title: Competing Influences Of The Tumor Microenvironment On CD26 And The Cancer Phenotype Of Colorectal Carcinoma Cells

contributor:
Department of Pharmacology
Doctor of Philosophy
Dr. Stephen Lee
Dr. Eileen Denovan-Wright
Dr. Andrew Stadnyk
Dr. Jana Sawynok
Dr. Jonathan Blay
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Colorectal Cancer

subject: Metastasis

subject: CD26

subject: Adenosine

subject: MMP-13

subject: CXCL12

subject: Tumor Microenvironment

abstract:
In Canada, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. There are many different factors that contribute to the progression and spread of the disease. However, increasing evidence now suggests that the tumor microenvironment plays a paramount role in these processes.
	CD26 is a multifunctional, cell-surface glycoprotein that has intrinsic enzyme activity, binds adenosine deaminase and interacts with the extracellular matrix. Through its various functions it serves to constrain cancer progression. For example, it is known to cleave CXCL12, the ligand for CXCR4. The CXCL12:CXCR4 axis is normally involved in cancer metastasis by promoting cancer cell migration, invasion and proliferation. Down-regulation of CD26 is observed in certain cancers - this has been shown in vitro to occur in response to certain soluble mediators.
 	The first part of this study looked at the effects of glucose and its metabolic product lactate on CD26 expression in colorectal carcinoma cells. Our study showed that CD26 expression is lower in cancer cells that are grown in low-glucose, high-lactate conditions, which replicates the situation within a tumor.
The second part of this study examined the effect of adenosine, a purine nucleoside, on colorectal carcinoma cells and supportive stromal cells - cancer-associated HS675.T fibroblasts (CAFs) and Met-5a mesothelial cells. Adenosine increased the proliferation of CAFs and increased CXCL12 mRNA in both stromal cell lines. It also increased MMP-13 mRNA in stromal cells as well as colorectal cancer cells, suggesting that adenosine may promote progression and metastasis through various mechanisms.
	The last section focused on the ability of cellular products and 3-dimensional tissue topology to coordinate and affect the behaviour of the different cell populations.  Here we show that secretory products from colorectal cancer cells promote CAF proliferation but inhibit mesothelial cell proliferation, and are also able to modulate MMP-13 expression. Finally, certain responses are enhanced in multicellular spheroids.
	In conclusion, the tumor microenvironment represents a major consideration in the treatment of solid tumors. Our data suggest that various soluble mediators, such as adenosine, may have therapeutic implications in cancer treatment and might represent novel targets for future research.


title: VERIFICATION OF SNP MARKERS ASSOCIATED WITH AFTER-COOKING DARKENING IN POTATOES

contributor: Dr.Gefu Wang-Pruski; Dr. David De Koeyer

subject: Markers After-cooking darkening Potatoes

abstract: After-cooking darkening (ACD), a gray-black discoloration, is one of the key quality defects of the potato. Previous work using a diploid population 13610 identified 14 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, located on eight chromosomes, which have the strongest association with ACD. Seven of these markers are located in four major quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosomes 2, 4, 6, and 10. It is hypothesized that these 14 markers would also have significant relationship to ACD in other breeding populations. Therefore, their effects in another diploid population 14946 were analyzed by amplicon genotyping using high-resolution DNA melting (HRM). Eleven of the 14 SNP markers were confirmed to be significantly associated with ACD. Six of the 11 markers were located in the four major QTL regions. In addition, unlabelled probe assays using HRM were performed on a group of clones in the tetraploid population 14945. Five from the 14 markers were analyzed, and three showed significant relationship to ACD. The methodology established and the markers identified in this study could benefit breeding programs for developing lower ACD varieties.


title: Relearning Food: Agricultural Literacy in the Elementary School Science Curriculum of Nova Scotia

subject: Agricultural literacy, elementary school, children, learning, food

subject: Elementary school

subject: children

subject: learning

subject: food

subject: Science - Study and teaching (Elementary)

abstract: This study uses manifest coding to review the Nova Scotia elementary school science curriculum guides for agricultural literacy content. The codes are derived from peer-reviewed definitions of agricultural literacy. Throughout the entire curriculum, twenty-four of the forty-eight codes emerge at least once. Agricultural literacy connections peak in grade 3 before falling to almost negligible numbers in grade 6. The most common agricultural subject area was “agriculture’s relationship with the environment” followed by “the production of plant products.” More complex issues such as the economic impact and marketing of agriculture are not present. The study concludes that students will attain enough information to know how to do basic gardening but rarely is the connection made to agriculture or food and fiber production.


title: Automatically Generating Robust Signatures Using a Machine Learning Approach to Unveil Encrypted VoIP Traffic Without Using Port Numbers, IP Addresses and Payload Inspection

contributor:
Faculty of Computer Science
Doctor of Philosophy
Dr. Mourad Debbabi
Dr. Qigang Gao
Dr. Malcolm Heywood
Dr. Srinivas Sampalli
Dr. A. Nur Zincir-Heywood
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

abstract:
The identification of encrypted network traffic represents an important issue for network management tasks including quality of service, firewall enforcement and security. Traffic identification becomes more and more challenging as the traditional techniques such as port numbers or deep packet inspection are becoming ineffective against applications such as the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which uses non-standard ports and encryption. Thus, different approaches such as machine learning (ML) are explored in the literature for traffic classification. However, traffic classification represents a particularly challenging application domain for ML. Ideally, solutions should be both simple (hence efficient to deploy) and accurate. Recent advances in ML provide the opportunity to decompose the original problem into a subset of classifiers with non-overlapping behaviours, in effect providing further insight into the problem domain and increasing the throughput of solutions. Thus, this thesis presents a novel approach for generating robust signatures to classify P2P VoIP traffic using a ML-based approach, specifically with the C5.0, GP and AdaBoost classification algorithms. In this research, simple packet header feature sets and statistical flow feature sets are explored without using the IP addresses, source/destination ports and payload information to unveil the encrypted VoIP application in network traffic. In this context, what is meant by robust signatures are those which have been learned by training on one network are still valid when they are applied to traffic coming from different time periods, different networks (locations) as well as under evasion attacks that are designed to bypass such a classifier.

Results show that the performance of the automatically generated signatures does not degrade significantly when evaluated against the robustness criteria. These results demonstrate that flow-based statistical features (temporal information) with the use of a ML-based approach can achieve high classification accuracy and produce robust signatures. Furthermore, the results on the evasion experiments demonstrate that the performance of the signatures is very promising if a malicious user tries to alter the characteristics of VoIP (specifically, Skype) traffic to evade the classifier.


title: ANALYSIS OF CLUSTER AND STRIPE SOLUTIONS IN A ONE-DIMENSIONAL MODEL OF BIOLOGICAL AGGREGATION

contributor: Department of Mathematics & Statistics - Math Division

subject: Mathematics

abstract: This thesis in Applied math reseach study in biological swarming analysis

abstract: This thesis studies the model of swarming of organisms in groups or clusters and the solution of the interaction equation in a one dimensional biological swarm model. This process describes the behavior of some animal swarms like birds and fish that attract or repulse each other. We will discuss the formation of point clusters and conditions that relate to the number of clusters and their stability. Expanding the clusters on this analysis we will observe that the formation of stripe solutions is inevitable under certain assumption on the interaction force function. In this thesis we are interested in determining how the number of clusters and stripes depend on the functions, initial conditions and model parameters. While investigating the properties we will experiment with equal and asymmetric distributions of particles and observe that although the analytical calculations become more complicated, the same general dependence on a few simple parameters is observed.


title: CONNECTING PLACES: A PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO RAPID TRANSIT FOR THE HALIFAX REGION

contributor:
Campbell, Claire
McOuat, Gordon

subject:
Halifax
Nova Scotia
HRM
public transit
rapid transit
commuter rail
light rail
urban planning

abstract:
Connecting Places: A Pragmatic Approach to Rapid Transit for the Halifax Region
explores the potential for the development of a simple, cost-effective rapid transit system
for the Halifax Region, specifically for parts of the urban area that are not currently
served by the MetroLink bus rapid transit system. The thesis examines previous
proposals for rail-based transit along the Mainland North-Bedford Corridor as well as
rapid transit systems that exist in other Canadian cities. Halifax Regional Municipality’s
long-term development goals were also examined in depth. Based on this research, a
rapid transit system proposal has been generated, drawing inspiration from local
proposals dating back to the 1970s as well as existing rapid transit systems elsewhere in
Canada. This system is designed to help HRM achieve its development goals, particularly
those related to land use, settlement patterns, and transportation, while also encouraging a
more efficient, cost-effective public transit system. The proposal is not meant to be a
“turn-key” system that could be implemented immediately, rather, it is intended to
stimulate discussion and to provide the groundwork for further research and
development.


title: Commercial Bumble Bees as Vectors of the Microbial Antagonist Clonostachys rosea for Management of Botrytis Blight in Wild Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)

contributor:
Nova Scotia Agricultural College
Master of Science
Patterson, D. L.
Hillier, N. K.
Percival, D. C.
Jesson, L.K.
Cutler, G. C.
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
biovector
entomovector
biological control
integrated pest managment
ipm
integrated crop management
icm
pollination
Botrytis cinerea
biopesticide
organic
application technology

abstract: Greenhouse and laboratory experiments in 2011 determined that Clonostachys rosea can effectively prevent Botrytis cinerea infection in Vaccinium angustifolium blossoms. In vitro testing demonstrated that C. rosea germination was not significantly affected by the presence of Switch®, but was by either Pristine® or Maestro®. Field experiments completed during the summer of 2010 and 2011 indicated that the dispenser designs tested had no significant effects on Bombus impatiens foraging behaviours, aside from hive-activity. There was also no difference in the quantity of C. rosea applied by each to bees, the distribution of product in the field, or for blossoms exposed to bees from each dispenser to resist infection by B. cinerea. However, B. cinerea prevalence in blossoms from both treatments was significantly different from the control, with infection reduced by 10-20%. Technical issues with dispensers currently appear to be the limiting factor for application within commercial wild blueberry production.


