title: Consuming Niagara's Agricultural Landscapes: A Regional Assessment of the Constraints and Opportunities for Developing a Sustainable Agritourism Destination

subject:
Agritourism
Rural Economic Development
Rural Geography
Agriculture

abstract: Farmers in the Niagara Region have experienced worsening economic conditions in recent years due largely to globalization-induced competition and other exogenous forces. The subsequent agricultural restructuring process has prompted farmers to adopt agritourism as a means of sustaining their small family-owned operations because its activities generate additional income by inviting visitors to consume value-added products and/or services associated with the rural idyll. The number of agritourism operations continues to increase throughout this geographic area over time. Efforts to include agritourism in policy and planning documents are also visible in the Provincial Policy Statement, the Regional Municipality of Niagara’s Official Plan, and various municipal Official Plans. As such, this thesis draws on the perspectives of agritourism operators, government officials (i.e., planners and economic development operators), and representatives from not-for-profit organizations as a means to explore agritourism as a strategy of rural economic development in the Niagara Region. The analysis identifies stakeholders’ use of place-based development, entrepreneurs’ knowledge of product, high quality standards, and the presence of strategic partnerships as industry-related opportunities. Several constraints are also made known; however, they are found to affect agritourism operations that are not part of the wine and grape growing faction of industry on a larger scale. Proactive planning policies, more effective marketing strategies, workshop-based education, and better communication between stakeholders might enhance the future development of the agritourism industry. Overall, it is argued that agritourism is a viable rural economic development strategy for the Niagara Region to pursue, especially if operations are based in wine and grape growing.


title: Killing in the name of …?: Conscientious Objection in the age of the “Global War on Terror”

subject:
conscientious objection
objectionism
militarism
terrorism

abstract: Within the last few centuries, the global community has seen an unprecedented amount of warfare that has spanned borders, lasted decades, and created countless environmental crises. The scale of human carnage from wars between 1900 and 1990 alone tell a tale that is well beyond comprehension; the legacy of war and war making in the modern age has become vastly uneven, as the proliferation of advanced, industrial technologies has sparked new and/or exacerbated existing conflicts over dwindling natural resources. Moreover, the competitive potential of new industrial nations has challenged the control and share of world trade, finance, and global resource deposits. It should come as no surprise then that the international community has witnessed such an unprecedented growth of imperial activity. Characterized by Joseph Schumpeter (1962) as 'creative destruction' - literally meaning to destroy what is to regenerate economic growth - modern capitalism, through the technique of militarism, is reshaping the very meaning of existence against the backdrop of a “Global War on Terror.” Amidst the ongoing debates and allegations concerning the illegal invasion and occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq by a U.S.-led coalition, a select number of U.S. soldiers decided they no longer want to participate in what is often referred to as an immoral war. With this as a backdrop, this research explores the experiences of U.S. conscientious objectors who had enlisted following the attacks of September 1, 2001; how these individuals came to develop their philosophies of objection; and, the sociopolitical issues surrounding objectionism. Situated within an anti-capitalist theoretical framework, this project employs semi-structured interviews to recount the life histories of four U.S. conscientious objectors. Finally, this research explicates the narratives within broader discussions of militarism in the modern age.


title: “It’s just inappropriate”: The normalization of sexual harassment in Ontario schools as revealed through teachers’ stories

contributor: Social Justice and Equity Studies Program

subject:
sexual harassment
feminist poststructuralism
sexism
gendered Islamophobia
rape culture

abstract: This study examines teachers’ experiences witnessing and addressing the sexual harassment of girls by boys in elementary and secondary schools in Southern Ontario. Through a feminist, poststructural framework using feminist methodologies, I interviewed seven teachers from different schools in order to determine teachers’ experiences witnessing, addressing and hearing about student-to-student sexual harassment. Although participants’ experiences varied, their responses revealed that sexual harassment is normalized, naturalized and reinforced in secondary and elementary schools. Themes that surfaced revealed how their understandings of sexual harassment existed outside of power relations; how language is “softened” when describing sexual harassment and sexism; how the seriousness of sexual harassment was minimized; and how gendered Islamophobia intersected with the normalization of sexual harassment. Acts of resistance challenging pervasive discourses that normalize the sexual harassment of girls by boys also arose during interviews.


title: The Application of the Genetic Algorithm in Promoting Stock Trading Performances

subject:
GA
trading strategy
black box
regime-switching GA
outperformance

abstract: This thesis joins the debate on utilizing the Genetic Algorithm (GA) to discover profitable trading strategies by providing an out-of-sample test of GA-based trading strategies on the CSI 300 index. Our results suggest that, with trading costs taken into consideration, GA-based trading rules consistently beat the buy-and-hold strategy in daily trading of CSI 300 index. Besides, we open up the black box of the evolution process of the GA by testing the statistical significance of the GA-based profitable trading strategies through the Fama-MacBeth regressions. In addition, this study connects the literature on the regime switching with studies on the GA-based trading strategies to construct one regime-switching Genetic Algorithm (RSGA) model and makes a comparison between the GA-based and the RSGA-based trading strategies. The empirical results show that trading strategies generated from the RSGA model consistently outperform those obtained from the GA model.


title: Becoming a Queer Teacher: Perceptions of Queer Teacher Candidates in Initial Teacher Education Programs

contributor: Department of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies in Education

subject:
Queer teacher candidates
Narrative Inquiry

abstract: This study used narrative inquiry to explore the experiences of queer teacher candidates during their Initial Teacher Education Programs (ITEP) in Ontario. The study sought to further investigate: (a) stories teacher candidates tell about being queer in ITEPs; (b) how queer teacher candidates respond to social bias and stereotypes in the learning community; and (c) if and how queer teacher candidates’ narratives can inform teacher education reform. Through interviews and lettered correspondence, the participants and I share stories of being queer in ITEPs. The study examined our stories using Clandinin and Connelly’s (2000) 3 commonplaces of temporality, sociality, and place, as well as, Ciuffetelli Parker’s (2013, 2014) 3-R narrative elements of narrative reveal, narrative revelation, and narrative reformation. Four themes emerged: the complexity of the queer teacher candidates’ experience; the separation of personal and professional identity; silencing; and shame. These poignant narratives contribute to the literature by providing a context for teacher education programs and researchers to reconsider teacher education reform.


title: Reliability Generalization: Exploring Score Reliability Variance with Ryff’s Scale of Psychological Well-Being

subject: Ryff’s Scale of Psychological Well-Being, measurement error, score reliability, reliability generalization, meta-analysis

abstract: The purpose of this study was to conduct a Reliability Generalization (RG; Vacha-Haase, 1998) for Ryff’s Scale of Psychological Well-Being (PWB; Ryff, 1989) to characterize the average score reliability, the variability of the score reliability, and explore possible sample and test characteristics that influenced score reliability across studies. Studies were included in the current investigation if they had been published in a peer-reviewed journal, used one or more subscales of the Ryff’s PWB, estimated coefficient alpha value(s) for the PWB subscale(s) used, and were written in English. Out of the 924 articles generated by the search strategy, a total of 264 articles were included in the final sample for meta-analysis. The average coefficient alpha for the composite PWB scale was 0.858, with mean coefficient alphas ranging from 0.722 for the Autonomy subscale to 0.801 for the Self-Acceptance subscale. Statistically significant heterogeneity was present across all mean coefficient alphas (p < .05), with the heterogeneity index above 95% for both composite and subscale alphas. Consequently, select sample and test characteristics of the primary studies were explored as possible moderator variables on coefficient alpha estimates, with significant differences in score reliability estimates across select demographic and test characteristics. Test length accounted for the majority of variance among alpha coefficients with R2 values ranging from 40% on the Environmental Mastery subscale to 71% on the Self-Acceptance subscales across the primary studies. In light of the current findings, implications for researchers using Ryff’s PWB including informed score reliability reporting practices are discussed.


title: Investigating the Relationship between Teaching Games for Understanding  and High School Physical Education Students’ Enjoyment,  Self-Efficacy, and Intentions to Enroll

subject:
Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU)
Physical Education
Enjoyment
Enrollment

abstract: Physical education (PE) is a useful course which provides a variety of physical, cognitive, and affective benefits to students; however, rates of student enrollment in Canadian PE classes are in decline (Lodewyk & Pybus, 2013). Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) was developed as a means of teaching students to be better games players and enjoy PE more than traditional teaching methods (e.g. Collier, 2005; Mandigo, Holt, Anderson, & Sheppard, 2008). Research has demonstrated that there is a link between TGfU and enjoyment (e.g. Mandigo et al., 2008), self-efficacy (Gubacs-Collins, 2007), and between enjoyment and participation in sports or physical activity (Kidman & Lombardo, 2010); however, there has been minimal research examining TGfU’s effect on student enrollment. Three ninth-grade PE teachers and 71 grade nine students in a southwestern Ontario school obtained consent to participate in the study. Questionnaires were used to collect data on four occasions across a two-week TGfU unit. Repeated-measures analysis revealed that ninth grade student enjoyment, self-efficacy, and intentions to enroll remained static over time (p > 0.05). Analysis also revealed that students who reported high enjoyment at baseline decreased in enjoyment over the course of the TGfU unit (p = 0.00). Students reported that the unit was fun and they liked the games aspect of TGfU; while the students disliked the unit because it was boring. Findings of decreased enjoyment in students with initially high enjoyment is novel to this study with previous findings have shown an increase in enjoyment (e.g., Jones, Marshall, Peters, 2010). Future research should continue to examine the effects of various instructional models on student enrollment to provide the benefits that PE has to offer.


