title: Fat subtraction protocol for wide-angle x-ray scatter analysis of breast biopsies

subject:
breast cancer
histological analysis
biopsy
complimentary x ray methods

abstract:
Breast cancer detection often involves the use of mammography to locate sus-
picious lesions followed by extraction of some tissue within the lesion via a biopsy
procedure. The gold standard method for determining whether the extracted tis-
sue is malignant or benign is an histological analysis. However, complimentary x
ray methods such as x-ray
uorescence (XRF), small-angle x-ray scatter (SAXS) and
wide-angle x-ray scatter (WAXS) have been investigated by various groups. The focus
of this dissertation was to develop a WAXS fat subtraction protocol for the WAXS
analysis of breast tissue biopsies. The WAXS signals of breast tissue could become
an additional source of diagnostic information.
Healthy breast tissue is composed of fat and  broglandular ( brous) tissue. Com-
parisons of the WAXS signals of  broglandular and cancerous tissue are di cult be-
cause biopsies of either type usually contain some fat tissue. The ability to look at
WAXS signals independent of the fat contribution could be informative. The goal
of this work was to validate a WAXS fat subtraction protocol using an animal tis-
sue sample consisting of a mixture of fat and  brous tissue. The di erential linear
scattering coe cient d s=d
 of a region of interest (ROI) within the sample was
measured via energy dispersive x-ray di raction measurements using a custom built
CdTe di ractometer. The mean fractional volume of fat ( fat) within the ROI was
estimated using a digital x ray imaging system. The transfer of the sample from the
iii
WAXS system to the digital system required accurate knowledge of the ROI. The use
of  fat in a WAXS fat subtraction model then allowed the d s=d
 of  brous tissue to
be estimated. The signals obtained via the subtraction protocol agreed well with the
signals obtained using pure tissue samples.
The scattering coe cient d s=d
 is a function of the momentum transfer argu-
ment x = 1=  sin( =2), a variable that combines the dependence of scatter on photon
  and scatter angle  . Accessing a larger x space could provide more information
about the nature of breast tissue. Modi cations to the custom built di ractometer
were implemented in order to access a larger x space. Speci cally, the capability to
measure signals at smaller   and the use of higher kV beams were the outcomes. Pre-
liminary results obtained with water, polymethyl methacrylate, and polycarbonate
samples were promising, yet suggested that better collimation is required between
the sample and the detector in order to reduce scatter contamination from objects
located downstream from the sample.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Physics


title: Spontaneous aggregation of non-living and living matter in aqueous environments subjected to a static electromagnetic field: potential link to the next step of abiogenesis

subject:
water
crystals
static magnetic field
electromagnetism
energy
cell
aggregate
chemical bonds
abiogenesis

abstract:
Exposing spring water isolated in darkness to a very
powerful static magnetic field for 5 days without any disruption
produced a greater amount of an aggregated crystalline
precipitate than water alone. These aggregated crystals seemed
to have formed a network at the water’s surface. This effect was
not observed when using distilled water. Decreasing the volume
of spring water diminished the amount of crystals produced.
Placing a solution of spring water inside on an operating hot
plate also produced a large amount of crystals, but these
crystals resembled a powdered substance rather than a connected
network. A similar effect involving the static magnetic field
was also observed following a comparable paradigm using cells. A
greater number of cells developed in plates of cell media
exposed to the same powerful static magnetic field in the dark
for 24 hours prior to the injection of cells when compared to
plates of cell media not exposed to a magnet. These results,
taken together along with quantitative calculations exploring
the structure of the cell, suggest that electromagnetism in
aqueous solutions may have played a larger role in the emergence
of the organic from the inorganic, and this may have occurred by
altering the structure of liquid water which subsequently
influenced the organizing and structuring of the dissolved
molecules within it.

abstract: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biology


title: Root lifespan and overwintering strategies for two wetland species, Sagittaria latifolia wild. (Alismataceae) and Carex crinita lam (Cyperaceae), in contrasting climate zones.

subject:
root phenology
growing season length
root senescence
wetland
overwintering roots
autumn-senescing roots

abstract:
In northern wetlands, roots of some perennial wetland plant species senesce in the
autumn, while other species maintain their roots over the winter. Some of these species extend in
their distribution to warmer climates. This research investigates the effects of growing season
length on root phenology of two species with such contrasting overwintering patterns. Sagittaria
latifolia (autumn-senescing roots) and Carex crinita (overwintering roots) were investigated near
the northern (46°N) and southern (35°N) edges of their distribution in North America. C. crinita
maintained >75% of its roots alive in both locations, without changing its overwintering strategy.
Roots of S. latifolia senesced completely in the autumn in the north, whereas, in the south some
roots (~10%) remained alive throughout the winter. This suggests that complete root senescence
before the winter is an adaptation to long winters, and may be unnecessary under short mild
winters. Nevertheless, the species maintains the short-lived root strategy regardless of the winter severity.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: Immersive wilderness experiences: an exploration of women's narratives

subject:
adventure therapy
benefits
immersion
outdoor education
wilderness
women

abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study was to invite fifteen women to explore memories of their immersive wilderness experiences. Based on this writer's own wilderness experience, the central question was whether participants would be drawn to partake in an immersive wilderness experience because of a recognition of its inherent benefits. Fifteen women were interviewed using a semi-structured interview format, guided by a set of eleven questions, their definition of wilderness, the role the wilderness played in their experience, any therapeutic or health related benefits, the impact of these benefits and whether there were any distinctive aspects of participating in a woman-only immersive wilderness experience. Interestingly, major themes emerged which related more so to the activity, than the synergy between human and the wild elements. Major themes included activities, women only wilderness experiences and the qualities of wilderness as a setting, which included elements of escape and an altered state of being.

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: The experiences of intrapartum nurses in a northeastern Ontario, Canada setting in providing labour support

subject:
labour support
intrapartum nurse
perinatal nurse
childbirth, birth
birth
caring during labour
labour and delivery
intrapartum care

abstract:
A qualitative, interpretive descriptive study, using a symbolic interactionism theoretical
framework, was conducted to explore the experiences of intrapartum nurses in a Northeastern
Ontario, Canadian hospital and the meaning they place on providing labour support. There is
substantial literature that supports the many benefits of labour support provided by intrapartum
nurses. Throughout the intrapartum experience, the nurse influences, creates, and shapes the
meaning and understanding of the labour experience. Semi-structured interviews were conducted
with eight registered nurse participants recruited from a hospital. Interviews were transcribed and
analyzed for themes. The following five themes emerged from the data: Enhancing the birthing
experience of women through labour support, birthing technology and medical paradigm,
birthing environment that influences the intrapartum nursing care, interprofessional collaborative
relationships and intrapartum specialists. The findings suggest that intrapartum nurses have been
drawn away from providing labour support and have become preoccupied with managing
technology and competing priorities for their time and attention. Barriers and challenges in the
experience of nurses providing labour support were identified. Suggestions for nursing practice
include the importance of continuing education for labour support techniques and tools. Training
is important for all nurses who practice in hospitals where less labour support may be offered due
to high intervention rates. Competence validation would include creating a certification for
labour support that is both theoretical and a simulated experience.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Nursing


title: Help-seeking behaviours of university students in a Northern Ontario community

subject: undergraduate university students

subject: mental health issues

subject: Sudbury, Ontario

subject: northern communities

subject: help seeking behaviours

subject: barriers

subject: mental health care

abstract:
Prevalence rates for mental illness are high for Canadian youth 15-24 years old and for those
living in northern and rural populations; however, a concerning portion of youth in need do not
access mental health services. Although university student populations have higher prevalence
rates than the general population, little is known about how Canadian university students seek
help for mental health issues and the barriers they may face. This mixed-methods study
examined the help-seeking attitudes, intentions, barriers-to-care, depressive symptomology, and
help-seeking experiences of a sample of 61 undergraduate university students in the Northern
Ontario community of Sudbury, Ontario. There was a total of 61 participants for this study. All
participants completed a questionnaire package and seven of the participants volunteered to
engage in an additional semi-structured interview. The overall sample had moderately positive
attitudes toward help-seeking. Students who had accessed services were more likely to seek help
from professional mental health services, had experienced more barriers-to-care, and had higher
BDI-II scores than students who had not accessed services. Students not accessing care were
more likely to seek help from their parents. There were no differences in the types of barriers
faced between users vs. non-users of mental health services. Using thematic analysis, three
primary themes were identified from the interview data: 1) Important factors in mental health
care; 2) Experiences with mental health professionals and services; and 3) Barriers to accessing
mental health care. The findings may help direct future research and endorse the need to further
refine outreach interventions and available mental health services to promote student
engagement with treatment at universities across Ontario.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Psychology


title: Challenges in the remediation of compromised housing situations in individuals exhibiting hoarding behaviours

subject:
hoarding
self neglect
public health
social construction

abstract:
Hoarding has been estimated to affect 2 to 5 percent of the population. There are
considerable health and safety implications for those who hoard, others living with them, and for
the community. For this reason, public health inspectors (PHIs) respond to situations involving
vulnerable individuals living in these potentially adverse housing situations. Earlier research
found that PHIs responding to these housing health hazards face many challenges in the
remediation of these conditions including client health, structural factors, and policy issues. The purpose of this case study, approached from a social constructionist perspective, is to
further explore the challenges in remediation of compromised housing health hazards in hoarding
situations. The study included PHI’s documented reports of 40 cases referred to them between
2013 and 2015 as well as field observations and semi-structured interviews with an individual
who hoards, his family, members of agencies involved with this case, and PHIs who respond to
hoarding cases. This data is part of a larger two-year case study examining an Environmental
Health Division’s response to housing health hazards in vulnerable populations. There were significant challenges in the remediation of hoarding. Client factors such as
advancing age, infirmity, living alone, and lack of formal and informal supports hampered
resolution of cases as did lack of training for PHIs about hoarding and its psychological
ramifications. The lack of coordination of services within the City of Greater Sudbury, the
magnitude of the cleanup required, and the chronic nature of hoarding also posed difficulties.
The creation of a coalition to provide a more comprehensive response to hoarding is required to
support this vulnerable population.

