title: Status of turtle populations in Point Pelee National Park

contributor:
Hecnar, Stephen
Morris, Doug
Steedman, Rob
M'Closkey, Robert

subject:
Turtle population in Canada
Threats to turtle conservation
Ecology and conservation biology

abstract:
Loss of biodiversity has been an irrepressible consequence of growing human populations and
resource use. Some groups, such as turtles, are especially vulnerable because of their natural
history. Turtles are threatened by habitat loss, population isolation, subsidized predators, road
mortality, collection as pets, interactions with exotic species, human recreation, disease, and
effects of contaminants. Parks are playing an increasingly important role of conserving natural
habitats and populations in a mosaic of human development. Point Pelee National Park was
historically the location of greatest turtle diversity in Canada. Recently, park staff and researchers
have been concerned regarding population declines and possible extirpation for a number of the
turtle species found at Point Pelee. My objectives were to determine species present, their
population sizes and structure, and to examine possible causes of decline.
I used mark-recapture to determine the population sizes and population structure of turtle
species present. Captured turtles were marked, measured, sexed, and released at the site of
capture. I compared my data to 1972 data on turtles at Point Pelee. I searched for turtle nests
during the nesting season (late May to early July) in 2001 and 2002. Nests were randomly
assigned to either a predation or a contaminant study. I monitored nests in the predation study to
compare predation rates among species and areas. Predator surveys were also conducted along
roadsides. Nests in the contaminant study were protected from mammalian predation to examine
hatching success and three eggs per nest were collected for contaminant analysis. Nests of turtles
designated as ‘species at risk’ were protected but not included in the predation or contaminant
study. I examined nest protection effectiveness by comparing predation rates on protected and
unprotected nests. Turtles killed by vehicles were recorded and models were created to predict
the potential effects of road mortality and nest predation on turtle populations.
I marked 1599 turtles (867 painted, 441 snapping, 95 Blanding’s, 172 map, and 24
stinkpot) from 5 May 2001 to 22 August 2002. Two spiny softshells and 3 red-eared sliders were
observed. No spotted turtles were observed during this study. Blanding’s and snapping turtles
have experienced a clear shift towards larger size classes since 1972, which suggests juvenile
recruitment into these populations is limited. I found 178 turtle nests in 2001/2002. Predation
rates on nests ranged from 62.5 % to 100 % among areas. Raccoon relative abundance was
greatest along park roadsides. Hatching success was significantly lower in contaminated areas
compared to other sites. Nest protection methods were highly effective in preventing mammalian
predation. Road mortality models suggested that road mortality alone could cause population
declines in Blanding’s turtles but not likely in snapping and painted populations. However, high
nest predation levels are a much more serious risk to these populations. High nest predation of 70
% predicted serious declines in Blanding’s populations but not snapping and painted populations.
However, predation rates of 90 % cannot be sustained by any species.
Despite the short duration of this study, substantial evidence suggests that several serious
threats to turtle conservation exist at Point Pelee National Park. Of seven native turtle species
historically recorded at Point Pelee, six remain extant; but only one has a large healthy population.
High levels of nest predation have limited recruitment, causing a shift in age structure. The
present community is slightly less diverse than historically, and threats to all species conservation
are apparent. Turtle populations at Point Pelee, like many other turtles worldwide, are imperiled
by a multitude of threats.


title: Examining the efficacy of a cognitive behavioural intervention in reducing anxiety sensitivity and functional impairment in chronic pain patients

contributor:
Mazmanian, Dwight
Katzman, Martin A.

subject:
Chronic pain and mental health
Anxiety sensitivity
Fear of pain

abstract: Comorbid psychological factors affect the experience and prognosis of chronic pain, as comorbidity is associated with poor treatment outcomes and greater levels of disability (Burns, Johnson, Mahoney, Devine, & Pawl, 1998; Holzberg, Robinson, Geisser, & Gremillion, 1996; Tunks, Crook, & Weir, 2008). Cognitive variables, such as anxiety sensitivity (AS) and fear of pain, have been associated with functional impairment (e.g., Gheldof et al., 2010; Plehn, Peterson, & Williams, 1998). One theory put forward is that AS is a vulnerability factor for the development of fear of pain (Keogh & Asmundson, 2004). The present study examined whether a cognitive-behavioural intervention that included a component targeting AS led to a reduction in functional impairment in participants with chronic pain. Ninety-six participants were recruited from several pain clinics. Following a screening procedure, eligible participants were assigned to either the 12-week treatment group or the control group, and completed questionnaire packages pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at a three month follow-up. Results partially supported the hypotheses made. Although there was no direct relationship between change in AS or fear of pain and functional impairment, participants did report a reduction in fear of pain following treatment. Exploratory analyses were conducted examining the relationship between therapeutic alliance (TA) and treatment outcome, and initial hypotheses made were supported, as participants who completed measures at all three time points demonstrated that higher levels of TA were associated with more self-control over pain and less catastrophizing. Strengths and limitations, along with clinical implications of the findings and directions for future work are discussed.


title: Selected ion flow tube-mass spectrometry in plant volatile compound analysis

contributor:
Malek, Ladislav
Ross, Brian
Gottardo, Christine

subject:
Mass spectrometry
Volatile organic compounds
Senega
Valeriana officinalis
Cannabis
Hemp

abstract: Four monoterpenes and two monoterpenoids, (+)- and DL-limonene, (1S)-(3) carene, terpinolene, cineol and rose oxide, respectively, were studied using selected ion flow tube-mass spectrometry. Specifically, the reactions of H3O+, NO+ and O2+ were used to examine these compounds.


title: Studies on cultivation, cell wall development, and gene analysis of marine microalgae pleurochrysis carterae and isochrysis zhanjiangensis

contributor:
Qin, Wensheng
Lu, Fan
Leung, Kam
Liao, Baoqiang

subject:
Pleurochrysis carterae
Scale extracellular formation
Chloroplast genome analysis
Isochrysis zhanjiangensis
Photosynthesis efficiency

abstract:
In last decade, the mankind has been intensively facing the climate changes in the whole
world, because the demand for fuel and greenhouse gas emissions isincreasing dramatically,
especially the amount of carbon dioxide. To reduce carbon dioxide in the environment,
chemical immobilization, physical fixation, and biofixation are used. To solve this series of
problems, except developing hydro energy, sources like wind energy, solar energy, humans
began to exploit new alternative energy sources, such as bioethanol and biodiesel. Among
biofixation, microalga is generally considered to be the most effective one, because of its
faster growth rate (about 8 hours/generation), wider distribution range, and lower
production cost. Pleurochrysis carterae is a marine microalga that not only absorbs carbon
dioxide by photosynthesis but also absorbs HCO3
-
in the ocean and air to synthesize CaCO3
through its unique calcification. Moreover, Pleurochrysis carterae has a lipid content as
high as to 33 %, which also contains with high nutritional value. In other words,
Pleurochrysis carterae not only has a high potential value in fixing carbon dioxide but also
has a great potential in the production of biodiesel and some other high priced products,
such as fucoxanthin. Another species of microalga, haptophyte Isochrysis zhanjiangensis,
has tremendous potentials in producing high-value products, including fucoxanthin and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).


title: Modelling the radial and longitudinal variation in wood density and its sensitivity to climate in black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.)

contributor:
Leitch, Mathew
Achim, Alexis
Shahi, Chander

subject:
Average ring density
Minimum ring density
Maximum ring density
Black spruce
Density-climate relationship
X-ray densitometry
Boreal forest

abstract:
Wood density variation affects structural timber performance and is correlated with different sources (genetic diversity, stand dynamics and climatic effects) which, to date, have not been comprehensively quantified in black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.). Controlling the confounding factors of ontogeny and stand dynamics allowed the effects of climate on annual wood density to be examined. The objectives of this study was to (1) to describe the variation in average ring density in black spruce as a function of cambial age, stem height and growth rate; (2) to identify climatic effect on density indicators (i.e. average ring density, minimum ring density, and maximum ring density) and determine the density-climate relationship according to tree size; and (4) to determine the effect of disc height on the density-climate relationship. The dataset utilized densitometric data on a total of 35,127 annual rings from 450 radial strips collected in 107 black spruce trees sampled across 13 sites in northwest Ontario, Canada. Different aspects of the whole dataset were selected for various sub-studies. We observed, when averaging the pith-to-bark profiles for all discs, that ring density (RD) was high near the pith and decreased rapidly in the first 12 growth rings, i.e. declined from 591.0 kg m-3 to a minimum of 473.8 kg m-3 between rings 10 and 15, followed by a slow increase until a consistent value was reached between rings 25 and 60. This average pattern till ring 60th corresponds to the type II pith-to-bark profile. However, thereafter, the dataset was separated into two groups. It was observed that 106 out of 450 radial samples showed a gradual decline in RD near the bark. These declining trends in annual ring density near the bark were found to be more common in old and slow-growing trees. We hypothesise that such trends
reflect a gradual reduction in tree vigour over the life of the tree.                                          The climatic factors (monthly temperature and precipitation) were found to be significantly affecting density indicators across all dominance levels (dominant, co-dominant and intermediate trees). The density-climate relationships observed appears to be mediated according to dominance levels. This difference was assumed to be a result of dominance level related factors such as, thermal stress stratification and transpiration rate. Additionally, it was evidenced that these density-climate relationships differed not only among dominance levels, but also along the length of the stem. The phenomenon of the various climatic sensitivities according to stem heights could be related to top-down auxin and carbon distribution, hydraulic effects and respiration rate among stem heights. This work has provided a promising modelling method to disentangle the confounding sources of variation of wood density. It has also highlighted some of the future challenges which should be addresses on this research topic. Furthermore, this work has offered a starting point for studies on the effects of monthly climatic factors (temperature and precipitation) on density indicators and how these vary according to dominance level and stem height.


