title: Reassessing Innocent III’s involvement in England between 1205 and 1215

contributor:
Lidbetter, Sebastian (author)
(MacDonald, Jennifer) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Innocent III’s involvement in England is often discussed in the context of the pontiff’s infamous entanglement with Magna
Carta and the events which led up to it. This includes the dispute over the election of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the interdict which followed thereafter. His involvement in the events preceding Magna Carta, the Great Interdict and the
Canterbury Dispute, resulted in the King of England, John I, submitting the kingdoms of England and Ireland, as well as a large sum of money, to the papacy. Later, after John signed Magna Carta, Innocent III declared the document null and void. On initial assessment of the pontiff’s involvement in these affairs, it is tempting to draw the conclusion that Innocent III’s motives were tied up in a desire to become a feudal overlord and disempower the secular leaders of Europe. However, this initial assessment does not consider Innocent’s motives in full. By looking at Innocent III’s involvement in the Canterbury Dispute, the Great Interdict, and Magna Carta, and by closely examining the narrative of each event, the pontiff’s motivations for his interference can be more easily grasped. Furthermore, the pontiff’s motivations can then be understood, not in terms of secular interference, but instead as reasonable and just judgements on matters that the
pontiff was invited to preside over. There are many sources available from this period and each help uncover the narrative. Perhaps the most valuable of these sources are the letters of Innocent’s own papal office and King John’s court, some of which are only available in the original Latin text. Together, these letters offer insight into some of Innocent’s thoughts as he presided over these three events.

abstract: History & Classics


title: Field testing the nutrition inventory for community-dwelling elders (NICE) to determine consumer readability and comprehension

type: Text Dissertation/Thesis

contributor:
Elaun, Shahed (Shae) Abou (author)
(Morley, Catherine) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

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

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
In 2008-2009, one-third of Canadian older adults, aged 65 years and older, were at malnutrition risk. This high prevalence is due to the combination of multiple factors associated with the aging process. Adequate nutrient consumption is imperative for older adults’ overall health. Yet, the efforts to provide the ageing population with adequate nutrition and health services encounters many practical problems and is associated with increased risks. Therefore, older adults should be assessed for food and nutrition risk to enable the delivery of effective health interventions. Existing nutrition assessment tools focus on hospitalized individuals and tends to neglect important factors that may impact older adults’ nutritional status, such as access to food and safe handling, preparation, and consumption of food. Immediate identification of older adults’ that
display food and malnutrition risk, may decrease the alarmingly high rates of malnutrition, hospitalization, and mortality. The objectives of this study were to field test a Nutrition Inventory for Community-dwelling Elders (NICE), an instrument developed to screen for food and nutrition risks in community-dwelling older adults, to ensure consumers’ readability and
comprehension. This research was carried out in two phases: 1) during the first field test study, elderly respondents (n=11) from the Wolfville NewComers’ Club completed the NICE instrument, then were asked a series of seven interview questions about each item to evaluate the 19-item NICE instrument. The information was analyzed qualitatively and tabulated for the panel that devised the NICE; 2) in the second phase a panel of nutrition experts (n=5) evaluated the NICE instrument items validity, comprehensibility, and readability. Amendments to instrument items were implemented to develop the final draft of the NICE. The expert panel’s revisions to the NICE content consisted of the inclusion and exclusion of items, and the amendments to complicated wording and phrases. Thereby, ensuring that the NICE is a valid and useful assessment tool for the older population living at home. The revisions were made to assure that the tool would identify older adults
with nutrition risks, to aid with possible educational or interventional purposes, and to decrease the high rates of malnourished older adult

abstract: Nutrition & Dietetics


title: Text mining of Twitter data using an LDA topic model and sentiment analysis

contributor:
Yang, Sidi (author)
(Zhang, Haiyi) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: I explore text mining of Twitter plain text data in English using Latent Dirichlet Allocation topic modelling  and  sentiment  analysis. Using  a  probabilistic  LDA  topic  model  to  discern  the  most popular topics in the Twitter data is an effective way to analyze a large set of tweets to find a set of topics in a computationally efficient manner. Sentiment analysis provides an effective method to show the emotions and sentiments found in each tweet and an efficient way to summarize the results in a manner that is clearly understood.

abstract: Computer Science


title: We're all gonna die anyway: uncovering motives for suicide ideation using a goal regulation perspective on living

contributor:
Quayle, Taylor (author)
(Hayes, Joseph) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: Approximately every 40 seconds someone in the world commits suicide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2015), this amounts to 800,000 people losing their lives to suicide each year. The aim of the present research is to add insight as to why someone may consider suicide by implementing a goal regulation perspective on living, as survival is a goal like any other. In the following study, I manipulated death thoughts through a standard mortality salience (vs dental pain) induction. After a delay period, I had participants recall a time in which a goal that was very important to them ended in failure (vs. achievement). It was predicted that mortality salience would increase participant's openness to suicide if they recalled a failure and were low in life satisfaction. This pattern was not observed. Result suggested that among participants with high life satisfaction who were reminded of an achievement, mortality salience significantly reduced openness to suicide. Although the results did not identify significant predicters of increased openness to die by suicide, the observed significant effect may nevertheless provide insights for future research.

abstract: Psychology


title: The book of Ruth

contributor:
Carruthers, Micah (author)
(Campbell, Wanda) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

abstract:
The Book of Ruth is a verse biography about New Brunswicker Ruth Carruthers, and it spans from her birth in 1926 to 2018. The collection holds 36 poems, and is divided into eight sections, the first being a poetical foreword that frames the work’s
perspective and intention. It explains that the poems to follow are inspired by stories that Ruth told the author as a child, which are then reimagined in verse, and accompanied with family photos. This collection serves to both demonstrate the cyclical nature of life in the same breath that it attempts to capture it, and ultimately illustrates how it is through storytelling that we find each other and ourselves.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Application of a multi-hydrophone drifter and porpoise detection software for monitoring Atlantic harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) activity in and near Minas Passage

contributor:
Adams, Michael J. (author)
(Redden, Anna) (Thesis advisor)
(Sanderson, Brian) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
The environmental effects monitoring program for tidal energy development at the Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy test facility in Minas Passage requires examination of the effects on marine life, and includesAtlantic harbour porpoise, Phocoena phocoena (Linnaeus, 1758). All prior passive acoustic studies of porpoises in Minas Passage have used stationary, bottom-moored acoustic recorders (CPODs and icListenHF). Flow noise and noise associated with moorings and mobile sediments were identified as major issues for the acoustic detection of porpoises.  The present study employed a custom designed drifting hydrophone (icListenHF) array to mitigate the effects of flow noise and moorings on passive acoustic harbour porpoise monitoring. The drifting array was deployed for a 5-7 hour drift on each of six days during 12th-27th June 2017. Harbour porpoise presence and behaviour, detected using the newly developed Coda click detector,
was assessed in Minas Passage and adjacent areas. The effects of short-duration anthropogenic noise from fishing vessels and other boat traffic were found to have no observable effect on porpoise presence. The multi-hydrophone array detected porpoise clicks generated both above and below 15 m. Spatio-temporal and current speed patterns in porpoise activity
were observed, with porpoise activity being lowestin Minas Basin, during early afternoon (1500-1700 UTC), and when current speed was <1m/s. The Coda detector was effective in identifying three behavioural modes in the harbour porpoise inter-click interval data. These were classified as feeding, searching and navigation trains. A novel finding was patterned clusters of clicks in most feeding trains and in 25% of search trains. This study will serve to inform future use of drifting hydrophone arrays for assessing harbour porpoise presence, abundance and behaviour in Minas Passage and, potentially,  at high flow sites elsewhere

abstract: Biology


title: The social uncanny: dialogues with places, bodies and objects in Stephen King's The shining, It, and Cell

contributor:
Cuthbertson, Natalie Mary (author)
(La Rocque, Lance) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
This thesis begins with an introduction to the history of Horror fiction, an introduction to Stephen King, a discussion about important terms that relate to King’s work such as the uncanny, the eerie, and the weird. Further, I discuss critics who have
touched upon Sigmund Freud’s The Uncanny (1919) such as Mark Fisher, and their importance in King’s work. I then introduce my notion of the social uncanny, which is how the social uncanny impacts multiple individuals in a location or world that is similar to our own reality; unfamiliar events that unfold make people feel a sense of wrongness (unfamiliar emotions emerge, such as dread and horror) and are shocking because the uncanny does not belong in that reality.
I also discuss how my version of the uncanny that I discuss in relation to King’s work differentiates from other definitions of the uncanny. Further, I explain the difference between the individual and social unconscious and how King uses the social unconsciousness within his work. Chapter One focuses on how the history of a location influences people and civilization
(not just one person, but entire communities) by using the uncanny, and how physical locations control multiple people.
The social uncanny cannot exist without history, because history largely impacts the way in which people remember and see a place. Chapter Two discusses how the uncanny plays with what people understand and know about their everyday
reality, and when things in one’s reality changes, whether it is a person, feeling, location, sound, object, or movement, it creates the social uncanny.  This is done in King’s prose by manipulating and changing temporality by using repetition to play with what people understand of reality, and how one’s reality becomes unfamiliar once the uncanny takes place.  Chapter Three focuses on how the uncanny plays with and manipulates objects and technologies within society by
using movement or through personification. The infrastructure of society is being manipulated in order to make the basic physical and organizational systems unrecognizable.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Time under tension on acute testosterone production