abstract: Master of Social Work (MSW)


title: Cloning and studying the role of mycobacterium tuberculosis multicopper oxidase in inhibiting the respiratory burst.

subject:
M. tuberculosis
Multi-copper oxidase
Reactive oxygen species
Phagocytosis

abstract: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the etiological agent of the pulmonary disease Tuberculosis. It affects more than one-third of the world’s population. During bacterial infections, macrophages and other phagocytic cells of the immune system target and neutralize the causative agent. Following phagocytic uptake of bacteria by the macrophages, the phagolysosomal compartment produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the so-called respiratory burst to control the infection. Recent work by several groups indicates that pathogenic M. tuberculosis can survive phagocytic uptake by macrophages through inhibition of the respiratory burst. I have cloned and expressed Rv0846c, a protein known to be a membrane-associated multi-copper oxidase from M. tuberculosis (MmcO). I hypothesised that MmcO suppresses the production of ROS and may thus contribute to the survival of the pathogen during phagocytosis. Purified MmcO displayed a significant activity against the model substrate ABTS. Various amounts of active MmcO were tested against the ROS production in THP-1 monocyte cell line. Streptolysin-Opermeabilized THP-1 cells that were exposed to 500 ng of the purified MmcO protein displayed asignificant reduction in the level of induced ROS by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). This study indicates that the MmcO has a potential role as a virulence factor for M. tuberculosis.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: Kijiikwewin aji: sweetgrass stories

subject:
Berry Fast
rite of passage
Indigenous grassroots theory
Algonquin Indigenist paradigm
sweetgrass story weaving
Indigenous research methodology
traditional Indigenous women

abstract:
Kijiikwewin-aji means ‘to become a woman now’ in Algonquin and describes the heart
of the research. Sweetgrass stories shares the title of this thesis as it is part of the research
methodology used with traditional Indigenous women.
Through grounding myself with Indigenous Grassroots Theory, the creation of an
Algonquin Indigenist paradigm and my relationship with knowledge, I formed an Indigenous
research methodology called sweetgrass story weaving which focuses on traditional Indigenous
women as they share their moontime stories. Within this thesis, I also share information relating
to the historical roots and present state of rites of passage with traditional Indigenous women and
discuss the research journey using the concept of ethical space.
Using an international, national and grassroots level focus on strength, resilience and
power, you will read traditional Indigenous women’s voices as they look back through lived
experiences; hope and determination when looking forward to the future, and the shared theme
of wanting their cultural traditions and ceremonies to live on through future generations of
Indigenous girls and women, including young men. What is the current state of the Berry Fast,
understanding the assimilative nature of colonization and the effects it has had on Indigenous
women? How can we continue to honour these rites of passage while living in a world both with
traditional Indigenous worldviews and colonial constructs?  I propose the introduction of a sweetgrass knowledge transfer model for the Berry Fast
using the transferrable characteristics harvested from my research methodology. This knowledge
transfer model has the capacity to increase accessibility and decrease the difficulty in completing
the Berry Fast in order for traditional Indigenous women to complete it in the present day.
Furthermore, the introduction of the sweetgrass knowledge transfer model for the Berry Fast can assist with framing the perspective of Indigenous women as powerful beings who elicit respect
and an equal place in contemporary society. Over time, the collective strength and wisdom of
traditional Indigenous women will increase which is a step in the decolonized direction of
preventative health care which promotes mino bimaadiziwin.
.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Interdisciplinary PhD in Rural and Northern Health


title: Les employés de l'industrie minière : une analyse qualitative des perceptions des travailleurs quant à l'absentéisme et le processus de retour au travail

subject:
Santé mentale
industrie minière
absentéisme
absentéisme
obstacles

abstract: Malgré la présence de nombreuses études examinant la santé mentale ainsi que ses liens en milieu de travail, force est de constater que peu de recherches se sont centrées spécifiquement sur l'industrie minière. La présente étude, qui s'insère dans une vaste recherche visant à mieux comprendre l'état de santé mentale et de bien-être des travailleurs chez une grande compagnie minière en Ontario, vise à mieux comprendre l'absentéisme et le retour au travail chez cette main-d'oeuvre particulière. Après avoir mis en relief les types d'évènements menant à une absence pour des raisons de santé, ainsi que les facilitateurs et les obstacles susceptibles d’expliquer le retour au travail, l’étude termine par l’émission de recommandations en fonction des perceptions des travailleurs par rapport au processus de retour au travail.

abstract: Maîtrise en kinésie humaine (MKH)


title: Life-history trade-offs in Northern leopard frog (Lithobates [Rana] Pipiens) tadpoles: interactions of trace metals, temperature, and ranavirus

publisher:
Laurentian University of Sudbury
Laurentian University of Sudbury

subject:
Northern Leopard Frog
ecotoxicological research
metal contamination
host-pathogen systems

abstract:
Emerging infectious diseases, pollution and climate change are associated with amphibian extinction
events worldwide; however, direct causation is often obscured by the interactions of these stressors.
Elucidating the possible synergies between metal contamination and disease is, therefore, critical in
advancing our knowledge of the co-evolutionary mechanisms in host-pathogen systems and helping with
the ability to better forecast the spread of diseases in metal-stressed environments. Additionally,
increasing ecotoxicological research has improved our understanding of the complex influence trace
metals may have on the physico-chemical nature of aquatic systems; however, the discrepancy in
concentration-response within the toxicological literature makes it difficult to accurately define the range
of toxicity, often due to the variability in media used in experimentation. The first chapter of this thesis
reports an evaluation of copper, nickel and copper/nickel concentrations on several Northern Leopard
Frog (Lithobates [Rana] pipiens) larvae life history traits within field collected smelting effluent water.
Overall, results indicated that copper had a stronger negative impact on survival than nickel. However,
tadpoles exposed to copper displayed increased growth and developmental patterns while those exposed
to nickel demonstrated opposing life history traits. These results indicate that tadpoles are displaying
different fitness strategies, in terms of survival and life history, in the presence of increased copper and/or
nickel stress.

abstract: Degree of Master of Science (M. Sc.) in Biology


title: A investigation of the relationship between fracture type and force: blunt force trauma on mammalian juvenile ribs (Sus scrofa, linneaus)

subject:
forensic science,
forensic anthropology
blunt force trauma
fracture
force

abstract:
The interpretation of bone trauma is an important aspect in understanding the
circumstances within a death investigation (1-3). Proper interpretation of fractures can aid in
identifying the number of blows, impact sites, the order in which they occur and the amount of
force required to inflict such wounds (1,2). Yet there is a paucity of research regarding the force
applied through the utilization of blunt implements used to inflict trauma. Such a study has the
potential of more accurately characterizing the trauma, with regard to the amount of force used to
create observed fracture patterns. In this preliminary study, a computer controlled impacting
machine was used to inflict direct trauma onto several full, semi-fleshed racks of juvenile pig
ribs (Sus scrofa, Linneaus) with a hammerhead attachment (n=36). Although there has been a
recent interest in fracturing devices (2, 4-6), this one differs in that it mimics the arching motion
of a human overhand swing, and is able to inflict trauma onto fully fleshed and intact specimens.
After each strike the force at the moment of impact was recorded and was later paired with its corresponding fracture. From there, the range of force associated with transverse, oblique, spiral,
greenstick, and comminuted fractures, as well as having no fractures at all were examined in
light of the recorded forces. Such results were compared to those of others performed prior to
work on the machine to determine if such relationships were consistent between studies. In this
study it was discovered that there is no threshold where one fracture group will start and another
will end.


title: Generating random shapes for Monte Carlo accuracy testing of pairwise comparisons

subject:
placated shapes
Monte Carlo method
pairwise comparisons

abstract:
This thesis shows highly encouraging results as the gain of accuracy reached 18.4%
when the pairwise comparisons method was used instead of the direct method for comparing
random shapes. The thesis describes a heuristic for generating random but nice
shapes, called placated shapes. Random, but visually nice shapes, are often needed
for cognitive experiments and processes. These shapes are produced by applying the
Gaussian blur to randomly generated polygons. Afterwards, the threshold is set to
transform pixels to black and white from di erent shades of gray. This transformation
produces placated shapes for easier estimation of areas. Randomly generated
placated shapes are used to perform the Monte Carlo method to test the accuracy of
cognitive processes by using pairwise comparisons. An on-line questionnaire has been
implemented and participants were asked to estimate the areas of  ve shapes using a
provided unit of measure. They were also asked to compare the shapes in pairs. Such
Monte Carlo experiment has never been conducted for 2D case. The received results
are of considerable importance.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Computational Sciences


title: Knowledge of Northern Ontario School of Medicine students on the subject of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

subject:
fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
developmental disability
intellectual disability
Northern Ontario School of Medicine
medical education
healthcare education
medical school
medical students
mixed methods

abstract:
Canadian physicians report feeling unprepared regarding the diagnosis and treatment
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This thesis investigates the knowledge that future
healthcare practitioners gain during their time at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine
(NOSM), as well as the advice they would give to women regarding the use of alcohol during
pregnancy.
This two-phased mixed methods study included two surveys (N=24), and a semistructured
interview (N=8). Results indicate that NOSM students are unaware of the specifics of
FASD and are not confident in their knowledge on the subject. Barriers to learning were
identified as: (1) inconsistencies between student educational experiences; and (2) the
overwhelming nature of medical education. Solutions involving enhanced opportunity for
exposure, supporting experience through formal curriculum, and attaining knowledge from
different sources are proposed. Through improving medical education, future physicians will be
better prepared to care for individuals with FASD, thereby improving support for these
individuals.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) in Interdisciplinary Health


