title: The use of ambient audio to increase safety and immersion in location-based games

contributor:
Graham, Nicholas
Computing

subject:
location-based games
ambient interfaces

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2012-01-31 23:35:28.946

abstract:
The purpose of this thesis is to propose an alternative type of interface for mobile software being used while walking or running.
Our work addresses the problem of visual user interfaces for mobile software be- ing potentially unsafe for pedestrians, and not being very immersive when used for location-based games. In addition, location-based games and applications can be dif- ficult to develop when directly interfacing with the sensors used to track the user’s location.
These problems need to be addressed because portable computing devices are be- coming a popular tool for navigation, playing games, and accessing the internet while walking. This poses a safety problem for mobile users, who may be paying too much attention to their device to notice and react to hazards in their environment. The difficulty of developing location-based games and other location-aware applications may significantly hinder the prevalence of applications that explore new interaction techniques for ubiquitous computing.
We created the TREC toolkit to address the issues with tracking sensors while developing location-based games and applications. We have developed functional location-based applications with TREC to demonstrate the amount of work that can be saved by using this toolkit.In order to have a safer and more immersive alternative to visual interfaces, we have developed ambient audio interfaces for use with mobile applications. Ambient audio uses continuous streams of sound over headphones to present information to mobile users without distracting them from walking safely.
In order to test the effectiveness of ambient audio, we ran a study to compare ambient audio with handheld visual interfaces in a location-based game. We compared players’ ability to safely navigate the environment, their sense of immersion in the game, and their performance at the in-game tasks.
We found that ambient audio was able to significantly increase players’ safety and sense of immersion compared to a visual interface, while players performed signifi- cantly better at the game tasks when using the visual interface. This makes ambient audio a legitimate alternative to visual interfaces for mobile users when safety and immersion are a priority.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Overcoming a Culture of Whiteness: Remaking Queen’s University as a First Nations Thirdspace

contributor:
Robertson, Clive
Cultural Studies

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

subject:
Soja, E.W.
Queen's University
Indigenous
Spatiality

abstract: Thesis (Master, Cultural Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-02-03 11:23:13.403

abstract:
This thesis addresses the perennial difficulties faced by Queen’s University’s administration in its failings to recognize the importance of an adequate contemporary First Nations presence within any twenty-first century Canadian institution of higher learning. Paying attention to the requests and demands of the immediate First Nations campus and community population over the last twenty years, I re-visit university attempts to manage issues of ‘equity’ and ‘diversity’ through non-organic solutions.
Using Edward Soja’s theory of Thirdspace, and his concept of a ‘trialectics of space’ I analyze a range of historical and contemporary cultural practices that include macro and micro governance and policy issues. I review the how the space of Queen’s is perceived; I follow how space is conceived in recommendations and requests made to Queen’s administration by First Nations university and community members; and finally I write about how transformations of lived space can bring about institutional change. By pairing feminist and Indigenous methodologies, I suggest that until the Thirdspace is recognized as part of an important cycle of educational and cultural change, the University space will remain inaccessible for many First Nations students, staff and faculty.
I also include a background of legislation in Canada; the Royal Proclamation of 1763, the Indian Act of 1876, and the Canadian Multiculturalism Act of 1988. These legal documents each served to define, restrict or contain the space in which First Nations live and work, and they need to be included as further background to what Toby Miller refers to as the structural limits of legislating difference in cultural-capitalist nation-state spaces.

abstract: M.A.


title: The Development of Recovery Competencies for In-patient Mental Health Providers Working with People with Serious Mental Illness

contributor:
Krupa, Terry
Rehabilitation Science

subject:
Education Program
In-Patient Mental Health Providers
Recovery-Oriented Services
Competency Framework

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Rehabilitation Science) -- Queen's University, 2012-02-21 10:22:05.808

abstract:
Objectives. The transformation of the mental health system toward a recovery-orientation has created a growing demand for training and education to equip providers with recovery competencies. The purpose of this thesis is to develop a recovery competency framework addressing the most salient components of recovery competencies required for providers practicing in in-patient contexts and to construct and test an education program accordingly.
Methods. This thesis involved three phases. Phase One used competency development strategies to develop a recovery competency framework. Data collection methods included a literature review and 15 key informant interviews. In Phase Two, based on the recovery competency framework, a recovery education program was constructed and validated. In Phase Three, a pilot study with a pre-test/post-test design was used to examine the effectiveness of the education program. Twenty-six in-patient providers from three hospitals were recruited. Outcome measures included the Recovery Knowledge Inventory, two investigator-developed questionnaires rating participants’ sense of recovery knowledge application and perceived recovery-related dilemmas, and a group evaluation.
Results. Two conceptual models were developed in Phase One to address key tensions and enabling processes for in-patient providers. Derived from these two models, a recovery competency framework consisting of eight core competencies was developed. Phase Two was comprised of a two-part education program. Part One was a self-learning program introducing recovery concepts in the in-patient context and the recovery competency framework. Part Two was a group learning program focusing on real-life dilemmas relevant to the in-patient context and applying the Appreciative Inquiry approach to address these dilemmas. In Phase Three, providers who participated in the education program showed improvement in recovery knowledge and sense of recovery knowledge application after the self-learning program. Participant evaluations of the group learning program were positive. The results indicated that in-patient providers may benefit from this education program.
Conclusions. This thesis addressed tensions related to recovery and highlighted the important role providers play in promoting recovery through the development and validation of the context-specific competency framework and education program. The broad dissemination of the study results will be an important step in promoting recovery in in-patient settings.

abstract: PhD


title: Model Development and Parameter Estimation for Styrene Polymerization

contributor:
McAuley, Kimberly B.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
mathematical modeling
polystyrene

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-02-22 12:43:35.531

abstract:
A model is developed to describe the bulk thermally-initiated free-radical polymerization of styrene between 100 °C and 170 °C. This model incorporates a comprehensive thermal initiation mechanism including generation and consumption of a Diels-Alder adduct intermediate species. A semi-empirical break-point treatment of diffusion control on reaction kinetics is used to account for autoacceleration behaviour. Using recently-developed statistical techniques, parameters are ranked based on their influence on model predictions, uncertainty in their initial values and correlation between their effects. The four top-ranked parameters (of the 40 total model parameters) are chosen for estimation to improve the fit between model predictions and literature data. After estimation of these four parameters, and hand-tuning of two additional autoacceleration parameters, the model predicts conversion data with a standard error of 5 %. The model also provides an excellent fit to a single MWD curve obtained from a literature experiment performed at 100 °C. Simulations are used to show that chain-end degradation reactions are not important in the temperature range of interest.

The model is then extended to include industrially-relevant dicumyl peroxide and biphenyl peroxide chemical initiation. Additional peroxide-induced mid-chain scission reactions are considered as they may have an important influence on the molecular weight of polystyrene. To improve trends in predictions of Mn and Mw, the stationary-state hypothesis is applied to the initial adduct concentration. Parameters are then ranked, and selected for estimation using recently-developed statistical techniques. While significant improvements in predictions of conversion data are obtained, it is necessary to manually tune several parameters and scrutinize the reaction scheme in detail. To improve trends in predictions of Mn and Mw, mid-chain scission reactions are turned off and chain-transfer to monomer is implemented. Nine of the 48 total parameters are selected for estimation, resulting in a 73 % decrease in the objective function value compared with predictions using literature values. The final step of this work will be to estimate parameters using a large, proprietary industrial data set. Using this data set, it may be possible to estimate additional parameters which may lead to improved model predictions.

abstract: Content must pass through industrial sponsor's veto process before online publication is permissible.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Married Women, Crime, and Questions of Liability in England, 1640-1760

contributor:
Collins, Jeffrey
History

subject: gender marriage history crime

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, History) -- Queen's University, 2012-02-23 09:40:38.368

abstract:
Upon marriage, women in early modern England became subject to the common law doctrine of coverture. Coverture had a number of consequences, all of which stemmed from a married woman’s lack of independent legal identity. These consequences largely manifested themselves in a married woman’s complete lack of property rights, but the lack of an independent legal identity created complications for assigning criminal responsibility to married women in the early modern criminal justice system. Coverture largely manifested itself in the criminal law through the defence of marital coercion, which held that a married woman who committed a crime – with the exceptions of murder and treason – was assumed to be acting under her husband’s coercion and was therefore not liable for her actions.
This study examines the perceptions, treatment, and experiences of married women in the northern assize circuit and London between 1640 and 1760, with particular attention to the defence of marital coercion. This thesis discovered that the household ideal, not the defence of marital coercion, was the most important factor in determining the perceptions, treatment, and experiences of married women with the criminal justice system. People in early modern England did not see coverture as the loss of rights, but rather the means through which to create a unified household.  The household ideal manifested itself in various ways, including understandings of women’s household role, the tendency of people to treat husband and wife as a criminal unit rather than two separate individuals, the “suitability” of victims in murder trials, and the unique treatment of married women in the execution pamphlets.
The married women of this study were subject to the common law doctrine of coverture. While they did not feel its effects in their daily lives, their lack of an independent legal identity created complications in the criminal justice system. Above all, married women were both criminals and wives. Criminal actions may have removed these women from their husbands’ cover, but their experiences with the criminal law were still shaped by coverture and the corresponding household ideal.

abstract: PhD


title: Simulated Joint Loading Enhances the Expression of of Superficial Zone Markers in Tissue Engineered Cartilage Constructs

contributor:
Waldman, Stephen D.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Mechanical Engineering
Tissue Engineering
Biomedical Engineering

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-02-23 18:45:12.42

abstract:
Tissue engineering is a promising approach for repairing focal defects in articular cartilage. However, using current technologies tissue engineered cartilage displays insufficient biochemical, mechanical and structural properties which compromise the efficacy of implantable material.  Researchers have utilized mechanical stimulation as a means to enhance these shortcomings, but few studies have applied mechanical stimulation in a complex manner similar to forces experienced by the tissue in vitro.  It is hypothesized that application of simulated joint loading (SJL), a small moving contact area over the surface of tissue engineered constructs, will affect the expression and accumulation of superficial zone specific constituents, leading to improvements in construct functionality.