contributor:
Tibert, Nicholas (author)
(Fowles, Jonathon) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Aging is accompanied by a major loss in muscle mass due to sarcopenia, and a decline in aerobic and cognitive ability. Resistance training can prevent sarcopenia, improve muscle mass, and improve cognitive and aerobic functioning in older adults, thus improving quality of life and improving the ability to perform activities of daily living.
Different types and arrangement of training variables create different anabolic responses and therefore, different adaptations. Workouts with higher amounts of volume typically create a larger anabolic response, although it is uncertain if this response is driven by intensity, or total work through the increase in the number of sets and repetitions. Even though there have been many studies reporting the anabolic response to these different training variables, there has not been a study, to our knowledge, reporting the effects of time under tension (TUT)on the anabolic responsein older adults.
Our study examined the acute testosterone production to TUT during two training protocols. Testosterone was measured sing Salimetrics Passive Drool Collection aid and assay kit before and after exercise. Testosterone differences were analyzed using multiple paired t-tests. Differences were analyzed for main effects for training i.e. pre-post (n=32), for high and low TUT (n=16) and for each protocol (n=8). Statistical significance was accepted at p<0.05. Based on the findings of this study, incorporating longer tempos, up to a total of 6 seconds per repetition will increase the metabolic demand of the exercise, increasing total volume and thus creating a larger anabolic response that is related to greater muscle protein synthesis (MPS). Over time, greater MPS due to TUT, will create larger muscle mass adaptations while ensuring safety and
adherence to training.

abstract: Kinesiology


title: Creating the white working class in 2016 America: how discourse and identity become powerful political forces

contributor:
Wambolt, Nicole (author)
(Biro, Andrew) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

abstract: This thesis investigates the 2016 American presidential campaign in an effort to understand how the white working class is constituted as a group of voters who were brought together not just by a shared class and economic experience or identity, but also as a powerful political discourse that describes how xenophobic, racist, and sexist viewpoints were brought to the surface of American society as white Americans felt alienated and excluded from their own country. The white working class became a particular group of interest during this time period because of its association with Donald Trump as it was described as the base of his voters. Using the work and theory of Stuart Hall, my thesis will identify how the ideas of society, culture, ideology, communication, and identity can be used to explain particular political moments and identities like the white working class in 2016 America. Hall’s analysis of Thatcherism and the ‘new wave of conservatism’ found in Great Britain in the 1980s provides a useful framework to help understand the construction of the white working class in relation to Trump. In order to understand the construction of the white working class, this thesis will apply the political analysis found in Hall’s work on Thatcherism to three slogans of Trump’s presidential campaign of “Build the wall!” “USA! USA!” and Lock her up!” This thesis will examine how the white working class was created and how it became a powerful political force in the 2016 American presidential campaign.

abstract: Politics


title: Design and refinement of a broad-spectrum imaging system for the examination of archival documents

contributor:
Raiche-Tanner, Olivia (author)
(Robertson, Michael) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: An ultraviolet-to-near-infrared multipurpose imaging system was successfully developed.   To  meet  experimental  needs,  the  system  had  to  be  inexpensive,  portable, produce high-quality images and be self-contained (consisting of all the light sources, filters and other equipment necessary for image production).  Refinement of the system was done both qualitatively, by visually evaluating image quality, and quantitatively, by using spectroscopic techniques to produce spectra for the light sources and filters which allowed us to better match components to document requirements.  The functionality of the system was tested in a practical application setting - imaging documents from the Acadia University archives and the CBU Beaton Institute. By taking advantage of the response of different archival materials to light, our imaging system was used to capture images of long-faded texts that appeared visible under ultravio-let and infrared luminescence conditions for black and blue inks, respectively.  These phenomena were investigated first through a literature search and subsequently using spectroscopic and microscopic analysis methods.  This investigation showed evidence for the pigment Prussian blue being the infrared luminescent material in blue inks. UV luminescence restoring dark inks was found to be likely due to the luminescence of the paper substrates.

abstract: Physics


title: The extended mind: a case of mental vehicular negligence

contributor: (Wilks, Anna Frammartino) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
In 1998 a thought experiment made a splash in the philosophy of mind. Its objective was to demonstrate that the mind is not all in the head. The mind can be extended when certain conditions obtain between thinker and environment. Typically, the sufficient condition is functional similarity between what goes on in the head, and what goes on beyond the head. Take notebooks, for example. They can be used to record information that represents beliefs, thoughts, or desires that are normally contained by the brain. The intuition is that if some external object plays a role in some process that, if done in the head, we would consider a mental process, then that object is a part of the mind, location notwithstanding.
But without the de facto boundaries of the skin and skull, what is the new limit to the extension of the mind? Functional similarity is sufficient to get the mind out of the head, but it is silent as to where exactly to redraw the line of the mind. Limiting conditions are needed because if, for example, a notebook is sufficiently similar so as to count as a part of your mind, then would the Yellowpages count too, just because you used them to order pizza? In the quest for new limits on the mind I look to such places as proper parts theory and dynamical systems theory, but ultimately find no new mental boundaries.
I conclude by considering a few of the many absurd consequences admitting the possibility of extended minds has for the notions of selfhood and personal identity.

abstract: Philosophy


title: In defense of classical logic

contributor:
Xu, Paul (author)
(Maitzen, Stephen) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Conundrums such as the liar paradox have driven some philosophers to conclude that classical logic is faulty. In this thesis, I aim to defend classical logic against some of its most notable opponents: paraconsistent logics (including relevance logic) and intuitionistic logic. Examining the general strategies of nonclassical logicians’ critiques of classical logic,  I  respond  to  their  normative  arguments  by  challenging  the  idea  that  logic  is normative.  I  then  proceed  to  examine  paraconsistent  logic,  showing  that  it  relies  on classically valid rules of inference, such as disjunctive syllogism, which it explicitly rejects. Suspecting that challenges to classical logic are ill-motivated, I argue that both dialetheism and intuitionism rest on misdiagnoses of nonlogical issues as matters of logic. Lastly I address  the curious  problem  of  'unsupposables’,  propositions  that  allegedly  cannot  be supposed for the sake of inferring. While the problem presents an interesting challenge to the classical conception of logical implication as necessary truth-preservation, it ultimately
rests on the same error as dialetheism and intuitionism: it, too, seems to be motivated by nonlogical worries. I show with this thesis that some of the most frequently raised concerns about the supposedly paradoxical features of classical logic in fact arise from nonlogical considerations which do not warrant modifications to logic.

abstract: Philosophy


title: A geophysical, petrological and reservoir potential study of the Glass Sand marker unit and associated sandtones in the Upper Horton Group, Windsor Basin, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Cameron, Reid (author)
(Spooner, Ian) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
A geological evaluation of sandstones in the Upper Horton Bluff Formation (UHBF), Horton Group, Nova Scotia, was undertaken to determine reservoir potential with emphasis on the Glass Sand marker unit (GS). Multiple wells have been drilled in the Windsor Basin, Nova Scotia (NS), targeting quartz arenite sandstones in the UHBF, yet there has been no hydrocarbon production to date. This project was initiated to identify whether these sandstones have the potential to conventionally store and transmit hydrocarbon in economic quantities. Wireline logs of the UHBF from 7 wells show
multiple clean sand units that have American Petroleum Institute (API)values between 35 and 60. Based on an Interpretation of gamma ray returns, these units typically coarsen upwards.
A mature quartz arenite bed conforming to strip log and outcrop descriptions is identifiable in only two of the drill cores, which suggests that the GS as observed in outcrop is likely not a basin-wide phenomenon. Strip logs describe multiple occurrences of well indurated, texturally mature quartz arenites commonly interbedded with black, carbonaceous shales; petroliferous odours and signs of degassing were common and noted in well reports. In outcrop, these sand beds lie stratigraphically below the GS and are characterized by hummocky cross stratification (HCS) and ichnofacies consistent with a shallow marine setting. These beds, along with the overlying, more massive GS which also contains marine ichnofacies, are interpreted to have been deposited in an upper shoreface environment and represent the uppermost portion of a marine parasequence.
Thin section analysis and liquid porosity and permeability testing were performed on both drill core and outcrop samples
of sandstone within the UHBF at a variety of locations and yielded porosities between 6 and 12% with permeability readings  1 milliDarcy (mD). Petrology of the thin sections indicate that these sands are compositionally and texturally mature and that burial diagenesis is common within drill core samples. Preservation of muscovite and feldsparin core samples was also evident and contributes to diminished porosity and permeability values at depth through the formation of clay minerals. A significant conclusion of this study is that the GS does not appear to be a reliable basin-wide marker unit; Irecommend that this designation be discontinued. As well, the mature sands within UHBF do not appear to have conventional reservoir potential, though their proximity to carbonaceous shales, considerable thickness, and brittle nature may facilitate development by unconventional processes.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Triazole resistance in gene knockout strains of the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus Fresen (Trichocomaceae)

