebrafish, Danio rerio, during the novel tank diving test. Behavioural observations including the latency to enter the top half of the tank, entries to the top, duration in the top, erratic movements, freezing frequency, and freezing duration were made after fish were treated with THC (200 nM in DMSO), CBD (200 nM in DMSO), or AM251 (1.8μM;a CB1 receptor antagonist) for one hour. In addition, the effect of THC, CBD, and AM251 treatments on skin mucus cortisol levels were measured. THC, but not CBD, had a significant effect on several stress-related behaviours though neither cannabinoid had an effect on mucus cortisol levels in stressed fish. These results suggest that THC may be anxiogenic in zebrafish but the role of THC, CBD, and other cannabis compounds in modulating the impact of stress requires further study.

abstract: Biology


title: An applied paleolimnological assessment of the impacts of hydroelectric reservoir development, watershed disturbance and anadromous fish (Alosa pseudoharengus) visitation on productivity in Gaspereau Lake, Nova Scotia, Canada

type: Text Dissertation/Thesis

contributor:
Muzak Ruff, Lauren S (author)
(Spooner, Ian) (Thesis advisor)
(Mallory, Mark) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

rights: The author grants permission to the University Librarian at Acadia University to reproduce, loan or distribute copies of my thesis in microform, paper or electronic formats on a non-profit basis. The author retains the copyright of the thesis.

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract:
The impacts of landscape disruption and watercourse manipulation on productivity in an upland hydroelectric reservoir, Gaspereau Lake, in Nova Scotia were  investigated using lake sediment and historical records. Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) are an anadromous species that are a significant biomass contributor in Gaspereau Lake, the effect of watershed disturbance on their contribution to lake productivity was also investigated. An influx of C and N accompanied by a subtle increase in chlorophyll a in the early 1900s corresponded to watershed and water level disturbance caused by logging. A productivity response to hydroelectric development and damming occurred considerably after these activities, increasing chlorophyll a accompanied by declining
δ13C likely indicate the release of oxidation of the soil organic matter associated with lake level rise.
Assessing the contribution of alewife to productivity in Gaspereau Lake is complicated by a fragmented historical record of visitation as well as the naturally mesotrophic conditions. The lake sediment geochemical record from a nearby reference lake, Black River Lake, that receives no alewife was used as a comparator. Alewife preferentially accumulate Sr during marine residency, allowing the utility of Sr to be assessed as a geochemical indicator of alewife residency. Higher Sr concentrations and a sharp decline in Sr associated with hydroelectric development in Gaspereau Lake compared to Black River Lake indicate that Sr may vary with alewife residency. The inverse relationship of Sr to Ti concentrations may also reflect a biogenic source for much of the Sr preserved in the Gaspereau Lake sediment core.
The results of this study have shown that the lake sediment bulk geochemical record in both Gaspereau Lake and Black River Lake records the timing and magnitude of productivity and landscape stability changes associated with logging and hydroelectric development from the late 1800s until Present. However, the variability in these records indicates that unique reaction of seemingly similar environments. This research also emphasizes the complexity of decoupling indicators of autochthonous and allochthonous productivity when integrating nutrient influx from external vectors such as alewife..

abstract: Environmental & Sustainability Studies


title: Reputational punishment of environmental violations in Canada

contributor:
Ganslandt, Emilia (author)
(Davis, Andrew) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract:
This thesis examines to what extent market-imposed sanctions, i.e. “reputational penalties”, impose significant costs on firms that violate environmental regulations in Canada. Determining the presence and size of reputational penalties is important for policy implications as it can be used to determine whether legal fines are adequately punishing firms that violate environmental regulations and, in combination with market-imposed sanctions, become a sufficient deterrent of corporate behavior causing negative externalities on the environment.
The empirical method used to determine the changes in public attitudes following an environmental violation is the standard event study methodology. The dependent variable is the abnormal returns on shares of the
company, or the difference between the security’s expected return and its actual return. The event for this study was the release of the enforcement notification (i.e. the notification of the fine that the firm has to pay).
After applying inclusion criteria 28 cases of environmental violations between 2010-2019 were noted.
The results suggest that there is some negative reputational effect on the day of the notification. However, the results also suggest that there may be a positive effect of the event for higher fines. This, somewhat unexpected result from a theoretical point of view, may be the result of the fine being smaller than expected by the market or, alternatively, that the market appreciates that uncertainty is removed, along with the risk
of a drawn out and costly legal case. Based on the results, the legal penalties in Canada appear to be too low and failing to impose the intended and adequate cost on the firm. Therefore, the main policy recommendation is to increase the explicit costs imposed on firms that violate environmental regulations.

abstract: Economics


title: The spiritual effect of fasting

contributor:
Prentice, Roger H. (author)
(Merrick, E.C.) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1969

abstract:
No abstract.
Acadia Divinity College


title: Preparation of amino phosphonates for carbon dioxide sequestering

contributor:
Saunders, Tyler (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Ellis, Bobby) (Thesis advisor)

rights: The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: Chemistry

abstract:
Increasing levels of greenhouse gases, in particular atmospheric CO2, has become a widely studied topic in the scientific community. Due to increasing observable changes in the climate, innovative solutions have been proposed to deal with the carbon dioxide. Currently, most captured carbon dioxide is sequestered post-combustion and stored underground. Capture methods include physical absorption, membrane separation, and chemical absorption. Since chemical absorption with amines is known to be effective, as seen from industrial level amine scrubbing, CO2 capture with an amino phosphonate would give possibility for functionalization. With help of a metal catalyst carbon dioxide can be reduced using H2 to give alternative fuels such as methane and methanol.
Alkyl and aryl phosphonates were synthesized in order to prepare amino phosphonates. Diphenyl, dimethyl, and diethyl phosphonates were prepared from phosphorus trichloride and the appropriate alcohol. Dimethyl phosphonate was synthesized in the highest purity with a yield of 66%. Since it was easier to purify this compound over its diphenyl and diethyl counterpart, dimethyl phosphonate was used in the synthesis of bis(2-aminoethyl) phosphonate. Bis(2-aminoethyl) phosphonate was synthesized from the alkyl phosphonate and 2-aminoethanol. While the data suggests this was achieved, it was in very low yields compared to the starting reagents. Due to time constraints, it was not determined if the prepared amine could be used to capture CO2. Characterization of the compounds was done using 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy.


title: Enhancing the competency of laypeople for spiritual care: a study of Dr. Charles T.S. Yu's caring-in-action ministry and his psycho-spiritual approach.

contributor:
Chan, Chi Wan Helen (author)
(Yiu, Nelson) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract:
This thesis explores the critical elements of training up competent laypeople for spiritual care,  which  is  regarded  as  a  Christian  ministry  and  witness  to  develop  a  practical  approach  of
equipping  volunteers  for  providing  spiritual  care  to  those suffered  and  wounded  individuals  in their Chinese communities. The academic discussions and research project seek the best caregivers’ examples  and  practices  from  the  biblical  texts, theological  doctrines,  academic  researches,  and practical experiences. A lay spiritual caring model is developed to advise a practice that is based on  Scriptures. Spirit-enabled  spiritual  care  is  constructed  to  illustrate  the  relationships  and cooperation between the professional caregivers, laypeople, and the Holy Spirit. The discussion explains how the integrative approach can help distressed individuals access more resources that bring them healing, comfort, hope, and insights.
Dr. Charles Yu, a renowned Chinese Christian trainer of emotional intelligence, has been actively involving in caring for and supporting cancer patients and survivors in recent years. As a non-
clergy,  his  training  programs  and  daily  writings  draw  thousands  of  Christians  and  non-Christians  from  different  parts  of  the  world  to  view  and  get  benefitted.  Two  online  surveys
investigated the outcomes of his online dairy and training programs through validated tools. The findings  affirm  the  significance  of  his  daily  messages  and  the  psycho-spiritual  approach  for
enhancing an individual’s well-being and confidence in helping relationships. The establishment of a lay spiritual care team that is expandable and sustainable was also investigated through the
focus group and individual interviews. The findings illustrate the transforming journey of Christian terminally ill patients/ survivors to spiritual caregivers and the five critical elements of Dr. Charles
Yu’s psycho-spiritual approach, which shall be adaptable to different social and cultural contexts.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: A survey of the fleshy basidiomycete fungi of Kejimkujik National Park, N.S., with emphasis on pollution indicators

contributor:
Polach, Ivo (author)
(Grund, Darryl) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1992

abstract:
An inventory of the fleshy fungi of Kejimkujik National Park, N. S . was prepared during a two-year period of field investigations . During this period, five permanent collecting plots were established, representing the major vegetation types of the Park. The fungi were collected, identified, dried, and deposited in the Acadia University mycological collection .
Besides creating a checklist of fungi , the results also established a baseline for future studies using ectomycorrhizal fungi as bioindicators of air pollution and forest decline. Ectomycorrhizal fungi have been on a decline in Europe for many years due to the increasing levels of air pollution.
The species, collected in Kejimkujik National Park, were divided into three groups: saprophytic fungi, lignicolous fungi, and ectomycorrhizal fungi. The numbers of species in each of the groups are indicated. The proportionate changes among these groups can be used in the future monitoring of forest changes. A list of the most abundant species is provided. The results also include a list of the taxa that are considered sensitive in Europe and were found in Kejimkujik National Park. It is suggested that these taxa could be used as bioindicators of air pollution and forest decline.