title: REFINEMENTS TO THE CURRENT UNDERSTANDING OF FUNCTIONAL MRI ACTIVATION IN WHITE MATTER

contributor: Department of Psychology with Neuroscience

subject:
Brain connectivity
White matter
Functional magnetic resonance imaging
Internal capsule
Corpus callosum
Finger tapping
Breath-holding
Interhemispheric transfer
Diffusion tensor imaging
Experimenter bias

abstract: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a widely used, noninvasive technique to map brain activation, and has provided considerable insight into human brain function over the past two decades. Until recently, fMRI studies have focused on gray matter; however, reports of fMRI activation in white matter are mounting. White matter fMRI activation has the potential to greatly expand the breadth of brain connectivity research, as well as improve the assessment and diagnosis of white matter and connectivity disorders. Despite these potential benefits, white matter fMRI activation remains controversial. The controversy is partially due to the existence of incompletely understood facets of fMRI signals in white matter. This thesis describes three experiments that aim to refine what is currently known about white matter fMRI activation. In the first experiment, one of the main concerns about fMRI activation in white matter was addressed; namely, whether white matter has sufficient cerebrovascular reactivity to support hemodynamic changes that can be measured with fMRI. It was demonstrated that white matter has the capacity to support detectable hemodynamic changes in the absence of partial volume effects. In the second experiment, the effect of static magnetic field strength on sensitivity to white matter fMRI activation was explored as a possible cause of the relative paucity of reports of white matter fMRI activation. The results showed greater sensitivity to white matter fMRI activation at 4 T relative to 1.5 T MRI. In the third experiment, the relationship between white matter activation and the activated network of gray matter regions was explored. This was accomplished using fMRI-guided tractography in which structural connections between activated clusters are evaluated. Structural connectivity between white matter fMRI activation and regions of gray matter activation was demonstrated, providing evidence of the functional significance of fMRI activation in white matter. These experiments provide important insights, which will allow for improved investigations of white matter fMRI activation in the future. In addition, it is posited that experimenter bias, via selective reporting of activation clusters, has contributed to the slow acceptance of fMRI activation in white matter.


title: 3 DOF, LONG RANGE PLANAR LIFT AND SLIDE MICRO-CONVEYOR WITH VISION-BASED CONTROL SYSTEM

contributor:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy
Dr. Yu Sun
Dr. Marek Kujath
Dr. Jason Gu
Dr. Marek Kujath
Dr. Ted Hubbard
Not Applicable
Yes
Yes

subject:
MEMS
Micro-conveyor
Long range
Untethered
3 DOF
polyMUMPs

abstract: The purpose of this thesis is to introduce a novel method of dry micro-object manipulation and to demonstrate predictable vision-based control.  The Lift and slide conveyors presented utilize three main components: pads, lifters and a floating platform.  The pads have a small planar displacement in the XY axis and lifters have a small Z axis displacement.  Together they can be used to create minute displacements per cycle while carrying a floating platform that can hold the desired objects to be moved.  These platforms can be handed off to other pad-lifter groups to create an unlimited planar envelope.  Two degree of freedom control was established using LabView with open and closed loop routines.  A model is presented that predicts the resonance frequencies with different loading and geometric characteristics to aid in design optimization for various applications.  Parameters such as velocity, drift and traction are well characterized for different operating conditions.


title: Structural and Smart Materials Analysis in Responsive Architectural and Textile Mechanical Applications

contributor:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Master of Applied Science
Dr. Marek Kujath
Dr. Sarah Bonnemaison
Dr. Darrel Doman
Dr. Alex Kalamkarov
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Smart Materials
Responsive Architecture
Responsive Textiles
Shape Memory Alloys
Superelastic Shape Memory Alloys
Helical Shape Memory Alloys
Piezoelectric Materials
Piezoelectric Harvesting
Structural Analysis

abstract: The @lab is a group dedicated to the research and development of electronic textiles for architectural applications; this thesis presents the structural analyses performed by the author to improve the @lab’s projects.  Also included are three investigations performed by the author that pertain to smart material applications in responsive architecture and textiles.  The first investigation evaluated the feasibility of using piezoelectric materials to harvest power from human foot traffic; overall, it was determined to not be feasible.  The second investigation experimentally tested how six parameters of shape memory alloy spring actuators affect their reaction times and stroke; all six parameters affected the reaction times and/or stroke.  The third investigation experimentally tested how three parameters of superelastic SMA springs influence their stiffness and resonant frequencies; overall, it was found that traditional spring mechanics can be used to predict their behavior providing the internal stress does not reach the upper plateau stress.


title: KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN KNOWLEDGE-INTENSIVE ORGANIZATIONS: AN INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS INFLUENCING CHOICES OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

contributor: Dr. Darren Meister, Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario

subject:
knowledge management
knowledge management systems
knowledge-intensive organizations
knowledge-intensive firms

abstract: In today’s economy the importance of knowledge in organizations is well underscored. The management of an organization’s knowledge has become one of the most important strategic vehicles to an organization's sustainable competitive advantage. The design and success of knowledge management systems (KMS) is viewed as the next evolutionary step in the management of knowledge processes and activities. The debate over the efficacy of these systems draws attention to the differences in approach to KMS that may develop among organizations whose employees’ work involves primarily the execution of procedural routines and those who are involved in primarily creative, problem solving work. This study explored empirically the factors defining Knowledge-intensive Organizations (KIOs) and related these factors to the choices of KMS deployed in these organizations. The study was conducted in two phases and employed both quantitative and qualitative methodologies for data collection. Survey and document analysis techniques were used in the first phase of the study which examined KIO defining factors, how they relate to each other, and how they contribute to knowledge intensity in KIOs. In the second phase semi-structured, in-depth interviews and survey techniques were employed. Grounded theory method (Glaser & Strauss, 1967) was then utilized to uncover how knowledge-intensive defining factors interlace with the choice of KMS deployed in KIOs. The interviews were analyzed using QSR NVivo 9 qualitative data analysis software. Quantitative computations were carried out using the PASW Statistics 17.0 package. The study found that KIOs are described by unique knowledge-intense attributes and these attributes inform the design and choices of KMS implemented in KIOs. This research contributes to the literature on factors that describe knowledge intensity in organizations. It provides the research community with a new articulation of the underpinnings of KIOs and KMS, an important step in advancing subsequent theoreti¬cal developments. The study might also have practical value for sellers and systems designers who are looking at assessing user demand for new KMS design ideas and for decision makers within KIOs who would like to evaluate the offerings of sellers.


title: AN INVESTIGATION OF FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING ACTIVATION IN WHITE MATTER AT 4 TESLA

contributor:
Department of Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy
Denise Klein
Tracy Taylor-Helmick
Shannon Johnson
Steven Beyea
Ryan D'Arcy
Received
Yes
Yes

subject: FMRI, white matter

abstract:
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a non-invasive technique that
allows for visualization of active brain regions. Although white matter (WM) constitutes
approximately 50% of brain tissue, fMRI activation in WM has conventionally been
dismissed. There are two main reasons WM fMRI remains controversial: 1) the blood
oxygen level dependent (BOLD) fMRI signal depends on cerebral blood flow and
volume, which are lower in WM than gray matter and 2) fMRI signal has been associated
with post-synaptic potentials as opposed to action potentials. Despite these observations,
there is no direct evidence against measuring fMRI activation in WM.
This thesis is comprised of four manuscripts that investigate fMRI activation in
WM at 4T. The first study evaluated whether it was possible to detect WM activation
using an interhemispheric transfer task and examined whether certain MRI contrast
mechanisms were more sensitive to activation in WM. Activation was detected in the
anterior corpus callosum at the individual and group level and we discovered that T2
weighted imaging may provide increased sensitivity to activation in WM. The second
study used two established interhemispheric transfer tasks to examine whether callosal
activation could be experimentally manipulated using a within subjects design. The
results replicated previous findings and demonstrated an ability to map functional
activation in the corpus callosum that was task dependent. The third study examined WM
fMRI activation in a different structure and focused on the posterior limb of the internal
capsule using a motor task; activation was elicited at both individual and group levels.
The fourth study linked advances in the ability to detect WM fMRI activation to current
clinical approaches to the assessment of WM dysfunction. An adapted Symbol Digit
Modalities Test was used to evaluate WM activation in healthy controls. The results
revealed individual level activation in both the corpus callosum and internal capsule.
Taken together this stream of research represents a major advance in the methods
used to non-invasively study brain function. Future applications may include improved
assessment methods for patients with WM dysfunction.


title: Cux2 regulates neurogenesis in the postnatal mouse hippocampus

contributor: Department of Anatomy & Neurobiolgy with Neuroscience

subject: Hippocampus, Cux2, adult neurogenesis

abstract: Although once thought to be incapable of regeneration, the adult mammalian brain generates new neurons in two regions: the SVZ of the lateral ventricle and the DG of the hippocampus. While the cell types involved in adult neurogenesis have been broadly characterized, the transcriptional regulation of this process remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that transcription factor Cux2 is important for normal postnatal hippocampal neurogenesis. Cux2neo/neo mutant mice generated fewer Dcx-positive neuroblasts, Tbr2-positive transit amplifers, and Calretinin-positive immature neurons, without affecting gliogenesis. Moreover, we show that Cux2 is principally expressed in Type1/Type2a cells. Using cultured embryonic NPCs we show that Cux2 mutants generate fewer neurons. Indeed, Cux2 plays a pro-neuronal role in both the postnatal hippocampus and in cultured embryonic NPCs. Cux2 may thus serve as an important regulator of the neuronal fate and may be a novel marker for neuronally committed Type 1/2a NPCs in the postnatal DG.


