title: The paleoecology of paleoproterozoic microbial communities in the Ferriman Group, Labrador Trough, Canada

contributor:
Edwards, Cole Tyler (author)
(Pufahl, Peir K.) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2010

abstract: Chert and iron formation from the Ferriman Group (ca. 1.88 Ga) of the Labrador  Trough, Canada, contain an exceptional assemblage of fossil bacteria and biofilms.  Analysis of lithofacies in a well-defined stratigraphic framework suggests that these  microbes were restricted to suboxic, shallow-water environments through three sea level  cycles. Microfossils are preserved as chert and sedimentary apatite (francolite) in  hematite-rich, peritidal facies. Morphologies include sphere- and filament-shaped  bacteria, however, filamentous forms are the most common. Secondary electron imaging  of freshly broken surfaces shows filaments are similar in size and shape to modern  bacteria; filaments vary between 0.5 and 5 μm wide and reach tens of μm in length.  They commonly envelop chert and iron oxide grains, which stabilized the seafloor and  contributed to firm- and hardground development. The filamentous morphology, similar  mat-forming behavior, and paleoenvironmental conditions where these fossils lived  closely resemble traits of modern Fe-oxidizing bacteria such as Gallionella and  Leptothrix. The close association between these fossil microbes and iron oxides within  the Ferriman Group support the widely held view that Fe-oxidizing bacteria may have  aided the precipitation of iron formation. These data, however, also suggest that such  benthic bacterial precipitation was likely environment specific, occurring in shallow  settings concomitant with abiotic precipitation processes. Approaches used in this study  are timely and may prove useful in the search for evidence of extraterrestrial life on  celestial bodies that once had environmental conditions similar to those of Earth, such as  Mars, which has captured the public’s attention and led to a major global research effort.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Paleolimnological records of post-glacial lake and wetland evolution from the Isthmus of Chignecto region, eastern Canada

type: Text Dissertation/Thesis

contributor:
White, Hilary (author)
(O'Driscoll, Nelson) (Thesis advisor)
(Spooner, Ian) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

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

subject: LE3 .A278 2012

abstract: The Isthmus of Chignecto on the New Brunswick - Nova Scotia border is the  location of the Tantramar, Missaguash, and Amherst Marshes, which together form a  large coastal wetland system that has been the focus of much ecosystem research and  habitat modification even though little is known about the systems’ evolution. In this  study, lithostratigraphic and chemostratigraphic lake sediment records from three lakes  are used to provide a high resolution record of post-glacial environmental change for the  region.  Basal dates for the study lakes range from >10,000 cal. yr BP to < 4000 cal. yr  BP, indicating that each lake provides a unique story on landscape and salt marsh  evolution. Lake sediment stratigraphy indicates rapid fluctuations in lake productivity.  Chemostratigraphic proxies indicate fluctuating salinity and oxygen levels in two of the  three lakes and show that multiple saltwater incursions likely occurred. Analyses of  metals indicate anomalously high pre-historic concentrations of Pb and Hg (8 ppm and  870 ppb respectively). Historic concentrations of Pb and Hg provide evidence for  significant atmospheric deposition from industrialization and anthropogenic sources.  Collectively, these data suggest that a sophisticated model is required to  adequately explain the physical evolution of this extensive wetland system. Periods of  sustained saltwater influx into freshwater systems were likely a fundamental driver of  systems change. Additionally, both anthropogenic and natural disturbances of the lakes  and wetlands have the potential to increase the bioavailability of contaminants.  Management of these wetlands must take into account the sensitivity of the wetland  system to environmental disturbance.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Marriage as a model for relationships within the church?: An exploration of Ephesians 5:21-33 in its first-century and New Testament contexts

contributor:
Mack, Andrew M. (author)
(Evans, Craig) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2012

abstract: A fundamental tenet of Christianity is that our harmonious relationship with God and  others was damaged as a result of the fall of humankind, as described in Genesis 3. The  majority of the biblical text is composed of descriptions and discussion of the effects of  this fall and of God’s plan to reconcile us to Himself and others. Jesus Christ’s death on  the cross, coupled with the subsequent empowerment of His Holy Spirit in the lives of  believers, has permitted the reconciliation and renewal of both our relationship with God  and with others, by the grace of God. The New Testament contains numerous  exhortations as to how we, as Christ-followers, new creatures in Christ, are to love and  interact with one another, yet many Christians struggle to have loving, flourishing  relationships with other Christians, a situation which diminishes the rewards of their life  in Christ and works to the detriment of the ethos and mission of the church. At the cross  of Christ, we are reconciled to God and given the ministry of reconciliation. We must  therefore avail ourselves of every possible instrument that can encourage and empower  loving and flourishing relationships within the body of Christ. One such “instrument” is  the pericope at Ephesians 5:21–33.  Ephesians 5:21–33 is integral to the series of instructions in the New Testament that  scholars call “household codes” (German: Haustafeln, lit. “House Tables”), and  interpretation of this passage varies widely—the characterization of Christian marriage,  leadership within it, and the roles of and expectations of husband and the wife likewise  vary. The true role and purpose of Christian marriage is—as a result of this variety of  opinion and the controversial nature of some of it—easily misconstrued by people inside  and outside the church. It is important that this and all other New Testament passages  describing marriage and defining the roles and expectations of husband and wife  envisioned for this loving, one-flesh union be well understood. In order to achieve such  an understanding, we must study their original cultural context and compare them to and  with one another. Such work will help us clarify the implications of this particular  pericope.  Our ability to witness to the reality of God’s offer, at the cross, of reconciliation  and of a restored relationship with Him and others is—at least in part—dependent on our  comprehension and appropriate application of scripture such as Eph 5:21–33 to Christian  marriage and family life. While interpreters dispute its implications, few would disagree  that it and other Haustafeln passages in the NT have strongly influenced the Christian  understanding of family. There is, however, little, if any, research into or discussion of  the relevance of this passage for loving relationships in the church, apart from marital  relationships. As a result, it is not clear whether such an interpretation of Eph 5:21–33  has sufficient biblical or theological integrity—i.e., can we really look to marriage as a  model for loving relationships within the contemporary church? Investigation of the  cultural context of the first century CE, and a critical exegesis of this pericope will, it is  hoped, begin to answer this question. Similarly, comparing the marital love described and  commanded in Eph 5:21–33 with other marital love passages will aid our study. Finally,  evaluating NT scripture for consistent themes and actions associated with loving others  will help in our search for a reliable, common understanding of how best to live out a life  of love.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: In their own words: A study examining AA and NA members' experiences of the 12-step self-help worldview

contributor:
Schreuders, Ann (author)
(Aston, Shaughney) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2012

abstract: This qualitative investigation explores worldview change in members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) via participants’ subjective experiences while learning and attempting to recover from alcohol and/or drug addiction(s) by following the 12-step self-help worldview on addiction(s) and recovery. A literature review revealed a lack of studies on worldview change in members of 12-step self-help programs, and subjective experiences of members of 12-step self-help programs, and it revealed a need for further qualitative studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms of change in12-step self-help programs. This study was designed using phenomenological methodology. Participants are four current members of AA and/or NA. The following themes were discovered in data obtained by in-depth interviews: interpretations of the disease concept of alcoholism/addiction(s), change in worldviews regarding a Higher Power, and change in perceptions about the programs. Results highlight the subjective nature of worldview interpretation and transformation in 12-step self-help programs. Results also reveal ambivalence in attitudes and beliefs on the nature and cause(s) of addiction(s), misperceptions about 12-step self-help meetings and about the role of religion in the programs, significant changes in beliefs in, and/or relationships with, Higher Powers, struggles to adopt components of the 12-step self-help worldview, and adaptations required for engagement in the programs. This study has implications for those working in health-related/helping professions, with current, former, or prospective members of 12-step self-help programs, as it uncovers the complex processes and factors involved in worldview change and engagement (or disengagement) in 12-step self-help programs. vii

abstract: Education


title: An analysis of context-sensitive neural networks

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

subject: LE3 .A278 2012

abstract: In previous work, Poirier and Silver introduced csMTL networks, and demonstrated  that these networks usually outperformed MTL networks for transfer learning. This  thesis extends their work.  Speci cally, we are interested in the reasons for csMTL's performance increases,  and the identi cation of characteristics that any learning algorithm must have in  order to take advantage of transfer from csMTL encoded data.  Through the experimental collection of two metrics during network training, we  provide insights on di erences between how transfer occurs in MTL and csMTL  networks and demonstrate that csMTL networks do not become representationally  equivalent to STL networks on the same domain of tasks.  We show that the e ective number of weights in a csMTL network is less than the  equivalent MTL network. Further to this, we show that the hidden node biases in  csMTL networks are unnecessary. We articulate how these  ndings partially explain  the improvement in predictive accuracy of csMTL networks over MTL networks.  Further, we demonstrate that removal of these biases can often improve the predictive  accuracy of learned networks.  Finally, we provide experimental evidence that, although transfer is dependent on  both learning method and task domain, learning methods with high VC Dimension  and which use latent variables (or hidden nodes) tend to perform well in transfer  learning settings using csMTL encoded data.