title: An investigation of the use of anisotropy of complex magnetic susceptibility to analyse strain in experimentaly deformed materials and massive sulphides

subject:
Rock mechanics
Anisotropy
Magnetic susceptibility

abstract:
Anisotropy of magnetic susce:ptibility (AivJS) has become a widely
accepted method of fabric analysis in rocks, especially those
which have been deformed tectonically. The use of anisotropy of
complex magnetic suscepti bi 1 i ty (ACf"lS) is a new potential method
of fabric analysis in which the imaginary, or out of phase A.C.
component of an induction coil used for the measurement of
magnetic susceptibility is used to delineate rock fabric. Complex
magnetic susceptibility is a function of of electrical
conductivity, thus making it potentially useful in the analysis
of highly conductive sulphide-rich rocks, some of which are not '
suitable for AMS analysis.
Preliminary measurements were performed on highly conductive
l ~inum test specimens of differing shapes to determine the
relationship between grain shape anisotropy and ACI"lS. A
relationship was found in which shape anisotropy and resistive
ACf"lS fabrics were of the same sense, but there was no
quantitative correlation. Pure and simple shear deformation
exper-iments performed on plasticene containing numerous small
aluminum disks exhibited a correlation between ACMS fabric
anisotropies and strain in most cases, as the ACMS fabr-ics were
controlled by the distribution of the disks, which became wellaligned
as flattening proceeded. Although t.here was no
quantitative relationship between strain and ACMS, they tended to
increase together.
Triaxial deformation studies on loose pyrrhotite aggregates and
pyrrhotite plus talc mixtures were performed at confining
pressures of 150 MPa. The ACMS fabrics developed in these
specimens were compared to Af"JS fabrics and strain analysis data
to determine if the ACMS fabrics change as a function of strain.
As e f~ te oblate resistive ACMS fabr-ics developed dur-ing these
pure shear deformations. The pyrrhotite aggregates exhibited a
complex relationship in which ACMS increased with strain, at
least up to a critical strain value, after which ACMS appeared to
decrease. The pyrrhotite plus talc mixtures exhibited an
unmistakable inct·ease in ACMS with increased strain probably
influenced by the presence of the talc matrix. The ACI"lS fabrics
developed in.these experiments were undoubtedly tKe e ~lt of
grain alignment and distribution within the aggregates, with
insignificant contributions from crystallographic resistive
anisotropy.
Measurements performed on specimens of massive pyrrhotite
revealed ACMS fabrics compl8tely diffr:r-ent fr-om those observed in
the loose pytThoti te aggregates, with ambiguous relationships
between str a i n and ACivJS. This is because the massive specimens
behave electrically as a single grain and anisotropy is almost
exclusively ct·ystallographically controlled. Thus the ACI"lS
properties of single minerals must be understood before ACMS
fabrics in massive sulphides can be interpreted.


title: Neuropsychological study of northern Native male solvent abusers / by Cameron Dokis.

contributor:
Netley, Charles
Mazmanian, Dwight
McPherson, Dennis

subject:
Native men - Drug use
Neuropsychology
Native youth - Drug use
Northwestern Ontario

abstract:
Solvent abuse constitutes a major health concern in all ethnic groups because of its serious social, medical, and neuropsychological consequences. The present study examined the neuropsychological consequences of long-term solvent use on young Aboriginal males in Northwestern Ontario. It was hypothesized that solvent abusers would score below controls in a variety of neuropsychological measures, with the largest deficits in working memory. The researcher recruited 10 solvent abusers, aged from 18-25. As a comparison control group, this study unsuccessfully attempted to recruit 20 age-and-ethnically matched Aboriginal males without a history of solvent use. The literature suggests that this effect may have been due to the application of a culturally insensitive research methodology with this particular population (Smith, 1999; Steinhauer, 2002).  Due to lack of control data, experimental data were compared to normative data drawn from the literature.
The study examined the areas of working memory, attention span, fine motor skills and executive functioning capabilities of solvent users. Covariates were measures of cognitive function, anxiety and depression.
Covariates were not significantly correlated with test measures. Solvent abusers (N = 10) did not differ significantly from control data in measures of working memory, attention span, fine motor skills, or executive functioning capabilities. TONI-3 data correlated with sub-measures in the Connors Continuous Performance Test indicating a relationship with cognitive processing speed. Experimental TONI IQ did not differ significantly from Moland’s (2004) solvent abuse group TONI IQ, indicating a relationship between IQ and solvent use, however, the directionality or structure of this
relationship is unknown.


title: Effects of chronological age on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletion in muscle and blood of older individuals : a maternal line study

contributor:
Thayer, Robert
Parr, Ryan
Dakubo, Gabriel
Montelpare, William
Zullo, Steve

subject:
Mitochondrial DNA analysis
Mitochondrion
Mitochondria and the aging process

abstract:
Since Harman ' fîrst proposed that the mitochondria plays a role in the aging process, several
lines of research have been undertaken to support his theory. According to the theory, oxygen
free radicals are responsible for the age-associated decline in function at the cellular, tissue and
organ levels. The mitochondria use oxygen at a high rate, but due to a dysfunction in its usage of
oxygen the mitochondria releases oxygen free radicals, which exceeds the cellular antioxidant
defense. The mitochondrial genome, however, is extremely susceptible to oxidative damage and
DNA mutations, including deletions when compared to nuclear DNA. One of the causative
agents of this deletion(s) includes oxygen free radicals, by-product of ATP (energy) production.
The most frequent deletion associated with aging and diseases is known as “the common
deletion” or 4977 base pair (bp) deletion. In recent years a number of studies have been able to
detect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions in various tissues from individuals over 20 years
of age. However, these studies were all cross-sectional in nature and the DNA sources were all
post-mitotic tissues such as muscle and brain. Mitotic tissues, such as blood were not used even
though acquiring blood is usually less invasive and would be more convenient to study the aging
process. Also, since aging occurs over time a longitudinal study design would be the most
appropriate model for the detection and quantification of mtDNA deletion(s). It has been well
documented that identical mtDNA is transmitted from mother to child at the point of conception,
and therefore monitoring the incidence of mtDNA deletion(s) by employing a maternal line
across several generations would mimic a longitudinal study model. Therefore, the first purpose
of this study is to mimic the benefits of a longitudinal study design by employing maternal lines
(3 & 4 generations) to establish mtDNA deletion(s) as a sensitive, specific and stable biomarker
for studying the aging process. The second purpose of this study is to determine the differences
in mtDNA deletions when comparing muscle and blood. There were 75 healthy participants with
age ranging from 8 months to 99 years. The participants provided 71 blood samples and 27 muscle biopsies. --from abstract.


title: Economic analysis of vegetation management alternatives in Ontario

contributor:
Shahi, Chander
Luckai, Nancy
Leitch, Mathew

subject:
Aerial herbicides
BUCK-2 optimization software
Brush saw
Forest economics
Forest vegetation management
Herbicides

abstract:
Vegetation management practices have become an integral component of forest management. Economics of alternative vegetation management treatments were analyzed in this thesis on the basis of two journal papers. Six research sites established and managed by Vegetation Management Alternatives Program of Ontario were the sources of data. In the first paper, differences in stem quality, and volume and value of fibre produced by planted white spruce [Picea glauca (Moench) Voss] 16 years after vegetation management treatments in northwestern Ontario were examined. Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVSOntario) was used to pro-ject the total and merchantable volume to age 70 and BUCK-2 was used to opti-mize the resulting product mix. Projected value was based on 2009 prices for hog fuel and SPF (spruce-pine-fir) eastern green lumber prices. At 16 years post-treat-ment, gross total volumes in herbicide-treated and mechanically cut plots were significantly higher (120-165% and 94-98%, respectively) than that in control plots (14.73 m3 ha-1). Based on height, diameter, and taper criteria, observed tree quality did not differ among treatments. The projected value of the fibre produced was 36 to 53% higher in herbicide-treated plots and 24 to 37% higher in mechanically cut plots than in control plots ($18,486.76 ha-1).
Second paper presents the stand-level benefit-cost analyses of 12 vegeta-tion management treatments applied at six study sites in northern Ontario. Net present value (NPV), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and internal rate of return (IRR) for crop and all species in each treatment and site were calculated and compared using 2009 constant dollars and variable real discount rates. Aerial herbicide treatments produced the highest NPV, BCR, and IRR. Internal rates of return of 4.32% for aerial herbicide, 2.90% for manual brush cutting, 2.82% for ground ap-plied herbicide, and 2.50% for brush cutting plus herbicide treatments indicated that all of the vegetation management alternatives evaluated are economically viable.


title: Personalist pedagogy of John MacMurray

contributor:
Epp, Juanita
Thom, Douglas

subject:
Teaching Philosophy
Education Philosophy

abstract:
This study attempts to determine what contribution British philosopher John Macmurray
makes to contemporary issues in education. Specifically, it seeks to determine how the
philosophy of personalism, a variant of which Macmurray developed over more than fifty years
of professional practice, informs our attempts to create nurturing learning environments.
Macmurray's work is rich in content and subtle in presentation. .Although he rarely wrote
or spoke using only the technical language peculiar to philosophical discourse, his writings are
textured and many-layered. They are accessible, but defy easy interpretation. Here is a
presentation of his philosophical position in as clear and simple a manner as possible for a nonspecialist.
It is also an essay in the application o f this pedagogy to a real-life setting. The thesis
also connects Macmurray's insights with those of contemporary philosopher of education
Nel Noddings. The ethical system proposed for schooling by Noddings is not theistic. as is the
model proposed by Macmurray, but in its clear emphasis on personal relations as essential to
moral sense-making, it meshes and complements Macmurray's perspective. As a respected
contemporary voice. Nel Noddings brings an awareness and engagement with present-day issues
that did not need addressing when Macmurray was formulating his personalist stance.
The thesis is structured as follows: Chapter One, Wennington School: An Experiment in
Personalist Education provides a thumbnail sketch of Macmurray's personalism, and how these
ideas were adopted by British schoolmaster Kenneth Barnes.
In Chapter Two, Personalism and the Postmodern Context, describes the encounter
between a basically religious and personalist worldview, such as Macmurray's, with the
secularizing influences o f postmodern thinking. It then goes on to recast Macmurray's
personalism in a more contemporary stance by twinning it with the “pedagogy of care" so well
articulated by Nel Noddings. The first and second chapters are the core documents of the thesis.
Two attached appendices provide helpful details and useful contexts.
A thorough presentation of John Macmurray's personalist point of view is found in
Appendix A: Historical Sketch o f a Personal Universe. The appendix provides an analysis of
Macmurray's historiography, in which, as a thoroughgoing humanist of the old school,
Macmurray grounds his philosophy within a Christian reading of purposeful history. Appendix B: Religion-as-Liberation, Society, and Community examines issues of particular interest to
Macmurray. This is done through reference to his own work, as well as to that of scholars who
either based their views directly on Macmurray, or worked on identical themes along similar
lines.
Macmurray, always a strong believer in the life of the mind, was nonetheless never
seduced by the academy. He was far less interested in knowledge than in wisdom. "The
philosopher,’’ he wrote at the height of the Great Depression, “should reveal him self not as a
specialist in a particular field but rather as one who has grasped the significance of human life
and achieved the ability, if not to live well, at least to understand how it should be lived” (1935.
p.56). As a teacher of adolescents, I can only hope that I shall have a small part in helping young
persons come to such a conclusion by themselves.