abstract: Biology


title: Associations between penetration cognitions and the experience of genital pain and sexual well-being in women with provoked vestibulodynia

contributor:
Anderson, Alexandra (author)
(Rosen, Natalie) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Price, Lisa) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: The current study examined associations between vaginal penetration cognitions and  sexual and pain outcomes in women with provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), and the  moderating role of sexual communication and facilitative partner responses to pain.  When examined together, women’s higher positive cognitions, lower catastrophic and  pain cognitions, higher sexual communication, and higher facilitative partner responses to  pain each uniquely predicted higher sexual satisfaction. For women reporting higher  catastrophic/pain cognitions, higher positive penetration cognitions and higher sexual  communication predicted improved sexual function. Conversely, among women  reporting lower sexual communication, higher positive and lower catastrophic and pain  penetration cognitions predicted higher sexual function. Furthermore, for women  reporting higher sexual communication in the relationship, as positive cognitions  increased, there was a significantly greater decrease in pain intensity compared to women  reporting lower sexual communication. The results of this study may inform  psychological interventions aimed at improving the pain and sexual well-being of women  with PVD.

abstract: Psychology


title: Two simulation approaches for evaluating catch curve models as an assessment method for river herring

contributor:
Billard, Mark (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Redden, Anna) (Thesis advisor)
(Gibson, Jamie) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: Biology

abstract:
Stock assessment methods for river herring (Alewife, Alosa pseudoharengus, and Blueback Herring, A.aestivalis) were tested using two simulation approaches as part of a larger assessment program for river herring
in DFO’s Maritimes Region. Catch curve models, which produce estimates of the instantaneous total mortality rate (Z) from age composition data collected in a single year were the type of stock assessment model evaluated in each approach. In the first set of simulations statistical criteria (bias and precision) were used to evaluate eight versions of catch curve models. All models performed poorly, with highly variable and negatively biased estimates of Z, indicating that catch curves are not useful for river herring. In the second set of simulations management strategy evaluation was used to evaluate the performance of a fishery where catch curves were used to inform management of the fishery. The preferred catch curve model was used in conjunction with a suite of harvest control rules, assessment schedules and management schedules to determine whether spawning escapements, landings and exploitation rates could be kept within pre-defined boundaries if catch curves are used for the stock status assessment. Despite the poor performance of catch curve models from a statistical perspective, they led to reduced exploitation rates in fisheries where over-exploitation was occurring and to increased exploitation rates for under-exploited stocks, in addition to increased landings in the fishery.  The results of these simulations are dependent on the assumptions of representative sampling, which can be difficult to achieve. The results from the two simulation approaches suggest that the methods used to evaluate stock assessment models can alter the conclusions that are drawn.


title: The Nova Scotia Judicial System: Critique & prescriptions

contributor:
Barnes, Robert Leslie (author)
(Conley, Marsh) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1974

abstract: Politics


title: Development of a geomorphometric approach to seafloor morphology classification of the Manicouagan Peninsula using high-resolution topo-bathymetric LiDAR

contributor:
Mutton, Daniel (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Webster, Tim) (Thesis advisor)
(Spooner, Ian) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences

abstract:
Coastal zones play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems, marine industry, environmental monitoring and protection, and meteorological forecasting. Traditionally sonar-based remote sensing technologies have been the dominant technologies used to map coastal regions, but in recent decades topo-bathymetric LiDAR has been more widely employed as it enables the user to cover a larger study area quicker in shallow areas difficult to survey by boat. This thesis seeks to use topo-bathyemtric LiDAR derived bathymetry and identify a method of accurately classifying the seafloor morphology using geometric and geomorphometric variables. In previous scientific studies on the topic the features used in the classification have been relatively simple and normally occupied a role of secondary importance to spectral reflectance data, LiDAR intensity, or acoustic backscatter. While these variables are of no doubt valuable to seafloor classification, it is believed that the introduction of more complex and descriptive variables will result in a more accurate classification of the seafloor. The methodology developed in this research uses only the digital elevation model (DEM) and information that can be extracted from the DEM in order to provide an analysis that can be used regardless of data-collection technique, or where the data is being collected. The classification was done using the K-nearest neighbour algorithm and achieves accuracies of 72.8% and 81.9%. These accuracies are comparable to the accuracies achieved in other studies
that look to classify seafloor morphology or habitat.


title: Investigating the feasibility of smartphone based VANETs for forward collision detection

contributor:
Speiran, Jake (author)
(Shakshuki, Elhadi) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract:
Though a topic of heavy theoretical research, in the real-world Vehicle Ad Hoc Networking (VANET)   faces   one   great   challenge:   lack   of   hardware   adoption.   There   are   few   vehicles
manufactured today that have the On–Board Units (OBUs) necessary for vehicular networking. Most cities around the world are not yet equipped with Road Side Units (RSUs), which are required in many VANET schemes for basic functionality. Current literature tends to assume that the existence of RSUs, OBUs and other network infrastructure will become commonplace in the near   future.   This   is   simply   not   feasible   from   a   monetary   and   manufacturing   perspective, especially for rural or poorer areas.
In order to deal with this lack of hardware, new approaches must be considered. One possible approach is to use smartphones in place of dedicated OBU hardware. To this end, a basic   platform   for   a   smartphone–based   peer–to–peer   VANET   system   is   explored   [1]. Surprisingly, no real–world applications have yet been tested on it. In order to investigate the effectiveness of this platform in a real–world scenario and whether this solution to the hardware problem is viable, a forward collision detection system was developed in Veins simulator [9]. To test the feasibility  of  a smartphone VANET system  in the real–world and demonstrate  its feasibility, we utilized a real–world data gathered from published articles.

abstract: Computer Science


title: Exploring dance pedogogy: creating an adapted curriculum

contributor:
Nieuwland, Claudia (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Seaman, Roxanne) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract: Kinesiology

abstract:
Dance is a popular form of physical activity for individuals with disabilities as it can be adapted to meet individualized needs, while promoting benefits in one’s motor, affective and cognitive domains.
Currently, there is no consistency in competency for all learners in dance settings, and therefore, wide variability of instruction across programs. The purpose of this research was to evaluate existing adapted dance literature to aid in the creation of a formal adapted dance curriculum. The pedagogical methods of adapted dance were investigated by interviewing dance instructors experienced in teaching adapted dance. A thematic analysis of the interview data revealed six themes which guided the curriculum’s content including: (a) structure and consistency; (b) classroom components; (c) instructional methods;(d) individual abilities and needs and (e) progress assessment. Data collected through document analysis procedures guided the structural components for inclusion in the curriculum. Combining data collected through these two processes, a curriculum was created for use in adapted dance environments. The curriculum is based on the loco motor fundamental movement skills and includes eight session outlines with skill breakdowns, progressions, and gradients. The curriculum also provides a suggested lesson plan flow, routine development guide, and means for assessment. Once the development process was complete, validity was sought by distributing the curriculum to experts in the field of dance, education and occupational therapy for review. Each expert deemed the curriculum as a useful resource and recommended for it to be implemented. The findings from this study both identify and provide a hopeful solution to the need for greater structure and consistency in adapted dance programming. Future applications of this research are for the curriculum to be: (a) implemented into adapted dance programs; and
(b) assessed based on its functionality.


title: Sustainability and renewable energy Challenges and strategies in Beijing, China

contributor:
Xie, Yu Ting (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Colton, John) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract:
Environmental & Sustainability Studies
No abstract


title: Building a chemostratigraphic model to aid base metal exploration, Hanson Lake Assemblage, Flin Flon Domain, Saskatchewan, Canada

contributor:
Kramar, Steven M. (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Stanley, Clifford) (Thesis advisor)
(Morelli, Ryan) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences

abstract:
The Hanson Lake Assemblage (HLA) is an economically important succession as it hosts a number of volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) deposits and has potential for new discoveries. Gaps in understanding the stratigraphy of the rocks hosting these deposits arise from facies changes in the volcanic stratigraphy and the effects of hydrothermal alteration, metamorphism and deformation. As a consequence, efforts to explore for base metal mineralization are hindered. In this study, lithogeochemical samples were collected from all major rock types in the stratigraphic succession for lithogeochemical characterization, to identify differences between rock types, and to assess the compositional effects of hydrothermal alteration. Rock types were classified using conserved element ratio (CER) procedures, affirmed by petrographic observations. Molar element ratios (MERs) were used to understand the igneous and hydrothermal processes responsible for compositional variation, and to identify and quantify the effects of hydrothermal alteration in rocks that host prospective VHMS deposits.
Results illustrate that almost 50 % more units were resolved using CER procedures, and important observations include: (i) the lithogeochemical characterization of three rhyolite compositions that are all prospective hosts for VHMS mineralization, and (ii) identification of a new dacite volcanic unit high in the stratigraphy that is genetically related to a large, isotopically dated hypabyssal intrusion of the same composition, providing important temporal constraints. MER ratios used to quantify alteration illustrate a number of sites hosted by rhyolitic volcanic rocks exhibit strong muscovite or weak chlorite alteration and
these have highest potential for hosting mineralization in the study area.