title: The Student Experience of Team During an "Interdisciplinary" Clinical Practicum

contributor:
School of Nursing
Master of Nursing
Shawna Houk
Ruth Martin-Misener
Karen Sigouin
Nancy Edgecombe and Marilyn MacDonald
Received
No
No

subject:
Nursing
Interdisciplinary
Clinical
Practicum
Student
Team
Interprofessional
Care Team
Practical Nursing
Unlicensed Care Provider

abstract:
Changes to healthcare delivery models such as the promotion of an interdisciplinary team approach to patient care and increased hiring of unlicensed care providers have resulted in the need for knowledge about effective interdisciplinary teams.
The purpose of this study was to describe student experiences in the development of team during an “interdisciplinary” clinical practicum.  Participants were in first and third year of the Dalhousie baccalaureate nursing program, first year of the Nova Scotia Community College practical nursing diploma and at the end of the Nova Scotia Community College Continuing Care Assistant certificate program.  Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with the eight participants to understand their experience of what made the team during an “Interdisciplinary” Collaborative Clinical Education Project (ICCEP) practicum.  Thematic analysis revealed three themes; clinical instructor mentoring, peer attitudes of respect and acceptance, and mutual sharing of knowledge and skill.


title: RATES AND DETERMINANTS OF BREASTFEEDING EXCLUSIVITY AND DURATION IN NOVA SCOTIA WOMEN

contributor: Department of Community Health & Epidemiology

subject: Breastfeeding duration, exclusive breastfeeding, Nova Scotia, determinants

abstract: This population-based retrospective cohort study describes breastfeeding patterns and identifies the determinants of longer exclusive breastfeeding among 4,533 mother-infants pairs in two regions of Nova Scotia, Canada between 2006 and 2009. Multivariate logistic and proportional hazard regression analyses were used to model breastfeeding practices. While 64.1% (95% CI=62.7-65.5) of mothers initiated breastfeeding, only 10.4% (9.5-11.4) of mothers exclusively breastfed for the recommended six months; 21% (19.7-22.3) of mothers continued to breastfeed at six months, but not exclusively. Six risk factors are independently associated with poorer breastfeeding practices: lower maternal education, no partner, higher pre-pregnancy body mass index, smoking during pregnancy, no breast contact between dyads within one hour of birth, and no intention of breastfeeding. Rates of exclusive breastfeeding remain lower in these districts than elsewhere in Canada. Understanding determinants of longer exclusive breastfeeding is critical to assist policy makers and health care providers in better supporting mothers and newborns.


title: Re-interpreting and Re-programming the Edge: Site, Infrastructure and Community

contributor:
School of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Andrea Kahn
Stephen Parcell
Robert Collins
Catherine Venart
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Park Infrastructure Landscape

abstract: Landscapes are formed across space and over time by both natural processes and human artifice. Within urban landscapes, natural processes have been harnessed as the basis for infrastructural systems, which support urban life. However, the relationship between infrastructure and natural processes has become increasingly opaque. This thesis seeks to reveal the interrelationship between natural, infrastructural and human processes by integrating a wastewater treatment facility with a public park, offering recreational and cultural amenities, in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. The design entails the addition of a “new landscape,” including built facilities on three sites within the park space. The architecture of these sites engages in multiple and layered flows of nature, infrastructure and community, acknowledging the complex history, ecology and diverse programs existing within the chosen site. The concept of edges is used as a tool for relating diverse programmatic elements and the complexity of site.


title: Central and Peripheral Visual Fields in Patients with Migraine

contributor:
Department of Clinical Vision Science
Master of Science
Dr. Balwantray Chauhan
Dr. C E Maxner
Dr. P H Artes
Dr. D Mitchell
Dr. L Shuba
Received
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Visual Fields, Migraine Patients, Octopus 900, Retest Variability

abstract:
Purpose: To determine if patients with migraine show clinically apparent visual field deficits in the peripheral visual field compared to healthy controls.
Methods: Normal observers (n=25; mean age 41 y, range 15-67 y) and patients with migraine (n=12, mean age 48 y, range 21-55 y) were examined with a fully automated kinetic perimetry program (Octopus 900, Haag-Streit, Switzerland) on two separate study visits within two weeks. The program examined 3 isopters (I4e, I2e, I1e) at stimulus velocities of 5°, 4°, and 3°/s respectively. For every isopter, 12 stimulus vectors were presented at meridians spaced 30° apart, in random order, and each isopter was measured 3 times. Patients with migraine had been diagnosed by a neuro-opthalmologist according to criteria of the International Headache Society.
Results: Differences in mean isopter radius between migraine observers and healthy controls were small (< 1.3°) and not statistically significant (P>0.05, Mann-Whitney U). No learning or practice effects were observed between study visits, and AKP showed reasonable repeatability for all three isopters.
Conclusion: Patients with migraine did not demonstrate decreased peripheral visual fields in comparison to controls. This study had sufficient power (90%) to detect a group difference in mean isopter radius of approximately 2°.


title: EXTRACTS OF THE BROWN SEAWEED, ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM, EFFECT ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA – MYZUS PERSICAE INTERACTION

contributor:
Nova Scotia Agricultural College
Master of Science
Dr. David Garbary
Dr. Dian Patterson
Dr. C. Cutler
Prof. A.R. Robinson
Dr. Balakrishnan Prithirivaj
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
BROWN SEAWEED
ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM
ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA
MYZUS PERSICAE

abstract:
An alkaline extract of the brown seaweed, Ascophyllum nodosum (ANE) increases plant
growth and imparts resistance against biotic stresses. However, little is known of the
effects of ANE on insects. Myzus persicae, green peach aphid (GPA), and Arabidopsis
model were used to determine whether application of ANE confers protection from GPA
infestation. GPA colonization increased in ANE treated plants, associated with improved
biomass. However, ANE treated plants exhibited less cell death and also showed a
greater ability to recover from GPA injury. Lower expression of SAG13, SAG21 and
CHL1 and a higher expression of ARR5 was observed in ANE treated plants. Taken
together, gene expression along with lower cell death suggests ANE may delay
senescence in Arabidopsis. Delayed senescence in Arabidopsis following ANE treatment may be a result of increased cytokinin activity. Increased GPA numbers could be, at least in part, due to delayed senescence in Arabidopsis following ANE treatment.


title: DRUGS, DIMERS, AND MUTATIONS: INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF LIGANDS AND A ?2-ADRENERGIC POLYMORPHISM ON HOMO/HETERODIMERIZATION OF ?2-ADRENERGIC AND ANGIOTENSIN II TYPE 1 RECEPTORS

contributor:
Department of Pharmacology
Master of Science
Dr. Elizabeth Cowley
Dr. Eileen Denovan-Wright
Dr. Jason McDougall
Dr. Eileen Denovan-Wright
Dr. Denis Dupré
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Yes

subject: GPCRs, Signalling, Polymorphism, Dimerization, Receptor Pharmacology

abstract: GPCRs are known to form dimeric structures, and this affects their pharmacological properties. The ?2AR and AT1aR are GPCRs that are involved the regulation of the adrenergic and renin-angiotensin systems. The ?2AR is polymorphic at position 164, affecting its responsiveness to adrenergic ligands. Both receptors have been shown to form dimers, but little is known on how dimerization affects their trafficking and signalling following ligand treatments. Plasma membrane localization, arrestin-2 recruitment, and G-protein interactions were determined between receptor dimers using molecular biological techniques. This study demonstrates that the formation of heterodimers can change the expected response to ligand treatments, along with associated trafficking events. It was determined that ligands bind to dimers, resulting in conformational changes to the dimeric complexes. Both the ?2AR and AT1aR are targeted in cardiovascular disease and this research demonstrates the importance of dimerization when prescribing drug therapies to avoid potential unwanted drug side effects.


title: CANADA-US MILITARY INTEROPERABILITY: AT WHAT COST SOVEREIGNTY?

contributor:
Department of Political Science
Doctor of Philosophy
Joel Sokolsky
Frank Harvey
Brian Bow
Ruben Zaiotti
Dan Middlemiss and Frank Harvey
Not Applicable
No
No

subject: Military Interoperability, Canada-US Relations, Canadian Sovereignty

subject: Canadian Forces, Canadian Defence, Canadian Military

abstract:
This study examines whether Canada’s military’s interoperability with the United States affects Canadian sovereignty.  The literature dealing with this subject is highly polarized arguing that such interoperability either significantly reduces our sovereignty or that it is necessary to maintain it.  Successive Canadian governments, for example, have traditionally supported the military view that high levels of interoperability with our allies are needed for operations to proceed safely and effectively and that this poses no cost to Canadian sovereignty.  The interoperability critics strongly disagree, arguing that increased interoperability, especially if it is with the United States, will diminish our foreign policy independence, our ability to refuse US military adventures, and our domestic sovereignty.
In a limited sense this division in the literature allows one to comprehend the broad contours of the issue.  Otherwise, recent works are marked by shifting definitions and unclear methodologies. These shortcomings have led to a reliance on conjecture, with the critics predicting damaging “future implications” as a result of Canada’s interoperability policies while governments promise outright gains.  As a result, the Canadian public that underwrites the financial costs of such multi-billion dollar investments as the new F-35 fighter have little to guide them in assessing the widely claimed interoperability and sovereignty benefits or costs of the purchase.
This thesis set about correcting these shortcomings by examining Canada’s interoperability history, defining the terms, developing clear hypotheses,  and then testing them against recent issues and events.  These included Canada's response to 9/11 and our decisions to participate, or not, in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the war in Afghanistan.  These produced six case studies within which events were assessed against the hypotheses that test for sovereignty gains or losses.
 	The subsequent evaluation concluded that Canadian sovereignty was rarely at risk from Canada's military interoperability policy and Canada was normally able to enjoy an independent foreign policy.  The only area where there were successive sovereignty costs was when Canada became overly dependent on US capabilities.  This thesis also argued that the methodology would be useful in gauging the sovereignty implications of future cooperative projects.


title: The Illusion of Choice: Mothers' Persistent Optimizing to Feed Their Preschool Children

contributor: Dr Donna Meagher-Stewart and Dr Marilyn Macdonald

subject: Childhood overweight and obesity, Preschoolers, Mothers, Food choices, Constructivist Grounded Theory

abstract:
Mothers play a vital role in providing healthy food choices for their preschool children. This role has become more complex in the present obesity-producing environment that has contributed to the increasing prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in Canada. Childhood overweight and obesity is a significant public health issue in Nova Scotia where the percentage is higher than the national average.

