title: Bugs and drugs: The effect of octopamine on the sensitivity of female olfactory receptor neurons to female conspecific sex pheromone in the tobacco budworm moth Heliothis virescens

contributor:
Kavanagh, Rhys M.B. (author)
(Hillier, Kirk) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: Octopamine is a very important neurohormone, neuromodulator and  neurotransmitter in invertebrates. Octopamine increases male moth sensitivity to female  sex pheromones, however, relatively little is known as to the role of octopamine (if any)  in the female olfactory system. The tobacco budworm moth, Heliothis virescens,  demonstrate sexual dimorphism in their antennal sensilla lengths and by male moths  possessing a large, exclusively female sex pheromone neuron targeted, macroglomerular  complex. This sexual dimorphism was previously thought to reflect the ability of only  males to detect conspecific female sex pheromone. However, female Heliothis virescens  moths do detect their own sex pheromone. In addition, female sex pheromone detecting  olfactory receptor neurons target a centrally located large glomerulus at the base of the  antennal nerve named the central large female glomerulus (cLFG) which appears to be  analogous to the macroglomerular complex in male moths. The purpose of this study was  to determine whether octopamine increases sensitivity of female olfactory receptor  neurons to conspecific female sex pheromone. Studies in this area will reveal more  details on the emergence and degree of sexual dimorphism in H. virescens and may be  used in insecticide development. Extracellular recordings were made from female moths  both injected and not injected with octopamine, and responses to odour stimulations and  signals were recorded and amplified. Results indicate that octopamine plays a significant  modulatory role in female sex pheromone detection in female moths; and that male and  female pheromone detection neurons share distinct pharmacological and physiological  similarities in H. virescens despite their morphological differences at the antennal level.

abstract: Biology


title: Habitat use and movement of the Eastern ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus) at meso-scales

type: Text Dissertation/Thesis

contributor:
Saroli, Jesse (author)
(Mockford, Steve) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

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

subject: LE3 .278 2009

abstract: The Eastern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus) is listed as a threatened species in Nova Scotia. The threat of diminishing habitat due to shoreline property development combined with a general dearth of knowledge on the snakes' movements and habitat use complicates conservation and potential recovery planning. Visual surveys were conducted at Molega Lake, an area known to contain a small population of Ribbonsnakes. The survey area was expanded in 2008 from previous studies to include four new areas, chosen along the shoreline at varying distances from the original site. The new areas, chosen based on reports of sightings, similarity of habitat, and proximity to the previous study site were surveyed along with the original site. Snakes were hand-captured and identified. Eligible specimens were implanted with a subcutaneous passive integrated transponder as a means of identification. Individual movements were small, with maximum recorded movements shown to be less than that of the smallest distance between survey zones. Home range, calculated from an individual with many recaptures was shown to encompass most of the original survey zone; however, no specimens were observed in more than one area over the four month research season, despite the more populous areas being approximately only 175m apart. Total observations of individual snakes were very low for two of the new areas, and one area showed a marked decrease of observations in the months of July and August. Almost all of the observations occurred within the current critical habitat description, with no sightings in the area specifically chosen for its different habitat type.

abstract: Biology


title: Effects of Relaxin on apoptosis in neonatal rat brain slice preparations under ischemic stress

contributor:
MacDonald, Heather A. (author)
(Wilson, Brian) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: Relaxins are a family of peptide hormones belonging to the insulin superfamily of  peptides. Past research on relaxin has characterized it as a pregnancy hormone but recent  data suggests that it serves a variety of roles in mammalian physiology. For example,  evidence from several labs suggests that relaxin plays a role in protecting the brain, heart,  pancreas, and spleen during periods of ischemia. The current study tested if relaxin  affected apoptotic activity in brain slices that were exposed to an ischemic challenge.  Organotypic cultures of neonatal rat brain slices were exposed to one of four treatments:  balanced salt solution (BSS), BSS with relaxin, deoxygenated glucose-free BSS, and  deoxygenated glucose-free BSS with relaxin. Slices were embedded in paraffin wax and  10 μm coronal sections were mounted on slides and run through a TUNEL staining  protocol. TUNEL staining was observed in neurons and glial cells in slices from all  experimental groups. However, staining was not robust enough to quantify apoptosis in  brain slices. This project studies the effects of relaxins on neurons and glial cells exposed  to ischemic stress and sets the stage for future studies on apoptosis in organotypic brain  slice cultures.

abstract: Biology


title: Choosing pragmatism: The dominion’s Indian land policy in British Columbia between 1871-1927

contributor:
Mair, David G. (author)
(Henderson, Stephen) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: Once British Columbia became a province in 1871, the Dominion took over an  Indian policy that had differed significantly from the Imperial policy set out by the Royal  Proclamation of 1763. Most Aboriginals had not been dealt with by treaties, reserve  sizes were smaller than what the Dominion preferred, and the legal concept of Indian title  was strongly denied by the local government. The process was also incomplete, as most  Aboriginals in the province had not yet been confined to reserves. For the next fifty  years, the Dominion tried to fill in this reserve map and have the title to the land legally  conveyed from the province. This was difficult to achieve because, similar to the  colonial government before 1871, the provincial government in British Columbia wanted  an Indian policy without title or large reserves. After years of protracted negotiations,  the reserve map was almost entirely completed by 1927. By then the Dominion had  given up on both the legality of Indian title and the need for large open reserves. In the  following analysis, I argue that the Dominion warped its own principles largely because  by 1876, it was primarily concerned with finalizing the reserve map. For most in  Ottawa, the only way to achieve this was by dealing with the issue pragmatically and  letting go of certain principles. In addition, the land policy was entirely intertwined with  other peripheral issues between the Dominion and the province and its outcome was  determined by this relationship.

abstract: History & Classics


title: A histological and ontogenic analysis of epidermal glands of the spionids Boccardia proboscidea, Polydora cornuta, Pygospio elegans and Streblospio benedicti

contributor:
Porskamp, Emily E. (author)
(Gibson, Glenys) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: Epidermal glands in polychaetes are critical for most physiological and behavioral  processes yet their ultrastructure is poorly understood. My objective was to analyze the  histology of epidermal glands in four spionids with emphasis on modifications of the  head and pygidium (commonly, tail) as a preliminary step in understanding gland  function and similarities among species. Changes in gland distribution across  developmental stages were also examined for one species, Streblospio benedicti. I  focused on three categories of glands: bacillary, dorsal collar and mucous glands. The  histology and distribution of bacillary glands varied between species; for example S.  benedicti have bacillary glands in the pygidium as an embryo, in the head as larvae, but  none are present in adults suggesting the function of the gland changes throughout  development. In contrast, bacillary glands were present in the pygidium of adult Polydora  cornuta, Boccardia proboscidea, and Pygospio elegans. In these three species, the  bacillary glands all extended as posterior appendages (anal cirri), and in P. elegans,  contained fewer cells and had fewer rhabdites (cytoplasmic rods) than in the other species  examined. The dorsal collar was only present in S. benedicti and consisted of an anterior  projection composed of unspecialized cells and a dorsal midline composed of columnar  epithelium with a histology suggesting both a secretory and sensory function. Mucous  glands were categorized by apical granules, staining properties and cell size; their  distribution showed no distinct pattern across species. Overall, these results show that the  function of some epidermal glands change ontogenetically; an important consideration  for phylogenetic work. Also the histology and the anatomical location of the glands  suggest a potential sensory role for collar and bacillary glands.

abstract: Biology


title: Molecular characterization of the unique Peptidase A Allele within a population of Sorex cinereus on Bon Portage Island, Nova Scotia

contributor:
McAlpine, Cameron S. (author)
(Stewart, Donald) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: The population of masked shrews, Sorex cinereus, found on Bon Portage Island, N.S.,  has been shown to have a high frequency of a unique allele for the digestive enzyme  Peptidase A (PEP A; E.C. 3.4.13.18). As well, these shrews feed upon the amphipod  Platorchestia platensis, the sand flea, which is a unique characteristic of this population  of shrews. It has been hypothesized that this unique allele for PEP A may be a molecular  adaptation to this abundant food source. The goal of this project was to amplify and  sequence the unique PEP A allele as well as the common mainland allele. As a first step,  known mammalian PEP A sequences were downloaded from the GenBank database and  aligned. Seven forward and seven reverse polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were  designed to amplify different sections of the PEP A gene. Complementary DNA (cDNA)  was first generated from RNA using reverse transcription. PCR amplification was  conducted with the cDNA using the newly designed primers. Resulting PCR products  were then inserted into a plasmid vector and cloned. The purified plasmids were then  sequenced at the McGill University and Génome Québec Innovation Center. A search of  the GenBank database revealed these sequences were most similar to a segment of DNA  within the Sorex araneus genome. Further, the search revealed the PCR amplification  product to be highly similar to a Pepsinogen 1 gene as well as a segment of the X  chromosome of humans and chimpanzees. The human and chimpanzee X chromosome is  homologous to the “de” chromosome in Sorex araneus, which is the chromosomal region  to which the PEP A gene has been mapped. A primer specific to the sequenced PCR  product was designed and along with a poly T primer the entire gene, possibly PEP A, to  which the PCR product belongs was amplified. In summary, these bioinformatic  comparisons suggest that this segment could be a portion of a peptidase gene but further  analysis will be required to determine precisely which member of the family of peptidase  genes has been sequenced.