title: Youth Engagement in Custodial Programming: Why it matters and why we should care

subject:
Youth Justice
Engagement
YCJA
Custody
Programming

abstract: There has been a tremendous amount of research that has been done into the characteristics of programming that reduce the chances of recidivism. However, there has been limited research into how youth experience that programming or how we achieve sustained and meaningful youth engagement in that programming, particularly for youth who are serving custodial dispositions. Using the lens of critical pedagogy, this study analyses  interviews held with four focus groups involving 16 youth in custody.   Youth identified what they felt was important, both in program content and in program delivery and implementation. The findings suggest that programs need to be developed and delivered through meaningful engagement with youth, within the context of youth’s individual experiences, and that the content of programs needs to be situated meaningfully within the lived realities of youth who find themselves in custody.


title: The production and synthetic utility of the dioxygenase-derived metabolites of substituted aromatics

subject: biocatalysis, toluene dioxygenase, total synthesis

abstract:
The substrate scope and selectivity of toluene dioxygenase overexpressed in E.coli JM109 (pDTG601A) was investigated with series of ortho-halobenzoates and para-substituted arenes.  Palladium-catalyzed carbonylation methodology was developed
to convert halogenated cis-dihydrodiol metabolites to the corresponding carboxylates and a comparison of the overall efficiency between the enzymatic and chemical methods of access was made.  Some of the metabolites produced by toluene dioxygenase were employed in a synthetic approach toward tetrodotoxin.  Enzymatic dihydroxylation of benzoic acid with R. eutropha B9 provided the corresponding ipso-diol that was used in the first total synthesis of pleiogenone A, a bioactive natural product.  Experimental and spectral data are provided for all new compounds.


title: Project M.O.T.A.R: Motivation Towards Athlete Recovery

subject: Social Contagion, Motivation, Athlete Recovery

abstract: Social contagion is an important phenomenon that looks at the spread of ideas, attitudes and behaviours in a group through imitation and conformity (Colman, 2014).  To date, this phenomenon has received limited research attention in sport settings.  The purpose of this study was to understand the role of social contagion on motivation of athletes, athletic therapists and coaches in the process of injury recovery.  Using a multiple groups, post-test only, randomized experimental design (Trochim, 2006), data was collected from participants (N = 145) on a single occasion.  A Multivariate Analysis of Variance, as well as follow-up Analyses of Variance revealed significant differences between groups in perceived Athlete Interest in Therapy (p < .01), perceived Positive Behaviour Change (p < .01), perceived Therapist Interest  (p < .01), and perceived Therapist Efficacy (p < .01).  The results showed that intrinsically motivated athletes and therapists scored higher in terms of perceived Interest and perceived Behaviour Change.  A difference was also found when athletes were extrinsically motivated and therapists were intrinsically motivated in terms of perceived Behaviour Change, but not perceived Athlete Interest, compared to when both were described as extrinsically motivated.  Overall, these findings imply that motivational orientations of the therapist during injury recovery therapy have no influence on athlete motivational orientations in terms of overall interest in athletic therapy.


title: The Paradox of Reading Disabilities:  Assessing Creative Potential in Children at-risk for Reading Disabilities

subject:
Learning Disabilities
Creativity
Motivation

abstract: This study explores the profiles of children who are at-risk for reading disabilities on both traditional reading-based tasks and measures of creativity. Twenty-six (26) children referred to the Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region were administered a series of reading-based measures, as well as measures of creativity and creative thinking. It was hypothesized that children at-risk for reading disabilities may be predisposed to characteristics aligned with creative thinking. Results of the study indicated that children at-risk for learning disabilities demonstrated phonological awareness abilities that were statistically significantly discrepant from their creative thinking skills. The sample of children in this study often demonstrated significantly below average phonological processing skills and creativity skills that were within average limits. In several cases, participants had creativity skills that were well above average. Such findings hold important implications for policy and practice around supporting children with reading disabilities.


title: THE FACIAL WIDTH-TO-HEIGHT RATIO AND ITS ROLE IN ADVERTISEMENTS AND ASSESSMENTS OF THREAT POTENTIAL

subject:
threat assessment
badge of status
signal
antisocial behaviour
aggression

abstract: As do many species, humans visually assess the ability and propensity of others to cause trouble or harm (threat potential), although the mechanisms that guide this ability are unknown. One potential mechanism that may underlie advertisements and assessments of threat is the facial width-to-height ratio (face ratio). The overarching goal of this thesis was to test both the ecological validity of the face ratio (i.e., the extent to which it maps onto an individual’s actual threat potential), and its utility in influencing observers’ first impressions of traits related to threat potential. In Chapter 2, I found that men (n = 146) but not women (n = 76) with larger face ratios were more likely to cheat in a lottery for a cash prize than were men with smaller face ratios. In Chapter 3, to better identify the precise social function of the metric, I examined its differential association with two types of threat-related judgements, untrustworthiness and aggressiveness. The face ratio (n of faces = 141) was more strongly linked to observers’ (n = 129) judgements of aggression than to their judgements of trust, although it is possible that this metric advertises threat potential more generally, of which aggression is a best indicator. In Chapter 4 (which extended some preliminary, additional findings from Chapter 3), I found that observers’ (n = 56) judgements of aggression were strongly correlated with the face ratio (n of faces = 25) even when men were bearded, suggesting that this metric could have been operational in our ancestral past when interactions likely involved bearded men. In Chapter 5, I combined effect sizes from experiments conducted from several independent labs and identified significant (albeit weak) associations between the face ratio and actual threat behaviour, and significant (and stronger) associations between the face ratio and judgements of threat potential. Together, this body of work provides initial evidence that the face ratio, and sensitivity to it, may be part of an evolved system designed for advertising and assessing threat in humans, akin to threat assessment systems identified in other species.


title: Development of a Class of Cyclopropenimine Based Compounds for Application in Catalysis

subject: Cyclopropenimine, Catalysis, Phase-transfer

abstract: The present thesis outlines our latest findings in the pursuit of novel bis(diisopropylamino)cyclopropenimine (DAC) compounds. Particular focus was placed on the synthesis and investigation of DAC-substituted proton sponges, as well as their application in organo-catalysis. Herein, we report the synthesis of a non-symmetric DAC-functionalized proton sponge coined “Janus” sponge. Theoretical and experimental investigation of this sponge provided a monoprotonated salt, without a N-HN intramolecular hydrogen bond and a relatively low freebase strain. Instead, DFT calculations and X-ray crystallography revealed the presence of a hydrogen bond to the Cl- counter ion, leading to the unprecedented ¬in-out geometry of the molecule. Furthermore, the salt of the Janus sponge was found to be highly fluorescent both in the solid state and solution. Its experimentally measured pKa of 23.8 was found to be in good agreement with the calculated value of 23.9. The use of Janus, as well as the previously synthesized DACN (a naphthalene DAC derivative) sponge in phase transfer catalysis was also explored. The DACN proton sponge was found to be a highly efficient bifunctional phase-transfer catalyst, facilitating the movement of charged intermediates from the interface to the organic layer via favourable partitioning of hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface areas.


title: The Role of Canada’s Child and Youth Advocates: A Social Constructionist Approach

subject: Canadian Council of Child and Youth Advocates, Children's Rights, Critical Ethnography, Discourse Analysis, Children and Youth

abstract: In the absence of a federal Children’s Commissioner in Canada, the mandates of the provincial and territorial Child and Youth Advocates have evolved primarily to protect and promote children’s rights. Although research exists on the rights of marginalized youth, relatively little attention has been paid to the growing role of the Canadian Council of Child and Youth Advocates. As a consequence, the aim of this research was to address a knowledge gap by investigating the Canadian Council of Child and Youth Advocates and examine their understanding and articulation of child and youth advocacy in Canada. The study further aimed to uncover the opportunities and barriers associated with their day-to-day work. A critical ethnography was employed involving five former and current members of the Council (including members from the Prairies, central Canada and eastern Canada). In line with the intent of the study, a discourse analysis was also undertaken to explore relevant child and youth advocacy policy documents, media pieces, and legislation. The results of this study indicate that child and youth advocacy is best understood as a complex phenomenon, and as such, various opportunities assist the Council members’ work. On the other hand, certain barriers also hinder the work, which ultimately affects the many groups of vulnerable children and youth with whom the Offices engage. The findings of this study demonstrate the need to appoint a Canadian Children’s Commissioner to liaise with the Council in an attempt to improve the current state of child and youth advocacy in this country and help ensure that no children fall through the cracks of Canadian society.


title: Southern Ontario Principals' Perspectives on Recess in Low-Income Neighbourhoods

subject: recess principal education policy

abstract: Elementary school recess is now generally understood to be a necessary part of a child’s school day. Therefore, it is important to move beyond research regarding the need for recess and capture the logistics and experiences of those directly involved. The present study utilizes a descriptive, exploratory approach to understand principals’ experiences of recess in low-income neighbourhoods. Participants included 12 principals from an elementary school board in Southern Ontario. Opened-ended questions regarding principals’ general recess experiences and their recess definitions were asked, along with self-report measures of recess activities, student engagement, supervision ratios, recess rules and restrictions, as well as suggestions for future improvements. The results revealed considerable inconsistencies across schools. This is important information as it is indicative of the need policy and guidelines in order to maximize a safe and positive recess environment for children.


