title: Mitigating Social Risk in the Extractive Sector: Developing Intercultural Competence as a Tool for Negotiating Western-Indigenous Perspectives within the Undergraduate Mining Engineering Curriculum

contributor:
Daneshmend, Laeeque K.
Thorley, Ursula
Mining Engineering

rights: Creative Commons - Attribution-Non-commercial-No Derivate Works - CC BY-NC-ND

subject:
extractive sector risk
social risk
threshold concepts
intercultural competence
indigenous worldviews
mining engineering culture
engineering education
corporate social responsibility

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mining Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-12 13:52:08.535

abstract:
Drawing upon critical, communications, and educational theories, this thesis develops a novel framing of the problem of social risk in the extractive sector, as it relates to the building of respectful relationships with indigenous peoples.  Building upon Bakhtin’s dialogism, the thesis demonstrates the linkage of this aspect of social risk to professional education, and specifically, to the undergraduate mining engineering curriculum, and develops a framework for the development of skills related to intercultural competence in the education of mining engineers.
The knowledge of social risk, as well as the level of intercultural competence, of students in the mining engineering program, is investigated through a mixture of surveys and focus groups – as is the impact of specific learning interventions.  One aspect of this investigation is whether development of these attributes alters graduates’ conception of their identity as mining engineers, i.e. the range and scope of responsibilities, and understanding of to whom responsibilities are owed, and their role in building trusting relationships with communities.
Survey results demonstrate that student openness to the perspectives of other cultures increases with exposure to the second year curriculum.  Students became more knowledgeable about social dimensions of responsible mining, but not about cultural dimensions.  Analysis of focus group data shows that students are highly motivated to improve community perspectives and acceptance.  It is observed that students want to show respect for diverse peoples and communities where they will work, but they are hampered by their inability to appreciate the viewpoints of people who do not share their values.  They embrace benefit sharing and environmental protection as norms, but they mistakenly conclude that opposition to mining is rooted in a lack of education rather than in cultural values.
Three, sequential, threshold concepts are identified as impeding development of intercultural competence: Awareness and Acknowledgement of Different Forms of Knowledge; Recognition that Value Systems are a Function of Culture; Respect for varied perceptions of Social Wellbeing and Quality of Life.  Future curriculum development in the undergraduate mining engineering program, as well as in other educational programs relevant to the extractive sector, can be effectively targeted by focusing on these threshold concepts.

abstract: PhD


title: Essays on Economics of Entrepreneurship

contributor:
de Bettignies, Jean-Etienne
Management

rights: Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada

rights: ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement

rights: Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University

rights: This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.

subject:
innovation
human capital
entrepreneurship
bureaucracy
corruption
economics

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-14 22:58:53.585

abstract: This dissertation examines three important issues. The first issue is about the human capital investment and entrepreneurship as a career choice. The standard human capital theory shows that firms (employees) never invest in general (firm-specific) human capital of the employee as they do not extract any return from it. However, when entrepreneurship is introduced as a career option for an innovative employee, both firm’s and employee’s human capital investments change. Employee starts investing in his firm-specific human capital to increase the probability to innovate (and to become an entrepreneur). However, the firm uses general human capital investment to reduce the risk of employee’s departure. The second issue is regarding the factors motivating entry regulations reforms and the possible nonlinear effects of entry regulation reforms. The current literature and the policy recommendations assume that these reforms have linear effects on entrepreneurship. Nevertheless, the anecdotal evidence shows that the outcomes of such reforms vary greatly from country to country. To investigate this issue, I collect a sample data on entry regulations and firm creation from World Bank. The empirical analysis indicates that the effect of entry regulation reforms depends on the pre-reform level of bureaucracy in the country. More specifically, while low-bureaucracy countries benefit from entry regulation reforms, high-bureaucracy countries do not benefit. Moreover, the probability of making a reform increases if the country has reformist neighbors, cumbersome entry regulations, high unemployment rate, or low corruption level. The last issue is related to the individual and joint effects of bureaucracy and corruption on different types of entrepreneurs. The current literature investigates these effects only on unified measures of entrepreneurship. However, entrepreneurs are very different in many senses. To address this issue, I collect the necessity-based and opportunity-based entrepreneurship data from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. The empirical analysis yield two important results: First, bureaucracy has a direct negative (positive) effect on necessity-based (opportunity-based) entrepreneurs. Second, corruption mitigates the effect of bureaucracy for both groups of entrepreneurs. All three chapters offer useful insights and important implications to academics and policymakers.

abstract: PhD


title: Fiber-optic vibration sensing of cantilevers immersed in fluids

contributor:
Loock, Hans-Peter
Chemistry

subject:
cantilever
vibration sensor
density
photothermal
quality factor
resonance
viscosity
photoacoustic

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-17 07:44:06.58

abstract:
An all fiber-optical method to monitor densities and viscosities of liquids utilizing a steel cantilever (4 x 0.3 x 0.08 cm3) is presented. The actuation is performed by photothermally heating the cantilever at its base with an intensity-modulated 808 nm diode laser. The cantilever vibrations are picked up by an in-fiber Fabry Perot cavity sensor attached along the length of the cantilever. The fluid properties can be related to the resonance characteristics of the cantilever, e.g. a shift in the resonance frequency corresponds to a change in fluid density, and the width of the resonance peak gives information on the dynamic viscosity after calibration of the system.
Aqueous glycerol, sucrose and ethanol samples in the range of 0.79–1.32 gcm−3 (density) and 0.89–702 mPas (viscosity) were used to investigate the limits of the sensor. A good agreement with literature values could be found with an average deviation of around 10 % for the dynamic viscosities, and 5–16 % for the mass densities. A variety of clear and opaque commercial spirits and an unknown viscous sample, e.g. home-made maple syrup, were analyzed and compared to literature values.
The unique detection mechanism allows for the characterization of opaque samples and is superior to conventional microcantilever sensors. The method is expected to be beneficial in various industrial sectors such as quality control of food samples.

abstract: The thesis findings are currently put into a manuscript for publication.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Causes and Effects of Consumer Competence Perceptions

contributor:
Ashworth, Laurence
Management

subject: Blame Competence

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-15 14:09:41.729

abstract: Consumers are constantly making consumption decisions and engaging in marketplace activities that require some level of competence. In other words, consumers possess and require some knowledge, skills, and abilities to engage in the marketplace and obtain what they want. But what causes consumers to infer they are or are not competent? And, what are the consequences of these competence inferences on consumer behaviour? This dissertation examines the role consumption plays in consumers’ inferences of their own competence to enhance our understanding of these issues. By integrating the literature on competence and attributions of blame, this dissertation develops a theory for when and how consumption influences self-perceptions of competence and how these self-perceptions of competence impact future consumer behaviours. Evidence from five studies suggests that consumers infer their own competence from their consumption outcomes, despite who is actually responsible for causing these outcomes. This means consumers potentially see themselves as incompetent for negative outcomes that are entirely firm-caused. This dissertation argues that people infer their own competence from firm-caused outcomes because they conflate their decisions made prior to an outcome with the cause of that outcome. This dissertation also examines how these variations in self-perceptions of competence can influence future consumer behaviours.

abstract: PhD


title: The Capital Sculpture of Wells Cathedral, c. 1184-1210

contributor:
Reeve, Matthew M.
Art History

subject:
England
Cathedrals
Religious Art
Medieval
Christianity
Art History
Sculpture
Iconography

abstract: Thesis (Master, Art History) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-19 10:35:10.892

abstract: The understudied capital sculpture of Wells Cathedral in Somerset, England (c. 1184-1210) provides ample opportunity of expanding the current scholarship and understanding of interior ecclesiastical sculpture in a West Country cathedral. While the Gothic style of architecture is typically understood as, according to Paul Binski (2014), rational in execution and reception, the capital sculpture at Wells Cathedral has been considered illogical in terms of both its iconography and location within the nave, transepts, and north porch. Utilizing Michael Camille’s post/anti-iconographical approach, this project examines the Wells figural capitals in five case studies: labour, Old and New Testament Scenes, animals and beast fables, busts, and monsters and hybrids. Each group of capitals will be approached with an understanding that this type of art was viewed by people of different classes and professions, with each viewer bringing their own personal experiences and abilities into how they could have read and understood these types of images. Therefore, the capitals at Wells must be read through layers of meaning and interpretation while also considering their locations within the cathedral and how they react and respond to surrounding figural capitals.

abstract: I wish for this thesis to be restricted because I will be publishing from it over the next five years.

abstract: M.A.


title: Medium-Chain-Length Poly (3-Hydroxyalkanoate) Nanoparticle Suspensions

contributor:
Ramsay, Juliana A.
Ramsay, Bruce A.
Chemical Engineering

subject: medium-chain-length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate), nanoparticles, surfactant, particle size, zeta potential, stability

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-16 04:58:55.749

abstract:
The main goal of this thesis was to prepare medium-chain-length poly-3-hydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA) nanoparticle suspensions at high solids content (≥ 10 % w/v). A two-stage emulsification-solvent evaporation process was employed to produce poly-3-hydroxydecanoate (PHD) suspensions. The formulation and processing conditions including ultrasonication time and amplitude, selection of solvent, and selection of surfactants and their concentrations were investigated to make concentrated suspensions (10 and 30 % (w/v)) of PHD with particles less than 300 nm. Among the ionic surfactants tested to stabilize the suspension, the anionic, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), and the cationic, dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) surfactants produced the smallest particle sizes (~100 nm). However, more stabilized nanoparticles were obtained when the ionic surfactant, SDS, was combined with any of the non-ionic surfactants tested, with polyoxyethylene octyl phenyl ether (Triton X-100) or polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) resulting in a slight increase in zeta potential over 30 days while the zeta potential with other non-ionic surfactants decreased.