abstract: Biology


title: European Union citizenship: Top-down push for bottom-up movement

contributor:
May, Jessica M. (author)
(Brickner, Rachel) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: The desire of the political elite for European citizenship dates back to before the introduction of the most basic forms of European integration projects. With the agreement of the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, the European Union was established and concurrently bestowed member state citizens with the status of European Union citizenship. This supplementary EU citizenship is bequeathed to member state citizens by national and supranational executives, without the political consolidation or social struggle and development from the individual-level normally associated with the development of citizenship. The role individuals play in the development of citizenship is exceptionally significant, as bottom-up movement in the process is fundamental if the citizenship is going to reflect the interests and desires of the society. The development of a transnational citizen is faced with similar challenges as those presented to a traditional citizenship: it requires the development of a legal status, rights, political participation, and common identity. Moving beyond this transnational citizenship that is contingent on member state citizenship, as is the case of the EU, presents the additional challenge of overcoming entrenched appreciation and loyalty to national citizenship and requires the cultivation of new interests and values on a supranational level. Individuals‟ continued prioritization of national identification over being European will continue to make cultivating an overarching EU identity and fostering EU political participation a difficult task. This can only be overcome by an internalization of the stake individuals have in the project and the belief it is beneficial to them. For its success and acceptance to take root within its citizens, the European Union must foster a common European Union identity and promote interest of its project within its citizens, and movement of citizens from the bottom-up must be established and mobilized to meet the top-down efforts of the EU.

abstract: Politics


title: The efficacy of digital rights management and private copying levies to moderate the extent of digital piracy

contributor:
Kaulback, Sean M. (author)
(Enman, Steven) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: Technology and copyright law have been in conflict since the digital era began. Through the advancements in digital technology, copyrighted material is easily converted to electronic form. While this does facilitate many day to day operations such as uploading songs onto an iPod or burning a CD, it also creates an environment that is much more susceptible to illegal activities such as circumvention of protective mechanisms and modification of rightholders‘ works. Technology has also made copyright extremely difficult to enforce, even when proper legislation is in place to deal with it. The illegal downloading and copying of rightholders‘ works is the process commonly known as digital piracy. This thesis discusses two of the most prevalent methods the world‘s recording industries, artists and others affected have established to deal with piracy. The first is digital rights management (DRM) and the second is private copying levies (PCLs). DRM and PCLs were analyzed by using the nations within the EU and with a set of evaluative criteria to assess which method is more effective in dealing with the digital piracy of rightholders‘ works by consumers. The European Union was chosen as the geographic region of focus because of its multi-national structure and the fact it has implemented legislation explicitly intended to address the practice of digital piracy. Taking the evaluative criteria into consideration, the evidence suggests PCLs have greater potential to moderate the extent of piracy more effectively than DRM. However DRM has potential to accomplish things such as protecting the duplication and reporting accurate usage information of rightholders‘ works in the future, where PCLs do not. DRM should therefore not be completely abandoned.

abstract: Business


title: Involvement and the innovative communicator: An exploratory study of fashion apparel

contributor:
Archer, Hilary E. (author)
(Follows, Scott) (Thesis advisor)
(Kapoor, Harish) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: The fashion industry has arguably been one of the most globally prevalent markets for many years. It is characterized by a transient and ever-changing nature with the frequent introduction of new trends and styles. The success of a fashion marketer is to successfully ensure the acceptance of these trends and their diffusion throughout a given society. Literature suggests that consumer groups who are innovative communicators and who are highly involved consumers are of crucial importance in the communication and diffusion of trends and styles. Past literature also finds the role of a consumer‟s self-concept to be influential in their purchasing behaviour. This research study stands as an exploratory research study investigating the relationships between these fashion consumer groups as well as their self-concept profiles.  This study includes an extensive review of past literature as well as primary research utilizing a modern sample of younger male and female students at Acadia University. Results found a significant positive correlation between fashion innovative communicativeness and high involvement with fashion as well as significant differences in the self-concept profiles of those who are involved and not involved with fashion, as well as those who are innovative communicators and not innovative communicators of fashion. Additionally, results found similarities between the self-concept profiles of the highly involved fashion consumer and the fashion innovative communicator. These self-concept profiles are crucial for marketers to take into consideration when developing promotional appeals targeting these fashion groups.

abstract: Business


title: Nursing primary care back to health: Primary care nurse practitioners and their potentional to improve rural health in Nova Scotia

contributor:
Turner, Lisanne (author)
(Abramson, Zelda) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: At least 4.5 million Canadians do not have a family physician. Nurse practitioners  (NPs) can carry out 80% of a general practitioner’s duties and may be an answer to the  physician deficit in rural Nova Scotia. Qualitative, in-depth interviewing of three nurse  practitioners is used in this thesis to explore the roles and experiences of nurse  practitioners in the workplace. Grounded theory is used to allow themes to emerge from  the data. A feminist standpoint theoretical framework is applied to help evaluate the nurse  practitioner experience. Based on my findings, I argue that further implementation of  nurse practitioner roles, both in independent and in collaborative practice with physicians,  will improve access to health care in Nova Scotia.

abstract: Sociology


title: A cross-faculty comparison of undergraduate computer use

contributor:
Belliveau, Matt (author)
(Leiter, Michael) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: Variations in different aspects of undergraduate computer use were examined across gender and university faculty. The study looked at data from 731 students from Acadia University who completed the 2008 version of the Computer Use Survey. A 2x3 multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to identify differences between males and females and across the faculties of Science, Arts, and Professional Studies for measures of perceived pressure, willingness, and confidence with respect to academic computer use. Measurements were also taken of students’ work-related and personal computer use. The results show that usage by university faculty was related to students’ willingness to engage in computer use and pressures derived from computer use, while usage by gender was related to students’ willingness to engage in computer use and time spent using their computers for work. No significant relationships were found for either faculty or gender with respect to confidence or personal computer use, and no significant faculty/gender interactions were found for any variables. Limitations of the present study and suggestions for future research are discussed.

abstract: Psychology


title: Talking with terrorists: Negotiating as a viable option for counterterrorism

contributor:
Clark, Peter J.D. (author)
(Grieve, Malcolm) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: Negotiating with Terrorism is considered highly controversial. This thesis investigates reasons for this controversy, while establishing explanations for how negotiating with terrorism has been undertaken in the past, and how negotiation may be undertaken with present day emergences of terrorism. Evidence is provided which supports the logic of negotiating with terrorists, while critiquing theoretical models of negotiation. By establishing an understanding of what is considered new terrorism, and the different requirements for negotiating with it, we may establish new models of negotiation.

abstract: Politics


title: Decolonizing motherhood: exampining birthing experiences of urban indigenous women in Nova Scotia

contributor:
McCarney, Kayla (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Frank, Lesley) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Sociology

abstract:
While much as been written about how colonization has been accomplished through the disruption of motherhood, less is known about how Indigenous women’s birthing experiences have been shaped by continual colonization, or how birthing is, or can be part of the decolonizing movement. This thesis, while focusing broadly on the relationship between motherhood, health, and the effects of colonization, explores urban Indigenous women’s birthing experiences in Nova Scotia. This inquiry was framed by the Indigenous theoretical concept of Two-Eyed Seeing that is used to examine pressing health and social problems experienced by Indigenous people, as well as postcolonial and Indigenous feminist theory. Employing an Indigenous informed methodology, a talking circle with ten self-identified urban Indigenous mothers was held in a community gathering space in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In addition, seven qualitative interviews were conducted with mothers that attended the talking circle in order to determine their perceptions and experiences of birth in hospital settings. The results show that mothers experienced individual and institutional discrimination, and that Indigenous birthing practices were desired, yet unrealized due to structural barriers.  This thesis argues that the current healthcare system in Nova Scotia fails to meet the needs of urban Indigenous mothers during the birthing experience because it fails
to embrace culturally informed birthing knowledges. The incorporation of Indigenous birth knowledges into practice can address these shortcomings, redefine how we come to understand birth, and better support women of all cultural backgrounds in hospital. This thesis also argues that Indigenous informed midwifery care is the pathway best suited for
decolonizing birth.


title: Mental health literacy of adolescents in Atlantic Canada

contributor:
Thomas, Tanisha (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Symons, Doug) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Psychology

abstract:
Knowledge about mental health problems, stigma towards those problems, and help-seeking behavior have been proposed to be three components of mental health literacy. The current study examined the interrelations of these three components in a sample of 60 adolescents (31 females, 28 males, 1 gender fluid) recruited from two schools in Nova Scotia.
The overall age of participants was 13.8 years; the mean age within the younger group was 12.87 years, ranging from 12 to 14 years, and within the older group was 17.15 years, ranging from 16 to 18 years. As hypothesized, both mental health knowledge and help-seeking behavior were inversely related to mental health stigma, but knowledge and help-seeking were unrelated. However, an exploratory mediation analysis revealed that stigma was a mediator of the relationship between knowledge and help-seeking. Hypotheses that girls would score higher than boys on mental health literacy components were not supported. There were also no age group differences. Comparisons between rural areas and population centres could not be made. Post-hoc analyses suggested that family socioeconomic status was not related to
help-seeking, but school support was related to intentions to seek counselling. The present study thus expands on the
current interest in the mental health literacy of adolescents.