The purpose of this study was to generate a theoretical understanding of the process in which 18 mothers living within the Cape Breton Regional Municipality engaged while making food choices for their preschool children. Constructivist grounded theory methodology informed by sensitising constructs from symbolic interaction and the socio-environmental health promotion perspective facilitated a multilevel exploration of the factors that affect mothers’ food choice practices for their preschoolers. Data collection took place over 16 months. Thirty-five interviews were completed.

Grounded theory methods were used to analyze the data and a substantive theory of how mothers made food choices for their preschool children was co-constructed with the participants. The substantive theory, Persistent Optimizing, consists of three main integrated conceptual categories. In the first conceptual category, Acknowledging Contextual Constraints, mothers acknowledged various individual, interpersonal, and socio-environmental contextual factors that hindered their ability to make intended, healthier food choices for their children. In the second conceptual category, Stretching Boundaries, mothers developed and enacted moderating strategies to lessen the impact of contextual constraints, thereby increasing the number of food choices available to them. In the third conceptual category, Strategic Positioning, mothers developed and enacted a variety of optimizing strategies to get them closer to making the optimal food choice for their children in a given situation.

Mothers in this study struggled continuously with varying degrees of success to provide the foods they believed their children needed. The findings suggest that in practice, policy, research, and education, community health nurses must work independently and collaboratively at all levels of influence to facilitate, mediate, and advocate for social, economic, and physical environments that improve mothers’ ability to make food choices that promote their children’s health and reduce their risk of becoming overweight and obese.


title: The Implications of Predator Management for an Endangered Shorebird; Do Nest Exclosures Affect the Behaviour of Piping Plovers and their Predators?

contributor: Leslie Phillmore, Colleen Barber and Cheri Gratto-Trevor

subject: Piping Plover, nest exclosure, predator, remote video camera, artificial nest experiment, National Park

abstract: Predators are a threat to many ground-nesting shorebirds, although it remains largely unknown how they interact with passive predator management techniques such as nest exclosures. I examined the effects of nest exclosures on incubating Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus melodus) and their predators on nesting beaches in Kouchibouguac and PEI National Parks. A combination of behavioural observations, video monitoring of nests and an artificial nest experiment was used to examine the effects of nest exclosures in this study system. The behaviour of Piping Plovers did not differ between exclosed and unexclosed nests, although different types of predators seemed to have an effect on plover nest attentiveness. Predators visited exclosed nests more often than unexclosed nests and spent more time in the vicinity of exclosed nests than unexclosed nests. Since increased adult mortality and nest abandonment have been documented at exclosed Piping Plover nests, as well as nests of other shorebirds, the results of this study provide evidence of a link between predator harassment and these negative effects.


title: Femininity and the Factory: Women’s Labouring Bodies in the Moir’s Candy Plant, 1949-1970

contributor:
Department of History
Master of Arts
Dr. Colin Mitchell
Dr. Jerry Bannister
Dr. Janet Guildford
Dr. Shirley Tillotson
Received
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
labouring bodies
femininity
factory work

abstract: In post-war Canada, married women’s labour force participation rose dramatically. Labour historians have studied this trend with a primary focus on married women’s disadvantaged position in the labour market. This thesis examines female factory workers as manual labourers and asks how their bodies affected and were affected by their jobs, and how specifically female embodiment shaped their experience of work. Using the framework of job-related, cultural, and reproductive body work developed by sociologist Chris Shilling, this case study examines the experiences of eleven women who worked at the Moir’s candy plant in Halifax between 1949 and 1970. Semi-structured interviews are the main source of research data for this study. This case study explores working conditions at Moir’s, such as work on conveyor belts, the gendered division of labour, piece-work, and breaks, and determines the ways the women responded to and also shaped these conditions. The women’s testimonies reveal that their embodied experience as labourers was based both in workplace conditions (such as company regulations) and in family responsibilities. There are three main findings. First, I argue that in the context of the Moir’s factory, women’s acts of sabotage (in the form of breaking the conveyor belts), use of make-work, and development of other coping strategies were intended to create needed leisure time in the workplace. Second, I challenge the common assumption in labour sociology that factory work does not require that employees carry out true emotional labour. I argue that feelings of pride and shame had a strong influence over the women’s workplace dress and behaviour; managing these feelings were an important part of the women’s occupation. Finally, I argue that in the post-war era, women’s reproductive body work was directly connected to their paid labour because of the lack of public childcare and other reproductive labour resources available to wives and working mothers.


title: CHANGING TACTICS: REHABILITATING CANADIAN JUSTICE FOR TRAUMATIZED VETERANS

contributor:
Faculty of Law
Master of Laws
Professor Archie Kaiser
Professor Steve Coughlan
Professor Steve Coughlan
Professor Robert Currie
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Veterans, problem solving court, military justice, military, military members, court martial, military culture, whole of government approach, service tribunal, veteran treatment court, post traumatic stress disorder, operational stress injury, traumatic brain injury, combat, mental health court, VTC, PTSD, OSI, TBI, military judge, summary trial, discipline, morale, efficiency, American military justice, mental injuries, Canadian justice, military misconduct, Treatment Standing Court Martial, alternative measures, recidivism, propensities, criminogenic factors

abstract:
This thesis examines how military members and veterans with Operational Stress
Injuries are treated by Canadian justice systems. It suggests a correlation between mental injuries sustained on operations by military personnel and propensities for military and societal misconduct. By comparing civilian and military processes with American justice counterparts, a plan to improve the existing Canadian legal landscape is proposed. Using an analysis of the underlying philosophy and purpose of military justice, a problem solving diversionary court is recommended, along with legislative and policy amendments. The use of a consent-based “Treatment Standing Court Martial” would place military justice officials parallel to civilian justice alternative measures programs, and in a better position to break the cycle of recidivism among veterans by addressing root causes. Education to reduce stigma along with military-civilian partnerships are also advocated to enhance the detection of mental illness and to foster early treatment for military personnel and veterans. The overall goals of the work include: reducing recidivism, improving operational efficiency and taking care of military members, veterans and their families.


title: Perfectionism, Life Narratives, and Well-Being During Freshman Year

contributor:
Department of Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy
Kenneth Rice
Simon Sherry
Sherry Stewart
Tim Juckes
Simon Sherry
Received
Yes
Yes

subject: Perfectionism, well-being, life story, agency, communion, longitudinal

abstract: Various dimensions of perfectionism are proposed, but are seldom integrated. This research develops and tests an integrative theory of perfectionism.  Theory predicts personality traits (perfectionistic concerns, but not perfectionistic strivings) precede and predict changes in characteristic adaptations (perfectionistic self-presentation and perfectionism cognitions). Theory also predicts characteristic adaptations precede and predict decreases in subjective well-being (SWB), and are associated with a particular patterned form of perfectionistic narrative identity (i.e., heightened agency and lowered communion). This research tests this integrative theory. A sample of 127 emerging adults (ages 18-25) transitioning to university for the first time was recruited (78% female; 81% Caucasian). A 3-wave, 130-day longitudinal design with quantitative and qualitative components was used. Participants completed questionnaire measures of perfectionism and subjective well-being at all waves, and completed semi-structured life story interviews at Waves 1 and 3. Interviews were transcribed and coded for themes of agency (i.e., themes of achievement, status, power, and self-mastery) and communion (i.e., themes of love, dialogue, caring, and community).  Results are presented in Chapters 2, 4 and 5. In Chapter 2, perfectionistic concerns led to increased perfectionistic self-presentation, which in turn led to decreases in SWB.  In contrast, perfectionistic strivings did not predict longitudinal change in perfectionistic self-presentation or SWB. These findings supported hypotheses. In Chapter 4, perfectionistic concerns and perfectionism cognitions were positively correlated with agency. Perfectionism cognitions mediated the relationship between perfectionistic concerns and agency. A qualitative thematic analysis revealed themes of agency focused on performance-related concerns, with undertones of self-doubt and unrealistic high standards. These findings supported hypotheses. In Chapter 5, perfectionistic concerns and SWB were unrelated to communion, contrary to expectations. However, themes of communion exhibited good inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability, and face validity. Hypotheses regarding communion were not supported. Overall, most hypotheses were supported. By conceptualizing perfectionistic personality as a dynamic, multifaceted, and integrated system, there are numerous implications for developmental, clinical, and personality psychology. These implications, along with the strengths and limitations of this study, are discussed.


title: Stabilization of Asymmetric Bilateral Teleoperation Systems with Time-Varying Delays

contributor:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Master of Applied Science
Dr. Jason Gu
Dr. Ya-Jun Pan
Dr. Robert Bauer
Dr. Ya-Jun Pan
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Bilateral Teleoperation
Control Theory

abstract: A novel control scheme for asymmetric bilateral teleoperation systems is developed based on linear models of the hardware, with two scenarios considered: i) only an upper bound on the time delay and ii) an upper and lower bounds on the time delay. Lyapunov based methods are used with linear matrix inequalities to prove that the system error is bounded between the manipulators. To ensure stability, a master side impedance matching controller is used. Simulations were conducted using the Matlab and Simulink platform to run the LMI code and simulate the system. Experiments were then conducted using actual hardware to verify the results, with deviations from  imulation results. The variations were due to non-linearities in the hardware and model parameter approximation errors. Finally, suggestions for future work are made.


title: Bonum non est in deo: On the Indistinction of the One and the Exclusion of the Good in Meister Eckhart

contributor:
Department of Classics
Master of Arts
Dr. Eli Diamond
Dr. Eli Diamond
Dr. Michael Fournier
Dr. Wayne Hankey
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Meister Eckhart
Metaphysics of the transcendentals
Neoplatonism
Rhineland mysticism
Trinitarian theology ca. 1250- ca. 1300
Medieval philosophy

abstract:
Meister Eckhart exhibits an unprecedented confidence in the transcendental way of thought in medieval philosophy. Eckhart, unlike his predecessors, identifies being as such (ens commune) and God, allowing the most primary determinations metaphysics – ‘being,’ ‘one,’ ‘true,’ ‘good,’ – to function as both metaphysical and theological first principles. Eckhart placed them at the head of his projected Tripartite Opus, a vast work of quaestiones and commentaries whose intelligibility, he insists, requires the prior foundation of a supposed series of a thousand axioms. The table of contents remains, the opus propositionum does not.