title: It's pointless anyway: understanding dire messaging, fatalism, and low intentions to address the climate crisis

contributor:
Clerk, Laura (author)
(Hayes, Joseph) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: Climate change messaging can be inherently threatening, which may precipitate counterproductive responses to the climate problem. The present study sought to apply a terror management perspective to investigate how climate change messaging promotes fatalism towards the climate crisis and subsequently reduces environmental behavioural intentions. Individual differences in investment in an environmental worldview and trait self-esteem were examined as potential moderators of these reactions. Participants were randomly assigned to a climate change or a control messaging condition and then completed self-report measures of fatalism and intentions to engage in pro-environmental behaviour. Although not fully anticipated, results indicated that people high in self-esteem but low in environmental worldview presented an increase in fatalism and a decrease in behavioural intentions following the climate change messaging condition. These results may suggest that people who obtain high self-esteem from sources that are unrelated to the environment become strategically fatalistic towards the climate crisis, and maintain very little intension to engage in pro-environmental behaviours because they are firmly buffered against death-related anxiety. Discussion focuses on implications for understanding individual differences in response to climate change messaging, and the persistent problem of non-action in the face of a growing problem for humanity.

abstract: Psychology


title: Emotion and adult attachment using the adult attachment picture system: an examination of facial displays of emotion and depressive symptoms

contributor:
Howard-Gosse, Abigail (author)
(Symons, Doug) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract: Attachment theory examines how bonds to caregivers in childhood may impact long-term functioning in many areas of life. This study investigated two such areas in relation to attachment: depression, and facial displays of the seven basic emotions of joy, sadness, anger, disgust, surprise, contempt, and fear. To do so, 60 university students were instructed to fill out a depression measure, and then tell attachment stories using the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP; George & West, 2001) while their facial behaviour was being recorded and coded for facial movements using iMotions automated software. Facial displays were defined by the percentage time and frequency rate of each emotion expressed. We hypothesized that participants would differ in their facial expressions when exposed to attachment-neutral compared to attachment-relevant stimuli, and results indicated that participants demonstrated more joy in response to attachment-neutral than attachment-relevant photos, likely due to the more threatening nature of the attachment-relevant photos. Furthermore, we hypothesized that facial expressions due to attachment stimuli would differ based on their attachment category. This hypothesis was supported, as expressions of contempt were found to be more common in Unresolved as compared to Secure individuals in response to attachment stimuli. Lastly, we examined whether depression scores would differ between groups, as well as how depression scores may be correlated to certain expressions of emotion. We found that while depression scores did not differ across attachment groups, they were significantly positively correlated with expressions of fear. This study offers valuable information as it is the first of its kind to use facial behavioural analysis during administration of the AAP.

abstract: Psychology


title: Determinants of house prices in Nova Scotia during the 2010-2020 period

contributor:
Tanimowo, Ayomide (author)
(Beaudoin, Justin) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract: This study seeks to examine the factors that affected real house prices in Nova Scotia in the last decade (2010 to 2020) using Nova Scotia census data from Statistics Canada along with parcel sales history and residential dwelling characteristics data from Datazone’s Nova Scotia property and municipal datasets. Hedonic price model theory is applied to house sale prices for Census Divisions in Nova Scotia over the decade 2010 to 2020 and the datasets were analyzed  using  Ordinary  Least  Square  regression  technique  to  estimate  the  factors  that influenced house prices in the province during the time period under consideration. The results of the study showed that the main factors that affected the real price of houses in Nova Scotia during 2010 to 2020 were: location; sale date; building size; the number of bathrooms in a house; availability of a garage; availability of a finished basement; the construction quality of a house; if a house was detached, multi-unit, or multi-parcel; population; unemployment rate; housing supply; the percentage of the housing supply that is occupied; and the percentage of tenants living in subsidized housing. The number of bedrooms in a house and the percentage of the province’s population that is Aboriginal were other factors that were revealed to have affected the real price of houses in Nova Scotia. This study is valuable as the understanding of the factors that affect house prices is essential to policy makers in their devising of policies relating to the housing market, especially given the overall rise in house prices and the well-publicized issue of housing affordability in the province.

abstract: Economics


title: Histories of Springhill, Nova Scotia: identity, emotion and transition in a coal community

contributor:
Christie, Alisha (author)
(MacNeil, Ryan) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: This thesis will tell histories of Springhill, Nova Scotia and thereby explore the role that ‘identity work’ played for the community in its transition from a single-industry, carbon-based economy. Identity work involves “forming, repairing, maintaining, strengthening or revising self-meaning” (Alvesson & Willmot, 2002, 626). Identity work is often left out of community transition planning and this impedes transition efforts (Della Bosca & Gillespie, 2018). In this thesis, I use a critical organization historiography approach to unpack the identity that coal mining culture provided to Springhill. To do so, I immersed myself in the traces of past lives in Springhill and Cumberland County by reading four published history books and over 15 shorter articles and publications, listening to over 20 Nova Scotian coalmining folksongs, and visiting both the Springhill Miners’ Museum and the Springhill Heritage Centre. Throughout the process I allowed music to lead my inquiry and my storytelling. I worked to listen to the voices in the songs and piece together a lived history that incorporates a variety of sources. My use of emotion through music is an advancement of critical organization historiography. This work is a call to consider and incorporate understanding of deep identity in single industry-based communities that are facing the need for transition off of fossil-based economies.

abstract: Community Development


title: Estimating ocean currents across the Scotian Shelf with autonomous ocean gliders

contributor:
Watts, Grace (author)
(Karsten, Richard) (Thesis advisor)
(Kiefte, Anna) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract:
An original dead-reckoning algorithm for SeaExplorer ocean gliders was developed and used to estimate ocean currents. The algorithm was used on four glider missions that followed the Halifax Line (HL) across the Scotian Shelf, and one mission that followed the Bonavista Line (BVL) across the Newfoundland Shelf. The algorithm successfully measured the Nova Scotia Current and showed the seasonal variation from late summer to late fall. The data from the BVL was used to compare the depth measurements made by the glider’s navigation sensors to the payload conductivity, temperature, and pressure sensor (CTD). The small differences in the depth measurements proved to have a significant effect on the displacement calculations in the dead-reckoning algorithm resulting in differences in both the speed and direction. The original algorithm was also compared to a dead-reckoning algorithm developed by the SeaExplorer manufacturer, Alseamar, using one of the missions from the HL. The original algorithm neglected the angle of attack of the glider, while the Alseamar algorithm parameterized it with a pitch to vx/vz ratio. To specifically analyze the effect of the angle of attack, the original algorithm was modified to include the pitch to vx/vz ratio from the Alseamar algorithm. This showed that the angle of attack was a key piece of the algorithms, as the current calculations from the original algorithm, the edited version of the original algorithm, and the Alseamar algorithm had significant differences in both speed and direction
of the currents.

abstract: Physics


title: Structure and succession of salt marsh decomposer communities in Minas Basin, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Malloch, Bruce (author)
(Walker, Alison) (Thesis advisor)
(Kernaghan, Gavin) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract: Coastal salt marshes are distinctive ecosystems known for providing many ecosystem services, however little is known of the biology of decomposer taxa in these systems. This study employed a litter bag experiment to characterize the fungal and mite communities associated with the dominant salt marsh grass, Sporobolus pumilus, in the Minas Basin, Nova Scotia. Decomposition rates of above-ground and below-ground tissues, and environmental variables were quantified to contextualize temporal patterns in community composition. Litter bag mass loss peaked in July, which positively correlated with fungal richness. Seventeen fungal species and 26 mite species were encountered. The fungal species were described in this study. Fungal and mite richness displayed inverse relationships over time, suggesting the presence of a complex detrital network that extends beyond decomposition of salt marsh grasses. Overall, this preliminary study offers a first look at decomposer biodiversity associated with S. pumilus in Canada.

abstract: Biology


title: Terpene classification using mass spectra data and machine learning

contributor:
Shah, Deepkumar (author)
(Silver, Daniel L.) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2022

abstract: Traditionally, separation and classification of terpenes from food samples is done with thehelp of two processes, namely: Gas Chromatography (GC) (separate terpenes from each other) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) (detects the separated terpenes). A mass spectrum  is matched to known terpenes by a chemist using an existing database of various samples. We propose a machine learning solution that detects multiple terpenes from mass spectra without separating them. Synthetic data is generated using six common terpenes, cannabid-iol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) using an additive composition model with five percent resolution in each component. The six base terpenes included in the current study are myrcene, linalool, limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, and trans-caryophyllene, referred to as target chemicals. These terpenes are found in many food products that we consume in our day-to-day lives. There are 50,388 possible mass spectra combinations of these terpenes. The research investigates the development of a machine learning approach that classifies and quantifies the target chemicals. The system reads the mass spectra and automatically detects target chemicals that are present and determines their relative proportions. Various supervised and unsupervised classification and regression models are built and tested.Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the eight target chemicals is performed to test how distinguishable the terpenes are. Classification of the major contributor target chemical with the help of artificial neural networks and a deep learning algorithm results in an accuracy of 99.1% for target chemicals respectively based on a train-test split methodology. Regression results with the help of ANNs and a single-layered model result in a mean absolute error of 0.001222 for target chemicals based on a train-test split methodology.