title: X-band marine radar as a site assessment tool in the Minas Passage

contributor:
Locke, Jeremy (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Karsten, Richard) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics

abstract: X-band marine radar is investigated as tidal energy site assessment tool in the Minas Passage. The three-dimensional  wavenumber-frequency  image  spectrum  can  be  extracted  from  radar  backscatter timeseries data via Fourier analysis. The doppler-shifted dispersion relation can be extracted from the image spectrum and used to estimate surface current. A novel method entitled Geometric Current Triangulation (GemCuT) is highlighted in this thesis. A necessary component of estimating surface current is the presence of a wave field, meaning velocity estimates are not always accurate. This thesis investigates environmental conditions required for GemCuT to be accurate. The best method of isolating accurate radar data was able to isolate 10% of overall radar data. Although 10% is a small fraction of the data, this thesis found that it is sufficient for several practical applications in the Minas Passage including spatial mapping, island wake characterization and data prediction when combined with prediction software called LunaTide.


title: Uncovering issues to Chinese college student ministry in Canada to facilitate missional engagement by the church

contributor:
Mao, Alen (author)
(Chuang, Tsu-Kung) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract:
This thesis seeks to align the church that I pastor with the Lord’s desire and mission in its serving and ministering to the Overseas Chinese Students (OCS) in its neighborhood—and beyond.  The missional concept was selected as a worthy paradigm to embed the undertaking and also for the church to assume.  The meaning, significance, and application of the missional concept were clarified by biblical and theological examination and reflection.  How the existing appreciation of the term, missional, can be fine tuned were submitted to the missional conversation.  The missional axiom, “joining the Lord in the neighborhood”, was subscribed to and elaborated.  Missional is found to entail the totality of the believers and the local church.  Such totality is one’s total life and the church’s total life—in being obedient and willing to the will of God, in being authentic in its expression and message, in being so in a perpetual mode at all times and in all settings, wholeheartedly, and wholly (being selfless), and in mobilizing the whole church.  The need, challenges of the OCS, as well as their attitude toward Christianity were investigated by survey and interviews.  The experience of ministry participants who
are familiar with the OCS ministry were also investigated by interviews.  Data were analyzed by quantitative and qualitative methods.  The experiences of the OCS were found to be affected by four main factors, which are their impact when they first arrive, their anticipation of what Canada might offer them, a lasting sense of challenge living and studying abroad, and their fear of not succeeding in Canada.  The findings offer clues to the church on how it can serve and minister to them and make contributions to their journey in Canada within the missional paradigm.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: A petrological comparison of Silurian and Devonian plutons in the Leonard MacLeod Brook and Gillis Mountain areas, Aspy and Mira terranes, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

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

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences

abstract:
Mapping, petrological studies, and U-Pb (zircon) dating have identified four bimodal plutons herein named Gillis Brook, Leonard MacLeod Brook, Easach Ban, and Barren Brook in the southern part of the Ganderian Aspy terrane in Cape Breton Island. The plutons consist mainly of gabbroic to dioritic rocks and syenogranitic rocks which are closely associated and locally display mingled relationships with one another, consistent with their similar ages of ca. 435-430 Ma. They display alkalic to calc-alkalic chemical signatures and it is not clear if they formed in a subduction-related magmatic arc or within-plate extensional setting. They were emplaced at shallow depth and are co-magmatic with their Silurian volcanic and sedimentary host rocks of the Sarach Brook Formation. They are petrologically distinct from and not related to the younger
(Devonian) and entirely granitic Bothan Brook pluton which also intruded the Sarach Brook Formation in the same area. None of these plutons shows evidence for significant economic mineralization potential. In contrast, the Devonian Gillis Mountain pluton in the Avalonian Mira terrane of southern Cape Breton Island hosts porphyry-style copper-molybdenum mineralization. New studies of trace element characteristics of surface and drill core samples from the Gillis Mountain pluton confirm previous work which showed that it is calc-alkalic and emplaced in a subduction zone setting, intruded into Cambrian shale and siltstone. The presence of sulphide minerals and elevated background metal contents are evidence of its economic potential. Comparison of these plutons shows contrasts in field and petrological characteristics. These differences are consistent with the fundamental distinction between the Aspy and Mira terranes in terms of origin, geological evolution, and tectonic setting through to the Devonian.


title: The partial mitochondrial DNA and phylogenetic relationships of the Iceland scallop (Chlamys islandica)

contributor:
Northrup, Victoria (author)
(Snyder, Marlene) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: The taxonomy of the family Pectinidae has been called in question due to recent  molecular evidence coming to light. The mitochondrial genomes of many molluscs are  unusual and defy many of the conventions thought normal of animal mtDNA. The genes  found in the mitochondria, including the LSU and SSU rRNA genes, are readily used for  deriving potential phylogenetic relationships. Individual gene amplification was done  using PCR and whole genome amplification was attempted using long accurate PCR.  The gene order of 12S-Nad1 was found, possibly with trnS in between these two genes.  The sequences obtained were used to create phylogenies of the LSU and SSU rRNA for  the family Pectinidae and protein coding genes (COI, CytB, Nad1, Nad3, Nad4, and  Atp6) were used to create phylogenies for the class Bivalvia. Chlamys islandica is found  to be closely related to Mizuhopecten yessenosis in the Pectinidae phylogenies. The  genus of Chlamys, like most other genera in the family Pectinidae, is not monophyletic  but is polyphyletic. In most of the bivalve phylogenies Chlamys islandica also groups  with Mizuhopecten yessenosis and the family Pectinidae is monophyletic. The phylogeny  based on Atp6 gives anomalous results compared to the other phylogenies. The  pseudogene for the COI also does not agree but the actual gene does agree with the  monophyly of Pectinidae and the close relatedness of Mizuhopecten yessenosis and  Chlamys islandica.

abstract: Biology


title: Children's and university students' liking of organic apples grown with or without the use of reflective mulch

contributor:
Li, Wangyang (author)
(Duizer, Lisa) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: Although consumption of organic foods is a way for parents to reduce children’s  pesticide exposure, little is known about children’s acceptance of organic foods. This  research examined children’s and adults’ liking of organic ‘Honeycrisp’ and ‘Liberty’  apples grown both with and without the use of reflective mulch. Reflective mulch (RM)  was used as a ground cover to reflect light into the apple tree canopy to enhance apple  coloration. This mulching approach was applied to the east side of the trees, therefore a  further objective of this work was to determine liking of the sensory properties of the  apples based on location within trees. One hundred and twenty eight consumers (64  adults aged 18-24 and 64 children aged 8-14, balanced for gender) took part in a sensory  panel. Questions related to liking of colour, appearance, taste, texture and overall liking  were asked. The data were analyzed to examine the effect of age, gender, RM treatment,  and location within the tree on liking of the apples for each of these attributes. In general,  young children liked all sensory aspects of the apples (colour, appearance, taste, texture  and overall liking) significantly more than the adults. Scores from children fell between  “just a little good” and “good” on the 9-point scale for all attributes studied. From a  gender perspective, it appears that males liked the taste of the reflective mulch treated  apples from the bottom west (BotW) portion of the tree significantly more than from any  other location on the tree. Titratable acid (TA) values for apples from this location were  higher than TA values for apples from any other location on the tree. This implies that  males like a more acidic taste to their apples than females. In terms of location on the tree,  individuals responded positively to the colour of apples from the bottom east (BotE)  location of trees above where the RM was applied. Colour evaluations indicated that these apples were redder than apples from the BotW location on the tree, indicating that  individuals liked a redder apple rather than an apple that exhibited less red colour. As  children are the future consumers of organic foods, the positive responses that children  gave to these apples indicate that there is a promising future for the organic industry in  Canada.

abstract: Nutrition & Dietetics


title: A psychometric evaluation of the pain response questionnaire in a university sample

contributor:
Saldanha, Kate M. (author)
(McWilliams, Lachlan) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: The Pain Response Questionnaire (PRQ) was created to assess a broad range of  preferences regarding the forms of support received from significant others while  experiencing pain. It is based upon research by Newton-John and Williams (2006) which  found that spouses of pain patients respond to pain in ways that established measures do  not assess. The purpose of these studies was to evaluate the psychometric properties of  the PRQ. The PRQ was administered to a large university student sample in Study 1.  Data from this sample were used to conduct a factor analysis to create empirically based  scales for the PRQ. Four scales were created, resulting in a revised version of the  measure (PRQ-R). In Study 2, correlations between the PRQ-R and its scales and several  theoretically related measures and scales were examined. These results were largely  supportive of the validity of the PRQ and support its further investigation.