Optimal factors of SJL (i.e. compressive load, frequency and duration) were determined via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH). The optimal combination of factors, chosen via peak levels of superficial zone genes, was discovered to be 9.81 mN, 1 Hz and 15 minutes.  A study to determine spatial expression of select superficial zone genes stimulated at optimal factors was investigated via ISH, and contrasted with a finite element model (FEM) of constructs stimulated at optimal parameters displayed a correlation between gene expression and surface and sub-surface stress and strain.  SJL at optimal factors (9.81 mN, 1 Hz, 15 minutes) was applied to chondrocyte-agarose hydrogel cultures in long-term studies over a period of four weeks and protein accumulation, expression and mechanical properties was investigated.  Intermittent long-term application of SJL enhanced the expression and accumulation of structural proteins and enhanced the compressive and shear properties of tissue engineered constructs over a period of three weeks.

Combined, the results illustrate the effectiveness of SJL as a method to affect the short-term expression, long-term accumulation and mechanical properties of superficial zone constituents.  Both short and long term experiments illustrated a strain dependent behavior.  The mechanism behind these results is unclear, but transduction of strain events by mechanoreceptive elements of integrins, ion channels and the pericellular matrix are potential mediators.  This study demonstrated the effectiveness of SJL as a stimulation method, and demonstrated the potential to affect regional expression through alterations of SJL contact mechanics.

abstract: PhD


title: Multivariate Characterization of Lignocellulosic Biomass and Graft Modification of Natural Polymers

contributor:
Champagne, Pascale
Cunningham, Michael F.
Chemical Engineering

subject: Multivariate Renewable CCTP Biomass CRP LRP PLS Cellulose Polysaccharide Lignocellulose Cu(0) Hydrazide PCA Calibration Polymer

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-02-28 11:20:01.568

abstract:
The plant cell wall contains significant quantities of renewable polymers in the form of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. These three renewable polymers have the potential to complement or replace synthetic polymers in a variety of applications. Rapidly determining the quantities of these polysaccharides in lignocellulosic biomass is important yet difficult since plant biomass is recalcitrant and highly variable in composition.
Part of this contribution outlines a novel compositional analysis protocol using infrared spectroscopy and multivariate regression techniques that is rapid and inexpensive. Multivariate regression models based on calibration mixtures can be used to discern between populations of lignocellulosic biomass or to predict cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin quantities. Thus, the compositional analysis step can be expedited so that other processes, like fractionation of the lignocellulose polymers, can be tuned accordingly to maximize the value of the final product.
Hybrid materials were also generated using a variety of polymerization techniques and post-polymerization modifications. A novel controlled/living radical polymerization initiator was synthesized (2-bromo-2-methylpropane hydrazide) containing a hydrazide functionality that was covalently linked to the reducing-end of dextran. Despite the rapid coupling of the hydrazide- based initiator to the reducing-end of dextran, the instability of the alkyl bromide bond resulted in several unsuccessful attempts at Cu(0)-mediated controlled/living radical polymerization. Recommendations were given to improve the stability of this compound; however, an alternative approach to synthesizing hybrid copolymers was also investigated in parallel.
Hyperbranched polymers were synthesized using commercially available vinyl and divinyl monomers in the presence of a cobalt(II) complex that enabled control over the size, architecture, and mol% of pendant vinyl groups amenable to post-polymerization modification. Modifying the ratio of divinyl monomer to cobalt(II) complex provided a series of hyperbranched polymers with variable morphology and mol% pendant vinyl groups. The pendant vinyl bonds were subsequently converted to amines via thiol additions with cysteamine. These amine functionalized hyperbranched polymers were then used in a subsequent reductive amination reaction with the reducing-end of dextran to produce the amphiphilic core-shell copolymer poly(methyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate)-b-dextran. These amphiphilic copolymers mimicked the colloidal behaviour of conventional block copolymer micelles without requiring difficult syntheses or tedious self-assembly steps.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Justice and Official Languages in Canada

contributor:
Moore, Margaret
Political Studies

subject:
official languages
justice

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Political Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-02-28 12:48:26.713

abstract: This is a study of the politics of language in Canada from the perspective of francophone minority communities – the close to one million French-speakers living in provinces and territories outside Québec. The analysis proceeds in two main parts. The first part examines and engages with the literature in political theory on the respect and recognition of ethnocultural minorities in liberal democracies. It reconstructs Will Kymlicka’s approach to normative theorizing on ethnocultural justice and defends it against recent important works emphasizing the deliberative resolution of issues of ethnocultural diversity. It shows how the Kymlickan approach to multiculturalism and minority rights requires uncovering and articulating the normative logic that underpins both group claims and state measures. The second part of the thesis carries out the Kymlickan approach with respect to the status and treatment of francophone minorities outside Québec. It begins by showing how Kymlicka and his main critics have failed to fully apply, as it were, the Kymlickan approach to the status and treatment of Canada’s Francophone minority communities. It then analyzes these communities’ political claims for justice and equality as well as the rights and accommodations put in place by the state in an effort to come to terms with their claims. It finds that the failure of the federal language regime to respond adequately to their claims for a combination of participation and autonomy lies with its given administrative application of legislative commitments not within commitments themselves. In summary, weaving the political theory of multiculturalism together with l’étude des minorités francophones hors Québec, this thesis incorporates Canada’s Francophone minority communities into a scholarship that has ignored or rendered them invisible and it also shows how the federal government could go about ensuring their just recognition and equal treatment.

abstract: PhD


title: Effects of Low Temperatures, Repetitive Stresses and Chemical Aging on Thermal and Fatigue Cracking in Asphalt Cement Pavements on Highway 417

contributor:
Hesp, Simon
Chemistry

subject:
Asphalt Cement
Low Temperature
Fatigue Cracking
DENT
BBR
Styrene-butadiene-styrene
Physical Aging
Chemical Aging

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2012-02-28 13:16:02.222

abstract:
Thermal and fatigue cracking are pavement distresses that deteriorate asphalt pavements in Canada. However, the current AASHTO M320 standard specification protocol does not give satisfactory correlation between the properties measured in the laboratory to thermal and fatigue cracking performance of the asphalt in service. This thesis is aimed at validating the newly developed MTO LS-299 and LS-308 specification test methods for predicting pavement distress. A secondary objective is to determine how well laboratory-aged and field-aged binders correlate with each other in terms of their chemical and physical properties. Chemical testing using infrared (IR) spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), as well as physical and mechanical testing using the regular bending beam rheometer (BBR), extended BBR (eBBR), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and double edge notched tension (DENT) tests were performed on laboratory-aged and recovered binders from Highway 417.
 Asphalt cements with significant amounts of waste engine oil residues as determined by XRF data were found to have cracked severely due to their high tendency for chemical aging. Western Canadian binders modified with styrene-butadiene-styrene polymer showed low affinity for both chemical and physical aging as determined from their carbonyl indices. Asphalt binders with smaller paraffinic structures exhibited insignificant pavement deterioration while the opposite occurred to those with low aromatic indices according to their IR data. The DSR data show that chemical aging occurs much faster in the laboratory-aged binders than the field-aged binders. The DENT test is able to separate superior performing binders from inferior ones with 86% accuracy according to their CTOD data. The regular BBR gave poor correlation between the laboratory test methods and the performance of the pavements. Good correlation exists between the laboratory test methods and the performance of the pavements in service according to the eBBR data. Pavements without any cracks showed lower grade losses, while pavements with severe thermal cracking recorded higher grade losses after three days of conditioning prior to testing. The study has shown that the eBBR and DENT tests are better tools for predicting pavement performance and provide good specification tests for the control of thermal and fatigue cracking in modern pavements.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Mineralogical Characterization of Tailings and Respirable Dust From Lead-Rich Mine Waste and its Control on Bioaccessibility

contributor: Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering

subject:
Bioaccessibility
Speciation
Galena
Cerussite
Synchrotron Microanalysis
Mine Waste

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-02-28 21:09:08.432

abstract: One of the main risks that exposed and unvegetated tailings pose to the environment and human health is airborne dust that may be inhaled or ingested. In the case of Pb-bearing dust, both particle size and the identity of the Pb-hosting minerals affect the degree of risk. Finer dusts (<5µm diameter) have a higher potential of being ingested deeper into the human lung causing possible tissue damage and toxic effects. We have collected size-fractionated airborne dust and near-surface pH-neutral tailings at New Calumet Mine, Quebec, Canada, a former Pb-Zn mine. Bioaccessibility describes how much of a substance can be dissolved by body fluids and become available for absorption by the body. The most bioaccessible Pb compounds are PbCO3 (cerussite), Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2 (hydrocerussite) and PbO, followed by PbSO4 (anglesite), PbS (galena) and Pb5(PO4)3Cl (pyromorphite). Airborne dust samples were collected on the tailings piles using a PIXE Cascade Impactor which separates aerosol fractions onto nine impactor stages ranging from 16µm to 0.06µm. These stages were then analyzed by PIXE to obtain elemental concentrations. Samples of non-vegetated and vegetated near-surface tailings were collected for bioaccessibility tests as well as for total metal content, grain size distribution, and Pb speciation using ESEM and synchrotron techniques. Both airborne dust and near-surface tailings samples underwent synchrotron microanalysis including microXRD for identification of microcrystalline compounds and microXRF for element mapping and metal ratio evaluation. Despite extensive oxidation of iron sulfide minerals in the near-surface tailings, galena persists as the most abundant Pb-bearing phase in the pH-neutral tailings. However, rims of cerussite and hydrocerussite forming alteration rims on galena grains have been identified throughout the tailings. In vitro bioaccessibility testing of Pb in the tailings resulted in 0-0.05% bioaccessible Pb in lung fluid and 23-69% bioaccessible Pb in the gastric fluid.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Machine Vision Based Inspection: Case Studies on 2D Illumination Techniques and 3D Depth Sensors