title: Black spruce regeneration in Kalmia dominated sites : effects of mycorrhizal inoculation and forest floor mixing

contributor:
Mallik, Azim
Dang, Qing-Lai
Wilson, Brad
Leung, Kam

subject: Ectomycorrhizal fungi

subject: Reforestation Newfoundland and Labrador Terra Nova National Park Region

subject: Black spruce Inoculation Newfoundland and Labrador Terra Nova National Park Region

abstract: Study area : Terra Nova National Park, 90 km southeast of Gander, Newfoundland.

abstract:
There can be a shift in vegetation from black spruce (Picea mariana Mill.)
forests with the ericaceous shrub Kalmia angustifolia L. (Kalmia) in the
understory to ericaceous dominated heath in some areas of Newfoundland.
This occurs on low to medium fertility sites after forest fire, insect defoliation, or
clear-cut harvesting. Kalmia spreads rapidly with the concomitant failure of black
spruce regeneration. This is a serious and widespread problem for the forest
industry, and for protected area management when human interventions to
natural disturbance cause the formation of Kalmia heath. The objective of this
thesis was to test two alternate methods of enhancing black spruce regeneration
in Kalmia dominated sites. I examined the growth response and foliar nutrient
concentration of black spruce seedlings inoculated with the ectomycorrhiza (EM)
Paxillus involutus (Batsch. Ex Fr.) Fr, planted in mechanically-mixed forest floors
dominated by Kalmia. Changes in soil physical and chemical properties following
mechanical mixing (tilling) of the forest floor horizon were also studied. The
experiment was conducted over two growing seasons in Kalmia dominated sites
resulting from heavy insect defoliation by spruce budworm and natural fires in
Terra Nova National Park, Newfoundland.
I found that inoculated seedlings had higher levels of EM formation, but
lower growth than control seedlings, suggesting that the effect of EM on host
performance is likely related to the physiological performance of the specific EM
isolate under the prevailing soil conditions. Control seedlings that were exposed
to nutrient stress in the greenhouse had better growth than the commercial nursery
grown seedlings that were cultured using standard levels of fertilization.
This suggests that black spruce growth might be closely related to adaptations to
tolerate nutrient stress. Seedlings in insect defoliated sites in general had higher
growth and foliar nutrient concentrations than those in burned sites. This was
likely due to increased decomposition. Seedlings in all of the mixed forest floors
had higher foliar nutrient concentrations than those in non-mixed forest floors,
likely due to decreased acidity and competition, and increased decomposition.
However, my results did not explain why forest floor mixing resulted in increased
growth of black spruce seedlings in insect defoliated sites, but not in burned
sites. Most theories of the growth of black spruce in Kalmia dominated sites
include only below ground effects, but above ground effects may also be
important. One possibility is that partial canopy cover is an important factor due
to its effects on extremes of soil temperature and moisture, decomposition, litter
quality, light levels, and near ground microclimate. My results indicate that it is
possible to restore black spruce forest in insect defoliated sites with partial
canopy cover that are dominated by Kalmia by mixing the forest floor and
planting seedlings grown at low soil nutrient levels. However, further research is
required to establish a method for restoring black spruce forest in open canopy
burned sites.


title: Ruthenium Half-Sandwich Zwitterions: Coordination Behaviour of New Hemilabile (Phosphino)benzimidazole Anions

contributor:
Spivak, Gregory
Gottardo, Christine
MacKinnon, Craig

subject:
Ruthenium complexes
Anionic phosphine ligands
Organometallic zwitterions
Ligand design


title: Dog sports : a mixed methods exploration of motivation in agility participation

contributor:
Farrell, Joey
Pearson, Erin
Walker, Diane

subject: Health profile of Canadians

subject: Physical, psychological, social benefits of physical activity

subject: Sport participation among Canadians

subject: Benefits of dog ownership

subject: Dog sports

subject: Agility competitions and training

subject: Measuring physical activity behaviours

subject: Motivation and the self determination theory

subject: Motivation and agility participation

abstract: Obesity and physical inactivity are on the rise amongst Canadians. Dog sports, agility in particular, may represent a form of physical activity that can help address the health issues that some of our population face. However, some individuals elect to participate in the sport less frequently while others engage in very high amounts of agility. Because increased participation in physical activity is good for health, an understanding of why some individuals engage in agility in high amounts needs to be developed. The study utilized the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to investigate social/ environmental factors that influence the motivational sequence amongst adult agility participants to understand why some individuals engage in high amounts of the sport. Meeting the recommended amounts of physical activity is linked to improved health, so an exploration into how much physical activity is achieved through agility participation was also completed. Finally, the tenets of the SDT were utilized to assess how motivation influences physical activity behaviours. Method: The study utilized a cross sectional mixed methods design that involved two components., competitive adult agility participants were assessed (n=233) in component one. Participants filled out the SMS II, the BNSSS, a physical activity inventory, and a demographic questionnaire. T and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to identify differences in motivation and hierarchal regression analysis was used to predict physical activity behaviours from the tenets of the SDT. Seven individuals who participated in component one and engaged in higher amounts of agility participation were then interviewed for component two regarding the social/environmental factors that influenced their agility involvement. Results: Those who engage in higher amounts of agility had significantly higher levels of intrinsic motivation (U(231)=3321.5, Z=-3.178, p<.001). On average, the sample expended 700kcal/week through their agility participation, effectively accruing 70% of the recommended amount of physical activity. Self-determined motivation was able to positively predict the amount of agility related energy expenditure, and the overall frequency of agility participation. Interviews in component two revealed ten social/environmental factors that influenced motivation, including: task/ego orientation, dog influence, family, friends, mentors, initial success, interspecies bond, challenge, and the venue. Conclusion: The findings revealed that, in this context, agility competitors experience high levels of self-determined motivation and need satisfaction, and those with higher intrinsic motivation tend to participate more. Social/environmental factors in the sport of agility may influence the motivational sequence and how much individuals participate. The present study provides a backbone for more experimental exploration to determine the relationships between the motivational sequence constructs and how they directly impact physical activity behaviours.


title: Thin gold films grown in ultra high vacuum on mica substrates

subject: Thin films

abstract:
In-situ evaporation was used to deposit thin gold films (640 A) on mica substrates held at
room temperature. The samples were characterized by Auger Electron Spectroscopy
(AES) and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) measurements. The deposition of
gold on mica without pre-anneal of the mica substrate resulted in a grainy surface with
an average grain size of -220 A. The evolution of the average grain size as a function of
mica pre-deposition baking time and deposition rate was investigated. It was found that
long bake-outs (48 hours or more), and low deposition rates (0.2 A/s) increased the
average dimension of gold grains by a factor of 5 relative to the films evaporated onto
unannealed mica.
Post-annealing a film deposited at room temperature promoted grain enlargement and
enhanced (111) termination. The thermal annealing treatments were done at
temperatures between 80 and 340°C, and for periods of time ranging from 1 to 12 hours.
In addition to prolonged annealing, /n-s/fu flash annealing produced surfaces with highly
crystalline terraces extending for as much as 5000 A. Flashing experiments were carried
out at temperatures between 300 and 650°C. Below 350°C, flash annealed and as grown
films were visually similar.


title: Social determinants of health & community engagement : developing a framework for public health

subject:
Public health Social aspects
Medical policy Social aspects
Health Status Indicators

abstract: Discussion includes Canada and Northeastern Ontario.

abstract:
There is a growing understanding within Canada and internationally that our current model of
curative medicine is not properly meeting the needs of the population and is unsustainable. The
National Health Expenditure Trends 1975-2007 describes how spending on health care in
Canada continues to rise (Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI, 2007). In 2007,
health care spending is expected to be just over $160 billion dollars (which is approximately
$4,800 dollars per person) (CIHI, 2007); of which approximately 5% is currently being spent on
preventive health measures and health promotion (Shah, 1998). As the rates of chronic diseases
within Canada continue to increase (Ontario Prevention Clearinghouse, Ontario Chronic Disease
Prevention Alliance and the Canadian Cancer Society, 2007), it is becoming evident that the
health of the population is not improving proportional to the amount spent on health care.
Clearly, such levels of spending are not feasible for the long term, particularly as it has not led to
better health outcomes.