abstract: Computer Science


title: N-Acyliminium Ion Chemistry on 4-Oxo-N-arylpentanamides

contributor:
Mahmoud, Ahmed (author)
(Jha, Amitabh) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract:
Heterocycles have significant applications in medicinal chemistry. This importance is presented in  the  preface  of  the  thesis  with  discussion  leading  to  heterosteroids.  The  original  plan  for  this investigation was to prepare analogs of 12,14-diaza-steroids through hetero-Diels Alder reaction between  organic  nitriles  and  N-acyliminium  ions  derived  from  levulinic  acid  amides  of  2-naphthylamines. To obtain the proof of principle, the levulinic acid amide of aniline was prepared and  reacted  with  benzonitrile  in  presence  of  BF3.Et2O  as  the  Lewis  acid.  This  reaction  did  not produce the expected hetero-Diels Alder adduct. However, a new product was obtained which was characterized as 3-(2-methyl-5-oxo-1-phenylpyrrolidin-2-yl)-4-oxo-N-phenylpentanamide, a dimer  of  the  starting  levulinanilide.  This  dimerization  process  was  found  to  be  unprecedented, unique, and potentially useful in making new heterocycles including heterosteroids. We decided to systematically investigate this chemistry and its usefulness.
The starting twelve levulinanilides (and two others related ketoanilides) were prepared in good to excellent  yields  using  three  peptide  coupling  conditions.  The  conditions  for  dimerization  of levulinanilides were optimized using unsubstituted levulinanilide as the model substrate. Application of the optimized conditions on levulinanilides (and other related ketoanilides) led to synthesis  of  thirteen  new  dimers;  two  examples  among  these  were  found  to  follow  a  different reaction pathway leading to a new type of cyclized dimer. Plausible mechanisms of these reactions are proposed. All compounds were thoroughly characterized using spectrometric techniques (1H & 13C NMR and ESI-HRMS).

abstract: Chemistry


title: Greek sovereignty and the right to the polis: active & activist citizenship in Athens, 2008-2016

contributor:
Brown, Cameron (author)
(Brickner, Rachel) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2022

abstract: This thesis explores activism in Athens, Greece, between 2008 and 2016, in relation to prominent conceptions of civil society and national citizenship. In doing so, it puts into question notions of civil society activism as merely an agitating component within a ‘premature’ sphere of political citizenship. To view relationships between rights, responsibility, and belonging outside these latter perceptions of state citizenship, I turn to practices of interdependencies and reproductions of social bonds within the city’s urban social movements. Reflecting upon how these practices inform conceptualizations and performances of citizenship in Athens, I conclude that understanding contemporary struggles for rights, responsibilities, and belonging more adequately requires an appreciation of activist citizenship that emphasizes its networks of care over familiar analytical frames of state and civil society.

abstract: Sociology


title: An investigation of local zeta functions of self-similar fractal strings

contributor:
Samuel, David (author)
(Mendivil, Franklin) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2022

abstract: We give an overview of fractal strings and examine the relationship between theirMinkowski dimension/content to their complex dimensions and their geometric zeta functions with the aim of demonstrating the geometric information made available by studying these entities. Building on this knowledge, we propose a  way of searching for locally defined geometric zeta functions by looking at simple examples of self-similar fractal strings.

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics


title: "People exist outside of the binary and what you expect": a qualitative analysis of non-binary individuals' experiences in the medical system of Nova Scotia

contributor:
Bissnette, Imriel (author)
(Auger, Jeanette) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract:
The author explores the experiences of non-binary individuals within the Nova Scotia medical system with a focus on the inclusion or exclusion of their identities and how that has affected their medical access for both general health and gender-affirming healthcare.  Interviews were utilized and consisted of eleven  interviews with non-binary individuals, some of which were conducted in person and the remainder were conducted via Zoom, Skype and Discord. Following this the qualitative data were then analyzed and coding methods were used to discover the themes which emerged from the data to find themes such as misgendering, a lack of education/experience and (un)willingness to acknowledge on the part of healthcare professionals, presentation of self by participants expressed through personal appearance, use of advocates, possible avoidance of medical clinics/offices, and environmental (dis)comfort with the portrayal
of services such as posters or informational pamphlets available.

abstract: Sociology


title: Petrology and age of felsic volcanic rocks of the Coldbrook Group and associated granitic plutons, Caledonia terrane, Southern New Brunswick, Canada

contributor:
Escribano, Alicia (author)
(Barr, Sandra) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract:
The Coldbrook Group is a unique suite of late Ediacaran volcanic and epiclastic rocks that together with related plutons formed during a short (<10 Myr) magmatic episode in the Avalonian Caledonia terrane of southern New Brunswick, Canada.  In this study, petrographic and geochemical data combined with U-Pb zircon dating and zircon chemistry are used to provide new insight about the origin, evolution, and age of the voluminous silicic volcanic rocks of the Silver Hill Formation that dominate the upper part of the Coldbrook Group and clarify their previously postulated relationship to associated high-level granitic plutons of the Bonnell Brook suite. Based on textural criteria the silicic volcanic rocks are mainly eutaxitic pyroclastic rocks with less abundant lavas characterized by porphyritic and eutaxitic textures. Variations in whole-rock chemical characteristics, zircon chemistry and age show that silicic volcanic rocks of
the Silver Hill Formation and the associated granitic plutons are not all cogenetic, and differences in zircon population morphology are used to investigate magma evolution processes among the dated samples.  Rhyolite in the Silver Hill type area yielded a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 551.65 ± 0.15 Ma, similar within error to the age of 551.71 ± 0.15 Ma for a nearby fine-grained granite dome. Whole-rock and zircon chemistry suggest that the main body of the Bonnell Brook pluton was emplaced at a deeper level and is not cogenetic with the fine-grained granite and Silver Hill rhyolite.  The main belt of rhyolite in the Fundy Trail Parkway area is younger at 549.18 ± 0.07 Ma, consistent with an age of 551.19 ± 0.20 Ma, obtained for an underlying lithic tuff unit.  Transitional felsic I- to A-type chemical signatures suggest that magmatism occurred in an extensional within-plate setting, consistent with the tectonic regime at
that time throughout Avalonia, but the cause of the exceptionally voluminous magmatism in the Caledonia terrane remains uncertain.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Synthesis of xanthene derivatives from salicylaldehydes phenols and aryl-boronic acids

contributor:
Siddiqui, Ambreen (author)
(Jha, Amitabh) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract:
Petasis reaction is a multicomponent reaction that involves the reaction of an amine, a carbonyl compound,  and  a  boronic  acid  to  form  substituted  amines.  We  envisioned  that  the  nucleophilic amine  reactant  can  be  replaced  with  a  nucleophilic  phenol  in  the  Petasis  reaction  to  produce
substituted benzoxanthenes after intramolecular cyclodehydration. Benzoxanthenes are important biologically active heterocycles. The reaction of -naphthol, salicylaldehyde, and phenyl boronic acid in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst Cu(OTf)2 under microwave heating conditions (150 [degree] C,  10  min)  in  DMF  as  the  solvent  afforded  the  desired  substituted  benzoxanthene,  12-phenyl-12H-benzo[a]xanthene, in 40% yield. However, in the process of method development, the same reaction  under  microwave  heating  conditions  (170  [degree]C,  20  min)  afforded  12H-benzo[a]xanthene
(unsubstituted at position 12) in 25% yield when carried out without the Lewis acid catalyst. This unexpected product does not contain the phenyl group which is derived from the phenyl boronic acid. If the phenyl boronic acid did not participate in the reaction, the reaction of -naphthol and
salicylaldehyde should have, mechanistically, afforded 12H-benzo[a]xanthen-12-ol that contains a  benzylic  -OH  group.  Moreover,  the  product  was  not  obtained  if  phenyl  boronic  acid  was  not used.  Thus,  somehow  the  benzylic  -OH  appeared  to  have  been  reduced  in  presence  of  phenyl boronic acid. This was intriguing as no reductant was used in the reaction. An exploratory reaction showed that phenyl boronic acid catalyses in the reduction of triphenylmethanol (a model benzylic alcohol) to triphenylmethane. The reaction of triphenylmethanol with phenyl boronic acid in DMF under microwave heating conditions (170 C, 20 min) afforded triphenylmethane in 71% yield. Furthermore, deuterium-labeled reactions showed that the “H” on triphenylmethane was provided by  the  solvent  DMF.  Several  analogs  of  both  the  substituted  and  unsubstituted  benzoxanthenes were prepared and characterized by the two novel processes developed in this investigation.

abstract: Chemistry


title: Exploring the financial literacy of Chama women's groups in rural Kenya

contributor:
Omosa, Lillian Zippora (author)
(Dye, Kelly) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2022

abstract:
The pooling of resources by organized groups is widely practiced in Kenya and is popularly known as Chama. These groups often exist to provide savings, to meet basic needs and for investment to support livelihoods. This phenomenon involves the organised collection of money from members, the development of lending processes, and extending loans to members, usually in a merry-go-round way. The lending and repayment of pooled money continues until each member has received and repaid the loan within the agreed cycle.
This study is an exploration of Chama, a Swahili word meaning group, in Kenya. The study examined the financial literacy of women engaged in one Chama in rural Kisii, Kenya. The study adopted an Africana womanism perspective and critical participatory action research (CPAR) method. A background and demographic questionnaire were used to situate and plan the study. Through individual and group sessions we held conversations, and collective self-reflections in a kitchen table setting with six Chama women. We did this to draw out the under-represented experiences of co-participants’ financial literacy and the beliefs and values that influence practice with the aim of drawing upon the values and methods to facilitate learning. Hudson-Weems’s Africana womanism, Ubuntu philosophy and critical participatory action research methodology informed the analysis and found the financial literacy interwoven in the women’s identity, social relations, and knowledge of the local environment. Even though there were areas of inconsistency between the Chama women’s practices of financial literacy and Western understandings of financial literacy, there were areas of conformity as well. Areas of conformity included methods, such as learning through others, and through activities. The methods included characteristics associated with community engagement, centering learning, and discovery learning.