title: Cataract surgery: impact on activities, time use and gender and power relations in rural Andhra Pradesh, India

subject:
cataract surgery
gender relations
power relations
rural households
Andra Pradesh, India
socio-economic status

abstract:
Social customs and the patriarchal structure of Indian society determine women’s intrahousehold
status. Vision loss due to cataracts and post-surgery recovery of vision may contribute
to changes in the manner in which women experience societal norms and practices, and may
have an impact on gender and power relations and socio-economic status within the household.
No studies which take into account socio-cultural factors and economic status have examined the
impact of cataract surgery (i) on activities and (ii) time use, and (iii) on gender and power
relations in rural households in Andhra Pradesh, India. This project determines what changes if
any occur in gender and power relations in families in rural households in Andra Pradesh after a
member has undergone cataract surgery. Qualitative analyses were performed to explore participants’ perspectives and understand the
extent to which gender and power relations may change after cataract surgery. The narrative
analysis showed that the profiles of the women and men in the younger and older age groups
were quite different, yet there were also similarities. Certain patterns emerged following cataract
surgery. While decision-making patterns did not change substantially, all participants stated that their mobility had improved after surgery and this led to a corresponding improvement in their
quality of life. In addition, the quality of relationships improved for two of the women and two
of the men. In addition to the narrative analysis, qualitative data from the participants assisted
with understanding the complex issues related to gender and power relationships through a
thematic analysis. For the most part, family composition and living arrangements did not change much as a result
of cataract surgery. These matters were largely determined by customs and norms. Indeed, many
of the participants described how they were able to perform various tasks, once again due to
improvement in their vision. Both men and women spoke about their ability to engage in
household work after the surgery. However, as women performed most of this work, cataract
surgery had a greater impact on this aspect of life for women. Cataract surgery and improved
vision did not have a substantial impact on gender and power relations within the context of
intra-household matters as broader gender roles were more influential in this domain. Cataract sufferers were more satisfied with their lives and the benefits from surgery.
Improvements in quality of life and in the activities of the participants are supported by my
research findings.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Studies


title: Developing protocols for the collection and valuation of wild native seed from the Hudson Bay Lowland.

subject:
seed collection
native plant
ecological restoration
seed value
subarctic

abstract:
Native species are being more commonly used and often even mandated in restoration projects. However, commercial seed sources are often unavailable or not of a suitable provenance. Collecting seed from wild sources is an alternative, but it can be challenging. The objectives of this study were to: 1) identify key attributes that influence the value of seed and to evaluate and quantify these differences for 57 native species with potential for restoration in subarctic Ontario; 2) determine if fertilizers could increase the seed yield of wild species with a low seed output; 3) determine and compile simple and effective protocols for the collection, processing, storage, and germination of 60 wild species native to northeastern Ontario. Field studies were conducted at De Beers’ Victor diamond mine, located in the Hudson Bay Lowland in north-central Canada from 2014 to 2016. To complete the first objective, I evaluated the attributes that affect the time and cost of using wild seeds from upland native plants. Taking into account the regional abundance of species, collection obstacles, requirements for identification, ease of processing and storing seeds, and propagation effort, I ranked the results for each species within each attribute. Each category provided a relative value reflective of the effort required to collect, process, store, and propagate seed of a given species. I demonstrate how these relative values could be used to prioritize species in revegetation planning. These relative seed values can also be used to determine seed prices for a variety of projects and locations. For my second objective, I fertilized wild populations of American vetch (Vicia americana) and silverweed (Potentilla anserina). These herbaceous upland species may be useful in reclamation, but had low seed yields in 2014. Fertilization had no effect on seed yield and neither species set seed, regardless of treatment, except for a single American vetch plot. I discuss various environmental factors that may have had an influence on the poor seed yields. Fertilizing wild populations may not be an effective approach to increase seed yield for these species in a subarctic environment, although testing a variety of fertilizer rates and environments could guide future studies.
For the final objective, I field-tested seed collection and seed processing protocols for native species desired for revegetation, and I compiled information from the literature on their storage and propagation requirements. I produced both a general guide and profiles for 60 species. The guide is written in lay language, with many photographs and provides an overview of the required knowledge for harvesting seed from wild plants. This guide will be useful to people who wish to begin collecting seed for any reason, including restoration projects, nursery establishment and even gardening. The demand for native and local seed is growing. With increased mining development in remote areas, the demand for local native seed for restoration will continue to increase. This research will contribute to the knowledge of collecting wild seed from native species and improve the success of these collection programs. This work could provide a base for small business development in remote communities.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Biology


title: Le mal de l’âme: la crise de la solidarité et la réponse du travail social

subject:
solidarité
mal de l’âme
libéralisme
capitalisme
individualisme
intérêt collectif
postmoderne
justice sociale

abstract:
Aristote dit : « l’Homme est par nature un animal politique » (1989, 28), signifiant par-là que
c’est de l’union des familles et des villages qu’il est le mieux en mesure d’assurer son bien-être.
En fait, dans toute l’histoire de l’humanité, à travers les grandes étapes de son développement
qui l’a mené de sa condition animale à la civilisation, l’Homme s’est organisé pour vivre de
façon collective. Ce n’est que depuis un peu plus d’un siècle, avec l’avènement de ce qui a été
qualifié de société postmoderne, que l’Homme est pour la première fois confronté à un mode
d’organisation sociale qui rejette la spiritualité, la tradition et les intérêts collectifs, qui avaient
jusqu’à ce temps rattaché tous les individus à une même appartenance collective. Cette
destruction de l’appartenance collective, que nous allons qualifier de crise de la solidarité, va à
l’encontre de l’expérience anthropologique de l’Homme, qui demeure un animal social. C’est
pourquoi nous sommes convaincus que cette solitude, à caractère chronique, se manifeste par
une détresse insupportable à l’individu.
Cette détresse est précisément caractéristique de la société postmoderne, où toutes les pratiques
socialessont comprises et reposent sur le développement économique, et non le développement
culturel et politique. De son côté, le système individualiste tente de caractériser cette détresse
comme un problème psychique individuel. À sa manière, la profession du travail social est toute
entières absorbée parl’individualisme et les solutions libérales, elle tented’offrir des solutions
individuelles à un problème qui, d’après nous, est sociétal.
Ce mémoire théorique, sous forme d’un essai de synthèse du développement anthropologique de
l’ontologie humaine dans son rapport à la transcendance, nous permet d’articuler une réflexion
sur l’organisation sociétale actuelle et son impact sur la solidarité humaine.

abstract: Maîtrise en service social


title: La reconnaissance des expressions faciales émotionnelles chez les enfants : traitement par traits ou holistique

subject:
traitement holistique
expression faciale émotionnelle
traitement par traits
enfants de 10 ans
enfants de 5 ans
émotions

abstract: Les recherches démontrent que les adultes reconnaissent certaines expressions faciales émotionnelles telles que la joie, la colère, la tristesse, le dégout, la peur et la surprise à des niveaux supérieurs à ceux attribuables au hasard. Toutefois, le taux de reconnaissance varie en fonction de l’émotion. De plus, certains travaux suggèrent que la reconnaissance implique un processus holistique lors du traitement de l’expression faciale alors que d’autres suggèrent un processus par traits. Beaudry et al. (2014) démontrent que chez les adultes, la bouche est nécessaire et suffisante pour la reconnaissance de la joie et les yeux et les sourcils le sont pour la tristesse. La peur nécessite un traitement holistique alors que les processus sont moins clairs pour les autres émotions. Chaque enfant est exposé à 5 conditions (le visage complet, le visage complet avec les yeux et les sourcils cachés, le visage complet avec la bouche cachée, les yeux et les sourcils seulement et la bouche seulement) et doit reconnaître l’émotion. Pour la reconnaissance des visages complets, les enfants de 10 ans sont meilleurs que les enfants de 5 ans à reconnaître le dégout et la surprise. Lorsqu’on présente seulement les yeux et les sourcils, les enfants de 10 ans sont meilleurs que les enfants de 5 ans à reconnaître la joie et la surprise. Pour la condition d’un visage complet avec les yeux et les sourcils cachés, les enfants de 10 ans sont meilleurs que les enfants de 5 ans à reconnaître le dégout, la peur et la surprise. Pour la condition d’un visage complet avec la bouche cachée, seule la joie est plus reconnue pour les enfants de 10 ans. Ces résultats suggèrent une évolution développementale dans le traitement et la reconnaissance des expressions faciales émotionnelles.

abstract: Undergraduate Theses


title: Estimating overburden thickness in resistive areas from on-time airborne em data

subject: geophysics electromagnetism inversion Athabasca uranium

abstract:
We propose a method to invert two-component time-domain EM data to
a thick-sheet over half-space model, as a solution representing an overburden
on top of bedrock. We first estimated the conductivity of the lower half-space
using a combination of inversion for half-space (if appropriate) or a thin sheet
over half-space (also when appropriate). This yielded a number of estimates,
which could be combined to give a reasonable estimate of the lower half-space
conductivity for the survey area. With this estimation an equation solver was
used to solve the thick-sheet over half-space model for sheet thickness and
sheet conductivity. The output of the algorithm was generally stable when
applied to GEOTEM data in an area of moderately resistive overburden over a
generally more resistive half-space. Although it did not reliably reproduce the
overburden thicknesses as measured in the reference drill holes, it did give an
estimate that was reasonable in the conductive areas.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Geology


title: The effects of weak electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on developing Xenopus laevis tadpoles

subject:
electromagnetic fields (EMFs)
Xenopus laevis tadpoles
social behaviour

abstract: The effect of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on biological systems continues to be explored in the scientific literature and is expanded upon in the present study by using Xenopus laevis tadpoles as a model for vertebrate physiology and behaviour . Previous research has shown that weak EMF exposure causes delays in tadpole metamorphosis. The current study assesses the influence of EMFs on tadpole social behaviour by quantifying the strong natural gathering instinct of the animals. EMFs that have an impact on tadpole behaviour are hypothesized to further show quantifiable differences in tadpole neuroanatomy. Results from the present study do not show a significant interaction between field exposure and tadpole growth or social behaviour. Strong limitations are discussed with respect to the data collected. How the data from this experiment coincides with the current literature on biological-EMF interaction is rationalized. Finally, aspects of the present study that can be utilized to guide future research are identified.