Mcl-PHA containing 11 and 18 % of carboxyl groups was synthesized via free radical addition reaction of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid to the pendant double bonds of unsaturated poly-3-hydroxynonanoate (PHNU). Colloidal suspensions prepared by ultrasonication needed a surfactant to maintain stability, even at 0.4 % solids of mcl-PHA containing 11 % carboxylation (PHNC-1) unlike the stable suspensions prepared without surfactants by the titration method. Similar particle sizes (155.6 ± 8.4 to 163.4 ± 11.3 nm) and polydispersity indices (0.42 ± 0.03 to 0.49 ± 0.04) were obtained when several non-ionic surfactants were tested to minimize particle agglomeration, with the smallest particles obtained with Triton X-100. When Triton X-100 was combined with a variety of ionic surfactants, smaller nanoparticles (97.1 ± 1.1 to 121.7 ± 5.7 nm) with a narrower particle size distribution (0.21 ± 0.001 to 0.25 ± 0.003) were produced. The SDS and Triton X-100 combination was chosen to evaluate other mcl-PHAs at 10 % (w/v) solids content. Slightly smaller nanoparticles were formed with carboxylated mcl-PHAs compared to mcl-PHAs having aliphatic pendant side chains. Mcl-PHA consisting of 18 % carboxylation (PHNC-2) formed a much smaller nanoparticles and higher zeta potential.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Improved Accuracy in Optical Motion Capture Measurements Leads to Increased Sensitivity to Kinematic Changes

contributor:
Deluzio, Kevin J.
Rainbow, Michael J.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Biomechanics
Human Kinematics
Optical Motion Capture
Gait

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-16 11:33:17.544

abstract:
Clinical optical motion capture allows us to obtain kinematic and kinetic outcome measures that aid clinicians in diagnosing and treating different pathologies affecting healthy gait. The long term aim for gait centres is for subject-specific analyses that can predict, prevent, or reverse the effects of pathologies through gait retraining. To track the body, anatomical segment coordinate systems are commonly created by applying markers to the surface of the skin over specific, bony anatomy that is manually palpated. The location and placement of these markers is subjective and precision errors of up to 25mm have been reported [1].  Additionally, the selection of which anatomical landmarks to use in segment models can result in large angular differences; for example angular differences in the trunk can range up to 53o for the same motion depending on marker placement [2].
	These errors can result in erroneous kinematic outcomes that either diminish or increase the apparent effects of a treatment or pathology compared to healthy data.  Our goal was to improve the accuracy and precision of optical motion capture outcome measures.  This thesis describes two separate studies. In the first study we aimed to establish an approach that would allow us to independently quantify the error among trunk models.  Using this approach we determined if there was a best model to accurately track trunk motion. In the second study we designed a device to improve precision for test, re-test protocols that would also reduce the set-up time for motion capture experiments.
	Our method to compare a kinematically derived centre of mass velocity to one that was derived kinetically was successful in quantifying error among trunk models.  Our findings indicate that models that use lateral shoulder markers as well as limit the translational degrees of freedom of the trunk through shared pelvic markers result in the least amount of error for the tasks we studied.  We also successfully reduced intra- and inter-operator anatomical marker placement errors using a marker alignment device.
	The improved accuracy and precision resulting from the methods established in this thesis may lead to increased sensitivity to changes in kinematics, and ultimately result in more consistent treatment outcomes.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: An Investigation into the Failure to Implement a Universal School Lunch Program during WWII and Postwar Reconstruction in Canada: The Case of Ontario

contributor:
Power, Elaine
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
Canada
WWII
Nutrition
1940s
School
Nutrition education
Lunch
Universal School Lunch Program
Postwar Reconstruction
Food

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-16 14:14:47.149

abstract: The purpose of this research is to investigate the various social, political and economic factors that contributed to Canada’s failure to implement a universal school lunch program during the 1940s. Although Canada developed several other social welfare programs in the post-war period, it remains one of the only industrialized nations that does not provide hot meals to children in elementary or secondary schools. Data from the province of Ontario, a major site of postwar reconstruction and policy-making, has been taken up to inform the broader national discourse on school lunches from the 1940s. National, Ontario provincial and City of Toronto archival records were collected and analyzed according to common themes, in order to identify key barriers that constrained government support of a hot meal program. Archival records were identified using key words, and were limited to materials created between 1930-1952. Analysis suggests that sufficient need for a hot meal program had not been established during the 1940s. Despite misleading nutrition messages, rates of malnutrition and nutrient-related disease were at an all-time low, and many Ontario school boards did not appear to have the necessary infrastructure required to supply all pupils with hot meals. The Canadian government had already employed significant resources to improve existing social security programs by coupling them with health education. This strategy reflected a shift in understanding malnutrition as a knowledge-based problem, as opposed to income-based. This understanding was further reinforced through the moralized dissemination of nutrition information, which placed blame on women for improperly raising their children. Ultimately, the strong uptake of nutrition as a public health issue in Ontario may have limited prospective responses to solutions already utilized in the public health domain, and directed favour away from a universal school lunch program for Canada.

abstract: M.A.


title: Youth Sport Coaches’ Reflections on Leadership Behaviours During Games and Practices

contributor:
Côté, Jean
Bruner, Mark W.
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject:
Stimulated Recall
Leadership
Transformational Leadership
Coach Behaviours
Coaching
Positive Youth Development

abstract: Thesis (Master, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2016-10-03 07:59:09.638

abstract: Youth sport coaches shape the developmental sporting experience for their athletes (Camiré, Trudel, & Forneris, 2014). Specifically, coaches who form individualized, supportive relationships with their athletes can increase the development of personal and social skills (Fraser-Thomas, Côté, & Deakin, 2005). In light of the value of these relationships, increasing evidence is prompting the application of leadership theories, such as Transformational Leadership (TFL), in youth sport (Vella et al., 2013). The aim of this study was to explore coach perceptions of how and why leadership behaviours are applied in the youth sport context. Eleven coaches (Mage= 42.3, SD= 15.2) were recruited from competitive youth soccer and volleyball clubs (athletes’ Mage= 15.8, SD= 1.9) in Eastern Ontario and participated in a stimulated recall interview. During the interviews, coaches reflected upon their own coaching behaviours and provided insight into the application of leadership behaviours in youth sport. Responses were prompted by relevant video sequences from recorded practice and game sessions. A thematic content analysis revealed that; i) coaches use a variety of leadership behaviours in youth sport, ii) the use of leadership behaviours vary across sport contexts or settings, and iii) contrasting leadership styles (e.g., transactional vs. transformational) are associated with distinctive coach objectives (e.g., promoting confidence vs. establishing respect). These findings have helped identify gaps within coach education, and provide theoretical insight for applying leadership theories, and more specifically TFL, to help improve the sport experiences of young athletes.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Importance of MHC-Independent Natural Killer Cell Receptors in the Immunoregulation of Murine Pregnancy

contributor:
Croy, B. Anne
Anatomy and Cell Biology

subject:
Reproduction
Uterine Natural Killer Cell
Natural Cytotoxicity Receptor
Immunology

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Anatomy & Cell Biology) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-17 14:28:44.832

abstract:
Numerous leukocyte populations are essential for pregnancy success. Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are chief amongst these leukocytes and represent a unique lineage with limited cytotoxicity but abundant angiokine production. They possess a distinct phenotype of activating and inhibitory receptors that recognize major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, such as the killer immunoglobulin like receptors (KIRs; mouse Ly49), and MHC-independent activating receptors, including the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and natural cytotoxicity receptor 1 (NCR1). While the roles of MHC-dependent receptors are widely addressed in pregnancy, MHC-independent receptors are relatively unstudied. This thesis investigated the roles of MHC-independent receptors in promotion of mouse pregnancy and characterized early leukocyte interactions in the presence and absence of NCR1. It was hypothesized that loss of MHC-independent receptors impairs uNK cell development resulting in aberrations in leukocyte function and decidual vasculature.
Implantation sites from Ahr-/- and Ncr1Gfp/Gfp mice were assessed using whole mount in situ immunohistochemistry (WM-IHC) and histochemical techniques. Leukocyte interactions identified during preliminary WM-IHC studies were confirmed as immune synapses. The novel identification of immune synapses in early mouse pregnancy compelled further examination of leukocyte conjugates in wildtype C57BL/6 and Ncr1Gfp/Gfp mice.
In Ahr-/- and Ncr1Gfp/Gfp mice, receptor loss resulted in reduced uNK cell diameters, impaired decidual vasculature, and failures in spiral artery remodeling. Ahr-/- mice had severe fertility deficits whereas Ncr1Gfp/Gfp mice had increased fetal resorption indicating differing receptor requirements in pregnancy success. NCR1 loss primarily affected uNK cell maturation and function as identified by alterations in granule ultrastructure, lytic protein expression, and angiokine production. Leukocyte conjugates were frequent in early C57BL/6 decidua basalis and included uNK cells conjugating first with antigen presenting cells and then with T cells. Overall conjugate formation was reduced in the absence of NCR1, but specific uNK cell conjugations were unaffected by receptor loss.
While KIR-MHC interactions are associated with numerous pregnancy complications in humans, the role of other uNK cell receptors are not well characterized. These results illustrate the importance of MHC-independent receptors in uNK cell activation during early pregnancy in mice and encourage further studies of pregnancy complications that may occur independently of maternal KIR-MHC contributions.