abstract: Psychology


title: The effect of self-incompatibility on pollen-pistil interactions and natural fertilization rates in Campanula rapuncloides (Campanulaceae)

contributor:
Goodine, Carrie Lynn (author)
(Good-Avila, Sara) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: Genetic self-incompatibility (SI) is a widespread breeding system in angiosperms that  prevents hermaphroditic individuals from self-fertilizing. The perennial herb Campanula  rapunculoides has been shown to have a gametophytic SI system, whereby incompatible  (self) pollen tubes are degraded inside the style. Its SI system is also highly plastic, with  expression affected by both genetic and environmental factors. This has important  implications for population dynamics in natural environments, as variable expression of  SI may allow smaller populations of C. rapunculoides to survive under conditions  prohibited by strict SI. The first objective of this study was to further characterize the  incompatibility reaction in C. rapunculoides by using timed pollinations on plants with  previously characterized SI phenotypes. Pistils were paraffin-embedded and stained  using fluorescent DAPI and aniline blue to examine sperm nucleus division during pollen  tube growth in relation to the SI reaction. Secondly, hand pollinations were performed on  99 individuals from natural populations of variable size to determine if levels of selffertility,  inbreeding depression, autogamous and outcrossed seed set differ between small,  medium and large populations of C. rapunculoides. By observing the pollen tube growth  and generative cell division across incompatibility phenotypes, it was determined that the  SI reaction occurs during the autotrophic-heterotrophic growth transition of pollen tubes,  which occurs between 8 and 10 h post-pollination. Exploratory data analyses revealed  that the effect of size and population identity significantly affected open pollination seed  set. This research will contribute to the understanding of the effect of population size,  age and fragmentation on inbreeding depression and breeding systems evolution.

abstract: Biology


title: The influence of kinaesthetic factors on visual word form memory: Comparing the effects of handwriting and typing

contributor:
Weston, Christina (author)
(Newman, Randy Lynn) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: The current study examined differences in memory for information learned by means of  handwriting and computer typing modalities. Participants copied two lists of nonword  stimuli via each modality. Participants’ memory for the nonword stimuli was tested using  a recognition memory test immediately after learning as well as one week later. The tests  contained the target nonwords from the learning phase and orthographically-matched  distractor nonwords. Reaction time and accuracy scores were recorded. Results indicated  a typing advantage at immediate testing and a handwriting advantage trend at delayed  testing. Accordingly, typing distractors interfered more with recognition responses at  immediate testing while handwriting distractors interfered more at delayed testing. In  general, time had a more degrading effect on typing targets than on handwriting targets.  These results support previous research (Longcamp, Boucard, Gilhoudes, & Velay, 2006)  showing that handwriting, a learning modality associated with more complex movements  and attentional demands, creates a better mental representation of new information and is  thus more efficient at facilitating retrieval of this information after a time delay.

abstract: Psychology


title: Alteration lithogeochemistry around the low-sulphidation, epithermal, Au-bearing Amaranth quartz vein, Waihi, New Zealand

contributor:
Cross, Timothy Allan (author)
(Stanley, Cliff) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: A mineralogical and lithogeochemical study undertaken in the volcanic host rocks  around the low-sulphidation, epithermal, Au-bearing Amaranth quartz vein in the Union  Hill area, Waihi, New Zealand, has revealed the existence of three different vein-hosting  lithologies in this area: plagioclase-porphyritic andesite, plagioclase-quartz-porphyritic  andesite and a newly identified plagioclase-pyroxene-porphyritic andesite. These rocks  have undergone three distinct phases of alteration: propylitic alteration, characterised by  the presence of calcite, chlorite and albite; K metasomatism, characterised by the  replacement of plagioclase by adularia and muscovite; and H metasomatism,  characterised by the destruction of feldspar to form hydrous phyllosilicate minerals.  Differences observed between primary (fresh) and secondary (alteration) mineral  assemblages in the host rocks have been used to determine lithogeochemical parameters  that may provide effective exploration criteria. Each of these parameters is based on  molar ratios of elements within the observed mineral formulae. These alteration  parameters are examined geochemically and spatially using Pearce element ratio analysis  and a set of two vertical cross-sections through the Amaranth vein. Of the four  parameters tested, a calcite alteration parameter (CO2/Ca) and a pyrite alteration  parameter (S/Fe), were found to exhibit limited usefulness as vectors towards epithermal  quartz veins. However, a K metasomatism parameter (K/Al) and a H metasomatism  (hydrolysis) parameter [(2Ca-2CO2+Na)/(Al-K)] both exhibit consistent trends across  two vertical cross-sections through the Amaranth vein, and thus appear to provide useful  vectors to mineralisation.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Basic equality: Exploring the Lockean framework for equality and its Kantian alternative

contributor:
Fraser, Jean (author)
(Ramsay, Marc) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2007

abstract: Why should we treat all people equally? Jeremy Waldron answers this question from  within a Lockean perspective. He argues that John Locke has a solid theory of equality  and also that God/religion cannot be removed from Locke’s theory to create a secular  belief in equality. Waldron asserts that the principles behind Locke’s reasoning shape  Locke’s idea of equality within a religious framework and therefore the two cannot be  separated without losing the meaning of Lockean equality. I argue that we can and should  make an attempt to create a theory of equality without falling back on religion to support  it. Waldron himself states “Somewhere hard work has to be done on the question of  whether basic equality can be made sense of, philosophically in purely secular terms.” 1 I  will challenge Waldron’s argument and offer the Kantian alternative to the problem.  Waldron and Immanuel Kant’s arguments for equality are based on rationality as the  property that all human beings share. Waldron sets the threshold for those who are  considered equal at a belief in God. The threshold, when set at this point falls into divine  command theory. By contrast, Kant differentiates equals by those who possess the  capacity for rationality. The shape of the Kantian argument retains the Lockean structure,  but actions aim towards humanity as an end in itself. The end in itself provides a more  solid basis to ground equality than God making the secular Kantian argument a stronger  theory than Waldron’s Lockean theory of equality.

abstract: Philosophy


title: Phylogenetics and biogeography of Blanding's turtle, Emydoidea blandingii

contributor:
Dupuis, Stephanie N. (author)
(Mockford, Steve) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: Blanding’s turtle is a North American freshwater species with a latitudinally  compressed range centered on the Great Lakes. The main range occurs to the west of  the Appalachian Mountains, while disjunct populations occur along the Atlantic Coast.  Previous studies have suggested a barrier to gene flow between these two sections of  range is roughly coincident with the Appalachian Mountains. This led to the  recommendation that populations west of the Appalachian Mountains and those to the  east be recognized as distinct “evolutionarily significant units” (ESU). This study sought  to test the hypothesis that these are separate ESU’s. A 526bp region of the  mitochondrial control region was PCR amplified and sequenced from 45 samples from  10 populations, and the sequences were compared. Pairwise distance values,  phylogenetic relationships, and a haplotype network all showed the degree of variation  between eastern and western populations to exceed that within either the eastern or  western populations. These data support the existence of a barrier to gene flow  between these groups. There are exceptions to the hypothesized Appalachian  Mountains barrier: Ontario and Nebraska populations group with the eastern populations  although they are located to the West of the Appalachian Mountains. However, based  on the general patterns of genetic variation observed, this study supports the  recommendation for two evolutionarily significant unit designations.

abstract: Biology


title: Estimating hatching date and mate choice of Leach's storm-petrels (Oceanodroma leucorhoa)

contributor:
Cleveland, Kathryn Elizabeth (author)
(Shutler, Dave) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: The ability to predict hatch date can be important to studies on chick  growth. Three common ways of estimating embryo development in Leach’s  storm-petrel eggs were examined including candling, egg flotation, and weighing.  Candling involves using illumination to visualize features of the developing  embryo within the egg shell. Egg flotation and mass rely on eggs losing mass as  embryo metabolism converts egg contents to gases that escape through the egg’s  shell. I found no significant correlation between estimated hatch dates for any of  these methods, possibly due to extreme variability in incubation periods for these  birds.  In a separate study, the rationale underlying mate choice in Leach’s stormpetrels  was considered. Mate choice may be based on how genetically compatible  a partner is, but mechanisms by which organisms assess a prospective partner’s  genes have not been well-studied. Mating can be assortative, disassortative, or  random. Assortative mating suggests that partners choose each other based on  similarity, such as in morphology. However, there is also selection to avoid  breeding with close relatives, which favours disassortative mating. The ideal  mating strategy may lie between these extremes, and be indistinguishable from  random mating. Fifty-two pairs of birds were tested for similarity in  morphological traits, including wing, primary, tail, culmen, tarsus, headbill  length, head width, and mass. Mating was disassortative with respect to culmen  lengths, but appeared to be random with respect to the other traits examined.

abstract: Biology


title: Pour nous-mêmes

contributor:
Spencer, Kyra Lynn (author)
(Proulx, Robert) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: The goal of this project is to analyze the values and culture of the Québécois  people through the music of Les Cowboys Fringants.  This group uses a style of music called néo-trad, which is a combination of  contemporary rock and the traditional Québécois chansonnier. This musical style looks  to identify with youth while also staying true to the vision of the Quiet Revolution and  the 1970s sovereignist movement.  The group describes many aspects and values of Québécois culture from friends  and family, the environment, politics, the economy and historical events which influence  their society today. A selection of songs are discussed in detail, each providing an  example of an important aspect of the Québécois way of life from love to the  estrangement from the rest of Canada as a result of language barriers. In addition, the  music discussed is an important part of Québécois society as it is only fully available to  those who understand not only Québécois values, but also the unique language that has  developed since the British conquered the French 300 years ago.