contributor:
Winder, Rhys Anthony Roy (author)
(Walker, Allison) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Aspergillus fumigatus Fresen (Trichocomaceae, Ascomycota) is a ubiquitous, saprophytic fungus and the causal agent of invasive aspergillosis (IA), one of the most serious clinical invasive fungal infections.Reports of increased prevalence of antifungal resistant strains of A. fumigatus have led to research on genes and proteins that could be used as potential targets for future antifungal treatments. Susceptibility screening was conducted on glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)
anchored protein, chitinase, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SrbA) gene knockout (KO) strains of A. fumigatus using the common triazole antifungal drug Itraconazole (ITC). Gene KO strains that displayed an abnormal minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the presence of the antifungal drug were selected to undergo proteomic analysis consisting of liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) and two-dimensional (2D) differential gel electrophoresis (DIGE). The GPI-anchored protein, and chitinase gene KO strains tested displayed no observable variation in their MIC after exposure to ITC. The ΔsrbA mutant strain analyzed exhibited a MIC of 0.0625mg/
L, which differed from the wild-type strain MIC of 0.5mg/L.  The 2-D DIGE electrophoresis revealed nine protein spots with variation in abundances between the ΔsrbA mutant strain and the wild-type strain. Comparative LC-MS/MS analysis revealed significant variation in protein abundances between the ΔsrbA mutant strain and the wild-type strain of A. fumigatus.  Variation in the abundance of proteins related to mitochondrial function, iron regulation, and fatty acid biosynthesis, as well as DNA damage response, drug transport, and mycotoxin production represent interesting findings related to the functioning of the ΔsrbA mutant strain. These findings provide insights into metabolic pathways  and
proteins that have altered regulation in the ΔsrbA  strain of A. fumigatus during triazole stress, and present an opportunity for future research to explore their uses as therapeutic targets and to broaden our understanding of the mechanisms of antifungal drug resistance.

abstract: Biology


title: Investigating the role of platelets in thromboelastographic measurements of human plasma and whole blood

contributor:
Kollipara, Roshni S. (author)
(Easy, Russell) (Thesis advisor)
(Geske, Jon) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
The role of platelets is vital to human health and a very important factor in clinical settings. People who suffer from coagulation disorders are at an increased risk when undergoing surgical procedures. The primary objective of this investigation was to explore how platelets in human blood could be observed and quantified using thromboelastography.
Whole blood donations from human volunteers were collected using venipuncture. Platelet counts were varied in order to determine sensitivity of the thromboelastographic instrument to platelet activity. Platelet inhibitors acetylsalicylic acid, theophylline, cytochalasin D, and eptifibatide acetate were used to measure a decrease in platelet activity. Platelet agonists adenosine diphosphate and fibrinogen were used to increase platelet activity above normal physiological levels, which was then observed through thromboelastographic parameters. Inhibitors that targeted pathways involved in primary coagulation were used to test proportional decrease in clot strength when inhibitor concentration was increased.
Detection of a decrease in platelet activity was successful, however increases were not observed. The results suggest that the response of platelet-rich plasma to platelet agonists is not directly measurable through thromboelastography. The present research will provide methodologies for measuring coagulation conditions in human blood. Thus, providing more information on the relatively new technology of thromboelastography can open doors to better treatment.

abstract: Biology


title: Sex and age effects on neuromuscular co-contraction patterns during double leg jump landings: relevance to non-contact ACL injuries

contributor:
Fioretti, Samuel P. (author)
(Landry, Scott) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries represent some of the most frequent and detrimental sporting injuries of the lower extremities. The ACL passively resists anterior tibial translation and stabilizes the knee during internal/external and varus/valgus moments. Non-contact ACL injuries, those which do not involve a direct blow to the knee, account for upward of 70% of all ACL injuries. Furthermore, females are 2-8 times more likely to sustain a non-contact ACL injury after the onset of puberty, making the identification of risk factors imperative to mitigating the devastating effects of this injury. The present study examined the effect of sex and age (pre-pubescent versus post-pubescent) on muscle co-contraction patterns during the first and second landing phases of double leg drop jumps, a maneuver which puts athletes at risk of injury. A comprehensive protocol developed within the John MacIntyre motion Laboratory of Applied Biomechanics enabled longitudinal data to be collected for the purpose of identifying non-contact ACL injury risk factors. Different neuromuscular co-contraction patterns at the knee joint may jeopardize the stability of the knee and thereby put the ACL at risk of injury.  Recent research has focused on the role that co-contraction of the hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles with the quadriceps may have on the stability of the knee during dynamic movement. Specifically, decreased hamstring activation and increased gastrocnemius activation at small knee flexion angles during jump landings have been noted to increase
the risk of lower body injury. Elite level athletes (males n=49, females n=54) recruited from Acadia’s varsity programs and local youth sport organizations participated in this study. Of the males, 27 were categorized as pre-pubescent (age =
10.56 years ±1.85) and 22 post-pubescent (age = 20.77 years ±2.43). Likewise, 25 females were categorized as pre-pubescent (age = 10.72 years ±1.28) and 29 post pubescent (age = 20.07 years ±1.31). A double leg drop jump protocol was
used to calculate pre and post contact landing phase co-contraction index (CCI) values between the quadriceps (vastus lateralis (VL), and the vastus medialis (VM)), the hamstrings (biceps femoris or lateral hamstring (LH), and the emitendinosus
/ semimem branosus or medial hamstring (MH)), and the gastrocnemii (medial head of the gastrocnemius (MG), and the lateral head of the gastrocnemius (LG)) using a 16 channel wireless electromyography system and 3 force plates. A 2-way between subjects ANOVA was used to test for age (pre-pubescent versus post-pubescent), sex (male versus female) or
interaction effects on the CCI values between the quadriceps-hamstring medial and lateral pairings and between the
quadriceps-gastrocnemii medial and lateral pairings for the dominant leg. The results of this study demonstrated that
compared to pre-pubescent athletes, post-pubescent athletes exhibited smaller CCI values both medially and laterally
during the two pre-landing phases. It was also observed that post-pubescent athletes exhibit greater CCI values for the LG and VL paring during the first post-landing phase. Females also exhibited greater MH and VM activation during the first
pre-landing phase of the double leg drop jumps. These findings provide insight into the influence that co-contraction, preparatory activation, and differing jumping phases may have as risk factors for non-contact ACL injuries in pre-and post-pubescent athletes. In addition, it is suggested that building on the present findings may help determine when the optimal
time is to start implementing injury prevention programs focused on sex and age.

abstract: Biology


title: Denying duality: a qualitative study of the racial identity of biracial young adults

contributor:
Bachar, Sarah M. K. (author)
(Bonner, Claudine) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
The following research project tells a story about the way that race is experienced in Canada, a country which prides itself on its multiculturalism. This research explores, through qualitative semi-structured interviews, the experiences of five biracial university students in rural Atlantic Canada. Taking an intersectional lens, this research project explores the self-
identification and identity formation of these young adults, asking how mixed-race individuals shape their racial identities, and which factors influence and inform their racial identification. The participants in this research project unanimously recounted experiences of having their biracial identity dismissed as they were “slotted” into more recognized racial
categorizations. This research sheds light on the complex identities of young adults of mixed-parentage in Atlantic Canada, whose experiences provide valuable insight to coming to a better understanding of how we conceptualize race in our increasingly diverse population. This study concludes that Canada continues to see race as relatively fixed and dichotomous.

abstract: Sociology


title: Sir Francis Bacon's New Atlantis as a literary representation of the perpetually unfinished status of natural philosophy as articulated in his philosophical text, The advancement of learning

contributor:
Killacky, Madeleine S. (author)
(Cunningham, Richard) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
This thesis is a study of Francis Bacon’s Advancement of Learning and its various component narratives and ideas. I argue
against what most scholars say by proposing that the supposedly incomplete state of the New Atlantis’s narrative is a deliberate ploy on Bacon’s part to mirror the impossibility of ever reaching a scientific and philosophic utopia wherein humanity knows everything there is to know about the universe and its constituent parts. I begin by introducing Bacon’s philosophical work, The Advancement of Learning, and draw from it Bacon’s argument that natural philosophy is perpetually unfinished. I then introduce the New Atlantis and the arguments surrounding its unfinished state. Most scholars argue that Bacon simply abandoned his work, however, I argue that his unfinished work is a reflection of his belief that natural philosophy is perpetually unfinished. Chapter Two focuses on the Advancement of Learning and I introduce his “Arts of Thinking,” and his idea of a universal science, which he calls “philosophia prima”. I then expound his cave and furnace analogies, and introduce his argument that Philosophy is divided up into three beams of knowledge: radius refractus, radius directus, and radius reflexus. These are important because they reflect his ideal model for knowledge. Chapter Three investigates the New Atlantis and demonstrates its purpose as a reflection of the unfinished state of natural philosophy. I argue this through its genre, which shifts from utopia to science fiction and then demonstrate how the
structure of the text is a product of several fragmentary parts. Lastly, I investigate discourse, as Bacon chooses to present fable as fact, and then view the whole New Atlantis as an exercise in rhetoric