abstract: Honours Essay


title: Flip it Around! To being a good reminder on how you’re supposed to live: understanding the role of storytelling as a means of encouraging compassionate listening in Type 2 Diabetes healthcare settings

subject:
storytelling
healthcare care
Indigenous patients
compassionate listening
type 2 diabetes
caregivers
Indigenous stories
relationships
allyship
health narrative research

abstract:
This thesis explores how the act of storytelling in healthcare care can facilitate compassionate
listening and act as a means of improving the relationships between Indigenous patients who
have type 2 diabetes and their caregivers and supporters. By centring relationships and
Indigenous life stories, this research brings together two individuals as co-creators of found
poems that reflect a life journey with type 2 diabetes. Through the sharing of Indigenous stories,
this thesis implicates the researcher as a settler allied-listener who is gifted with one’s life history
with type 2 diabetes. This research is grounded in the importance of relationships, allyship, and
deep listening while engaging in Indigenous stories. Together, the co-creators of this research
create an online poetry reading to be used as a tool for healthcare educators, students, and
caregivers. This thesis addresses two main research objectives. The first objective of this
research is to explore how the act of Indigenous storytelling and subsequent listening to health
narratives is relevant to the delivery of holistic and culturally respectful diabetes health care to  Indigenous Peoples. Secondly, this research also aims to present a life-story health narrative in
the form of an online poetry reading to informal and formal caregivers of Indigenous patients in
Sudbury in order to communicate the importance of the relationship between Indigenous storied
health experiences and Indigenous spiritual and psychological wellbeing. Given that diabetes is
intergenerational in many Indigenous families and something that an individual may live with for
several years of their life, a life story is well-suited to this kind of health narrative research. This
will aim to help establish a more culturally-safe healthcare system and decolonize the interaction
between patient and healthcare providers in Indigenous communities while also engaging in
relationship based research informed by allyship.

abstract: Master of Indigenous Relations


title: Evolution and ecology of an amphibian emerging infectious disease: a context-dependant approach of ranavirus virulence in Lithobates (Rana) pipiens

subject:
Evolution
Ecology
Infectious Disease:
Lithobates (Rana) pipiens

abstract:
Host-pathogen investigations have conceptually evolved during the last two decades, from a basic and descriptive approach to a current hypothesis-driven and a more theoretical discipline shaped by evolutionary biology. Our deeper understanding of the elements influencing the mutual selective pressures that the host and the pathogens exert on each other,
together with recent conceptual advances, currently position this field of research at the frontier between ecology and evolution. Recent theoretical considerations define hostpathogens systems as an evo-eco mosaic comprised of evolutionary and ecological attributes in turn underlying the context-dependent nature of the system dynamic. Therefore, investigations of host-pathogen interactions should integrate the diversity of the systems drivers by using an integrative approach in order to elucidate both coevolutionary trajectory and epidemiological dynamic of the system. In this thesis, such a framework is used to
investigate Amphibian/ranavirus interactions. Ranaviruses are emerging pathogens known to have caused amphibian die-offs on five continents with the greatest number of reported mortality events documented in North America and Europe. Despite an increasing understanding of ranaviral disease properties, ranavirus disease dynamics in the environment remain poorly understood. For instance, the influence of potential abiotic and biotic
mechanisms including temperature, local landscape features, larval developmental stages, host density and genetic variability as well as genotypic interactions between the host and the pathogen has on the prevalence and virulence of the virus remains to be elucidated. In order to
improve our knowledge regarding these specific determinants of ranaviral disease, I designed a combination of manipulative laboratory experiments and a field mensurative survey using the ranid amphibian Lithobates (Rana) pipiens as the host model for this system. I observed that populations of amphibian hosts inhabiting urbanized landscapes suffered from significant decline in genetic diversity in turn promoting the accrued infection by the ranavirus (manuscript 1). Complementary analysis using two amphibian host species, L.pipiens and L.sylvaticus, and three ranavirus strains revealed significant variation among
hosts for their susceptibility to ranavirus, and significant variation among ranavirus strains for infectivity. I also showed that specific amphibian/ranavirus interactions might have a tighter coevolutionary history than other combinations, resulting in sharper mutual coadaptations and the potential for frequency-dependent selection to operate in this system. However, the
coevolutionary trajectories in this host-pathogen system are dependent on the temperature conditions in which the interaction takes place. Amphibian/ranavirus interactions outcomes iv are therefore temperature, host, and pathogen genotype-dependent suggesting that the range of
infection outcomes in this system is potentially large (manuscript 2). Further, I observed that increasing animal holding density is detrimental for host fitness as mortality rate is higher,
day of death earlier, development longer, and growth rate significantly lower when tadpoles
are experimentally exposed to ranavirus in high holding density situations. These results
paralleled a linear increase of detrimental effects when ranavirus doses increased in low
density conditions, with control tadpoles having a significantly higher overall relative fitness.
However, this pattern was not observed in high density conditions, where the effects of
increasing ranavirus dose were limited, revealing non-trivial density-dependence of virulence
expression (manuscript 3). Finally, ranavirus infection rate varied with the host developmental
stage as the host immune system clears the infection over the course of individual host
development. However the intensity of the clearing depends on both the timing and number of
ranavirus exposures (manuscript 4). Overall the results described in my thesis suggest that
ranavirus virulence depends on a diversity of ecological, epidemiological, and evolutionary
determinants. The underlying complexity of ranavirus

abstract:
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Boreal
Ecology


title: Dark embrace: orestes complex, catathymic crisis and method of murder: a study of matricide in a forensic psychiatric sample

subject:
Matricide
biological intrafamilial homicide
Not Criminally Responsible
Ontario Review Board
Forensic Mental Health
attempted homicide

abstract: A study was conducted to investigate and identify differences inherent in two subtypes of psychosis driven or mentally disordered homicide: matricide versus any other biological intrafamilial homicide or attempted homicide. Matricide was further investigated through the exploration of offence specific details, as well as demographic and diagnostic characteristics of persons who had committed (or attempted) homicide against the mother and were subsequently found not criminally responsible and detained by the Ontario Review Board between 1992 and 2012. Matricidal accused were more often diagnosed with childhood disorders and paranoid schizophrenia. As adults, they failed to mature sexually and socially, and continued to live at home, dependent on the mothers that were the ultimate victims of their violence. Attachment theory is offered as a proposed explanation for the matricidal impulse.

abstract: Master's Thesis


title: Characterization of microbial communities associated with the rhizosphere of wetland plants from the Sudbury Region

subject:
Microbial community structure
Bacteria
Industrial disturbance

abstract: The role of microbial communities within the plant rhizosphere is a rapidly developing area of research. Specificity of microbial community structure to plant species and environmental drivers of this relationship are not yet well understood in natural communities, particularly in wetlands. In the present thesis, species-specific differences in those communities as well as environmental influences on those differences were examined separately. In an experiment, six different wetland species taken from field sites around Sudbury, Ontario were grown in mesocosms in a wetland garden for two growing seasons. The species included two species from two genera of the family Cyperaceae each, one species of Poaceae and one species of Ericaceae. Mesocosms were inoculated with a mixture of field rhizosphere soils from all the collected plants. A field study was simultaneously conducted on the rhizospheres of two of those species from wetlands along an industrial disturbance gradient. The microbial community structures of the rhizospheres of the selected wetland plants were determined using next generation 454-pyrosequencing techniques. Microbial community structure in the garden experiment showed specificity to plant taxa which was related to the phylogeny of the host plant, the differences increasing with decreasing taxonomic relatedness of the plants. Differences in the microbial community structure between the investigated plant species were also found in the field, but were secondary to site-specific effects. I conclude that the microbial community structure of the rhizosphere does differ between plant species and that environmental conditions were stronger than plant-microbe interactions in the scale of influence over microbial community structure.

abstract: Master's Thesis


title: Using anthropometric variables and performance statistics to assess the effects of rule changes in the National Hockey League

subject: NHL anthropometric draft height weight

abstract:
This study set out to determine whether or not rule changes imparted by the NHL in
2003 and 2005, have had an effect on the anthropometric profile of drafted NHL players.
Primarily, this research aims to determine if there has been a change in the number of draftees
who sign a Standard Player’s Contract (SPC) from the time of their draft, secondly, to determine
if rule changes have affected how much player anthropometrics and performance variables
correlate with TOI/GP, and lastly to compare correlations of draft height and weight versus the
year drafted to the NHL. The first objective of this research, using a Chi-square analysis, is to
determine if there is a statistically significant difference in the number of draftees who reach the
10+ game threshold in each of their first 3 seasons post draft at two time periods (2005 draft
cohort and 2015 draft cohort), which indicates the signing of a Standard Player’s Contract. A
Chi-square analysis was also used to determine if there was a statistically significant difference
in the number of draftees who played any games in each of their first 3 season post draft at two
time periods (2005 draft cohort and 2015 draft cohort). Lastly, an Independent Samples T-test
was used to determine if there was a statistically significant difference between two draft cohorts
(2005 and 2015) in the average number of games played by draftees in each of their first 3 NHL
seasons post draft. The second objective utilizes in-season, anthropometric data and performance
statistics to correlate time on ice/games played (TOI/GP) for the entire league for two different
seasons (2003-2004 & 2015-2016). The correlations for each time period were compared for
significant variables. The final objective used correlations between reported draft height and
weight, and year drafted to the NHL between the 2003-2017 seasons

abstract: Master of Human Kinetics in Human Kinetics


title: Earwitness identification: an examination of scenario, lineup type and gender as factors in identification accuracy.