title: Structural Equation Model of Father Involvement in Infant Development in Vietnam using Identity Theory

subject: father involvement, infant development, identity theory, global health, structural equation model

abstract:
Child development is an important determinant of global health, and fathers’ involvement can enhance child behavioural, social, and cognitive development. However, fathers’ involvement varies between cultures, and research on fatherhood in Asia is limited, especially in developing countries such as Vietnam.
The aim of this study was to examine fathers’ involvement using identity theory including the following constructs: fathers’ affective and interactional commitment, psychological centrality and role performance. In addition, socioeconomic status and marital relationship quality were examined in the context of the fathers’ involvement. Ultimately, the influence of the fathers’ involvement on infants’ developmental outcomes was analyzed.
To achieve the objectives of the study, control group (N = 370) data from a longitudinal father involvement intervention study in Vietnam was used. Indicators of the fathers’ role performance and child development were examined using structural equation modeling.
Psychological centrality was strongly positively associated with the role performance and infants’ development. Furthermore, marital relationship quality predicted the fathers’ psychological centrality and role performance.
These findings suggest that fathers’ emotional relationship with their spouses and infants and the centrality of the father’s role identity to a man has a significant influence on the fathers’ involvement and infants’ development. The present study contributes to understanding of the factors that affect fathers’ involvement and infants’ development in the Asian context.
In addition, the present study provides support to development and implementation of social programs aiming to increase fathers’ involvement in Vietnam and globally.


title: "So were I equalled with them in renown": The Politics of Poetic Adaptation in Dante's and Milton's Epics

subject:
John Milton
Paradise Lost
Narrator
Authority
Muse

abstract: In this thesis I examine the narrator’s role in John Milton’s Paradise Lost. To do so, I compare Milton’s narrator to the narrator of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. I found that both Dante’s and Milton’s narrators have a unique relationship to their respective Muses that differs from what can be found in classical epics: Dante replaces the Muse with Beatrice and Virgil —representing Church and State respectively — while Milton’s poem presents an internalised Protestant Muse. I argue that, through this unprecedented relationship to the Muse figures in each poem, both poems re-negotiate how narrative authority is gained: Dante constructs a poem in which his narrator derives his authority from two external guides, whereas Paradise Lost presents a narrator whose authority resides within. I further argue that, while Milton’s narrator partakes in journey that parallels the purification process in Dante’s poem, the replacement of external guides with an internal source of authority encourages a critical reading of Paradise Lost and its narrator. By rejecting the certainty associated with the external sources of authority in previous epics, Milton’s poem urges its readers to actively engage with the poem: like the narrator of Paradise Lost, who is unable to rely on any external figure of absolute authority, the reader is encouraged to use reason and make interpret choices without reference to a central figure of authority.


title: Physical Correlates of Sexual Orientation: The Association of Height, Birth Weight, and Facial Structure with Sexual Orientation.

subject:
sexual orientation
physical characteristics
height
birth weight
facial structure
miscarriage

abstract: Researchers have examined whether certain physical characteristics are associated with sexual orientation to gain insight into the mechanisms that may be implicated in its development. Three relatively new and/or understudied physical correlates (height, birth weight, facial structure) were investigated to determine whether they are reliably associated with sexual orientation and to gain insight into the specific mechanism(s) that may be driving the association between these physical correlates and sexual orientation. In Study 1, gay men were found to be shorter, on average, than heterosexual men in a nationally representative US sample. There was no significant height difference between lesbian and heterosexual women. No evidence was found that stress and nutrition at puberty mediated the association between sexual orientation and height in men. Thus, other mechanisms (e.g., prenatal hormones, genetics) likely explain the sexual orientation-height link. In Study 2, firstborn gay male only-children had, on average, a significantly lower mean birth weight than firstborn children in four other sibship groups. There was also evidence of increased fetal loss among mothers of gay male only-children. Birth weight and fetal loss have been shown to be indicators of a mother’s immune system responding to a pregnancy. Thus, Study 2 provides support for the idea that a maternal immune response (and one that appears to be distinct from the maternal immune response hypothesized to explain the traditional fraternal birth order effect) is implicated in sexual orientation development. In Study 3, lesbian and heterosexual women differed in 17 facial features (out of 63) at the univariate level, and four were unique multivariate predictors. Gay and heterosexual men differed in 11 facial features at the univariate level, and three were unique multivariate predictors. Some of the facial features related to sexual orientation implicated a sexual differentiation related mechanism (e.g., prenatal hormones), whereas others implicated a non-sexual differentiation mechanism (e.g., developmental instability) to explain the sexual orientation-facial structure association. In addition to extending the empirical literature on the physical correlates associated with sexual orientation, the studies included in this dissertation extend our understanding of the various mechanisms likely implicated in the development of sexual orientation.


title: Learning Management System Adoption in the University: Exploring the Experiences of Canadian and International Students

subject:
ICT
Learning Management System
Sakai
UTAUT model
Hofstede’s Cultural Dimension

abstract: Using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model, this paper seeks to explore student’s experiences in using Sakai, a learning management system at Brock University.  Adopting a mixed methods approach, the study examined the effects of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions on user satisfaction. Further inquiries were made on the moderating effects of both gender and the technology experiences of students and how these variables impacted their experiences. The results indicate that although students perceive Sakai as a useful learning tool, they were concerned about the platform’s ease of use. Aside from technology experience the results showed that gender and the cultural background of students did not determine the extent to which a student would achieve satisfaction using Sakai.


title: Student Commuting Patterns and their Effects on Readiness to Learn and Academic Achievement

subject: student learning, readiness, transportation, commuting

abstract: This study examines how student modal choice to commute to school influences student readiness to learn and academic achievement during the first learning period of the day. The goal of all educational policies, curriculum expectation, literature, and studies is to develop a deeper understanding of student learning, teaching, teaching strategies, and conditions around educating that can better education and teach students. It is vital to understand how students learn, in which conditions promote different levels of learning and to help students succeed in the classroom. Much of the research around student learning and understanding how to better prepare students to learn has focused on social, emotional, physical and intellectual factors at home, in the community, and at school. There has been virtually no formal research investigating the role that transportation and modal choice have on student learning once they arrive at school. This research includes surveying students to determine their individual commuting patterns and interviewing the students’ teachers to outline students’ readiness to learn in the morning and perceived academic achievement. The study areas in this research are elementary schools in St. Catharines and Thorold within the District School Board of Niagara. The findings from this research seem to suggest that students who walk to school are more ready to learn in the morning than any other mode of transportation. Also, students’ perceived academic achievement is less dependent on modal choice as teachers could not explicitly link mode of transportation and academic achievement. This research was exploratory and there are opportunities to further research how student modal choice to get to school influences student readiness to learn and perceived academic achievement.


title: Using Age Layered Population Structure for the Multi-Depot Vehicle Routing Problem

subject: ALPS, Genetic Algorithm

abstract:
This thesis studies the NP-hard multi-depot vehicle routing problem (MDVRP) which
is an extension of the classical VRP with the exception that vehicles based at one
of several depots should service every customer assigned to that depot. Finding the
optimal solution to MDVRP is computationally intractable for practical sized problem
sets, and various meta-heuristics including genetic algorithms have been proposed in
the literature. In this work, an e fficient multi-population genetic algorithm based
on age layered population structures for the MDVRP is proposed. Three inter-layer
transfer strategies are proposed and multi-objective fi tness evaluation is compared
with weighted sum approach. An empirical study comparing the proposed approach
with existing genetic algorithms and other meta-heuristics is carried out using well known
benchmark data. The performance found in terms of solution quality is very
promising.


title: Fluid Identity And Cultural Sensitivity in Youth

subject: fluid identity, cultural sensitivity, third culture kids

abstract: This is a study on fluid identity and cultural sensitivity in youth. It is important to demonstrate how an individual’s fluid identity can help the individual understand who they are. The need for individuals today to develop cross-cultural competencies and sensitivities is becoming more necessary, especially for youth who are developing their identity. Fluid identity can be described as an identity that is constantly changing or is constantly evolving. Both cultural identity and cultural experiences effect how individuals perceive their world, their beliefs and values.  Within this study, the participants will be Canadian students, International students, and youth who have attended international summer camps in Switzerland.  I am hypothesizing Canadian students will have a strong identity and fewer international experiences and will therefore score lower on cultural sensitivity. Similarly, I am hypothesizing that youth with international experiences, the International students and Camp youth, will report more fluid identities, and will therefore score higher on cultural sensitivity. In this study identity commitment and cultural sensitivity will be measured through the online survey that involves participant endorsing responses associated with higher sensitivity towards youth of multiple nationalities, race, ethnicities, religions, and beliefs. This study will allow exploration of whether or not international/exposure to multiple cultures experiences enhances cultural sensitivity by allowing a comparison between students with many international/exposure to multiple cultures and students with limited experiences.


title: The Influence of Personality and Children’s Facial Cues on Parenting Behaviours

subject:
Parenting
personality
parent investment
facial cues
evolution

abstract: Children’s facial cues, such as cuteness, health, happiness, and resemblance to parent, influence caregiving perceptions and behaviours. This thesis investigated whether parents’ personality traits increase/decrease sensitivity to these cues. Results showed that parents’ scores on the HEXACO Honesty-Humility scale were negatively related to observed parent affection when judge’s ratings of children’s health were moderate and high, and parents’ scores on the HEXACO Emotionality scale were negatively related to observed parent monitoring when judge’s ratings of children’s happiness were low and high.  Further for Emotionality, scores of Emotionality: Attachment were negatively related to parent monitoring and support when ratings of children’s happiness were high, and scores of Emotionality: Worry were positively related to parent support when ratings of children’s health were high. These results suggest that parenting is related to both parents’ and children’s characteristics and certain combinations of parent personality and children’s facial cues may be associated with neglectful parenting.