abstract: Education


title: The postcolonial female bildungsroman as counter-discourse: strategies of resistence in Merle Hodge's Crick Crack, Monkey and Simi Bedford's Yoruba Girl Dancing

contributor:
Stubbs, Christina Kadeuha (author)
(Vincent, Kerry) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract: The aim of this thesis is to examine the counter-discursive strategies employed in Merle Hodge’s Trinidadian bildungsroman novel Crick Crack, Monkey and Simi Bedford’s African bildungsroman novel Yoruba Girl Dancing. By examining the postcolonial female child’s perspective and voice in these novels, I propose that the authors appropriate the Western-based genre of the bildungsroman and make it their own by skilfully subverting both the form and content. This thesis initially explores how Hodge and Bedford deviate from the traditional linear trajectory of the bildungsroman by depicting a reversal of this narrative in the beginnings of their novels. I then introduce Mikhail Bakhtin's concept of the chronotope to examine how the authors further disrupt this linear trajectory by exploring the past histories that shape the current realities of the protagonists. Moreover, I highlight the ways in which the authors challenge the content of the traditional bildungsroman by drawing attention to the often-silenced realities of the postcolonial female child. In this, I observe the violent ways in which colonial education often violates the subjectivity of the female protagonists as well as the ways in which this sort of education opens a unique space of agency for these characters. This thesis concludes with a study of the endings of the novels, examining the ways in which the authors convey how the psychic violence that the postcolonial female child experiences is not easily negotiated and resolved, unlike the traditional bildungsroman, which often ends in resolution.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Estimating apple yield using video images and deep learning

contributor:
Shrestha, Niroj (author)
(Silver, Daniel L.) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract: Our research uses low-cost video, computational vision techniques, and deep learning methodologies to estimate apple yield while the apples are still on the tree. We captured a video of the Sweet Tango apple variety at Pomona Farms, Canard, Nova Scotia from both sides of an orchard row. A convolutional neural network (CNN) based on the YOLOV3 architecture is trained to detect apples in the sequence of video images. The tracking of each detected apple is done using a Kalman filter. The Hungarian algorithm, inclusive of motion and appearance information is used to solve the association problem between the previously tracked and the newly detected apples. The count is derived using this tracking information, and the average size is determined by using each apple’s bounding box information from the detection module. The experiments show that the proposed framework performs best using daylight video images combined with transfer learning and data augmentation techniques. The final predictive model for apple detection has an AP (average precision) score of 90.72, the tracking model has an MT (mostly tracked) score of 36.09, and the system counts apples with an F1-score of 94.97%. We generate a video that shows the distinction between the apples that are being tracked to those that are counted by a change in the color of the bounding box surrounding the apple. Additionally, we developed proof-of-concept methods to (1) avoid double counting from videos captured on both sides of the row and to (2) better estimate the size of each apple.

abstract: Computer Science


title: The moderation of embodied attachment on the relationship between visual-temperature cues and prosocial behavioural intentions

contributor:
Milligan, Brandi (author)
(Price, Lisa) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2022

abstract: Two studies sought to examine the impact of visual-temperature cues on prosocial behavioural intentions, and if these relationships would be moderated by recollected memories of caregiver sensitivity. The hypotheses and method for both studies were identical. Hypothesis 1 anticipated that individuals would show more prosocial intentions when asked to consider a friend (vs. a stranger). Hypothesis 2 expected overall that as recollected caregiver sensitivity increased, prosocial intentions would increase. This main effect of caregiver sensitivity was anticipated to be qualified by an interaction in which prosocial intentions among participants who were high (but not low) on caregiver sensitivity would be higher in the cold (vs. warm) condition while it was expected that prosocial intentions among participants who were low (but not high) on caregiver sensitivity would be higher in the warm (vs. cold) condition. Participants completed a self-report measure of recollected memories of caregiver sensitivity, and a self-report romantic attachment measure (used for exploratory analyses). Participants were then assigned randomly to view either warm or cold stimuli (images in Study 1, anagrams in Study 2), and then rate their prosocial intentions to both a friend and to a stranger. In Study 1, Hypothesis 1 was not supported. Hypothesis 2 was partially supported in that there was a significant main effect of caregiver sensitivity, such that as caregiver sensitivity increased, prosocial intentions increased. Hypotheses for Study 2 were not supported. Notable exploratory analyses in Study 1 found a marginal three-way interaction in which it was observed that securely attached individuals showed more prosocial intentions in the cold (vs. warm) condition, while insecurely attached individuals showed more prosocial intentions in the warm (vs. cold) condition.

abstract: Psychology


title: Depoliticized by design: tracing the colonial roots of conservation violence

contributor:
Poletti, Nina (author)
(Cohen, Alice) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract: The protection of biodiversity through conservation is presented as both urgent and apolitical. Violence inflicted on humans and nonhumans in the name of conservation is considered a necessary means to an end. This thesis argues that conservation is a perpetuation of colonial violence underpinned by the ideologies of mastery and purity. This argument is important, because it changes the narrative of conservation from being something scientific and apolitical, to something colonial and violent. To do this, the thesis uses a postcolonial theoretical lens to examine theories of depoliticization and contends that scientization, commodification, and securitization work together to obscure the colonial ideologies that inform conservation concepts and policy. To expose these obscured ideologies, this thesis creates a visualization that investigates the colonial roots and depoliticization of several normative concepts in conservation. It suggests that in order to begin decolonizing conservation, the enduring colonial legacy must be confronted. Additionally, embracing a politics of plurality can be a step towards dismantling, reinventing, and creating concepts that do not validate and perpetuate colonial violence.

abstract: Sociology


title: An examination of public affection sharing and its health associations in interracial and intraracial relationships

contributor:
Walter, Marissa (author)
(Holmberg, Diane) (Thesis advisor)
(Blair, Karen) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2022

abstract:
Research suggests that physical affection sharing in romantic relationships is associated with physical, psychological, and relational well-being. However, the extent to which these associations generalize to interracial relationships is unclear in existing research. Although interracial relationships are becoming increasingly common and there is some evidence to suggest that acceptance of these relationships is increasing, stigma and prejudice toward interracial couples remain. The objective of this thesis was to examine public affection sharing in interracial and intraracial mixed-sex couples. This thesis consisted of two studies. Study 1 examined interracial and intraracial experiences with public affection sharing, affection-related vigilance, and self-reported physical, psychological, and relational well-being via an online survey (n = 1386; 19% interracial). Those in interracial relationships reported higher affection-related vigilance when general vigilance was controlled. There were also disparate associations between public affection sharing and physical and psychological well-being, respectively. Whereas the association between public affection sharing and physical well-being was neutral for those in intraracial relationships, it was negative for those in interracial relationships. As for psychological well-being, the association with public affection sharing was positive for those in intraracial relationships, and marginally negative for those in interracial relationships. Additionally, the respective associations between public affection sharing and psychological and relational well-being were moderated by affection-related vigilance, with weaker or more negative associations among those with higher levels of affection-related vigilance. Study 2 further examined public affection sharing in interracial and intraracial relationships via semi-structured interviews (n = 40; 58% interracial). A thematic analysis resulted in 12 themes with considerations that were either internal to the relationship, external to the relationship, or intermediary (i.e., consisting of both internal and external considerations). Internal themes included “Personal Preference,” “Relationship Dynamics,” “Feasibility and Convenience.” Intermediary themes included “Safety and Well-Being,” “Context Matters,” “Cultural Considerations,” and “Racial Experience.”  External themes included “Relationship Optics,” “Others’ Attitudes,” “Impact of Others’ Attitudes,” “Social Influences,” and “Navigating Public
Spaces.” The qualitative data provided further context for understanding Study 1 results, as there were more prominent differences between the two relationship types among some intermediary (i.e., Safety and Well-Being and Racial Experience) and all the external themes. Thus, Study 2 results suggest that the health disparities found in Study 1 are likely driven by a higher potential for those in interracial relationships to experience adverse reactions or views toward their public affection, or their relationship more generally, in some cases impeding on people’s sense of safety in public contexts. Although there were some differences observed, most participants in both relationship types expressed the subjective view that their racial make-up did not impact their public affection sharing in a meaningful way. Overall, these studies expand on theoretical models linking affection sharing to well-being and highlight the value of examining theories in diverse populations while gaining subjective views related to the research questions.