subject:
Earwitness identification accuracy
State Trait Anxiety Inventory
examination of scenario type
lineup type
target gender
voice lineups

abstract: The current study was conducted examining the effects of scenario type, lineup type and target gender in regard to earwitness identification accuracy. Two hundred and forty participants listened to one of the three possible scenarios (criminal, neutral, controversial), and were asked to identify either a male or a female perpetrator Participants completed the State Trait Anxiety Inventory during the retention interval, which lasted roughly five minutes. Afterwards they were asked to identify either the male or female voice from a five-voice lineup. Voice lineups were presented either simultaneously or sequentially. Participants were less accurate at identifying the male voice compared to the female voice in both present and absent lineups. Participants were also more accurate at identifying the target voice in the present simultaneous condition compared to the sequential condition. All other conditions were found to be non-significant. These findings help advance the field and understand the variables such as lineup, gender and scenario.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology


title: Characterization of the relationship between two RBM5 family members

subject:
RNA binding proteins
RBM10
RIP-Seq
RNA-Seq
Transcriptional studies
Small cell lung cancer
Myoblasts
Regulation of RNA binding proteins

abstract:
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) control all aspects of RNA metabolism, and a single RBP can
have numerous downstream effects. Alterations to their expression and/or function can,
therefore, have remarkable consequences. For instance, decreased levels of the RNA binding
motif domain (RBM) protein RBM5 are associated with increased risk of a number of cancer
types, and RBM10 mutations can be lethal. Although these consequences are quite severe, little is
known regarding the range of processes and events influenced by these two homologous RBPs.
In fact, previous RBM5 and RBM10 functional studies were largely focused only on their
abilities to promote two processes; apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Potentially by control of these
processes, RBM5 and RBM10 were shown to influence one event: differentiation. The objectives
of this study were to identify all cellular processes and events enriched by changes in RBM5
and/or RBM10 expression in a particular cultured cell line, and to determine the extent of
functional overlap for RBM5 and RBM10 in these cells. Towards these goals, a list of RBM5 and
RBM10 mRNA targets and differentially expressed genes was determined using next generation
sequencing techniques. Our data suggest that RBM5 and RBM10 do influence a wide range of
cellular processes and events. Although there is overlap in RBM5 and RBM10 mRNA targets and
differentially expressed genes, these RBPs can have antagonistic functions; for example our data
suggest that RBM5 prevents the transformed state, whereas RBM10 actually promotes it in an
RBM5-null environment. Furthermore, we present a working model by which RBM5 may
regulate RBM10’s protransformatory function. Finally, we demonstrate a relationship between
RBM5 and RBM10 in non-transformed cells. The results presented herein provide insight not
only into the roles and regulation of RBM5 and RBM10, but of RBPs in general. Taken together,
the results presented in the four papers included in this thesis expand the knowledge base of
RBM5 and RBM10, which provides insight into the disease states associated with their disrupted
expression or function. Our findings are thus relevant to a wide range of scientific fields
including molecular, developmental and cancer biology.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomolecular Sciences


title: Aerial image segmentation

subject:
Aerial image segmentation
smoothing filters
k-means classifying
c-means fuzzy classifying

abstract:
Image segmentation plays a vital role in applications such as remote sensing. For this example,
remote sensing, aerial image segmentation is a special case of image segmentation. There are
some unique features of aerial images, like noise in natural landscapes, which need to be
addressed in order to obtain an optimal solution. Bushes and rocks are examples of landscape
features with diverse and variable pixel values that need to be distinguished by the segmentation
process. Smoothing filters present a common solution to address the problem of noise in images,
as does aerial image segmentation. There are several image segmentation techniques used for
aerial image segmentation. Some of these techniques are more sensitive to noise problems, and
are necessary to discriminate between different smoothing filters. In this thesis, a number of
different aspects of aerial image segmentation and their solutions are explained. In addition to
this, a novel smoothing filter is introduced and compared with other methods using different
segmentation techniques. Finally, all of the previous points are applied to a real world problem.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Computational Sciences


title: Les étudiantes finissantes francophones d’un programme de baccalauréat en sciences infirmières: une étude de leur expérience avec la clientèle des personnes âgées dans le nord de l’Ontario.

subject:
étudiante en sciences infirmières
personne âgée
compétence
expérience

abstract: Le but de cette thèse est de comprendre l’expérience des étudiantes francophones du nord de l’Ontario finissant un programme de baccalauréat en sciences infirmières avec la clientèle des personnes âgées pour saisir ce qui les retient à s’investir auprès de cette clientèle dans le milieu des soins de longue durée à la fin de leur formation. Le contexte actuel ne semble pas propice à y attirer les futures infirmières autorisées. Une approche phénoménologique, de type Giorgi, est utilisée pour analyser les propos recueillis lors d’entrevues individuelles semi-structurées auprès de six participantes. L’analyse des entrevues fait ressortir que les futures infirmières autorisées ayant participé à l’étude ont vécu une expérience majoritairement positive relativement à la clientèle des personnes âgées. Elles les affectionnent mais elles ne se sentent pas prêtes à travailler dans le milieu des soins de longue durée. Elles ne se sentent pas assez compétentes et expérimentées pour s’y aventurer.

abstract: Maîtrise en sciences (MSc) en santé interdisciplinaire


title: Content analysis of the seven "Myth vs. Reality" statements from NAFTAnow.org : the importance of the application of critical discourse analysis & framing theory.

subject:
Content analysis
Critical discourse analysis
Framing theory
Myth vs. Reality
NAFTA
NAFTAnow.org

abstract:
Norman Fairclough and Ervin Goffman both believed that discourse could be used as weapon.
The dissertation addresses the importance of utilizing Critical Discourse Analysis and Framing
theory when consuming any information. In my analysis I will conduct a content analysis and a
systematic test of verification to verify the accuracy of the seven NAFTA "Myth vs. Reality"
statements on the official NAFTA website, NAFTAnow.org. In addition to this, I will also
critically analyze the "Myth vs. Reality Model" used to present the seven claims. The importance
of questing power and authority, to uncover hidden ideologies, is pivotal to obtaining clarity in
text. The application of systematically verifying discourse shows the true essence of information
and can expose empty claims. This is important in daily encounters with information and
essential when conducting research.

abstract: Master of Arts  (MA) in Sociology


title: Is it contagious? An eye-movement and EMG study of smile authenticity judgment

subject: smile microexpressions eye-movement EMG

abstract:
A smile is commonly used to mask negative emotions, yet those emotions are often
leaked through microexpressions. These microexpressions act as brief displays of the
individual’s true emotion. Studies have indicated that participants often have difficulty judging
the emotional expressions as truly happy or not truly happy, even when the leaked emotion is
displayed for extended periods of time. The current study used a smile authenticity judgment
task and sought to understand why individuals have difficulty with these non-authentic smiles
(i.e. masking smiles; angry brow, angry mouth, disgust, fear, sad brow, and sad mouth). Various
judgment strategies were evaluated, such as explicit knowledge, attentional limitations (eyemovement
measures), emotional contagion (scale; ECS), and facial mimicry (electromyography;
EMG). Accuracy results were observed to be a function of emotional expressions, where
participants are more accurate with masking smiles containing fear and less accurate with
masking smiles containing anger in the brows. In addition, judgment strategies appear to be a
function of emotion. For instance, emotional contagion and facial mimicry were respectively
significant predictors of fear and angry mouth masking smile judgment accuracy. Alternatively,
attentional limitations were a significant predictor of angry brow masking smile judgment
accuracy. In sum, smile authenticity judgment of masking smiles and their respective strategies
appear to be as a function emotion.

abstract: Master of Arts in Psychology (M.A.)


title: An examination of the integration processes of Anishinaabe smudging ceremonies in Northeastern Ontario health care facililties.

subject:
Indigenous
Anishinaabe
smudging
ceremony
health care
Sudbury
Northern Ontario
Accommodation

abstract:
In part of the Anishinaabek storytelling traditions, ceremonies emerged from the
teachings from the simple act of offering tobacco to more complex ceremonies such as
the rain dance. The smudging ceremony is no different because it has its own creation
story that emerged with the four medicines (Benton-Banai, 1988; Geniusz, 2009). This
research aims to contribute to the an understanding of how the Indigenous smudging
ceremony takes place and how it is made available to individuals who want to practice
this form of ceremony in urban health care settings.
There has been limited research conducted on Indigenous ceremonies and even
less on the smudging ceremony, which highlights the literature gap on scholarly souces
on these traditional ways of healing written by Indigenous People. Most of the
information on the smudging ceremony is from online sources, Elders that are not
published, and non-Indigenous people. Although there are many books, how-to manuals,
and kits that provide medicines that teach interested individuals on the smudging
ceremony, these could be found in the New Age healing sections at bookstores or in
alternative healing shops that many would not find to be a credible academic source.
None of these sources address why the smudging ceremony is crucial and how it has been
suppressed as part of a much larger process of cultural genocide.
This research is situated within an historical context to better understand why the
ceremony has not been accessible within these health care facilities. There are three
facilities examined in Sudbury and Parry Sound, Ontario. The facilities and policies are
compared to understand the integration processes as well as ensuring that the smudging
ceremony is more accessible. In addition, the contribution of this thesis is to have the
smudging ceremony accessible and accommodated outside the walls of medicine/healing
lodge rooms. Lastly, this study is examined through the Anishinaabe perspective that
complements the decolonization approach as it recommends meaningful pathways that
support the efforts of reconciliation.