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: The degradation and proliferation of alpha and beta Acids in hops

contributor:
Timmons, Madison (author)
(Tong, Anthony) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

abstract:
Hop pellets and plants contain alpha and beta acids that are essential to the brewing of beer. The levels of these acids increase as the hop plant matures and decrease due to oxidation as hop pellets age. Preliminarily, moisture tests were performed on both Galena and Hallertau fresh hops as well as Northern Brewer and Mt. Hood hop pellets. Fresh hop
samples, Galena and Hallertau, both contained a moisture level of approximately 80%, while Nothern Brewer and Mt. Hood
hop pellets had moisture levels less than 10%. The proliferation rate of alpha and beta acids in Hallertau and Galena was monitored over a course of 64 days, testing the acid content semi-weekly using UV-visible spectrophotometry.  The alpha acid content of Galena hops showed an increase of 0.08% per day while the beta acid content showed an increase of 0.01% per day. Hallertau also showed an alpha acid content increase of 0.08% per day and a beta acid content increase of 0.01% per day. Over 123 days, the degradation of alpha and beta acids in Nothern Brewer and Mt. Hood was also monitored.  Samples were stored at three different storage temperatures: room (23°C), fridge (4°C), and freezer (-17°C). The acid content of each storage condition sample was tested weekly using UV-visible spectrophotometry.  Both hop pellet samples stored at room temperature showed a decrease in alpha acid content throughout the experiment, while samples stored in
both a fridge and a freezer maintained a relatively constant alpha acid content. The beta acid content of both samples showed a decrease at the room temperature, a slight decrease at the fridge temperature, and remained relatively constant under freezer conditions.

abstract: Chemistry


title: Delia species in onion: assessment of damage and ovipositional preferences

contributor:
MacDonald, Maggie (author)
(Blatt, Suzanne) (Thesis advisor)
(Hillier, Kirk) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Onion maggot, Delia antiqua, (Meigen) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) is considered the predominant Delia pest in onion (Allium cepa). It is unknown whether D. antiqua alone is damaging onion or if it is part of a complex with Delia platura, (Meigen) and Delia florilega, (Zetterstedt). Objectives of this research were to identify the Delia species present in commercial onion fields and quantify the impact of each species at various stages of onion development. This project had two components: 1. Commercial field assessments–to determine which Delia species were present in commercial onion fields and at what stage of development they are causing damage. 2. Host stage preference assessments – to determine whether Delia species (D. antiqua and D. platura) preferred particular plant growth stages for oviposition and which growth stages were most impacted by larval feeding under controlled conditions. Commercial field assessments revealed minimal damage from Delia species and the predominant species identified from sticky traps was D. platura. Results from the commercial field assessments found D. platura to have little impact on onion development while D. antiqua causes unmarketable damage to onions at all growth stages. Delia spp. host stage preference was tested in the field but results were inconclusive due to the small number of larvae recovered. Host stage preference was quantified in growth chamber studies using mating pairs of
D. antiqua and D. platura. Although Delia spp. flies showed no preference for specific onion stages in the field, results from growth chambers studies suggest that D. antiqua females prefer to oviposit on post-germination seedlings at the 2 true leaf and 5-7 true leaf growth stages.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Examination of the integrated neural representation of self theory

contributor:
Robicheau, Marie (author)
(Price, Lisa) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
This study examined Integrated Neural Representation of Self Theory developed by DiTommaso and Price (2017). This theory states that individuals with a true secure attachment have developed a fully integrated brain capable of coping with stress when attachment figures, such as partners or peers, are unavailable. Those who have an earned-secure attachment are thought to have an integrated brain through someone else, such as an intimate partner, but not possess an integrated
neural representation of self. Insecurely attached individuals do not have an integrated brain and will have the highest risk for having difficulty coping with adverse events. The study was a self-report survey that examined the differences between insecure, secure, and earned-secure groups such as actualization, anxiety, loneliness, etc. One-way MANOVAs and one-way
ANOVAs examined the relationship between attachment and these measures. While a number of the hypotheses were supported, post hoc analyses indicated that earned-secure attachment was more similar to true secure individuals on certain measures than previously thought (e.g., mental health).

abstract: Psychology


title: The tales worth telling: a thematic comparison of Homer's Iliad and Malory's Morte DArthur

contributor:
Lepage, Mercedes B. (author)
(Whetter, Kevin) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

abstract:
Despite the many thematic similarities between Homer’s Iliad and Malory’s Morte Darthur, scholarship comparing the two works is decidedly limited. The aim of this research is an attempt to provide an in-depth analysis and comparison of each work to unveil the reason why both texts have remained relevant even today. What is made clear through this analysis is the importance of the mortal characters, most notably the imperfect heroes who come to be defined as such based on very similar codes of heroism. Helen and Guinevere will also be discussed, as their relationships with the heroes reflect a
prominent fear both texts propagate–that female sexuality, while a powerful force, is destructive and should be feared.
Ultimately, it is the tragic nature of these texts that ensure their lasting legacy.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Attachment, support processes, and efficacy dynamics within cardiac rehabilitation

contributor:
Lewis, Merisha (author)
(Holmberg, Diane) (Thesis advisor)
(Shields, Chris) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Support processes, efficacy beliefs, and attachment dynamics were analyzed within 61 patient and partner dyads recruited from a ten-week cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program. The current study explored how the level of confidence that patients have in themselves to achieve their goals for exercise within CR (i.e., self-efficacy) may be predicted by how much their partner believes they can achieve their goals (i.e., other-efficacy). The partners’ other-efficacy was predicted to be positively associated with the patients’ self-efficacy for exercise. Support styles of the partner (overprotective, autonomy support) were predicted to mediate the association between other-efficacy and self-efficacy. In addition, the association between support styles and self-efficacy was further predicted to be moderated by the attachment anxiety of the patient. Although
overall mediation was not found, significant associations were found throughout the model to support hypotheses. A negative association was found between other-efficacy and overprotective support, indicating that partners with high other-efficacy beliefs provided lower levels of overprotective support. Additionally, a negative association was found between overprotective support and self-efficacy. Patients who perceived their partners as providing an overprotective support style had less confidence in their own abilities to achieve their goals when exercising. A significant interaction was also found between overprotective support and attachment anxiety with the patient’s self-efficacy

abstract: Psychology


title: Charge density waves in the low-dimensional compounds AxNb3Te4 with A =Ag, Ga, Zn, 0 [is less than] x [is greater than or equal to] 1

contributor:
Magyar, Thalia Anne Kristine (author)
(Bennett, Craig) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Some metals when they are cooled to low temperatures do not have a uniform charge distribution.  In these metals, the electron charge density varies in a wave-like fashion, referred  to  as  a  charge  density  wave  (CDW).  Charge  density  waves  are  a  coupled modulation  of  the  conduction  electron  density  and  the  host  lattice  structure  that occurs primarily in low-dimensional compounds.  The characteristics of CDWs are not fully understood.  Nb3Te4 is a transition metal compound with spacious hexagonal tunnels that exhibits a CDW transition at 110 K. To investigate the CDW transition in Nb3Te4,  silver,  gallium,  or zinc atoms are inserted into these tunnels,  a process known  as  intercalation.   Intercalation  does  not  produce  significant  changes  in  theNb3Te4 structure; however through the transfer of electrons, intercalation does affect the  CDW  transition.   The  effect  of  intercalate  concentration  on  the  properties  of the CDW in Nb3Te4 was investigated using resistivity measurements, X-ray energy dispersive  spectroscopy  and  X-ray  diffraction.   It  was  observed  that  intercalation suppresses  the  CDW  onset  temperature  for  all  three  intercalates;  however,  due  to
limited intercalation under the experimental conditions used, no clear correlation of onset temperature with intercalate concentration could be established.

abstract: Physics


title: The future is now: consumer perceptions toward 3D printed foods and technology

contributor:
Manstan, Tiffany (author)
(McSweeney, Matthew) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Although 3D printing technologies were developed over three decades ago, the market for 3D food printing is only now
starting to grow at a rapid rate. With little to no research in the literature on consumers’ perceptions of 3D printed foods,
the present research aimed to investigate this. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate consumers’ reactions, including attitudes and beliefs, of 3D printing technology and foods, (2) identify consumers’ perceptions of 3D printed foods in comparison to non-printed baked or cooked (conventional) foods, and (3) determine if consumers’ attitudes, beliefs, and liking of 3D printed foods changed after consuming a 3D printed cookie. There were two phases to this research. An online survey (n=226) was first conducted to establish consumers’ initial responses to 3D printing technology and foods.  Secondly,
a sensory trial (n=45) was conducted, where participants liking and acceptance of 3D  printed foods were measured. Subsequent to the sensory trial, participants were administered the survey from phase 1 of the research. Responses were studied to identify any changes in consumers’ perceptions of 3D food printing after the consumption of what they believed
was a 3D printed cookie. The initial survey revealed that the majority of consumers were excited about the future of printed food products; however, some believed that they were unacceptable, highly processed, and not safe for consumption. It was found from the sensory trial that consumers’ perceptions of 3D food printing and technology positively changed after their consumption of a 3D printed food product. This indicates the potential for the acceptance of 3D printed foods by
consumers. This research has established a baseline of knowledge that will allow future 3D food printing research on consumers to be conducted. Further steps should be taken to identify the reasons why consumers do not accept 3D printed foods and associated technology.