title: A novel approach to reaction modeling for photocatalytic oxidation processes

contributor:
Elyasi, Siamak
Liao, Baoqiang
Salem, Sam

subject:
Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO)
Reaction modeling
Air quality
Catalysis

abstract:
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one of the major concerns for indoor air quality. A new
method for treating VOCs in the air is through an advance oxidation process (AOP) known as
photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). This method uses Ultraviolet (UV) radiant power to activate the
surface of a catalyst (e.g. Ti02). From the past experimental work that has been done, it can be
concluded that PCO reactions follow the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetic model.
However, the complexity of the L-H kinetic model is difficult to simulate using existing
Computation Fluid Dynamic (CFD) software. In this thesis, a new method for modeling the L-H
surface reaction kinetics is proposed. The focus of this work is on the development of a novel
approach to model the complex surface reaction rate expressions in order to define PCO reaction
rates on the photocatalyst surfaces.  A new approach is developed to adapt the overall experimental reaction rates, which are in terms of the total system volume. This adaptation will help in deriving the actual rate of reaction happening on the catalyst surface in terms of catalyst surface area. Two cases were studied in
order to demonstrate how this new approach can be used to accurately model the complex
reaction kinetics of PCO systems. In each case, an integrated CFD model was developed to
accurately predict the rate ofVOC decomposition based on the work conducted by Shiraishi et
al., (2005b) and Brosillon et al., (2008). In the first case, the experimental kinetic model for
formaldehyde decomposition was adapted in order to describe a surface reaction based on
formaldehyde concentration on the catalyst surface using three different approaches. It was
determined that a two part polynomial rate expression was the most accurate one, as it was able
to account for the higher initial rate of reaction. However, the exponential model did give
reasonable results as well. In the second case, the reaction rate model was able to predict the rate
of decomposition for butyric acid in the air for a variety of initial concentrations and UV
irradiance levels at the catalyst surface. The developed CFD model results also discredited the
assumptions made in a number of published papers that UV irradiance levels are uniform across a catalyst surface. Finally, a simple case study was developed in order to demonstrate how the
novel approach to reaction modeling could be used to predict PCO system performance treating
air in a close system. In this case, the PCO system was capable of treating air contaminated with
butyric acid, as well as quickly reducing the concentration below the odor threshold.


title: Person focused directives for end of life care in long term care (PFD-LTC)

subject:
Dementia subtypes and diagnosis
Dying with dementia
Patient-centred care
Advance care planning
End of life care
Long term care

abstract:
Dementias are age-related, neurodegenerative diseases, the cases of which are expected
to rise exponentially as the population ages. To date there is no known cure or intervention that
appreciably slows the progression of disease. One in ten Ontarians aged 65 and older is currently
living with a dementia, and many of them will move into long term care (LTC) as the disease
progresses. Advance care planning (ACP) can extend a person’s wishes concerning health care
decisions in the event they lose capacity. ACP is especially relevant for LTC residents with
dementia because of the resulting cognitive decline, poor health outcomes, and eventual loss of
the ability to communicate. To meet its intended goals, ACP needs to be informed and
documented using unambiguous language. ACP documentation too often does not meet this
standard, and can vary considerably between facilities. LTC residents dying with dementia may
be particularly vulnerable to not having their wishes known or honoured. Little is known about
how variability in ACP documentation can affect patient care at the end of life (EOL), or
whether the presence or absence of dementia presents an added risk for having insufficient ACP.
Study One investigated variability in ACP documentation between facilities and
compared existing local documents to best practice principles for documenting ACP. Study Two
gathered information on the experiences and perceptions of care providers who work with older
adults regarding ACP documents, and their opinions on introducing a common language to ACP
documentation across facilities. Study Three utilised generalised linear mixed modeling
(GLMM) to investigate whether ACP documentation would equate to differences in the EOL
care received by residents of LTC across the province of Ontario, and whether the presence or
absence of dementia would play a role in end of life decision making (i.e., place of death).
Province-wide data from LTC residents who entered and died in LTC over one census year with a thirteen month follow-up was analysed for relationships between place of death and
documentation related to ACP.


title: New generation of dispersants by grafting lignin or xylan

contributor:
Fatehi, Pedram
Liao, Baoqiang
Rakshit, Sudip
Zheng, Ying
Leitch, Mathew

subject:
Colloidal systems
Kaolin
Coal
Lignin
Xylan
Carboxymethylation
Sulfomethylation
Oxidation

abstract:
Synthetic dispersants are commonly used in the stabilization of various colloidal suspensions. However, their non-biodegradable and toxic natures hamper their industrial use. The use of natural polymers as dispersants for various colloidal suspensions has been reported in the past, but the incentive for producing highly efficient natural polymeric dispersants is high. Lignin and xylan are the most abundant and sustainable natural polymers on earth, which are produced as by-products of pulping and cellulosic ethanol industries. These chemicals can be considered as the raw materials for producing value added products such as dispersants. In this dissertation, the anionic modification of kraft lignin and xylan via carboxymethylation, sulfomethylation and oxidation were comprehensively investigated and the applications of the products as dispersants in kaolin and coal suspensions were systematically assessed. The influence of reaction conditions on charge density and solubility of kraft lignin or xylan were systematically investigated. The anionic products obtained were characterized using NMR, FTIR, TGA, molecular weight and elemental analyses. The adsorption of anionic lignin or xylan on kaolin and coal particles and their effect on zeta potential of the suspensions was comprehensively assessed. The relative turbidity and viscosity analyses of colloidal suspensions confirmed the better dispersion performance of the products compared with commercial ones. The impact of dispersant dosage, pH of the suspension and time of mixing on dispersant performance of anionic lignin or xylan in kaolin and coal suspensions was also studied. The dispersion efficiency of suspensions found to increase with anionic lignin or xylan dosage and time of mixing. The dispersion efficiency of anionic lignin or xylan was at maximum under neutral conditions. The influences of molecular weight and charge density on the dispersant performance of anionic lignin in kaolin suspensions were also studied. The results showed that a highly charged anionic lignin adsorbed more compared with the low charged ones, and an increase in the molecular weight of anionic lignin showed no significant effect on its adsorption performance. Both charge density and molecular weight had an influence on dispersant activity of anionic lignin in kaolin suspensions. The dispersion studies of anionic kraft lignin or xylan in kaolin and coal suspensions showed that the increase in the dispersibility of these colloidal suspensions depends on adsorbed amount of anionic lignin or xylan on kaolin and coal particles, but not on the unadsorbed amount present in the suspensions. In the presence of anionic lignin or xylan dispersants, the zeta potential of kaolin or coal particles cannot determine directly the stability of colloidal suspensions. The adsorbed anionic lignin or xylan on kaolin and coal particles induced electrostatic repulsion between the particles and thereby improved the dispersibility of suspensions.
The results obtained in this work confirms the possibilities for use of kraft lignin or xylan as dispersants in kaolin and coal suspensions and provides more insights on how the dispersability of these suspensions will be impacted by the properties of the produced dispersants. The results of this thesis contributed to knowledge on the chemical modification of lignin and xylan, characterization of modified products and to the fundamentals associated with the performance analysis of dispersion systems.


title: Initiation into the cosmos of Dionysus : an archetypal reading of selected American poets

subject: American poetry History and criticism


title: Relating genecological variation in white spruce to ecological land classification in Central Canada

contributor:
Parker, William H.
Luckai, Nancy
Charrette, Paul

subject:
White spruce
Seeds

abstract: Genetic diversity can be seen as a fundamental element in forest sustainability. Information about the genetics of trees can be obtained from provenance studies. Previous research has demonstrated that white spruce exhibits a high amount of genetic diversity. This study related genetic variation in white spruce to the ecodistrict level of the ecological land classification maps released by the Canada Committee on Ecological Land Classification in 1995.


title: Implications of the themes of the "living" and the "dead" in four decades of Patrick White's novels

subject: White, Patrick - Criticism and interpretation

abstract:
A lifelong search into the very nature of reality and the soul has led
Australian Nobel Prize-winner Patrick White to investigate some of the
explanations which man has been attempting to provide since time immemorial.
The scope of his interests encompasses the perspectives of Plato and the
Neo-Platonists, mediaeval alchemy, Jewish mysticism and the Cabbala,
Christianity and Buddhism, and Jungian depth psychology. White’s sensitivity
has put him in touch with the primaeval archetypes and myths; aspects of each
of the areas of White's interest lend themselves to interpretation through
both archetypes and myths. As a result, it is possible to detect three basic
and related themes which pervade all White's work. The first of these themes
is the dichotomy expressed in the title The Living and the Dead. This
dichotomy has been chosen as the title of this thesis not only because, as one
of life's basic dichotomies, it underlies all his work, but as well because
the two other themes are so intimately involved with dichotomies. Another
fundamental dichotomy is that of Physis and Nous. In order to be among the
"living," White's characters must draw from both sides of this dichotomy.
The physical must be tempered with the spiritual and vice versa. Likewise,
reason must be tempered with imagination, and the "living" must suffer some
kind of spiritual or symbolic death. There are moments in life when inklings
into the meaning of these dichotomies are vouchsafed. If one profits from
these moments, one can begin the process towards becoming whole. These
special moments occur when the spiritual and physical worlds come closest
together. Thus, dichotomies underlie the second of the two themes—the
process of becoming. The myth of rebirth is the third related theme. This myth stands as an analogy for the enlightenment or wholeness which all White’s
"living" characters eventually achieve. Their enlightenment may be
apocalyptic, or it may be gradual; it may come with death,or it may come
before. Whatever the case, it is always preceded by some kind of spiritual or
symbolic death which shows how closely related is this theme to the dichotomy
of the "living" and the "dead."
The intent of this thesis is to show how these three themes, investigated
through a variety of perspectives, are represented in four major decades of
White's work. For this purpose, four main novels have been chosen for
detailed study: The Living and the Dead (1941), Voss (1957), The Solid
Mandala (1966), and The Eye of the Stozm (1973). The 1980*s, beginning with
the autobiographical musings. Flaws in the Glass, have shown White's continued
interest in these questions; as an illustration, a less detailed study of
Memoirs of Many in One is included in the conclusion of this thesis.