abstract: PhD


title: Investigating the Mechanism of Autoimmune Disease Associated-LQTS

contributor:
Zhang, Shetuan
Biomedical and Molecular Sciences

subject:
Autoimmune
hERG
Long QT Syndrome
Arrhythmia

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biomedical & Molecular Sciences) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-17 14:34:53.538

abstract: The human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) protein passes the rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium channel (IKr), and malfunction of hERG protein/IKr is the primary cause of acquired long QT syndrome (LQTS). Autoimmune diseases are significantly correlated with prolonged QT intervals, for which autoantibodies have been implicated. The anti-Ro52 autoantibody is the most frequently evaluated, and importantly has been correlated with prolonged QT intervals. Pathological anti-Ro52-hERG interactions have been discussed as a mechanism for autoimmune disease-related LQTS. However, the mechanism is unclear, and it does not explain LQTS in autoimmune diseases which do not commonly express anti-Ro52. In this thesis, I investigated the effects of anti-Ro52 on hERG/IKr function. Through Western blot analysis, whole-cell patch-clamp, and immunofluorescence, I show that anti-Ro52 chronically (12 h) reduced hERG protein expression and hERG current by over 50%, but did not acutely block the channel. My work revealed a novel mechanism in which the Fc portion of anti-Ro52 interacts with the extracellular S5-pore linker of the channel to induce internalization through a tyrosine phosphorylation dependent pathway. This phenomenon extends beyond anti-Ro52 IgG, as other IgG, regardless of their antigen binding specificity, have the potential to reduce hERG expression/current. Rather, the ability of IgG to reduce hERG expression and current is dependent on the IgG subclass, as we show mouse IgG2A was the only mouse IgG subclass which reduced hERG expression. These results provide a novel explanation for autoimmune disease associated LQTS. It also has implications in the development of safe monoclonal antibody drugs.

abstract: This thesis contains original data which will be sent for publication in peer reviewed journals in the near future. I do not wish other groups within the field to be able to read this thesis so that they may not steal our intellectual ideas prior to our successful publication of our data.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Supporting Metacognitive Development in Early Science Education: Exploring Elementary Teachers' Beliefs and Practices in Metacognition

contributor:
Sharkawy, Azza
Education

subject:
Metacognition
Teachers' Beliefs
Student Learning
Elementary Science

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-17 15:57:55.441

abstract:
Metacognition is the understanding and control of cognitive processes. Students with high levels of metacognition achieve greater academic success. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine elementary teachers’ beliefs about metacognition and integration of metacognitive practices in science. Forty-four teachers were recruited through professional networks to complete a questionnaire containing open-ended questions (n = 44) and Likert-type items (n = 41). Five respondents were selected to complete semi-structured interviews informed by the questionnaire. The selected interview participants had a minimum of three years teaching experience and demonstrated a conceptual understanding of metacognition.
Statistical tests (Pearson correlation, t-tests, and multiple regression) on quantitative data and thematic analysis of qualitative data indicated that teachers largely understood metacognition but had some gaps in their understanding. Participants’ reported actions (teaching practices) and beliefs differed according to their years of experience but not gender. Hierarchical multiple regression demonstrated that the first block of gender and experience was not a significant predictor of teachers' metacognitive actions, although experience was a significant predictor by itself. Experience was not a significant predictor once teachers' beliefs were added.
The majority of participants indicated that metacognition was indeed appropriate for elementary students. Participants consistently reiterated that students’ metacognition developed with practice, but required explicit instruction. A lack of consensus remained around the domain specificity of metacognition. More specifically, the majority of
questionnaire respondents indicated that metacognitive strategies could not be used across subject domains, whereas all interviewees indicated that they used strategies across subjects. Metacognition was integrated frequently into Ontario elementary classrooms; however, metacognition was integrated less frequently in science lessons. Lastly, participants used a variety of techniques to integrate metacognition into their classrooms. Implications for practice include the need for more professional development aimed at integrating metacognition into science lessons at both the Primary and Junior levels. Further, teachers could benefit from additional clarification on the three main components of metacognition and the need to integrate all three to successfully develop students’ metacognition.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Examination of the Effects of Valproic Acid Exposure or P300 Protein Inhibition on the Balance of Apoptosis and Proliferation in P19 Embryonal Carcinoma Cells

contributor:
Winn, Louise M.
Pharmacology and Toxicology

subject:
Teratogenicity
Valproic Acid

abstract: Thesis (Master, Pharmacology & Toxicology) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-25 22:29:17.202

abstract: Valproic acid (VPA), a commonly-used anticonvulsant drug, is associated with increased risk of fetal malformations, including neural tube defects (NTDs). Previous in vivo studies determined that VPA-exposed embryos with a NTD had altered expression of several proteins regulated by p300, a histone acetyltransferase (HAT) protein. p300 is capable of acetylating histones and non-histone proteins through its HAT activity, allowing it to transcriptionally regulate genes as well as modulate the stability and activity of specific proteins. NFκB, Stat3 and Egr1, all of which function as transcription factors, are regulated by p300 through its HAT activity. Together, these proteins all play an important role in maintaining the balance of apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation, the regulation of which is extremely important for proper embryonic development. The studies in this thesis utilized P19 embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells in order to determine the effects of VPA exposure on the expression of p300 and the aforementioned transcription factors, as well as apoptosis and proliferation, in vitro. P19 EC cells were exposed to C646, a selective p300 inhibitor, in order to assess whether the effects observed as a result of VPA exposure were due to p300 protein degradation. It was found that VPA exposure for 24 hours in P19 EC cells in vitro resulted in a significant decrease in p300 protein expression. VPA exposure also significantly decreased NFκB protein expression, while resulting in increased Stat3 protein expression. However, Stat3 acetylation and phosphorylation, which both contribute to Stat3 activation, were significantly decreased as a result of VPA exposure. p300 inhibition resulted in a significant decrease in NFκB, similar to what was observed as a result of VPA exposure, which suggests that VPA-mediated degradation of p300 may play a role in reduced NFκB protein expression following VPA exposure. Conversely, Stat3 protein expression, acetylation and phosphorylation were not significantly changed as a result of p300 inhibition, suggesting that p300 degradation does not play a role in VPA’s effects on Stat3 protein expression and activation. VPA exposure also resulted in a significant increase in apoptosis, while p300 inhibition did not significantly increase apoptosis. These data suggest that p300 degradation plays a role in VPA-mediated teratogenicity, and that VPA may target other cellular mechanisms in order to exert its teratogenic effects.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Examination of body image among Canadian adolescents: Relations with physical activity and screen time

contributor:
Pickett, William
Community Health and Epidemiology

subject:
Screen time
Adolescents
Physical activity
Body image

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-26 09:58:32.583

abstract:
Background: Adolescence is a period of life associated with self-perceptions of negative body image. Physical activity levels are low and screen time levels are also high during this stage. These perceptions and behaviours are associated with poor health outcomes, making research on their determinants important. With adolescent populations, certain groups may be at higher risk of body dissatisfaction than others, and body dissatisfaction may influence individual physical activity and screen time levels.

Objectives: The objectives of this thesis were to: 1) describe body image among young Canadians, examining possible health inequalities 2) estimate the strength and significance of associations between body satisfaction, physical activity and screen time, and 3) examine the potential etiological role of biological sex.

Methods: Objective 1: The 2013/2014 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study was employed. Sex-stratified Rao-Scott chi-square analyses were conducted to examine associations between socio-demographic factors and body satisfaction. Objective 2: The 2005/2006 and 2013/2014 cross-sectional and 2006 longitudinal HBSC data sets were used. Sex-stratified modified Poisson regressions were conducted and risk estimates and associated confidence intervals obtained.

Results: Objective 1: Among males, being older, of East and Southeast Asian ethnicity, and reporting low SES all were associated with body dissatisfaction. Among females, being older, of Arab and West Asian or African ethnicity, being born in Canada, and reporting low SES were all associated with being body dissatisfied. Objective 2: Cross-sectionally, males who reported ‘too fat’ body dissatisfaction were more likely to be physically inactive. Adolescents of both sexes who reported ‘too fat’ body dissatisfaction were more likely to engage in high levels of screen time. Data from the longitudinal component supported the idea that male ‘too fat’ body dissatisfaction temporally leads to physical inactivity, but showed an inverse relationship between body dissatisfaction and screen time.

Conclusions: Objective 1: Future prevention efforts in Canada should target subgroups to effectively help those at greatest risk of body dissatisfaction, and ameliorate potential inequalities at the population level. Objective 2: The presence of these relationships may inform future interventions as part of a multi-factorial etiology, in order to increase physical activity and decrease screen time among youth.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Advanced Islanding Detection Methods for Single Phase Grid Connected PV Inverters

contributor:
Jain, Praveen K.
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Islanding Detection
Single Phase Grid Connected Inverter

abstract: Thesis (Master, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-19 16:54:05.7

abstract: Due to the growing concerns associated with fossil fuels, emphasis has been placed on clean and sustainable energy generation. This has resulted in the increase in Photovoltaics (PV) units being integrated into the utility system. The integration of PV units has raised some concerns for utility power systems, including the consequences of failing to detect islanding. Numerous methods for islanding detection have been introduced in literature. They can be categorized into local methods and remote methods. The local methods are categorically divided into passive and active methods. Active methods generally have smaller Non-Detection Zone (NDZ) but the injecting disturbances will slightly degrade the power quality and reliability of the power system. Slip Mode Frequency Shift Islanding Detection Method (SMS IDM) is an active method that uses positive feedback for islanding detection. In this method, the phase angle of the converter is controlled to have a sinusoidal function of the deviation of the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) voltage frequency from the nominal grid frequency. This method has a non-detection zone which means it fails to detect islanding for specific local load conditions. If the SMS IDM employs a different function other than the sinusoidal function for drifting the phase angle of the inverter, its non-detection zone could be smaller. In addition, Advanced Slip Mode Frequency Shift Islanding Detection Method (Advanced SMS IDM), which has been introduced in this thesis, eliminates the non-detection zone of the SMS IDM. In this method the parameters of SMS IDM change based on the local load impedance value. Moreover, the stability of the system is investigated by developing the dynamical equations of the system for two operation modes; grid connected and islanded mode. It is mathematically proven that for some loading conditions the nominal frequency is an unstable point and the operation frequency slides to another stable point, while for other loading conditions the nominal frequency is the only stable point of the system upon islanding occurring. Simulation and experimental results show the accuracy of the proposed methods in detection of islanding and verify the validity of the mathematical analysis.