title: My Life as an Epic Win: Providing Transitional Support to Young Adults with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders

subject: Autism

subject: High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

subject: Asperger's Syndrome

subject: Transition to Adulthood

subject: Self-Determination

abstract: Individuals with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HF-ASD) face a number of challenges during the transition to adulthood. Decreased service availability, as well as persistent challenges with self-esteem, anxiety, and self-determination can lead to poor educational attainment, underemployment, dependence on parents, and poor relationship outcomes. The My Life as an Epic Win course was designed to address this gap in transitional support and provide young adults with HF-ASD the skills necessary to experience more positive adult outcomes. The current study looked to examine the effect of the Epic Win curriculum on self-esteem, transitional anxiety and problem solving, and self-determination for five participants, who had all been diagnosed with HF-ASD. The course was evaluated by administering three questionnaires and conducting interviews pre and post delivery of the Epic Win curriculum. It was hypothesized that there would be an increase in self-esteem, self-determination and problem solving competence, and a decrease in transitional anxiety. None of the research hypotheses were supported through analysis of the questionnaires; however, the interview provided support for increased self-esteem following completion of the course. The study’s results, limitations and future direction will be discussed.


title: Bis(dialkylamino)cyclopropeneimine Substituted Proton Sponge Derivatives: Synthesis, Theory, and Application

subject: Cyclopropenimine, Proton Sponge, Superbase, Organic Chemistry

abstract: The work presented herein describes the synthesis, as well as the experimental and theoretical investigation of hitherto unknown cyclopropenimine containing compounds, mostly within the proton sponge backbone. The properties of these molecules are discussed in the context of other proton sponge derivatives reported in the literature. The superbasicity, catalytic activity, and fluorescent nature of these cyclopropenimine derivatives are also investigated and discussed.


title: My Life as an Epic Win: Evaluating the Effects of a Transition to Adulthood Course on the Self-Determined Behaviours of Young Adults With High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

subject: Transition to Adulthood

subject: My Life as an Epic Win

subject: Self-Determination

subject: Self-Determined Behaviours

abstract: Individuals with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFASD) are facing significant challenges transitioning out of high school and into adulthood. With the lack of support during this critical transition period, many young adults with HFASD find themselves depending on support from parents, being underemployed, struggling with further education and independence, and often develop mental health challenges. Recent research literature on self-determination and transition to adulthood provided strong correlational evidence that transition to adulthood programs focused on teaching self-determination are associated with better employment opportunities, higher quality education, independent living, improved social relationships, and positive leisure and recreational outcomes. The My Life as an Epic Win was adapted based on the self-determination model to teach individuals with HFASD acquisition of self-determined behaviours (i.e., goal setting and action planning, self-awareness of supports and strengths and weaknesses, problem solving, and self-management). The current study looked to examine the effect of the Epic Win curriculum on self-determination and self-determined behaviours for five participants, who had all been diagnosed with HFASD. Self-determination and self-determined behaviours were evaluated by administration of two questionnaires, delivered pre- and post-Epic Win course. It was hypothesized that there would be an increase in self-determination and self-determined behaviours following the completion of the Epic Win course. All participants demonstrated an increase in self-determination; however these gains were not significant on a statistical level. A qualitative analysis of one of the questionnaires demonstrated that there were positive trends in the way the participants viewed themselves, as well as in their ability to develop clear and specific goals in the areas of work/career, continuing education, independence and relationships. The study’s results, limitations and future direction were discussed.


title: "It was easy to look for a place, but hard to actually get one": University students' experiences of racial discrimination in off-campus housing

subject: Housing Racism University Students Canada

abstract: This study examines university student perceptions of and experiences with racial discrimination in off-campus housing in Ontario’s Niagara Region. Using a qualitative methodology informed by critical race theory, the study draws upon semi-structured, qualitative interviews conducted with 14 Brock University students to gain insight into racial discrimination in the context of the search for and life in off-campus housing. Participants discussed the wider context of off-campus housing in the region, including certain difficulties related to student inexperience in the off-campus housing market, age, and gender. Along with uncovering these other challenges faced by students, the thesis documents and analyses accounts of the impact of racialized identities and racism at different stages of the student off-campus housing search and subsequent residency. By documenting and analyzing these perceptions and experiences, this study seeks to contribute to wider efforts to expose and challenge racial discrimination.


title: The Making of a Quality Improvement Team in a Community Health Centre: What Does it Take

subject:
community health centre
quality improvement
Bronfenbrenner

abstract: The purpose of this study was to use Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model of development to explore how a quality improvement (QI) team within a Community Health Centre (CHC) identifies the elements that have led to its success. This was a single case study, which took place in an Ontario Community Health Centre. The study included the reflection of a key manager who was also the researcher in this project. In addition, the study included 6 individual interviews with QI team members. Five themes emerged: (1) supportive management, (2) safe spaces, (3) ability to embrace collective change, (4) signs of success, and (5) collaborative environment. This study suggests that these five themes outline a strategy for successfully implementing QI in a primary care environment.


title: The Utility of Microfossils in Geoarchaeology: A Case Study from Lake Simcoe, Ontario and Methodological Considerations

subject:
Lake Simcoe
Huron
Palynology
Geoarchaeology

abstract: Eutrophication has been an issue in Lake Simcoe since the 1970s, stressing aquatic wildlife, notably economically-important cold water fish. Non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP) are more sensitive proxies of water quality than sedimentary phosphorus, and have a higher fossilization potential than mineralized microfossils like diatoms, although some, notably desmids, were shown to be sensitive to acetolysis.  Algal palynomorphs record cultural eutrophication since European settlement at all three sites in a north-south transect (particularly at the southern site Cook’s Bay) and similar NPP assemblages record eutrophication below the Ambrosia (ragweed) rise in cores from the main basin and Smith’s Bay.  This event has been attributed to the Wendat (Huron) occupation of Wendake (Huronia) that ended in the mid-seventeenth century, an attribution supported the by increases in micro-charcoal, likely from controlled fires and the presence of palynomorphs associated with agriculture.


title: Neuromuscular responses to an isometric force and position task during passive hyperthermia

subject:
neuromuscular
hyperthermia
force task
position task

abstract: Mechanisms of central nervous system (CNS) impairment during hyperthermia are largely task-dependent. This thesis sought to compare neuromuscular responses of an isometric force and position task during passive hyperthermia, and the relative contributions of rectal (Tre) and skin (T ̅sk) temperature afferents. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to assess the electrical activity of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscle during a force and position task. Twenty participants were passively heated from 37.1°C to 39.0°C Tre or thermal tolerance and then cooled back to 37.8°C using a liquid conditioning garment. Passive hyperthermia induced progressive increases in root-mean-square (RMS) amplitude, mean power frequency (MPF) and median power frequency (MDF) for the force task. No change was observed in the sEMG signal for the positon task with passive heating, yet RMS amplitude increased upon skin cooling. Discrepancies in the sEMG signal exist between isometric and dynamic tasks, and these changes are due to core and skin afferents, respectively.


title: Cyberbullying, Social Media & Fitness Selfies: An Evolutionary Perspective

subject: Social media, fitness, physical activity, evolutionary psychology, young adults, bullying, cyberbullying

abstract:
The general goal of the current research was to explore how social media influences a variety of aspects of young adults’ lives, including motivation to be physically fit, and bullying behaviors. The specific objectives were to investigate the link amongst selfie, social media use, and cyberbullying in relation to physical fitness through the lens of evolutionary psychology. Brock University students (N = 83, 73.5% female) between the ages of 17 and 25 were recruited who have had some level of experience with fitness or living an active lifestyle. Participants completed self-report measures based on bullying/victimization experiences, cyberbullying, personality, narcissism, self-esteem, selfie use, physical activity, and self-body image. Based on evolutionary principles, it was hypothesized that those who post selfies are more likely to have been previously victimized. It was also hypothesized that males would have a stronger drive towards being physically fit, females would be more likely to be positively motivated to work out after viewing fitness selfies, and males would be more likely to view their peers as competitors and to have higher levels of jealousy. The results suggest that females were more likely to be motivated when viewing these fitness selfies, but also were more likely to be jealous of the types of body shapes posted. There was little effect on males in regards to viewing fitness selfies, suggesting that females are overall more engaged and influenced by this type of social media. The overall implications of the study suggest that technology and social media do encompass positive and beneficial qualities. Furthermore, social media should be engaged judiciously to educate young people about its positive
use as well as inform them about the possible negative impacts of the digital world.


title: Investigating Gender Differences in the Reading Motivation Profiles of a Population of Low-Literate Adult Learners

subject: adult literacy, adults with low literacy, gender differences, reading performance, reading motivation

abstract: There is a known gender gap in literacy achievement with females consistently outperforming males on literacy tasks. Research has shown that this gender gap is present among all age groups ranging from school-aged children to adult learners (Statistics Canada & OECD, 2011). However, very little research has focused on literacy development in the adult population. The current research study examined whether or not gender disparities in reading performance and reading motivation were present in a population of adult learners. Participants included 544 individuals enrolled in an adult literacy program. Both quantitative and qualitative indices of reading experience were examined. A regression analysis revealed that several reading performance and motivation factors were significant predictors of gender. In addition, thematic analysis of qualitative interviews revealed several emergent themes, including extrinsic motivation and negative social feedback. Future research is required to examine the influence of motivational factors on adult reading achievement across gender.