abstract: Nutrition & Dietetics


title: Jiang Zhongzheng's 'New Life Movement' and the rule of "Li" (禮), 1934-1949

contributor:
Chen, Xiaoman (author)
(Sedgwick, James) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
After two millennia of China’s dynastic cycle, Sun Yat-sen overthrew the last imperial dynasty, Qing, and established the
Chinese Republic in 1911. In the face of rising Japanese militarism and a growing Chinese Communist Party, Jiang Zhongzheng embarked on an ambitious attempt to restructure Chinese society. During the period of Political Tutelage (1931-1948), Jiang’s “New Life Movement” tried to create a “new” Chinese politics, society and custom that was both "modern” and “traditional”.
 This article builds on a wide study of film, speeches, magazines, and diaries to explore the educational, cultural, social, and political practices of the NLM during 1934 to 1949. Specifically, the paper explores how the NLM applied the ancient concept of Li (禮) to inculcate Chinese youths and secondary school students with strict notions of propriety, obedience and loyalty to the state. Short-sighted analysis interprets the NLM as state fascism in an unstable era. This paper takes a different view by situating Jiang’s effort is a much longer-term struggle and cultural crises caused by China’s contribution with uprising “modernity.”

abstract: History & Classics


title: Flower species use by bumble bees in lowbush blueberry agroecosystems

contributor:
Mitchell, Abigail (author)
(Shutler, Dave) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Insect pollination is crucial to meet global food demands, with the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) being a primary pollinator. Increases in hive mortality jeopardize global food security for crops dependent on insect pollination.  Promoting
native pollinators, such as bumble bees, Bombus spp., would reduce risks associated with relying on honey bees. In Atlantic Canada, lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), is a native species that has been developed into an important horticultural crop, with nine native bumble bee species being important pollinators. The objective of this study was to
determine if bumble bees use flowering plants equally, by describing the flowering plant communities of key foraging habitats for bumble bees within the blueberry agroecosystem, and linking bee abundance and diversity to flower species.  Sampling occurred on a biweekly basis on Prince Edward Island, for a variety of habitats surrounding lowbush blueberry systems.  The bee and flowering plant communities for the habitats were described using traps, and by performing floral surveys.  Foraging bees were opportunistically sampled, hand-netting bees from flowers, to investigate floral preferences.
Each site supported flowering plant communities with highly varied phenologies.  Neither flower diversity nor abundance were clear drivers of bee diversity or abundance.  When bumble bee species were grouped by tongue length there were some differences in observed versus expected number of visits to a flower species.  This research shows that floral diversity is an important component of maintaining diverse bumble bee communities, securing the pollination of this crop.  These results may be useful in making recommendations to growers to promote bee communities for crop pollination.

abstract: Biology


title: The effect of alternative grain substitution and partial baking technology on gluten free bread

contributor:
Shakshuki, Alah (author)
(McSweeney, Matthew) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Alternative grains have been identified as having a comparable to superior nutritional profile to the staple cereal grains, heat, rice and maize. These grains have been underutilized in the Western world yet provide a unique potential in their
adaptability and resistance to harsh growing environments. These ancient grains have been shown to have functional properties with positive health impacts. Specifically, in the prevention of chronic diseases including type II diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease which are due to their low glycemic index, high fiber content and cholesterol lowering properties. Consumers have shown an interest and willingness to try alternative grain food products, particularly, consumers who adhere to a gluten-free diet as many of these grains do not contain gluten. This has led to the interest in the development of alternative grain food products which are acceptable to consumers. However, with the sensory aspect of food being an important factor in food purchases, there has been limited research in the sensory properties of alternative grain-based food products. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine how, if at all, did the substitution of alternative grains impact the sensory properties of gluten free bread. Two trials were conducted with
three variations of partially baked gluten free bread at different freezing times, with a buckwheat, quinoa and control variable. It was determined that the freezing did not impact the overall acceptability of the breads. Additionally, the use of quinoa had a negative impact on liking whereas buckwheat did not have a significant impact. Attributes that positively impacted liking were smooth, soft, white, and porous while the terms yeasty and bland had a negative impact on liking.

abstract: Nutrition & Dietetics


title: Searching for new sources of strong CP violation: The X± model

contributor: (Aleksejevs, Aleksandrs) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
A shortcoming of the Standard Model is its inability to explain the observed matter-antimatter asymmetry.  A possible approach to explain the origin of such asymmetry is the search for additional sources of charge-parity (CP) violation.  Violation of CP symmetry  signifies  that  matter  and  antimatter  are  not  perfectly  symmetrical.   In this  research,  two  New  Physics  (NP)  vector  bosons,  X±,  are  proposed  as  possible sources for strong CP violation.  These particles introduce direct CP violating phases in  the  coupling  of  X- to  the  fermion  current,  and  X+ to  the  anti-fermion  current.
The allowed parameter space for X± is explored through the analysis of leptonic and semi-leptonic decays of B and D mesons.  Decay rates are calculated at the tree level using the FeynCalc package in Mathematica.  The results are presented as exclusion plots, displaying the possible ranges of the physical parameters associated to the X± particles.

abstract: Physics


title: A far cry from reconciling: Understanding youth responses to reconciliation in Canada

contributor:
Pulchny, Alexandra (author)
(Moore, Barbara) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
For years, views and ideas about ‘reconciliation’ in the “Canadian Indigenous” contexts have been shared, questioned, and debated. However, many people are still unsure of its true meaning and whether it is achievable. An important perspective comes from the youth in Canada. This paper examines youths’ views and responses to reconciliation in Canada using qualitative, semi-structured, in-depth interviews, drawing on a sample of Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth at Acadia University (n=4). This research concludes that acknowledgement of past harms, building relationships, open dialogue, and education are key components of fair and honest reconciliation, but that reconciliation cannot be achieved when there are still inequalities in society. If the youth of this country are not educated on these subjects, they will be unable to grasp why
reconciliation and reparation are needed and will be unable to make lasting changes to the system that is still very much colonial

abstract: Sociology


title: A phylogenetic classification of Nova Scotian longfin squid (Doryteuthis pealeii) based on DNA barcoding analysis

contributor:
Brown, Alexandra (author)
(Easy, Russell) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
The Scotian shelf, located in the Northwest Atlantic, has approximately forty different species of cephalopods. These include sympatric populations of the Atlantic longfin squid (Doryteuthis pealeii) and the Atlantic shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus). Due to the various developmental changes that take place during the lifecycle of a squid, these common inshore species cannot always be accurately differentiated based on their morphology alone. DNA barcoding techniques
have broadened taxonomic studies to allow for detailed species identification when morphological classification can be
unreliable on its own. This study incorporates molecular data to identify a phylogeny of longfin squid caught off the Nova Scotian coast. Total DNA was extracted from tissue of D. pealeii collected from both Bramber and Chester, Nova Scotia. End-point PCR was performed using primers targeting cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (Cox1), cytochrome b(cytb) and 18S rDNA genes. Following sequencing, phylogenetic trees of various topologies were constructed. Results supported the
efficiency of these genes as genetic markers to differentiate between closely related squid species, as well as contributed
valuable sequence information to be submitted to NCBI GenBank. Phylogenetic tree analysis supported previous studies which questioned the validity of many cephalopod sequences deposited in open access databases. Findings stress the importance of utilizing external references with caution and the need for further molecular studies to be conducted with regards to squid. DNA barcoding analysis can be extremely valuable in order to reduce species misidentification and
produce more accurate squid stock assessments for the development of conservation policies. These results may also provide valuable information for prospective commercial squid fisheries in Nova Scotia.

abstract: Biology


title: The influence of attachment style on caregiver attitudes and parental feelings towards a child raised in a virtual environment

contributor:
Synette, Alicia (author)
(Symons, Doug) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
This study examines the relations of the attachment and caregiving systems within an Attachment Theory framework. While there is evidence that avoidance in parents has a negative impact on various aspects of parenting, a recent study by Symons, Adams, and Smith (2016) found these relations in a parenting simulation task. In the current study, 103 students completed attachment style and parent-child relationship measures before and after they had raised a virtual child from birth to 18 years of age through the program MyVirtualChild©. In addition, caregiver attitude measures of positive feelings, perceived child security, and willingness to serve as an attachment figure were assessed after this task. Correlations and hierarchical regression analysis showed that avoidance was negatively related to all three caregiver attitude measures, but anxiety was unrelated. At Time 1 only, avoidance was negatively related with three subscales from the relationship measure: support, satisfaction, and involvement, but the remaining four subscales were not related. Time 2 parental attitudes showed a different pattern. The Time 2 measure of parental attitudes demonstrated that avoidance was negatively correlated with satisfaction and involvement, but anxiety was also negatively correlated with support and satisfaction. There were significant increases in all seven subscales of the parent-child relationship measure from before
and after the task. In sum, the current study systematically replicated the findings from Symons et al. (2016) that avoidance is negatively related to caregiver attitudes which form towards a virtual child, extend them into the domain of parent-child relationships, and suggests the act of raising a virtual child increases positive attitudes towards the relationship.