title: Perceptions of Catholic administrators and trustees regarding Bill 30's impact on the mission of separate schools

subject:
Separate schools Ontario
School boards Ontario

abstract:
This study examines the perceptions of Catholic Administrators
and Trustees about Bill 30's impact on the ability of Separate School
Boards in Ontario to retain their distinctive mission. The conceptual
lens for this study was taken from the Completion Office - Separate
Schools' document, Catholic Education and Separate School Boards in
Ontario (1988), which outlines the basic model for the provision of
Catholic education. This model is represented by three basic means
namely; providing qualified staff, developing Christian community, and
providing an academic curriculum that integrates faith and life. By
investigating three dissimilar separate school boards, this study was
able to provide significant data on the impact that Bill 30 is having
on each of these basic providers of Catholic education, and subsequently,
the distinctive mission of separate schools.
This study employed qualitative research methodology. The process
of data collection relied on semi-structured, open-ended interviews
with twenty-four subjects. Additionally, a variety of documentation
such as policies, goals and objectives, mission statements, and brochures
were collected and analyzed.
The findings demonstrate that Bill 30 has transformed the nature
of the separate school system of Ontario, and that it is challenging
this system's raison d'etre. However, as a result, separate schools
have experienced a consciousness of mission and ministry that is intent on strengthening and confirming the distinctive character of
their schools. Relative to mission building, implications for theory,
practice, and research are suggested.


title: Student and teacher perspectives on choice theory as transformative education: an alternative secondary school context

contributor:
Walton, Gerald
Greenwood, David

subject:
Alternative education
Alternative schools
Transformative education
Critical pedagogy

abstract:
Alternative education suffers from a bad reputation. Many people see these programs and
schools as places where students who are considered to be “disruptive” or otherwise “deficient”
in the eyes of mainstream education are sent to have their behaviour “corrected.” Some teachers
talk about the prospect of working in alternative education as career suicide. Although both of
these perspectives may be true in some cases, alternative education as a whole should not be
dismissed as a dead-end for students and teachers. Quite the opposite picture emerges at the
alternative school that is the subject of this study. The researcher interviewed seven teachers and
seven students for their perspectives on the transformative potential of a local option course
based around Control Theory, a philosophy of self-help and institutional organization that was
popularized by Dr. William Glasser. This study examines the role that Control Theory plays in
creating the potential for positive personal change in both students and teachers in their own
words. It also offers a view of how a school culture of positive transformation can be nurtured
using the ideas of Control Theory. Students commented on the life-changing influence of being
part of the school culture and teachers expressed a high level of job satisfaction and increased
perceptions of happiness and personal growth through both being trained in Control Theory and
by being immersed in the culture of the school. This information has the potential to inform
administrators and teachers in both alternative and mainstream schools as to how to craft
meaningful transformative experiences in their schools for both their students and their staff.


title: Towards auction mechanisms for peer-to-peer energy trading in smart grids

subject:
Smart grid infrastructure
Grid reliability
Renewable energy
Alternative energy sources
Energy trading
Auction mechanisms
Electricity trading

abstract:
The conventional energy grid is being replaced with the new emerging smart grid infras-
tructure. This can be attributed to the fact that it only supports unidirectional energy
ow,
i.e., energy is transmitted from the producer to the consumer. Smart grid addresses issues such
as grid reliability, blackouts, global warming, etc, by implementing various renewable energy
sources readily available for consumer use. The clean electric power can be produced from
local neighbourhoods, individual houses, to large industrial businesses. Therefore, with the im-
plementation of alternative energy sources readily available, users connected to the smart grid
can purchase electric power, enabling groups and individuals to generate a profitable income.
However, challenges persist attributed to user cost, and power management, resulting in active
work to investigate optimization techniques between users in P2P energy trading to enhance the
performance of how users trade energy among each other. Among the various energy trading
mechanisms, auction-based models have demonstrated excellent performance, targetting desir-
able properties for P2P energy trading. In this work, we present three different auction-based
models that can be utilized for practical energy trading. The prosumers (producers and con-
sumers) of energy, play the role as sellers or buyers depending on the current supply and demand.
Sellers with renewable energy sources participate to sell their excess of energy to generate a profit
and satisfy the buyers' demand. We model the interaction with as single-sided and double-sided
auctions, explicitly taking the dynamic nature of both the sellers and buyers into account. We
further propose a profit maximization algorithm that considers power line cost, transmission
capacity, and energy distribution. With theoretical analysis and simulations, we demonstrate
that the proposed auctions are individually rational, truthful, computationally efficient, and
budget-balanced.


title: Isolation of arsenite-oxidizing bacteria with plant growth promoting characteristics to enhance phytoremediation of arsenic

contributor:
Leung, Kam
Lee, Peter
Qin, Wensheng

subject:
Arsenic toxicity
Effects of arsenic on human health
Arsenic pollution
Arsenite-oxidizing bacteria
Phytoremediation

abstract:
A common strategy for remediation of arsenic is bacterial remediation by oxidation of As(III) to
the less toxic As(V). Another widely accepted technique for arsenic remediation is
phytoremediation however in highly contaminated soil, growth of the plants is stunted.
Phytoremediation of arsenic is often assisted with plant growth promoting bacteria to improve
plant growth. However, there are only a handful of studies on bacteria that can oxidize arsenite as
well as promoting plant growth, much less on the implications that they can improve the growth
of phytoremediating plants in arsenic contaminated soil. In this study, a group of plant growth
promoting arsenite-oxidizing bacteria (PGP As(III)-oxidizing bacteria) from the root zone of
plants established in the tailing of the Premier Gold Mine, Beardmore, Ontario was isolated and
characterized and their ability to promote the growth of Trifolium pratense (red clover) in arsenite
contaminated condition was investigated. Thirty-four arsenic resistant bacteria were isolated from
the soil collected at the tailing site that was highly contaminated with arsenic (1208 ± 582 ug/g).
The isolates were tested both qualitatively and quantitatively for their arsenite-oxidizing ability by
using the silver nitrate test and the APDC/ICP-AES analysis, respectively, and all of them
demonstrated the ability to oxidize arsenite. The isolates were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing,
and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum likelihood method. The 34 isolates
were highly diverse including six different genera. The isolates were tested for four different plant
growth promoting characteristics: (i) phosphate solubilization, (ii) siderophore production, (iii)
IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) production and (iv) presence of ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-
carboxylic acid) deaminase. [...]


title: Gender issues in initial teacher education

contributor:
Epp, Juanita
Ford, Maureen

subject:
Sex discrimination in education
Sexism in education
Sex differences in education

abstract:
The purpose of the study was to examine preservice teachers'
perceptions towards gender issues in education. It also examined
whether gender issues are an integral component of prospective
teacher training. This was done using focus group methodology
supplemented by "self appraisal" questionnaires.
Five themes were persistently a part of the students'
perceptions of gender issues. Theses themes were: a) the
prescribed roles of males and females ; b) the invisibility of
gender inequity; c) the importance of practice teaching; d) the
belief that gender issues are female issues and; e) the resistance
to gender equity initiatives. One theme that emerged from the
focus group sessions that was not found in the literature was that
of harassment of female student teachers by male teachers and
students.
The results also suggest that gender continues to be a major
organizational construct within educational institutions and that
the problematization of gender continues to be ignored despite
increased awareness and discussion of gender inequity in education.


title: The Infant feeding experiences of urban Aboriginal mothers : implications for universal breastfeeding policy

contributor:
Wakewich, Pamela
Ariss, Rachel
Katt, Mae

subject:
Breast Feeding
Native women
Health and hygiene
Native children

abstract: In Canada breastfeeding rates are lower among marginalized women and studies have demonstrated that successful and exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended six months frequently requires an extensive support system, one that is often absent among marginalized women. The purpose of this study was to explore the infant feeding decisions and experiences of urban Aboriginal women, the factors that influenced their decisions, and the implications of universal breastfeeding policy for Aboriginal women. Utilizing feminist qualitative methodology, I interviewed seven Aboriginal women and seven health and social service professionals providing services to Aboriginal women in Thunder Bay, Ontario.


title: Inventorying cutover logging residues: A remote sensing approach

contributor:
Runesson, Ulf
Pulkki, Reino
Shahi, Chander

subject:
Atikokan bioenergy
Biomass
Coarse woody debris
Forest industry
Green economy
High resolution imagery
Remote sensing
Slash
Volume estimates

abstract: The purpose of this study was to quantify the volume of logging residues within forest harvest blocks, using an airborne, remote sensing based method. The objective was to measure the volume using a field technique, and using remote sensing and then compare the two to see if remote sensing techniques are a viable alternative for logging residue volume estimation. An essential piece of knowledge for infrastructure investment is the amount and quality of fuel available.


title: Are workplace health promotion/wellness programs effective at improving presenteeism (on the job productivity) in workers? a systematic review and best evidence synthesis of the literature

contributor:
Cassidy, David
Ammendolia, Carlo
Cote, Pierre
Montelpare, William

subject:
Employee health promotion
Presenteeism
Health & productivity management
Workplace health promotion
Primary prevention
Systematic review

abstract: Background: Presenteeism is highly prevalent and costly to employers. It is defined as being present at work but limited in some aspect of job performance by a health problem. Workplace health promotion (WHP) is a common strategy used to enhance on-the-job productivity. Objectives: The primary objective is to determine if WHP programs are effective in improving presenteeism. Secondary objectives include identifying the types of risk factors and health issues affecting workers who work despite health problems, and to identify characteristics of the programs successful at improving presenteeism. Study Design: Systematic search and best-evidence synthesis of the scientific literature.Data Synthesis: The scientifically admissible studies consisted of 5 (36%) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 5 (36%) cluster RCTs, 1 (7%) interrupted time series, 1 (7%) crossover design, 1 (7%) pre-post study, and 1 (7%) quasi-experimental study. Risk factors contributing to presenteeism include being overweight, poor diet, lack of physical exercise, high stress, and poor relations with coworkers and management. Contributing health conditions include arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, allergies, chronic pain, and depression and anxiety. There is preliminary evidence of a positive effect of some WHP programs. Successful programs offer organizational leadership, health risk screening, individually tailored programs, incentives, and a supportive workplace culture.Conclusions: The presenteeism literature is young, heterogeneous, and inconsistent, limiting the ability to draw firm conclusions. Nonetheless, the available evidence suggests that presenteeism is an important issue for employers and society. Better quality research is needed in this area. Future research would benefit from standard presenteeism metrics, studies conducted across a broad range of workplace settings and employee populations, and better reporting of studies in line with current scientific standards.     Key Words: Presenteeism; Health and productivity management; Workplace health promotion; Primary prevention; Systematic review.