abstract: Master of Indigenous Relations


title: Longterm schedule optimization of an underground mine under geotechnical and ventilation constraints using SOT

subject:
Mine Schedule
Schedule Optimization
Schedule Optimization Tool (SOT)
Genetic Algorithm

abstract:
Long-term mine scheduling is complex as well time and labour intensive. Yet in the
mainstream of the mining industry, there is no computing program for schedule optimization
and, in consequence, schedules are still created manually. The objective of this study was to
compare a base case schedule generated with the Enhanced Production Scheduler (EPS®) and
an optimized schedule generated with the Schedule Optimization Tool (SOT). The intent of
having an optimized schedule is to improve the project value for underground mines. This
study shows that SOT generates mine schedules that improve the Net Present Value (NPV)
associated with orebody extraction. It does so by means of systematically and automatically
exploring the options to vary the sequence and timing of mine activities, subject to
constraints.
First, a conventional scheduling method (EPS®) was adopted to identify a schedule of mining
activities that satisfied basic sets of constraints, including physical adjacencies of mining
activities and operational resource capacity. Additional constraint scenarios explored were
geotechnical and ventilation, which negatively effect development rates. Next, the automated
SOT procedure was applied to determine whether the schedules could be improved upon. It
was demonstrated that SOT permitted the rapid re-assessment of project value when new
constraint scenarios were applied. This study showed that the automated schedule
optimization added value to the project every time it was applied. In addition, the reoptimizing
and re-evaluating was quickly achieved. Therefore, the tool used in this research
produced more optimized schedules than those produced using conventional scheduling
methods.

abstract: Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Natural Resources Engineering


title: Saisir l’acte : une contribution empirique à la sociologie relationnelle

subject:
études relationnelles
émoraison
socialité
historicité

abstract: Dans la sociologie de l’action, il y a actuellement un débat animé entre ceux qui prônent une perspective actionnaliste de l’agir et ceux qui voudraient qu’il y ait une évolution vers une modélisation relationnelle. La perspective actionnaliste de l’agir, fondée sur les théories de l’action, repose fondamentalement sur un acteur rationnel. La modélisation relationnelle de Laflamme veut comprendre les phénomènes sociologiques à partir de trois concepts, soit ceux de socialité, d’historicité et d’émoraison. Cette recherche a confronté la modélisation relationnelle de Laflamme à celle des théories de l’action à partir d’observations en milieu naturel. Des enregistrements audio/vidéo ont été captés au cours d’une semaine dans cinq foyers de familles canadiennes. Ces enregistrements ont été transcrits et une analyse des propos a été effectuée. Les hypothèses ont voulu que, si les théories de l’action ont raison, on devrait observer des manifestations, selon divers indicateurs, d’intention, de stratégie et d’intérêt. Sinon, on devrait être en mesure d’observer des effets, selon divers indicateurs, de socialité, d’émoraison et d’historicité. Nous avons mesuré 21 indicateurs en tout – 11 indicateurs d’intention, d’intérêt et de stratégie et 10 indicateurs de socialité, d’historicité et d’émoraison. Parmi les 11 indicateurs des théories de l’action, il n’y en a eu aucun qui se trouvait dans la majorité des propos. Sur les 10 indicateurs de la modélisation relationnelle, nous avons pu repérer des phénomènes attachés aux indicateurs de socialité, d’historicité et d’émoraison dans la majorité des cas. Ces résultats nous permettent de trancher parmi nos hypothèses. Nous croyons que ce travail de recherche démontre bien que les indicateurs de socialité, d’historicité et d’émoraison se manifestent dans les propos d’interlocuteurs en milieu naturel et souligne la valeur de la modélisation relationnelle. Cette conclusion est importante à deux niveaux. D’abord, cette vérification empirique montre, encore une fois, que la modélisation relationnelle constitue un meilleur outil que ne l’est l’actionnalisme pour comprendre l’acte ; ensuite, que cette conclusion, qui a déjà été tirée d’études en milieux contrôlés, persiste si elle repose sur des observations dans un milieu naturel.

abstract: Doctorat en philosophie (PhD) en sciences humaines


title: The effect of text difficulty on the missing-letter effect

subject:
text difficulty
missing-letter effect

abstract: Honours essay


title: Perceived impact of rotating shift work on health and wellbeing among underground workers

subject:
underground mining
rotating shift work
health
wellbeing
qualitative interviews

abstract:
Workers in the mining industry are exposed to several risks and hazards in the
underground environment. Shift work is a common working arrangement in the mining industry
and is associated with many adverse health outcomes. In Canada, there is limited research
between rotating shift work in the minerals industry and the effects on health and wellbeing of
workers, especially utilizing a qualitative design. This thesis aimed to understand the impact of
rotating shift work on perceived health and wellbeing among some underground workers in
Sudbury, Ontario.
This qualitative descriptive study utilized individual, semistructured interviews with a
sample of underground workers (n = 12) employed in Sudbury, Ontario. Interviews were
digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s 2006 version of
thematic analysis. Participants in this study perceived both advantages and disadvantages of
working on a rotating shift schedule in relation to their health and wellbeing. Final themes that
emerged from the data included: strong preference for the night shift, challenges associated with
impact on personal wellbeing, advantages and disadvantages on work environment wellbeing,
benefits and challenges of wellbeing external to work, strategies for coping with shift work,
family advantages, challenges with partner relationships, challenges and opportunities in
relationships with children, and strategies used to protect family wellbeing. The findings of this
study may influence future research studies using a quantitative or mixed-method design, and
larger samples.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) in Interdisciplinary Health


title: Risk and protective factors for criminality among adults with FASD

subject:
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
adults
risk factors
protective factors

abstract: This research explored the risk and protective factors associated with criminality among adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). While previous research has focused on identifying the factors that contribute to legal issues, there is a paucity of research on the protective factors that may lead to more positive outcomes for adults with FASD. The first paper examined the methodological issues encountered while conducting a mixed methods study on the experience of offenders and non-offenders with FASD. Difficulties with participant recruitment, the sample size, the terminology employed, and the appropriateness of psychometric measures were significant challenges that emerged during the research project. The second paper was a qualitative study that investigated the experience of adults with prenatal alcohol exposure and their families to determine the risk and protective factors for criminality. Families reported that neurobehavioural impairments such as difficulty with self-regulation and social skills deficits, combined with environmental demands that exceeded the capabilities of the individual with FASD, were important contributors to criminality. However, structure and supervision, education and employment, social and financial support, and positive peer influence were found to mitigate the risk of criminal behavior among adults with FASD. The findings from this thesis highlight the importance of including families in the research process as well as the need to have more family-centered services.

abstract: Master's Theses


title: Constructing life narratives: how novels and policy discourses represent and respond to life stories about people with mental disabilities

subject: mental disabilities

abstract: This dissertation explores how an interdisciplinary analysis may contribute insight into how literary and policy discourses construct the life experiences of people who have mental disabilities that impair their ability to communicate their own life stories. Chapter One explains why a more comprehensive understanding of the cultural construction of mental disability may be achieved by exploring interdisciplinary relationships between social work, disability studies and literary theory. Subsequent chapters examine theoretical assumptions and frameworks associated with these contributing disciplines in greater detail, across systematic and interpretive analytic approaches. In addition, key concepts and questions relevant to constructing a vocabulary that facilitates collaboration between the contributing disciplines are considered. This literature review informs a methodology for undertaking an interpretive discourse analysis of pertinent policy and novels that depict disability within the context of Ontario's 'Institutional Cycle'. Specifically, the research attempts to answer the following questions: What is the relationship between the representation of mental disability in literary narratives and public policy discourses about mental disability; and, how may an interdisciplinary analysis of literary and policy discourses inform policy planning and the provision of services for people with mental disabilities in Ontario? Chapters 6-8 analyze the literary and policy data across Establishment, Reform and Dismantlement phases of the Institutional Cycle to arrive at a set of findings and recommendations that explain relationships between policy and novels across the phases of the Cycle. Finally, key themes for consideration in policy planning for people with mental disabilities are identified as priorities for action in an emerging 'post-institutional' era, in Ontario.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Studies


title: The relocation experiences of aboriginal athletes pursuing sport in euro-canadian contexts: visual and narrative stories of acculturation

subject:
Aboriginal people
decolonizing research
participatory action research
cultural sport psychology
arts-based method

abstract:
Researchers have documented the importance of sport in the lives of Aboriginal people, emphasizing how it can improve health and wellness and reaffirm core cultural values and connections (Lavallee, 2007; Reading, 2009). However, there is a lack of knowledge about the experiences of Aboriginal people who are engaging in sport, as well as cultural issues that affect their participation. Addressing this dearth of information, the current project was aimed at exploring the relocation experiences of Aboriginal athletes (14 to 26 years old) who had relocated off reserves in Northeastern Ontario to pursue sport opportunities within “mainstream” (Euro-Canadian) communities. The project was developed with Aboriginal community members and was driven forward as a form of cultural sport psychology, aimed at challenging the culturally excluding processes of traditional sport psychology (Ryba, Stambulova, Si, & Schinke, 2013). Mandala drawings (circle drawings) and conversational interviews were employed as part of a decolonizing methodology that centralized local Aboriginal ways of knowing, and that enabled in-depth experiential accounts of relocation to be shared (Smith, 1999). A local Indigenous version of an inductive thematic analysis was used to organize the data around three overarching themes: (1) the benefits of relocation, (2) the challenges of relocation, and (3) strategies for helping relocation. The results provide novel insights into how the sport experiences of relocated Aboriginal athletes are shaped by the dynamics of acculturation (i.e., second-culture learning). Through the participants’ accounts, it is revealed how relocated athletes have to dynamically (re)construct a sense of identity and belonging from shifting positions in and between dual (Aboriginal and Euro-Canadian) cultural contexts. Moving towards action, this knowledge can now be used to facilitate more inclusive sport contexts that embrace (rather than
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marginalize) the cultural identities of Aboriginal participants. Local community change efforts have already been initiated within the Aboriginal community through the engagement of the athletes’ mandalas as visual stories. In an effort to encourage future CSP research that is meaningful within the lives of marginalized sport participants, some final implications are drawn from the research.