abstract: Computer Science


title: Values, community, work setting, and burnout in professionals providing treatment to sexual offender populations

contributor:
Hanrahan, Michael Thomas (author)
(Leiter, Michael) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2012

abstract: Limited research has suggested that support from others and differences in values may be related to negative consequences for professionals treating sexual offenders and that these consequences are worsened in some work settings. This study explored the potential for sense of community and values congruence at work to predict burnout among sexual offender treatment providers; and to determine if work setting influenced these variables. Members of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) completed an online survey assessing their sense of community and values congruence at work. Results indicated that sense of community and values congruence were significantly related to the respondents’ burnout in unique ways. Work life variables and burnout experiences were found to differ significantly between community based and institutional work settings. Observed differences in the relations between the community and values areas of work life and burnout based on work setting were not statistically significant.

abstract: Psychology


title: Occupy: Towards a consequential politics

contributor:
Amirault, Jenna R. (author)
(Sacouman, Jim) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2012

abstract: This research uses the Occupy Movement in Canada and the United States as a springboard to discuss contemporary political struggle in the minority world. Drawing on the experiences of past social movements and the current struggle by Occupy activists, the research discusses the limitations of reformist, non-hierarchical, and prefigurative strategies within contemporary movements and asks how those who are exploited within capitalism can consciously and collectively push contemporary struggle in an anti-capitalist direction. Drawing on the writings of Marx, Engels and Lenin, the work examines how understandings of practice, the state and class politics continue to be central to the social justice agenda.

abstract: Sociology


title: Comparison of population reconstruction methods using age-at-harvest data and catch effort

contributor:
Ding, Jing (author)
(Zhang, Ying) (Thesis advisor)
(Cabilio, Paul) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2012

abstract: Hunting and trapping are long standing traditions in Nova Scotia. Harvest of furbear-ers  is regulated by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and  harvest data has been collected by the department since the 1980s. This practice has  resulted in a wealth of information, which can be used to gain information about the  populations of harvested species in the province. Aiming at providing wildlife man-agers  applicable population reconstruction approaches and improving data collection  for all harvested wildlife in the future, we considered Downing’s reconstruction (Down-ing,  1980), catch effort approaches (Seber, 1973; Paloheimo, 1980; Dupont, 1983), and  the Leslie matrix model (Caswell, 2001). In this thesis, background information and  methodologies were described, computer simulations were utilized to evaluate the  performances of methods, and model implementations were illustrated using a real  furbearer harvest dataset (Skalski, 2011). Our simulation results indicate that Down-ing’s  reconstruction is suitable only for estimating the population growth rate, while  the linear catch effort method is suitable only for estimating the catchability coeffi-cient.  The Leslie matrix model can be utilized for population reconstruction only if  the initial population sizes are reconstructed accurately and exact survival rates and  fecundity rates are available. Finally the stochastic catch effort method appears to  be the most effective method overall that can be applied by wildlife managers.

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics


title: Political language: Exploring societal discontent through the works of Merleau-Ponty and Rousseau

contributor:
Ledgerwood, Graham B. (author)
(Biro, Andrew) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2012

abstract: This thesis focuses on Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s and Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s writings concerning individual-collective conflict—or societal discontent. Exploring their shared interest in language—as means of reconciling individualism with social unity—the second chapter explores perception, individual experience and, more generally, the foundational components of language that allow individuals to interact socially. The third chapter examines the way in which linguistic expression becomes, for both theorists, a socio-political utopianism as they attempt to marshal the unifying social potential within language. Building on this insight, the fourth chapter returns to the issue of societal discontent, highlighting the socio-political realities to which both theorists are attempting to respond. Finally, in the conclusion, it is argued that although neither theorist succeeds in reconciling their linguistic ideal with the problems they have identified, this failure reveals a politics of language—operating through both direct oppression and indirect repression—that has become implicated in societal discontent.

abstract: Politics


title: Anxiety and art: Representations and reflections

contributor:
Jones, Sara-Lynne (author)
(Robinson, Beth) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2012

abstract: This study explores the relationship between anxiety and art through personal visual art representations and reflections. It is the journey and story of one person’s experience with anxiety: my experience. The autoethnographic representation of my experiences with anxiety will allow readers the opportunity to explore with me the creative process and how creating art helps me accept and cope with my anxiety. This exploration will help to positively influence and strengthen my professional counselling work with individuals who are dealing with anxiety. In addition, in accompanying me on my journey and reflecting on their own and others’ experiences with anxiety, this study may prepare counsellors, educators, researchers, family, friends, and the community at large to better support people with anxiety.

abstract: Education


title: Dangling the carrot: Teachers’ experiences and practices integrating assistive technology in the upper elementary classroom

contributor:
Burgess, Denise (author)
(Aylward, M. Lynn) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2012

abstract: The aim of the study was to examine the experiences and practices of upper elementary  teachers using assistive technology for their students with Learning Disabilities in the  classroom. Data for this study was generated through observations and interviews with  five teachers, all employed with the District 7 School Board in Nova Scotia. Four themes  emerged from the data. These include the use of assistive technology for fostering  independence, its use as a literacy practice, the role of professional collaboration in  implementation of assistive technology and questions regarding its sustainability. There  are several implications of the findings. There is a need for educators to become more  familiar with Universal Design for Learning framework as a method for planning. Also,  to use assistive technology in the classroom, additional resources and supports need to be  put in place. Finally, the definition of literacy needs to be re-examined at a provincial  level to reflect the various ways possible to achieve literacy.

abstract: Education


title: Object-based land-cover classification of Sable Island, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Muise, Allison Margaret (author)
(Colville, David) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2012

abstract: Sable Island, Nova Scotia is a unique sand dune 283 km southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Home to several species at risk, the Island is held together by wind, currents, and, most importantly, a delicate layer of vegetation. Monitoring the Island’s land-cover has been recommended as part of the conservation strategy for Sable Island (Beson, 1998).  Using object-based image analysis, a high-resolution land-cover dataset of Sable Island was created from aerial imagery and air-borne LiDAR. Using these datasets and eCognition 8.7 (Definiens, 2011) 11 land-cover classes (12 including the surrounding ocean) were identified and mapped, with an overall accuracy of 73.6%. This classification offers several improvements over the manual classification of the same datasets in that it is of higher resolution and identifies a greater number of land-cover classes.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: The emergence of the concept of resurrection in Judeo-Christian faith: A tradition-critical study

contributor:
Johnston, Jeremiah Jay (author)
(Evans, Craig) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2012

abstract: The German sage Franz Kafka was fond of saying, “The meaning of life is that it ends,”  and for most all too soon. Beliefs concerning death and the afterlife have been pondered  for centuries by those who claim faith and those who do not. For Jews and Christians,  resurrection faith emerged out of the shadows of Sheol. By the second century,  resurrection faith was under severe attack and became the focus of the new movement’s  apologetic.  The author has stood on the shoulders of many scholars and now introduces new  ideas, which he hopes will carry the resurrection conversation forward. It is the author’s  hope that this work will provide some answers and at the same time raise new questions  that will lead to further progress in this important area of inquiry.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: Jesus, the Jewish law, and the Gospel of Mark: A critical evaluation of a proposed early date for the composition of Mark

contributor:
Richards, Jesse Luke (author)
(Evans, Craig) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: In his 2004 dissertation, James Crossley argues that the Gospel of Mark should  not be dated later than the late 30s or early 40s. Such an early date for Mark’s gospel has  rarely been advanced by critical scholars. Most scholars place Mark somewhere between  65 and 75 CE, largely because of the eschatological discourse, which includes a  prediction of the destruction of the Jerusalem temple (Mark 13), and its actual destruction  in 70 and the events that preceded and followed. Crossley offers a critique of this  scholarly approach, concluding that there is no need to date Mark during the conflict or  after the destruction. Crossley argues for an early date based on how Jewish law is  understood in Mark.1 Crossley compares the portrayal of Jewish law in Mark with that of  Josephus, Philo, and other pre-70 Jewish sources, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and other  Second-Temple literature, and concludes that the similarities indicate an early date for the  gospel. Crossley’s thesis builds on the work of his doctoral supervisor, Maurice Casey,  who has argued that the Greek version of Mark depends on Aramaic sources written by a  Jew (or Jews) in Israel before 40 CE that portray Jesus as thoroughly Jewish and at home  in first-century Palestine.2 Like Casey, Crossley finds that the gospel of Mark is  thoroughly Jewish, and when compared with the Jewish law, its Jewish character sheds  light on the date of the composition of Mark.  Has Crossley succeeded in dating the Gospel of Mark to as early as the 40s? The  task of this paper is to examine Crossley’s work and reassess the implications of the  coherence between Mark’s understanding of the law and Jewish understanding of the  law. This thesis will not aim to provide a full scale treatment for dating Mark. That  project would require much more space. This thesis will assess Crossley’s proposal for  dating Mark in light of current scholarship. Chapter one will offer an assessment of  scholarly attempts to date the Gospel of Mark. Chapter two will provide an overview of  James Crossley’s new thesis. In chapter three a critique of Crossley’s thesis will be  presented. In chapter four a proposal for the meaning of the Jewish law in Mark will be  set forth. Finally, conclusions will be drawn and a summary provided.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: Faulty cognitions as mediators of the association between maladaptive relationships and emotional distress