title: Distribution and chemistry of kimberlite indicator minerals in the southern Slave Province, NWT

subject:
Bedrock geology
Kimberlite
Slave province
Glacial dispersal trains
Indicator mineral

abstract:
As part of the greater Slave Province geophysical, surficial materials and permafrost
study, a Northwest Territories Geological Survey (NTGS) led government-academic-industry
research program, this study is intended to identify and interpret indicator mineral glacial
dispersal trains using publicly available mineral chemistry data and discuss the uses of the NTGS
kimberlite indicator mineral chemistry database (KIMC) for diamond exploration in the
southern Slave Province.
In addition to the database, 21 till samples were collected from the southern Slave
Province national topographic system map sheets 075M and 075N during the 2017 field season
(17-DECS sample suite). Kimberlite indicator minerals (KIM) were recovered from the till
samples and selected grains were subsequently analyzed using scanning electron microscopy
and laser ablation techniques to identify mineral chemistry that is representative of KIMS in
surficial sediment samples in the KIMC for the southern Slave. Mineral chemistry data collected
during this study were evaluated and compared to those published in a database of the Slave
Province by the NTGS. The database was created as a collaborative effort between the NTGS
and exploration companies in order to compile an all-encompassing kimberlite indicator
mineral database with raw mineral chemistry data. Mineral chemistry data retrieved from the
NTGS database and from analysis of the 17-DECS sample suite were used to interpret kimberlite
potential of the region. Ilmenite, chromite, Cr-diopside, olivine, and garnet grains in surficial
sediment samples were assessed in terms of their chemistry and areal distribution in the Slave
Province. The raw mineral chemistry data for garnets were classified according to their Gnumbers and chromite, ilmenite, olivine, and Cr-diopside were classified as kimberlitic or nonkimberlitic. Data from indicator minerals in till samples collected during this study were
classified using the same criteria.
Indicator minerals distribution patterns were mapped based on the classification of
individual mineral grains. These maps show disparity in the amount of data contained in the
database and the variation in kimberlite indicator mineral dispersal train direction, length, and
composition between the north and south Slave. Kimberlite indicator mineral dispersal trains in the southern Slave Province are disjointed with highly variable indicator concentrations per
sample location, and trend approximately westward. These trains are near monomineralic,
often exclusively consisting of garnet. Trains in the northern Slave Province are more consistent
in concentration (concentration increases with increasing distance down ice) and trend
northwest and west. These trains have greater variety of kimberlitic mineral species. The
direction, length, and composition of the trains reflects glacial processes (erosion, entrainment,
transportation, deposition), permafrost conditions, and the nature of the source kimberlites. Of
the kimberlite indicator minerals identified, garnet was the most abundant and informative
mineral recovered from surficial sediment samples in the southern Slave Province. Overall,
there was little variation in abundance of garnet G-number classes which could not be
contributed to variations in sample density. However, garnet grains recovered from till samples
in the southern Slave Province have lower sodium concentrations than till samples in the
northern Slave. It has been proposed that the concentration of sodium in certain garnets is
indicative of kimberlite diamond potential. Sodium concentrations of the southern Slave
Province are below the diamond indicator threshold (Na2O>0.07%). Although this may be
indicative of a lower diamond potential, it may also be a result of differing geochemical
compositions of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle.


title: X-ray diffraction and Rietveld structural refinement of selected fluoroperovskites

subject:
X-rays Diffraction Data processing
Rietveld method
X-ray crystallography Technique

abstract:
This study presents an X-ray diffraction analysis and Rietveld structural
refinement of selected synthetic fluoroperovskite-type compounds including the Na1-xKxMgF3 solid solution series in addition to synthetic analogues of cryolite (Na2NaAlF6)
and simmonsite (Na2LiAlF6).
The Na1-xKxMgF3 solid solution series is comprised of three structurally distinct
perovskite phases. In order of increasing potassium they are; orthorhombic (Pbnm, a =
5.3609(1), b = 5.4862(1), c = 7.6661(1), Z = 4) in the x = 0 - 0.35 compositional range, tetragonal (P4/mbm, a = 5.444(3), c = 3.9217(3), Z = 2) in the x = 0.40 ~ 0.46
compositional range and cubic (see document)


title: Applications of chaos theory to history in the novels of Michael Ondaatje : disorder within order in The Collected Works of Billy the Kid, Coming Through Slaughter and In the Skin of a Lion

subject: Ondaatje, Michael - Criticism and interpretation

abstract:
This is a thesis studying Literary Chaos Theory and its use in explicating
the novels of Michael Ondaatje. The paper concentrates on elements of Chaos
theory, such as ‘strange attractors,’ ‘bifurcation points’ and ‘self-organizing
systems.’ These elements of Chaos theory help describe many dynamics in
Ondaatje’s writings which seem almost undescribable without them. Chaos
theory explains not only the mechanics of Ondaatje’s complicated style but also
Ondaatje’s treatment of the chaos of history within The Collected Works of Billy
the Kid, Coming Through Slaughter and In the Skin of a Lion. Ondaatje rewrites
history in such a way that he almost completely excludes the voices of the
dominant elements of our social superstructure. He ignores the voices of the
privileged, particularly in In the Skin of a Lion, and instead uses a multi-layered
narrative system which is accomodating due to its complexity. Ondaatje is able to
tell the stories of the marginal people and groups in history who otherwise don’t
have a voice in the ‘official’ versions of history. He weaves the perspectives of
many marginal characters together into one history. Ondaatje’s stories are not
only inclusive, but they also show the order in chaos in their complexity. This
paper discusses how Ondaatje draws identities for his characters, out of the
Chaotic narrative, by using machine imagery as synecdochal and metonymic
identifying tropes to show his order within the Chaos.


title: Social capital and the incidence of falls

subject: Falls (Accidents) in old age

subject: Social capital (Sociology) Health aspects

subject: Falls (Accidents) in old age Risk factors

abstract: Study participants : Seniors from Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

abstract:
Falls are a serious concern among the elderly as they often have pre-existing
comorbidities that increase their risk of injury as a result of a fall. Previous studies have
found links between biological, behavioural and environmental risk factors and falls
among the elderly.
The current study focused on the effect of social capital on falls among Guelph
seniors aged 75 and over whom were approached using non-probability convenience
sampling. Each of the 25 participants was interviewed and data was collected on the
following measures; basic demographics. Fear of Falling and social capital. Total falls
were tracked over a period of three months.
Men (9.34 ± 1.15) had higher balance confidence scores than women (7.86 ±
2.23). A significant positive correlation was found
between social capital and education
(r=.488, p=.013). A high degree of social capital was associated with an increase in
balance confidence scores (P=.455; p=.046) adjusting for covariates (model R²=.548).
Low level of housing, for example, rental and subsidized was associated with a higher
incidence of falls (p=.444; p=.056), even when controlling for the following independent
variables: age, gender, risk factors, education, social capital, income and balance
confidence (model R²=.471).
Falls are predictable and preventable. The current study highlights some areas for
public health intervention: housing, education and social capital.


title: We are more than missing and murdered: the healing power of re-writing, re-claiming and re-presenting

contributor:
Desmoulins, Leisa
Berger, Paul

subject: Storytelling pedagogy for Indigenous education

subject: Indigenous women, patriarchy & colonialism

subject: Storytelling letter-writing

abstract: This study explores remembrances (life stories) of Jane Bernard as shared by her daughter (my Nokomis) to her granddaughter (the researcher). I investigate how intergenerational learning through letter writing for remembrance within a family contributes to understanding and honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) more broadly. The focus on the life stories of Jane Bernard, one among MMIWG and a community member of Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay First Nation) of Lake Nipigon, inspires storytelling as a pedagogical method of Indigenous education about MMIWG. Using storytelling, letter writing, and conversation as the method, data were gathered through inter-generational written letters and the stories and conversations that followed. These methods evoked remembrances and life stories of MMIWG that are more than statistical representations and must be understood in wider contexts. Those contexts include the importance of Indigenous women’s influences, leadership, mothering roles, and relevant political and historical issues, as well. The stories shared by my Nokomis illuminate findings of the spiritual and ceremonial significance of land and the importance of honouring as a form of life-long learning that empowers, heals, and functions as education for decolonizing. In addition, I intersperse findings with background literature and illustrations to provide a cohesive picture of how honouring the life experiences and oral narratives of My Nokomis and Jane can humanize MMIWG and honour their legacy, as more than murdered and missing. The study concludes that my Nokomis’ stories of Jane as a MMIWG are inseparable from place (Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek). The study recommends storytelling pedagogy for Indigenous education, and for research on a broader scale in relation to Ojibwe women from Northwestern Ontario, specifically MMIWG.