abstract: I will use the content of this thesis for my PhD studies in the next few years, so I don't want the content to be available for the public for the next 4 years.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Adding Run-Time Monitoring to UML-RT by Modifying the Papyrus-RT Code Generator

contributor:
Dingel, Juergen
Computing

rights: Creative Commons - Attribution-Share Alike - CC BY-SA

subject:
MDE
Monitoring
Model Driven Development
Tracing
Rover
Eclipse
MDD
Model Driven Engineering
Papyrus
Open Source
Trace Compass
Code Generation
Code Generator
papyrus rt
Make
Makefile
papyrusrt
UML
Modelling
papyrus-rt
State Machine
State Machines
umlrt
States
Transitions
uml-rt
State
Transition
uml rt
Trace
Traces
lttng

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-21 22:26:47.669

abstract:
In Model-Driven Engineering (MDE), the developer creates a model using a language
such as Unified Modeling Language (UML) or UML for Real-Time (UML-RT) and
uses tools such as Papyrus or Papyrus-RT that generate code for them based on the
model they create. Tracing allows developers to get insights such as which events
occur and timing information into their own application as it runs. We try to add
monitoring capabilities using Linux Trace Toolkit: next generation (LTTng) to models
created in UML-RT using Papyrus-RT. The implementation requires changing the
code generator to add tracing statements for the events that the user wants to monitor
to the generated code. We also change the makefile to automate the build process
and we create an Extensible Markup Language (XML) file that allows developers to
view their traces visually using Trace Compass, an Eclipse-based trace viewing tool.
Finally, we validate our results using three models we create and trace.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Structural and Functional Correlates of Exercise Ventilatory Inefficiency in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients With Mild-to-Moderate Spirometric Abnormalities

contributor:
Neder, J. Alberto
Biomedical and Molecular Sciences

subject:
COPD
Ventilatory Inefficiency

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biomedical & Molecular Sciences) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-23 02:33:44.977

abstract:
Background: Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have higher than normal ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide (VE/VCO2) during exercise. There is growing evidence that emphysema on thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans is associated with poor exercise capacity in COPD patients with only mild-to-moderate airflow obstruction. We hypothesized that emphysema is an underlying cause of microvascular dysfunction and ventilatory inefficiency, which in turn contributes to reduced exercise capacity. We expected ventilatory inefficiency to be associated with a) the extent of emphysema; b) lower diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide; c) a reduced pulmonary blood flow response to exercise; and d) reduced exercise capacity.
Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 19 subjects with mild-to-moderate COPD (mean ± SD FEV1= 82 ± 13% predicted, 12 GOLD grade 1) and 26 age-, sex-, and activity-matched controls underwent a ramp-incremental symptom-limited exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Ventilatory inefficiency was assessed by the minimum VE/VCO2 value (nadir). A subset of subjects also completed repeated constant work rate exercise bouts with non-invasive measurements of pulmonary blood flow. Emphysema was quantified as the percentage of attenuation areas below -950 Housefield Units on CT scans. An electronic scoresheet was used to keep track of emphysema sub-types.
Results: COPD subjects typically had centrilobular emphysema (76.8 ± 10.1% of total emphysema) in the upper lobes (upper/lower lobe ratio= 0.82 ± 0.04). They had lower peak oxygen uptake (VO2), higher VE/VCO2 nadir and greater dyspnea scores than controls (p<0.05). Lower peak  O2 and worse dyspnea were found in COPD subjects with VE/VCO2 nadirs ≥ 30. COPD subjects had blunted increases in pulmonary blood flow from rest to iso-VO2 exercise (p<0.05). Higher VE/VCO2 nadir in COPD subjects correlated with emphysema severity (r= 0.63), which in turn correlated with reduced lung diffusing capacity (r= -0.72) and blunted changes in pulmonary blood flow from rest to exercise (r= -0.69) (p<0.01).
Conclusions: Ventilation “wasted” in emphysematous areas is associated with reduced exercise ventilatory efficiency in mild-to-moderate COPD. Exercise ventilatory inefficiency links structure (emphysema) and function (gas transfer) to a key clinical outcome (reduced exercise capacity) in COPD patients with modest spirometric abnormalities.

abstract: The thesis in this submission contains content that is not yet published in a scientific journal.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Self-efficacy in depression: Bridging the gap between competence and real-world functioning

contributor:
Bowie, Christopher R.
Psychology

subject: competence functioning depression adaptive interpersonal self-efficacy

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-23 13:26:47.639

abstract:
Background: Depression is the largest contributing factor to years lost to disability, and symptom remission does not always result in functional improvement. Comprehensive analysis of functioning requires investigation both of the competence to perform behaviours, as well as actual performance in the real world. Further, two independent domains of functioning have been proposed: adaptive (behaviours conducive to daily living skills and independent functioning) and interpersonal (behaviours conducive to the successful initiation and maintenance of social relationships). To date, very little is known about the relationship between these constructs in depression, and the factors that may play a key role in the disparity between competence and real-world performance in adaptive and interpersonal functioning.
Purpose: This study used a multidimensional (adaptive and interpersonal functioning), multi-level (competence and performance) approach to explore the potential discrepancy between competence and real-world performance in depression, specifically investigating whether self-efficacy (one’s beliefs of their capability to perform particular actions) predicts depressed individuals’ underperformance in the real world relative to their ability. A comparison sample of healthy participants was included to investigate the level of depressed individuals’ impairment, across variables, relative to healthy individuals.
Method: Forty-two participants with depression and twenty healthy participants without history of, or current, psychiatric illness were recruited in the Kingston, Ontario community. Competence, self-efficacy, and real-world functioning all in both adaptive and interpersonal domains, and symptoms were assessed during a single-visit assessment.
Results: Relative to healthy individuals, depressed individuals showed significantly poorer adaptive and interpersonal competence, adaptive and interpersonal functioning, and significantly lower self-efficacy for adaptive and interpersonal behaviours. Self-efficacy significantly predicted functional disability both in the domain of adaptive and interpersonal functioning. Interpersonal self-efficacy accounted for significant variance in the discrepancy between interpersonal competence and functioning.
Conclusions: The current study provides the first data regarding relationships among competence, functioning, and self-efficacy in depression. Self-efficacy may play an important role in the deployment of functional skills in everyday life. This has implications for therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing depressed individuals’ engagement in functional activities. There may be additional intrinsic or extrinsic factors that influence the relationships among competence and functioning in depression.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Herpesvirus Nuclear Egress Complex   Component, UL31, is Recruited to Sites of DNA Damage Through Poly(ADP-RIBOSE) Binding

contributor:
Banfield, Bruce
Biomedical and Molecular Sciences

subject:
DNA damage
PAR
UL31
PARylation
PAR-binding
HSV-2

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biomedical & Molecular Sciences) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-23 15:03:30.807

abstract: The herpes simplex virus (HSV) UL31 gene encodes a conserved member of the herpesvirus nuclear egress complex that not only functions in the egress of DNA-containing capsids from the nucleus, but is also required for optimal viral genome expression, replication and packaging into capsids.  Here, we report that the UL31 protein from HSV-2 and the orthologous protein, ORF69, from Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are recruited to sites of DNA damage.  Recruitment of UL31 to sites of DNA damage occurred in HSV-2 infected cells, but did not require other viral proteins. The N-terminus of UL31 contains sequences resembling a poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) binding motif. As protein poly-ADP ribosylation (PARylation) is a hallmark of the DNA damage response we examined the relationship between PARylation and UL31 recruitment to DNA damage. While the PAR polymerase (PARP)1/2 inhibitor, olaparib, prevented UL31 recruitment to damaged DNA, KU55933 inhibition of signaling through the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) DNA damage response pathway had no effect. These findings were further supported by experiments demonstrating direct and specific interaction between HSV-2 UL31 and PAR using purified components. Co-transfection with the viral kinase Us3, known to phosphorylate UL31, inhibited UL31 recruitment to DNA damage but also prevented the recruitment of other proteins recruited to DNA damage sites. The viral E3 ubiquitin ligase ICP0 was observed to co-localize with UL31 in transfected cells in a manner that is independent of the PAR-binding ability of UL31.  However, inhibition of PARP1/2/3 did not reduce the ability of HSV-2 to replicate and we observed reduced PAR levels in the nuclei of infected cells. This study reveals a previously unrecognized function for UL31 orthologs and may suggest that the recognition of PAR by UL31 is coupled to the nuclear egress of herpesvirus capsids, influences viral DNA replication and packaging, or possibly modulates the DNA damage response mounted by virally infected cells.