abstract: Languages & Literatures


title: The proliferation of baseball in the world of cricket: US power relations with India & Pakistan from 1998-2008

contributor:
Webb, Stewart Tristan (author)
(Grieve, Malcolm) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: This thesis examines the relationships that the Presidents Clinton and Bush  Jr have had with India and Pakistan. It uses power theory as its theoretical  foundation. This thesis examines how both administrations have affected the  relationships between India and Pakistan in two issues: terrorism and  nuclearization. This thesis spans from 1998 during the Indian and Pakistani  nuclear tests to after the Pakistani elections in February 2008. This thesis  examines American influence in the Kargil Offensive in 1999, the Indian  Parliament Building Bombings in 2001 and the subsequent nuclear standoff and  the proposed US-Indian Civilian Nuclear Deal. US reengagement in South Asia  has led India and Pakistan to the brink of another arms race, because of the Bush  administration’s policy to treat separately India and Pakistan as if their security  dilemma did not exist.

abstract: Politics


title: Sexuality and personality of adolescents within the framework of attachment

contributor:
Zwicker, Karen Lynn (author)
(Symons, Doug) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: In late adolescence, significant relationships revolve around romantic and sexual  relationships at a time when personality is being consolidated. In the current study, 190  18- and 19-year-old undergraduates (135 females) completed self-report questionnaires  that included the Sexual Attachment Measure (SAM; Szielasko, Symons, & Price, 2007),  which has secure, anxious-ambivalent, and avoidant subscales. In addition, participants  completed self-reports of romantic attachment, the Personality Research Form – E, and  the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results showed secure sexual attachment style was  negatively related to anxious sexual and romantic attachment styles, and there were  expected interrelations of personality subscales. In addition, there were expected  correlations between attachment styles and personality constructs in which ambivalent  sexual style was positively related to aggression, defendence, and autonomy in both  partial and bivariate correlations. Ambivalence and avoidance in both sexual and  romantic attachment were all negatively related to succorance and positively related to  autonomy in both bivariate and partial correlations. Finally, avoidant sexual attachment  was positively related to impulsivity and negatively related to harm avoidance in both  partial and bivariate correlations. In sum, attachment styles are related to predictable  aspects of personality.

abstract: Psychology


title: Reconciliation in Nova Scotia: Where does it stand? Where can it go?

contributor:
Crome, Rebecca J. Q. (author)
(Thomson, Tony) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2007

abstract: The criminal justice system is under constant criticism. In a distaste for the  adversarial model of justice, restorative justice was revitalized as an alternative approach  to the court system. Restorative justice is a theory that is based on the belief that, when a  crime is committed, harm is done that needs to be restored. This can occur through the  active participation of the victim and the offender in a discussion of the impact of the  crime on the parties as well as of how reconciliation can be obtained. This model of  justice views the victim as not only the immediate victim, but the community as well;  therefore, active participation of both is important.  The Nova Scotia Restorative Justice (NSRJ) Program is an innovative initiative  that has been integrated within their criminal justice system since 1999. The program  remains in its first phase of accepting only youth referrals.  This thesis examines the NSRJ Program by comparing it to other jurisdictions,  including New Zealand and Ontario. This comparison examines particularly the areas  Nova Scotia has yet to develop: an adult restorative justice program and the inclusion of  sexual assault and partner/spousal violence offences into the program.  This study concludes that an expansion into an adult restorative justice program is  feasible, through a structured progression. Lifting the moratorium on sexual assault and  partner/spousal violence cases is not appropriate for Nova Scotia at the current stage.

abstract: Sociology


title: A symbolic analysis of the relationship between religion and health

contributor:
Parker, Laura Grace (author)
(Powers, Ann Marie) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2007

abstract: It is controversial whether religion has a causal role in health and illness.  Considering the long-standing conflict between religion and science, and the fact that  Canada’s current health care system is science-based, religion has not played a large role  in the health care system formally. I ask in this thesis whether religion should be  administered as a formal part of the health care system, or if it should remain on the  sidelines.  To answer this question research attempts to discover the health effects, if any, of  religion. The two methods of data collection used to do this are an analysis of literature  in the topic area and an analysis of interviews conducted with health care professionals.  Data shows a strong correlation between religion and health, although this correlation is  in both a positive and negative direction. Depending on the literature reviewed one may  find religion is beneficial to human health, or one may find religion is detrimental to  human health.  This data is then analyzed symbolically. Symbolic analysis was used because it  offers a vantage point which accounts for both the positive and the negative effects.  Symbolic analysis looks at various interpretations of symbols and how the meaning taken  from symbols guides people’s attitudes and actions, including those that affect their  health, thus making the symbol, in a sense, a health determinant.  The findings produced reveal that religion has an affect on health through the  affect of symbols on the attitudes and actions of the believer, since attitude and action are  explained as health determinants. This finding is then used to support the suggestion that  religion be formally incorporated into the Canadian healthcare system.

abstract: Sociology


title: Reevaluating "bad apples"

contributor:
MacPherson, Ashley M. (author)
(Abramson, Zelda) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2007

abstract: Through secondary analysis of existing literature, this thesis examines middle-income  teen crime. Specifically, this thesis studies immediate familial relationships and the teen  perspective of middle-income teen crime. Key terms are used to define the middleincome  teen experience. This thesis challenges current theories surrounding teen crime  with particular attention paid to the middle-income teenage experience. The intent is to  bridge gaps in the current research on the Sociology of the family and Sociology of  deviance to better understand why teenagers who seemingly have “everything” resort to  non-violent “trivial” crimes.

abstract: Sociology


title: Adherence to Canada's food guide to healthy eating: The roles of weight status and household income in Nova Scotia children and youth

contributor:
John, Meredith St. (author)
(Durant, Matthew A.) (Thesis advisor)
(Murphy, René) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2007

abstract: Firstly, in chapter 1, the prevalence rates of childhood overweight and obesity are  presented. These conditions lead to significant health complications and their rates have  been increasing in Nova Scotia youth since the late 1970s. Social determinants of health,  specifically income, and appropriate dietary intake are central to proper growth and  development in children; their roles in the aetiology of overweight and obesity are  reviewed.  To address these issues, in chapter 2, we report results from a study exploring the  roles of household income and weight status category in children’s adherence to  Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating. Data were collected from 2053 grade 3, 7 and  11 students and their parents across Nova Scotia. The results highlight that the rates of  obesity in Nova Scotia students are double those reported by the 2004 Canadian  Community Healthy Survey. Furthermore, among grade 7 and 11 students adherence to  Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating was poor. These results also confirm that lower  household income is significantly related to overweight and obesity. Household income  is playing a significant role in weight status and dietary intake among Nova Scotia  children and youth and these findings may be useful in shaping public policy.

abstract: Nutrition & Dietetics


title: Design of voice compression algorithms and implementation of a voice over IP application

contributor:
Vu, Tuan Manh (author)
(Diamond, Jim) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2007

abstract: This thesis presents a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system. The purpose of  this system is to enable high-speed Internet users to have real-time conversation with  each other, as smoothly and clearly as possible. Towards this end, this thesis proposes  two novel approaches to compress human voice and analyzes the pros and cons of  each method. One voice compression approach is a prediction-based method which  uses known voice data to build up other data, then uses this new data for further  prediction. Another method borrows the Human coding idea, which exploits the  non-uniformity of the distribution of the difference between two adjacent samples  in the voice data. In addition, this thesis compares the novel approaches to other  open-source codecs by calculating numerical measurements of the distortion generated  by the codecs. Finally, the design and implementation of a VoIP application are  discussed. The aim of the design is to ensure that the system could be easily integrated  with any of the two compression methods as well as others. The design has a technique  to minimize lag that may occur in a real-time conversation. In addition, the design  has a mechanism to analyze the output of different codecs every time a data frame is  transferred. Based on this analysis, the best codec (in terms of compression ratio and  audio quality) is chosen to compress that particular data frame. The VoIP application  has been implemented in C for the Linux environment following the design. The  application works well with both voice compression methods to provide a real-time  conversation in a local area environment, which demonstrates the efficiency of the  two compression algorithms and the overall system design.

abstract: Computer Science


title: Restrictions on hate speech: An exposé of the risqué

contributor:
Chang, Tessa (author)
(Ramsay, Marc) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2007

abstract: In this thesis, I will attempt to establish that the restrictions of hate speech as  currently legislated in the Canadian Criminal Code are a justifiable infringement upon  freedom of speech as guaranteed under section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights  and Freedoms.  I will begin by examining some philosophy of freedom of speech, most notably,  John Stuart Mill’s and his book, On Liberty. It was a surprise to learn that Mill leaves  behind a few kernels of thought in his writings, leaving some space for Mill’s theory to  possibly be construed as permitting these restrictions on hate speech. A combination of  the sort of citizen Mill expects to be adhering to his principles, his repugnance of social  coercion, and his distrust of his current government provide this space in his theory for  postulating restrictions on hate speech.  This leads me to a case study of R. v. Keegstra, the most widely known case in  Canada dealing with the current hate speech laws. The Canadian Supreme Court ruled in  favour of the constitutionality of the hate speech laws [319(2) and, consequently, 319(3)],  although by a small margin. Examining this case through Chief Justice Dickson’s  reasoning for the majority, and Justice McLachlin’s reasoning for the minority, I find  Dickson CJ’s acceptance of the hate speech laws to be more consistent with Canada’s  vision it made for itself through the Charter. McLachlin J raises many pragmatic concerns  which are certainly problematic for the law, but ultimately it seems that these concerns  are inconsequential when compared to Dickson CJ’s reasoning.  Finally, I apply these hate speech laws, in their current form, to three situations  around the world. My first example is The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie, secondly,  the Prophet Muhamed cartoons from a Danish newspaper, and thirdly the case of Hugh  Owens of Saskatchewan, a Christian homophobic who advertises his beliefs. My goal is  to determine whether or not the expression in question is in violation of the hate speech  laws. If this is the case, then I attempt to prove why I believe it is so. If it is not the case  that the speech is hate speech, I expound that reasoning as well and investigate where the  current laws must be expanded to encompass this speech as hate speech. My next concern  is whether or not this new expansion can be considered constitutional.  With the exception of an addition to the current law which would stipulate  education or therapy as a preferable punishment to incarceration, I believe that the hate  speech laws provides enough latitude for people’s ‘freedom to offend,’ while preserving  Charter values and Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism.