This thesis argues that what enables Eckhart to pursue the direct application of the transcendentals to the divine also makes it unrealizable. His determination of unity is twofold: as (i) indivisibility, and the standard transcendental conception of unity as a negation of the given positive content of being (ens); as (ii) indistinction, comprehending both the negation of otherness which produces the indivisible and the otherness that is negated. There is an inherent tension between Peripatetic metaphysics and Procline henology.

Consequently, the Good is devalued when the Procline One appears within the transcendental perspective. Metaphysics, theology and, a fortiori for Eckhart, ethics, take no consideration of Goodness. I show how this tension gives rise to Eckhart’s association of the divine essence with the Neoplatonic One, while the Peripatetic One and the transcendental “true” function as the explanans of the Trinitarian intellectual self-return. This, in turn, gives rise to the constitutive function of the imago dei, and every imago as such, within that self-relation. Ultimately, this produces a standpoint wherein every essence, only as idea, contains the divine uniform infinity.


title: The Distinction of Indistinction and Meister Eckhart's Way of Life

contributor:
Department of Classics
Master of Arts
Dr. Eli Diamond
Dr. Eli Diamond, Dr. Michael Fournier
Dr. Wayne J. Hankey
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Meister Eckhart, distinction, indistinction, ethics, practical activity, union, mysticism

abstract: This thesis investigates the role of practical activity in the union of the soul and God in Meister Eckhart. Since Eckhart’s attitude toward temporal works is highly inconsistent, the thesis begins by examining the complex and intimate relationship between God and the temporal order in Eckhart’s discussions of creation in principio. Next it considers the creation of man and how he, through the natural function of the intellect interacting with the created order, is transformed into the image of God. Finally it examines the relationship between the intellectual and practical acts and considers the possibility of a union between God and the soul which takes place in practical activity in Eckhart’s thought. Throughout, the thesis makes reference to Eckhart’s creative use of the term indistinctum (indistinct) and its Middle High German equivalents with respect to God, the soul, and the union between the two.


title: The cytotoxic effects of novel jadomycins in drug-sensitive and drug-resistant MCF7 breast cancer cells

contributor:
College of Pharmacy
Master of Science
Dr. Ryan Pelis
Dr. David Jakeman
Dr. Remigius Agu
Dr. David Jakeman
Dr. Kerry Goralski
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Multidrug Resistance, Metastatic Breast Cancer, ABC Transporter, Jadomycin

abstract: Multidrug resistance refers to the simultaneous resistance to structurally and mechanistically unrelated cytotoxic drugs. Chronic administration of cytotoxic drugs to patients with metastatic breast cancer results in the development of multidrug resistance, thus rendering chemotherapy unsuccessful. One mechanism by which multidrug resistance is conferred is the decreased intracellular drug accumulation due to the upregulation of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Jadomycins are polyketide-derived natural products produced by the soil actinomycetes Streptomyces venezuelae, ISP 5230. Jadomycins exhibit anticancer, antibacterial and antifungal activities. Pilot work in our laboratory demonstrated that jadomycin B exhibited similar cytotoxic effects in drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cancer cells. We hypothesize that jadomycins are poor substrates of ABCB1, ABCC1 and ABCG2 efflux transporters, and consequently will exhibit higher intracellular accumulation, which results in improved cytotoxic efficacy over existing chemotherapeutics that are rapidly effluxed by ABC transporters. Using methyltetrazolium (MTT) cell viability assays, the cytotoxic efficacy of nine jadomycin analogues (DNV, L, B, SPhG, F, W, S, T and N) in drug-sensitive and drug-resistant MCF7 breast cancer cells was evaluated. Jadomycin B, L, S and T were found to be equally toxic to drug-sensitive and drug-resistant ABCB1, ABCC1 or ABCG2-overexpressing MCF7 breast cancer cells. The inhibition of ABCB1, ABCC1 or ABCG2 efflux transporters with verapamil, MK-571 or ko143, respectively, did not significantly augment the cytotoxic effects of jadomycin DNV, L, B and S in drug-resistant MCF7 cells, suggesting that these jadomycins are poor substrates of the targeted transporter.  Furthermore, all nine jadomycin analogues did not increase the intracellular accumulation of ABCB1, ABCC1 or ABCG2 probe fluorescent substrates in HEK-293 cells, indicating that these jadomycins do not inhibit the efflux function of the transporters. We conclude that jadomycins B, L and S are effective agents in the eradication of resistant breast cancer cells grown in culture, and that the ability of specific jadomycins to retain cytotoxic efficacy in resistant cells stems from their limited interactions with ABCB1, ABCC1 or ABCG2 efflux transporters.


title: Rooting Occupation in Nature and Community: The Lived Experience of Community Based Ecological Farmers

contributor:
School of Occupational Therapy
Master of Science
Robin Stadnyk
Brenda Beagan
Robin Stadnyk, Heidi Lauckner
Received
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Occupational Science
Occupational Therapy
Farming
Organic Farming
Occupational Justice

abstract: A phenomenological study was undertaken to explore the lived experience of community based farmers using ecological farming practices.   These farmers support and are supported by their local communities through marketing their products directly to eaters and use farming practices that mimic and seek to enhance the vitality of natural systems and cycles on their farms.  Farmers’ experiences are characterised by hard work for little pay, engaging the fullness of human capacity, living in harmony, spirituality, and a socio-political awareness of food and farms in society.  Farmers’ experiences contribute to the development of concepts of doing, being, belonging and becoming, and have implications for concepts of occupational justice and occupational ecology.  Further study of other forms of occupation that promote engagement in dialogue with the natural world is encouraged in order to develop these concepts and help to integrate theories of justice, ecology, and occupation.


title: Radiographic Bone Quality Markers and Implant Migration: The Search for Patient-Specific Models of Knee Arthroplasty Longevity

contributor:
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Master of Applied Science
Edward Valstar
Sarah Wells
David Holdsworth
Mohamed Abdolell
Michael Dunbar, Daniel Boyd
Received
Not Applicable
Yes

subject: Joint replacement, bone quality, x-ray, radiograph, texture analysis, bone, DXA, BMD, bone microarchitecture, fractal analysis, bone mineral density

abstract:
The objective of this study was to examine the link between radiographic measures
of bone quality and total knee implant migration as measured by radiostereometric
analysis (RSA). Two uncemented total knee arthroplasty studies (n=65) with RSA
and bone mineral density (BMD) exams up to two years post surgery, and one study
with cemented total knees with one year RSA data (n=18) were examined. Radiograph
image texture analysis was used to characterize the bone microarchitecture,
and a feasibility study was conducted to determine if a given x-ray machine could
be used to obtain bone mineral density at the same time as the RSA exams.
Random ForestTM ensemble classification tree statistical models classified patients
into groups based on implant migration with a range of cut-points. Models
based on bone texture parameters measured from the two year radiographs had a
sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 80% when classifying patients who had more
than 0.3mm maximum total point motion (MTPM) at two years using the one year
exam as reference. Other cut-points were examined, with models generally having
a lower specificity if the acceptable migration was smaller, and lower sensitivity if
higher migrations were tolerable. In a predictive model, post-operative bone texture
could be used to create a model with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 80%
when predicting those subjects with cemented implants who went on to more than
0.4mm total migration by one year. Bone mineral density of the proximal tibia, as
determined by clinical scanners, was not found to increase the accuracy of implant
migration group classification.
An empirical fit to central regions of a purposed-built cross-wedge calibration
phantom returned residuals of less than ±1.5% for the bone-equivalent thicknesses.
The coefficient of variation of the region greyscale values in three images spread over
three days is under 4%, showing the stability of the system to hold a calibration
between phantom exams and patient scans. Scatter and dynamic range issues will
need to be considered for an accurate calibration across the full range of areal bone
mineral densities in the distal femur and proximal tibia.


title: Humanitarian Military Interventions in the Decade 1990-2000: Remodelling the Concepts of Impartiality and Political Independence.

contributor:
Department of Political Science
Master of Arts
Frank Harvey
David Black
Frank Harvey
Margaret Denike
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
humanitarian military interventions
Impartiality
Political independence
neutrality
national interests
humanitarian crisis

abstract: The concept of Humanitarian Military Interventions has become a core issue within the international community since the 1990s. Human rights violations carried out on a massive scale are no longer perceived as purely domestic concerns but are now recognized as a central concern of the international community. This study of four cases of HMI -Somalia, Rwanda, Haiti and East Timor- is intended to shed the light on two political factors that play a determining role in HMI: the national interests of the interveners and the level of neutrality of the operations. I argue that the level of success of HMI is highly dependent on the presence of national interests in the region for the interveners and a low level of neutrality. This thesis also reflects on the ongoing challenges facing the international community regarding the most efficient ways to address massive human rights violations and presents suggestions towards addressing them.


title: Homeless Bound: A Search for Digital Literacy within the Realm of Social Media

contributor: Master of Library and information Studies

contributor: Dr. Vivian Howard; Dr. DeNel Rehberg Sedo

abstract:
Social media usage trends within the homeless community are not well documented. To
date, few studies have examined how the poor navigate and/or build relationships in
online environments, and whether these activities provide opportunities for integration
into mainstream society. This study aims to fill the existing research gap by observing the
usage trends of the website Homeless Nation. The objective of this study was to examine
if the site aids in the development of a) digital literacy skills, b) information seeking
behaviours and/or c) relationships in online communities. The data show that the site
promotes relationships between the homeless community and mainstream society as well
as inclusive discussions about poverty that are extrospective in nature. These findings
contribute to the discussion of the digital divide, and provide insight into how social
media initiatives can prevent the further solidification of social roles that segregate
marginalized communities from mainstream society.