abstract: Contains unpublished data that we hope to publish soon.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Codomain Rigidity of the Dirichlet to Neumann Operator for the Riemannian Wave Equation

contributor:
Mansouri, Abdol-Reza
Mathematics and Statistics

subject:
Partial Differential Equations
Inverse Problems

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mathematics & Statistics) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-23 15:00:13.283

abstract: We study the Dirichlet to Neumann operator for the Riemannian wave equation on a compact Riemannian manifold. If the Riemannian manifold is modelled as an elastic medium, this operator represents the data available to an observer on the boundary of the manifold when the manifold is set into motion through boundary vibrations. We study the Dirichlet to Neumann operator when vibrations are imposed and data recorded on disjoint sets, a useful setting for applications. We prove that this operator determines the Dirichlet to Neumann operator where sources and observations are on the same set, provided a spectral condition on the Laplace-Beltrami operator for the manifold is satisfied. We prove this by providing an implementable procedure for determining a portion of the Riemannian manifold near the area where sources are applied. Drawing on established results, an immediate corollary is that a compact Riemannian manifold can be reconstructed from the Dirichlet to Neumann operator where sources and observations are on disjoint sets.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Understanding and Developing Parental Involvement In My School

subject: Parent Involvement

abstract: In the early years of the current decade, I spearheaded my school's and school board's participation in a research program on parental involvement led by Kenneth Leithwood from the Ontario Institute for Students in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto.  Despite all the extensive work I did as part of this research program and the ongoing professional reading I have done with respect to parental involvement and engagement, I have yet to share fully the knowledge gained with my staff or our parent community.  Therefore, this purpose of this master's project is to provide a means for such dissemination.  To do so, I have created two parallel presentations/workshops: one for staff during out first professional development day in September and one for parents at their second Parent Council meeting in October.  The final chapter moves beyond these workshops to allow me to reflect on the progress made to date with parental engagement in my school and to look forward toward where I as Principal hope to lead my school community in the future.


title: Characterization of ALDH1A1 as a novel tumorigenic target mediating TAZ-induced lung tumorigenesis and stem cell phenotypes

contributor:
Yang, Xiaolong
Pathology and Molecular Medicine

subject: ALDH1A1

subject: TAZ

abstract: Thesis (Master, Pathology & Molecular Medicine) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-23 18:19:21.492

abstract: Recent studies suggest that lung cancer stem cells (CSCs) may play major roles in lung cancer development, metastasis and drug resistance. Therefore, identification of lung CSC drivers may provide promising targets for lung cancer. TAZ (transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif) is a transcriptional co-activator and key downstream effector of the Hippo pathway, which plays critical roles in various biological processes. TAZ has been shown to be overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and involved in tumorigenicity of lung epithelial cells. However, whether TAZ is a driver for lung CSCs and tumor formation in vivo is unknown. In addition, the molecular mechanism underlying TAZ-induced lung tumorigenesis remains to be determined. In this study, we provided evidence that constitutively active TAZ (TAZ-S89A) is a driver for lung tumorigenesis in vivo in mice and formation of lung CSC. Oncogenes upregulated in TAZ-overexpressing cells were identified with further validation. The most dramatically activated gene, Aldh1a1 (Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member a1), a well-established CSC marker, showed that TAZ induces Aldh1a1 transcription by activating its promoter activity through interaction with the transcription factor TEA domain (TEAD) family member. Most significantly, inhibition of ALDH1A1 with its inhibitor A37 or CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) gene knockout in lung cancer cells suppressed lung tumorigenic and CSC phenotypes in vitro, and tumor formation in mice in vivo. In conclusion, this study identified TAZ as a novel inducer of lung CSCs and the first transcriptional activator of the stem cell marker ALDH1A1. Most significantly, we identified ALDH1A1 as a critical meditator of TAZ-induced tumorigenic and CSC phenotypes in lung cancer. Our studies provided preclinical data for targeting of TAZ-TEAD-ALDH1A1 signaling to inhibit CSC-induced lung tumorigenesis and drug resistance in the future.

abstract: This thesis contains unpublished work and is going for publication.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: "Can you ask her to help?" An examination of the factors that promote and discourage prosocial intervention in preschool children

contributor:
Kuhlmeier, Valerie
Psychology

subject:
helping
shyness
looking behaviour
child development
prosocial behaviour

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-24 15:38:12.491

abstract: Previous research has examined young children’s ability to detect who would be most likely to provide help to others in a given situation, but little is known about their ability to intervene based on this knowledge in a real-life setting. In the current study, 48 three-year-old children chose between two actors to retrieve an out-of-reach object for the Experimenter; one actor was physically incapable of providing the object (blocked by a tall barrier), and one was capable. Participants’ looking behaviour between the two actors during the study was also recorded and analyzed as an additional, nonverbal measure of their prediction about who would help. Approximately half of the participants in the sample actively intervened on behalf of the Experimenter, but only after a direct request for help was made.  Though the other participants did not engage in this helping behaviour, they chose the unblocked actor to help the Experimenter in a subsequent interview.  Children also spent more time looking at the unblocked actor. Secondary analyses indicated that shyness prevented many children in the study from asking for help on behalf of the Experimenter from one of the actors. Finally, an unexpected side bias for looking behaviour toward the actors was found that has implications for how the study design could be improved for future research.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Design of Transparent Conducting Electrodes and Surface Relief Gratings for Plasmonic Polymer Solar Cells

subject:
Polymer Solar Cell
Transparent Electrode
Solar Cell
ITO-Free Electrode
Surface Plasmons
Transparent Thin Film
Organic Solar Cell
Thin Film
Plasmonic Solar Cell
Thin Film Solar Cell
Organic Photovoltaics
Gratings

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-24 18:11:58.081

abstract: As the concept of renewable energy becomes increasingly important in the modern society, a considerable amount of research has been conducted in the field of organic photovoltaics in recent years. Although organic solar cells generally have had lower efficiencies compared to silicon solar cells, they have the potential to be mass produced via solution processing. A common polymer solar cell architecture relies on the usage of P3HT (electron donor) and PCBM (electron acceptor) bulk heterojunction. One of the main issues with this configuration is that in order to compensate for the high exciton recombination rate, the photoactive layer is often made very thin (on the order of 100 $%). This results in low solar cell photocurrents due to low absorption. This thesis investigates a novel method of light trapping by coupling surface plasmons at the electrode interface via surface relief gratings, leading to EM field enhancements and increased photo absorption. Experimental work was first conducted on developing and optimizing a transparent electrode of the form &'()/+,/&'() to replace the traditional ITO electrode since the azopolymer gratings cannot withstand the high temperature processing of ITO films. It was determined that given the right thickness profiles and deposition conditions, the MAM stack can achieve transmittance and conductivity similar to ITO films. Experimental work was also conducted on the fabrication and characterization of surface relief gratings, as well as verification of the surface plasmon generation. Surface relief gratings were fabricated easily and accurately via laser interference lithography on photosensitive azopolymer films. Laser diffraction studies confirmed the grating pitch, which is dependent on the incident angle and wavelength of the writing beam. AFM experiments were conducted to determine the surface morphology of the gratings, before and after metallic film deposition. It was concluded that metallic film deposition does not significantly alter the grating morphologies.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Shiftwork, sleep disturbance and the metabolic syndrome among female hospital workers

contributor:
Aronson, Kristan J.
Tranmer, Joan E.
Community Health and Epidemiology

subject:
Metabolic Syndrome
Women's Health
Shiftwork
Sleep Disturbance
Cardiovascular Disease

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-25 21:00:18.451

abstract:
Background: Shiftwork is associated with increased sleep disturbance and cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk. This thesis will focus on shiftwork-related sleep disturbance and the potential mediating role of reduced sleep duration in the relationship between a current rotational shiftwork schedule and the metabolic syndrome among female hospital employees.
Objectives: 1) To describe sleep patterns in relation to different shiftwork exposure metrics (current status, cumulative exposure, number of consecutive night shifts); 2) To assess the association between shiftwork metrics and sleep duration; 3) To determine whether sleep duration on work shifts mediates the relationship between a current rotational shiftwork pattern and the metabolic syndrome; and 4) To assess whether cumulative shiftwork exposure and the number of consecutive night shifts are associated with the metabolic syndrome.
Methods: 294 female hospital employees (142 rotating shiftworkers, 152 dayworkers) participated in a cross-sectional study. Shiftwork parameters were determined through self-report. Sleep was measured for one week with the ActiGraph GT3X+, a tri-axial accelerometer. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to the Joint Interim Studies Consensus Statement. Sleep was described by shiftwork exposure parameters, and multivariable linear regression was used to determine associations between shiftwork variables and sleep duration. Regression path analysis was used to assess whether sleep duration was a mediator between a current shiftwork schedule and the metabolic syndrome, and the significance of the indirect (mediating) effect was tested with bootstrap confidence intervals. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between cumulative shiftwork exposure, number of consecutive night shifts, and the metabolic syndrome.
Results: Current shiftworkers slept less on work shifts, more on free days, and were more likely to nap compared to dayworkers. Sleep duration on work shifts was a strong intermediate in the relationship between a current shiftwork pattern and the metabolic syndrome. Cumulative shiftwork exposure and the number of consecutive night shifts did not affect sleep or the metabolic syndrome.
Conclusions: A current shiftwork pattern disrupts sleep, and reduced sleep duration is an important intermediate between shiftwork and the metabolic syndrome among female hospital employees.

abstract: The articles are not yet published so we do not want it on Q-Space yet

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The political economy of industrial policy in Peru and Ecuador: 1980-2010

contributor:
Conaghan, Catherine
Political Studies

subject:
industrial policy
Comparative historical analysis
Ecuador
political economy
Peru
Latin America
Historical Institutionalism

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Political Studies) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-25 19:51:48.346

abstract:
This dissertation focuses on industrial policy in two developing countries: Peru and Ecuador. Informed by comparative historical analysis, it explains how the Import-Substitution Industrialization policies promoted during the 1970s by military administration unravelled in the following 30 years under the guidance of Washington Consensus policies. Positioning political economy in time, the research objectives were two-fold: understanding long-term policy reform patterns, including the variables that conditioned cyclical versus path-dependent dynamics of change and; secondly, investigating the direction and leverage of state institutions supporting the manufacturing sector at the dawn, peak and consolidation of neoliberal discourse in both countries.

Three interconnected causal mechanisms explain the divergence of trajectories: institutional legacies, coordination among actors and economic distribution of power. Peru’s long tradition of a minimal state contrasts with the embedded character of Ecuador long tradition of legal protectionism dating back to the Liberal Revolution. Peru’s close policy coordination among stakeholders –state technocrats and business elites- differs from Ecuador’s “winners-take-all” approach for policy-making. Peru’s economic dynamism concentrated in Lima sharply departs from Ecuador’s competitive regional economic leaderships.