abstract: Psychology


title: Vehicle traffic estimation using deep learning

contributor:
Patel, Meetkumar (author)
(Silver, Daniel L.) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract:
For commuters, vehicular traffic is an important planning concern. People have access to the weather forecast and the current traffic situation, but there is no application available to estimate traffic congestion and flow in the near future. Similarly, traffic management authorities also seek information about future traffic for traffic management purposes. Thus, we design and develop a machine learning approach which can predict vehicular traffic density and flowrate up to two days in the future based on the weather, calendar and special events data.
First, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) networks are utilized to predict the number of new vehicles and the total number of vehicles in images captured by a Nova Scotia Webcams (NS Webcams) video camera. The best models provide a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 20.38% for the number of new vehicles and 18.56% for the total number of vehicles. These values are used to estimate traffic flowrate and density for hourly records over a three-month period.
The hourly traffic data is combined with observed and forecasted weather data, retrieved from the DarkSky.net website and special event data provided by the Port of Halifax to create a time series data. A Multiple Task Learning (MTL) - LSTM model is trained and tested using these data and a K-fold cross-validation approach. The Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and MAPE are used to evaluate the model performance. The MTL-LSTM model achieves a MAPE of 19.35% and 27.50% for flowrate and density using observed weather data, respectively. In the case of forecasted weather data, the MAPE for flowrate and density increases to 20.51% and 31.10%, respectively.

abstract: Computer Science


title: The prediction of aggression in persons with dementia using electronic health records

contributor:
Tajeddin, Maryam (author)
(Silver, Daniel L.) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract: Patients with dementia will eventually experience a significant loss of cognitive function. As a result, they will have difficulty solving and communicating their physical problems and emotional pain appropriately. This leads to frustration that can manifest itself as lower-risk behaviours such as restlessness and repetitiveness to higher risk behaviours such as agitation and verbal or physical aggression. Therefore, monitoring the risk of a resident harming themselves or others is a priority within a long-term care facility where dementia  is present. Caregivers are trained to recognize signs of degrading states of dementia and common sources of stress for people with dementia but predicting when the aggressive behaviour is going to happen needs more investigation. We investigate the use of structured data and unstructured text data from Electronic Health Records (EHR) to predict a residents future level of aggression by using  natural language processing and machine learning techniques. The project involved significant work to anonymize patients records to meet Research Ethics Board (REB) requirements. A level of aggression (LoA) metric is created to provide a barometer of a resident’s aggressive behaviour and to overcome a spars collection of aggressive acts, even for the most aggressive resident. The project focuses on inductive decision trees so as to provide human readable models for analysis of important factors and their relation to level of aggression

abstract: Computer Science


title: Towards an ecumenical model for Baptist ministry: Katowice, Poland, as a model

contributor:
Rogaczewski, Jerzy Pawel (author)
(Bochenski, Michael) (Thesis advisor)
(Brackney, William) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract: This is an analysis and theological discussion of biblical, theological and historical arguments confirming the thesis that the Baptist Church in Katowice is an ecumenical model in the Polish context, and it is good when various Christian traditions conduct a dialogue to implement Missio Dei - God’s mission. Here, the definition of Christian ecumenism is understood as striving for the unity of Christ's disciples belonging to different Christian traditions based on the words of Jesus' prayer (John 17: 20-21). This definition is the one that the author of the thesis used in the ecumenical  mission  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Katowice  and  the  region  of  Upper  Silesia,  a predominantly Roman Catholic region. It has proved to be a concise and helpful guide for this congregation in its ecumenical outreach, and serves, it is suggested here, as a model for other Baptist and evangelical Christian traditions to broaden their sense of mission and ministry.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: The apocalypse will not be colonized: crisis, monsters, and futurism in recent Indigenous narratives

contributor:
Morris, Tiffany (author)
(Pinder, Kait) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2022

abstract: This thesis investigates how recent Indigenous apocalypse narratives depict the crises of ecological collapse and late-stage capitalism. Drawing on Gerald Vizenor (Anishinaabe)’s theory of survivance as well as Jacques Derrida’s theory of hauntology and Mark Fisher’s concept of capitalist realism, the thesis argues that Anishinaabe writer Waubgeshig Rice’s Moon of the Crusted Snow (2018), Mi’gmaq director Jeff Barnaby’s Blood Quantum (2019), and Métis  writer Cherie Dimaline’s The Marrow Thieves (2017) each envision futures beyond the “end of time.” The thesis is framed by the Mi’kmaq concept of Etuaptmumk, or Two-Eyed Seeing, and begins by developing a theory of “colonialist realism”: the sense that colonialism is inevitable and viable in perpetuity. The chapters that follow examine how Rice, Barnaby, and Dimaline critique colonialist realism through their narratives of crisis and collapse, the colonial monsters that hunt Indigenous characters in each work, and the dreams that create Indigenous futurity beyond the apocalypse.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Mercury photochemistry and speciation in the Jijuktu'kwejk (Cornwallis River) estuary of the Minas Basin, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Clarke, Rachel (author)
(O’Driscoll, Nelson) (Thesis advisor)
(Klapstein, Sara) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2022

abstract: The photochemistry and speciation of mercury are important factors in the retention of mercury in estuarine ecosystems. Net photoreduction of divalent mercury (Hg(II)) and volatilization of photoreduction products (i.e., elemental mercury (Hg(0))/dissolved gaseous mercury (DGM) can be a mechanism by which mercury burdens in ecosystems are decreased and thereby bioaccumulation and biomagnification could be decreased. The interaction of salinity and dissolved organic matter (DOM) and the potential influence on mercury photoreactions is not well understood. Anions may compete with DOM for binding sites on Hg(II), and cations may compete with Hg(II) for binding sites on DOM. The effects of salinity were investigated while controlling the concentration of high molecular weight (>1 kDa) DOM using natural surface water from the tidal Jijuktu’kwejk (Cornwallis River) using a tangential ultrafiltration-dilution technique. Pseudo first-order rate constants in estuarine water dilutions ranged between 0.22 h-1 and 0.73 h-1. The amount of mercury available for photoreduction in the dilutions (Hg(II)RED) ranged between 67.25 pg and 265.91 pg. Pseudo first-order rate constant was found to decrease with increasing salinity, with lower salinity solutions (<13.5 g L-1) incurring the most drastic change in rate constant. However, Hg(II)RED increased with increasing salinity, possibly due to effects of the experimental design. In lower salinity dilutions (≤ 13.5 g L-1), DOM concentration decreased after irradiation (>57% loss), suggesting a loss of DOM reactivity. In a separate field experiment, mercury photoreactions were quantified in a tidal river by measuring dissolved and particulate mercury species concurrently with incoming solar radiation intensity, TSS, DOM, and salinity every 0.5 hours during daylight hours. Hg(0)aq concentration was not correlated with incoming radiation intensity, but was negatively correlated with TSS, suggesting radiation penetration is limited by TSS. Overall, photoproduction of Hg(0)aq appears to be highly suppressed by TSS limiting transmission of UV radiation through surface waters. This is demonstrated by the large amount of Hg(0) production in controlled lab experiments with filtered surface water in comparison to field measurements using unfiltered samples, Hg(0)aq concentrations in unfiltered surface water were largely nondetectable (0–12 pg L-1) in the presence of high ERM concentrations in filtered surface water (mean=147 pg L-1, SD=104 pg L-1). This thesis highlights the importance of salinity and DOM interactions in estuarine surface water and their effects on mercury photochemistry. It also demonstrates the importance of complementary laboratory and field measurements in mercury photochemistry research.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Disability ministry for small churches

contributor:
Bedard, Stephen (author)
(Wooden, Glenn) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract:
Approximately 20% of Canadians have some sort of disability. However, those numbers are not reflected in most congregations. There is a need for congregations to welcome and include people with disabilities and their families. But how is that done? One option is to set up a formal Disability Ministry led by a staff person or a group of volunteers and which focuses on organized programs. There is a place  for  such  ministries,  however,  they  require  resources  in  terms  of finances  and people that may not be available in smaller congregations. In addition, smaller congregations may have only one or two people with disabilities, making it a challenge to develop a separate ministry program.
While this may suggest that smaller congregations are less equipped to provide quality Disability  Ministry,  that  is  not  the  case.  Research  into  the  needs  and  desires  of  people  with disabilities and their families reveals that formal programming is not the highest priority. What is valued  more  than  a  separate  Disability  Ministry  program  is  full  inclusion  into  the  life  of  the congregation.  This  goes  beyond  the  ability  to  enter  the  church  building  through  physical accessibility.  What  people  with  disabilities  desire  is  the  opportunity  to  fully  participate  in  the worship and mission of the Church.
Much of effective Disability Ministry is relationship-driven rather than program driven. This  means  that  smaller  congregations  can  be  just  as  effective at Disability  Ministry  as larger congregations. While  there is not sufficient data to demonstrate  that smaller congregations are more effective, it is possible  to demonstrate that  smaller congregations are  at no  disadvantage when it comes to provide a welcoming and inclusive faith community for people with disabilities and their families.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: Predicting pedestrian traffic flow rate flowrate and density with deep neural networks

contributor:
Joshi, Riddhi (author)
(Silver, Daniel L.) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract:
Pedestrian traffic information offers useful insights when developing or maintaining a business. This research combines image processing and machine learning methods to predict pedestrian traffic flowrate and density for up to two days into the future, based on weather data, calendar data, and special events. To obtain the traffic flowrate and density, we first developed a neural network model to predict the number of new people and the total number of people in each sequence of images captured by a Nova Scotia Webcams camera. These counts of people are used to calculate the pedestrian traffic flowrate and density labels for hourly intervals. These labels are then combined with hourly weather data, calendar data, and special event data from the same period to train a recurrent neural network to predict the traffic flowrate and density for up to two days in advance.
We try two different approaches, CNN-LSTM and dual input CNN to predict the number of new people and the total number of people from the images and compare how well each approach performs. The results show that the dual image input CNN models are more effective at predicting the number of new people and the total number of people than the CNN - LSTM models. Tested on independent test sets of images using K-fold cross-validation, theMTL CNN model achieved a test accuracy of 72% for the number of new people and 78% accuracy for the total number of people.
We trained LSTM models to predict pedestrian traffic flowrate and density using weather data, calendar data and special event data for up to two days in advance. The LSTM model has a MAPE of 33% for flowrate prediction and 33% for density prediction using observed weather data. The model also has a MAPE of 43% for flowrate and 39% for density using forecasted weather data.