title: Augmented Video Self-Modeling as an Intervention Technique for Young Children with Selective Mutism: An Explanatory Sequential Study

subject:
Selective and mutism
Augmented and Video and Self-modeling
Intervention
Young and Children
Mixed and method and design

abstract: This mixed methods study examined efficacy of augmented video self-modeling (VSM) as an intervention technique for young children with selective mutism (SM). Participants included 3 children aged 8 (including a set of twins) and their parents and classroom teachers. The first, quantitative phase was guided by Kehle, Madaus, Baratta, and Bray (1998), who proposed using augmented VSM as an intervention package comprising a combination of video self-modeling, stimulus fading, and reinforcement behavioural techniques. The second, qualitative phase was to identify participants’ experience and perspective on augmented VSM, and to examine contexts and individual cases of SM and results obtained from the first phase of the study. Parents, teachers, and the researcher conducted a comprehensive assessment of participants’ verbal behaviour across multiple settings and throughout baseline, intervention, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. Interviews with open-ended questions elicited perspectives of parents and teachers, while close-ended post-intervention questionnaires with the children revealed individual experience with the intervention. Statistical analyses indicated participants’ verbal communicative behaviour increased significantly during post-intervention, and their progress was maintained at 1-month follow-up. Communication scores increased significantly for all children. All parents and teachers rated the intervention as effective, with one parent further commenting that intervention results exceeded her expectations. A recent meeting with the school board’s Speech Language Pathologist revealed the 3 participants are speaking freely inside the school, and that the twins are indistinguishable from other children 1 year post-study. Limitations of the study and future research implication and direction are discussed.


title: Investigating the bone-muscle interaction during growth and development in children

subject:
muscle-bone unit
bone strength
bone metabolism
physical activity
nutrition

abstract:
The purpose of this dissertation was to assess functional changes in the muscle-bone unit during normal growth and maturation in peri-pubertal children, and determine if changes in muscle strength are directly related to changes in bone properties.
The first part of this work was a systematic review of literature on the effect of physical activity on bone development in children. It was found the best time to see large improvements in bone properties may be during the peri-pubertal years. It was not clear the best type of activity, nor which loading characteristic, should be utilized. This led to the second part of this work, where a non weight-bearing bone, the radius, was investigated in order to separate the influence of muscle properties on bone from ground reaction forces.
Children and adolescents (n=172), between the ages of 8-16 years, were examined over a 2-year period. Measurements of somatic maturity, anthropometry, grip strength, bone properties (reflected by speed of sound (SOS)), physical activity (accelerometery), nutrition (24-hour recall), and bone resorption (NTX) were taken. Materials and procedures were identical between studies allowing for both a cross-sectional and longitudinal examination of the muscle-bone unit. Cross-sectionally, results demonstrated relative grip strength, maturity, dietary calcium and NTX explained 21% of the variance in radial SOS (p<0.05). Calcium intake was found to be a significant predictor only after NTX was accounted for, suggesting its effects on the muscle-bone unit may be modulated through bone resorption. In boys, the primary explanatory variables of radial SOS was NTX, followed by grip strength and maturity; where as in girls, it was maturity and dietary calcium. Longitudinally, maturity was found to have indirect effects on radial SOS mediated by grip strength. The influence of maturity on grip strength was similar between sexes, with the effect of grip strength on radial SOS being significantly greater in girls than boys (14.26 vs. 6.60; p<0.05); implying female bones maybe more responsive to muscle forces.
Together, these studies provide an overview of muscle-bone unit development during peri-pubertal maturation, demonstrating radial bone properties to be appropriately adapted to muscle function and force independent of physical activity.


title: An Investigation into ERP Measures of Attention and Awareness using Object-Substitution Masking

subject:
Attentional selection
Visual awareness
Event-related potentials
N2pc
SPCN

abstract: Attention and awareness are cognitive processes that can be investigated using electrophysiological recordings of brain activity. Fluctuations of electrical potentials in response to cognitive tasks reflect processes such as selective attention (N2pc) and visual working memory maintenance (SPCN). Previous research on these event-related potentials (ERPs) has demonstrated that they are affected by a variety of experimental manipulations, such as changes in set size, visual awareness, and memory fidelity. The current study aimed to examine how both set size and visual awareness (manipulated using object-substitution masking; OSM) affected the N2pc and SPCN components. Although researchers have previously examined the effect of set size and masking on these components, the manipulations have never been done concurrently. In the current study, it was found that completing an OSM task involved several stages of processing, reflected by temporally distinct ERP components. The N2pc was affected by set size, such that larger set sizes required greater attentional selection (i.e., larger N2pc amplitude) to locate the target. The SPCN component reflected separate effects of set size and mask, such that mask had an effect in the early delay period (eSPCN) and set size in the late period (lSPCN). Both early and late SPCN amplitudes were also related to response precision, such that more precise responses resulted in greater amplitude than less precise responses. Overall, results from this study demonstrate that the N2pc and SPCN components reflect multiple processes occurring over time, such as attentional selection, working memory encoding and maintenance, and the fidelity of information maintained in memory.


title: Does zero lower bound policy affect managerial risk-taking and executive compensation?

subject:
zero lower bound policy
managerial risk raking
executive compensation

abstract: This study empirically examined whether the zero lower bound policy of 2008 promotes managerial risk-taking using samples of U.S. publicly traded firms. Based on the evidence documented in previous research, this policy can lead to a change in firms’ managerial risk-taking and in turn result in a difference in executive compensation. By conducting empirical research, it was found that managerial risk taking increases significantly after the zero lower bound policy. In addition, firms’ total executive compensation also increased significantly after the zero lower bound policy. Further analysis showed that the increase in executive compensation was caused by the partial mediation of managerial risk-taking. Moreover, robustness checks showed that the relation between zero lower bound policy and managerial risk-taking is less significant for S&P 500 firms. In addition, corporate governance moderates the relation between managerial risk-taking and executive compensation.


title: Photogrammetric Exploration of Demographic Change in Juvenile Rhizocarpon geographicum Thalli

subject: Rhizocarpon geographicum; Demographics; Coalescence; Mortality; Survivorship; Recruitment; Cohorts; Photogrammetry, Time series; Illecillewaet Glacier, British Columbia

abstract: Lichens, although ubiquitous and morphologically diverse, are one group of organisms that remains under-represented in life history and demographic studies, especially in early years. A photographic time series and image analysis were used to identify, track, and quantify morphological and demographic changes of the smallest, observable Rhizocarpon geographicum cohorts over a four-year period (2009 to 2013) at Illecillewaet Glacier, BC. Two objectives were examined: (a) quantify mortality, recruitment, and survivorship, and (b) examine trends correlated with thallus survival and visual, morphological changes in areole formation. Two general predictions were tested: (a) thallus survivorship is positively correlated with average areole area, and (b) there is a linear increase in the number of areoles per year per thallus. Results revealed age-specific mortality was highly variable among different years (8 to 44%), and recruitment occurred in every year. Thallus coalescence was found in every cohort and gradually increased over time. Results also showed that thalli that coalesced had a higher survivorship than solitary thalli. Survivorship was independent of areole area, and areole accumulation did not increase linearly in the number of areoles per year. Overall, this study demonstrates the use of a photographic time series to track and examine demographic patterns and quantify visual changes in morphology in small, newly found R. geographicum thalli. This thesis marked the first attempt at creating an age-specific cohort life table (up to 4 years) and tracking age-specific changes in morphology and survival in R. geographicum thalli.


title: Understanding End-of-Life in a Long-Term Care Home:  Perceptions of Bereaved Family Members

subject:
End-of-life
Good Death
Long-term care
Family

abstract: Rather than a natural aspect of life, adherence to the medical model within long-term care (LTC) homes has framed death as something to be avoided and a failure of the system. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to contribute to the ongoing discussion in the literature regarding the experience of dying and death in a LTC home from the perspective of bereaved family members. Interviews were conducted with eight family members who had a relative die in a LTC home within the preceding 12 months. Interviews with participants focused on their experiences while their relative approached the end-of-life, at the time of death, and after their death. My findings resulted in the overall theme of Respecting the Life and Death. Within this theme, I found that taking a compassionate approach to care; staff, families, and residents coming together for care; and the continuation of care all supported residents on their end-of-life journey. The findings of this research call attention to the multifaceted nature of dying beyond physiological care and work to address ways to provide quality end-of life care.


title: A Multi-Scale Molecular Dynamic Approach to the Study of the Outer Membrane of the Bacteria Psudomonas Aeruginosa PA01 and the Biocide Chlorhexidine

subject:
Chlorhexidine
Molecular Dynamics
Lipopolysaccharide
Membrane
Coarse Grained

abstract:
The introductory chapters of this thesis contains an explanation to the methods and basic theory of the molecular dynamics approach. Together with the appendix section, in which a step by step tutorial how to set up and run basic simulations using the gromacs software is presented, this thesis can serve as an introductory aid in performing molecular dynamics simulations. In the research portion of this thesis, I provide several uses for the molecular dynamics approach applied to the biocide chlorhexidine as well as the study of membranes, including a mimic of the bacteria membrane of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa PA01.