abstract: Philosophy


title: Fighting the gap: Does military service reduce the gender wage gap

contributor:
Mollins, Terri-Lynn (author)
(Rippeyoung, Phyllis) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: Research on the gender wage gap consistently demonstrates that women continue to earn less than men do despite equity laws, policies aimed at reducing the gap and women now surpassing men in educational attainment. This wage gap has continued to stagnate for the last twenty years. Drawing on data from the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) Cycle 1.2 and the Canadian Forces Component of the CCHS, this thesis uses ANOVA and OLS regressions to examine the effect of human capital and family characteristics on the gender wage gap of civilians, reserves, and regular force members. Results show the gender wage gap is highest among civilians, smaller in the reserve force, and smallest in the regular force. There is little support that human capital alone explains these wage gaps. Moreover, contrary to previous research, females in the military do not suffer a wage penalty for marriage or children. These findings support the idea that military service plays a role in reducing the gender wage gap for women; however, more sensitive measures are needed to further examine these results.

abstract: Sociology


title: Wavelength

contributor:
Christensen, Sally (author)
(Campbell, Wanda) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract:
Wavelength
is
a
novella
in
four
parts
that
examines
the
 relationship between
 two
 estranged
sisters,
Stella
and
 Daisy;
they
have
reunited
after
several
years
to
take
a trip
together
to
Pulau
Masalah,
a
fictional
island
 in
Malaysia.
Water
provides
both
 the
structure
and
the
primary
metaphor
for
the
work.

The
action
in
the
story
 follows
 the rise
and
fall
of
a wave,
and
the
volatile
nature
of
water
is
at
the
heart
of
 every
scene.
Through
the
eyes
of
Stella,
we
observe
her
transformation,
 beginning
 as
the
overly
controlling, tightly‐wound
 elder
sister
to
her
eventual
 acceptance
of what
 she
cannot
change.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Solitude et résistance  vues à travers Puie et vent sur Télumée Miracle

contributor:
Saintil, Leonel (author)
(Delpêche, Bernard) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: The following thesis explores many subjects, which notably relate the  feelings of solitude and resistance. The main characters from the  novels: Le cri de l'oiseau Rouge and Pluie et vent sur Télumée Miracle really put emphasis on these feelings throughout the stories. In the case of Télumée in Pluie et vent sur Télumée Miracle, her laziness is the ultimate of most of her problems, whereas, in the case of Sophie, in the book Le cri de l'oiseau Rouge, her determination is what causes her to drift into the same relm. We encounter many contrasting traits which caracterize these two women. Télumée allows the people in her life to dictate her actions. She lets them manipulate her and after being hurt by them, she goes from an easy going little girl to a very scared and lonely woman. She then becomes very distrustful of anyone she meets. Contrary to Télumée, Sophie is a very shrewd person. She remains very suspicious of people and their intentions. For the most part, she keeps her distance from men and never lets them get close.  Résumé  Cette étude porte sur deux thèmes très explorés en littérature antillaise: la solitude et la résistance. Ces deux paradigmes se retrouvent partout dans les deux romans: Le cri de l'oiseau rouge d’Edwige Danticat et Pluie et vent sur Télumée Miracle de Simone Schwartz-Bart. Dans le cas de Télumée (Pluie et vent), le sentiment de vide est énigmatique et complexe tandis que dans le cas de Sophie (Le cri de l’oiseau), c’est vraiment plus la détermination de l’héroïne qui la mène à vivre avec cette angoisse. Nous retrouvons beaucoup de divergences entre les deux femmes et elles se retrouvent dans leurs approches d’affronter les malheurs de la vie.

abstract: Languages & Literatures


title: Expression patterns of relaxin family peptides in Danio rerio

contributor:
Yegorov, Sergey (author)
(Wilson, Brian) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: The family of relaxin peptides is a diverse group of hormones implicated in a  number of physiological processes in mammals. This study investigated the functional  nature of five of the six known teleostean relaxin family genes in zebrafish (Danio rerio),  namely telrln3a & 3b, telinsl3, and telinsl5a & 5b. While telrln3a, telinsl3 and telinsl5a  are orthologous to mammalian rln3, insl3 and insl5 genes respectively, telrln3b and  telinsl5b are considered paralogous to telrln3a and telinsl5a. The level of relaxin gene  expression within and across tissues was assessed using SYBR Green Real Time  (quantitative) PCR (qPCR). Additionally, protein assays obtained from five zebrafish  tissues were screened for the different forms of teleostean relaxin family peptides using  2D-PAGE. The protein spots suspected of containing the desired peptides were sent for  spectroscopic MALDI analysis. The template cDNA used in the qPCR reactions was  obtained via reverse transcription of total RNA extracted from brain, eye, gill, heart, gut  and gonads of both male and female zebrafish. The relative expression of each of the five  relaxin family genes was normalized by comparison to the level of expression of the  housekeeping gene b2m. Our qPCR results indicate that telinsl5b was barely detectable  in any tissue, telrln3a was moderately expressed in the brain, but was also detected in  gonads, telrln3b exhibited moderately low expression in the brain, and finally that  telinsl3 exhibited the highest expression of all the relaxin genes, and was found  predominantly in ovaries and testes. Although 2D-PAGE showed separation of proteins  in the range of isoelectric points and molecular weights predicted for teleost relaxin-like  peptides, mass spectrometry analysis did not identify any of the expected molecules due  to technical failure.

abstract: Biology


title: Comparison of simultaneous testing of multiple hypotheses in microarray experiments

contributor:
Xu, Kai (author)
(Peng, Jianan) (Thesis advisor)
(Stephenson, Paul) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3. A278 2009

abstract: Microarray applications in scientific research have thrived since DNA microarray technology  has been introduced to many fields, especially in biomedical fields. In a typical microarray  experiment, thousands of genes are measured at the same time and in this case large multiplicity  problems occur. In any hypothesis-testing situation, there are two types of errors committed: Type  I error which consist of rejecting the null hypothesis H0 when it is true and Type II error which  involves not rejecting H0 when H0 is false. When many hypotheses are tested and each test has  a specified Type I error probability, the possibility of committing Type I error increases greatly  with the number of hypotheses. In this context, the null hypothesis of no differential expression  should be tested carefully for each gene. Because the numbers of genes are in thousands or more,  controlling for errors in this multiple testing situation is very important. In this thesis, we will  discuss and apply different approaches to microarray datasets in order to find those genes with  differential expression.

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics


title: Trends in atmospheric mercury deposition in North America (1997-2006): examining atmospheric chemistry and regulatory policy

contributor:
Herrick, Jennifer C. (author)
(O'Driscoll, Nelson) (Thesis advisor)
(Lusby, Linda) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: It is unclear if recent policies and regulations regarding mercury emissions have resulted in significant declines in atmospheric mercury concentration and deposition into North American ecosystems. In this study, data collected by the North American Deposition Program (Mercury Deposition Network) was analyzed for changes in mercury deposition patterns in North America over ten years. Specifically, 16 sites across North America were analysed for trends in mercury concentration in precipitation and per area wet deposition. Temporal linear regressions were calculated for the data and slopes were analysed for significance. 43.5% of sites showed significant (p<0.15) declines for mercury concentration in precipitation, and 28% of sites showed significant (p<0.15) declines in mercury deposition. Three sites were increasing for mercury concentration, and 4 for deposition. Sites within 500 km of the ocean were significantly (p<0.05) lower in mercury in precipitation (8.49 ng L-1) than sites located over 1000 km away from the coast (11.61 ng L-1). Deposition values for the coastal sites showed a higher average amount (10.35 μg m-2) than the inland sites (7.95 μg m-2). These results were attributed to increased precipitation at coastal sites and increased concentrations of halogens in the marine boundary layer resulting in oxidation of Hg0. A specific exploration of individual state mercury reduction initiatives and regulatory policies of North Carolina and Minnesota was carried out in an attempt to explain some anomalies and consistencies in the annual mercury deposition data. High variability of mercury deposition across North America may well be due to the role that diffuse sources play and it was suggested that mercury input to the atmosphere should to be controlled at the National level at least and policies should be based on a number of components, not just wet deposition data.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Do sex and age affect immunity in Leach's Storm-Petrels?