title: Determination of the Thermal Conductance of Thermal Interface Materials as a Function of Pressure Loading

contributor:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Master of Applied Science
George Jarjoura
Ya-Jun Pan
Darrel Doman
Dominic Groulx
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Yes

subject:
Thermal Interface Materials
Electronics Cooling
Materials Characterization
Heat Transfer

abstract:
This thesis presents an experimental apparatus and methodology for measuring the interface conductance of thermal interface materials (TIMs) as a function of clamping pressure.  The experimental apparatus is a steady state characterization device based on the basic premise presented in ASTM D5470 – 06.  The setup is designed to develop an approximately one dimensional heat transfer through a TIM sample which is held between two meter bars.  The temperature is measured along the meter bars using resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) and the temperature drop across the interface is extrapolated from these measurements and then used to calculate the conductance of the interface.
This setup and methodology was used to characterize six commercial TIMs at pressures ranging from 0.17-2.76 MPa (25-400 psi).  These TIMs included: Tgrease 880, Tflex 720, Tmate 2905c, Tpcm HP105, Cho-Therm 1671, and Cho-Therm T500.  The measured conductance values for the various tests ranged from 0.19 to 5.7 W/cm2K.
A three dimensional FEA model of the experimental setup was created in COMSOL Multiphysics 4.2a.  This model was compared to the experimental data for a single data point and showed good correlation with the measured temperatures and conductance value.


title: PROTECTING MINORITY SHAREHOLDERS IN CIVIL AND COMMON LAW SYSTEMS: CANADIAN, UKRAINIAN AND GERMAN EXAMPLES

contributor:
Faculty of Law
Master of Laws
Stephen Coughlan
Professor Geoffrey Loomer
Professor Michael Deturbide
Professor Sarah Bradley
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
shareholders
minority shareholders
minority
common law
civil law
corporate law
company law
comparative
law systems
Ukrainian law
German law
Canadian law
remedies
remedy
shareholders remedy
majority shareholders
right abuse
protecting minority shareholders
protection of the minority

abstract: This thesis analyses minority shareholder protection in common law and civil law systems. Principally, this is done by examining closely-held corporations created under Canadian, Ukrainian and German laws. It examines minority shareholder protection by critically analyzing voting and related rights, the right to information; withdrawal from the company, expulsion right, the dissolution of a company, derivative action and direct action. The thesis also summarizes problems in the civil law system that cannot be solved in favor of minority shareholders. In addition to the above-mentioned, it provides possible solutions to the problems of minority shareholder protection in the civil law system, that is, methods by which to increase protection for minority shareholders against the majority and/or directors. Specifically, it focuses on cumulative voting, common law director’s duties, derivative action and the oppression remedy. Moreover, this thesis analyzes the possibility of incorporating some institutions into civil law legislation and considers obstacles to implementing them.


title: PHASE CHANGE BEHAVIOUR OF LAURIC ACID IN A HORIZONTAL CYLINDRICAL LATENT HEAT ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM

contributor:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Master of Applied Science
Dr.  Yanjun Pan
Professor Michael J. Pegg
Professor Lukas Swan
Professor Dominic Groulx
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Latent heat energy storage system(LHESS)

subject: Lauric acid

subject: Heat transfer enhancement

abstract:
This work presents an experimental and numerical study of phase change behaviour in a horizontal cylindrical latent heat energy storage system (LHESS). Fins with two orientations, straight fins and angled fins, are added into the PCM to enhance heat transfer. The PCM used in this study is lauric acid which has desirable thermal properties for LHESS.

The experimental work concentrates on studying the heat transfer mechanism during phase change, impacts of the HTF inlet temperature and HTF flow rates. Moreover, heat transfer enhancement effectiveness of straight fins and angles fins is compared. Numerical model is simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics software package.

It is observed that conduction is the dominant heat transfer mechanism during the initial stage of charging, and natural convection plays a more important role afterwards. Conduction plays a major role during solidification. Complete melting time is affected by the HTF inlet temperature and HTF flow rates.


title: ENERGY EFFICIENT DATA COLLECTION SCHEME USING RENDEZVOUS POINTS AND MOBILE ACTOR IN WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS

contributor:
Department of Engineering Mathematics
Master of Science
William Phillips
Dr. William Phillips
Dr. Jacek Ilow
Dr. Nauman Aslam
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
WSNs
Wireless Sensor Networks
Engineering Mathematics
Computer Science
Internetworking
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Networks

abstract:
A Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a network composed of a large number of nodes
that sense, collect, transmit, and deliver data to where it is needed. Considering the
variety of applications, the varied efficiency of WSNs in different environments, and
their ability to interact with its surrounding, there are still many challenges to be met and
problems to be solved. Overcoming these challenges requires a protocol that is tasked
with providing and designing a system that is highly efficient, thus saving energy. In
WSNs with Mobile-Actors, the task is first to find an effective way to decrease the length
of the tour that the M-Actor follows for data gathering. Nonetheless, this short length
should be with a guarantee to access all nodes in the networks to collect the sensory data.
In this thesis, we propose a protocol that contributes to reducing energy consumption in
WSNs by decreasing the M-Actor path and by using Rendezvous Points (RPs) that are
distributed around the network. In addition, the proposed protocol increases the network
lifetime by consuming less energy in comparison with a similar protocol and offers
reasonable spending time for data collection. All of that with guarantee of offering an
access for all nodes inside the network to exchange their data with the M-Actors by the
suggested RP algorithm. One or more nodes can be represented by a single RP that
provide connectivity to all nodes in it wireless range. In case where more M-Actors are
used, less time is required for traversing the network for data gathering. It is shown in this
research the tour time can be reduced significantly by using more than one M-Actors.


title: Optimization of Dissolved Air Flotation for Drinking Water Treatment

contributor:
Department of Civil Engineering
Master of Applied Science
Dr. Lei Liu
Dr. Graham Gagnon
Dr. Rob Jamieson
Dr. Margaret Walsh
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject:
Drinking water treatment
Coagulation
Dissolved air flotation

abstract:
The use of dissolved air flotation (DAF) for drinking water treatment has steadily grown in popularity in Atlantic Canada for the treatment of low turbidity water supplies with high levels of algae or dissolved organic matter.  Runoff from high intensity rainfall events may cause a rapid increase in turbidity and dissolved organic matter in rivers and lakes used for drinking water.
A technical evaluation of a DAF water treatment plant (WTP) was conducted to determine the contributing factors to clearwell turbidity increases resulting from increased raw water turbidity and colour during intense rainfall and runoff events.  The effect of chemical and  operational factors on treatment of a low turbidity and colour water source as well as a high turbidity and colour water source were examined, including coagulant dose, coagulation pH, polyaluminum chloride (PACl) coagulant basicity and DAF recycle rate.
In response to deteriorating water quality, it was found that increased coagulant addition inadvertently caused the loss of coagulation pH control in a full-scale DAF WTP, resulting in potentially elevated dissolved aluminum residuals entering the clearwell.  This would have led to excessive aluminum hydroxide precipitation in the clearwell, and resulted in turbidity increases above the acceptable limit of 0.2 NTU.
Turbidity was found to be better removed, and dissolved aluminum residuals minimized, when coagulation pH was set to the pH of minimum aluminum solubility vs. a lower pH of 6.0 during bench-scale DAF testing.  A higher dose of coagulant was required to produce optimal removal of turbidity and dissolved organics at the pH of minimum solubility.  The difference in bench-scale DAF treatment performance was found to be minimal when comparing sulphated PACl coagulants with 50 and 70+ % basicity.  Charge analysis parameters zeta potential and streaming current were found to have a strong correlation in bench-scale testing, though the relationship between the two was affected by the coagulation pH.  The results suggest that utilizing streaming current for coagulant dose control at a full-scale WTP would be best accomplished by establishing a consistent relationship between raw water quality, pH and other factors with streaming current experimentally before relying streaming current targets for dose control.
 Equivalent or improved DAF efficacy for solid-liquid separation was found when the recycle rate was lowered from 12 to 6 % in bench-scale tests and 12 to 8% in full-scale tests.  The results suggested that maintaining an optimum air:solids ratio improved treatment performance, possibly by providing adequate bubble contact opportunities while minimizing excess shearing of the sludge blanket.

The most significant finding of this research was that maintaining the coagulation pH in WTPs utilizing PACl coagulants is of utmost importance during source water quality deterioration in order to optimize treatment performance as well as prevent excess dissolved and precipitated aluminum from entering a public drinking water supply.


title: Making Informed Consent Work in Nigerian Health Care

contributor:
Faculty of Law
Master of Laws
Joanna Erdman
Stephen Coughlan
Michael Hadskis
Elaine Gibson
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
No

subject: Informed Consent Nigerian Health Care

abstract: The thesis is the first part of a two part plan for operationalizing patient right in Nigeria

abstract: The notion of informed consent to medical treatment is a fundamental precept in law. It recognizes autonomy and the right to personal inviolability, irrespective of nationality, socio-economic situation and ideological orientation. A full realization of autonomy in the Nigerian legal system is severely constricted by sociological and cultural factors. Of particular concern is the impact of oppression which may arise from socialization, arbitrary disclosure practice by physicians, or as a result of legislative enactment. To remedy the elemental defects in the Nigerian Code of Medical Ethics, without addressing the impediments posed by the social environment from which a patient operates, will nuance informed consent in Nigerian health care but may not fully realize patient autonomy. A serious commitment to respecting patient autonomy may be realized through a collective effort of the State, the medical profession, the community, and patients in order to remove the impediments to full exercise of autonomy.


title: Hedging the Return on Equity and Firm Profit: Evidence from Canadian Oil and Gas Companies

contributor: Department of Mathematics & Statistics - Statistics Division

subject: Hedging, oil and gas, fully conditional specification, instrumental variable model, finite mixture of regression models

abstract: In this thesis, we analyse the relationship between the hedging activities and return on equity, and the relationship between profit on hedging and other factors. Fully conditional specification is used to impute the missing values. Instrumental variable estimation and finite mixture of regression models are then used to predict the return on equity and hedging gain. We find the instrumental variable estimation is better than the OLS estimation to deal with the hedging data since it eliminates the endogeneity. By finite mixture of regression models, we show that different firms have different hedging strategies, which cause different profits in hedging. We also find the companies with large total assets prefer to hedge.