abstract: Computer Science


title: What role does prayer and visualization play In fostering a secure attachment to God?

contributor:
Styles, Philip (author)
(Hunse, Dorothy) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2021

abstract: Considerable psychological research has examined the way humans make attachment to God and attachment to close others. The goal of this research was to investigate the role prayers and visualization make in enhancing a secure attachment with God and correspondingly attachment with close others. The cognitive foundations of this study involve examining whether or not a more concrete understanding of God, as revealed in the Judeo-Christians Scriptures, can also fulfill Ainsworth’s criteria for an attachment figure. The study also develops a theological understanding of how prayers and visualization may function as a viable means for enhancing a perceived sense of attachment to God. The study involved using two self-report questionnaires, respectively entitled “Experiences in Close Relationships,” and “Attachment to God Inventory.” Participants from three Baptist churches were given five prayer and visualization exercises to be completed over five weeks. The method included using meditative and colloquial prayers while visualizing a benevolent God through concrete objects. The investigation revealed that the prayer and visualization exercises were successful in enhancing a more secure attachment to God. It was further discovered that there was a corresponding effect on how participants also felt more secure in their relationships with significant others. Several study limitations and practical applications are also presented.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: Analysis and prediction of computer industry talent demand based on machine learning

contributor:
Han, Yu (author)
(Zhang, Haiyi) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2022

abstract: From the perspective of enterprise and social demand, this research analyzes the characteristics of talent demand in Canadian computer industries by using big data thinking, text analysis and machine learning. Firstly, through crawler technology, we obtained the recruitment information on mainstream Recruitment websites in Canada and developed a standardized collection process. After processing the data, we used IBM Watson Studio to split the text and constructed the skill keyword dictionary to extract the talent demand. In addition, the time series algorithm was used to predict the changes of the computer skill keyword over time and visualize the results. After analyzing the experiment results, it is found that computer science related jobs are changing over time and require new skills to adapt. Finally, based on the analysis results, suggestions and plans for cultivating talents related to computer science are proposed from the perspectives of enterprises, governments and campuses. The governments should pay attention to policy making, campuses and enterprises should strengthen cooperation and create a new talent training model.

abstract: Computer Science


title: Backup one hop routing optimization

contributor:
Kaja, Siddardha (author)
(Shakshuki, Eihadi) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2022

abstract: Every data packet has to pass through few intermediate nodes to reach its destination. Among other reasons, tremendous growth in internet devices encourages those intermediate nodes to drop the data packets. Optimizing the data packet route is an effective solution to deal with packet loss. Advanced machine learning approaches have been identified as apowerful support tool for routing optimization in node networks. Furthermore, as hardware infrastructure develops, the capabilities of cloud computing have expanded enormously. Improved connection, processing power, and memory units enable real-time machine learning. This thesis suggests and evaluates a unique technique for optimising the packet path by one hop for intermediate nodes as a backup called Cloud Acknowledgement Scheme. It offers information on the transmission trend and the tendencies of certain adjacent nodes or groups of neighbouring nodes in a network. We carried out a series of machine learning experiments and validated our idea using real-world node data.

abstract: Computer Science


title: Late quaternary stratigraphy of Mullach Brook and adjacent areas, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Tang, Patrick (author)
(Moore, Reg) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1970

abstract:
The thesis  area,  Mullach  Brook  valley  lies  approximately on  latitude  46 degrees  011 3011 N  and  longitude  61 degrees 8'  011: W in  Cape  Breton  Island,  Nova  Scotia. Three  different glacial  units  were  exposed  in  the  valley  and  the  purpose  of this  thesis  is  to  describe  and  interpret  the  quaternary stratigraphy  in  relation  neighbouring  areas  and  eastern North America.
The composition  of  the  lower  till comprises  Horton sediments  which  immediately  underlies  this  till unit. The middle  till consists  of  essentially  meta-quartzites,  diorites and  granodiorites  which  were  transported  from  the  east. The upper  till comprises  Horton  sediments  with  a source  from  the
south  east.
The lower  and  middle  till at  Mullach  Brook  are  indirectly correlated  with  the  lower  and  upper  till at  Whycocomagh, on the  bases  of  similarity  in  lithology  and  composition. The upper  till at  Mullach  correlates  either  with  the  upper  till at Whycocomagh or  the  till exposed  at  Benacadie.
The above  tentative  correlation  suggests  an  early Wisconsin  glaciation  at  greater  than  44,ooo  years  B.P. which  deposited  the  lower  till at  Mullach  Brook. Local  ice which  flowed  radially  outward  from  centres  close  to  the Bras  D'or  Lakes  deposited  the  middle  till immediately  after 44,000  years  B.P. The upper  till at  Mullach  Brook  was either deposited  by the same ice  cap  or  by a much younger  ice  cap at  11,667  years  B.P. The present  drainage  channel  was established  after  final  deglaciation  and  erosional  activities continue  to  the  present  day.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Seasonal distribution and variation of nitrate, phosphate and heavy metal residues in the Habitant Creek Watershed

contributor:
Sirota, Gary (author)
(Peach, Michael) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1974

abstract:
Nitrate,  phosphate and heavy metal residues  in the streams  of  the  Habitant  Creek were studied  from May 1973 to  April 1974, with reference  to  seasonal and climatic  variations,  and degree  of  agricultural  activity  in adjacent  areas. Nitrate  and phosphate levels  in  streams  were related  to  rainfall  amounts. Nitrate  concentrations  in  the  summer  exhibited  maxima when rainfall amounts were minimal. Variations  in phosphate levels  followed variations  in  rainfall  amounts, ( Relatively  high levels  of  nitrate and orthophosphate  in  water  samples were found to  be due to  the release  of  these  species by the  freezing  and thawing  of  soil. In general nitrate  and phosphate concentrations  in  silt and soil samples showed a  dependence on the  degree  of  agricultural  activity in  the  sample area. In some cases interpretation  of  results  of silt analyses  is  complicated  due to the  mobile nature  of  silt banks.
Heavy metal· residues showed relation  to  agricultural  activity  and, were relatively  constant  throughout  the  year.

abstract: Chemistry


title: Screening novel marine fungal strains for the production of polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically, eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid

contributor:
Smith, Nicole M.H. (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Walker, Allison) (Thesis advisor)
(Benjamin, Jeremy) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: Biology

abstract:
The polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) are important for human health. Alternate sources of these valuable PUFAs for human consumption are being sought to replace the current, unsustainable, sources: fish oil and animal byproducts respectively. Marine fungi show promise as a novel and potentially lucrative source of PUFAs, which could provide a renewable source of EPA and ARA. In collaboration with Mara Renewables Corporation in Dartmouth Nova Scotia, this study established growth and screening methods for marine fungi, isolated novel strains from the Atlantic Ocean, identified them by ITS rDNA barcoding and determined their fatty acid profiles. Marine fungal strains were grown in liquid cultures and screened for EPA and ARA production using fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. Of the 74 isolated marine microorganisms belonging to 25 genera; four Mortierella strains produced ARA and one Pythium strain (oomycete) produced both EPA and ARA, at commercially competitive quantities. Future research will target the isolation and screening of additional strains from these genera and scale up promising strains in bioreactors for optimization of growth and fatty
acid production.


title: Caregiver sensitivity and adult relationship-attachment as predictors of psychosocial functioning in adulthood

contributor:
Dobson, Olivia (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Price, Lisa) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: Psychology

abstract: To better understand how experiences of caregiver sensitivity relate to adult’s psychosocial functioning, 299  adults completed an  anonymous  online  survey  that asked about  caregiver sensitivity in childhood, adult relationship attachment, and various psychosocial factors, such as mood. Generally,  it  was  predicted  that  high  levels  of caregiver  sensitivity  in  childhood, retrospectively  reported, would  provide  the  foundation  for  healthy psychosocial functioning regardless of adult attachment style. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regressions with bootstrapping. Higher levels of caregiver sensitivity were associated with coping through social support and lower levels of depression, anxiety, family loneliness, and social loneliness in adulthood. The data also supported that developing a secure attachment relationship in adulthood, when caregiver sensitivity was lower in childhood, may be able to buffer more severe mental health symptoms and loneliness. The present study concluded that high  caregiver sensitivity is associated withhealthy psychosocial functioning in adulthood


title: Gender disparity trends in the Canadian legal profession: a case study of Nova Scotia lawyers

contributor:
Legg, Rachel (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Crandall, Erin) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: Politics

abstract:
The objective of this thesis is to develop a better understanding of the gender disparity in Canada’s legal profession. Focusing on the province of Nova Scotia, I examine why this province does not follow the trend of the rest of the country in terms of women being under-represented in law. Both qualitative and quantitative data are employed to answer this important question. The qualitative data was collected from four semi-structured interviews with women lawyers currently practicing in Nova Scotia, while quantitative data was collected from Canadian legal associations and the governments. For comparative analysis, countries in which gender quotas are implemented in the legal profession are also reviewed. This provides insight regarding the potential advantages of quota initiatives, as well as providing direction for policy suggestions for Canada’s legal profession. Three hypotheses were posed. Firstly, that despite the trend in Nova Scotia of women outnumbering men in law firms, men will nonetheless hold a larger proportion of executive or partner positions in those firms, which follows with the rest of Canada. Secondly that there is a correlation between the greater proportion of small law firms in Nova Scotia and the number of women who are practicing law in the province.
Thirdly, because gender representation in Nova Scotia’s legal field is an exception to the overall trend in Canada, it is anticipated that it has a quota-like initiative in place to ensure a more equal representation of
women in the legal profession. The first hypothesis was proven through qualitative and quantitative data collection as was the second hypothesis. The third hypothesis was inconclusive, however data from some European countries provide insight into possible policy options for Canada.