abstract: Doctoral Theses


title: Conditioned stress-eating and stress non-eating in rats, and their preference for food sweetened with sucralose

subject:
operant conditioning
stress
palatability
food intake
sucralose
preference

abstract:
The current study examined different learning histories in relation to stress and food intake. In
other words, stress-induced eating and non-eating could be due to different learned associations
between a stressor and food. Seventeen male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to create a model
of stress-eating and non-eating using operant conditioning. This model was then used to examine
subjects’ food intake and preferences for food formulas sweetened with three different amounts
of Splenda: 0%, 10%, and 60%. These formulas were first presented to the rats individually (onechoice
test) while a high-frequency tone (the stressor) was present and absent. The second test
(two-choice test) exposed the rats to 2/3 formulas at the same time while the stressor was present
and absent. It was found that all rats, regardless of group assignment preferred chows containing
no Splenda, as demonstrated by an increase in food intake. This did not change as a factor of
stress. Additionally, conditioned stress-eaters increased their food overall food intake when the
stressor was present, as compared to when it was absent. This was not observed for conditioned
stress non-eaters. Limitations, implications, and future directions are discussed.

abstract: Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology


title: The effect of Uncaria Tomenosa on the murine melanoma cell line, B16-BL6

subject:
Uncaria tomentosa
Cat’s claw
anticancer therapeutic properties
anti-cancer therapy
anti-inflammatory
Apoptosis

abstract:
Uncaria tomentosa, commonly known as Cat’s claw, is a medicinal plant native
to Peru.  It has been used for decades in the treatment of various inflammatory disorders.
Treatment with Uncaria tomentosa has been shown to have effective anti-inflammatory
activities.  Recent studies show that treatment of cells with extracts of Uncaria tomentosa can inhibit the MAP kinase, Akt, and Wnt signaling pathways, suggesting it has specific anticancer therapeutic properties.  Previous work from our laboratory has shown that the
effect of Uncaria tomentosa on the monocyte-like THP-1 cell line can block activation of these immune cells.  We are now investigating the effect of the Uncaria tomentosa as an anti-cancer therapy.  We have shown that Uncaria tomentosa can inhibit the growth of cell cultures and can induce apoptosis in the murine melanoma cell line B16- BL6.
Extracts of Uncaria tomentosa with 70% ethanol were more efficient at inducing
apoptosis than aqueous extracts.  Apoptosis induction was evident as early as 24h after
treatment and almost all cells treated with the ethanolic extract of Uncaria tomentosa
were apoptotic by 72h.  Treatment with Uncaria tomentosa caused an increase in DNA
fragmentation (TUNEL assay), caspase-3 cleavage, sub G1 peaks in flow cytometry, and apoptotic morphology.  Our experimental results indicate that Uncaria tomentosa can
effectively kill melanoma cancer cells in vitro, in a dose-dependent manner, by enhancing apoptosis.

abstract: Master's Theses


title: Neck sense rope system and leaching studies for SNO+.

subject:
Neutrino
SNO+
SNO-LAB Creighton Mine
Neutroliness double beta decay
Low energy solar neutrinos
Geo- and reactor- anti-neutrinos
Supernova neutrinos
Nucleon decay
Neck sense rope system
Leaching

abstract:
SNO+ is a multipurpose scintillation-based neutrino experiment which is located at SNO-
LAB, Creighton mine, Sudbury. The primary scientific goal of the experiment is searching
for the elusive process of neutrinoless double beta decay of 130Te. In addition to 0vbb decay,
SNO+ will be able to detect low energy solar neutrinos, geo- and reactor- anti-neutrinos, as
well as supernova neutrinos. During an initial water phase, it will also search for invisible
modes of nucleon decay.
This thesis briefly introduces neutrino physics and discusses the milestones in chapter 1.
Chapter 2 discusses the SNO+ experiment in detail and outlines important developments
in SNO+. Furthermore, chapter 3 and chapter 4 describe the two main projects that have
been done by the author: i) leaching studies for the SNO+ experiment and ii) the neck
sense rope system.
Looking for rare events requires very stringent background limits. One of the sources of
background originates from 222Rn daughters implanted into the inner surface of the SNO+
acrylic vessel. They can leach into the detector volume and increase the level of internal
background. A leaching model has been developed by the author to estimate the activity and contribution to the backgrounds. The model is compatible with the measured value from a lead assay to within 1 sigma.
The SNO+ sense rope system is a mechanical system which monitors displacement of the AV neck to within 2mm accuracy. The system has been calibrated and installed underground alongside with the sliding
floor. Chapter 4 discusses the system, the performed calibration and the installation procedure in more detail.

abstract: Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Physics


title: A comparative study of D2L's Performance with a purpose built E-learning user interface for visual- and hearing-Impaired students

subject:
e-learning system
students with special needs
students with visual impairment
students with hearing impairment
D2L e-learning system.
Laurentian University

abstract: An e-learning system in an academic setting is an efficient tool for all students especially for students with physical impairments. This thesis discusses an e-learning system through the design and development of an e-learning user interface for students with visual- and hearing- impairment. In this thesis the tools and features in the user interface required to make the learning process easy and effective for students with such disabilities have been presented. Further, an integration framework is proposed to integrate the new tools and features into the existing e-learning system Desire-To-Learn (D2L). The tools and features added to the user interface were tested by the selected participants with visually-and hearing- impaired students from Laurentian University’s population. Two questionnaires were filled out to assess the usability methods for both the D2L e-learning user interface at Laurentian University and the new e-learning user interface designed for students with visual and hearing impairment. After collecting and analyzing the data, the results from different usability factors such as effectiveness, ease of use, and accessibility showed that the participants were not completely satisfied with the existing D2L e-learning system, but were satisfied with the proposed new user interface. Based on the new interface, the results showed also that the tools and features proposed for students with visual and hearing impairment can be integrated into the existing D2L e-learning system.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Computational Sciences


title: L’expérience d’une visite chez le médecin de famille par des francophones de 35 ans et plus, résidents du nord de l’Ontario

subject:
minorité linguistique francophone,
expérience des patients
médecin de famille
communication
barrières linguistiques

abstract:
Les francophones du nord de l’Ontario sont une minorité linguistique qui se trouve en
moins bonne santé comparativement à la population ontarienne. L’amélioration des soins de santé
pour ces francophones demande une meilleure compréhension des services offerts par les
médecins de famille et une meilleure compréhension des enjeux linguistiques entre patient et
médecin. Une approche phénoménologique, centrée sur l’expérience du patient, guidée par le cadre
méthodologique de l’« Experience Based Design » permet de comprendre l’expérience de soins
de santé chez le médecin de famille pour des francophones de 35 ans et plus, résidents de régions
urbaines et rurales du nord de l’Ontario. Les émotions des participants définissent les 16 points
critiques de l’expérience d’une visite chez son médecin de famille. L’expérience selon la
dimension de la (discordance)concordance linguistique est caractérisée par des sentiments
d’(in)confort, d’(in)accessibilité), d’(in)sécurité et d’(in)aptitude des patients, des thématiques qui
informent les priorités d’actions pour l’amélioration des services en santé en Ontario.

abstract: Maitrise ès arts (MA) en Santé interdisciplinaire


title: Sites commémoratifs dans la région de Sudbury: leur sens et leurs fonctions pour les parents endeuillés

subject:
sites commémoratifs
parents endeuillés
décès d’un enfant
lien perpétuel
fonctions du deuil

abstract:
Ce mémoire vise à explorer le sens et les fonctions des sites commémoratifs pour les
parents endeuillés par la mort de leur enfant âgé de 15 à 25 ans. Cinq entrevues
qualitatives ont été effectuées auprès de quatre parents endeuillés et une famille
endeuillée, ayant vécu et subi la mort tragique de leurs enfants et ayant fait le choix
de maintenir un site commémoratif dans la région du Grand Sudbury.
Cette étude comporte trois objectifs. Premièrement, elle vise à décrire le sens et les
fonctions des sites commémoratifs selon la perspective de parents endeuillés en
s’appuyant sur la « théorie du Lien perpétuel »1
de Klass, Silverman et Nickman
(1996). Deuxièmement, cette étude tente de décrire la signification de maintenir un
site commémoratif (Qu’est-ce que ça veut dire ?) ainsi que les raisons pour lesquelles
les parents le font (Qu’est-ce que ça donne ?). Enfin, nous présentons des pistes de
réflexion pour les professionnelles et professionnels du domaine de la relation d’aide
afin d’accroître la compréhension du sens, des fonctions et des bienfaits des sites
commémoratifs pour les parents endeuillés.