contributor:
Surgenor, Brian W.
Mechanical and Materials Engineering

subject:
Depth Sensor
Automated Inspection
Lighting
Machine Vision

abstract: Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-02-29 18:33:20.505

abstract:
This paper investigates two distinct, but related, topics in machine vision. The first is the effect of lighting on the performance of a 2D vision-based inspection system. The lighting component of machine vision has often been overlooked; an attempt was made to quantify the impact on existing machine vision algorithms. The second topic explores the applications of a data-rich 3D vision sensor that is capable of providing depth data in a wide range of ambient lightning conditions for industrial applications. A focus is placed on inspection systems with the depth data provided by the sensor.
Three basic lighting geometries were compared quantitatively based on discriminant analysis in an inspection task that checked for the presence of J-clips on an aluminum carrier. Two different LabVIEW® machine vision algorithms were used to evaluate backlight, bright field and dark field illumination on their ability to minimize the span of the pass (clip present) and fail (clip absent) sample sets, as well as maximize the separation between these sample sets. Results showed that there were clear differences in performance with the different lighting geometries, with over a 30% change in performance. Although it has long been accepted that the choice of lighting for machine vision systems is not a trivial exercise, this paper provides a quantitative measure of the impact lighting has on the performance of feature-based machine vision.
The Microsoft Kinect® is a commercial vision sensor that can simultaneously provide a colour video stream, comparable to current webcam technologies, in addition to a depth stream that provides three-dimensional information of the camera’s field of view and is invariant to environmental lighting. An experiment was carried out to characterize the sensor’s accuracy and precision, and to evaluate its performance as an inspection system to determine the orientation of a wheel. Tests were also conducted to determine the effect that changes in the physical environment had on performance. These changes included camera height, lighting and surface material. Results of the experiment have shown that the sensor has an average precision of ±0.12 cm and average accuracy of 0.5 cm, both with less than a 30% change when varying physical features. A discriminant analysis was performed to measure inspection performance, which showed less than 30% change with set separation, but not for set span. No trends were apparent with the change in set span relating to the change in physical features.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Geology, mineralogy, and geochemistry of the Vazante Northern Extension zinc silicate deposit, Minas Gerais, Brazil

subject:
Hypogene Zinc Silicate Deposit
Willemite
Brazil
Vazante
Nonsulfide Zinc
Zinc

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-02-29 16:45:36.41

abstract: The Vazante Northern Extension is a continuation of the structurally controlled, hypogene nonsulfide zinc deposit from the Vazante Mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil.  The deposit is hosted in Neoproterozoic carbonates of the Serra do Poço Verde Formation located in the Brasília Fold Belt along the western margin of the São Francisco Craton. The Northern Extension deposit is hosted within a shear zone that strikes 200 to 225 and dips 30º-70º NW and is associated with substantial folding that occurred in the same deformation (D2) event and later transcurrent faulting. The shear zone is composed of a tectonic-hydrothermal breccia that can be subdivided into four types:  Type 1 Breccia– distally located from the willemite (Zn2SiO4) ore, weakly brecciated dolostone with some Fe-carbonate alteration; Type 2 Breccia–Strong Fe-carbonate alteration, intense brecciation; Type 3 Breccia–hematite replacement breccia, usually proximal to the Type 4 Breccia; Type 4 Breccia–willemite ore breccia, containing three generations of hypogene willemite (Zn2SiO4) as well as hematite (Fe2O3), and franklinite (ZnFe2O4). In the southern part of the deposit, late sulfide-rich veinlets are observed cutting the hypogene zinc silicate mineralization, and contain galena, sphalerite, native silver, covellite, and stromeyerite (Cu1-xAg1-xS). Geochemical studies conducted on the tectonic-hydrothermal breccia showed a strong regional signature enriched in Ag, Cd, Pb, and Zn. The presence of willemite as opposed to sphalerite and the ubiquity of hematite suggest that the zinc silicate mineralization has formed from the mixing between a low sulfur, acid, oxidizing metalliferous basinal brine similar to the fluids found in MVT deposits with a cooler, more oxidizing, meteoric fluid.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Structural and Functional Characterization of a Novel Heterodimeric Kinesin in Candida albicans

contributor:
Allingham, John
Biochemistry

subject:
Filamentous Fungus
Kinesin-14
Kar3
Candida Albicans
Switch Elements
Maltose Binding Protein
Microtubule Motor Protein
ATPase activity

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biochemistry) -- Queen's University, 2012-02-29 17:15:03.654

abstract: Kinesins are molecular motors that transport intracellular cargos along microtubules (MTs) and influence the organization and dynamics of the MT cytoskeleton. Their force-generating functions arise from conformational changes in their motor domain as ATP is bound and hydrolyzed, and products are released. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the Kar3 kinesin forms heterodimers with one of two non-catalytic kinesin-like proteins, Cik1 and Vik1, which lack the ability to bind ATP, and yet they retain the capacity to bind MTs. Cik1 and Vik1 also influence and respond to the MT-binding and nucleotide states of Kar3, and differentially regulate the functions of Kar3 during yeast mating and mitosis. The mechanism by which Kar3/Cik1 and Kar3/Vik1 dimers operate remains unknown, but has important implications for understanding mechanical coordination between subunits of motor complexes that traverse cytoskeletal tracks. In this study, we show that the opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida albicans (Ca) harbors a single version of this unique form of heterodimeric kinesin and we present the first in vitro characterization of this motor. Like its budding yeast counterpart, the Vik1-like subunit binds directly to MTs and strengthens the MT-binding affinity of the heterodimer. However, in contrast to ScKar3/Cik1 and ScKar3/Vik1, CaKar3/Vik1 exhibits weaker overall MT-binding affinity and lower ATPase activity. Preliminary investigations using a multiple motor motility assay indicate CaKar3/Vik1 may not be motile. Using a maltose binding protein tagging system, we determined the X-ray crystal structure of the CaKar3 motor domain and observed notable differences in its nucleotide-binding pocket relative to ScKar3 that appear to represent a previously unobserved state of the active site. Together, these studies broaden our knowledge of novel kinesin motor assemblies and shed new light on structurally dynamic regions of Kar3/Vik1-like motor complexes that help mediate mechanical coordination of its subunits.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Esthétique et éthique du témoignage dans le nouveau roman africain d'expression française: Emmanuel Dongala, Tierno Monénembo et Ahmadou Kourouma

contributor:
Conacher, Agnès
Kavwahirehi, Kasereka
French

subject:
Ahmadou Kourouma
Childhood
Emmanuel Dongala
Enfance
Enfant
Enfant-soldat
Enfant-victime
État africain postcolonial
Génocide
Guerre
Identité
Mémoire
Nouveau roman
Témoignage
Tierno Monénembo
Théorie postcoloniale
Child
Child-Soldier
Child-Victim
Genocide
Identity Politics
Memory
Postcolonial Theory
Remembering
War
Witnessing
Postcolonial African State

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, French) -- Queen's University, 2012-03-01 12:40:14.865

abstract:
Cette thèse étudie l’esthétique et l’éthique du témoignage dans le nouveau africain d’expression française voire le roman de la guerre. Au centre est l’enfant comme une catégorie sociale menacée et menaçante.
L’enfant africain reste « l’arme » et le « soldat » de choix dans la littérature postcoloniale tout comme il était à l’époque coloniale. Cependant, sa mission est devenue encore plus meurtrière car il est maintenant recruté pour mener des combats militaires soutenus par des idéologies dépourvues de logique.
Nous examinons donc les enjeux esthétiques et éthiques du choix de donner la parole à l’enfant pour témoigner de la violence postcoloniale dans les romans d’Emmanuel Dongala, de Tierno Monénembo, et d’Ahmadou Kourouma. Que ce soit par le biais d’une confrontation qui imite la scène judiciaire (Dongala), un débat philosophique, religieux et socio-politique autours du sujet de génocide (Monénembo), ou encore de l’emploi du rire carnavalesque pour témoigner de la tragédie personnelle et collective (Kourouma), nos auteurs font de l’enfant le point de référence à partir duquel l’Afrique pense le présent et l’avenir. Ce faisant, ils démontrent une diversité conceptuelle du témoignage littéraire tant sur le plan esthétique qu’éthique, que nous qualifions de changement paradigmatique dans la littérature d’Afrique noire d’expression française.
Ce qui émerge est un double témoignage, d’une part, de l’auteur en tant que témoin des traces, d’autre part, de l’enfant (personnage) comme témoin-victime et/ou comme témoin-bourreau de la violence dans la « postcolonie ».

abstract: PhD


title: An Analysis of the Legality of Maritime Blockade in the Context of Twenty-First Century Humanitarian Law

contributor:
Aiken, Sharryn
Law

subject:
Blockade
Humanitarian Law

abstract: Thesis (Master, Law) -- Queen's University, 2012-03-03 16:13:35.593

abstract:
The law of Blockade is derived from customary law that developed during the height of eighteenth and nineteenth century naval warfare.  As a method of warfare that has the goal of crippling an adversary’s economy, blockade can devastate not only the military apparatus of a country, but the civilian population as well.  In this manner, it is a method of warfare that cannot distinguish in its effects between civilians and military objectives.
The existing IHL framework governing blockade does not provide satisfactory protections to the civilian populations of affected states.  Starvation, malnutrition and disease are the consequential effects of a lengthy and effective blockade.
A new approach to the law of blockade is required, one that will codify contemporary practice and obligate those engaging in blockade operations to ensure that humanitarian relief cannot be denied to affected civilian populations.

abstract: LL.M.


title: Three Essays on Knowledge and Information in Corporate Finance

contributor:
Johnson, Lewis
Management

subject:
Knowledge
R&D
Stock Volatility
Cash Holdings
Analysts
Institutional Investors