title: Patterns and mechanisms of epiphytic macrolichen and abundance, diversity and composition in boreal forest

contributor:
Chen, Han
McLaren, Brian
Wang, Jian
Keene, Joan

subject:
Boreal forest
Conceptual framework
Epiphyte diversity
Logging
Macrolichens
Overstory composition

abstract:
Epiphytes are important components of the forest ecosystem, but the mechanisms that control epiphyte diversity are not clear. Epiphytes are sensitive to disturbance, but their responses to stand-replacing fire are poorly understood. Furthermore, despite increasing rates of logging in boreal forests, there is lack of understanding of the potential effects of logging relative to wildfire on epiphytic lichen abundance, diversity, and composition. The focus of this thesis was to: (1) identify the mechanisms that regulate epiphytic species diversity; (2) examine the responses of epiphytic macrolichen abundance, diversity, and composition to stand-replacing fire and multiple successional pathways of the canopy tree layer; (3) examine the temporal dynamics of epiphytic macrolichen
cover, richness, and composition as affected by disturbance origin, time since disturbance, and forest type; and (4) examine the influence of time since disturbance and host tree species on the species dynamics of epiphytic macrolichens in the central boreal forest of Canada.
A comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore possible mechanisms that regulate epiphytic species diversity and to develop a mechanistic framework to guide investigations of epiphyte assemblages. Six putative mechanisms of epiphyte species diversity were identified, and the extent to which the mechanisms interact was evaluated in a conceptual model. The mechanisms include constrained dispersal, slow growth rate, substrate availability, host tree mortality, disturbance, and global climate change. They are identified as inherent, local- and stand-level, and landscape-level mechanisms. The mechanisms are interrelated and the linkages between them were elaborated. Future studies should test these mechanisms over broad spatial and temporal scales.
The effects of time since wildfire and overstory composition on the dynamics of epiphytic lichens were examined in a retrospective study of 51 stands of conifer, mixed- wood, and broadleaf overstory boreal forest stands ranging from 7 to 209 years since fire. Total lichen cover continuously increased with stand age for all overstory types, and mixed-wood and conifer stands had higher total lichen cover than broadleaf stands in all age classes except similarly low cover in stands ¡Ü 15 years old for all overstory types. Lichen species richness reached peaks in 98- or 146-year-old stands, and mixed-wood stands had higher lichen richness than broadleaf and conifer stands at 98 years old, but
not at other age classes. Multivariate analysis indicated that lichen communities were compositionally distinct for all age classes and overstory types. The results demonstrate that epiphytic lichen communities show continued changes with time since disturbance that may span decades to centuries. Also, epiphytic lichens show a strong association with overstory composition with higher diversity in mixed-woods than conifer and broadleaf stands at canopy transition stage.
The temporal dynamics of epiphytic macrolichen cover, richness, and
composition as affected by disturbance origin, time since disturbance, and forest type was compared for logging vs. wildfire over 33-year chronosequences in Ontario, Canada. Epiphytic macrolichens had not recovered 7 years after fire or logging, but their cover
and richness thereafter increased with stand age for all overstory types. Within the same age and overstory, post-logged stands had lower or similar macrolichen cover and richness than post-fire stands, except for 33-year-old mixed-wood stands. More pronounced was the compositional difference of epiphytic lichens among overstory types, stand ages, and disturbance origins. The results demonstrate that epiphytic macrolichen abundance and diversity increase with stand age and lichen species composition is strongly influenced by overstory tree species composition. Furthermore, logging
produces epiphytic macrolichen communities different from fire. The different effects of logging vs. fire could be a result of different regeneration density, genetic diversity of trees, and soil nutrient availability and stoichiometry.
Epiphytic macrolichen species in post-fire successional stands were examined in relation to forest stand age (7 to 209 years since last fire disturbance) and host tree species (jack pine Pinus banksiana, trembling aspen Populus tremuloides, paper birch Betula papyrifera, black spruce Picea mariana, and balsam fir Abies balsamea) in the central boreal forest. Recruitment of epiphytic lichen species after fire increased with time since fire, with new recruits at every stage. The occurrence of individual epiphytic macrolichen species was strongly influenced by time since fire and host tree species. Some lichen species, most of which reproduce asexually, colonized early on in the stand initiation stage whereas others appeared to establish only in the mature and old-growth stands. Frequency of occurrence of some epiphytic lichen species on the host trees increased with time since fire, whereas others decreased. Multivariate analyses indicated significantly different epiphytic lichen species composition on host trees at each stand age. The majority of epiphytic lichen species appeared to be generalist species with occurrence on all tree species, except for a few species that were found exclusively on aspen.
In summary, epiphyte species diversity is regulated by multiple, interacting mechanisms that operate at local, stand-level, and landscape level. Epiphytic macrolichen abundance and diversity increase with stand age and lichen species composition is strongly influenced by overstory tree species composition. Epiphytic macrolichen communities in logged stands differ from in post-fire stands. Epiphytic lichens show habitat preferences, but the majority of species are rarely host-specific.


title: Changes in physiology and reproductive success in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) exposed to pulp and paper mill effluent / by Jacob D. Ouellet.

contributor:
Law, David
Lee, Peter

subject: Fathead minnow

subject: Wood-pulp industry - Environmental aspects

subject: Fathead minnow - Effect of water pollution on

subject: Thunder Bay (Ontario)

abstract:
As part of their manufacturing process, pulp and paper mills release effluent into waterways that may affect the fecundity, morphology, and physiology of invertebrates and vertebrates in the receiving ecosystem (Kovacs et al. 2006, McMaster et al. 2003, Munkittrick et al. 1998). Treatment systems within the pulp and paper mills are effective at removing many toxicants and improving effluent quality; however, pulp and paper mill effluents may still negatively impact the aquatic environment. Fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) are a useful vertebrate model species for environmental
monitoring because they spawn frequently, reproduction can easily be monitored, and a significant quantity of data has been published regarding their responses to chemicals and effluents (Rickwood and Dube 2007, Kovacs et al. 2005, Parrott and Wood 2004, among numerous others).
Our research involved using a short-term fathead minnow reproductive bioassay (which includes a 15-day pre-exposure period and a 6-day exposure period) in order to assess consistency and predictability of spawning, determine reproductive and physiological changes resulting from exposure to 10% (v/v) untreated kraft mill effluent (UK), 25% (v/v) secondary treated kraft mill effluent (SK), and 100% (v/v) combined mill outfall (CMO), and analyze the applicability and relevance of our 6-day reproduction test. Two set of experiments were run: river water vs. kraft mill effluent, and river water vs. combined mill outfall (CMO) effluent.
Pre-exposure and control fish showed predictable spawning, although a number of breeding pairs were required in order to ensure a sufficient sample size. Ten percent (v/v) UK decreased egg production dramatically, and 10% (v/v) UK and 25% (v/v) SK each caused masculinization in a female fathead minnow. While clarification and secondary effluent treatment appeared to improve the short-term reproductive impacts on fathead minnows observed in kraft mill effluent, these processes did not entirely remove the source of endocrine disruption causing masculinization. In contrast, the 100% (v/v) CMO effluent did not cause any observable reproductive or physiological changes. A short-term (6-day) exposure period appears to be sufficient for analysis of the effect of EDCs on vertebrate morphology and fecundity, although it is unclear whether responses were not observed in SK and CMO effluents because of the short observation period.

Study site : AbitibiBowater mill in Thunder Bay, Northwestern Ontario (discharge into the Kaministiquia River).


title: Aspects of the environmental chemistry of methoxychlor

subject:
Methoxychlor
Pesticides Environmental aspects

abstract:
Preliminary investigations on the Environmental Chemistry of Methoxychlor [2,2-bis (p - methoxyphenyl)-1,1,1- trichloroethane], a potential DDT replacement, have been conducted with emphasis on its degradation
by micro-organisms.
Literature reports on the microbial degradation of
methoxychlor are scarce, and in those reports the major
emphasis is on the interaction of this pesticide with
bacteria. Therefore, studies concerning the interaction
of micro-organisms with methoxychlor were initiated.
The micro-organisms used were the common soil fungi:
Trichoderma viride, Mortierella isabellina, M,pusilla,
and the aquatic fungus Saprolegnia parasitica. Also because of anomalous results reported in the literature
on the possible biodegradation of methoxychlor by a
bacterium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, this aspect of the
environmental fate of methoxychlor was reinvestigated.
Known metabolites of methoxychlor required for
this study were synthesized. Some of the synthetic
methods were slightly modified so as to improve yields
or facilitate purification of the products. Also to
facilitate the identification of possible degradation
products, the spectroscopic properties (MS and NMR) of these various methoxychlor derivatives were studied.
A gas chromatographic method was developed for the
analyses of these compounds and included the silylation
of the phenolic compounds.
Little is known about the fungitoxicity of methoxychlor
or its metabolites, thus such fungitoxicity studies
were carried out. It was found that the dihydroxy
methoxychlor derivatives were more toxic than the dimethoxy
methoxychlor derivatives, towards the fungi used. In
fungal metabolism studies with methoxychlor, M.isabellina,
M.pusilla and S.parasitica were found to be capable of
partially degrading methoxychlor, by effecting the ether
cleavage of the methoxy groups in the molecule. T.viride
did not effect a similar alteration of the methoxychlor
molecule but appears to produce at least one metabolite
of methoxychlor. It is suggested that this metabolite
is a glycoside. No evidence was found to indicate that
the fungi studied attacked the central part of the
methoxychlor molecule.
K,pneumoniae was found to be capable of the reductive
dechlorination of methoxychlor and also its hydroxy
derivative [2,2-bis (p - hydroxyphenyl) -1,1,1-  trichloroethane]. It was also established that this bacterium does not effect the cleavage of the methoxy groups in methoxychlor.
.


title: The history of deforestation in Southwestern Ontario and methods used in afforestation of old agricultural fields – a literature review

subject:
Afforestation
Deforestation
History of settlement southern Ontario
Private land tree planting
Tree planting methods

abstract:
The forests of southwestern Ontario were logged in the 1700’s for use by the
British and French navies as ship masts, spars and hulls. Early settlers cleared the forests
to make way for agriculture and settlements. The large-scale deforestation had
devastating results to the land and people. Erosion, flooding, drought, loss of wildlife
and fish habitat, the inability to grow crops and deserted farms resulted. Eventually, it
was recognized that planting trees was the only way that the damage could be restored.
As a result, legislation was passed to encourage tree planting but it took time and the
willingness of municipalities, landowners, government and concerned agricultural
groups for trees to be planted on a larger scale.
This thesis is a literature review describing the history of land clearing in
southwestern Ontario and explores the use of afforestation methods to regenerate old
agricultural fields. A great deal has been learned about the best practices for success in
afforestation. Understanding soil type, matching tree species to soil, species
requirements, planting methods, competition control and tending are all important
factors. After over two hundred years when deforestation started restoration of the land
still continues in southwestern Ontario as is exemplified by popular tree planting
programs in effect today such as the 50 Million tree program.