contributor:
MacLean, Diana Victoria (author)
(Horvath, Peter) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Maladaptive relationships are a prevalent aspect of our society (Statistics Canada, 2006) and a difficult problem to treat in therapy (Bell, Goodman & Dutton, 2007). There is extensive research that suggests faulty cognitions have a role to play in both maladaptive relationships (Towns & Adams, 2000) and emotional distress (Beck, 2008). Research on maladaptive relationships has begun to explore the connection between remaining in an abusive relationship and emotional distress and how faulty cognitions may mediate that relationship (Calvete, Estevez & Corral, 2007). The present study examined how different faulty cognitions (measured as three types: general, intimate relationship and maladaptive relationship faulty cognitions) could mediate the association between being in a maladaptive relationship and emotional distress. It was hypothesized that specific, maladaptive relationship faulty cognitions would best mediate the relationship between being in a maladaptive relationship and emotional distress. A bootstrapping analysis indicated that only general and intimate relationship faulty cognitions mediated a relationship between maladaptive relationships and emotional distress. A supplementary analysis of how faulty cognitions mediated the relationship between emotional distress and maladaptive relationships was also conducted and revealed that only specific, abusive relationship faulty cognitions mediated the relationship between emotional distress and maladaptive relationships. This finding suggests that the specific type of faulty cognitions may be one of the main factors for why women remain in abusive relationships. Additional research regarding faulty cognitions and the type of maladaptive relationship experienced (e.g., abusive, unfaithful, no love, etc.) is warranted. Faulty Cognitions in Maladaptive Relationships

abstract: Psychology


title: Seeds of decolonial practice: An autoethnographic study of settlers working in Indigenous communities

contributor:
Fullerton, Meaghan E. (author)
(Lehr, Ron) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: This autoethnographic study explores the process of cultivating a culturally safe  and critically reflexive counselling practice in Indigenous contexts, an orientation that is  imperative for settlers to ethically work with Indigenous clients, families, and  communities. Any other approach risks subtly or overtly recreating experiences of  colonial violence, and eroding the therapeutic relationship. Honestly examining the  colonial legacy, deconstructing settler identity, learning to listen to other historical  narratives, questioning the historical myths of peaceful Indigenous-settler relations, and  unpacking the assumptions within them is challenging but essential for learning to work  within a culturally safe framework. Becoming unsettled is an emotionally evocative  experience; however, critically reflecting on discomforting emotions, reactions, and  experiences is an essential component of personal transformation. Settlers cannot  theoretically engage in decolonizing, rather, we must experience it first as individuals,  and then as ethically responsible citizens willing to challenge dominant cultural  narratives and help foster a more just society.

abstract: Education


title: Developing lay leaders in the Companions of the Cross parish context

contributor:
Hendriks, Randal Christian (author)
(Sumarah, John) (Thesis advisor)
(Committee member)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

format: electronic electronic

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: This  thesis  studies  the  development  of  lay  leadership  within  the  Companions  of  the  Cross  parish  context.  It  begins  with  a  study  of  the  theological  understanding  of  laity,  in  particular  through  the  documents  of  the  Second  Vatican  Council.  Movements  of  lay  leadership  development  after  the  Council  are  reviewed  as  well  as  the  establishment  of  the  Companions  of  the  Cross  Religious  Community.  Key  elements  of  a  leadership  development  strategy  are  proposed  in  light  of  research  from  focus  groups  of  Companions  of  the  Cross  clergy  and  laity.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: The influence of Clinical Pastoral Education on Christian seminarians in Hong Kong

contributor:
Chow, Mei Lan (author)
(Janzen, Carol Anne) (Thesis advisor)
(Committee member)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: The present study was set out to examine the changes in students who participated  in initial units of CPE in Hong Kong. Quantitative research, quasi-experiment was  used in this study. The Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSE) was used to measure the  self-esteem of subjects in both experimental (CPE students) and control groups  (non-CPE students). Also, the Counseling Self Estimate Inventory (CSE) was used  to measure the counseling skills of subjects. They are both self-rated checklists. Pre-and  post-test scores of both instruments were collected and analyzed. The end result  indicated that there was a significant increase in the RSE score in the experimental  group in the post-test whereas there were no significant changes in the control group.  And there was a significant increase in all four scales of CSE in the experimental  group in the post-test whereas there were no changes in the control group. The  major finding of this research was that after participation in an initial unit of CPE,  students showed improvement in self-esteem and counseling skills.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: Spiritual discernment as a foundation for congregational vitality

contributor:
Archibald, Timothy Fisher (author)
(Standish, N. Graham) (Thesis advisor)
(Committee member)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: In response to the steep decline in Canadian church vitality, and in light of the  emphasis on a prayerful approach in Christian history, the focus of this thesis is to  examine the hypothesis that if the leaders of a congregation undergo a process of  prayerfully discerning and articulating together God’s vision and purpose for it, the  congregation will become tangibly more vital.  A survey of both Old and New Testaments reveals four key components that are  necessary for biblical discernment: a desire to listen for God’s voice; a receptive heart to  hear and take it in; the will to respond and act on God’s will; and the ready self-surrender  of our gifts in community and service. At different historical periods in the  church, each of these four components were emphasized and developed. Core spiritual  practices of discernment in these four biblical areas were identified, observed in onsite  research at a growing Presbyterian ministry in Pennsylvania, and then adapted to design  the discernment process that was tested at Kings Church in Nova Scotia.  Quantitative and qualitative data from a spiritual vitality survey and two elder  focus groups indicated that, on average, elders grew in spiritual vitality by 39% following  the leadership discernment process. Men averaged a higher degree of spiritual growth  than women. New elders grew in vitality the most. The qualities of spiritual vitality that  grew the most were listening, flexibility/openness, faith and humility. Elders described  substantial deepening of relationships with God, with each other, and with others in the  congregation. The discernment process led to hearing a new vision of ministry for Kings  Church and increased spiritual vitality in the congregation as a whole.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: An expected improvement criterion for the global optimization of a noisy computer simulator

contributor:
Anand, Kanika (author)
(Ranjan, Pritam) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: A computer experiment is often used when physical experimentation is complex,  time consuming or expensive. In computer experiments, large computer codes  called computer simulators are written to represent numerical models of real phe-  nomena. Realistic simulators are often time consuming to run, and thus, we  approximate them with surrogate statistical models. In this thesis we consider  two surrogates, Gaussian process (GP) models and Bayesian Additive Regression  Trees (BART) models. Many simulators are deterministic, that is, re-running  the code with the same inputs gives identical results. Yet, it is well known that  many simulators often display numerical noise. Rather than lying on a smooth  curve, results appear to contain a random scatter about a smooth trend. In this  thesis, we focus on minimizing simulator output observed with noise. E cient  optimization of an expensive simulator is a challenging problem. Jones, Schonlau  & Welch (1998) proposed a merit based criterion called Expected Improvement  (EI) for carefully choosing points in a sequential mannner to identify the global  minimum of a deterministic simulator. Our objective is to compare the improve-  ment functions proposed by Picheny, Ginsbourger, Richet & Caplin (2013) and  Ranjan (2013) for global optimization of a noisy simulator. Four test functions are  used as simulators for performance comparison, and the EI optimization is done  either using a one-shot space- lling design or a genetic algorithm (GA).

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics


title: Phosphatic peritidal limestone of the Neoproterozoic Salitre Formation, Brazil, and Precambrian economic phosphorite

contributor:
Delisle, Renee Alayne (author)
(Pufahl, Peir K.) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: The Neoproterozoic Salitre Formation (ca. 610 Ma) of the Irecê Basin, Brazil, is a  1.2-km-thick succession of peritidal limestone and economic phosphorite that  accumulated on an unrimmed epeiric ramp. Lithofacies stacking patterns indicate  deposition occurred during a marine transgression punctuated by higher order  fluctuations in relative sea level that produced meter-scale, shallowing-upward peritidal  cycles. Cycle bases are formed of subtidal, cross-stratified grainstones and  hemispheroidal columnar stromatolite reefs. Phosphorite is restricted to the paleocoast  where columnar stromatolitic biostromes colonized expansive intertidal flats that  prograded over subtidal facies as accommodation filled. Aggradational and then  retrogradational stratal stacking of cycles indicates deposition occurred during the  transition from lowstand to transgressive conditions.  Phosphogenesis was restricted to the shore because stromatolitic biostromes  created the necessary solution and surface chemistries for phosphogenesis. Microbial  processes associated with stromatolitic growth actively store, release, and concentrate  phosphate to promote authigenic francolite precipitation. Also important were the sealing  effects of interbedded, fine-grained storm layers. Energetic subtidal environments where  stromatolitic patch reefs developed promoted recycling of P back to seawater, preventing  phosphogenesis. Petrographic and stable isotopic data (C, O) indicate that subsequent  hydrothermal alteration resulted in pervasive dolomitization and remobilization of P to  precipitate secondary phosphatic minerals and produce economic phosphorite. These  results suggest that the benthic P-cycle in the Neoproterozoic was more complex than  previously surmised and emphasize the multifaceted significance of microbial processes.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Facilitating sport for development by partnering organizational support and local coaches

contributor:
Budish, Joshua Samuel (author)
(Colton, John) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: This thesis examines the role of the local coach in sport for development (SFD)  through an organizational case study that highlights the controversial use of international  partnerships in educating local leaders in sport. The field of SFD is no longer emerging; it  has become a highly researched and critiqued genre of development practice. Sport has  been promoted as a new engine of development by international agencies, governments,  and sport organizations. Overviews, critiques, and case studies have popularized sport in  development rhetoric and discussed new, innovative, and contentious applications of  sport in development. This thesis contributes to that growing body of knowledge by  directing more specific attention to local Cameroonian sport coaches as facilitators of  community-based SFD through an organizational case study of the non-governmental  organization Coaches Across Continents (CAC).  The purpose of this thesis was to explore processes for effective collaboration  with local organizations in support of local coaches as facilitators of SFD practice. This  was accomplished through two stand-alone articles. The first is a qualitative case study of  CAC’s methodology. Their model lays emphasis on local partnerships and leadership  implemented through a ‘drop-in’ approach that controversially initiates dialogue to  develop the confidence and efficacy of local organizations and coaches to facilitate SFD  programmes. The second article is a more specific investigation of how local  Cameroonian coaches see themselves contributing to their communities through sport. It  follows their thoughts, experiences, and relationships with their community as the trusted  facilitators of Cameroon’s most beloved pastime, football.