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2012-03-07 14:20:20.178

abstract:
The role of information is central to the study of corporate finance. In the real world where one party usually has more and better information, information asymmetry forms the basis of analysis in many key aspects of modern economics including contract theory and principle-agent problems. Although technology facilitates information flow, information continues to play an important role because we live in an environment in which there is more information and information that is more complex. Moreover, we are experiencing a fundamental shift towards a knowledge-based economy in which ideas and concepts, both in the form of information, gain importance.  This thesis examines the role of information as we make this transition in two separate settings: First in a “real impact” setting where knowledge generated at leading research universities spills over into firms nearby, and second, in a "traditional market" setting where analysts help disseminate information.
In the post-industrial economy of the 21st century, innovation is the engine of economic growth. As a result, we increasingly value human capital and knowledge. Chapter 2 looks at the location of firms relative to knowledge centers and its impact on stock volatility. I argue that knowledge spillovers foster firm R&D and find supporting evidence. My evidence is consistent with the classic models on the impact of human capital on economic growth (Nelson and Phelps, 1966).
Chapter 3 examines the impact of knowledge and innovation on firms’ cash management policies. Bates, Kahle, and Stulz (2009) find that the average cash-to-assets ratio for firms more than doubles in the past decades and attribute it to changing firm characteristics. I identify innovation as a driving force behind these changes, resulting in firms holding more cash as a precaution.
In Chapter 4, I study the investment value of information from analysts, or more specifically, analyst target prices. Due to potential conflicts of interest problems, the value that analysts provide to investors remains controversial. Moreover, since the information age is characterized by information overload, it is harder for investors to identify relevant information. I find that institutions trade in the same direction as the consensus target price movement.

abstract: I plan to publish these findings.

abstract: PhD


title: Moving 'Out', Moving On: Gay Men's Migrations Through the Life Course

contributor:
Kobayashi, Audrey
Geography

subject:
gay
queer
sexuality
migration
coming out
mobility
United States
Canada

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2012-03-08 12:30:30.014

abstract: This thesis explores how gay men make migration decisions through the life course. Recent studies of queer migration fall into two categories: (1) the role of the state and its heteronormative policies (e.g., family reunification-based immigration policy or criminalized homosexuality) and (2) queer migrations within countries, which employ narrative approaches but often presume a linear, usually rural-to-urban trajectory of migration among young queer people fleeing one place and emancipating themselves elsewhere. This study nuances the dynamics of migration decision-making among gay men, adopting a life course approach that examines how historical and social contexts, institutions, and individual circumstances and subjectivities convene to shape migration trajectories. For this research, I use the migration narratives gay men living in two cities—Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and Washington, D.C., U.S.A.—to capture the dynamics of migration decision-making in two different locational contexts. 48 interviews with Self-identified gay men (24 in each city) ground this study. Respondents were asked about their reasons for migrating, the community, home, and family environments in sending and receiving places, changes in aspects of health, well-being, and relationships before and after migrating, and aspects of everyday life after moving to Ottawa or Washington, D.C. The focus on two capital cities was adopted not only to examine places that draw internal migrants from a variety of places, but also to elaborate on the dynamics of gay life in two mid-sized cities overlooked in sexuality and space literature, and on the ways in which the institutions of these two “government towns” have simultaneously attracted and regulated gay men and other sexual minorities. I advance several findings in this study. First, coming-out migrations are both much less linear than traditionally conceived and are influenced more by the internal social dynamics of places than flat characterizations of places as homophobic or backward. Second, the dynamics of the places that gay men leave and come to are often quite literally embodied in terms of health and well-being. Third, the government town is a paradoxical place that has been queered by the emergence of gay rights-seeking and advocacy regimes, yet continues to regulate gay men’s lives in diffuse ways.

abstract: This thesis is restricted due to potential publication as a manuscript.

abstract: PhD


title: Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathodes: Experiments on Material Stability and Novel Test System Development

contributor:
Karan, Kunal
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Materials
Fuel Cells

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-03-08 13:25:40.223

abstract:
Cost reduction is driving the development of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology for operations at lower temperatures (500 °C -700 °C) so as to allow the usage of cheaper balance-of-plant components and enhance the durability of the stack. However, lower temperatures adversely affect the overall performance of the cell and most notably that of the cathode. Development of cathode material exhibiting high performance at lower temperature is one of the goals of SOFC research and development. This thesis work is concerned with two distinct aspects of SOFC cathode development – one concerned with the stability of a recently studied cathode material, La0.5Ba0.5CoO3-δ (LBC), in CO2 containing atmosphere and another concerned with the development of methods for fabrication of reproducible electrodes and rapid electrochemical testing thereof.

The study of reaction between LBC and CO2 was carried using a combination of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), ex-situ X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) of products from TGA experiments and in-situ high-temperature XRD of LBC-CO2 mixtures. The mass change observed during TGA was combined with ex-situ XRD analyses of solid material phases to deduce the overall reactions. In-situ XRD measurements allowed for studying the intermediate reaction products. Isothermal studies at different temperatures in pure CO2 yielded kinetics for the reaction between LBC and CO2. Overall reaction pathway was proposed from these data. In addition, experiments were carried out to determine the thermodynamic carbonate formation temperature at a fixed CO2 partial pressure (pCO2). From the thermodynamic analysis of carbonate formation temperature at three different pCO2, the standard state enthalpy and entropy for the carbonate formation reaction were determined. This work is the first known in-depth study of reaction between LBC and CO2. The second distinct contribution of this thesis is the demonstration of a test system framework for fabricating reproducible miniature electrodes and rapid testing thereof. In particular, inkjet printing method was used to create well defined geometry of porous electrode and micro-contact impedance spectroscopy setup (MICS) was used to study the electrode electrochemical kinetics. The feasibility with electrode fabrication and electrochemical testing methods were demonstrated through the study of multiple silver miniature electrodes printed on single chip made of yttria-stabilized zirconia single crystal wafer.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Disability & Justice: The Practice of Egalitarian Thought

contributor:
Bickenbach, Jerome E.
Philosophy

subject: Justice Egalitarianism Equality Disability Capabilities

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Philosophy) -- Queen's University, 2012-03-14 12:43:02.176

abstract:
In what follows, I engage in a wide-ranging discussion that captures the components of a metric of egalitarian justice (that is, the nature of the principles that specify what we aim to distribute equally) best designed to promote a minimally just state of affairs for not only, but principally, people with disabilities.
First, I examine precisely what it is we mean when we refer to “disability”.  I do this to ensure we have adequately deliberated over, and subsequently identified, the particular group of individuals for whom we aim to promote justice.  I conclude this section by endorsing the so-called ‘interactional model’ of disability, and denying the accuracy of the ‘social model’.
Second, I argue that while a focus on the capabilities approach can help provide us with an answer to the currency question that most closely approximates justice for the disabled, a minimally just state of affairs would nevertheless, fail to materialize should we opt to endorse such a conception of egalitarian justice.  I point to the inability of the capabilities approach to: i) accurately identify and calculate degrees of need or injustice; ii) be adequately sensitive to the diverse natural endowments when assessing need; iii) acknowledge the special moral importance of health as well as various other functionings.
Finally, I conclude that a focus on first and foremost, condition, rather than opportunity, can better weather the challenges I present against a capabilities framework. More specifically, I suspect that a focus on both material conditions, and substantive freedoms or opportunities, is necessary to provide an adequate minimal conception of justice.  I will argue that there are a set of material conditions that are lexically prior to a group of opportunities that must also be afforded within a conception of justice, and that merely providing the opportunities for these conditions is inadequate.
In other words, I suggest that there are indeed, some functionings that must be assured within a minimal conception of justice, regardless of the choices exercised surrounding the securing of those functionings.

abstract: This thesis has been committed to a publisher to go to press later this year and is restricted to protect commercial interests.

abstract: PhD


title: Digitally Controlled Energy Harvesting Power Management System

contributor:
Liu, Yan-Fei
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
Power Electronics
Digital Control
Voltage Adaptive Gain
Energy Harvesting

abstract: Thesis (Master, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-03-20 01:25:20.986

abstract:
This thesis discusses a power electronics module (PEM) that is used to extract power from a human energy harvesting generator according to the user’s desired input power, and stores all of the extracted energy into an appropriately sized battery while staying within the charging limitations of the battery. The PEM can temporarily store the peak power produced by the generator allowing the reduction in the size of the battery required to the average power production level of the generator. The battery’s safety and longevity is maintained by charging them at the constant current and constant voltage rate.

The design of the two-stage PEM, the requirements of the Energy Storage Capacitor (ESC) and battery size are discussed. The two controllers that control the PEM are explained and the different operating modes of the controllers are reviewed. A two-stage prototype digitally controlled average current mode control Boost converter and average current mode controlled Buck converter were designed and experimental waveforms were captured to test and validate the control theories used in the PEM. A Voltage Adaptive Gain compensator was used to optimize the closed loop response of both the Boost and Buck converters over their respective output and input voltage ranges. The DC efficiency of the prototype was measured with the peak efficiency of the Boost converter equal to 93% and the peak efficiency of the Buck converter measured at 93.7%. The total PEM system efficiency was measured at 87.9% at an input power level of 10 watts. The AC efficiency of the PEM was also measured with a peak efficiency of 91% with Vin = 15 V at Rin = 60 Ω.