This dissertation paid particular attention to methodology to understand the intersection between structure and agency in policy change. Tracing primary and secondary sources, as well as key pieces of legislation, became critical to understand key turning points and long-term patterns of change. Open-ended interviews (N=58) with two stakeholder groups (business elites and bureaucrats) compounded the effort to knit motives, discourses, and interests behind this long transition. In order to understand this amount of data, this research build an index of policy intervention as a methodological contribution to assess long patterns of policy change. These findings contribute to the current literature on State-market relations and varieties of capitalism, institutional change, and policy reform.

abstract: I want to maximize the possibilities of publication of the whole monograph.

abstract: PhD


title: The Effect of Foam Core Density on the Flexural and Axial Behaviour of Sandwich Panels of Varying Slenderness with Natural Flax-FRP and Glass-FRP Composite Skins

contributor:
Fam, Amir Z.
Civil Engineering

subject:
Sandwich panel
slenderness
natural fibers
flax fibres
bio-composite
GFRP
axial
foam core

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2016-09-21 11:51:41.217

abstract:
This study investigates the effect of foam core density and skin type on the behaviour of sandwich panels as structural beams tested in four-point bending and axially compressed columns of varying slenderness and skin thickness. Bio-composite unidirectional flax fibre-reinforced polymer (FFRP) is compared to conventional glass-FRP (GFRP) as the skin material used in conjunction with three polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam cores with densities of 32, 64 and 96 kg/m3. Eighteen 1000 mm long flexural specimens were fabricated and tested to failure comparing the effects of foam core density between three-layer FFRP skinned and single-layer GFRP skinned panels. A total of 132 columns with slenderness ratios (kLe/r) ranging from 22 to 62 were fabricated with single-layer GFRP skins, and one-, three-, and five-layer FFRP skins for each of the three foam core densities.  The columns were tested to failure in concentric axial compression using pinned-end conditions to compare the effects of each material type and panel height. All specimens had a foam core cross-section of 100x50 mm with 100 mm wide skins of equal thickness.

In both flexural and axial loading, panels with skins comprised of three FFRP layers showed equivalent strength to those with a single GFRP layer for all slenderness ratios and core densities examined. Doubling the core density from 32 to 64 kg/m3 and tripling the density to 96 kg/m3 led to flexural strength increases of 82 and 213%, respectively. Both FFRP and GFRP columns showed a similar variety of failure modes related to slenderness. Low slenderness of 22-25 failed largely due to localized single skin buckling, while those with high slenderness of 51-61 failed primarily by global buckling followed by secondary skin buckling. Columns with intermediate slenderness experienced both localized and global failure modes. High density foam cores more commonly exhibited core shear failure. Doubling the core density of the columns resulted in peak axial load increases, across all slenderness ratios, of 73, 56, 72 and 71% for skins with one, three and five FFRP layers, and one GFRP layer, respectively. Tripling the core density resulted in respective peak load increases of 116, 130, 176 and 170%.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Laboratory Investigation of Diluted Bitumen Trapping and Dissolution in Gravel

contributor:
Mumford, Kevin G.
Civil Engineering

subject: Gravel-bedded Rivers

subject: Capillary Pressure-Saturation Relationships

subject: Dilbit

subject: Interphase Mass Transfer

subject: Diluted Bitumen

abstract: Thesis (Master, Civil Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-26 08:55:08.21

abstract:
The Canadian economy is largely dependent on the distribution of large volumes of oil to domestic and
international markets by a long network of pipelines. Unfortunately, accidents occur, and oil can leak or
spill from these pipelines before it reaches its destination. Of particular concern are the long-term
consequences of oil spills in freshwater, which include sinking of oil in water and the contamination of
sensitive areas, such as where fish (e.g., salmon) deposit their eggs in gravel-dominated river sediments.
There is a knowledge gap regarding the fate and behaviour of oil in river sediment.
To this end, this study aimed at finding the potential for diluted bitumen (dilbit) oil to become trapped in
gravel and to transfer hydrocarbons into water by dissolution, which are harmful to aquatic life. Two sets
of laboratory experiments were conducted to simulate conditions of an oil spill on an exposed bank or in
shallow water. In the first set, by conducting capillary pressure-saturation (Pc-Sw) experiments it was found
that dilbit can enter gravel pores without much resistance and approximately 14% of the pore volume can
be occupied by discontinuous single or multipore blobs of dilbit following imbibition of water. Air-water
Pc-Sw experiments done in laboratory 1-D columns required gravity correction and could be successfully
scaled to predict dilbit-water Pc-Sw curves, except for the trapped amount of dilbit.
Trapped dilbit constituents can be dissolved into the water flowing through gravel pores (hyporheic flow)
at different velocities. In the second set, dissolution experiments suggested that for the duration of the test,
hydrocarbons that cause acute toxicity dissolve rapidly, likely resulting in a decrease in their effective
solubility. However, dilbit saturation changed only <2% within that time. Chronically toxic PAH
compounds were also detected in the effluent water. The total concentration of all detected PAHs and alkylPAHs exceeded the threshold literature value to protect early-life stage fish. Observations of decreased
concentrations with increased aqueous velocities as well as less than equilibrium concentrations indicated
that the mass transfer was rate-limited. A correlation was developed for the mass transfer rate coefficient
to understand the mass transfer behaviour beyond the conditions used in the experiments, which had a
Reynolds number exponent similar to the studies of NAPL dissolution in groundwater.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Sleep Quality as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Attachment Anxiety and Health Outcomes During Romantic Conflict

contributor:
MacDonald, Tara K.
Psychology

subject:
Romantic Threat
Romantic Relationships
Sleep Quality
Health
Attachment Anxiety

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-26 09:22:46.971

abstract: Attachment anxiety, or a fear of abandonment by those close to you, is an important predictor of many individual and interpersonal outcomes. Individuals high in attachment anxiety are more likely to experience physical illness due to disrupted immune functioning and deregulated stress responses. I was interested in examining potential mechanisms accounting for why individuals high in attachment anxiety are more likely to become ill. One variable that has been demonstrated to mediate the relationship between stress and health is sleep quality. As attachment anxiety is characterized by the experience of stress and worry over abandonment by romantic partners, I predicted sleep quality would mediate the relationship between attachment anxiety and health. Further, I predicted attachment anxiety would interact with romantic threat, in that individuals high in attachment anxiety who perceive threat to their relationships would have poor sleep quality (compared with individuals low in attachment anxiety and individuals high in anxiety who do not perceive threat) which would mediate the most unhealthy outcomes. I tested these hypotheses using three online diary studies. In the first two studies, participants completed a seven-night diary describing their sleep quality, health, and interaction with their partner. In Study 3, I surveyed participants once a week for eight weeks to examine longer-term health outcomes. Sleep quality did indeed mediate the relationship between attachment anxiety and various health outcomes over one week (Study 2), and showed a trend towards mediating effects over two months (Study 3). Interestingly, however, attachment anxiety did not interact with perceived romantic threat to predict health in the mediation analyses. Implications for sleep as a mediating variable are discussed, as well as the lack of attachment anxiety by romantic threat interaction.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Experimental and RANS-CFD Study of Nacelle Drag

contributor:
Birk, Michael A.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject: nacelle seven-hole decomposition drag far-field near-field CFD wake traverse RANS

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-26 11:07:17.074

abstract:
The drag on a nacelle model was investigated experimentally and computationally to provide guidance and insight into the capabilities of RANS-based CFD. The research goal was to determine whether industry constrained CFD could participate in the aerodynamic design of nacelle bodies. Grid refinement level, turbulence model and near wall treatment settings, to predict drag to the highest accuracy, were key deliverables.
Cold flow low-speed wind tunnel experiments were conducted at a Reynolds number of 6∙〖10〗^5, 293 K and a Mach number of 0.1. Total drag force was measured by a six-component force balance. Detailed wake analysis, using a seven-hole pressure probe traverse, allowed for drag decomposition via the far-field method. Drag decomposition was performed through a range of angles of attack between 0o and 45o. Both methods agreed on total drag within their respective uncertainties. Reversed flow at the measurement plane and saturation of the load cell caused discrepancies at high angles of attack.
A parallel CFD study was conducted using commercial software, ICEM 15.0 and FLUENT 15.0. Simulating a similar nacelle geometry operating under inlet boundary conditions obtained through wind tunnel characterization allowed for direct comparisons with experiment. It was determined that the Realizable k-ϵ was best suited for drag prediction of this geometry. This model predicted the axial momentum loss and secondary flow in the wake, as well as the integrated surface forces, within experimental error up to 20o angle of attack. SST k-ω  required additional surface grid resolution on the nacelle suction side, resulting in 15% more elements, due to separation point prediction sensitivity.
 It was further recommended to apply enhanced wall treatment to more accurately capture the viscous drag and separated flow structures. Overall, total drag was predicted within 5% at 0o angle of attack and 10% at 20o, each within experimental uncertainty. What is more, the form and induced drag predicted by CFD and measured by the wake traverse shared good agreement. Which indicated CFD captured the key flow features accurately despite simplification of the nacelle interior geometry.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Effects of introspection on meta and structural attitude bases

contributor:
Fabrigar, Leandre R.
Psychology

subject:
introspection
attitudes
mechanism
affect
cognition
attitude bases

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-26 11:31:09.246

abstract:
Introspection is the process by which individuals question their attitudes; either questioning why
they hold their attitudes (Why introspection), or how they feel about a particular attitude object
(How introspection). Previous research has suggested that Why-introspection induces attitude change, and that Why and How introspection influence attitude-behaviour consistency,persuasion, and other effects. Generally, psychologists have assumed that affective and cognitive attitude bases are the mechanism by which introspection leads to these effects. Leading perspectives originating from these findings suggest that either Why introspection changes the
content of cognitive attitude bases (the skewness hypothesis), or increases the salience of cognitive attitude bases (the dominance hypothesis); whereas How introspection may increase the salience of affective attitude bases (another part of the dominance hypothesis). However,
direct evidence for these mechanisms is lacking, and the distinction between structural and meta bases has not been considered. Two studies investigated this gap in the existing literature. Both studies measured undergraduate students’ attitudes and attitude bases (both structural and meta, affective and cognitive) before and after engaging in an introspection manipulation (Why introspection / How introspection / control), and after reading a (affective / cognitive) persuasive passage about the attitude object. No evidence was found supporting either the skewness or
dominance hypotheses. Furthermore, previous introspection effects were not replicated in the
present data. Possible reasons for these null findings are proposed, and several unexpected
effects are examined.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Comparative Effectiveness of EEG Biomarkers in Antidepressant Response and Illness Prediction in Major Depressive Disorder

contributor:
Milev, Roumen
Neuroscience Studies

subject: EEG Biomarker Escitalopram Depression

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-27 00:55:35.782

abstract:
Background: There is growing evidence that individual EEG differences may aid in classifying patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and also help predict clinical response to antidepressant treatment.  This study aims to compare the effectiveness of EEG frequency band power, alpha asymmetry and prefrontal theta cordance towards escitalopram response prediction and MDD diagnosis, in a multi-site initiative.