abstract: Kinesiology


title: Apple cultivar preference in the European apple sawfly, Hoplocampa testudinea and the apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella

contributor: Burgart, Christopher Sean Frahcis (author)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: European apple sawfly Hoplocampa testudinea (Klug) and apple maggot fly Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) are economically important insect pests. Losses to apple crops caused by these insects’ damage can negatively affect growers and sustainability of crops. Eleven commercial and experimental apple cultivars were studied to examine preferences that apple sawfly and apple maggot fly exhibited among host plants. Preference among host plant cultivars and the mechanisms informing these preferences were determined via field surveys of adult visitation and larval infestation of apples, behavioural bioassays, and electrophysiological tests. Significant differences in visitation and infestation of hosts were observed by apple sawfly and apple maggot fly in each year of study. Apple sawfly preferred Zestar!, s23-06-153 and Pinova for visitation and oviposition, whereas apple maggot fly preferred Silken, Pinova and Zestar! for adult visitation and infestation. Observed cultivar preferences in each insect were supported via the results of Y-tube bioassays and through observations of olfactory insect responses via electroantennography and calcium imaging.

abstract: Biology


title: Apparent survival of two trans-equatorial migrant seabirds breeding in Canada

contributor:
Fife, Danielle T. (author)
(Mallory, Mark) (Thesis advisor)
(Shutler, Dave) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: Long-lived species, such as seabirds, typically have slow reproductive rates, so that even slight reductions in adult survival could lead to substantial population declines. Adult survival is therefore an important monitoring tool, used to assess health of seabird populations. Using Program MARK, I estimated annual apparent survival of adults of two seabird species breeding in Canada: Leach’s Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa), on Bon Portage Island, Nova Scotia; and Sabine’s Gull (Xema sabini) on Nasaruvaalik Island, Nunavut. In addition, I examined potential variables influencing adult survival for both species. For Leach’s Storm-Petrels, I found evidence of positive effects of VHF tag attachment; however, this was likely due to sampling bias and/or limited data. I also found preliminary evidence of Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) having negative effects, but further years of data are needed to improve confidence in this result. Regardless, adult survival of Leach’s Storm-Petrels at this colony was low compared to estimates for similar species (e.g., > 0.90 for many albatrosses and petrels), but similar to recent estimates for other Leach’s Storm-Petrel colonies in Atlantic Canada. For Sabine’s Gulls on Nasaruvaalik Island, survival was high and generally constant (0.90 ± 0.03). However, after combining data for that colony with data for a low Arctic colony, I detected an influence of anomalous climate conditions, with reduced survival in a year with a high, positive value for the Tropical Northern Hemisphere pattern. This is a teleconnection pattern that has anomalies centred over the Gulf of Alaska, Hudson Bay, and Mexico. For both species, additional data are needed from respective study sites to refine current estimates and to help identify and address factors that negatively affect their survival.

abstract: Biology


title: The effect of trauma-informed massage therapy on the long-term negative consequences of childhood sexual assault in males

contributor:
Campbell, Debbie (author)
(Lehr, Ron) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: Research on male childhood sexual abuse is sparse because, historically,  sexual activity involving boys was considered infrequent. However, in 2010, 12% of  sexual assault victims in Canada were males (Brennan, 2012). Field and colleagues  (1997) suggested including the body in the healing process given that it was the  object of abuse. The current research study explored how trauma-informed massage  therapy might affect the long-term negative consequences of childhood sexual abuse  on men. Participants were adult men who had experienced childhood sexual abuse  and were seeking counselling for the abuse. Narrative inquiry captured the richness  of the men’s experience of eight audio-recorded, one-hour massages, plus semi-structured  interviews. Thematic analysis revealed the following themes: the positive  impact trauma-informed therapy had on healing, dissociation and increased body  awareness, exploring misconceptions around touch in the quest for rekindled trust,  identity confusion, submissiveness, isolation, and blocked messages.  Keywords: childhood sexual abuse, males, massage therapy

abstract: Education


title: Breeding ground dispersal and fall migratory movements of Ipswich Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis princeps)

contributor:
Crysler, Zoe (author)
(Taylor, Phil) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: Tracking small migratory birds on their breeding grounds and during migration is  challenging. Breeding birds can be cryptic and may disperse long distances from nests,  while migrating birds cover large temporal and geographical scales. Here I use an  extensive automated digital telemetry array to assess and compare the breeding ground  dispersal behaviour of adult and juvenile Ipswich Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis  princeps) on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, and their subsequent fall migration along the  Atlantic seaboard. Adults had low post-breeding, pre-migratory dispersal rates while  juveniles made numerous broad scale movements dependent on approaching migration  initiation date and time of day. Inexperienced juveniles departed earlier than adults thus  relying on innate knowledge. Some juveniles appeared to take a distinctly different route,  reducing risk by avoiding crossing the Gulf of Maine. Adults took a more direct route,  and all birds appeared to increase the number of stopover events when open water was  encountered. This thesis contributes to avian research by filling a gap in knowledge of a  significant period in migratory birds life history.

abstract: Biology


title: Bridging the rift: The Cuban Revolution and the agrarian question in Marxism

contributor:
Romard, Ryan Matthew (author)
(Sacouman, Jim) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: This study aims to determine the relevance of the Cuban Revolution to thought and  practice on agriculture in Marxism by applying historical materialist analysis to the  existing body of literature on the agrarian question and the agrarian dimensions of the  Cuban Revolution. It is argued that an alternative approach to socialist agriculture  developed following the Cuban Revolution, particularly following the onset of the  Special Period. This alternative approach to socialist agriculture combines the principles  of socialist planned agriculture with: adoption of agroecological production; emphasis on  interlocking, co-operative forms of production; a world leading effort in urban  agriculture; a strong role for peasant farmers in national production. In conclusion, there  is sufficient evidence to suggest that such an approach to socialist agriculture holds great  potential for achieving the goals of socialist development, contributing  to development of  the productive forces in agriculture and socialist human development through agricultural  labour.

abstract: Sociology


title: Sedimentology and stratigraphy of Neoproterozoic peritidal phosphorite, Sete Lagoas Formation, Brazil: Implications for the evolution of the Precambrian phosphorus cycle

contributor: Drummond, Justin Barclay Rogers (author)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: The Neoproterozoic Sete Lagoas Formation (ca. 610 Ma) of central Brazil is a  succession of siltstone, limestone, and phosphorite representing deposition in an epeiric  sea. Lithofacies stacking patterns indicate deposition occurred during flooding of the São  Francisco Craton. Deposition of phosphorite occurred during a single sea-level cycle  punctuated by higher-order fluctuations in base level that produced three parasequences.  Resultant decameter-scale parasequences generally consist of a basal flooding surface  overlain by carbonate mudstone and wavy laminated siltstone that in turn grades into  flaser-bedded silty sandstone with phosphatic microbial laminites. Each aggradational  cycle is interpreted to record progradation of phosphatic intertidal flats over shallow  subtidal deposits as accommodation filled. The presence of beach facies, mudcracks,  absence of coarse terrigenous clastics, and the abundance of silt with fine, abraded quartz  grains indicate deposition occurred along an arid coastline dominated by aeolian input.  The shallow nature of phosphorite in the Sete Lagoas Formation suggests that  redox-controlled phosphogenic processes were restricted to nearshore environments. This  is unlike younger, larger Neoproterozoic-Phanerozoic phosphorites. These giant  phosphorites generally formed in distal shelf environments in association with coastal  upwelling. The increasing size of phosphatic deposits through the late Neoproterozoic is  interpreted to reflect the progressive oxygenation of the distal shelf and concomitant  expansion of phosphogenic environments. This change is interpreted to have  concentrated bioavailable P in distal benthic settings to produce the first true phosphorite  giants. Such concentration of P in marine sediment may have also been an important  factor for the evolution of multicellular animals.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Field relationships, petrology, and tectonic setting of Neoproterozoic plutonic rocks in the southern Cobequid Highlands, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Beresford, Vincent Paul (author)
(Barr, Sandra) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Geological mapping combined with U-Pb (zircon) dating and petrological work  have resulted in revised interpretations of Neoproterozoic plutonic rocks in the southern  Cobequid Highlands. The Frog Lake, Debert River, and McCallum Settlement plutons,  as well as the western part of the Gain Brook pluton, consist of the same three  components in varying proportions: dioritic rocks, tonalitic to granodioritic rocks, and  granitic rocks ranging from monzogranite to alkali-feldspar granite. Based on  petrographic and chemical characteristics, the dioritic rocks are comagmatic low-potassium  tholeiite suite showing Fe- and Ti-enrichment trends. The tonalitic,  granodioritic, and granitic rocks display similar chemical trends and constitute a  comagmatic calc-alkalic suite. Both the tholeiitic dioritic rocks and the calc-alkalic  intermediate to felsic rocks formed in a volcanic-arc setting, but lack of chemical  continuity between them indicates that they are not comagmatic. However, mingled  relationships and previously published and new U-Pb (zircon) ages indicate that they are  the same age and likely formed in the roots of the same volcanic arc at ca. 615-605 Ma.  Hence it is suggested that they be collectively renamed the Bass River plutonic suite. In  contrast, the Gunshot Brook pluton in the eastern Cobequid Highlands, although  apparently of similar age, displays petrological differences and is not included in the  suite. The older Economy River Orthogneiss is chemically distinct and likely part of the  previously identified ca. 750-730 Ma Mount Ephraim Plutonic Suite. The Bass River  plutonic suite is similar in age and chemical character to some plutons in the northern  Cobequid Highlands, Antigonish Highlands, and southeastern New England, and these  areas may have been originally together, forming a distinctive part of West Avalonia.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Nutrition and pesticide content of honey bee-collected pollen in the Maritime Provinces