title: Residential Battery Energy Storage Systems for Renewable Energy Integration and Peak Shaving

contributor:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Master of Applied Science
Timothy Little
Yajun Pan
Dominic Groulx
Lukas Swan
Not Applicable
Yes
Yes

subject:
Battery
Electricity Peak Shaving
Battery Model
Renewable Integration
Battery Selection

abstract: Renewable energy integration will become a significant issue as renewable penetration levels increase, and will require new generation support infrastructure; Energy storage provides one solution to this issue. Specifically, battery technologies offer a wide range of energy and power output abilities, making them ideal for a variety of integration applications. Distributed energy storage on distribution grids may be required in many areas of Canada where renewables will be installed. Peak shaving using distributed small (residential) energy storage can provide a reduction in peak loads and help renewable energy integration. To this end, a peak shaving model was developed for typical houses in several regions in Canada which provided sizing and performance results. An experimental battery bank and cycling apparatus was designed and constructed using these sizing results. This battery bank and cycling apparatus was then used to calibrate and validate a lithium iron phosphate battery energy storage system model.


title: Social Networking And The Employment Relationship: Is Your Boss Creeping Up On You?

contributor:
Faculty of Law
Master of Laws
Stephen Coughlan
Lorraine Lafferty
Bruce Archibald and Dianne Pothier
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Employment and Social Networking and Facebook and Privacy

abstract:
There are currently over 900 million Facebook users worldwide (and
counting). With increased use of social networking comes new concerns for
personal privacy and control of social networking information. More and
more, Facebook activity trickles its way into offline contexts, perhaps none
more so than the employment context. A new trend in the hiring process is
social networking background checks, where some employers go so far as to
request a candidate’s Facebook password. Not only this, but the frequency of
Facebook activity resulting in employment law disputes is increasing, and
has even been found to constitute sufficient grounds for discipline and
termination. This thesis examines the current privacy protection given to
social networking information in the context of the employment relationship,
highlights problems with the current legal landscape in this regard, and
offers an emerging theory, New Virtualism, as a conceptual basis for the
regulation of this issue going forward.


title: Staging Circular Suffering: Aboriginal Repertoires and Violence Against Women in Canada

contributor:
Department of English
Master of Arts
Dr. Elizabeth Edwards
Dr. Alice Brittan
Dr. Roberta Barker
Dr. Erin Wunker
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Violence, Aboriginal, First Nation, Women, Feminism, Affect, Theatre, Repertoire, Archive, Highway, Nolan, Clements, Canada

abstract:
This thesis begins with the claim that gendered violence continues to plague First Nations women and Aboriginal communities across Canada, despite national statistics that suggest improvement. Contemporary Native theatre attempts to counter systemic violence that oppress the Aboriginal peoples. Violence against women is especially prevalent when exploring First Nations realities, and the dramatic works examined illustrate how the rampancy of gendered violence both hinders and defines the lived realities of First Nations women in Canada.
Through the careful reading of Tomson Highway’s The Rez Sisters, Yvette Nolan’s Annie Mae’s Movement, and Marie Clements’s The Unnatural and Accidental Women this thesis contends that Native theatre is an affective tool for promoting social change. Through witnessing and testifying, seeking spiritual and cultural fulfillment, and exploring the potentialities of what I call the Aboriginal repertoire, First Nations women and Canada as a nation may take the next steps toward individual and communal wellness.


title: FORESTS FULL OF BEASTS: ARISTOTELIAN ANALYSES OF ANTINOMIAN MADNESS IN 'KING LEAR' AND 'TIMON OF ATHENS'

contributor:
Department of English
Master of Arts
Dr. Alice Brittan
Dr. Ron Huebert
Dr. Lyn Bennett
Dr. John Baxter
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: madness shakespeare aristotle timon lear ethics politics poetics excess society plot unity beast

abstract: "Forests Full of Beasts" analyzes late-Shakespearean thought as represented in "Timon of Athens" and "King Lear," focusing on expressions of madness. Applying an Aristotelian framework, each chapter examines the two plays through a different lens, applying the "Nicomachean Ethics," "Politics" and "Poetics" in turn. Looking at these plays through the "Ethic"s shows that Timon and Lear miss the mark of happiness through excessive action, and their madness is therefore construed as deliberately maintaining unsustainable behaviour. The Politics foregrounds humanity's social nature, and it is in their rejection of society's provisions and friendship that Timon and Lear are seen to be most mad. Following the Poetics' prioritization of plot, both plays are analyzed in terms of the unified whole, and their madness is seen as seamlessly interwoven with the overall action. The conclusion ties these analyses together, understanding Timon's and Lear's madness as the deliberate choice to pursue excessive, antisocial behaviour.


title: The Impacts of Reflective Practices on the Dispositions for Critical Thinking in Undergraduate Courses

contributor: Dr. David Kahane (University of Alberta, Edmonton)

contributor: Dr. John Lovas (DAL), Dr. Charles Beaupre (SMU)

contributor: Dr. K. Lynn Taylor (University of Calgary), Dr. Jack Duffy (DAL)

subject: Critical thinking, critical thinking dispositions, reflexive disposition, reflexive methodology, reflective practices, reflective interaction, contemplative pedagogy, contemplation, contemplative practices, mindfulness, meditation, grounded theory, constructivist grounded theory, grounded theory methods, felt sense, student engagement, phenomenological research methods, mixed methods

abstract: This thesis presents primary research on the impacts of mindfulness applied to introspective and interactive learning activities in undergraduate university courses.

abstract: The primary objective of this research was to determine if a specific set of reflective practices enhance university undergraduate students’ abilities to: 1) reflect on their thinking processes to become more aware of their own intellectual habits and how they form; 2) inquire with open-minded curiosity, including suspension of assumptions long enough for them to be challenged; and 3) generate justifiable, contextual understandings and judgments, individually and in collaboration. “Reflective practices” refers to a specific set of reflective learning activities introduced to undergraduates in two courses: mindfulness practice extended into journal writing, listening, inquiry and dialogue.  The purpose of the reflective practices in this research was to support independent, critical thinking: well-reasoned, evaluative judgments based on evidence, contextual understanding, and respect for others. Students were instructed in both individual, introspective activity as well as in paired and group interaction while preserving a degree of mindfulness. Indicators of the dispositions for critical thinking were developed using grounded theory methods to study students’ experiences, as well as those dispositions previously identified in the research literature. Qualitative results showed increased self-confidence, engagement with multiple points of view, and an unexpected sense of connectedness that was stronger between students who disagreed with each other than between students who found easy agreement in their interaction. Quantitative results showed statistically significant gains in the average number of indicators of critical thinking dispositions appearing in student journals comparing week 1 to week 11. There was also positive correlation between final essay exam scores graded for critical thinking skills and the total number of indicators found in students’ journals.


title: Investigation of Antifreeze Protein Activity in Blue Mussels and Amyloid-Like Transition in a Predominant Winter Flounder Serum Antifreeze Protein

contributor: Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

subject:
Antifreeze protein
AFP
Pseudopleuronectes americanus
Mytilus edulis
Amyloid
WflAFP-6
Mussels
Winter flounder

abstract: The study of marine antifreeze proteins has provided new findings.  The blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) was known to have antifreeze activity; however, the antifreeze protein or other molecule responsible has never been characterized. Activity was evident in mussels from each of the Maritime provinces, Canada.  The antifreeze molecule was shown to alter ice crystal morphology.  It functioned over a wide range of pH values and it showed protease resistance.  Nonetheless, its purification was not achieved. A winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) ?-helical antifreeze protein, wflAFP6, has been shown to form amyloid-like fibrils during freezing. Separation of different aspects of the freezing process demonstrated that equilibrium freezing with an ice template is necessary for conversion of the wflAFP6 to the amyloid-like conformation.  Amyloid-like conformation was determined by dye binding and electron microscopy.  The effects of wflAFP6 concentration and solution properties were determined in order to better understand the process of conversion.


title: IMPACTS OF BIOFUELS PRODUCTION ON FOOD INDUSTRY IN THE  PRAIRIE REGION OF CANADA

contributor:
Department of Economics
Master of Arts
Melvin Cross
Kuan Xu; Melvin Cross
Stephen Clark
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Revenue function, distance function, cointegration, morishima elasticity

abstract: On the Canadian Prairies, canola is a main source for biodiesel production and wheat is the primary feedstock for bioethanol production. To raise biofuel production requires a movement of resources and land away from food and grain crops, which would cause food to become scarcer and increase its price. This paper determines the impact of more biofuels production on the food industry. It considers the simultaneous estimation of share equations from both revenue function and distance function. Econometric results exploit the non-stationary nature of the data and the correlations among shares between primal and dual models are exploited by cointegration techniques. Johansen’s maximum likelihood estimator is applied to 1971-2007 data from Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Morishima elasticity estimates indicate high long run substitutions among crops (wheat, feed grains and canola). A rise in the production of biofuel crops could cause food prices to increase, both for meat and bread.


title: Toward a Theory of Collective Resentment

contributor:
Department of Philosophy
Master of Arts
Michael Hymers
Chike Jeffers
Kirstin Borgerson
Duncan MacIntosh
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Resentment, moral emotions, philosophy, indigenous Canadians, settler Canadians

abstract: The purpose of this project is to develop a theory of collective resentment. Collective resentment, on my view, is resentment that is felt and expressed by individuals in response to a perceived threat to a collective to which they belong. This is particularly important for understanding resentments that arise from social vulnerability, resentments which are often about membership within a particular social group. In this thesis, I develop my theory of collective resentment and apply it to understand the resentments of indigenous and settler Canadians in response to the Indian Residential Schools. I then explore the relationship between resentment and different kinds of responsibility, including the responsibility to relinquish inappropriate resentment and the responsibility to give resentments uptake. I conclude that focusing on the resentments that persist in indigenous-settler relations, and specifically the collective resentments that dominate the political landscape, brings us a lot further in understanding how to move from hostility and hopelessness toward peaceful coexistence.