The software considerations for an embedded system, including power consumption and timing of real time events are reviewed. A software flow chart and timing diagram are provided to help visualize the sequence of the code.  A design chart for selection of the size and voltage rating of the ESC was created. An experimental comparison of a single stage design without energy storage capability and the current PEM design was performed, with a power limited source, in order to show the effectiveness of the PEM and controllers at maximizing the power extraction from the generator. The PEM design was able to extract 50% more power than the single stage converter without energy storage capability.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Integration of cAMP and Ca2+ signaling pathways: Formation of a PDE1C and TrpC1 containing complex.

contributor:
Maurice, Donald H.
Pharmacology and Toxicology

subject: PDE1C SOCC proliferation VSMC

abstract: Thesis (Master, Pharmacology & Toxicology) -- Queen's University, 2012-03-22 14:34:38.647

abstract:
The phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from a “contractile/quiescent” to an “activated/synthetic” phenotype, with increased proliferative and migratory potential, is critical for the formation of advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Agents that regulate intracellular levels of the cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP) have been shown to reduce VSMC migration and proliferation, and to reduce intimal thickening in response to vascular damage. Interestingly, expression of a specific cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase, namely PDE1C that is not expressed in contractile VSMCs is induced in activated human VSMCs and this directly impacts human VSMC phenotypic modulation. This study was undertaken to identify potential mechanism(s) by which PDE1C could impact VSMC phenotypic modulation and associated cellular functions. Overall, my data indicate that PDE1C controls store operated calcium (Ca2+) channel (SOCC) activity in activated human VSMCs. Indeed, expression of PDE1C increases store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), which in turn activates PDE1C. This linkage between PDE1C and the SOCC complex increases cytosolic [Ca2+] and activates cell proliferation. A potential human VSMC SOCC, the Transient receptor potential channel 1 (TrpC1), was shown to physically associate with PDE1C in HEK293T cells expressing these proteins heterologously, as well as in human aortic Smooth Muscle Cells (HASMCs), which natively express these proteins. In HEK293T cells, I also identified association of adenylyl cyclase 6 (AC6) and of the inositol-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R)
iii
with TrpC1. Interaction between TrpC1 and PDE1C in HASMCs is decreased upon activation of SOCE, suggesting PDE1C is activated after release from TrpC1-PDE1C complex. From these studies I have established a potential mechanism by which PDE1C signaling impacts SOCE and shown that a TrpC1-PDE1C complex may be important.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Persistent currents in bosonic mixtures in the ring geometry

subject:
Bose-Einstein Condensation
Persistent currents

abstract: Thesis (Master, Physics, Engineering Physics and Astronomy) -- Queen's University, 2012-03-27 10:05:21.831

abstract:
The present thesis is devoted to an analysis of the possibility of Bose condensates
supporting persistent currents in the ring geometry. Our analysis is based on an
approach developed by F. Bloch which focuses on the ground state energy of the
condensate as a function of its angular momentum L. According to this approach,
persistent currents are stable if the energy exhibits a local minimum at some nonzero
angular momentum. We have used this approach for a single-species gas within
a mean- eld approximation to show that persistent currents are stable at integral
multiples of N*hbar, where N is the number of atoms in the system, provided a certain
interaction parameter exceeds some critical value. These results are extended to a
binary mixture of bosonic atoms and we show that the system is still capable of
supporting persistent currents under certain conditions. Some of our conclusions
contradict those appearing in the earlier literature.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: The Role of the Frontal Eye Fields in Selecting Mixed-Strategy Saccades

contributor:
Dorris, Michael C.
Neuroscience Studies

subject:
Frontal Cortex
Game Theory
Frontal Eye Fields
Decision Making

abstract: Thesis (Master, Neuroscience Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-03-28 10:57:30.638

abstract: In a multi‐agent environment, animals must often adopt a stochastic mixed‐strategy approach to maximize reward and minimize costs; otherwise, competitive opponents can exploit predictable choice patterns. This thesis tested the hypothesis that the frontal eye field (FEF) are involved in selecting mixed‐strategy saccades. To this end, I recorded preparatory activity of single FEF neurons and manipulated the preparatory activity of neuronal ensembles within the FEF while a monkey played an oculomotor version of the mixed‐strategy game ‘matching‐pennies’. Each trial began with fixation on a central visual stimulus which was extinguished for a predetermined warning period before two targets were presented; one in the center and the other opposite the neuron’s response field. If both the monkey and the adaptive computer opponent chose the same target, the monkey received a liquid reward; otherwise the monkey received no reward for that trial. Like humans, monkeys chose each target in equal proportions but showed a ‘win‐stay’ bias in their choice patterns. Signal detection theory was used to analyze how accurately FEF preparatory activity predicted upcoming saccade choices. My data demonstrates that the accuracy by which FEF preparatory activity predicted upcoming strategic choices gradually increased as the time of saccade execution approached. This pattern of preparatory activity is consistent with an accumulation of evidence for each potential option towards a decision threshold. Subthreshold micro‐stimulation biased mixed‐strategy saccadic choices, further suggesting a role for the FEF in choosing mixed‐strategy saccades, albeit unexpectedly, in favor of saccades opposite the stimulation sites. Lastly, a particular advantage of my experiment is that the same monkey performed this task using neurophysiological experimentation in the FEF and intermediate layers of the superior colliculus (SCi). This allowed me to compare the timing and magnitude of neuronal selectivity and effects of subthreshold microstimulation across these two structures, during strategic decision‐making. My results indicate that the selection of mixed‐strategy saccades occurred earlier and was greater in magnitude in the FEF compared to the SC, indicative of a decision process that occurs earlier in the frontal cortex before being relayed on to premotor regions in the midbrain.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: High Frequency Ultrasound RF Time Series Analysis for Tissue Characterization

contributor:
Abolmaesumi, Purang
Mousavi, Parvin
Electrical and Computer Engineering

subject:
RF Time Series
High Frequency Ultrasound
Tissue Characterization

abstract: Thesis (Master, Electrical & Computer Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-03-29 13:52:10.874

abstract:
Ultrasound-based tissue characterization has been an active field of cancer detection in the past decades. The main concept behind various techniques is that the returning ultrasound echoes carry tissue-dependent information that can be used to distinguish tissue types. Recently, a new paradigm for tissue typing has been proposed which uses ultrasound Radio Frequency (RF) echoes, recorded continuously from a fixed location of the tissue, to extract tissue-dependent information. This is hereafter referred to as RF time series.
The source of tissue typing information in RF time series is not a well known concept in the literature. However, there are two main hypotheses that describe the informativeness of variations in RF time series. Such information could be partly due to heat induction as a result of consistent eradiation of tissue with ultrasound beams which results in a virtual displacement in RF echoes, and partly due to the acoustic radiation force of ultrasound beams resulting in micro-vibration inside tissue.
In this thesis, we further investigate RF time series signals, collected at high frequencies, by analyzing the properties of the RF displacements. It will be shown that such displacements exhibit oscillatory behavior, emphasizing on the possible
micro-vibrations inside tissue, as well as linear incremental trend, indicating the effect of heat absorbtion of tissue.
The main focus of this thesis is to study the oscillatory behavior of RF displacements in order to extract tissue-dependent features based on which tissue classification is performed. Using various linear and nonlinear tools, we study the properties of such displacements in both frequency and time domain. Nonlinear analysis, based on the theory of dynamical systems, is used to study the dynamical and geometrical
properties of RF displacements in the time domain.
Using Support Vector Machine (SVM), different tissue typing experiments are performed to investigate the capability of the proposed features in tissue classification. It will be shown that the combination of such features can distinguish between different tissue types almost perfectly. In addition, a feature reduction algorithm, based on principle component analysis (PCA), is performed to reduce the number of features required for a successful tissue classification.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Geology, Hydrothermal Alteration and Mineralization of the Gold Eagle Deposit: a New Discovery in the Red Lake Camp, Canada

subject:
Geology
Red Lake

abstract: Thesis (Master, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-03-30 10:53:12.446

abstract: Greenstone belts have been recognized as highly prospective settings for high grade gold mineralization, and are host to a number of world class quartz-carbonate vein deposits, which account for approximately 13% of the cumulative global gold production.  In Canada, the Archean Red Lake Greenstone Belt hosts one of Canada’s richest gold districts (cumulative production to 2008 of over 24 M oz at 0.461 oz/t). Recently, there have been many discoveries in the district including the Gold Eagle occurrence (also referred to as the Bruce Channel Deposit and Cochenour project), which has an inferred resource of 2.7 million ounces of gold at an average grade of 11.04 g/t Au. The auriferous ore zones in the Gold Eagle Deposit are hosted in volcano-sedimentary rocks of the Balmer Assemblage (2.99-2.96 Ga), which is controlled by a major north trending, west dipping deformation corridor sub-parallel to the Balmer Assemblage-Bruce Channel Assemblage contact. The vertical extent of the mineralization is controlled by the “Cochenour Thrust” that extends into the adjacent Cochenour-Willans Mine.  The four main ore zones are structurally controlled within a NS, west dipping fault corridor and consist of: 1) the quartz-actinolite zone; 2) banded iron formations, 3) sulphide replacement zones and 4) footwall ore zones. The deposit has undergone pervasive pre-ore biotite and carbonate alteration, two gold events with the first associated with silicification and late actinolite-tremolite and the second associated with arsenopyrite sulphidation and iron-rich biotite and post-ore quartz and carbonate veinlets. Late faults (including black line faults) have contributed to the complexity and discontinuity of the ore bodies.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Metallogenetic Controls on Miocene High-Sulphidation Epithermal Gold Mineralization, Alto Chicama District, La Libertad, Northern Perú

subject: Epithermal Gold High-Sulphidation Peru Miocene Metallogeny Geochronology Petrogenesis Paleoaltimetry