contributor:
Colwell, Megan J. (author)
(Shutler, Dave) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are important commercial pollinators; however, North American honey bees have been suffering greater than normal overwintering losses since 2007. Contributing factors likely include a combination of pathogens, pesticides, and poor nutrition. I studied nutritional and pesticide status of commercial colonies in the Canadian Maritime Provinces. Honey bees collected a significantly higher proportion of pollen from apple flowers than from either blueberry or cranberry flowers. Honey bee-collected pollen from colonies in apples tended to have good nutrition and high pesticide richness, from blueberries had poor nutrition and high pesticide richness, from cranberries had good nutrition and low pesticide richness, and from uncultivated fields had poor nutrition and low pesticide richness. Floral surveys found the highest species richness in uncultivated fields, second most in cranberries, second least in apples, and least in blueberry sites. Results reveal differences among site types that could inform improved honey bee management.

abstract: Biology


title: Adorno's culture industry: The "thing" with commodifying creativity

contributor:
Herrington, Kristen (author)
(Biro, Andrew) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: The purpose of my thesis is to analyze Adorno’s predictions of the “Culture Industry” and  discover whether or not his observations in the mid-twentieth century remained prevalent in  contemporary society. Adorno witnessed the influences that capitalism imposed on North  American societies and expressed that this blanket nature limited autonomy and freedom of  expression in the arts and ultimately, our everyday lives.  I interviewed nine Halifax artists of varying backgrounds, achievements and  disciplines to gather their personal experiences with the culture industry. The interviews,  coupled with a literature review, shaped my conclusions.  The results showed that the majority of these Halifax artists were impacted by the  culture industry, demonstrating that mass social influence is both possible and present;  therefore, demonstrating Adorno’s predictions true. However, not all artists expressed that  their experience was necessarily negative or stifling, as Adorno argued, thus leaving room for  contemplation on his original theories.

abstract: Politics


title: Bayesian variable selection for time series regression, with application to waste water monitoring

contributor:
Roddis, Ian (author)
(Chipman, Hugh) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Waste water treatment facilities, owned and run by municipalities and industrial  entities, rely on biological agents to perform the bulk of the treatment work. The  bacterial agents are sensitive to numerous factors in their environment. This thesis  evaluates a speci c implementation of a Bayesian structural time series model with  covariates to build predictive models for bacterial health. The model uses stochastic  search variable selection (SSVS), assuming independent predictors when performing  its selection. A modi cation is made to the SSVS process to induce a dependence  structure on the covariates' inclusion, and its e ects are evaluated with respect to  MCMC convergence and predictive power.

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics


title: Searching for economic effects of user specified events based on topic modelling and event reference

contributor:
Jing, Qi (author)
(Zhang, Haiyi) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: Finding the relation between temporal events and economics is of crucial importance  to businesses and investors. This thesis proposes a systematic solution in order to  retrieve news articles of events as well as  nding the economic e ects of these events.  The system searches for news articles from a large collection of documents based  on user queries. An approach combining probabilistic topic models and statistical  language model is designed to retrieve the articles that the user speci ed. In this  way, the developed model reaches a balance between generality and speci city that  improves the retrieval performance to given user query.  In order to  nd the economic articles related to an user speci ed event, important  features are extracted from the event. Term frequency inverse document frequency  (TFIDF) and information gain theory are adopted for feature extraction. A new  method called normalized feature referencing is introduced to reference from the  event to the related economic articles. The experiment results show that the proposed  method has su cient capability for event reference.

abstract: Computer Science


title: The perfect storm: Using Pinard and Irving to explain the Canadian 2011 election "Orange Crush"

contributor:
Houston, Alexander Thomson (author)
(Alexander, Cynthia) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: This thesis compares and contrasts the conducive structural theory of Maurice Pinard and the leadership theory of John Allan Irving to determine what conditions were present and contributed to the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) success in the 2011 Canadian federal election. In this thesis I make the argument that the conducive structural theory of Maurice Pinard and the leadership theory of John Allan Irving, when used together, provide an effective analytical lens to identify the condition(s) necessary for the success of the NDP in the 2011 election that is otherwise not possible when either theory is used in isolation.

abstract: Politics


title: Effects of probiotics on symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults: A pilot study

contributor:
McConnell, Amber (author)
(Potter, Susan) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: The effects of probiotics on mental and physical health symptoms were examined in  adults using a double-blind, crossover design. Participants consumed a probiotic  (Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum) powder and a placebo powder,  each for five weeks, separated by a two-week wash-out period. One third of participants  were assigned to a wait-list control group during the first 5 weeks before beginning the  intervention phases. The mental and physical health measures were completed at the  beginning and end of each phase. Fifty-five participants completed the first intervention  phase and 49 also completed the second. Participants significantly improved on a  measure of overall mental health during the probiotic condition compared to the placebo  condition; however, there were no other differences between probiotic and placebo  conditions on the other measures. All groups (probiotic, placebo, and wait-list control)  showed improvements on measures of anxiety, depression, and gastrointestinal symptoms  across the study period regardless of condition.

abstract: Psychology


title: Population characteristics of Striped Bass  (Morone saxatilis, Walbaum 1792) in Minas Basin and patterns of acoustically detected movements within Minas Passage

contributor:
Broome, Jeremy E. (author)
(Redden, Anna) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: The Bay of Fundy (BoF) Striped Bass population, currently assessed as  Endangered by COSEWIC, is generally not well understood. Despite increased overall  research effort, the marine phase of the population has received limited investigation.  Two potential threats facing the population, an unmonitored recreational fishery and  encounter risk associated with testing of tidal in-stream energy conversion (TISEC)  devices, were investigated using creel survey, mark-recapture tagging, and acoustic  telemetry techniques. Recreational catch was dominated by 3-4 year olds (comprising  75% of the catch). Limited capture of bass of retainable size (≥68cm TL) resulted in high  rates of catch and release (>95%). Recaptures indicated a limited summer-fall  movement range, with evidence of site residency and inter-annual site fidelity. VEMCO  telemetry equipment experienced reductions in range and detection efficiency as  current speed increased. Current speed, tidal stage, tag power, and distance were  significant predictors of detection success. Of 80 acoustically tagged bass, 53 were  detected within Minas Passage; 26 were detected only within Minas Basin. Larger bass  (>55 cm TL) released from the Stewiacke River site were present within Minas Passage  and the FORCE site more regularly and at deeper depths (surface to >95m) than smaller  bass (<55 cm TL) tagged at Grand Pré. Future research should focus on Striped Bass  behaviour in the FORCE turbine test area, including their detection and evasion of TISEC  devices.

abstract: Biology


title: Domino approach to complex heterocycles

contributor:
Abdelkhalik, Ashraf M (author)
(Jha, Amitabh) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: In general, the work embodied in this thesis describes synthesis of two heterocyclic skeletons through a cascade approach. This work is a part of our work in devising new ways to generate novel quasisteroidal frameworks. Plausible mechanisms of the cascade process are proposed in both chapters.  The first chapter investigates an efficient, environmentally benign, transition-metal free, tandem, C–N and C–O bond formation reaction development for the synthesis of tricyclic 7-oxa-2-azatricyclo[7.4.0.02,6]trideca-1(9),10,12-trien-3-ones and their analogs from easily available starting materials, including the renewable levulinic acid, a keto acid. The reaction of keto acids with methyl chloroformate and variously substituted o-aminobenzyl alcohols using triethylamine as a base in toluene at room temperature gave good to excellent yields. This newly developed protocol was successfully used for synthesis of a variety of polycyclic 7-oxa-2-azatricyclo-[7.4.0.02,6]trideca-1(9),10,12-trien-3-ones and related compounds. The desired tricyclic structure is considered as the building block of several plant alkaloids with different biological activities.  The second chapter describes a concise method for synthesis of 14-azasteroid analogues with angular methyl group at C-13 of the steroidal nucleus. An interesting cascade reaction of arylacetylenes and N-(naphthalen-2-yl)pent-4-ynamides under gold(III)-catalysis to produce tetracyclic 12a-methyl-11-aryl-1,2-dihydrobenzo[f]pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolin-3(12aH)-ones has been developed. xvi  These tetracyclic compounds may be viewed as 14-azaestrogen analogs which would be employed in the development of selective estrogen receptor modulator for the treatment of breast cancer and osteoporosis.