title: THE EFFECT OF WORT BOIL TIME AND TRUB ON BARLEY MALT FERMENTABILITY THROUGH THE MINIATURE FERMENTATION METHOD

contributor: Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science

subject: Wort, Boil, Trub, Fermentability, Miniature Fermentation

abstract: The basic aim of barley malt breeders and maltsters is to produce malt with optimum fermentability levels. The purpose of this research was to understand and evaluate the effect of wort boiling and autoclaving at varying time periods (30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min) on malt fermentability. The effect of trub content was also analyzed.  Small-scale fermentations were carried out using a ‘Control malt’ and a standard SMA yeast strain. The Apparent Degree of Fermentability (ADF), Turbidity (absorbance at 600nm), and Density (oPlato) were measured at specific time intervals over three day fermentation period and non-linearly modeled. From the results obtained, we suggest that heat treating wort with or without trub, (at 100°C, 121.1°C) for a range of times results in significant decline in the ADF (p<0.05). Free amino nitrogen levels of wort declined significantly with respect to both increase in wort boiling temperature and intervals (p<0.001).


title: Obesity, Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis, and Knee Joint Dynamics

contributor: Dr. Janie Astephen Wilson and Dr. Michael Dunbar

subject: Obesity Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis Joint Dynamics Gait Analysis Principal Component Analysis

abstract: Obesity is a highly cited risk factor for knee osteoarthritis (OA) associated with increased risk of development of OA and accelerated disease progression. Rates of obesity are increasing internationally, and while obesity is well established as a risk factor, the precise role of obesity in knee OA pathogenesis and progression is not as clearly understood. Mechanical loading has been implicated as an important factor in knee OA initiation and progression.  The purpose of this thesis was to further examine the roles of moderate knee OA disease presence and obesity on knee joint mechanics during gait, and to characterize their mechanical interaction. Two methods have been applied. First, principal component analysis has been applied to resultant waveforms from gait analysis and second, a sagittal plane joint contact force model has been applied.   Using both methods, statistical differences in biomechanical loading has been associated with obesity, moderate knee OA, and their interaction.


title: THE REDUCTION KINETICS OF IRON OXIDE ORE BY METHANE FOR CHEMICAL-LOOPING COMBUSTION

subject: Reaction Kinetics Studies

abstract: Due to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, energy sources that release to the atmosphere smaller amounts of CO2 are of interest. Initially, all the efforts were focused on increasing the system efficiency, now more attention is being paid recently on capturing and sequestering CO2 from combustion process and eliminating discharge to the atmosphere from the major source points. In these circumstances, the chemical-looping combustion (CLC) is a promising concept that can be used in power generation which integrates power production and CO2 capture. The aim of this work is to study reaction kinetics of Chemical-Looping Combustion. In order to come up with a suitable reactor design we should have a good knowledge of the reaction kinetics happening in the air and fuel reactor; then, to get such an information as will be mentioned later, reactivity investigation was carried out in thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).


title: Using Zebrafish Xenotransplantation To Study Ewing's Sarcoma And Investigate The Role Of Y-Box Binding Protein 1 In Metastasis

contributor:
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Master of Science
Dr. Craig McCormick
Dr. Brent Johnston
Dr. Mark Bernstein
Dr. Graham Dellaire
Dr. Poul Sorensen
Dr. Jason Berman
Received
Not Applicable
Yes

subject:
Zebrafish
Xenotransplantation
Ewing's Sarcoma
Y-Box Binding Protein
Metastasis

abstract: The most unfavourable prognostic factor for Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) is the presence of metastases. To date, a viable cancer model for ES metastasis has not been developed. Models for ES are crucial to uncovering the key molecular mechanisms that are responsible for metastasis. Therefore, we developed a zebrafish xenotransplantation model to better visualize and manipulate ES behaviour in vivo. Human ES TC32 cells were fluorescently labeled with Cm-DiI, and microinjected into the yolk sac of two-day-old casper embryos. TC32 cells successfully engrafted, survived, proliferated and migrated over 144 hours post-injection (hpi). Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) is highly expressed in a variety of cancers and plays a key role in promoting breast cancer metastasis. In contrast to TC32 cells with regular levels of YB-1, xenografted YB-1 knockdown TC32 cells showed significantly reduced migration. These studies highlight the utility of the zebrafish xenograft model to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the metastatic behavior of ES and position this system as an in vivo tool for drug discovery to identify novel anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic agents to improve outcome in this disease.


title: WEB 2.0 BASED APPLICATIONS FOR ASTHMA/COPD PATIENTS; SOCIAL NETWORKING PLATFORM FOR SELF-MANAGEMENT VIA KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE

contributor:
Health Informatics
Master of Health Informatics
Dr. Raza Abidi
Christian Boluin
David Zitner
Swarna Weerasinghe
Received
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Social Networks Analysis

abstract: The world-wide-web has become a popular medium for health-related information exchange. New tools in Web 2.0 allow dynamic, disease-specific discussions. The impact on self-care and healthcare-related decisions merit academic focus and recognition. Our goal of this thesis is to assess the extent to which online social media are useful as information diffusion and knowledge exchange media, as guided by Asthma and COPD Action Plan recommendations. In this work, text data collected from online discussion forums were mined using syntax classification components of Symptoms and Actions. Coded text data were mapped to SNOMED-CT, UMLS, and Consumer Health Vocabulary to match clinical data terminology standards specified by the action plan. Those mapped data were converted into meta-matrix data for online group social networks and statistical analysis. The data analyses supported the hypothesis that unguided social media information exchange is congruent with two out of eight symptoms and actions. Results lead to the conclusion that health professional mediation is recommended.


title: Nanophotonic Silicon Electro-Optic Switch

contributor: Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering

contributor: Dr. Zhizhang Chen, Dr. Srinivas Sampalli

subject: Nanophotonics, Silicon, Electro-Optic Switch, Photonic Crystals, Kerr Effect

abstract: The design procedure for ultrafast silicon electro-optic switches using photonic crystals in order optimize the operation of the electro-optic switch is presented. The material medium selected for propagation of the optical signal through the switch is silicon nanocrystals in silica. A patterned slot waveguide with one-dimensional photonic crystals is proposed as the preferred slow light waveguide to be used in the design of the electro-optic switch. The ultrafast quadratic electro-optic Kerr effect is the physical effect utilized, and its analysis for slot waveguides is discussed. The optical structure analysis of the electro-optic switch using a ring resonator is presented and it is shown that the use of a slow light waveguide in the ring resonator can reduce the required externally applied electric field and the radius of the ring resonator.


title: TIME TRENDS IN THE ASSOCIATIONS OF RELIGIOUSNESS AND

contributor: Department of Community Health & Epidemiology

subject: Religion, depression, time trends, epidemiology

abstract:
Objective: To estimate the associations between measures of religiousness and depression
and to determine if these associations have changed over the period 1952 to 1992.
Methods: Data were drawn from 2,398 individuals from the 1952 and 1992 cross
sectional surveys of the Stirling County Study as a means of studying time trends. For this
thesis, questions about frequency of religious worship attendance, frequency of saying
grace, religious importance were employed to develop a scale of secularism. The individual
questions and the scale were analyzed in terms of the prevalence of depression at each time
point. Logistic regression was used to determine associations of depression with religion
variables, adjusted for demographic and other covariates.
Results: Individuals who attended religious services weekly were over two times less
likely to meet criteria for depression than infrequent attenders and this relationship did not
change over time. Associations between religious attendance and depression were stronger
among women and the medically healthy compared to men and those with a medical
condition. Being more secular was associated with higher odds of depression among
females.
Conclusions: Religious attendance has consistently been associated with lower
depression over a forty year period, irrespective of marked declines in population-level
religious behaviors. Associations between religiousness and depression may be stronger in
females than in males.


title: An Exploratory Investigation into Chemical Management Practices: A Case Study of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises within Nova Scotia

contributor: School of Resource & Environmental Studies

subject:
small and medium-sized enterprises
SME
chemical management
information dissemination
Nova Scotia
environmental performance

abstract: Chemical pollution has become an environmental and human health concern.  Small and medium-sized enterprises are becoming the focus of environmental researchers, as they have been found to collectively contribute a significant amount of the pollution due to improperly managed chemicals.  This case study of Nova Scotia small and medium-sized enterprises aimed to collect baseline information regarding environmental and chemical management including what positive practices were in place, what areas required more assistance, what information is being requested and who should be the focus of information programs.  Results indicated that there is significant room for improvement in both the environmental and chemical management practices of small and medium-sized enterprises, even though participants indicated they were employing responsible practices.  Participants were however, able to provide multiple suggestions regarding information they require in order to improve their business operations  and environmental performance, thereby indicating they are aware improvements are needed.


title: Impact of Oasis® Supplement and Lysozyme on Incidence of Early Mortality, Digestive System Development, Growth Performance and Behaviour of Turkey Poults with Delayed Access to Feed and Water

contributor:
No department selected
Master of Science
Dr. Luis Bate
Dr. Dian Patterson
Dr. Bruce Rathgeber
Dr. Derek Anderson
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable

subject: Poult, Early Mortality, Oasis, Lysozyme, Growth Performance, Histology, Behaviour, Transport

abstract: Dietary supplements were provided during 24 hour transport from hatchery and growth of turkeys in two trials. Female poults (768 and 825 respectively) were used in two 3 x 4 factorial analyses (transportation supplement x post placement supplement) with treatment provided during transport (no supplement, Oasis® and Oasis® + lysozyme (0.01%)) and as dietary supplements post-placement (no supplement, Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (BMD)(ANTI), lysozyme (LYS), BMD + lysozyme (AL)) as the main effects. Growth, incidence of mortality, gastrointestinal size, strength and histology and behavioural data was collected. Transport supplementation of poults did not improve growth or reduce mortality, but influenced early feeding and drinking behaviour at placement. Body weight and feed consumption increased and percent mortality decreased for birds fed AL. Gizzard and proventriculus weight increased when birds consumed ANTI and jejunal breaking strength was highest for birds consuming LYS. Villi morphology and bird behaviour were not affected by dietary supplementation.