The motivation for this research was previous work done in our lab which determined that chlorhexidine has a high affinity for DMPC and found the depth at which it resides in a model DMPC membrane. From this information, an all-atom representation of chlorhexidine was made, which was proven to reproduce the experimental results. While we learned much about chlorhexidine in a model DMPC membrane, this study lacked the destruction of the membrane as well as the study of chlorhexidine in a biologically relevant membrane. For these reasons coarse grained versions of the all-atom chlorhexidine models as well as a new lipopolysaccharide molecule was created. With the coarse grained model of chlorhexidine and the ability to create a bacterial membrane mimic, the study of chlorhexidine and other antibacterial agents can be further studied.


title: The Role of Sleep and Hormones in Processing of Emotional Information

subject:
sleep deprivation
emotion
progesterone
testosterone
cortisol

abstract: The current study aimed to investigate emotion processing after a single night of sleep restriction, and to investigate hormones and menstrual phase as predictors of vulnerability to sleep loss. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group in bed 11pm-7am (12 men, 12 follicular women (day 8-14 of cycle), 12 luteal women (day 15-26), 1 active woman) or sleep restriction group in bed 3-7am (13 men, 13 follicular women, 10 luteal women, 1 active woman). Saliva samples were obtained at 10:30 pm (baseline), 7 am, 7:30 am, 4:00 pm, and 4:30 pm to measure the concentration of cortisol, testosterone in men, and estradiol and progesterone in women. N170 and LPP event-related potentials were recorded during emotional face categorization and image categorization tasks respectively. Sleep-restricted participants were less accurate identifying sad facial expressions, and displayed a larger N170 amplitude to sad faces compared to other emotional faces. On the image task, participants had a larger LPP amplitude to positive images compared to neutral, reflecting a positivity bias in attention. Women in the luteal phase displayed more vulnerability to the effects of sleep loss on the image task, supported with multiple relationships with progesterone and poor accuracy in this group. Progesterone may contribute to individual differences in the effects of sleep loss in women. Morning testosterone and cortisol in men, and cortisol in luteal women, were also affected by sleep restriction. Correlations between hormone concentrations and emotion variables support that hormones play a role in emotional processing changes due to sleep loss. Specifically, testosterone and progesterone were associated with sad face accuracy in the sleep restriction group, and cortisol was related to threat processing. Together, the findings of this study indicate that one night of sleep restriction is sufficient to affect emotional processing and the release of hormones. Moreover, menstrual phase played a role in vulnerability to sleep loss. These findings have important implications for understanding the functional role of sleep and hormones in emotion processing.


title: A Retrospective Evaluation of a Community Based Applied Behaviour Analysis Service for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

subject:
Autism
Applied Behaviour Analysis
Program Evaluation
Parent Mediated Intervention

abstract: Limited research exists on the use of applied behaviour analysis to treat problem behaviour of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in real world clinical settings. A retrospective file-review study was conducted to examine the clinical processes and behavioural outcomes for children and youth with ASD in a community-based ABA service (ABAS) for treating problem behaviour. Intervention plans included the function of the behaviour for 91% of clients. The majority of plans (91%) included prevention, skill development, and intervention strategies. Outcome measurement focused on either functional replacement skills (52%) or problem behaviour (48%). Moderate decreases (57%) in problem behaviour, and substantial increases (84%) in replacement behaviours were observed for percentage change outcomes. Large effect sizes (Cohen’s d=>0.8) were observed for decreases in problem behaviour (d= 1.23) and as increases in replacement skills (d=-6.80). Positive and meaningful outcomes were achieved for the vast majority of clients in this sample participating in ABAS.


title: Corporate Inversions and Long-Run Performance

subject:
Corporate Tax
Corporate Inversion
Tax Avoidance

abstract: This paper investigates the short-term and long-term stock performance of firms that undergo corporate inversions. The results show that the market response to the initial inversion announcement differs based on the type of inversion.  Merger & Acquisition (M&A) and restructuring inversions are perceived positively by the market, but naked inversions do not generate a price response. Furthermore, acquirers in inversion-related M&A transactions generate a price premium that is in excess of what is typically generated by acquirers in non-inversion M&A. In the long-run, firms that invert through naked and M&A inversions do not generate significant excess returns above the S&P 500. In contrast, restructured inverted firms generate significant excess returns of 214.53%. Collectively, however, the results suggest that corporate inversion alone is not an indicator of future stock returns.


title: Perceived Competencies for Seniors Care in Long Term Care Homes: An Examination in Therapeutic Recreation Undergraduate Curricula

subject: gerontological competencies, therapeutic recreation, descriptive

abstract: Therapeutic recreation (TR) is an important contributor to the health and well-being of residents living in long term care (LTC). In order to enhance quality of life of residents, it is essential that Therapeutic Recreationists have gerontological competencies and knowledge relevant to LTC. The confidence levels of Therapeutic Recreationists (n = 130) and recreation staff (n = 357) in performing gerontological competencies in long term care, Therapeutic Recreationists’ perceived gaps in their gerontological competencies and TR educators’ perceptions on graduates’ competencies were examined. A quantitative descriptive study was conducted. A survey was distributed to long term care homes in Ontario. Results indicated that recreation staff (1) have the least amount of confidence in writing care plans and assessing spirituality; (2) they have the most confidence in implementing programs for residents with dementia and physical disabilities, and recognizing that resident behaviour is communication based on need; and (3) have higher confidence if they took  in-service training and continuing education courses. TR graduates have the least amount of confidence in completing RAI-MDS, assessing spirituality, and assessing physical health and illness conditions. The recent TR graduates revealed that learning about aging topics in courses is associated with confidence levels in gerontological competencies and that internship/placement experience was not associated with confidence levels in gerontological competencies. Further research should examine gerontological competencies and gerontological content in TR curricula including practitioner perspectives of required competencies and gaps in the LTC setting. This study can assist educators in designing programs for TR candidates that may better prepare them for working with residents in LTC.


title: Epimeric Pyrroloimidazolone Auxiliaries in the Diastereoselective Synthesis of Chiral N-Ferrocenyl/N-Phenyl Ligands and Arene-Chromium Tricarbonyl Complexes

subject: Chirality, Ferrocene, Ligands, Catalysis, metal-arene

abstract: This thesis describes the synthesis and use of an N-based L-proline derived chiral auxiliary/directing group for selective synthesis of planar chiral and central chiral products. A series of planar chiral ferrocenes were prepared, and converted to chloroimidazoliums and complexed to palladium via oxidative addition. In addition to this, a centrally chiral Ir(I) catalyst was prepared for the purpose of evaluating the importance of planar chirality for the  induction of enantioselectivity in the Ir(I) catalyzed hydrogenations of 2-substituted quinolines. A lower enantioselectivity was observed, allowing the conclusion that planar chirality does contribute to the  enantioselectivity. The pyrroloimidazolone directing group used to induce high diastereoselectivity in ferrocene lithiations (>95:5 dr) has been applied (with minor modifications) towards the diastereoselective lithiation of η6-arene chromium tricarbonyl complexes. The anti-epimer of the pyrroloimidazolone auxiliary undergoes pro-R lithiation in >95:5 dr. The syn-epimer of this auxiliary undergoes pro-S lithiation in >95:5 dr. The origin of selectivity is believed to be caused by a conformational bias exerted by the O-group. The selectivity of lithiations, and stereochemistry of all the products has been confirmed by a combination of X-ray analysis, transmetalation and deuteration experiments and by the preparation and comparison of solely planar chiral enantiomers.


title: The Role of Cardiac Vagal Tone in Prediction of Individual Differences in Attention and Emotion Processing After Sleep Restriction

subject:
RSA
sleep
emotion processing

abstract:
There has been increasing interest in the mechanisms by which sleep loss impacts emotion processing. Recent investigations have begun to study physiological responses to emotional stimuli following sleep loss. There is also interest in identification of individual difference markers of vulnerability to sleep loss. The current thesis examined the effect of sleep restriction on emotional processing: subjective mood, emotion regulation style (suppression and reappraisal), behavioural response to emotional task performance, and neural responses (event-related potentials) to emotionally laden visual stimuli were examined. The role of vagal tone, indexed by Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA), was examined as a trait-like individual difference variable for prediction of vulnerability to sleep loss.
	Healthy, good sleepers between the ages of 17-30 were recruited from a university population for participation in the study. The final sample of 74 participants underwent baseline ECG recording prior to random assignment to either the rested control group (C: age M = 21.03; men = 12) or sleep restriction group (SR: age M = 20.49; men = 13). All participants were well rested leading up to the experimental night when the control group had an 8 hour sleep opportunity (23:00-07:00) and the sleep restriction group had a 4 hour sleep opportunity (03:00-07:00). The day following the sleep manipulation, participants completed a number of tasks to assess the impact of sleep loss on attention and emotion. Emotional faces with varying degrees of emotional intensity were presented and were identified by expression as happy, sad, fearful, angry, or neutral; N170 event-related potentials to face stimuli were examined. Affective pictures were presented in a second task, and were identified as negative, neutral or positive by participants; the LPP event-related potential, a measure of sustained attention was examined.
One night of sleep restricted to four hours was sufficient to lead to predictable impairments in alertness, mood, and reaction time. Regression analyses confirmed an effect of sleep loss on emotional processing that was moderated by RSA at baseline. RSA moderated the relationship between Group (SR, C) and LPP to positive affective pictures; low RSA was associated with altered processing of affective pictures due to sleep loss. RSA and use of suppression and reappraisal strategies for emotion regulation together moderated the relationship between Group (SR, C) and N170 amplitude to emotional face stimuli in sleep restricted participants.
Overall, individual differences in RSA were predictive of performance deficits on emotion processing tasks in response to a subtle degree of sleep loss that is commonly experienced. This research has implications for daily functioning, as even a single night of restricted sleep is sufficient to impact perception and response to emotional information.


title: Diverse Primitive Basalts from and Extensional Back-arc Setting: Fort Rock Volcanic Field, Oregon

abstract: The Fort Rock Volcanic Field study area (FRVF) is situated in a highly complex volcanic and tectonic extensional back arc setting, influenced by multiple episodes involving the subduction of the Juan de Fuca Plate under the North American Plate, eruptions from the Western and High Cascades, High Lava Plains (HLPs), Newberry, and extension from the Basin & Range continental rift zone. Hydrovolcanic eruptions created tuff rings/cones and maars, while conventional eruptions created cinder cones, and lava fields in the FRVF area. These landforms contain a diverse array of primitive basalts, with an Mg# (xMgO / (xMgO + xFeO) * 100) > 60 (molar %), deducing information of mantle source regions and melting processes through geochemical analyses of major and trace elements to achieve a greater understanding of the complex tectonic framework and eruptive history of the FRVF. Geochemical data was acquired through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for 75 mafic basaltic samples. FRVF basalts analyzed four diverse primitive magma types; low-K tholeiites (LKTs), calc-alkaline basalts (CABs), high Mg# basaltic andesites (BAs), and ocean island basalts (OIBs). These magma types are further separated into western/central and eastern sections of the FRVF based on their major and trace element variations. These variations suggest the subduction enrichment, mantle fertility, and the depth and degree of partial melting trends of their primary mantle sources depend on their distribution across the FRVF.