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-04-05 11:09:14.751

abstract: The Alto Chicama district, Central Andean Cordillera Occidental, La Libertad, northern Perú, hosts the 14 M oz, Miocene Lagunas Norte high-sulphidation epithermal Au-(Ag) deposit (Latitude 7° 56ʹ30ʺ S; Longitude 78°14ʹ50ʺ W), in addition to several important, epithermal and mesothermal precious ± base-metal vein systems and porphyry Cu-Au-(Mo) deposits and prospects. The district is underlain by lower Oligocene-to-Middle Miocene, subaerial, Calipuy Supergroup volcanic rocks, unconformably overlying Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous marine sedimentary strata affected by late Eocene-early Oligocene thin-skinned fold and thrust deformation. Mineralization at Lagunas Norte is largely hosted by intensely-folded Valanginian Chimú Formation quartz arenite, but extends into overlying, weakly-deformed, Lower Miocene dacitic volcaniclastic deposits. Fold- and thrust-related deformation at the deposit, and subsequent magmatic and hydrothermal activity, were localized along a long-lived, crustal-scale cross-strike discontinuity. Hydrothermal activity at Lagunas Norte was associated with local extension within an overall regional compressive regime. Ore formation occurred during the terminal stages of andesitic-to-dacitic magmatism in the deposit area, immediately following the sector collapse of an adjacent volcanic centre, and during eruption of late-stage peripheral dacitic domes. Intense advanced-argillic alteration occurred in at least two major pulses over a ~ 0.9 m.y. period, implying repeated magma influx in a shallow subjacent chamber. The ensuing Au-(Ag)-pyrite-enargite deposition resulted from mixing of magmatic vapour with oxidized groundwaters, a process stimulated by the contiguous incision of a steep-walled valley-pediment. The local volcanic rocks record a transition from “normal arc” to higher-pressure “adakitic” magmatism, initiated during ore deposition at Lagunas Norte, but exhibited by the entire Calipuy arc in northern Perú, and interpreted to reflect the destabilization of plagioclase and stabilization of garnet in inferred lower-crustal magmas. The progressive depletion of 18O and D in meteoric water recorded in late Oligocene-to-Late Miocene hypogene and supergene minerals is in permissive agreement with major uplift from ~ 1000 m to over 3000 m a.s.l. during hydrothermal activity. Hydrothermal activity and related ore deposition at Lagunas Norte unambiguously predated, by at least 2 m.y., the impingement of the aseismic Nazca Ridge at the Perú Trench and the ensuing flattening of the subducting slab

abstract: PhD


title: Interference-Optimal Frequency Allocation in Femtocellular Networks

contributor:
Hassanein, Hossam S.
Computing

subject:
Ad-hoc
Interference
OFDMA
MCF
Femtocell
Femtocells
Min cost flow
Network Flow
Femtocellular
Graph Theory
Minimum cost flow
Optimal
Network
Wireless
Interference Mitigation
LTE

abstract: Thesis (Master, Computing) -- Queen's University, 2012-03-31 02:14:28.549

abstract:
The evolution of Mobile Internet has led to the growth of bandwidth demanding applications like video streaming and social networking. The required data rates projected for such applications cannot be sustained by current cellular networks. New network architectures like Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE Advanced have been carefully engineered and introduced to fulfill such large data rates.
The recent introduction of femtocells enabled high data rates and better coverage indoors, without the need for site establishment or upgrading the network infrastructure. Femtocells, however, will potentially suffer from major interference problems due to their expected dense and ad hoc deployment. The main contribution in this thesis is the introduction of a new and a very promising direction in deriving capable and efficient interference mitigation schemes, and comparing this direction to current techniques in the literature. Several works have studied the effect of interference on networks employing femtocells. In this thesis, we also survey such works and provide an overview of the elements considered in mitigating interference.
We introduce a new scheme known for its optimality, and use it for frequency assignment in downlink femtocell networks. The algorithm is based on optimization search rather than greedy or heuristic methods. Experimental simulations will be shown to evaluate the proposed scheme against other schemes from the literature.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Reactive Ionomers: N-vinylimidazolium Bromide Derivatives of Poly(isobutylene-co-isoprene) and Poly(isobutylene-co-para-methylstyrene)

contributor:
Parent, J. Scott
Whitney, Ralph A.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
Ionomer
Peroxide Curing
Butyl Rubber

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-03-31 21:12:46.618

abstract:
Ionomers bearing reactive ion-pair functionality are a novel class of materials that have been prepared.  The N-alkylation of N-vinylimidazole by poly(isobutylene-co-isoprene) produced the reactive ionomer product in good yield, through a solvent-borne process.  Solvent-free conditions can also be used to produce reactive ionomers by the N-alkylation of N-vinylimidazole by poly(isobutylene-co-para-methylstyrene).  Characterization of these derivatives was carried out with the assistance of model compounds, and showed excellent agreement with 1H NMR spectra.

These reactive ionomers readily crosslink with peroxide at elevated temperatures and in the absence of peroxide they have excellent thermal stability.  The amount of crosslinking can be altered based on the vinyl content of the material, to target various applications.  N-alkylation of N-vinylimidazole can be carried out concurrently with a non-reactive N-alkylimidazole to achieve desired vinyl contents and tailor the physical properties of these materials.  These materials contain both ionic and covalent crosslink networks, and this hybrid network structure provides these materials with unique crosslink structures and stress relaxation properties.

Conventional rubber fillers are compatible with these novel reactive ionomers.  Carbon black and precipitated silica have no adverse effects on the peroxide crosslinking of the elastomers and a constant peroxide loading can be used regardless of the filler loading.  Payne analysis shows good filler dispersion at low filler loading; however, there is some evidence of reticulate filler network formation at high filler loadings.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: Psychological Dimensions of Socratic Protreptic

contributor:
Miller, Jon
Philosophy

subject: Socrates Alcibiades Eros Protreptic Psychology Hubris Theaetetus Shame Phaedrus

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Philosophy) -- Queen's University, 2012-04-02 11:04:07.292

abstract: My goal in the present work is to add to our understanding of Socratic protreptic. I do so by focussing on psychological traits and qualities of character in Socrates’ young associates.   There are a number of candidates throughout the dialogues whose colourful depiction and careful psychological rendering offer us ample material for study.  In this study, I focus on two characters in particular.  First, I look at the presentation of Alcibiades in the final scene of Symposium.  Here I explore how Plato uses hubris and shame to explain the failure of protreptic in this gifted Socratic associate. Next, I look at Theaetetus as presented in the eponymously named dialogue.  His characterization as an able, intelligent and model candidate for philosophy gives us a penetrating insight into the Socratic ideal. Finally, I offer a reading of Eros in Phaedrus that examines the psychological dynamic between the lover and his beloved.  While a number of types of lovers are envisioned in this dialogue, I argue that if a beloved is to succeed in turning toward philosophy his lover must be a philosophical lover motivated by other-regarding care for his beloved’s soul.

abstract: PhD


title: A pilot study for the development of a food skills survey tool

contributor:
Sears, Kim
Medves, Jennifer M.
Nursing

subject:
Community Nursing
Nutrition
Food skills

abstract: Thesis (Master, Nursing) -- Queen's University, 2012-07-15 11:39:03.227

abstract: It has been hypothesized that a reduction in the awareness of food skills in the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington (KFL&A) community may be contributing to the increasing rates of overweight and obesity. To date, a valid and reliable tool for examining the level of food skills among a population has not been created. This study sought to create such a tool through achieving face validity from key stakeholders, content validity from an expert panel and construct validity through factor analysis. Upon ethics approval, the validated tool was piloted among a selected number of residents in the KFL&A County through a telephone survey company, CCI Research. Results were examined and a Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure the internal consistency of the tool. This tool will contribute to subsequent studies that aim to identify gaps in food skills among targeted populations. Future studies may also use the data to guide individualized food skills education programs for residents.

abstract: MNSc.


title: The Influence of Body Mass Index on Global DNA Methylation Levels in Blood Leukocytes

contributor:
King, Will D.
Pang, Stephen C.
Community Health and Epidemiology

subject:
methylation
Body Mass Index
epigenetics

abstract: Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2012-04-03 17:23:59.843

abstract:
Introduction: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a relative measure of whether an individual’s weight is at a healthy level for their height. A higher BMI is associated with an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the biologic mechanisms are not well understood. One proposed mechanism is through changes in global DNA methylation levels, particularly global DNA hypomethylation. Global DNA hypomethylation refers to lower levels of DNA methylation across the entire genome and hypermethylation refers to higher levels of DNA methylation across the entire genome. Changes in methylation levels can affect gene expression, genomic stability, and chromosomal structure. The methylation status of repetitive sequences in the DNA, such as LINE-1, is commonly used to represent a surrogate measure of global DNA methylation levels.
Objectives: 1. Quantify and describe LINE-1 DNA methylation in leukocytes in a large sample of healthy volunteers. 2. Examine the relationship between BMI and LINE-1 DNA methylation levels. 3. Assess if sex is an effect modifier of the relationship between BMI and LINE-1 DNA methylation levels.
Methods: A nested cross-sectional study was composed of 502 healthy volunteers between the ages of 20 and 50. Subjects completed a study questionnaire and provided blood samples for laboratory analyses. For each subject, DNA was isolated, underwent bisulfite conversion, and LINE-1 DNA methylation levels were measured by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) High-Resolution Melting Curve analysis. For the main analysis, a multivariate linear regression model was used to examine the relationship between BMI and LINE-1 DNA methylation levels, while controlling for confounders.
Results: LINE-1 DNA methylation was normally distributed with a mean of 84.52% and a standard deviation of 3.19%. BMI (normal, overweight, and obese categories) was not significantly associated with LINE-1 DNA methylation levels in the adjusted linear regression model (p=0.41) and the interaction term between BMI and sex was not significant (p=0.50).
Conclusions: LINE-1 DNA methylation was measured with a high degree of reliability in a sample of healthy volunteers. This research provided a description of LINE-1 DNA methylation levels in a large healthy population and showed that BMI was not associated with global DNA methylation.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Fleeing Predation: the Effect of Copper Exposure on Inducible Antipredator Defenses in Daphnia Pulicaria Clones From a Historically Metal Contaminated Lake

contributor:
Arnott, Shelley E.
Biology

subject:
Copper Tolerance
Adaptation
Inducible Antipredator Defenses
Trade-Offs
Kairomone
Chemosensory Impairment
Co-Tolerance