contributor:
McNeil, Georgia Vivien (author)
(Shutler, Dave) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: Limited energy means that individuals face tradeoffs among competing demands such as growth, reproductive effort, and self-maintenance. Different priorities reflect different life histories, including differences in mating systems and longevity. Polygamous species can have sex-biased immune responses, but less is known about monogamous species. Compromised immunity may be a consequence of increased demands from sexual selection and/or parental care on one sex. In monogamous species, sexual selection may be similar for each sex, and therefore males and females may exhibit similar immune responses. Age also influences immunocompetence; demands of growth may compromise immune investment. Also, the acquired immune system requires previous exposure to antigens to build immunity. For these reasons, juveniles are predicted to have weaker immune systems than adults. To test these predictions, I measured several components of the immune system in Leach’s storm-petrels (Oceanodroma leucorhoa). Petrels are monomorphic, monogamous, long-lived (>30 yr) seabirds that lay single-egg clutches and exhibit very slow post-natal growth. These attributes make them particularly interesting for investigating effects of sex and age on immunity. For both nestlings and adults, I used a hemolysis-hemagglutination assay that measures strength of natural antibodies and complement-mediated lysis. For nestlings only, I used the phytohaemagglutinin test that measures cell-mediated immune response. I collected data on 97 individuals (54 adults and 43 nestlings) in summer 2008 on Bon Portage Island, Nova Scotia. Results confirm my predictions that immune response is unbiased between sexes, and that immune function strengthens with a

abstract: Biology


title: Dressed to impress: The effects of exercise attire and body weight on impressions formed of women

contributor:
O'Reilly, Kelli M. (author)
(Shields, Chris) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: It has been consistently demonstrated that there exists a positive stereotype associated with being perceived as physically active and a negative stereotype associated with being overweight. However, while findings have suggested that the negative impressions formed of overweight individuals may be buffered by exercise participation, no study has examined whether simple sporting exercise clothing will affect the impressions formed of overweight individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise attire and body weight on impression formation of women. Using a 2 (target bodyweight) x 2 (target attire) design, participants (N = 294) were randomly assigned to view one of four photos and asked to rate the target on 21 personality and physical dimensions. Analysis of physical characteristics revealed a body weight main effect (p < .001) where the overweight target was viewed more negatively. Analysis of personality characteristics revealed bodyweight and attire main effects (p < .001) where being overweight resulted in negative impressions and casual attire resulted in more positive impressions. Analysis of the personality ratings also revealed a bodyweight x attire interaction (p = .001) on the mean-kind, sad-happy, and lacks-self-confidence–self-confident characteristics. The results of this study suggest that sporting exercise attire buffers the negative impact of the impressions made of overweight individuals while such attire may have a negative impact on the impressions made of healthy weight targets. This preliminary work contributes to the existing literature on impression formation related to exercise and provides insight into the social ramifications of wearing exercise attire.

abstract: Kinesiology


title: Should New Brunswick implement a payroll tax?

contributor:
MacKinnon, Neil Aaron (author)
(Hobson, Paul) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the viability of a provincial payroll tax for New Brunswick. Existing federal, provincial, and territorial payroll taxes are examined, and their use in Canada is compared with other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Equity and efficiency considerations are examined both theoretically and through a review of the empirical literature. As well, the treatment and structure of such a tax is discussed. The legal implications of payroll taxes are examined by looking at the tax collection agreements between the federal and provincial governments, as well as the recent Supreme Court case concerning Employment Insurance collection. Finally, the myth of payroll taxes as job killers is addressed.  Payroll taxes are found to be some of the least distortionary taxes currently employed in Canada. They are a slightly regressive tax, although less so than indirect commodity taxes. The “job killer” myth is found to be generally false in the long run, although somewhat ambiguous in the short run. While the province is constrained by being unable to alter the income tax base or the sales tax rates due to the Tax Collection Agreements, and the Harmonization Accord, a payroll tax would provide a means of creating a two tiered income tax system which is favourable towards capital, without opting out of the agreements. It is concluded that a provincial payroll tax should be seriously considered in any discussions pertaining to tax reform, especially those surrounding the reduction of taxes on capital.

abstract: Economics


title: Sustainable equality / equal sustainability: Aaligning postcolonial consciousness and ecocritical Awareness in The after life of George Cartwright and The last crossing

contributor:
May, David C. (author)
(Wyile, Herb) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: Although postcolonial and ecocritical concerns have previously been considered more or less exclusively, by assessing the legacy of colonialism more holistically, scholars and critics are increasingly identifying the impacts of Western ideology on the environment and indigenous peoples as comparable and interconnected. Alongside the development of this theoretical convergence, authors of Canadian historical fictions are increasingly aligning postcolonial and ecocritical considerations in their retrospective reassessments of the impacts of European imperialism. John Steffler‟s The Afterlife of George Cartwright and Guy Vanderhaeghe‟s The Last Crossing are representative examples of the growing body of literature dramatizing the interrelated nature of the effects of colonialism for indigenous peoples and the non-human natural world. A number of critics, including Val Plumwood, Jeffry Myers and Cary Wolfe, have argued that the underlying ideology responsible for rationalizing the gratuitous exploitation and destruction of animals and their natural habitats is the same ideology justifying the racist treatment and genocidal killing of colonized peoples (Ashcroft 492). This thesis evaluates the extent to which the subjugation, exploitation and annihilation of both indigenous peoples and animals by characters of European heritage represent a manifestation of the colonizer‟s hierarchical and dualistic Judaeo-Christian beliefs. A case study of the postcolonial and ecocritical subtexts of Steffler‟s and Vanderhaeghe‟ novels serves to demonstrate the complementarity of these two critical approaches and the necessity of integrating postcolonial and ecocritical agendas in the context of colonialism. Steffler‟s The Afterlife of George Cartwright and Vanderhaeghe‟s The Last Crossing should not go uncontested by ecocritical and postcolonial critics; however, their revisionist critiques of colonial ideology and European dominance represent positive advancements towards “ecological sustainability and racial justice” (Myers 10).

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: The effects of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 on the 49th parallel

contributor:
Townley, Jeffrey D. L. (author)
(Grieve, Malcolm) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: Canada and the United States have consistently shared what has been dubbed the ‘longest undefended border in the world’.  The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, brought with them many questions about the border.  The United States began to enforce new security realities and Canada was forced to adjust to them.  This was especially true in securing an open border with the United States.  Non‐state actors also emphasized an open border between the United States and Canada.  Steps needed to be undertaken in order to sustain this vital trading relationship for both countries.This thesis examines the response by both Canada and the United States to the terrorist attacks in the months and years following September 11, 2001.  In order to place these responses into context previous agreements between the two states are examined.  The central focus however, is on the agreements reached after the terrorist attacks. Through examining numerous writings on these treaties and negotiations as well as several government sources on regulations at the border this thesis hopes to show that the border between Canada and the United States unites the two countries in discussion.  Through this discussion after September 11, the border between Canada and the United States was able to remain one of the most open in the world.

abstract: Politics


title: Clustering medication compliance using rank profiles

contributor:
Andrews, Jeffrey Lambert (author)
(Zhang, Ying) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: Currently, there are few methods used in multivariate analysis to deal with missing  values and many times researchers choose to discard observations that contain them.  However, much information is lost when discarding observations that may contain  only one or two missing values. Medication compliance datasets, due to their nature,  are rife with missing values and are therefore rendered unusable in traditional clustering  algorithms. There is a great desire to objectively group patients as compliant  or non-compliant in order to study their characteristics and implement procedures in  order to increase compliance. If medication compliance datasets tended to be complete,  unsupervised classification procedures, such as heirarchical clustering, could be  used in order to gain insight into drug-taking behaviours. By creating rank profiles  across each patient and then utilizing rank correlation measures with missing values  introduced by Alvo and Cabilio (1995), we will compute distance matrices with  which clustering can continue on ‘as usual.’ In this way, heirarchical clustering will  be applied to medication compliance datasets.

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics


title: Young blood: Five Shakespearean stories for youth

contributor:
MacPhee, Kaitlyn R. (author)
(Slights, Jessica) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: The objective of this thesis was to adapt five Shakespeare plays into young adult  literary fiction. Shakespeare’s Hamlet, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, and The  Tempest have been appropriated into short stories. These stories use contemporary  language in order to create accessibility for youth who are not yet able to understand the  complex language of the plays themselves. They also serve as an introduction to  Shakespeare, which will be useful to young readers in later studies of his work. As well,  these stories focus on the grim themes of death and violence. Children are often shielded  from difficult subject matter, and as a result are not prepared when they experience their  own personal tragedies. These stories introduce difficult themes in order to create an open  dialogue regarding tragedy. Although they only begin to touch on grief and healing,  starting the conversation is always the hardest part.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Heterochrony in tissue differentiation is linked to intra-specific larval diversity in the polychaete Boccardia proboscidea

contributor:
Carver, David A. (author)
(Gibson, Glenys) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: Marine invertebrates have an incredible diversity in larval morphology. Relatively  little, however, is known about the developmental processes that give rise to this  diversity. My hypothesis is that changes in the timing of developmental events (i.e.,  heterochrony) generate morphological diversity among young. I studied the spionid  polychaete Boccardia proboscidea which is poecilogonous; i.e., two larval morphs are  produced within a single egg capsule. Larger, benthic young are able to feed on nondeveloping  nurse eggs within the capsule (i.e., adelphophagy) while smaller, dispersive  young cannot feed until after hatching (i.e., planktotrophy). I examined the  developmental morphology of both morphs from early embryos through metamorphosis  based on 1 μm sections. Onset of larval and adult characteristics occurred at the same  ontogenetic stage in both morphs for: 1) epidermal glands, eyes and chromatophores; 2)  first appearance of muscle and coelom; and 3) formation of a complete gut tube.  Subsequent differentiation of the germ layers was delayed in adelphophagic young.  Epidermal and glandular tissue associated with each chaetal sac differentiated at a later  stage in adelphophagic young. Within the mesoderm, differentiation of coelomocytes and  septa occurred much later in adelphophagic young. In adelphophagic young, the gut tube  lacked cilia and was composed predominantly of intermediate yolk cells while in  planktotrophic young, the gut tube displayed early differentiation of adult cell types (e.g.,  ciliated enterocytes). These results suggest that although organ primordia form at the  same ontogenetic stage, tissue differentiation is delayed in adelphophagic young relative  to planktotrophic larvae. Therefore, larval diversity in this species arises through  heterochrony in common developmental events.