title: The effects of a high fat diet on musculoskeletal health in aged male C57BL/6J mice

subject:
bone
skeletal muscle
obesity
aging

abstract: Aging and obesity are two major aspects that can negatively impact musculoskeletal structure and function. It is important to study these aspects because of current high rates of obesity and the increasing proportion of seniors in North America. This study investigated the effects of a long-term high fat and sucrose diet (HFS) superimposed with aging on bone and muscle structure and function. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomized 1 of 2 diets: control (AGE, AIN93M, 10.3% kcal fat, 100 g/kg sucrose) or HFS (HFS-AGE, 45.3% kcal fat 200 g/kg sucrose) for 13 weeks starting at 20 weeks of age to represent middle age. Trabecular bone structure and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), body composition, and grip strength were measured longitudinally at 20, 24, 28, and 32 weeks of age. In vitro contractile measures were performed on isolated soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles at baseline (BSL, 20 weeks of age, n=11) and at the end of the 13-week intervention when AGE (n=12) and HFS-AGE (n=12) mice were 33 weeks of age. Both the AGE and HFS-AGE groups had similar declines in trabecular bone (bone structure and vBMD). For muscle contractile function, HFS+AGE resulted in increased soleus cross-sectional area (CSA) compared AGE (p=0.0008), but this did not translate to greater twitch or tetanus peak force. The ratio of outcomes of bone to muscle declined in both the AGE and HFS-AGE groups as a result of a greater decline in key measures of bone structure (BV/TV) than muscle function (soleus and EDL peak tetanus and CSA) and was not altered by feeding HFS. In conclusion, beginning a HFS diet during middle age did not exacerbate age-related declines in bone or muscle, but these tissues do not decline in a coordinate manner with aging as bone structure declined at a greater rate than muscle function.


title: Diverse Primitive Basalts from an Extensional Back-arc Setting: Fort Rock Volcanic Field, Oregon

subject: Fort Rock Volcanic Field; back arc; primitive; basalts; geochemistry;


title: Encoding Induced Alpha EEG Activity Reveals Visual Working Memory Representations and their Manipulations

subject:
Visual working memory
Imagery
Forward encoding model
Mental representation
Induced alpha EEG activity

abstract: Until recently, the fields of visual working memory and imagery have independently studied the cognitive representation of visual information. It remains unclear, however, whether the representation of information during working memory and mental imagery are mediated by similar mechanisms, or whether they represent distinct processes. Previous studies have reconstructed orientation selectivity profiles from induced alpha-band (8 – 12 Hz) oscillations of electroencephalographic (EEG) data, enabling the identification of the contents held in visual memory. In an attempt to draw a bridge between these two fields, this thesis examines whether the induced alpha activity that has been shown to mediate the representation of orientations held in visual working memory can be used to track an imagery manipulation of these representation via a mental rotation. The results replicate previous findings, revealing that induced posterior alpha-band activity contains sufficient information that allows for the identification of the representation maintained in working memory. Furthermore, the reconstruction of orientation selectivity profiles revealed reliable changes in the mental representation during the imagery manipulation, although without being able to reliably decode the direction of the rotation.  These results begin to bridge between isolated fields, indicating that these mental representations may depend on similar neural processes.


title: The Effects of Self-Selected vs Researcher-Selected Music on Psychological, Physiological and Performance Outcomes During a Running Task

creator:
Pierre, Jermel
Gammage, Kimberley

subject:
Music
Physical Activity
Psychological
Physiological
Performance

abstract: The present study examined the effects of self-selected versus researcher-selected music on psychological, physiological and performance variables during a treadmill running task. Male and female participants (n = 30) performed a 30-minute treadmill run to their own self-selected music, researcher-selected motivational music and a no-music condition. Participants were assessed on intrinsic motivation, enjoyment, RPE, distance and heart rate. A series of repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyse the data. Results indicated that following listening to their self-selected music, participants reported being more intrinsically motivated, more enjoyment, greater rating of perceived exertion and greater distance run. This study suggest that self-selected music may be an avenue to helping individuals overcome barriers to physical activity such as intrinsic motivation and enjoyment to help promote greater physical activity participation and adherence.


title: Cardiovascular and Cognitive Adaptations Following Isometric Handgrip Exercise Training in Hypertensive Adults

subject:
isometric handgrip exercise
hypertension
cognitive function
arterial  stiffness
cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity

abstract:
Isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise training is an effective method of blood pressure (BP)
reduction in clinical and non-clinical populations. The efficacy of IHG on cardiovagal
baroreflex sensitivity (cvBRS) and systemic arterial stiffness (i.e. carotid-toe pulse wave
velocity (ctPWV)) is less well understood, especially in hypertensive populations who
demonstrate increased arterial stiffness and decreased BRS. Furthermore, hypertension is
considered an accelerated model of cognitive decline, often attributed to the effects of
increased BP and arterial stiffness. This study utilized IHG (n=8) and CON groups (n=4)
to examine the effects of 8-weeks of IHG training or no IHG training on arterial stiffness,
cvBRS, and cognitive function in hypertensive adults. Significant group differences in SBP
and ctPWV change was observed (p<0.05) indicating that IHG training reduced SBP and
systemic arterial stiffness compared to no IHG training. Moreover, although not significant
(p>0.05), the IHG group demonstrated an ~53% increase in BRS. Lastly, a significant
difference in Trail Making Test Part A (TMT-A) time (p<0.001) was observed in the IHG
group, suggesting that IHG training improved motor, and visual control and speed. These
findings suggest that IHG training can improve systemic arterial stiffness and possibly
cvBRS in a hypertensive population, in addition to the new potential for improving specific
aspects of cognitive function.


title: An Examination of Decision-Making Biases on Fourth Down in The National Football League

subject: Bayesian Decision-making Analytics Representativeness Football

abstract:
The recent developments in the ﬁeld of sport analytics have given researchers the tools to examine an increasingly diverse set of topics within the world of sport in ways not previously possible (Alamar, 2013; Fry and Ohlmann, 2012). This study analyzes the decision-making processes of high level coaches under diﬀerent contexts and then determines whether or not a speciﬁc subconscious psychological bias, known as the representativeness heuristic, caused the individual to make the choice they did.

Past empirical research has examined people’s decisions in diﬀerent contexts and, from those con- texts, made inferences about how those individuals made their decisions and what errors in their decision-making processes could have led to their suboptimal choices (Kahneman and Tversky, 1979; Kobberling and Wakker, 2005; Tom et al, 2007; Tversky and Kahneman, 1992).

The representativeness heuristic explains that errors in people’s judgment occur because their mind places too much emphasis on the current situation (new information) and not enough on the original odds (prior information). Previous researchers have been unable to separate the new and prior components of people’s decision-making when studying real-world scenarios in a sport context (Carter and Machol, 1978; Carroll, Palmer, and Thorn, 1989; Carroll et al, 1989; Patel, 2012; Romer, 2006).

This research is diﬀerent than the previous related research in that we utilize statistical models to gauge how people weight diﬀerent information when making high-pressure decisions in sport. We hypothesize that coaches are disproportionately weighting new information against prior information when making decisions, and thus, yielding to the representativeness heuristic.

To test our hypothesis, we construct numerous Bayesian updating models to represent the impact of National Football League (NFL) coaches’ decision-making on the likelihood of winning games. Utilizing a Bayesian approach enables us to keep the new and prior odds of winning the game separate, and thus, keep the two components of the representativeness heuristic separate. Regression analysis is then used with both of the components to directly test for the representativeness heuristic in NFL coaches’ decision-making by estimating the eﬀect each component has on the coaches’ decisions. These estimates form the basis of our hypothesis tests.


title: CONFIDENT HEALTHY ACTIVE ROLE MODELS:  Blending Teaching Personal & Social Responsibility (TPSR) and Arts-based education with Underserved Youth

subject: TPSR, Artography, Underserved Youth, Cultural Agency, Adaptive Physical Activity

abstract: The Teaching Personal & Social Responsibility model espoused by Hellison (2011) has immense fluidity in its applications and methods. This suggests that it would have potential as a partner with an equally fluid approach, Artography informed arts-based education. It is this partnership that animates this project. Using a qualitative, hermeneutic, constructivistic lens and a case study approach, this study’s multiple levels of analysis across several data sets yielded findings suggesting synergies between the life skills framework TPSR and Artography-informed arts-based education and how these synergies are used effectively when teaching a blend of TPSR and arts-based approaches in the context of the Confident Healthy Active Role Models (CHARM) program. The findings demonstrate that the synergies between the two frameworks can be used effectively in the CHARM program to support participants and students in learning and thriving in an environment that values the needs of the individual balanced with the needs of the collective.