abstract: Psychology


title: Any space for political action at the Wolfville Farmer’s Market?

contributor:
Smith, Allison (author)
(Whitehall, Geoffrey) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: The goal of this project is to determine if the Wolfville Farmer’s Market is a space of what Hannah Arendt calls, “political action.” In order to answer the research question this thesis uses a combination of a theoretical analysis and a case study. In the theoretical analysis Arendt’s theory of action is explained and four main components of action are identified : it creates something new, it involves plurality, it involves distinctness of individuals, and it is also an event. Then a case study of the Wolfville Farmer’s Market is explored to investigate and assess Arendt’s definition of action and in turn her concept of action will evaluate if the Wolfville Farmer’s Market should be considered a space of action. A mixed method approach that combines surveys and interviews is used in the case study to collect data on how people who work at the market and people visit the market see the market as a space of action. To conclude the data is measured against Arendt’s definition of action in order to evaluate the Wolfville Farmer’s Market as a space of political action.

abstract: Politics


title: The relationships among gender, relationship status, and sexual orientation: an investigation of “singlism” in 2017

contributor:
Minnikin, Amy (author)
(Mehta, Rick) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Single people frequently report that they face unjust negative stereotyping and discrimination due to the pro-marriage attitudes that many people hold. However, there are some singles who may have it worse than others. People who actively choose to remain single challenge the idea that marriage is the key to happiness, and therefore may be more ostracized
than people who are only single due to life circumstances. The current study surveyed 1,243 individuals in order to get a better understanding of the attitudes toward single people versus married people. We asked participants to rate an imaginary person, “Morgan”, who was a)male or female, b) homosexual or heterosexual, and c) single by choice, single by circumstance, or married. We found that single versions of Morgan were rated lower on the index of warmth and care than married versions of Morgan. However, single versions of Morgan were rated no differently than married versions on the index of sophistication and sociability, or the index of loneliness and misery.

abstract: Psychology


title: Immunity and pathology of mosquitoes, Culex territans, infected with Hepatozoon species from the blood of of green frogs, Rana clamitans

contributor:
Prescott, Amy E. (author)
(Smith, Todd) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Hepatozoon species infect the erythrocytes of green frogs and are vectored by the mosquito, Culex territans. Previous research has shown that mosquitoes that take a blood meal from frogs heavily infected with Hepatozoon species die within 48 hr of feeding. Gamonts of Hepatozoon species exit through the midgut epithelium and enter the haemocoel en route to the Malpighian tubules, and heavy infections of Hepatozoon species may cause irreparable morphological and physiological damage and subsequent death to mosquitoes. The objectives of this study were to examine the basis of the
pathological effects of heavy infections of Hepatozoon species on C. territans using microbiological and microscopic methods, and to determine the immune response, if any, of the mosquito against well-tolerated lighter infections of this parasite. Mosquitoes were treated with antibiotics to eliminate any deleterious septicaemic effects of midgut bacteria
following physical damage from parasites as they exit the midgut. Surprisingly, control mosquitoes that were not treated with antibiotics survived significantly longer than those that were treated, suggesting a protective role of the gut microbiota on survival of infected mosquitoes. Dissected midguts of mosquitoes at various intensities of infection were viewed using scanning electron microscopy to investigate evidence of damage to the midgut epithelium. Although obvious physical damage was not observed, midguts of heavily infected mosquitoes were difficult to dissect, and often disintegrated upon
preparation, suggesting that the integrity of the midgut was significantly compromised by parasite exit. Lastly, peroxide assays of haemolymph performed on blood-fed mosquitoes revealed that there was a significant immune response in mosquitoes that took a blood meal with a light infection of parasites compared to uninfected mosquitoes.

abstract: Biology


title: Overbooked, over worked and unorganized: students' perceptions of Acadia's student Counselling Services

contributor:
Campeau, Kaitlin (author)
(Rudrum, Sarah) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
This thesis focuses on Acadia students’ perceptions of the Student counselling services—through its service of individual counselling—and its ability to adequately treat the mental health of students. To identify students’ perceptions, quantitative methodology was used in the form of an online survey, where students assessed certain factors that acted as potential barriers to accessing the services. This included the organization of the services, whether stigma was present, and students’ general knowledge of when accessing the services was most appropriate (i.e.,mental health literacy). An open-ended question provided a qualitative approach to the survey and students had the option to provide their own thoughts and
experiences about the services. To understand who was more likely to access the services, gender was examined as a social construct using a healthcare context and this provided a possible explanation to the gender disparity of Acadia students. This gender disparity was present throughout the statistical analyses with statistical significance in terms of a relationship existing between gender and access of the services. The students utilizing the services were identified as 80.2% female, 17% male, and 2.8% gender queer.  When analyzing the open-ended survey responses, stigma and mental health literacy were not presented as barriers; however, students spoke of other factors that acted as barriers such as the perceived disorganization of the infrastructure, a lack of treatment options, unprofessional counsellors and staff members, a lack of privacy and confidentiality, and rurality of the space that limited outsourcing to other mental health services. The standpoints of students should be accounted for when developing policies surrounding Acadia’s Student Counselling Services.

abstract: Sociology


title: Effects of Bisphenol A and folic acid on the vegetative growth and reproductive development of Antirrhinum majus

contributor:
Heo, Kayoung (author)
(Evans, Rodger) (Thesis advisor)
(Gibson, Glenys) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Epigenetics is a process whereby differential gene expression produces various phenotypes without involving modifications in DNA sequences. Bisphenol-A (BPA), an environmental toxin used in the production of polycarbonate plastics, is known to exert complex effects on the epigenome as a methylation disruptor. BPA is of concern due to its ubiquity in the environment, bioaccumulation, and threat to organisms across all Kingdoms. Folic acid, a synthetic form of folate and a methyl donor, plays a key role in the DNA methylation cycle and has been shown to correct the effects of DNA hypomethylation in mice. The present study investigated the effects of BPA and folic acid on DNA methylation in Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragons), and also tested effects of these compounds on plant height, dry weight, and floral development. Methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) was used to analyze the global genome methylation state of A. majus floral tissue following exposure to either BPA or folic acid. Low-dose BPA (5 mg/L) caused a decrease in dry weight of the roots when compared to controls. Folic acid treatment positively affected vegetative development compared to the control. Low-dose BPA and medium-and high-dose folic acid increased plant height late in
growth. Low-dose BPA and all concentrations of folic acid resulted in the acceleration of floral development, which also
correlated with higher global DNA methylation percentages. This project suggests that environmental contaminants, such as BPA, can alter plant growth and floral development, and that these characteristics are subject to epigenetic odifications,
opening up a potential mechanism for evolutionary changes.

abstract: Biology


title: Support and attachment processes in cardiac rehabilitation: an examination of relationship well-being and exercise behaviours

contributor:
Beaton, Kendra (author)
(Holmberg, Diane) (Thesis advisor)
(Shields, Chris) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Attachment styles, support processes, exercise behaviours and relationship wellbeing were examined within 61 patients-partner dyads. Participants were recruited from a 10-week cardiac rehabilitation program at Valley Regional Hospital. The
current study sought to examine whether secure partners, in the cardiac rehabilitation context, would tailor support strategies (overprotection, protective buffering) to best suit the attachment style of the patients. Furthermore, if tailoring did occur, would the style of support offered by the partner predict the patient’s relationship well-being and exercise
behaviours. Although no significant effects of support styles on relationship well-being or exercise behaviours were found, significant correlations were found to support hypotheses. Additionally, a significant interaction between partner attachment security and patient attachment anxiety, when predicting protective buffering was found. Securely attached partners used less protective buffering support when patients were low in attachment anxiety. The results did not support the idea that partners would tailor support to best suit patients’ attachment style, as hypothesized. However, training partners in optimal support strategies would be a desirable long-term goal in cardiac rehabilitation.