abstract: Chemistry


title: Habitat and seasonal movements of the American lobster, Homarus americanus, in the Minas Basin and Minas Passage of the upper Bay of Fundy

contributor:
Morrison, Kaycee (author)
(Redden, Anna) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: This study examined American lobster (Homarus americanus) habitat and movements within Minas Basin and Minas Passage in advance of turbine installations at the FORCE test facility in Minas Passage, Bay of Fundy. Prior environmental assessment data, modeled current speeds and biogeophysical data from seafloor grab samples and seafloor video footage taken during the CCGS Hudson scientific cruise 2013-13 were used to prepare lobster habitat suitability maps for the Minas Basin, Minas Passage and Minas Channel. Although habitat quality varied spatially, most of the surveyed region represented good lobster habitat; less suitable areas were found with localized harsh conditions, e.g. scoured seafloor or high bottom drag. Vemco acoustic telemetry tags and VR2w receivers were used to track seasonal movements of lobster. Strategically deployed acoustic receivers were used to test the hypothesis that lobster move outward from Minas Basin through the FORCE test area in Minas Passage during late fall and inward in spring. A total of 125 adult lobsters were sourced from commercial catches in 2011 and 2012, fitted with Vemco acoustic transmitters and numbered disc tags, and released in Minas Basin. A total of 40-tagged lobsters (34 from 2011, 6 from 2012) were detected in Minas Passage, including FORCE and/or Minas Basin. More females than males were detected in Minas Passage; within both sexes, movement rates were variable. Although seasonal outward movement was detected for some lobsters, it appears that a portion of the population overwinters in Minas Basin. This conclusion is supported by two years of lobster tracking and interviews with six LFA 35 lobster fishers.

abstract: Biology


title: The movement of being: A major and minor literature of the body in political thought

contributor:
Foster, Adam (author)
(Whitehall, Geoffrey) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: In the tradition of philosophy, considerations of the political realm focus on and express a  concern for the individual subject, arguing that the individual's subjectivity is equated  with their body as a wholly rational and autonomous entity. This conception of the  individual body has gained traction through its presence in the history of political  thought, dating back to the philosophy of René Descartes and Thomas Hobbes and has  been dictated to be an ontology – that is, a philosophy of the fundamental nature of the  political that cannot be refuted. However, this ontology proves problematic when  considering the ways in which persons are moved, influenced, and changed by things  outside of what one might call the domain of their own control. Using the philosophy of  Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari, a critique is mounted against this dominant  philosophical tradition that offers a rescripting of the tradition of political philosophy that  articles the changing nature of subjectivity, and also offers a means of escaping the  dominance that forces us to think politically in certain ways.

abstract: Politics


title: The tides that bind: An ethnographic study of Black Rock, Kings County, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Aalders, Melody (author)
(Powers, Ann Marie) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2015

abstract: This is an ethnography of Black Rock, a community situated on the Bay of Fundy coast in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. This study focuses on the role of social capital in the rural community. The researcher was a member of this community and therefore conducted the study as a native researcher. Various methods were used to collect the data including: fieldwork, semi-structured interviews, archival work and participant observation. Theoretical approaches used include grounded theory, as well as concepts of community from Durkheim, Weber, Tönnies, Cohen. This investigation resulted in a clear depiction of the community’s history. Events and attitudes which caused past turmoil were found to be affecting the social capital of the community in present day. Social capital was identified as a driving force behind the community’s ability to persevere through the challenges it has faced and methods for maintaining and strengthen social capital were identified.

abstract: Sociology


title: Synthesis and characterization of ruthenium polypyridyl complexes for application in photodynamic therapy

contributor:
Spencer, Colin R. (author)
(McFarland, Sherri) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2011

abstract: Eighteen polypyridyl ruthenium complexes were synthesized and characterized to test their ability to be new photodynamic compounds (PDCs). Each compound bears oxazo- or imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline ligands with a varying R-group and 2,2-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline ancillary ligands. Biological tests were employed for the complexes to test the potential to be new PDCs, and included DNA photocleavage, DNA binding, and photocytotoxicity. Compounds containing thiophenes as the R-group showed significant DNA damage in the photocleavage assays as well as light toxicity and low dark toxicity in photocytotoxic assays. Compounds with 1,10-phenanthroline ancillary ligands generally showed more DNA photocleavage, unwinding, and binding compared to their 2,2’-bipyridine counterparts. Dinuclear compounds containing the bis(imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) bridging ligand exhibited the best results for high light toxicity and low dark toxicity, the strongest binding to DNA, and the most potency for DNA photocleavage. As such these compounds are promising candidates for new PDCs and warrant further investigations.

abstract: Biology


title: Capitalism as structural genocide and the socialist alternative

contributor:
Leech, Garry (author)
(Sacouman, Jim) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2011

abstract: This thesis will argue that structural violence is inherent in the internal logic of capital and, therefore, that it is a permanent feature of the capitalist system that occurs on a genocidal scale. Capital‘s internal logic forces it to expand to every corner of the globe and the resulting structural violence causes more than ten million deaths annually. Consequently, capitalism constitutes a class-based structural genocide that targets the poor and should not be viewed as a legitimate system under which to structure society. But capitalism is viewed as a legitimate social system by hundreds of millions of people due to the dominant hegemonic discourse of capital. Therefore, it is crucial that this discourse be challenged in order to achieve a radical social transformation to a more democratic, egalitarian and sustainable alternative. This paper will conclude with an examination of some basic principles essential to organizing a socialist alternative to capitalism.

abstract: Sociology


title: Overture to self-care: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of pre-service counselling students' experiences of Supportive Music and Imagery

contributor:
Ross, Eric Leslie (author)
(Aston, Shaughney) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Research shows that counsellor self-care practice can mitigate the negative effects of providing other-care. While routinely teaching self-care practices to their clients, counsellors can themselves experience barriers to practicing self-care. Pre-service student counsellors face additional unique challenges that act as barriers to the practice of self-care. This study explores pre-service counselling students’ experiences and understandings of Supportive Music and Imagery (SMI) as a form of self-care practice. This study proposes that SMI offers a promising approach to counsellor care of self. Participants reported experiences and understandings that form three main themes: relationship with self-care, SMI as a form of self-care practice, and going forward: changed relationships. This study posits that SMI accounts for participants’ experiences of movement along the continuum of changes and processes in the Transtheoretical Model of Change. Emerging from the identified themes, implications for counsellor self-care practice and counsellor self-care education are discussed.

abstract: Education


title: Simultaneous statistical inference for low dose risk estimation with quantal data in benchmark analysis

contributor:
Alsubie, Abdelaziz (author)
(Peng, Jianan) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Risk assessment studies where data are collected to make safe low dose levels of a toxic  compound/agent are challenging as dose-response information is constrained to high dose  levels of the compound/agent (Piegorsch et al, 2005). Simultaneous hyperbolic bands  for low-dose risk estimation with quantal data have been proposed in the literature. The  quantal data is de ned as binomial data where the subjects are classi ed by whether or not  they display any adverse health e ects. In this thesis, we propose to use three-segment  bands instead of the currently used hyperbolic bands to make low dose inferences for  quantal data in risk analysis. We will use the three-segment con dence bands to construct  simultaneous con dence upper bounds on extra risk and simultaneous con dence lower  bounds on the benchmark dose for quantal data. The proposed method is illustrated with  a real data application and simulation studies.

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics


title: An overview of a novel automated system for detecting, identifying and enumerating Panonychus ulmi individuals in the field

contributor:
Mannell, Lucas Stuart (author)
(Mendivil, Franklin) (Thesis advisor)
(Teismann, Holger) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: A novel prototype system is described towards the identi cation of indi-  viduals belonging to the Panonychus ulmi (Koch) species of phytophagous  mite. Identi cation takes place within the context of digital visible-light  images of apple tree leaves. These mites are a pest species of economic  concern and scienti c interest as a candidate for biocontrol schemes. Dig-  ital images are subjected to color slicing using the Hue, Saturation, In-  tensity (HSI) color model, which has been under-utilized in the litera-  ture, followed by wavelet and morphological processing. Processed images  are further subjected to scrutiny by 3 separate identi cation-enumeration  schemes based on histogram matching under the Monge-Kantorovich met-  ric, frequency-domain template matching, and principal component anal-  ysis. The accuracy of results are compared to common thresholds of eco-  nomic viability.