Methods: Resting EEG (eyes open and closed) was recorded from 64 electrodes in 44 depressed patients and 20 healthy controls at baseline, 2 weeks post-treatment and 8 weeks post-treatment. Clinical response was measured as change from baseline MADRS of 50% or more.  EEG measures were analyzed (1) at baseline (2) at 2 weeks post-treatment and (3) as an ‘‘early change” variable defined as change in EEG from baseline to 2 weeks post-treatment.

Results:  At baseline, responders exhibited greater absolute alpha power in the left hemisphere versus the right while non-responders showed the opposite.  Responders further exhibited a cortical asymmetry of greater right relative to left activity in parietal areas.  Groups also differed in baseline relative delta power with responders showing greater power in the right hemisphere versus the left while non-responders showed the opposite.  At 2 weeks post-treatment, responders exhibited greater absolute beta power in the left hemisphere relative to right and the opposite was noted for non-responders.    The opposite pattern was noted for absolute and relative delta power at 2 weeks post-treatment.  Responders exhibited early reduction in relative alpha power and early increments in relative theta power.  Non-responders showed a significant early increase in prefrontal theta cordance.  Absolute delta power helped distinguish MDD patients from healthy controls.

Conclusions: Hemispheric asymmetries in the alpha and delta bands at pre-treatment baseline and at 2 weeks post-treatment have moderate to moderately strong predictive utility towards antidepressant treatment response.  These findings have significant potential for improving clinical practice in psychiatry by eventually guiding clinical choice of treatments. This would greatly benefit patients awaiting relief from depressive symptoms as treatment optimization would help overcome problems associated with delayed recovery.  Our results also indicate that resting EEG activity may have clinical utility in predicting MDD diagnosis.

abstract: PhD


title: Analysis of Cosmogenic Impurities in Tellurium and Development of Tellurium Loading for the SNO+ Experiment

subject: Physics Tellurium Acrylic SNO+

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-29 07:44:52.87

abstract: For the SNO+ neutrinoless double beta decay search, various backgrounds, ranging from impurities present naturally to those produced cosmogenically, must be understood and reduced. Cosmogenic backgrounds are particularly difficult to reduce as they are continually regenerated while exposed to high energy cosmic rays. To reduce these cosmogenics as much as possible the tellurium used for the neutrinoless double beta decay search will be purified underground. An analysis of the purification factors achievable for insoluble cosmogenic impurities found a reduction factor of $>$20.4 at 50\% C.L.. During the purification process the tellurium will come into contact with ultra pure water and nitric acid. These liquids both carry some cosmogenic impurities with them that could be potentially transferred to the tellurium. A conservative limit is set at $<$18 events in the SNO+ region of interest (ROI) per year as a result of contaminants from these liquids. In addition to cosmogenics brought underground, muons can produce radioactive isotopes while the tellurium is stored underground. A study on the rate at which muons produce these backgrounds finds an additional 1 event per year. In order to load the tellurium into the detector, it will be combined with 1,2-butanediol to form an organometallic complex. The complex was found to have minimal effect on the SNO+ acrylic vessel for 154 years.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Digital History: Designing Virtual Environments That Support Critical Thinking and Idea Exchange, Motivate and Engage Users

contributor:
Bruno-Jofré, Rosa
Education

subject:
Public Sphere
Digital History
Dewey
Virtual Learning Environments
Digital Humanities
Habermas

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-29 15:56:53.748

abstract:
In my thesis I argue for the use of system designs that: a) open access to a variety of users and allow for collaboration and idea exchange, while at the same time, b) are designed to motivate and engage users. To exemplify my proposed systems design, I created an interactive and open digital history project focused on Romanian culture and identity during Communism, from 1947, when the Communist Party took power by forcing the King to abdicate, until the revolution in 1989, which marked the end of Communism in Romania (Gilberg, 1990, Boia, 2014).
In my project, I present the possibility to recreate Habermas’ notion of public sphere and “the unforced force of the better argument” (Habermas, 1989) and Dewey’s (2004) understanding of democracy as a mode of associated living imbued of the spirit of inquiry within contemporary digital history projects. Second, I outline system designs that motivate and engage users, by satisfying the basic psychological needs outlined in Ryan and Deci’s (2000) self-determination theory: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Two more concepts are included to complete the proposed digital history project design: presence (Ryan, Rigby, & Przybylski, 2006) and learner hero (Rigby & Przybylski, 2009).

abstract: M.Ed.


title: Comprehensive Characterization of Measurement Data Gathered by the Pressure Tube to Calandria Tube Gap Probe

subject:
eddy current
pressure tube
calandria tube
lift-off
gap
resistivity
surface profiling
principal components analysis
signal processing
multi-frequency

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-29 20:13:30.327

abstract: Multi-frequency eddy current measurements are employed in estimating pressure tube (PT) to calandria tube (CT) gap in CANDU fuel channels, a critical inspection activity required to ensure fitness for service of fuel channels. In this thesis, a comprehensive characterization of eddy current gap data is laid out, in order to extract further information on fuel channel condition, and to identify generalized applications for multi-frequency eddy current data. A surface profiling technique, generalizable to multiple probe and conductive material configurations has been developed. This technique has allowed for identification of various pressure tube artefacts, has been independently validated (using ultrasonic measurements), and has been deployed and commissioned at Ontario Power Generation. Dodd and Deeds solutions to the electromagnetic boundary value problem associated with the PT to CT gap probe configuration were experimentally validated for amplitude response to changes in gap. Using the validated Dodd and Deeds solutions, principal components analysis (PCA) has been employed to identify independence and redundancies in multi-frequency eddy current data. This has allowed for an enhanced visualization of factors affecting gap measurement. Results of the PCA of simulation data are consistent with the skin depth equation, and are validated against PCA of physical experiments. Finally, compressed data acquisition has been realized, allowing faster data acquisition for multi-frequency eddy current systems with hardware limitations, and is generalizable to other applications where real time acquisition of large data sets is prohibitive.

abstract: PhD


title: Examination of Valproic Acid-Induced Perturbations to DNA Repair, NF-ΚB Signaling and CBP/P300 Transcriptional Co-Activators

contributor:
Winn, Louise M.
Biomedical and Molecular Sciences

subject:
Valproic Acid
Teratogenicity

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Biomedical & Molecular Sciences) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-29 21:06:32.718

abstract: Exposure to the antiepileptic drug valproic acid (VPA) is associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations including heart, skeletal and most frequently neural tube defects. Although the mechanisms contributing to its teratogenesis are not well understood, VPA was previously shown to increase homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DNA repair and decrease protein expression of the transcription factor NF-κB/p65. The studies in this thesis utilized in vivo and in vitro models to evaluate the expression of HR mediators, investigate the implications of decreased p65 including DNA binding and transcriptional activation, and the expression and histone acetyltransferase activity of Cbp/p300 with an aim to provide mechanistic insight into VPA-mediated alterations. The first study demonstrated that following maternal administration of VPA, mouse embryonic mRNA expression of HR mediators Rad51, Brca1 and Brca2 exhibited temporal and tissue-specific alterations. Protein expression of Rad51 was similarly altered and preceded increased cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP; indicative of apoptosis. The second study confirms previous findings of decreased total cellular p65 protein using P19 cells, but is the first to demonstrate that nuclear p65 protein is unchanged. NF-κB DNA binding was decreased following VPA exposure and maybe mediated by decreased p50 protein, which dimerizes with p65 prior to DNA binding. Transcriptional activity of NF-κB was also increased with VPA exposure which was not due to increased p65 phosphorylation at Ser276. Furthermore, the transcriptional activation capacity was unaffected by VPA exposure as combined exposure to VPA and TNFα additively increased NF-κB activity. The third study demonstrated that VPA exposure in P19 cells decreased Cbp/p300 total cellular and nuclear protein attributed primarily to ubiquitin proteasome-mediated degradation. Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity of p300 was decreased proportionately to nuclear protein following VPA exposure. Inhibition of Cbp/p300 HAT activity decreased p65 total cellular protein, increased caspase-3 cleavage and ROS similar to VPA exposures. Furthermore, pre-treatment with the antioxidant enzyme catalase attenuated the increase in caspase-3 cleavage, but not p65 protein. Overall, this thesis demonstrates that VPA exposure impacts the expression and activity of the transcription factor NF-κB and transcriptional co-activators/HATs Cbp/p300, which has implications for downstream VPA targets including Rad51, Brca1 and Brca2.

abstract: Restricted to protect any rights to commercial publication.

abstract: PhD


title: Distributed Extremum-Seeking Control with Applications to High-Altitude Balloons

contributor:
Guay, Martin
McLellan, P. James
Chemical Engineering

subject:
high-speed internet
distributed control
formation control
coverage control
extremum-seeking control
adaptive control
parameter estimation
high-altitude balloons

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-30 14:28:14.755

abstract:
The real-time optimization of large-scale systems is a difficult problem due to the need for complex models involving uncertain parameters and the high computational cost of solving such problems by a decentralized approach. Extremum-seeking control (ESC) is a model-free real-time optimization technique which can estimate unknown parameters and can optimize nonlinear time-varying systems using only a measurement of the cost function to be minimized. In this thesis, we develop a distributed version of extremum-seeking control which allows large-scale systems to be optimized without models and with minimal computing power.