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2012-04-03 19:33:59.137

abstract: Antipredator defenses are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems. In the widely studied Chaoborus-Daphnia predator-prey system, Daphnia elicit a variety of phenotypically plastic responses to Chaoborus including: morphological, life history, and behavioral responses. While these inducible defenses benefit the prey, metal contaminants have been shown to interfere with chemosensory functions, thereby inhibiting antipredator defenses and decreasing survivorship. However, in lakes with a history of metal contamination, such as Kelly Lake in Sudbury, Ontario, there is evidence to suggest that Daphnia may have adapted to high, ambient copper concentrations. Using seven distinct Daphnia clones that were hatched from resting eggs from Kelly Lake, we examined morphological and life history traits when clones were exposed to either a nominal concentration of copper, kairomone, or a combination of both. As expected, clones displayed a variety of inducible responses in both kairomone-control and kairomone-copper treatments, which was attributed to genetic variability. Expected trade-offs in life history traits were not always observed, suggesting that inducible traits may be coupled. Furthermore, in contradiction to life history theory, one clone exhibited both increased somatic growth and increased reproductive output, indicating that clones likely adopted adaptive strategies to stressors rather than elicitng trade-offs in traditional traits. Our results indicate that environmentally relevant copper concentrations do not inhibit the induction of antipredator defenses in Daphnia from Kelly Lake, and we conclude that Kelly Lake Daphnia have developed an adaptive tolerance to copper. Adaptation to copper contamination may have implications for resilience in natural Kelly Lake populations.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Ecological effects of Hemimysis anomala on the nearshore fish community of Lake Ontario

contributor:
Arnott, Shelley E.
Johnson, Timothy B.
Johnson, Timothy B.
Biology

subject:
stable isotopes
Lake Ontario
Hemimysis anomala
bioenergetics
food web

abstract: Thesis (Master, Biology) -- Queen's University, 2012-04-03 23:04:18.612

abstract:
Species invasions are regarded as one of the most serious threats to biodiversity and native ecosystems and our ability to predict and quantify the impacts of invasive species has been an arduous task. Since the 1840s, the Laurentian Great Lakes have experienced an exponential increase in the number of identified invasive species. The most recent, Hemimysis anomala, is a littoral freshwater mysid native to the Ponto-Caspian region of Eastern Europe. They have been identified in all of the Great Lakes (except Lake Superior), the St. Lawrence River downstream to Québec City, and inland lakes in New York State and have the potential to destabilize energy flow in aquatic food webs.
Using stable isotopes of carbon (13C) and nitrogen (15N), I evaluated nearshore food web structure at four sites along Lake Ontario’s north shore spanning a gradient of Hemimysis density to determine: 1) if dominant nearshore food web pathways change seasonally, and 2) whether fish exhibit a dietary shift towards consumption of Hemimysis. Also, the effects of Hemimysis consumption on the growth of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were quantified using bioenergetics modeling and four predictive feeding scenarios simulating Hemimysis incorporation into yellow perch diets.
My results suggest Hemimysis are being incorporated into diets of round gobies, alewife and small yellow perch, which has resulted in a trophic lengthening of the food web. As Hemimysis populations continue to establish and stabilize, fish may incorporate this species into their diets at a higher rate. Based on the bioenergetic modeling, the incorporation of Hemimysis into the diets of yellow perch will have a negative impact on their growth. These negative impacts on fish growth will likely be exacerbated when the limited seasonal availability of Hemimysis, patchy distribution and predator avoidance behaviours, are considered. These results have implications surrounding the sustainability of the Great Lakes fishery as Hemimysis will likely increase competition with young fish for food and fish consumption of this new invasive may lead to reduced fish growth.

abstract: M.Sc.


title: Childhood and Youth Obesity: An International Perspective

contributor:
Janssen, Ian
Kinesiology and Health Studies

subject: Youth International Children Obesity

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Kinesiology & Health Studies) -- Queen's University, 2012-04-17 16:13:28.129

abstract:
Childhood and youth obesity is a global public health issue. International studies can provide research findings and training opportunities to expand knowledge and initiate action on this issue. This manuscript-based thesis is composed of three studies that aim to better address cross-national differences in the determinants of childhood and youth obesity and the effectiveness of an obesity research capacity building initiative.
The first manuscript examined cross-national differences in the chain food retail environment surrounding schools, student lunchtime eating behaviours, and the relations between these variables in 13-15 year old youth from Canada, Scotland, and the US. More chain food retailers were located within 1 km from schools in the US than in the other countries, yet fewer American students ate their lunch at a food retailer. An increase in the number of food retailers located close to schools was related to eating behaviours in Canadian students only.
The second manuscript examined differences in the relationship between physical fitness and obesity measures within 10-13 year old children from three countries that sit at the early (Kenya), mid (Mexico), and end (Canada) stages of the nutrition and physical activity transitions. Negative relationships between aerobic fitness and obesity were observed in children from all three countries. Mexican children with low aerobic fitness levels had higher obesity values than did Canadian and Kenyan children.
The third manuscript evaluated an obesity research capacity building initiative. This initiative consisted of a short course on obesity research developed by Canadians for early career researchers from Mexico. Student attendance and feedback demonstrated excellent reach. Dose delivered was high with all 21 course sections taught as planned. In the year following the course, students used a diversity of skills learned in the course suggesting that dose received was good. Barriers to research identified by participants included a lack of devoted research time and money to conduct research.
The findings from this thesis contribute to an improved understanding of the determinants of obesity in children and how these determinants vary across countries. These findings also provide evidence that researchers from developed countries can help develop obesity research capacity in developing countries.

abstract: PhD


title: Les Idées tyranniques, concept purement balzacien?

contributor:
Dhavernas, Catherine
French

subject:
idées tyranniques
monomanie
Balzac
quête obsessionnelle

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, French) -- Queen's University, 2012-04-06 14:14:09.903

abstract: Si seulement j’avais plus de pouvoir (Faust de Goethe), le pacte que j’ai conclu était réversible (Raphaël de La Peau de chagrin), je faisais une grande découverte (Balthazar de La Recherche de l’absolu), j’avais obtenu ce que je souhaitais (Heathcliff des Hauts de Hurlevent), je tuais Moby Dick (le capitaine Achab), mon époux était à la hauteur (Madame Bovary), je pouvais établir avec certitude que j’étais un grand homme comme Napoléon (Raskolnikov de Crime et châtiment), j’agirais différemment. La question que posent, entre autres, ces romans est de savoir si les raisons invoquées sont légitimes ou si elles représentent, pour le sujet, une excuse pour échapper à une réalité déprimante. Le fait que les écrivains ci-dessus fassent s’autodétruire, ou presque, leur héros incline à pencher pour la seconde alternative et à conclure que les moyens employés par ces derniers pour améliorer leur condition ne sont pas viables. Ils nous amènent à identifier dans la « nature humaine » des cercles vicieux et vertueux : tarder à employer tous les moyens défendables possibles pour améliorer son existence incite à refuser d’accepter que tout ne dépend pas de soi – l’origine, semble-t-il, de ce que Balzac appelle les « idées tyranniques » – et vice versa, mais ne pas laisser les problèmes présents nous empêcher d’être la personne que l’on veut vraiment être incite à bien résoudre les problèmes auxquels on fait face, et vice versa. En d’autres termes, une vision large des choses ne peut se maintenir à long terme sans une volonté forte, et vice versa. Ce dernier cercle est en essence le principe de l’éternel retour tel que l’a exposé Nietzsche. La psychologie cognitive et comportementale qui traite avec un certain succès les comportements à caractère obsessionnel comme les pensées envahissantes, l’anorexie mentale et le jeu compulsif fait appel aux mêmes moyens que préconisaient déjà à leur façon les philosophes comme Descartes, Spinoza, Hume et Nietzsche pour atteindre une vie bonne, nommément la perspicacité, l’habituation et l’action à bon escient, ceux-là même dont les romanciers cités plus haut ont privé leur héros. La pulsion autodestructrice qui anime les sujets obsessionnels semble ainsi mieux s’expliquer par une double incapacité, qui s’alimente elle-même, à tolérer la situation présente et à employer des moyens raisonnablement réfléchis de la modifier que par une tendance vers la réduction absolue des tensions que Freud a postulée pour rendre compte de la répétition sans fin de comportements irrationnels que le principe de plaisir ne peut adéquatement expliquer. Dans ce qui suit, nous montrerons comment le phénomène des idées tyranniques met en lumière les rapports étroits qui existent entre l’humeur et le jugement, et comment ces rapports pourraient expliquer en partie des troubles mentaux comme l’anorexie mentale, le jeu compulsif ou les ruminations mentales.

abstract: PhD


title: Reflections of Two Collaborating Educators Taking a Constructivist Approach to Project Work in an Elementary Classroom

contributor:
Freeman, John G.
Education

subject:
Elementary
Project-Based Learning
Curriculum Instruction
Participatory Action Research

abstract: Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2012-04-09 16:30:00.451

abstract: Project work has gained a prominent place in research for its significant educational potential (Blumenfeld et al., 1991; Fallik et al., 2008). Teachers, however, have not been providing project work with a prominent place in the elementary classroom (Blumenfeld et al., 1991; Fallik et al., 2008; Rogers et al., 2010; Tse, Lam, Lam, & Loh, 2005). To encourage and support teachers in practicing Project-Based Learning (PBL), we need to understand what motivates teachers to enact PBL, the challenges they face in doing so, and ways to support teachers in overcoming these challenges. To examine teachers’ lived experiences in enacting student-centered project work, the current study used the method of participatory action research (PAR). This method included the active participation of a teacher (Megan) and me (the principal researcher) in the design, enactment, and reflection upon a constructivist, whole-class project in an eastern Ontario Grade 5 classroom. The study was structured around two research questions: (1) what did we perceive as challenges and benefits of organizing and enacting a student-centered project, and (2) how did we perceive that our collaboration in organizing, enacting, and reflecting upon this project impacted our thinking and practices with regard to project work? Megan’s and my reflections were collected over the course of the project through two semi-structured interviews, diary writings, a pre-structured planning journal, and three semi-structured discussions. Megan and I perceived project work as beneficial to students’ engagement and learning. Enacting the project was challenging, as we lacked the management and organizational skills to enact project work efficiently, and we possessed a strong desire to control the direction of the project. Megan and I were further challenged by students’ lack of skills and comfort with the project’s demands and the lack of school support and time we needed for the project. Collaboratively experiencing and reflecting upon the project demonstrated how essential these challenges were in increasing Megan’s and my comfort, appreciation, understanding, and skills in enacting project work. Based on these findings, the study encourages teachers to collaboratively design, experience, and reflect upon project work in the context of their classrooms.