title: Synthesis and Reactivity of Low Valent Main Group Element Complexes

subject:
main group
low valent
bond activation

abstract:
The β-diketiminate aluminum(I) complex NacNacAl (III-1) was shown to activate a range of substrates containing robust single and double bonds. Compound III-1 oxidatively adds a variety of H–X bonds (X = H, B, Al, C, Si, N, P, O) to give a series of four-coordinate aluminum hydride derivatives including the first example of an aluminum boryl hydride. In the case of Al–H addition, the reaction was shown to be in equilibrium and reversible. Furthermore, cleavage of aryl and alkyl C–F bonds, the latter a rare reaction with only a handful of examples in the literature, was observed with III-1. Robust C–O and C–S bonds were also activated by III-1 along with RS–SR and R2P–PR2 bonds. All novel aluminum complexes were characterized by spectroscopic methods and X-ray diffraction analysis for the majority of them. Activation of the C=S or P=S bonds in a thiourea or phosphine sulfide, respectively, was accomplished by III-1 to give the first examples of Lewis base-stabilized monomeric terminal aluminum sulfides. The nature of the Al=S bond was examined computationally as well as experimentally. Related reaction with a urea derivative gave an unexpected aluminum hydride while reaction of III-1 with phosphine oxides gave a putative aluminum oxide as a result of P=O bond cleavage. However, the aluminum oxo promptly deprotonates a neighbouring molecule to furnish an aluminum hydroxide as the isolated product.
	Reduction of the cationic germanium(II) complex IV-1 affords the formally zero valent germanium complex IV-4 stabilized by the bis(imino)pyridine platform. Compound IV-4 was fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and X-ray diffraction analysis. The molecule has a singlet ground state and DFT studies revealed partial delocalization of one of the germanium lone pairs into the ligand framework. Complex IV-4 was unreactive towards H–X bond activation, the lack of reactivity ascribed to the large singlet-triplet energy gap calculated. The same bis(imino)pyridine ligand was also used to prepare reduced zinc complexes. Monoreduction of the zinc dichloride precursor gave the formally Zn(I) compound IV-6. Further reduction of IV-6 in the presence of DMAP gave the formally zero valent zinc complex IV-9. Both compounds were fully characterized by spectroscopic methods, DFT calculations, and X-ray diffraction analysis which revealed that both zinc atoms are four-coordinate and adopt unusual square planar and see-saw geometry, respectively.


title: Interactions with bioenergetics by the mitochondria-targeted anti-apoptotic imidazole fatty acid derivative ‘TPP-IOA’.

subject:
mitochondria
bioenergetics
metabolism
apoptosis
cytochrome c

abstract: The mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis contributes to cell death and tissue degeneration in a variety of human diseases. Targeting the molecular events of this pathway represents a promising therapeutic strategy under pathological scenarios, particularly in tissues with limited regenerative capability (e.g. brain, heart). Recently, the small molecule ‘TPP-IOA’ was designed to target mitochondria and therein inhibit the peroxidase activity of cytochrome c that promotes activation of the apoptotic death pathway (Atkinson et al., Nat. Commun. 2011; 2:497). Therefore, TPP-IOA holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent in many pathological scenarios of cell loss. However, TPP-IOA’s target protein and organelle perform critical functions in aerobic ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation, and yet little is known about TPP-IOA’s interaction with mitochondrial energetics. This is an important consideration for TPP-IOA’s potential future therapeutic utility, as avoiding interference to mitochondrial energetics will be essential for many target cell types that feature a high rate of oxidative phosphorylation (e.g. neurons, cardiomyocytes). Using the purified protein target, isolated organelle target, and live cultured cells, this thesis investigated TPP-IOA’s interaction with fundamental components of energetics-related mitochondrial biology. Assessments with pure cytochrome c revealed that TPP-IOA can inhibit the respiration-associated reduction activity of cytochrome c, and that this occurred at concentrations marginally higher than those required to inhibit the protein’s pro-apoptotic peroxidase activity. In isolated rat liver mitochondria, TPP-IOA impaired oxidative phosphorylation via inhibition of both ADP-phosphorylating-respiration and FCCP-uncoupled respiration, and stimulation of non-phosphorylating respiration. Critically, TPP-IOA was unable to inhibit pro-apoptotic peroxidase activity at concentrations that avoided interference to oxidative phosphorylation, suggesting it may be unable to perform its desired pharmacological activity without causing toxicity to mitochondrial energetics. In live cultured cells, TPP-IOA caused effects associated with impaired oxidative phosphorylation, including a collapsed mitochondrial membrane potential, fragmented mitochondrial network morphology, and apparent loss of mitochondria. Furthermore, TPP-IOA effectively inhibited apoptotic death under lethal conditions in cells that preferentially utilized anaerobic glucose metabolism, but not in cells manipulated to be heavily reliant on oxidative phosphorylation and thus more sensitive to the perturbations to mitochondrial energetics. Altogether, these findings indicate that relative cellular dependence on oxidative phosphorylation is a critical factor influencing TPP-IOA’s pharmacological efficacy. Furthermore, potential therapeutic applications may be limited to pathologies involving predominantly less aerobic tissues/cell types or depressed aerobic metabolism. Additionally, these findings have broader implications for mitochondrial medicine based on similar mitochondrial drug targeting strategies.


title: Synthesis and Coordination of the Arylazo Ligands 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-phenanthrol and 1-(8-quinolynazo)-2-phenanthrol

subject: Coordination Arylazo Spincrossover

abstract:
The use of ligands 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-phenanthrol and 1-(8-quinolinazo)-2-phenanthrol has afforded twelve new complexes that feature many different structural, mag- netic, and electronic properties.
Chapter one deals with the aspects of materials chemistry which are pertinent to the material presented in this thesis. This includes inorganic chemistry, mag- netism, luminescence, and redox active ligands. The second chapter includes the experimental details of all the complexes and ligands presented herein. The main body of this work has been split into three parts. The first part presented in chap- ter three includes complexes of 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-phenanthrol with the following transition metals [V(V), Cu(II), Co(II), Ru(II), Fe(II) and Fe(III)]. Of particular interest in this chapter is the Co(II) complex which exhibits thermal spin-crossover, and the Fe(II) complexes which offer interesting structural properties including a structural phase transition.
The second part (chapter four) examines three lanthanide complexes (Gd, Tb, and Dy) with the ligand 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-phenanthrol. These complexes feature intense absorptions in the visible region which results in these complexes having dye-like properties. Of particular note is the luminescence studies performed on these complexes.
The final part (chapter five) of the work presented examines the synthesis and characterization of the ligand 1-(8-quinolinazo)-2-phenanthrol, and it’s coordina- tion chemistry (Fe(II), and Co(III)). The ligand offers quasi-reversible ligand cen- tered reductions at low potentials, which should offer the first step in the synthesis of valence-tautomer or charge-transfer complexes.


title: Pushing the Boundaries of Freshwater Ecosystem Restoration: Evaluating a Conservation Initiative in Terms of Social-Ecological Resilience

contributor: Environmental Sustainability Research Centre

subject:
ecological restoration
social-ecological resilience
social-ecological systems

abstract: Freshwater ecosystems are among the most transformed systems on Earth despite their critical importance to human well-being. This research utilized a single case, embedded case study design to explore the possibility of an approach to aquatic ecosystem restoration informed by social-ecological resilience as a way of applying current understandings of complex adaptive systems to restoration for improved outcomes. Trout Unlimited Canada’s Stream Rehabilitation, From Form to Function Training Program was assessed and restoration initiatives informed by the program were evaluated in terms of social-ecological resilience. The findings from this study indicate that the approach to restoration taught in the training program, along with the initiatives informed by the program, reflect principles for building resilience. Furthermore, the outcomes of the restoration initiatives informed by the program were found to be positive. These findings provide encouraging evidence in support of a new approach to restoration informed by social-ecological resilience.


title: Generic Matrix Manipulator System

subject:
Matrix
Linear Algebra
Relation Algebra

abstract:
In this thesis we describe in detail a generic matrix manipulator system that performs operations
on matrices in a flexible way, using a graphical user interface. A user defines allowable
data entries called a coefficient set, as well as closed n-ary operations based on the
coefficient set, called coefficient operators. Together the coefficient set and the coefficient
operators form a basis. The defined coefficient operators can then further define operations
on matrices. A basis and n-ary matrix operations can be entered into the system by various
ways including predefined, Java data types, JavaScript, and various XML formats defining
certain mathematical structures. This described system functions similar to the RelView
system, while offering additional features. These features are designed to increase convenience
and usability for a user by providing support for arbitrary coefficient set types, cross
platform capability, and automatic type checking for user defined expressions.


title: Facilitating an Educational Development Initiative Focused on Reading Comprehension Instruction: Exploring University Professors' Experiences and Beliefs

subject:
reading comprehension instruction
professors' beliefs
educational development

abstract: This qualitative exploratory case study focused on the experiences of university professors as they implemented reading comprehension instruction in their discipline-specific first- and second-year courses within the context of an educational development initiative. During 3 individual interviews, a pre-instructional dialogue, and 2 group sessions across 1 academic year, 5 professors reflected on their beliefs about reading and teaching as they engaged with planning and implementation of reading comprehension instruction. Collectively, participants appeared to plan comprehension instruction in ways consistent with their beliefs about academic reading, teaching first- and second-year students, and prior instructional approaches, and cited learning that challenged, confirmed, and/or intensified their pre-existing beliefs. Participants also suggested that a variety of formats for interaction and information dissemination during the educational development initiative were valuable in that they allowed for flexible facilitation. The study may offer insights into reading comprehension and its instruction within university courses as well as personalized educational development for university professors. Participants’ beliefs, experiences, and meaning making processes are positioned as influences on learning, and participants’ investments of self during educational development are emphasized. Implications for theory include the importance of acknowledging and honouring the complexities of professors’ investments of self in the design and facilitation of initiatives. Related implications for practice include exploration of professors’ beliefs, demonstrated respect and consideration, and responsive communication. Recommendations for future research include extension of the study’s scope and lines of inquiry.