abstract: Biology


title: Successive comparisons between ordered treatments with unequal variances

contributor:
MacKenzie, Laura Katherine (author)
(Peng, Jianan) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2005

abstract: The treatment means of interest in some one-way layouts are ordered in a natural  way and it is desired to compare adjacent pairs of means. For example, the treatments may be a sequence of increasing dosages of a drug. An experimenter may want to look directly at only the successive differences between the treatment effects in order to assess how the treatment effect changes with increasing dose levels. However, the assumption of equal variances is often unjustified. In this thesis a one-sided comparison of means of adjacent ordered treatments in one-way layouts under heteroscedasicity is proposed by a single-stage and a two-stage procedure, respectively. Relation between the one-stage and the two-stage procedure is discussed. Critical value tables are also included for this new procedure. A numerical example is also included to illustrate how to implement the new procedure.

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics


title: Generational differences in workplace incivility, areas of worklife, and burnout measures among nursing professionals

contributor:
Oulton, Tammy L.M. (author)
(Leiter, Michael) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: This study assessed generational differences among Canadian Baby Boomer (n = 140) and Generation X (n = 303) nurses. It examined burnout and worklife areas by replicating Leiter, Jackson, and Shaughnessy (2008), extending the research to consider differences in incivility. The participants were a subset of a larger paper questionnaire sample. Analysis identified significant generational differences across measures of incivility and burnout, but differences across measures of worklife were not replicated. Generational differences indicate that Gen X was more dissatisfied with the work life experience, with higher levels of exhaustion, incivility and workload. These findings provide growing evidence of generational differences in the workplace. Understanding generational differences may better enable health care management to develop strategies to counter nurse dissatisfaction and shortages.

abstract: Psychology


title: “...but not in the manner proposed by Mr. Totten...” Loyalist settlement in 18th century Cumberland County

contributor:
Welch, John C. R. (author)
(Moody, Barry) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract:
The settlement of Loyalists in Nova Scotia in the years after the American War for Independence is an area of study that has received little academic attention. Cumberland County receives even less attention because the relevant documents are harder to find. The Charles Baker Collection contains many of these documents and provides a glimpse at a province in transition and a man who played a small, but key role in that process.
The first part of this thesis serves as an introduction to the Charles Baker Collection and describes the organization and cataloguing process. It is followed by a finding aid that briefly describes the content and condition of each document in the collection.
"...but not in the manner proposed by Mr. Totten..." examines the events that surrounded the settlement of Cumberland County's only major loyalist group, the Westchester Refugees. The problems of settling the loyalists in Cumberland County were the same issues faced by loyalist groups, surveyors, agents, and the government across the province. It was a microcosm of the loyalist experience in Nova Scotia. Utilizing documents from the Charles Baker Collection and other sources, the paper discusses the transition that occurred in Cumberland County as the former exiles became accepted members of the community.

abstract: History & Classics


title: ∆F508-CFTR stability at the apical membrane of human nasal epithelial cells

contributor:
Rafferty, Sara A. (author)
(Chappe, Valerie) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: F508 is the most common mutation of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane  Conductance Regulator (CFTR) chloride channel that causes the genetic disease Cystic  Fibrosis (CF). F508 leads to a severe CF phenotype because the mutated protein is  degraded before reaching the apical membrane of epithelial cells. Successfully rescued  F508-CFTR, accomplished by chemical chaperones or low temperature, are less stable  than non-mutated CFTR and result in lower than normal activity and half-life. Evidence  has shown that stimulating protein kinase C (PKC) may increase the stability of CFTR at  the membrane of epithelial cells. This study investigated F508-CFTR stability at the  membrane of the human nasal epithelial cell line JME/CF15, derived from a F508  homozygous patient, with a focus on the effect of stimulating PKC. Cells were stimulated  with Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP), a G protein coupled receptor agonist. Western  blots, iodide efflux, and immunostaining followed by confocal microscopy were used to  explore the effect of VIP-dependent PKC stimulation on F508-CFTR trafficking and  activity. Experiments were also performed on recombinant BHK cells stably expressing  F508-CFTR, using phorbol 12-myristate 13-actate (PMA) to stimulate PKC. Our results  show that VIP and PMA have a significant effect on F508-CFTR in CF15 and BHK  cells respectively at physiological temperature by rescuing its trafficking and activity.  Results also indicate that the observed effects were due to stimulating a PKC pathway. A  combination of strategies, including improving trafficking, function, and stability, will be  necessary to minimize the effects of the F508 mutation to significantly improve the  condition of CF patients; this study demonstrates that stimulating PKC potentially affects  each of the three important parameters to correct the F508-CFTR severe phenotype.

abstract: Biology


title: Doobie or not doobie: A comparison of Canada’s cannabis policy

contributor:
Musson, Amy K. (author)
(Grieve, Malcolm) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: This thesis examines Canada’s cannabis drug policy and laws. It argues, using a  historical comparison between Australia and Canada, that it was not international  conventions, international bodies or the international community that have influenced  Canada’s cannabis policy, but rather American pressure prevented Canada from  decriminalizing cannabis in 2003. Americans feared the decriminalization of cannabis  would undermine the sanctity of the border, cause greater US consumption of cannabis  and more cross-border smuggling. To illustrate how America applied pressure on  Canada, this thesis examines Australia’s approach to cannabis, cannabis strategy and  policy and explores the Australian states’ individual legislation pertaining to cannabis.  This explanation uses power theory to understand the American role and why it feels the  need to influence Canadian politics.

abstract: Politics


title: Reduction of uncertainties for the Qweak experiment

contributor:
Jones, Donald C. (author)
(Barkanova, Svetlana) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: There are four fundamental forces in the universe: strong, electromagnetic, weak  and gravitational. The electromagnetic force is stronger than the weak force by  many orders of magnitude (the relative strengths of the two forces depends upon  the interaction distance) and as a result, the electromagnetic force masks the weak  interaction making it dicult to measure. The weak force is the only one of the four  that violates parity. Simply put, this means there is a dierence between a process  involving the weak force and the mirror image of the same process. This unique  property of the weak interaction has allowed scientists to infer much about the internal  structure of nucleons (protons and neutrons) by measuring the asymmetry between a  subatomic reaction such as electon-proton scattering and the mirror inversion of the  same reaction.  The past few decades have seen great advancements in the eld of particle  physics. Many competing theories have been set forward as possible extensions of the  Standard Model of Particle Physics (SM) and only recently have the technological  advances in experimental science allowed for some of these to be tested. Technology  has nally advanced to the point where parity violation (PV) can be used to either  challenge or corroborate the SM, and this is the specic goal of the Qp  weak experiment.  The Qp  weak experiment, scheduled to run at Thomas Jeerson National Accelerator  Facility (Jeerson Lab) in Virginia in 2010 will measure the weak charge of the proton  to unprecedented accuracy. A disparity between the measured weak charge and that  predicted by the SM theory could signal the presence of new physics. The level of  accuracy proposed for Qp  weak has resulted in a very strict error budget with careful

abstract: Physics


title: The breeding system of Amelanchier bartramiana: The role of fragmentation, sexuality and gametophytic self-incompatibility

contributor:
Thurber, Bethany Gloria (author)
(Good-Avila, Sara) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract: Amelanchier bartramiana (family Rosaceae) is reported to be a sexually  reproductive but self-incompatible species in the northeastern United States. The  objectives of this study were to characterize the breeding system of populations in  northern New Brunswick and compare them to those in the US. Morphological  characters including petal length, petiole length, angle of leaf base, and flower number  per inflorescence were quantified and principal component analysis was used to compare  populations in NB and the US. To assess the presence of self-incompatibility (SI) and the  potential for apomixis, a full pollination study was conducted. Treatments included open  and closed pollination controls, emasculation, self-pollination, and within and between  population cross-pollinations. Apomixis was assessed using Herr’s protocol, where  ovules were cleared and megagametophytes were counted. Principal component analysis  indicated that fragmentation had little effect on species boundaries and that four hybrid  individuals were included in the study. Pollination results revealed that fruit set was  maximal after open pollination in two populations and near zero in closed pollination  and self-pollination treatments, indicating that autogamy is rare. In the third population,  seed set following cross-pollination within population was highest and again fruit was  rarely set via self-pollination. Seed viability and abortion rates were low in all  treatments, but abortion rates were higher in seeds produced via self-pollination.  Sexuality was demonstrated in ovule observations, as only one megagametophyte per  ovule was generally identified. It is concluded that A. bartramiana is sexually  reproductive, partially self-incompatible, and that fragmentation due to physical  separation has had little effect on morphological variation between populations.

abstract: Biology