title: Effects of kettlebell mass & swing cadence on heart rate, blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion during an interval kettlebell swing protocol

subject:
Kettlebells
Exercise tests

abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of kettlebell mass and swing cadence on heart rate, blood lactate and RPE during an interval kettlebell swing protocol in experienced female kettlebell users. Eighteen female participants completed 3 five-minute rounds of a 15-second on, 15-second off interval kettlebell swing protocol using an 8, 12 and 16 kg kettlebell on three separate testing sessions. Each testing session used a cadence of 8, 10 or 12 swing per 15 second interval (SPl[superscript 15]). Mean values for heart rate, blood lactate and RPE were measured for each five minute round of each testing session. The results of the repeated
measures analysis of variance revealed that significant main effects were found for kettlebell mass (p < 0.05) and swing cadence (p < 0.05) on both heart rate and RPE. No significant interaction effects were found between heart rate and RPE, however, interaction effects were found for blood lactate. Pairwise comparisons indicated that the blood lactate interaction effects occurred between the 8 and 12 kg kettlebell at each cadence level (8, 10, 12 SPI), and between the 8 and 10 SPI cadence while using the 8 kg kettlebell. The results revealed that the kettlebell swing, regardless of kettlebell mass or swing cadence, provided ‘moderate’ to ‘vigorous’
intensity exercise that was sufficient to increase cardiovascular health according to ACSM guidelines. The results suggest specific kettlebell swing mass and cadence combinations that can be implemented into a strength and conditioning program.


title: Intergenerational transmission of child sexual abuse : partner preference, boundaries, safety evaluation, and attachment among female survivors / Holly M. Cooper --

contributor:
Netley, Charles
Jamieson, John
Steven, Darlene
Rawana, Edward

subject: Child sexual abuse - Psychological aspects

subject: Sexually abused children - Psychology.

subject: Child sexual abuse - Prevention.

subject: Sexual abuse survivors

abstract:
Researchers have documented that child sexual abuse (CSA) tends to follow a multigenerational pattern in families. Female CSA survivors are likely to report significant parenting difficulties, particularly with boundary setting and attachment.
Mothers of sexually abused children commonly report sexual abuse in their own childhood. This has led some writers to speculate that mothers with a history of childhood abuse may unknowingly choose partners who are sexual perpetrators and that they may have difficulty recognizing unsafe situations for their own children. As a result, their children appear to be at increased risk. The purpose of this study was to examine several mechanisms which be related to the indirect transmission of CSA. Two-hundred and forty-five female university students completed a series of questionnaires concerning child abuse history, partner preference, parenting boundaries, child safety evaluation, and attachment style. Data analyses revealed that females with CSA were more likely than
non-abused females to prefer and select partners with childhood abuse histories. While this finding that “like attracts like” is somewhat consistent with the mate selection literature, it has huge implications for sexual abuse survivors. As well, results also showed that survivors were more likely than non-abused females to rate all situations as posing an increased risk to child safety. While it appears that abused females are more likely to label situations as highly unsafe, it is possible that this type of hyper-vigilance may lead to difficulties in recognizing danger cues. Finally, this study also demonstrated that significantly more females in the abused group presented with a Dismissive attachment style. One explanation is that this type of attachment style might limit
communication in families, placing children at further risk for abuse.


title: Behavioral bioassay examining the effects of ethanol on flagfish reproduction

subject:
Flagfish
Alcohol
Fishes Reproduction

abstract:
A behavioral bioassay method was developed to examine
the effects of ethanol on the reproductive success and
behavior of flagfish (Jordanella floridae). Reproductive
behavior was divided into eight categories; egg tending;
nesting; t-circling; chasing a faded female; spawning;
guarding; chasing; and inattentive behavior. The dominant
male in each tank was observed for ten minutes daily for
five days before and after ethanol exposure. The data was
examined to determine the frequency with which each behavior
occurred, the percent of the Total Frequency that each
behavior represented, the total time spent at each behavior, and the sequential order in which the behaviors occurred.
Total Frequency, the number of times the fish switched
from one behavior to another, was reduced when the fish were
exposed to concentrations of ethanol ranging from 0.5 to 3.0
g/liter. When behavior was analyzed with respect to the
eight behavioral categories, it was found that no single
behavior contributed to the decline but rather the number
of times a fish engaged in each behavior was reduced.
Accompanying this reduction in activity was an increase in
inattentive behavior. When sequences of behavior were
examined, no significant change occurred even at the higher
ethanol concentrations.
Fewer eggs were recovered from adults exposed to 2.0 and 3.0 g/liter. Of the eggs produced, hatchability and
larval survival exceeded 94% and 90%, respectively, at all
concentrations tested. It was concluded that the reduction
in spawning activities at concentrations of 1.5, 2.0, and
3.0 g/liter ethanol was due to the overall reduction in
activity. It appears that the dominant male must maintain
a minimal threshold of activity to successfully spawn.


title: Comparing the symmetry of walking in transtibial amputees: biomechanical differences of prosthetic heel lifts

contributor:
Zerpa, Carlos
Liu, Meilan
Ravanelli, Nicholas
Sanzo, Paolo

subject:
Transtibial prosthetics
Gait kinetics
Transtibial gait patterns
Prosthetic heel lift

abstract:
Prosthetic devices provide an avenue to accommodate transtibial amputees and
mechanically restore some of their walking functionality. The loss of a lower limb results in
significant mobility changes for these individuals’ prosthetic gait patterns, which are commonly
characterized by asymmetry and changes in force distribution, leading to an increased risk of
secondary musculoskeletal injuries. Shock absorbing shoe materials seem to provide a potential
solution for improving functional outcomes in lower limb amputees to restore symmetrical
walking patterns. Based on this evidence, this study examined the effect of two different types of
shoe materials on restoring some of the symmetrical characteristics of a normal walking pattern
for transtibial amputees. The type of shoe materials included thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
and a conventional foam heel lift commonly used with prosthetic devices, to observe changes in
symmetry of force, energy, and power. The researcher performed static compression tests to
observe changes in the properties of the material and identify its energy absorption capabilities.
Dynamic impact tests were also performed to examine the effect of heel lift types (TPU heel lift,
conventional heel lift, and no heel lift) on measures of force and energy absorption when
combined with a passive prosthetic foot and flat-soled shoe during a simulated heel-strike.
Finally, the researcher conducted dynamic human participant testing to examine the effect of the
shoe material in the symmetry of walking between the amputated and non-amputated limbs of
transtibial amputees during the braking and propulsion phases of gait for measures of ground
reaction force (GRF), energy, and power. The results of this study revealed that the TPU heel lift,
when compared to the conventional heel lift, had a significantly higher capacity for energy
absorption during both static compression testing and dynamic impact testing, and generated
significantly less force than the conventional heel lift during dynamic testing. This study also found that the TPU had a significantly increased symmetry ratio for measures of energy during
propulsion when compared a no heel condition. No other significant differences were found for
the TPU heel lift. The findings of this study may have implications for the design of footwear
and insoles that are used with lower limb prosthetic devices and suggest avenues for future
research.


title: System formulation for parallel circuit analysis

subject:
Circuit decomposition
Communication systems
Node-tearing formulation
Parallel circuit analysis
VLSI circuits
WAVEOP

abstract:
Advances in communication systems and VLSI circuits increase the performance requirements and complexity of circuits. During the design process, there is a need to perform computationally demanding numerical simulations to verify the functionality of circuits under design. One way to reduce computing time is to use parallel processing. This thesis discusses different techniques for parallel circuit analysis with emphasis in the formulation of equations for a circuit decomposed in subcircuit blocks.
For manually decomposed circuit, this thesis introduces two approaches to formulate circuit equations. The two formulations allow to independently analyze each subcircuit block by periodically exchanging information with a master process. A node-tearing process is used to divide the system Jacobian in blocks. The first formulation is base on the nodal voltages and currents at the interface nodes. The second formulation is presented in this thesis for the first time and uses scattering waves to exchange information between subcircuits. The two formulations are described in detail and implemented in a general circuit simulator.
Simulation results comparing the performance of the proposed formulations for different circuits are presented. These results indicate that there is no advantage in using waves to exchange information between subcircuits. Moreover, at least with the current software implementation the formulation based on nodal variables is significantly more efficient. This thesis concludes with a road map for future work.


title: Impacts of different forest watershed composition factors on soil condition in upstream of Miyun Reservoir Watershed, nothern China and its current situation

subject:
Miyun Reservoir Watershed
Sustainable development
Watershed management
Soil condition
Water and soil erosion

abstract:
This thesis explores the Miyun Reservoir Watershed’s soil condition and
the current situation it faces now. Miyun Reservoir is located in northern Beijing
and has more than sixty years of history. It is the primary water source in Beijing
and was listed as a first-grade water source protection in 1985. The reservoir has a
maximum surface area of 188 square kilometers, and it is shaped like an
equilateral triangle. For a better sustainable development, the government and
each department began to plan and survey Miyun Reservoir in 1951. Nowadays,
the scale of watershed treatment development is getting bigger and bigger, and
this place has received more and more attention. By doing literature reviews and
analysis from the database, this thesis discusses the factors that affect the soil
condition changes in various watershed compositions, such as land-use types, soil
properties, soil organic matters, topography, and water areas. Different
components can affect soil moisture, chemical elements in soil, and the degree of
soil erosion from all aspects. At the same time, it also faces the pollution
problems, which leads to a decrease in water quality and balance of the ecosystem
there. More policies are implemented in the Miyun Reservoir, and it becomes
more and more important for better environmental protection and tourism
development.