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics


title: Knowledge consolidation using multiple task learning: Overcoming the stability-plasticity problem

contributor:
Eljabu, Lubna Mohamed (author)
(Silver, Daniel L.) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Lifelong Machine Learning (LML) is concerned with machines that face a series  of sequential learning tasks over time, and develop methods of retaining and us-  ing prior learned knowledge to assist new learning. This thesis presents a LML  system using a context-sensitive multiple task learning (csMTL) neural network,  that functions as a consolidated domain knowledge (CDK) network. This re-  search focuses on techniques to overcome the stability-plasticity problem in the  context of back-propagation neural networks. Our goal is to develop an LML  system that retains the knowledge of prior learned tasks without a decrease in  the classi cation accuracy as new task knowledge is integrated into the CDK net-  work. The experiments focus on the e ective retention of prior knowledge and  the e ective consolidation of new knowledge. An independent test set accuracy  is used as a measure of e ectiveness. We conduct sequential task learning ex-  periments on a synthetic domain of twelve tasks, and three real-world domains.  The studies indicate that csMTL CDK networks that have su cient representa-  tion (two layers of hidden nodes), and use virtual examples that are generated  based on knowledge of the input space result in e ective prior tasks retention and  e ective new task consolidation when appropriate learning parameters are used.

abstract: Computer Science


title: From Beowulf to Dovakiin: Epic-heroic traditions in "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" and its Norse and Anglo-Saxon origins

contributor:
Muschler, Marc R. (author)
(Whetter, Kevin) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: This thesis provides an examination of the Norse and Anglo-Saxon literary and  historical cultural connections that heavily influence gameplay in The Elder Scrolls V:  Skyrim. These influences ultimately encourage player participation in epic-heroic  traditions reminiscent of those found in Northern European heroic poetry and  demonstrate how game developers can utilize literary and historical sources to create an  entertaining and engaging game space. The thesis is divided into three chapters which  each interpret a different aspect of Skyrim gameplay in the context of their literary and  historical antecedents. The first chapter looks at the connection between Anglo-Saxon  mead halls and those found in Skyrim, particularly the socio-political role it plays both in  literature and gameplay. The second chapter discusses the concept of the afterlife in  Norse and Nordic culture, illustrating the similarities between the two religions and how  their ideals ultimately impact player behavior throughout major quest lines. The third  chapter focuses on dragons within Skyrim and their connection to the northern heroic  image, ultimately demonstrating the important role they play both in Anglo-Saxon and  Norse literature as well as Skyrim.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Modelling European red mite populations using the inverse approach

contributor:
Franklin, Jeffrey (author)
(Teismann, Holger) (Thesis advisor)
(Karsten, Richard) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: An inverse approach was used to estimate the parameter values from a noisy dataset  using a two-delay di erential equation system. The DDE system was developed  from ecological  rst principles and observations from an historical European red  mite dataset constructed in 1967. Analysis of the 1967 dataset indicates that both  stage structure and density e ects are present in the data. The main purpose of   tting this model is to determine the parameter values of egg hatching time ( 1),  maturation time ( 2), fecundity ( ), density dependant e ect ( ) and stage speci c  mortality ( 2;3;4; f). In addition to these parameters, values of the initial conditions  (Egg 1 and Egg 2) as well as the timing of the seasonal change (Season) from  summer egg production to winter egg production are also determined.  The model was  t to data taken from individual trees (n = 24), and to bootstrapped  averages (n = 400). Parameters returned from the individual trees were highly  variable while parameters returned from the bootstrapped data had much less  variability. The more numerous parameter sets from the bootstrapped data, allowed  for more further analysis. Parameter distributions along with R2 values were used  to evaluate the  ,  2 and  3 parameters to determine if they should be included in  the model. Bootstrapping the data also allowed the relationships among parameters  to be explored and evidence of non-unique solutions were observed. A  nal model  with 9 parameters was chosen with an R2 value of 0.91. The parameters returned  from the  tting process are compared to literature values

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics


title: The essence of collective effervescence: A neo-Durkheimian concept in the virtual world

contributor:
Trask, Michael W. (author)
(Powers, Ann Marie) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: In Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPG), the raid is a ritual carried out by a group of individuals called a guild, all within the confines of a virtual world. In most cases, clear boundaries are drawn to separate the members of one group from the larger community; in some cases, however, the lines between “us and them” blur, allowing guilds to compete for the sacred items or the prestige of progression. Successful raids bring forth feelings of achievement, solidarity, and anticipation of the next raid. An unsuccessful raid leaves its participants with feelings of uncertainty about their role within this setting. When players make mistakes, these are quickly corrected during raids by leaders who coordinate the event. Although the social action within the ritual of these communities takes place in a virtual setting, it elicits real feelings within its participants; yet limited academic research has gone into this unique and new form of computer-mediated ritual. Users from across the world interact through computerized means. While this interaction is not face to face, this new frontier appears to facilitate the creation of strong communities and solidarity within its membership. This thesis will examine whether Durkheim’s concept of collective effervescence is present in this virtual world to create such communities.

abstract: Sociology


title: The role of gender in Mental Health Court participation and outcomes

contributor:
Ennis, Andrea R. (author)
(MacLeod, Peter) (Thesis advisor)
(Watt, Margo) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Mental Health Courts (MHCs) have emerged across North America in an effort to  address the criminalization of the mentally ill. For individuals whose mental illness is a  causal factor in an offence, MHCs provide an alternative to the traditional judicial system  through diversion toward community-based treatment. Despite a growing body of  literature examining MHCs, research examining the role of gender in MHCs remains  scarce. This thesis examined the role of gender in MHC participation and outcomes. The  Nova Scotia MHC provided secondary data for all individuals referred to the MHC since  2009 (507 men, 243 women). A subset of those individuals referred to the MHC since  2012 (50 men, 30 women) consented to participate in an evaluation of the MHC in which  mental health and criminal history, MHC treatment plan, and program outcomes were  gleaned from health and justice files, and symptom severity was assessed by the  Symptom Checklist 90 – Revised. Consistent with predictions, rates of MHC admission  and completion were similar between men and women. There were significant gender  differences in rates of psychiatric diagnoses, with higher rates of psychotic and substance  use disorders among men and higher rates of mood and personality disorders among  women. Whereas those with psychotic and mood disorders were more likely to be  admitted to the MHC, and those with substance use and personality disorders were less  likely to be admitted, these differences did not vary by gender. Contrary to prediction,  men had higher rates of violent index offences than women, despite similar offence rates  overall; however, this difference was only present for those who were not admitted to the  MHC. Findings are discussed in terms of contributions to the literature surrounding the  role of gender in MHCs, as well as notable implications for MHC practices.

abstract: Psychology


title: "In the sea but not of it": Rites of passage and liminal spiritual perspectives in the fiction of Tim Winton

contributor:
Brunton, Ian Donald (author)
(Eustace, John) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: This thesis examines liminal conditions in the fiction of Western Australian author  Tim Winton in light of Victor Turner’s theory of rites of passage, Mircea Eliade’s  analysis of religion, and Homi K. Bhabha’s and Manuel Aguirre’s abstract theories  of liminality. For Winton’s characters, liminal spaces, which most frequently reflect  the Western Australian landscape, enable ad hoc rites of passage and spiritual  experiences. Proceeding from Winton’s early short fiction through his novels  Cloudstreet and Breath, this thesis traces the development of Winton’s views of  liminal spaces, specifically their capacity for rites of passage and spiritual  development that support meaningful transformation and negotiation of identity.  Over the course of his career, Winton’s fiction displays an increasing pessimism  about the possibility of achieving such transformation, due to the lack of communal  ritual and spiritual practices to give shape to rites of passage.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Fishway efficiency and passage behaviour of Alewife in three fishways on Tantramar Marsh near Amherst, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Andrews, Samuel Nelson (author)
(Mallory, Mark) (Thesis advisor)
(Stokesbury, Michael) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: Alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) are small anadromous river herring that move up coastal tributaries during an annual spring spawning migration. Over the last half century, dams and other riverine obstructions have severely restricted the access of alewives to their spawning grounds as well as impeding the movements of many other fish species both resident and migratory. In order to mitigate the effects of these barriers,thousands of fishways have been constructed, though how well such structures facilitate fish passage is still largely unknown. In this study, 1196 alewives were tracked though three different fishways (two Denil and one pool and weir) on the Tantramar Marsh nearAmherst Nova Scotia in order to evaluate the passage efficiency of the structures. Passage data revealed that fishways were size selective with larger fish being able to pass the structures more easily than smaller fish. Additionally it appeared that young immature fish may enter the river along with larger adults, but they may not seek out the fishways or complete the spawning migration. Fishway activity was also observed to be strongly diurnal with migratory alewives only entering the structures during periods of daylight; this included dawn and dusk. Questions of site fidelity were also raised during this study after the observation of river switching in migrants. Further data gathered suggested that the migratory period may range from 1-3 weeks depending on location and that migrant survival may be as high as 72-88% for spawning adults. River residency and attempts at fishway passage were also evaluated to determine possible behavioural effects on fishway passage efficiency.

abstract: Biology


title: Counterpower in a dual network: An examination of young Canadians using Facebook to engage in political activity

contributor:
DeWolf, Kristi (author)
(Brickner, Rachel) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: With nearly half of the Canadian population logging onto Facebook daily it is unsurprising that academics and journalists have taken to focus on the effects of this website. Moreover, whereas we know of Canadians‟ proclivity for Facebook it is yet to be discerned how the website is being used. Here we are focused on the specific question of “to what extent is Facebook being used as a political tool by Canadian students?” Building on the work of Manuel Castells this project argues that Facebook represents what I call the “dual network”: one network that interacts with power in order to fulfill dual motivations. Through primary research data it is shown that Facebook offers these Canadian students a variety of ways to become engaged in politics, ranging from passive information gathering to active contention.