abstract: Mémoire présenté comme exigence partielle de la maîtrise en service social


title: Evaluating mineralogical, geochemical and microbial relationships within sulfur-bearing mine wastes; a multianalytical and multivariate statistical approach

subject:
mine waste
sulfur
microbial-mineral
geochemicals compositions
mineralogical compositions

abstract:
Mine tailings harbour a dense population of extremophiles that play key roles in metal and mineral
transformations. While microbially mediated mineral oxidation and reduction within sulfurbearing
mine waste has been widely reported, linkages and statistical significance between
environmental parameters and geochemical and mineralogical compositions with microbial
community diversity has not yet been documented. A combined geochemistry, mineralogy, and
genomics approach has been used in this study to better understand the biogeochemical processes
occurring within a gradient of tailings dam materials both at surface and down a depth profile.
Complex microbial diversity patterns across sample types, environmental conditions, spatial
locations, and geochemical and mineralogical compositions, are addressed using multivariate
statistical analysis. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron
micrscopy (TEM) are used to analyze the compositional and morphological features of microbemineral
assemblages. A total of 40 sulfur-bearing tailings samples have been collected aseptically
from five constructed tailing dam structures, in Sudbury, Ontario. Samples have been grouped into
three zones including oxidized, transition, and unoxidized, which are distinguished by pH, munsell
colour and mineralogical composition. Oxidized material is composed of silicates and ironhydroxides
(goethite) and iron-hydroxy sulfate minerals (jarosite, schwertmannite), with contact
pH ranging from 2.6 - 4.5. Material from the unoxidized zone consists mainly of silicates and
sulfides (pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and greigite), with a higher contact pH ranging from 4.14
- 5.71. Transitional material is dominantly composed of silicates, but contains both sulfides and
secondary iron and sulfate minerals, with pH ranging from 3.6 - 5.31. Microbial community
composition and structures are often attributed to their surrounding geochemical environments.
However, no significant correlations are observed between total metal content and microbial
community compositions across the analyzed samples. However, community compositions and
structures exhibit significant changes based on the contact pH ranges and mineralogical
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compositions of the analyzed tailings material. Oxidized, transition, and unoxidized material
exhibit similar taxa, however, relative abundance of taxa exhibits extensive variability across the
identified zones. Key indicator species are statistically tested across the three alteration zones, with
microorganisms whose metabolic functions underpin iron and/or S oxidation and/or reduction
identified as microorganisms characterizing alteration zones. Microbial-mineral assemblages
analyzed at the nano-scale exhibit minerals that were not identified by routine whole sample
analysis (XRD), thereby indicating the importance of performing both SEM and TEM to fully
understand microbial-mineral interactions. The microbial-mineral relationships observed in this
study both at the micro- and nano-meter scale have resulted in furthering understanding of
biogeochemical processes occurring within the analyzed sulfur-bearing tailings material.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Geology


title: Antibacterial activity of freshwater green microalgae isolated from water bodies near abandoned mine sites in Ontario, Canada

subject:
abandoned mine sites
antibiotic
antibacterial activity
freshwater
green microalgae
viability
malignant cells

abstract:
Progress of modern medicine relies on the discovery of new antibiotics. The increasing
threat of antibiotic resistant bacteria, leading to an increase in morbidity and mortality of patients
previously considered low risk, has highlighted the serious need for the expansion of antibiotic
research and development. Historically, natural products have been the most successful source of
antibiotics as they have complex and unique chemical structures and modes of action. Since most
available antibiotics are originally a result of the secondary metabolism of bacteria and fungi,
microorganisms from diverse environments capable of producing secondary metabolites have
been and currently are being investigated for antibacterial production.   Green microalgae are eukaryotic microorganisms that can be found in a very wide range of
habitats, including extreme environments. These microorganisms are known to produce a series
of commercially valuable compounds as a result of their secondary metabolism. The central aim
of this thesis was to determine the potential of green microalgae as antibiotic producers collected
(bioprospected) from water bodies near abandoned mine sites in Ontario, Canada. These water
bodies exhibited a variety of chemical profiles, including high metal concentrations and low pH.   Forty species of green microalgae were subsequently isolated and their extracts tested
against various bacteria. The findings showed that 37.5% of these microalgae produced
antibacterial compounds that seem to specifically inhibit the growth of Gram-positive bacteria, in
particular the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. This was a higher success rate than
any previous study on green microalgae. In addition, the evaluation of crude extracts of
Chlamydomonas sp., the most common isolated species, demonstrated variation in antibacterial activity during cell growth. The highest antibacterial activity from this species was found in the
exponential phase.
Furthermore, green microalgal extracts exhibiting antibacterial activity also decreased the
cell viability of malignant cells, particularly the rapidly dividing human ovarian carcinoma
A2780 cells. However, the extracts did not decrease the cell viability of non-malignant cells.
Taken together, the results of this thesis reveal that freshwater green microalgae from water
bodies near abandoned mine sites are potential sources of antibacterial compounds against Grampositive
bacteria and should be further investigated against rapidly dividing malignant cells.

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomolecular Sciences


title: Genesis of Cu-PGE-rich footwall-type mineralization in the Morrison deposit, Sudbury

subject:
Morrison deposit
Sudbury
Minerals

abstract:
The Morrison deposit, located at the Levack mine in the City of Greater Sudbury, is a
footwall-type Cu-Ni-platinum-group-element (PGE) deposit hosted within a zone of
Sudbury Breccia in the Archean Levack Gneiss Complex beneath the North Range of the
Sudbury Igneous Complex. It consists of sharp-walled, sulfide-rich veins that are
enriched in Cu-Pt-Pd-Au relative to contact-type mineralization and can be subdivided
based on vein geochemistry, mineralogy, texture, and morphology into a pyrrhotite-rich
upper domain, a chalcopyrite-rich lower domain, and a pyrrhotite equal to chalcopyrite
middle domain. All domains contain steeply to vertically dipping first-order sulfide veins,
irregular and discontinuous second-order sulfide veins, and disseminated sulfides in
country rocks. First- and second-order veins can be further subdivided into inclusion-free
veins typically within Sudbury breccia matrix or along clast-matrix boundaries, and very
irregular and inclusion-rich veins associated with leucosomes in mafic gneiss clasts and
granophyric-textured dikes. First-order veins consist of pyrrhotite > chalcopyrite =
pentlandite > magnetite in the upper domain, pyrrhotite = chalcopyrite > pentlandite >
cubanite > magnetite in the middle domain, and chalcopyrite >> pentlandite > pyrrhotite
= cubanite > magnetite in the lower domain. Second-order veins consist of pyrrhotite =
chalcopyrite > pentlandite > magnetite and chalcopyrite = millerite = pentlandite in the
middle domain, and chalcopyrite >> millerite, millerite > chalcopyrite, bornite >>
chalcopyrite, and millerite > bornite > chalcopyrite in the lower domain. Second order
veins are adjacent to and in contact with epidote, amphibole, chlorite, carbonate, quartz,
and magnetite alteration minerals.
Sulfide mineralization in the Morrison deposit is similar to other footwall mineralization
associated with the SIC. The veins appear to have been emplaced preferentially into zones
of Sudbury Breccia that were within ~400m of the basal contact of the SIC, because that
lithology is more permeable and because those zones are within the thermal aureole of the
cooling SIC permitting penetration of sulfide melts. The mineralogical, textural, and
geochemical zoning in the chalcopyrite-pentlandite-pyrrhotite-rich parts of the Morrison
deposit are best explained by partial fractional and/or equilibrium crystallization of MSS
and ISS. Bornite ± millerite-rich mineralization are interpreted to have formed by reaction
of residual sulfide melts with wall rocks, consuming Fe and S to form actinolitemagnetite-
epidote-chlorite-sulfide reaction zones and driving the sulfide melt across the
thermal divide in that part of the Fe-Cu-Ni-S system to crystallize borniteSS ±
milleriteSS. Gold-Pt-Pd appear to have been more mobile than other metals, forming
localized zones of enrichment, although it is not clear yet whether they were mobile as
Au-Pt-Pd-Bi-Te-Sb-rich melts or aqueous fluids.

abstract: Master of Science (MSc) in Geology


title: Minority stress: intergroup contact and the minority experience

subject:
stress
intergroup contact

abstract: Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Human Development


title: Effect of glutamine limitation on the behavior of Sp2/0-Ag14 mouse hybridoma cells.

subject:
Macroautophagy
Autophagy
Apoptosis
Glutamine
Cell signalling
Survival
Adaptation
Molecular biology
Ammonium

abstract:
Cancer cells often display a dependence toward the amino acid L-glutamine for their
survival, a phenomenon termed glutamine addiction. The mouse hybridoma Sp2/0-Ag14 (Sp2/0)
undergoes rapid apoptotic cell death upon glutamine deprivation, making it a useful model for
uncovering the molecular and cellular processes through which glutamine controls cell survival.
This work was aimed at gaining a better understanding of the molecular and cellular events
triggered when Sp2/0 cells are exposed to limiting amounts of glutamine.
First, the effect of glutamine limitation on Sp2/0 cell behavior was investigated. We
found that a threshold concentration of 100 μM glutamine exists where Sp2/0 cell density does
not increase, but cells remain viable. Under this threshold, Sp2/0 cells underwent apoptosis, but
in a more protracted fashion than under conditions of acute glutamine deprivation.
Unexpectedly, I found that exposure of Sp2/0 cells to 25μM glutamine triggered a biphasic
activation of caspase-3. Interestingly, glutamine limitation, but not acute glutamine deprivation, was sufficient to maintain intact mitochondria for several hours and to trigger the expression of the stress-related transcription factor GADD-153. My results raise the possibility that glutamine limitation triggers a stress response which could enable Sp2/0 cells to adapt to its environment. Using microscopic and biochemical techniques, I also provided evidence for a reduction in autophagic processes in Sp2/0 cells exposed to glutamine-limiting conditions. Chemical inhibitors of autophagy caused Sp2/0 cell death even in the presence of adequate supply of glutamine. On the other hand, rapamycin, a known activator of autophagy, improved Sp2/0 viability under glutamine limitation conditions. Therefore, the loss of Sp2/0 cell viability when exposed to limiting amounts of glutamine could be the result, at least in part, of a reduction in the cell’s autophagic capabilities. Finally, I explored the effect of ammonium ions, a product of glutamine metabolism, on
the behavior of Sp2/0 cells exposed to limiting amounts of glutamine. Ammonium ions treatment
rescued Sp2/0 cell viability and proliferation in Sp2/0 cells cultured in glutamine-limiting conditions. Interestingly, ammonium acetate, but not ammonium chloride, caused a reduction in caspase-3 activity in Sp2/0 cells maintained under limiting glutamine conditions. Finally, my data suggest that ammonium salts led to a partial restoration of the autophagy process in Sp2/0 cells exposed to limiting amounts of glutamine, providing a potential explanation for the beneficial effect of ammonium ions on cell viability. All together, the results obtained in the course my studies argue in favor of a mechanistic link between autophagy and ammonium ions in the modulation of the viability of a Sp2/0 cells exposed to glutamine-limiting conditions.