First, we develop a continuous-time distributed extremum-seeking controller. It has three main components: consensus, parameter estimation, and optimization. The consensus provides each local controller with an estimate of the cost to be minimized, allowing them to coordinate their actions. Using this cost estimate, parameters for a local input-output model are estimated, and the cost is minimized by following a gradient descent based on the estimate of the gradient. Next, a similar distributed extremum-seeking controller is developed in discrete-time.

Finally, we consider an interesting application of distributed ESC: formation control of high-altitude balloons for high-speed wireless internet. These balloons must be steered into a favourable formation where they are spread out over the Earth and provide coverage to the entire planet. Distributed ESC is applied to this problem, and is shown to be effective for a system of 1200 ballons subjected to realistic wind currents. The approach does not require a wind model and uses a cost function based on a Voronoi partition of the sphere. Distributed ESC is able to steer balloons from a few initial launch sites into a formation which provides coverage to the entire Earth and can maintain a similar formation as the balloons move with the wind around the Earth.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: The Efficacy of a Novel Video Game Intervention (MindLight) in Reducing Children's Anxiety

contributor:
Hollenstein, Tom
Psychology

subject:
intervention
children
anxiety problems
video games

abstract: Thesis (Master, Psychology) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-31 12:17:43.068

abstract: Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent form of psychopathology among children and adolescents. Because demand for treatment far exceeds availability, there is a need for alternative approaches that are engaging, accessible, cost-effective, and incorporate practice to reach as many youth as possible. One novel approach is a video game intervention called MindLight that uses two evidence-based strategies to target childhood anxiety problems. Using neurofeedback mechanics to train players to: (1) attend to positive rather than threatening stimuli and (2) down-regulate arousal during stressful situations, MindLight teaches children how to practice overcoming anxious thoughts and arousal in a fun and engaging context. The present study examined the effectiveness of MindLight versus online cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) based psychoeducation sessions as a comparison in reducing anxiety in a sample of 144 anxious children, which was measured in three ways: (1) anxiety symptoms, (2) state anxiety in response to stress, and (3) psychophysiological arousal in response to stress. Children between the ages of 8.05–17.78 years (M=13.61, SD=1.79) were randomly assigned to play MindLight or complete psychoeducation for five hours over three weeks. State anxiety and psychophysiological arousal were assessed in response to two stress tasks before and after exposure to MindLight or psychoeducation. Anxiety symptoms were also measured via a questionnaire. Overall, participants showed significant reductions in anxiety symptoms and state anxiety in response to stress, but not psychophysiological arousal in response to stress. Moreover, the magnitude of reductions in anxiety did not differ between interventions but by age and sex. Specifically, older participants showed a greater decrease in severity of state anxiety in response to a social stressor than younger participants and girls showed a greater decrease in severity of state anxiety in response to a cognitive stressor than boys. The present study suggests that playing MindLight results in similar reductions in anxiety as one of the more common means of delivering CBT principles to youth.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Development of a Composite ion-exchange membrane for PDMS-based microfluidic devices

contributor:
Barz, Dominik P. J.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Ion-exchange membrane
microfluidics
Nafion
Lab-on-a-Chip
Polydimethylsiloxane

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-30 22:50:52.478

abstract:
The purpose of this research is to investigate potential methods to produce an ion-exchange membrane that can be integrated directly into a polydimethylsiloxane Lab-on-a-Chip or Micro-Total-Analysis-System. The majority of microfluidic membranes are based on creating microporous structures, because it allows flexibility in the choice of material such that it can match the material of the microfluidic chip. This cohesion between the material of the microfluidic chip and membrane is an important feature to prevent bonding difficulties which can lead to leaking and other practical problems. However, of the materials commonly used to manufacture microfluidic chips, there are none that provide the ion-exchange capability.

The DuPont product Nafion{TM} is chosen as the ion-exchange membrane, a copolymer with high conductivity and selectivity to cations and suitable for many applications such as electrolysis of water and the chlor-alkali process.  The use of such an ion-exchange membrane in microfluidics could have multiple advantages, but there is no reversible/irreversible bonding that occurs between PDMS and  Nafion{TM}. In this project multiple methods of physical entrapment of the ion-exchange material inside a film of PDMS are attempted. Through the use of the inherent properties of PDMS, very inexpensive sugar granulate can be used to make an inexpensive membrane mould which does not interfere with the PDMS crosslinking process. After dissolving away this sacrificial mould material, Nafion{TM} is solidified in the irregular granulate holes. Nafion{TM} in this membrane is confined in the irregular shape of the PDMS openings. The outer structure of the membrane is all PDMS and can be attached easily and securely to any PDMS-based microfluidic device through reversible or irreversible PDMS/PDMS bonding. Through impedance measurement, the effectiveness of these integrated membranes are compared against plain Nafion{TM} films in simple sodium chloride solutions.

abstract: A third party financial supporter must be given time to accept/approve the final version of the thesis. The supervisor (Dr. Dominik P.J. Barz) will obtain acceptance from DuPont on the final thesis version before it is then taken off restriction.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Heat Transfer in an Airfoil Shaped Strut

subject:
experiment
CFD
fluid mechanics
thermodynamics
heat transfer
fluent
RANS

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-31 09:37:50.239

abstract:
The heat transfer from a hot primary flow stream passing over the outside of an airfoil shaped strut to a cool secondary flow stream passing through the inside of that strut was studied experimentally and numerically.  The results showed that the heat transfer on the inside of the strut could be reliably modeled as a developing flow and described using a power law model.
The heat transfer on the outside of the strut was complicated by flow separation and stall on the suction side of the strut at high angles of attack.  This separation was quite sensitive to the condition of the turbulence in the flow passing over the strut, with the size of the separated wake changing significantly as the mean magnitude and levels of anisotropy were varied.  The point of first stall moved by as much as 15% of the chord, while average heat transfer levels changed by 2-5% as the inlet condition was varied.  This dependence on inlet conditions meant that comparisons between experiment and steady RANS based CFD were quite poor.  Differences between the CFD and experiment were attributed to anisotropic and unsteady effects.
The coupling between the two flows was shown to be quite low - that is to say, heat transfer coefficients on both the inner and outer surfaces of the strut were relatively unaffected by the temperature of the strut, and it was possible to predict the temperature on the strut surface quite reliably using heat transfer data from decoupled tests, especially for CFD simulations.

abstract: PhD


title: Enhancement of a novel gene therapy approach for Sandhoff disease through complimentary drug therapy

contributor:
Walia, Jagdeep
Funk, Colin D.
Biomedical and Molecular Sciences

subject:
Neurological disease
Genetics

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biomedical & Molecular Sciences) -- Queen's University, 2016-08-31 10:21:26.888

abstract: GM2 gangliosidoses is a family of severe, neurodegenerative disorders resulting from a deficiency in the β-hexosaminidase A (Hex A) enzyme. This disorder is typically caused by a mutation to either the HEXA gene, causing Tay Sachs disease, or a mutation to the HEXB gene, causing Sandhoff disease. The HEXA and HEXB genes are required to produce the α and β subunits of the Hex A enzyme respectively. Using a Sandhoff disease (SD) mouse model (Hexb-/-) we tested the potential of a low dose of systemically delivered single stranded adeno-associated virus 9 (ssAAV9) expressing human HEXB and human HEXA cDNA under the control of a single promoter through the use of a bicistronic vector design with a P2A linker to correct the neurological phenotype. Neonatal mice were injected with either this ssAAV9-HexB-P2A-HexA vector (HexB-HexA) or a vehicle solution via the superficial temporal vein. HexB-HexA treatment alone conferred an increase in survival of 56% compared to vehicle-injected controls and biochemical analysis of the brain tissue and serum revealed an increase in HexA activity and a decrease in brain GM2 ganglioside buildup. Additionally, treatments with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin (Indo), the histone deactylase inhibitor ITF2357 (ITF) and the pharmacological chaperone pyrimethamine (Pyr) were tested. The anti-inflammatory treatments of Indo and ITF conferred an increase in survival of 12% and 8% respectively while causing no alteration in the HexA activity or GM2 ganglioside buildup. Pyr had no observable effect on disease progression. Lastly HexB-HexA treatment was tested in conjunction with Indo, ITF and Pyr individually. Additive increases in survival and behavioural testing results were observed with Indo and ITF treatments while no additional benefit to HexA activity or GM2 ganglioside levels in the brain tissue was observed. This indicates the two treatments slowed the progression of the disease through a different mechanism than the reduction of the GM2 ganglioside substrate. Pyr treatment was shown to have no effect when combined with HexB-HexA treatment. This study demonstrates the potential amelioration of SD with a novel AAV9 gene therapy approach as well as helped to identify the additive potential of anti-inflammatory treatments in gene therapy of GM2 gangliosidoses.

abstract: Intellectual property issues on the incomplete work.

abstract: M.Sc.