title: Examining the relationship between attention and individual differences in autism traits and attachment style

contributor:
Wilson-Henkelmann, Rowan (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Brodeur, Darlene) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: Psychology

abstract: The current study looked to explore the relationship between individual difference variables and attention ability. This study examined the proposal that attachment style and the presence of autism traits may be linked to components of attention including orienting and executive control abilities. Undergraduate students were tested using a modified attention network task (ANT), a measure of attachment (Experiences in Close Relationships - Short form), and a measure of autism traits (Autism Quotient (AQ)) in typically developed individuals. It was found that an anxious attachment style was significantly correlated with and a significant predictor of orienting attention ability, avoidant attachment style was significantly correlated with exogenous orienting, and autism traits were associated with exogenous orienting ability. The results support the hypothesis that epigenetic context variables related to individual variability in attachment and autism traits are related to the development of basic attention abilities.


title: Locating old growth forests in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia with a review of forest management and legislation

contributor:
Scanlan Lane, Riley E. (author)
(Duke, David) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2020

abstract: An old growth forest is one of many stages of forest development and plays an important role in maintaining global biodiversity and the hydrologic and carbon cycles. Prior to European colonization, old growth likely covered up to 50% of forest land in Nova Scotia. However, today it is estimated less than 0.9 percent of forest land outside of ecological preserves is old growth, and likely even less is found in the Annapolis Valley region due to its long history of agriculture, fire and development. This research sought to locate any remaining old growth stands in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia and to assess their ecological integrity using the NS Old Forest Policy Scoresheet. GIS querying and satellite imagery analyses found 16851 ha of the study area had a high potential to contain old growth. Of this area, 27% was found to be old growth forest. The following literature review examined the history of forestry practices in Nova Scotia and discusses the ways a forest can be valued either economically or ecologically. Values placed on forests can subsequently influence the preservation or destruction of old growth forest characteristics. Due to their important ecological roles, old growth forests are of high conservation value and the sites found in this research should guide future conservation efforts by providing high priority areas for protection.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: The development of an Acadian village: Surette's Island 1859-1970

contributor:
Boucher, Neil Joseph (author)
(Moody, Barry) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1974

abstract:
No abstract.
History & Classics


title: Reproduction and productivity of moose in Nova Scotia

contributor:
Vukelich, Milan Frank (author)
(Dodds, Donald) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1977

abstract:
A study of reproduction and productivity of moose (Alces alces americana) in the Nova Scotia counties of Pictou, Antigonish, Cumberland, Colchester, and Guysborough was based on a macroscopic and microscopic
examination of 135 ovaries and an analysis of sex and age of 3,159 animals harvested in 1964 and 1966 -1974.
Primary corpora 1utea were observed in 41 of 53 adult cows (77.4 percent) with 11 adults (20.8 percent) having double ovulations. No triple ovulations were recorded. The ovulation rate was 98 per 100 adult cows. All
yearlings were devoid of primary corpora lutea. However, 6 of 13 yearlings (46.2 percent) had follicles ranging from 7  -10 mm which suggests that they were approaching estrus and might have ovulated at a later date.
Eleven of 52 adults (21.2 percent) and 2 of 12 yearling moose (16.7 percent) had degenerating corpora lutea (September or earlier ovulations).
Twenty-four of 28 adults (85.7 percent) had conceived during the previous breeding season with 6 of the adults (21.4 percent) having twins. Seven of 14 wear class II cow moose (50.0 percent) had conceived as yearlings during the previous breeding season. Pregnancy rates were 50 calves per 100 yearling cows and 107 calves per 100 adult cows.
Net productivity of the herd, as determined by regression analysis, was 27 percent. Gross productivity and rate of increase were 25 and 34 percent, respectively.
Yearlings were no more, or no less vulnerable to hunters than adults.
Comparison of the Nova Scotia data with that from other regions indicate that the moose in Nova Scotia are as productive as any other North American moose herd studied.

abstract: Biology


title: Brood ecology of the Common Eider (Somateria mollissima dresseri) in the Liscombe area of Nova Scotia

contributor:
McAloney, Robert Keith (author)
(Austin-Smith, Peter) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1973

abstract:
Investigations were conducted in the Liscomb area of Nova Scotia's eastern shore between April 1970 and August 1971. The objectives were to determine duckling mortality rates, brood movement and general brood
ecology of the common eider (Somateria mollissima dresseri) by observing marked and unmarked ducklings and adults.
The mortality rate of ducklings from hatching until five weeks of age was 75.5 per cent. No mortality was recorded for ducklings older than five weeks.
Eider broods moved from the nesting island to the mainland coast directly upon leaving the nest. They remained in isolated beys and inlets for five to seven weeks before moving to off-shore shoals.
The diet of eider ducklings was 99.4 per cent animal foods. The species of mollusc in greatest abundance in an area was the main food of ducklings in that area.
The formation of creches was of no survival value to the ducklings and the assistance of broodless females or "aunts" was ineffective in preventing duckling losses to gulls under adverse sea conditions.

abstract: Biology


title: The impact of organizational dynamics on the nursing home residents' quality of life

contributor:
Ingraham, Lisa Lavern (author)
(Chen, Mervin) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1991

abstract:
This paper investigates the effects of organizational dynamics on the quality of life of residents in nursing homes. Data were collected by surveys, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation in The Valley
Nursing Home. Secondary sources of information such as government statutes and organizational documents were also used. It was found that despite the negative effects of the regimentation imposed on the
residents' life, they reported a satisfactory quality of life in the Home. Three explanations of the apparent contradiction between the two major findings were presented. It is considered that the negative effects of the
medical model adopted by the Home were ameliorated by their activities and visitation programs is the most probable. Finally, some recommendations for improving the quality of life in institutions were made.

abstract: Sociology


title: The implementation of SQL in a UNIX environment

contributor:
Tak To, Wing (author)
(Giles, Rick) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1989

abstract:
This thesis presents the implementation of SQL in a UNIX environment. The main focus of this thesis is on the translation of SQL to the QUEL query language. We first discuss the semantics of the SQL and QUEL
languages, and then establish seven translation properties for translating SQL queries into equivalent QUEL queries. Finally, the query translator is created based on the seven translation properties. This thesis
also suggests some future developments for this translation.

abstract: Computer Science


title: Structure and dynamics of an isolated sub-population of Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) in Pleasant River, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Caverhill, Brennan P. (author)
(Herman, Tom) (Thesis advisor)
(Mockford, Steve) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2003

abstract:
Blanding's turtles in southwest Nova Scotia are isolated at the northern periphery of the species' range. Three sub-populations are known to occur in the Nova Scotia complex, two of which have been studied comprehensively. The main objective of this exploratory study was to expand our understanding of the extent and nature of a third sub-population, at Pleasant River (PR), where we could also identify potentially valuable research questions that might be addressed in future studies. From May until November 2002, adult and juvenile Blanding's turtles in PR were radio-tagged and tracked to: a) estimate occurrence and distribution; b) examine population size and structure; c) monitor habitat selection and movement; and d) characterize certain aspects of behaviour. A total of 10 Blanding's turtles had been marked at PR between 1997 and 2001. In 2002, 1606 trap nights and 73 5 hours of staff and volunteer effort resulted in the capture of 26 individuals (7 marked, 19 unmarked). The PR sub-population sex-ratio is biased towards females (1.6:
1 in 2002) and it exhibits a high proportion of juveniles (31 %). Spatial sub-structure exists, as the sub-population's distribution occurs within three discrete concentrations. The turtles inhabit shallow, still waters with
muddy organic bottoms and abundant emergent and submergent vegetation. Evidence suggests that females use available habitat to a greater extent than males, and both sexes and all ages congregate during
overwintering. All ages and sexes occupied overlapping areas of their respective habitats, and overall trap success was greatest in August, and lowest in May. Individuals in streams were observed terrestrially more
frequently than those in bogs, and males appeared to be more terrestrial than females, while juveniles were exclusively aquatic. Data have been compared with existing information from other populations within the
Nova Scotia complex and elsewhere in the range, and will contribute directly to conservation efforts for this species.

abstract: Biology