abstract: Psychology


title: Spatiotemporal assessment of metal concentrations of pre-effluent estuarine sediments in a freshwater Kraft Pulp Mill tailings pond using paleolimnological methods, A’se’k, Pictou, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Davidson, Kirklyn Barry (author)
(Spooner, Ian) (Thesis advisor)
(Lake, Craig) (Thesis advisor)
(Walker, Tony) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Paleolimnological research at A’se’k (Boat Harbour), a former estuary in Pictou County, Nova Scotia that has been contaminated by effluent from a kraft pulp mill and other inputs over the past 50 years has focussed on understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of metals within pre-and post-disturbance sediments.  The site was dammed in 1967, effectively converting it into a shallow freshwater lake (140 ha, 4 m max. depth).  The lake bottom sediments within A’se’k
reflect both estuarine and fresh water environments and can be broadly characterised as grey marine silt (~ 50% water content) that predates effluent input, which is overlain by black, organic-rich sediment (~ 90% water content). The contact between these two units is sharp and is present through out the basin. To better understand the geogenic contribution of toxic metals which will inform post-remediation management decisions, the marine sediment and sediment at nearby
reference sites were analysed for the spatiotemporal distribution of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ti, Zn, Mo, and Ni, which were identified in previous studies as representative of impact at the site.  The samples were collected using a gravity corer, were analysed for metal concentrations using pXRF techniques and distributions were modelled using QGIS. Results indicate that As, Cr, Cu Zn and Pb concentrations at both A’se’k and reference sites meet or exceed Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines (ISQG’s) . Metal loads within the grey marine silt at A’se’k are similar to or higher than those at the reference sites. At both sites, metal concentrations show little stratigraphic variability.  These data likely indicate that contaminants in the overlying organic sediment at A’se’k have not impacted the underlying sediment. This data will provide a baseline for assessment of the effectiveness of the remediation process and may be used in the determination of compliance during future remediation of the site.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Risk-taking by tree swallows (Tachycineta Bicolor) during nest defense

contributor:
Graham, Kylee F. (author)
(Shutler, Dave) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Avian nest defense is a particularly sensitive form of parental investment. Flushing distance (the distance at which a bird
flies from a nest when a predator approaches) during incubation is one measure of nest defense; parents that stay too long risk being eaten, whereas those that flush too early risk slowing development of their eggs. The general prediction is that incubating birds will remain on a nest that is being approached by a predator until risks of staying reach a threshold that outweigh costs of fleeing. This threshold is assumed to vary depending on the value and habitat characteristics of a nest.
I evaluated flushing distance in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) relative to clutch size, initiation date, stage in development, environmental temperature, time of day, day of the year, visit number, and overhead and lateral vegetation density. I obtained 185 flushing distances from 34 different nests in Port Williams, Nova Scotia, Canada. For non-parametric
correlations, flushing distance increased with clutch size, and decreased with overhead vegetation density and air temperature; remaining associations were not significant. Sample sizes prevented me from considering interactions among variables. For the univariate parametric linear regressions only overhead vegetation density was significantly associated with flushing distance. Finally, my review of the literature found limited support for most of the associations I tested, suggesting that further insights are needed into this aspect of parental investment.

abstract: Biology


title: Investigating the effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- y agonist pioglitazone in a lysolecithin model of focal demyelination in mice

contributor:
Miller, Lauren (author)
(Wilson, Brian) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease of the Central Nervous System (CNS) for which there is currently no cure. Pioglitazone is a PPAR-y agonist approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Pioglitazone has been shown to reduce disease severity in a systemic mouse model of MS (Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis; EAE) and has exhibited anti-inflammatory properties in a number of in vitro studies, suggesting it may be capable of promoting remyelination in MS. This study aims to fill the void that exists in restorative treatment options for MS by investigating the effects of pioglitazone in a mouse model of focal demyelination. Mice received a stereotactic injection of the toxin lysolecithin (LPC) into one side of the corpus callosum and PBS into the other side. Mice received either vehicle or pioglitazone by oral gavage once daily for seven days beginning one day post-injection. After seven days, demyelination within the corpus callosum was measured using histology; macrophage/microglia activation within demyelinated lesions was measured using Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Both LPC lesion volumes and microglial activation in mice treated with pioglitazone were found to be greater, on average, relative to LPC lesion volumes and microglial
activation in mice treated with vehicle. However, neither of these differences were statistically significant. Given the ability of the LPC model to study remyelination in relative isolation, pioglitazone is likely not effective in directly promoting remyelination. Findings from this study thus suggest that pioglitazone may reduce disease severity in the EAE model
through modulating the immune system. More research is needed in this area in order to confirm pioglitazone’s mechanism of action.

abstract: Biology


title: Investigation of SHH, WNT-7A AND NDP as molecular growth factors regulating restrictive permeability in capillaries in the neonatal rat brain

contributor:
Rappoldt, Liam Patrick (author)
(Wilson, Brian) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Endothelial cells and paracellular tight junctions of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) restrict the passage of most compounds between the vascular system and brain parenchyma. Tight junctions are modulated by cadherin interactions joining the vascular endothelial cells of capillaries via adherens junctions. Under neuropathological conditions, i.e., cancer, these tight junctions become compromised, leading to alterations of BBB permeability.  Moreover, the restrictive permeability of the BBB is an obstacle for the delivery of potential treatments. Primary cultures of endothelial cells have been used to develop a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating permeability of the BBB, however evidence suggests a lack of growth factors in monoculture models creates uncharacteristic leakiness of in-vitro tight junctions. As the secretion of these factors is thought to be of astrocytic or microglial origin, this study attempted to quantify the expression of sonic hedgehog (SHH), wingless (WNT) and norrin (NDP) proteins in the sub-ventricular zone (SVZ), hippocampus and cerebellum
respectively. Organotypic brain slice cultures were prepared and cultured for two weeks, then fixed in paraformaldehyde for immunofluorescence detection, or flash-frozen with liquid nitrogen for molecular studies using RT-qPCR. Western blotting and immuno-labelling of the SVZ showed high levels of expression of SHH protein. Hippocampal and cerebellar
slices showed high levels of expression of WNT-7a and NDP immunofluorescence, respectively. Furthermore, we are optimizing primers for shh, wnt-7a, and ndp gene sequences for use in RT-qPCR studies of gene expression.

abstract: Biology


title: The game of sandwich cops and robber

contributor:
Carr, MacKenzie (author)
(Clarke, Nancy) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: The game of Cops and Robber is a vertex-to-vertex pursuit game played on an undirected graph.  The game of Sandwich Cops and Robber is a variation of this game in which the robber is located on the edges of the graph.  In order to capture the robber, the cops must move so that at least one cop occupies each endpoint of the edge on which the robber is located.  We compare this new game to the original game of Cops and Robber,  examining the relationship between the copnumber and the sandwich copnumber  of  particular  classes  of  graphs,  including  graph  products.   We  identify certain properties of graphs that cause the sandwich copnumber to differ from the copnumber.  Additionally, we introduce a variation of Sandwich Cops and Robber in which the cops move from vertex to vertex along the non-edges of a graph,  rather than the edges.  We find the disjoint sandwich copnumber of several classes of graphs, as well as providing bounds on the disjoint sandwich copnumber of a graph in terms of its domination number.

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics


title: The effect of SIGL on survival of Listeria monocyto genes under various stress conditions pertinent to food processing environments

contributor:
Kelly, Madeleine (author)
(Ells, Tim) (Thesis advisor)
(D'Entremont, Hélène) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous environmental microbe and the causative agent of listeriosis, a serious foodborne illness. The bacterium poses a challenge for food processors as it is able to survive various stressors normally employed to prevent or limit pathogen growth, including: low temperature, low pH and high salt concentrations. The objective of this study was to elucidate the role of a global stress regulator (sigL), in the stress response of L. monocytogenes. Therefore, the first stage of the project aimed to create isogenic ?sigL mutants for two L. monocytogenes strains, Lm568 (environmental isolate) and M100992 (isolate from 2008 Maple Leaf Foods outbreak), for comparative challenge studies. This was achieved using PCR-based gene splicing by overlap extension (SOE), insertion of the truncated amplicon into shuttle vector pAUL-A, and plasmid delivery via electroporation followed by allelic exchange. Numerous stress tests were conducted including exposure to desiccation, high osmolarity, and low pH; cell viability and changes in cell morphology were evaluated through traditional plating, indirect impedance and fluorescence microscopy. One acid salt stress treatment was found to promote cell elongation (filamentation) in the M100992 wildtype strain. Additionally, virulence studies were conducted using Galleria
mellonella (greater wax moth) larvae as a model host organism. Both wildtype strains of Lm568 and M100992 were found to be more virulent than their respective mutant strains, while strain M100992 appeared to be of higher virulence than Lm568. This study illustrates that sigL in general influences swarming motility, general virulence and also filamentation
tendencies when subjected to specific stressors. Future studies could potentially investigate what genes of the sigL regulon are up/down regulated during specific stress events, by using protein expression analysis.

abstract: Biology


title: New physics search: X plus and X minus

subject: LE3 .A278 2017

abstract: At  present  the  Standard  Model  of  particle  physics  is  our  best  description  of  what occurs  at  the  subatomic  level,  but  it  is  known  that  this  description  is  incomplete. Experiments investigating the possibility of new particles and interactions are some of  the  most  prominent  in  modern  physics.   For  this  thesis  the  allowed  parameter space  of  additional  vector  bosons  beyond  the  Standard  Model, X+ and X−,  was examined  through  the  analysis  of  electron-positron  collisions.   Such  collisions  are outlined  for  Belle  II,  an  upcoming  experiment  at  KEK.  The X± model  introduces direct CP violating phases in the coupling of X+ to antifermions and X− to fermions. Cross-sections were calculated using tree-level Feynman calculus, and computations completed in Mathematica with the use of the Feyncalc package.  Results are in the form of exclusion plots displaying allowed ranges of the physical parameters associated with the additional particles

abstract: Physics


title: Nest site choice and nest success in Leach's storm-petrels (Oceanodroma leucorhoa)

contributor:
Hoeg, Rielle (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Shutler, Dave) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2017

abstract:
Many  seabirds  nest at high  densities  on  islands  to escape mammalian predators and  to take advantage of  group  defense against  avian  predators. However,  costs of choosing islands  may  include  competition  for  nest sites.   Some  species nest underground  which may provide  additional  protection against  avian  predators and  provide  a stable
microclimate.   If group defense provides  a net benefit,  nests that are closer together (shorter nearest neighbor  distances)
should  have higher  nest success.  Seabirds that nest underground  in  soil should  favor intermediate  moisture conditions
to avoid  burrow crumbling  or  flooding.   I investigated  nest site selection  and  reproductive  success by Leach’s storm-petrels  (Oceanodroma leucorhoa), a colonial  seabird  that nests in  burrows on  offshore islands.   A total  of  396  burrows  was monitored  on  Bon  Portage Island,  Nova Scotia,  Canada.  Soil  moisture  was higher  at control  points (one meter north  from  burrow entrances) than  at burrow  entrances, but  there was no  difference  in  moisture  at occupied versus unoccupied  or successful  versus failed  burrows.  Nearest neighbor  distance  did  not appear to be associated with  nest success. These results suggest  that nesting  by Leach’s storm-petrels  may be sensitive  to soil  moisture,  and  that there may be an optimal  soil moisture  range for  excavating  burrows.