abstract: Politics


title: Attachment and the development of attention in young children

contributor:
Paszucka, Marta (author)
(Brodeur, Darlene) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: The current study investigated the relationship between attachment style and the development of the alerting, orienting, and executive attention systems. Children between the ages of 4 and 7 years completed the Child Attention Networks Task (CANT) and the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task (MCAST). It was expected that avoidant children, who learn to dissociate from and inhibit attention to emotional information, would show a generalized proficiency in distracter inhibition on the CANT relative to the other attachment groups, while anxious children, whose hyperactivating strategy leads them to be vigilant for attachment information, were expected to instead show an increased efficiency of the alerting and orienting systems relative to the other attachment groups. Older children (6 and 7 years old) demonstrated superior performance over younger children on trials of the CANT that tasked the executive attention system. No other age or attachment effects were found. Limitations and further directions are discussed.

abstract: Psychology


title: Songbird movement, relative abundance, and species composition in natural and managed forest landscapes in western Newfoundland

contributor:
Powell, Kristin G. (author)
(Taylor, Phil) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2005

abstract: In this study I examine the influence of forest harvesting on bird assemblages by comparing relative abundance, species composition, and movement behaviour in naturally heterogeneous and harvested landscapes. Relative abundance and species composition were examined using a combination of mark-release-recapture and point count data. Movement was measured using mark-release-recapture data only.  Overall, the relative abundance of all birds and the relative abundance of habitat generalists (open species) was higher in harvested than natural landscapes but forest species had similar abundances in both landscape types. Species composition was highly similar in the two landscape types but there were some key differences, namely, Northern Waterthrush were characteristic of natural landscapes and Fox Sparrow and Slate-coloured Junco were associated with harvested landscapes. Fine-scale movement behaviours varied by species but overall, for all sexes, ages, and species groups, distances moved by birds were shorter in harvested landscapes relative to natural landscapes.  Comprehensive knowledge of the demographics and movement behaviours of the songbird community is needed to understand how forest harvesting influences birds. This study provides a baseline for continued work in the area in an effort to better understand the songbird community and to develop management strategies to minimize adverse impacts of forest harvesting on birds.

abstract: Biology


title: Walter Benjamin at Pier 21: Immigration, identity, and a history of awakening

contributor:
Shuvera, Ryan Ben (author)
(Biro, Andrew) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: This work takes the critical perspectives of Walter Benjamin into the Canadian  Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and analyzes its practices of preservation of  immigration history and policy in Canada. It looks at how the three exhibit spaces  (permanent, temporary, and the gift shop) lend authority to a state-based construction of  immigration history in Canada and lack a significant representation of a historical  narrative from the perspectives of the forgotten (Benjamin 2002; 155). Based on  Benjamin’s characterization of museums as “dream houses of the collective” (Schwartz  2001; 1728) I offer insight into the potential that the museum presents to the public as a  place for the self-representation of various immigrant identities and a more dynamic  understanding of national identity.

abstract: Politics


title: Buried treasures: An institutional ethnography of small school closures in rural Nova Scotia

contributor:
Knickle, Stacey (author)
(Abramson, Zelda) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2014

abstract: This thesis is a case study of a local school community in rural Nova Scotia. In  2013, the school was closed and the students relocated to a larger school. Using  standpoint theory and institutional ethnography, this research seeks to implement a  sociology for people, by situating rural residents as the subjects of the sociological act of  knowing. Their stories reveal the profound social and economic effects that school  closure and consolidation have on a small rural community and its members. The  research also explicates how democratic processes and the idea of “change” are often  intended to benefit the ruling, capitalist, dominant, or upper class, at the expense of rural  residents who tend to represent the lower socio-economic classes and those who hold less  power. Finally, this thesis shows how individuals in the community demonstrated  ineffective resistance due to a false sense of democracy.

abstract: Sociology


title: Reliable testimony?: Testing the credibility of the Thomasine and Marcan versions of Jesus’ parable of the vineyard and its tenant farmers

contributor:
Worden, Paul D. (author)
(Evans, Craig) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2013

abstract: This work will investigate the claim made by Kloppenborg and others that  the Gospel of Thomas affords its readers with an accurate record of Jesus’ vineyard  parable. This position will be challenged on several fronts. A wide review of the  context in which the Marcan Jesus told his parable will be examined and will show  that the story fits well within Jesus’ agenda of self-identification at that time. A look  at the social and cultural context of first-century Palestine will show that Jesus most  likely spoke and read Greek and also had access to Greek translations of the OT.  Further, an examination of the parable and its accompanying cornerstone saying will  show that the allegorical elements are fitting and necessary to Jesus’ plan of self-identification.  viii  Finally, the Gospel of Thomas will be scrutinized for its reliability to accurately  portray the historical Jesus. This area of work is largely indebted to Simon J.  Gathercole’s The Composition of the Gospel of Thomas: Original Language and Influences  (vol. 151 of SNTSMS; New York: Cambridge University Press, 2012) and Mark  Goodacre’s Thomas and the Gospels: The Case for Thomas’s Familiarity with the  Synoptics (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2012). Their expansive efforts amply  demonstrate Thomas’ reliance on Mark’s gospel as filtered through the redactions of  Matthew and Luke. Further thanks is owed to Craig A. Evans for graciously lending  his support to this area of research by sharing his paper “Doubting Thomas: On the  Genesis of a Syrian Gospel,” delivered at the 2012 Triennial Conference of the  Tyndale Fellowship for Biblical and Theological Research. He contends that Thomas  is a second-century text with origins in an early form of Syrian Christianity.  Throughout the following, a specific question will serve as the guide. Do the  scholarly evidence and arguments justify giving priority to the Thomasine version of  the parable of the Vineyard? Following a review of the related material, this question  will be answered negatively. The conclusion of this work is that Thomas is secondary  while Mark provides an accurate portrayal of the vineyard parable and, indeed, the  historical Jesus. The gospels of the New Testament offer modern readers the most  reliable information related to Jesus’ life, ministries, death, and resurrection and  Mark’s gospel warrants priority.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: Aerobic biotreatment of petroleum contaminated wastewater using membrane bioreactor technology

contributor:
Sichinga, Martin Chewe (author)
(Tong, Anthony) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2013

abstract: This research is focused on the biodegradation of petrogenic hydrocarbons in water using membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology. In MBR treatment, petroleum hydrocarbons are biologically degraded to simpler organic, inorganic (carbon dioxide and water) compounds and microbial biomass using a heterotrophic bacterial culture. This is followed by filtration using nano-sized porous membranes. Industrial oily wastewater with mixed fractions of hydrocarbons was collected and continuously treated for 50 days. MBR effluent samples were analyzed daily for constituent hydrocarbons using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). UV-Vis spectrometry was used to measure chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, colour, turbidity and total suspended solids. Electrochemical tests were also conducted to measure pH, conductivity and total dissolved solids. Heavy metals were also analyzed by inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy. These parameter measurements were essential in evaluating the performance of the MBR treatment process.  During the treatment period, 98.0%, 96.0% and 99.8% removal of total aliphatic hydrocarbons in lube oil fraction (TAH-LO), total aliphatic hydrocarbons (TAH) and total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), respectively, were achieved. Overall, total organic removal, measured in terms of COD, ranged from 88.3 – 92.6%. Degradation kinetics were also determined for hydrocarbons and COD, thereby determining half-life of the decontaminating process. Therefore, this study demonstrated that MBR is an effective, environmentally friendly, compact secondary treatment method suitable for the removal of petroleum hydrocarbons in wastewaters.

abstract: Chemistry


title: Sample preparation and chromatographic methods for analysis of toxic pesticides used in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island agriculture

contributor:
Sweeney, Crystal Lynn (author)
(Wilson, Brian) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2013

abstract: Exposure to trace amounts of pesticides over time may lead to the development of  chronic diseases, including asthma, endocrine disorders and cancer. Several pesticides in  Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia’s agricultural sectors are classified as “probable  human carcinogens” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The research  objective was to develop analytical methods for identification and quantitation of  commonly used pesticides in PEI and NS. GC/MS and HPLC/MS method development  was carried out for 10 and 5 analytes, respectively. Additionally, SPE method  optimization resulted in recoveries above 80 percent for nine of 10 GC/MS analytes using  Chromabond HRX cartridges. Sample pH and salinity were optimized at neutral pH and 0  percent NaCl. The most effective elution solvent was acetonitrile:ethyl acetate (50:50).  Target compounds were selected based on top sales in PEI and NS, known or suspected  carcinogenic potential, acute toxicity and relative persistence in the environment.

abstract: Biology


title: Examining the effect of orthography on auditory sentence comprehension using event-related brain potentials

contributor:
McCathie, Sarah A. (author)
(Newman, Randy Lynn) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2013

abstract: Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were used to investigate the influence of  orthography on auditory sentence processing. Participants (N=17) listened to sentences  that featured a target word mid-sentence. Participants heard semantically correct  sentences (e.g., “The vast reef in the ocean was made of many types of coral”) or those in  which a semantically correct word was replaced by one that shared phonology and  orthography (P+O+; reef-beef), one that shared phonology but not orthography (P+O-;  reef-leaf), or an unrelated word that shared neither phonology nor orthography  (Unrelated; reef-sick). Results showed a pure phonological effect as the N400 was  attenuated for target words that rhymed with the expected semantically correct word,  regardless of orthography. There was no evidence of a pure orthographic effect as there  was no observable difference between the P+O+ and P+O- conditions. It is possible that  the increased phonological processing involved in a sentence-processing task precludes  or mitigates an orthographic effect.  Keywords: orthography, phonology, sentence processing, phonological priming,  event-related potentials

abstract: Psychology