abstract: M.Ed.


title: An experimental study of liquid-phase separation in the systems Fe2SiO4-Fe3O4-KAlSi2O6-SiO2-H2O, Fe3O4-KAlSi2O6-SiO2-H2O and Fe3O4-Fe2O3-KAlSi2O6-SiO2-H2O with or without P, S, F, Cl or Ca0.5Na0.5Al1.5Si2.5O8: Implications for immiscibility in volatile-rich natural magmas

contributor: Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering

subject:
immiscibility in iron-rich magams
volatiles in immiscible magmas
trace element partitioning

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-04-10 15:06:35.797

abstract:
Abstract
Isobaric (200 MPa) experiments have been performed to investigate the effects of H2O alone or in combination with P, S, F or Cl on the phase relations and elemental and oxygen isotopic partitioning between immiscible silicate melts in the systems Fe2SiO4-Fe3O4-KAlSi2O6-SiO2, Fe3O4-KAlSi2O6-SiO2 and Fe3O4-Fe2O3-KAlSi2O6-SiO2 +/- plagioclase (An50).  Experiments were heated in a newly-designed rapid-quench internally-heated pressure vessel at 1075, 1150 or 1200 oC for 2 hours.  Water alone or in combination with P, S, or F significantly increases the temperature and composition range of two-liquid fields at fO2= NNO and MH buffers.  Water-induced suppression of liquidus temperatures, considered with the effects of pressure on  two-liquid fields stability in silicate melts, suggests that liquid phase separation may occur in some volatile-rich silicate magmas at pressures up to 2GPa. Two-liquid partition coefficients for Fe, Si, P and S correlate well with the degree of polymerization of the SiO2-rich conjugate melts and the data can be applied to assess the involvement of  liquid-phase separation in the genesis of coexisting volatile-rich magmas.
The partitioning of  trace concentrations of selected HFSE, REE and transition elements between immiscible experimental volatile-rich melts at 1200 oC, 200 MPa has been determined at QFM, NNO and MH oxygen buffers.  Water generally increases the partitioning of HFSE, REE and transition elements into the Fe-rich melt.  Water alone, or combined with P or S, produces nearly parallel partitioning trends for HFSE and REE.  Absolute partitioning values of transition elements are strongly dependent on the network-modifier composition of the melt.
18O in experimental immiscible melts with H2O or H2O and P or S partitions preferentially into the felsic conjugate melt (δ18O felsic melt- δ18O mafic melt values range from 0.4 to 0.8 permil) consistent with observations in anhydrous immiscible silicate melts.
The expansion of the P-T-X-fO2 stability ranges of two- or three-liquid fields observed in the experimental melts demonstrates that liquid-immiscibility may be an important process in the evolution of some volatile-rich natural magmas.  The results support an immiscible petrogenetic origin for some iron-oxide dominated, Kiruna-type, ore-deposits.

abstract: PhD


title: The Effects of Silica Support on Kinetic Behavior and Polymer Properties of Heterogonous Metallocene Catalyst

contributor:
McKenna, Timothy F. L.
Chemical Engineering

subject:
particle size
silica
polymerizatiom
metallocene

abstract: Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-04-11 13:37:09.878

abstract:
The heterogeneous metallocene catalyst is becoming a very competitive industrially due to its ability to produce tailor-made polymers. The main advantage of the metallocene polymer product is the narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD) and the systematic comonomer distribution along the polymer chains. Therefore, the metallocene polymer product has well-defined mechanical and optical properties. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the effects of the silica support on the reaction kinetics and micro properties of the heterogeneous metallocene catalyst system. These investigations include studying the influence of the pore volume, surface area, particle size distribution, and the surface chemical characteristics of silica support on the catalyst performance.
The experiments showed that the silica type has an influence on the kinetic behavior. For instance, silica with a lower pore volume shows an induction period when compared with higher pore volume silicas. Moreover, the silica type has a clear influence on catalyst activity and polymer morphology. The smallest silica particles produced the highest activity among the other sizes regardless of silica type. The supported catalysts were characterized and linked to the silica type and size in terms of catalyst activity and polymer morphology. Each catalyst in terms of silica type behaved similarly regardless of type of alkylaluminum used in the formulation.
The micro properties of the produced polymers, such as MWD and chemical composition distribution (CCD), were studied to understand the effects of the type and size of silica support and co-catalyst on these properties. The silica types showed no effect on the MWD, but had a slight effect on the CCD. Silica with a high pore volume had a stronger more comonomer response. However, the silica particle size had an influence on the CCD, with less comonomer incorporation observed with smaller silica particles. Finally, triethylauminum was observed to produce polymer with a different MWD when compared with other alkylaluminums. However, all alkylaluminums used in this work had no effect on the CCD of the produced polymer regardless of silica type.

abstract: M.A.Sc.


title: The Governance of Open Source Software Development Projects

contributor:
Staples, Sandy D.
Management

subject:
Governance
Software Development
Management
Open Source Software

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2012-04-11 16:00:02.186

abstract:
This thesis investigates the following research questions: (1) What is open source project governance and how can it be conceptualized? (2) What is the relationship between the dimensions of OSS governance and the specific purposes that governance is hypothesized to serve in open source projects? (3) How do the major configurations of governance dimensions affect the performance of open source projects?

Two studies were conducted to answer these questions: an exploratory qualitative study and a survey study. In the qualitative study, we clearly defined, developed, and validated the various dimensions of OSS governance. This allowed for the identification of a limited number of configurations of governance dimensions that most frequently occur in open source projects. We found that a patterning in governance dimensions takes place because dimensions are in fact interdependent. Therefore, only a fraction of the theoretically conceivable configurations of governance dimensions appear to be viable and were observed among a range of open source projects. This provided us with a preliminary understanding of how these dimensions configure to create three distinct configurations of project governance which were labeled as follows: Open Communities, Managed Communities, and Defined Communities.

In the quantitative survey, we first validated these configurations of governance using cluster analysis and then tested the relationships between these configurations (clusters) and the specific purposes that governance is hypothesized to serve in open source projects, namely solve collective action dilemmas, solve coordination problems, and create a climate for project excellence, while assessing their influence on the performance of projects. The results confirmed the presence of three main governance configurations (clusters) and also showed that open source projects that adopt a Defined Community approach to governance were the most successful. In these types of projects, the combination of a tightly managed software development process with a decentralized community management structure was found to create a balance between anarchy and control that allows these projects to benefit from one of the virtues of open source development, the open contribution and participation of a wide variety of talented developers, while avoiding the pitfalls of an uncontrolled and scattered development process.

abstract: PhD


title: Eine Poetik Der Mutterschaft: Maternitätsbilder Bei Else Lasker-Schüler Und Marie Luise Kaschnitz

contributor:
Scott, Jill
German

subject:
Images of Maternity
Maternitätsbilder
Motherhood
Marie Luise Kaschnitz
Art
Kunst
Mutterschaft
Poetry
Gedichte
Else Lasker-Schüler

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, German) -- Queen's University, 2012-04-13 11:13:43.731

abstract:
Motherhood is a contemporary topic that affects the majority of women in Germany, and yet the experiences and struggles of working mothers often remain taboo or are in conflict with social conventions and established traditions. If one adds to this mothers’ wishes or needs to pursue a career, challenges occur: conflicting priorities, the family structure, social perceptions and pressures, and reconciling and balancing the multi-faceted demands on a woman’s life. „Eine Poetik der Mutterschaft“ breaks the silence around these concern and explores the poeticity of motherhood in German literature and the artwork of two female authors, who pursued their personal and career goals and did not conform to the ideal image of motherhood in Germany: Else Lasker-Schüler (1869-1945) and Marie Luise Kaschnitz (1901-1974). Both women were working mothers, who had different motherhood experiences and challenges. The dissertation begins with a close look at these authors’ biographies, their personal experiences of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. Next comes an analysis of the literary and artistic works with examples of how motherhood informs their works and creative process, how images of maternity are utilized to communicate a message, and some metaphorical meanings of motherhood in the selected works.
I argue that the creative process is a parallel to motherhood itself, and I show how this is connected to the metapoeticity of the works. This dissertation highlights the ways in which Lasker-Schüler and Kaschnitz, like other historical working mother-artists such as Käthe Kollwitz, become role models and inspire women in contemporary times, enabling women to draw strength from each other and to continue to stretch the boundaries of traditional and ideal perceptions of mothers and motherhood.

abstract: I wish to publish my dissertation.

abstract: PhD


title: Three Essays on Institutional Investors

contributor:
Johnson, Lewis
Management

subject:
short-sales constraints
investment horizon
corporate financing
earnings management
institutional investors
difference of opinion

abstract: Thesis (Ph.D, Management) -- Queen's University, 2012-04-11 22:22:17.627

abstract: In this dissertation, I investigate the impact of institutional investors on security prices and corporate policies, and offer a new perspective on the vital role that institutional investors play in the modern capital market. Specifically, on the impact on security price movements, I design a new measure of stock-level sentiment based on mutual fund publically disclosed portfolio information and provide a new dimension to better predict stock returns. A trading strategy based on the new sentiment metrics can generate an annualized alpha of 21.27%.  The abnormal returns cannot be explained by the time-varying expected returns and transaction costs, and can be best explained by mutual fund overreactions. Hence, my findings can be interpreted as a new anomaly in a new era-when institutional investors are the marginal traders. On the impact on corporate policy side, I document two pieces of new empirical evidence on the importance of long-term institutional holdings: the entrenchment effect of long-term institutional holdings in the context of corporate financing decisions and the active monitoring role of long-term institutional investors in the context of international firms’ accounting qualities. Combined with previous studies which favour a long-term institutional investor, the evidence on the cost side of long-term holding I document here can serve as the first call for an optimal investment horizon for firms operating in the U.S.

abstract: PhD