abstract: Biology


title: Features associated with nest-site use in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor)

contributor:
Obomsawin, Anik (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Shutler, Dave) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2017

abstract:
Nest-site selection is an important determinant of fitness because of its potential influence on reproductive success.  To reduce metabolic costs of thermoregulation and limit predation risks, adult birds must identify nest-sites with favorable habitat characteristics.  I quantified habitat preferences in Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), acavity-nesting species.  These birds readily accept nest-boxes, which facilitates manipulation of box design, lateral vegetation density, and vertical vegetation cover (hereafter, canopy cover). If avoiding predators influences habitat selection, adults may favor nest-boxes with small entrance holes that make clutches and broods less accessible to predators.  Nest-boxes with sparse lateral vegetation density and canopy cover may be favored because birds can better detect and escape predators.  However, adults may also favor nest-boxes with dense lateral vegetation and canopy cover to make clutches less conspicuous to predators.  I measured habitat surrounding 43 occupied and 136 unoccupied Tree Swallow nest-boxes in Port Williams, Nova Scotia.  Lateral vegetation density did not differ between occupied and unoccupied nest-boxes.  However, occupied
nest-boxes had significantly less canopy cover and smaller entrance hole diameters than unoccupied nest-boxes.  Studies identifying habitat factors that influence nest-site selection may allow for conservation and management of suitable habitats and consequently, higher reproductive success for populations at risk

abstract: Biology


title: Dazed under the floodwater

contributor:
Havers, Nicole (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(La Rocque, Lance) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2017

abstract: Dazed Under the Floodwater is a subtly dystopian science-fiction novel set approximately fifty years in the future. It is from the point of view of Chelse, a recent university graduate who is given a single summer to start a life of her own in an unforgiving world ravaged environmentally and economically by unchecked capitalism. During this time, Chelse becomes a patient/participant in the final trial for a device called the Morpheus which records the dreams of patients for use in “dream therapy” sessions, while sorting through her past and trying to conceive of a future.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Analysis of mercury content of lichens in Nova Scotia: Potential use as passive air samplers

contributor:
Saunders, Cardy Hallett (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Walker, Allison) (Thesis advisor)
(O'Driscoll, Nelson) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2017

abstract:
Mercury is a global pollutant present in a wide range of ecosystems. Atmospheric transport of elemental mercury gas enables this substance to be deposited far from its source. Quantifying mercury in biological indicator species, such as lichens, provides information about where mercury pollution may be an issue. Close to three hundred samples of
Hypogymnia sp. and Usnea sp. mainly, but 11 lichen species in total were collected from trees throughout mainland Nova Scotia and analyzed for total mercury using thermal degradation-atomic absorbance analysis. The resulting concentrations
and geolocations were mapped using QGIS 2.12 and ArcGIS 10.4 to produce kernel density analysis hotspot maps. From these maps, it was possible to discern areas of higher mercury concentrations and trends across Nova Scotia, Canada . The presence of high concentration features in areas with known mercury problems such as Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site suggested that lichens may be useful indicators of regional atmospheric mercury trends. Selected specimens were also ITS rDNA barcoded to confirm morphological identities.

abstract: Biology


title: That's my kid; you've probably heard of him!: Understanding the relationships between child's competence, parental support, and moral responsibility in youth sport

contributor:
Brooks, Paulina (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Shields, Chris) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2017

abstract:
Youth sport participation is seen as an important avenue for overall child development, and parents often play a key role within their child’s involvement.  Parents may enrol their child in sport for a number of reasons; however, there is evidence that they may do so from the hope that their children will become an athletic prodigy, reach elite levels of performance, or because they see a “talent” within their child that should not go to waste. Given the value placed on sport as a venue for socialization, when children excel in sports parents receive most of the credit.  As a result, sometimes parents can become so invested that it seems as if their success as a parent is tied to their child’s success. Evidence continues to emerge
around the relationships between parental pressures and youth sport outcomes including the reality of specialization, privatization, and new ideals surrounding what it means to be a good parent.  Parents’ “enthusiasm” only continues to grow as children reach more elite levels of sport where early specialization, burnout, injury and/or dropout become more imminent.  Despite this, there is little empirical literature that examines these important variables in concert within the
changing landscape of youth sport.  Developing a better understanding of these parental perceptions on children’s sporting experiences may potentially inform youth sport education programs and provide a more comprehensive picture of how these issues play a role within the constantly changing landscape of youth sport.

abstract: Kinesiology


title: Balancing acts: Women actors in the Atlantic Canadian screen arts industry

contributor:
Rogers, Malia (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Liinamaa, Saara) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2017

abstract:
The objective of this thesis was to analyze, using a critical feminist perspective, the work structures of the Atlantic Canadian screen arts industries from the standpoint of women performers operating within them. Employing qualitative data collected from five semi-structured interviews with women film and television performers in Halifax, Nova Scotia, this thesis highlights gendered inequalities present in the Atlantic film and television industryas well as the ways in which these inequalities are reproduced through the (dis)organization of creative labour and the production of material culture. My
findings support the argument that a dearth of women’s representation in the content-creating sectors of film and television creates an unstable and episodic working environment in which women actors may lack creative fulfillment and a sense of control over their careers. Furthermore, women actors are found to be at a higher risk for exploitation and appearance/age/race-based discrimination due to informal work structures and hiring practices, which necessitate decision-making between work security and personal agency as women actors navigate their careers.

abstract: Sociology


title: Business, economy, society and sport: Discussing the value of junior hockey in Lanark County, Ontario

contributor:
Donaldson, Andrew G. (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(MacNeil, Ryan) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2017

abstract:
Building on the sociological field of value and valuation, this thesis used a case study on the Carleton Place Canadians hockey team to highlight the different registers of value people consider when discussing junior hockey in their community. Junior hockey refers to players between the ages of 16-21 who compete in a competitive league, striving to continue their hockey career at a higher level (usually in a collegiate or professional league). A gap in existing research was found based on the lack of valuation studies surrounding amateur sport, and in particular, hockey. This study interviewed eleven people in the Lanark County, Ontario, located approximately twenty minutes away from Canada’s capital of Ottawa. These interviewees were chosen based on their role in the community and familiarity with the team. They were asked a number of questions in order to describe how they felt junior hockey affected their community in either positive or negative ways. After recording and reviewing all of the interviews, four main registers of valuation became apparent: economic value of sport, hockey as a business, social value of sport, and the value of arenas. What I found most compelling when conducting the interviews, however, is that not even one of the stakeholders mentioned anything about the value of playing
hockey. They mentioned how it is a fun recreational activity for community members to watch, but failed to mention anything about why everyone is encouraged to play the game in the first place; for the fun of it! This thesis provides
evidence that although hockey may provide many different forms of value to a community, the intrinsic value of playing hockey for strictly entertainment purposes may be lost in translation.

abstract: Business


title: Caribbean hybridity: Language and identity in John Agard's poetry

contributor:
Hall, Leanna M. (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Vincent, Kerry) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2017

abstract:
This thesis will examine various poems by the British-Caribbean poet John Agard in order to consider his manipulation of language as a way to understand the fluidity of identity. The thesis will argue that Agard’s poetry calls for a rethinking of
identity; instead of referring to identity as a fixed state, it should be looked at as a process. In this way, the identity of any group of individuals cannot be rooted to a single influence, but rather a myriad of cultural authorities. Theorist Stuart Hall
and his essay, “Cultural Identity and Diaspora,” will provide the framework for the exploration of the major influences on Caribbean identity. Like Agard, he positions identity not as “an already accomplished fact, we should think, instead, of identity as a production which is never complete” (Hall 222). Hall’s image of identity as a production suggests that the
respective influences on identity are a representation of its fluidity. The three influences outlined in Hall’s essay will be analyzed thematically to prove that the ‘roots’ of an individual’s identity can better be explained in terms of ‘routes’
of movement and change. Within each influence there is a key transformation of the linguistic culture of the individuals which, therefore, acts as a signifier of the evolution of identity. As a result, the language and consequently the identity of
Caribbean individuals are best represented in terms of hybridity.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies