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Physical Activity and Functional Dependence in People with Arthritis: Insights from a Psychological Perspective
No full textBackground: People with arthritis are less physically active than people without arthritis. Part of this difference may be explained by psychological factors, including attitudes toward physical activity as well as depression, and may affect functional independence.
Objectives: This doctoral thesis aims to better understand the relationship between fear of movement, physical activity, pain, depression (depressive symptoms), and functional status in people with arthritis.
Methods: First, a systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted to assess the association between fear of movement and physical activity across several health conditions, including arthritis. Second, to examine the association between fear of movement and physical activity in people with arthritis, we assessed approach-avoidance tendencies towards physical activity in this population. Finally, data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) were analyzed to examine the potential mediating effects of depressive symptoms and physical activity on the relationship between pain and future functional dependence in people with arthritis.
Results: The first article showed a negative correlation between fear of movement and physical activity in people with arthritis. The second article showed that approach-avoidance tendencies toward physical activity moderated the association between fear of movement and self-reported weekly engagement in physical activity. The third article showed that baseline pain was directly associated with future functional independence in basic (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), as well as indirectly related through effects on depressive symptoms and physical activity.
Conclusions: This doctoral thesis highlights the importance of psychological processes for physical activity engagement in people with arthritis, suggesting that rehabilitation programs should go beyond pain management when aiming at improving functional status
La construction sociale de la protection des jeunes : une analyse des débats politiques en matière de réglementation du cannabis.
No full textTrois philosophies politico-juridiques furent mobilisées à la Commission Le Dain (1972) dans leur rapport sur le cannabis, soit moralisme, paternalisme et enfin libéralisme en ce qui a trait à la protection des jeunes, et lors des débats fédéraux sur la légalisation du cannabis en 2017. Nous désirions voir si ces trois philosophies, lorsqu’il était question de la protection des jeunes et d’un changement de contrôle en matière de drogues sont systématiquement présentes et les construits qui en fondent l’argumentaire afin d’en comprendre les motifs. Pour ce faire, à partir des débats sur le cannabis dans trois provinces (Manitoba, Colombie-Britannique, Québec), nous avons utilisé les questionnements en analyse de politique publique de Bacchi et Goodwin (2016) pour analyser nos données. Le résultat est négatif quant à la présence systématique des trois philosophies. Les raisons à cela renvoient aux théories sur la construction d’un problème social et au contexte sociopolitique des débats
Blast Hardening of Curtain Wall Mullions with Infilled Cementitious Materials
No full textGlass façades and curtain walls are frequently employed in the construction industry as part of building envelopes. They offer several functional benefits, such as a pleasing architectural look, energy optimization, acceptable fire resistance, and low maintenance cost. However, they are typically designed for wind pressures and pose a high risk when exposed to blast loads. The glass panes that make up the building envelope are held up by aluminum frames, which consist of vertical elements, referred to as mullions, and horizontal elements, referred to as transoms. Critical infrastructure, such as important government facilities, embassy buildings, office complexes, and industrial facilities that have curtain walls may be vulnerable to blast loads. Experience with such blast loads demonstrates the need for in-depth experimental and analytical studies, especially on mullion hardening as they play the primary role in carrying blast loads to the structural substrate. Literature reviews show that there has been limited prior study on mullion strengthening/hardening. The goal of the current investigation is to develop innovative hardening methods for curtain wall mullions involving infilled cementitious materials to endure impulsive blast loads of high intensity. A combined experimental and analytical study recently conducted at the University of Ottawa revealed that the aluminum mullions of glazed curtain walls sustain severe damage because of their weakness and high deformation demands. Lack of mullion strength and inadequate connections between the vertical and horizontal mullions under blast loads were identified as the major contributors to the unfavorable performance of such walls.
The current research project consists of experimental and analytical tasks. The experiments were carried out at the University of Ottawa's Shock Tube Facility. The hardening technology that was researched entails the filling of curtain wall mullions with different types of cementitious materials with and without additional reinforcement. The tests comprise of commercially available hollow aluminum sections as mullions, filled with high-strength mortar (HSM) or engineered cementitious composites (ECC). Some of the mullions were reinforced with steel wires or steel chains inserted as internal reinforcement, others were reinforced externally
with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. A total of 16 mullion tests were performed.
ii They were exposed to incrementally increasing blast loads to assess the improvements in strength and deformability. Following the tests, analytical research was conducted with the primary goal of validating the experimental findings and the assumption of full composite action between the aluminum mullion and the filling materials. Resistance functions were developed to conduct nonlinear single degree of freedom (SDOF) dynamic analysis. In addition, an analytical parametric investigation was conducted under selected threat scenarios to expand the results. The results indicate that filling aluminum mullions with selected cementitious materials increase strength and deformability of mullions under blast loads. The infill material provides additional compressive resistance while controlling local buckling of the aluminum sections. Cement-based materials with fibres, such as ECC provides additional tensile capacity and deformability adding further to the resistance of the mullions. The additional reinforcement provided internally, in the form of steel cables or steel chains, and externally in the form of CFRP sheets provide further enhancement of the resistance in tension, generating superior performance of curtain wall mullions under high blast loads. The design and construction procedure provided at the end of the current research project provides guidance to practicing engineers and security professionals to mitigate blast risk in modern buildings
The Sheild of Achilles: Nationalist Seinsvergessenheit and Heidegger's Heimat
No full textThis thesis concerns the highly contested relationship between Martin Heidegger's articulation of authentic Dasein and the nationalism of some of Heidegger's contemporaries. While granting their shared hostility to liberalism, "levelling down," cosmopolitanism, and materialism, this thesis concludes that Heidegger's pursuit of an authentic temporal and spatial relation to Being is impeded by this nationalism. From this thesis, a Heideggerian conception of authenticity emerges which has certain admirable qualities - leading us away from dishonest or propagandistic historical myth-making and from a chauvinistic deification of one's national inheritance at the expense of curiosity about anything different. However, this thesis also highlights the dangers that are inherent to foundational aspects of Heidegger's thought - in particular an innate tendency towards exclusion, indifference to suffering, apologetics for tyranny, and antisemitism. Heidegger's though is distanced from the primordialist nationalist's conception of origins as foundations of character and situation, their mytho-historical narratives of national greatness, and their promise of eternity through sacrifice in the name of the nation. Instead, Heidegger calls us to a form of authenticity that emerges both from the unfolding of the historical consciousness of one's people and from the temporal unfolding of the experience of Being. One is also compelled to reject the primordialist nationalist conception of the political space, their chauvinistic cultural particularism and their reverential relation to the local. An authentic spatiality, this thesis finds, depends upon being able to balance the need to belong alongside one's fellows in one's home and the capacity of thinking persons to strike out from home and venture into a strange and unnerving conceptual space where the nature of Being is in question. Authentic belonging, we find, depends upon our being able to dwell in the "in-between" of these distinct modalities of Being
Perspectives internes des entreprises minières en lien avec les obligations de consultation des peuples autochtones : un enjeu de gouvernance
No full textLe cadre politico-juridique canadien qui régit la consultation des peuples autochtones engendre une situation de « régulation négociée » entre les entreprises minières et ces peuples. Autrement dit, les pratiques de consultation sont élaborées à travers un processus de négociation entre les entreprises et les communautés autochtones. En raison, notamment, de l'encadrement juridique des activités minières, encore fondé sur le principe du free entry, les entreprises minières occupent une place prépondérante dans la manière dont les perspectives et les intérêts des peuples autochtones sont intégrés dans le développement minier. Le principal enjeu de cette régulation négociée réside dans l’asymétrie des rapports de force entre les différents acteurs, souvent défavorable aux peuples autochtones.
Dans ce contexte, cette thèse s'inscrit dans le constat qu'il existe peu de recherches sur les pratiques internes des entreprises minières en matière de consultation des peuples autochtones. Adoptant une approche sociojuridique, nous avons mené une recherche empirique fondée sur deux études de cas : la première auprès d’une entreprise opérant à l’échelle provinciale/territoriale, et la seconde au sein de la filiale d’une multinationale.
Les résultats issus de ces études de cas nous ont permis d’identifier des points de convergence et de divergence entre les deux entreprises, confirmant ainsi la diversité des acteurs au sein de l’industrie et des influences qui les façonnent. Ces résultats nourrissent également la réflexion sur la régulation des pratiques de consultation, notamment en ce qui concerne l’enjeu de l’asymétrie des rapports de force
Cocréation et validation d'un algorithme menant à la conception d'une application mobile en soins de plaies pour les infirmières et infirmiers nouvellement diplômés travaillant au Québec
No full textLes plaies représentent un enjeu de santé publique ayant d'importantes répercussions sur les personnes, le système de santé et l'environnement. Les soins de plaies et le maintien de l'intégrité de la peau sont intégrés à la profession infirmière depuis ses débuts. En raison de la prévalence croissante des plaies et de la complexité des soins (nécessitant des connaissances et des compétences nombreuses), les infirmières et infirmiers, présents à chaque étape de la vie, doivent adopter une approche holistique. Malgré les recommandations existantes sur les pratiques exemplaires, l'application des données probantes en soins de plaies reste un défi, particulièrement pour les infirmières et infirmiers nouvellement diplômés. Cet écart est accentué par diverses barrières, notamment le manque d'outils adaptés, qui rendent plus difficile la transition exigeante de la formation à la pratique en début de carrière. Les écrits démontrent que les applications mobiles présentent un grand potentiel pour favoriser des soins de plaies fondés sur les données probantes et bénéficier aux personnes soignées. Toutefois, il n'existe aucune application d'aide à la décision clinique en français faite pour le contexte de la pratique infirmière au Québec. Afin d'y remédier, cette thèse a pour but de cocréer et valider un algorithme menant à la conception d'une application mobile en soins de plaies pour la relève infirmière travaillant au Québec. Pour y arriver, un modèle conceptuel de données a d'abord été conçu à partir d'une synthèse des connaissances et d'un consensus d'expertes et experts. Après quoi le modèle a évolué à travers l'exploration qualitative des besoins des infirmières et d'infirmiers nouvellement diplômés. L'algorithme ensuite schématisé a été validé quantitativement auprès d'autres membres de la population cible. Au long du processus, l'Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec ainsi que le Regroupement québécois en soins de plaies ont été impliqués en tant que parties prenantes. Fruit d'une concertation sans précédent en soins de plaies au Québec, cette thèse constitue un projet novateur et utile. Les résultats constituent une base solide pour le développement de l'application, répondre aux besoins réels du terrain et renforcer l'autonomie professionnelle. Ultimement, il est attendu que cette application mobile adaptée à la relève infirmière réduise les complications et améliore la qualité des soins. --
Wounds represent a public health issue with significant repercussions for individuals, the healthcare system, and the environment. From its earliest days, wound care and skin integrity have been central to nursing practice. As nurses are involved at every stage of life, they must adopt a holistic approach to address the increasing prevalence of wounds and the complexity of care, which requires extensive knowledge and skills. Despite existing best practice recommendations, the application of evidence-based knowledge in wound care remains a challenge, particularly for newly graduated nurses. This gap is exacerbated by barriers such as the lack of appropriate tools, which complicates the demanding transition into their careers. Research demonstrates that mobile applications hold great potential for supporting evidence-based wound care, benefiting patients. However, no clinical decision support app currently exists in French tailored to Quebec's nursing context. Consequently, this thesis aims to co-create and validate an algorithm to develop a mobile wound care application for newly graduated nurses working in the province. To achieve this, a conceptual data model was first designed based on a synthesis of knowledge and expert consensus in wound care. This model was further refined through qualitative exploration of the needs of future users. Newly graduated nurses quantitatively validated the resulting algorithm. The Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec and the Regroupement québécois en soins de plaies were involved as stakeholders from the initial stages of the project. Representing an unprecedented collaboration in wound care in Quebec, this thesis is both innovative and useful. The findings provide a solid foundation for developing a mobile application that addresses real-world clinical needs and strengthens professional autonomy. Ultimately, this mobile application is expected to enhance patient care by supporting newly graduated nurses, potentially reducing complications, and improving outcomes
The Young and the Restless: Remote Work Environments and Emerging Adults
No full textThe labour market in Ottawa has a heavy presence of government roles at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. Ottawa is a business hub for organizations and private practices that work with or in conjunction to government offices. As such, office work environments are prevalent in Canada's capital, and there is culture that encourages young graduates and labour-market entrants to seek office work for the security it offers. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the labour market in Canada and resulted in the implementation of a remote-work directive, as well as the creation of new jobs in fields that were largely remote. This thesis critically examines how the shift to remote work impacted office workers in the emerging adulthood stage of life and tries to understand ways that 'youth' as an identity category is embodied through their experiences. I argue that emerging adults that work in offices through the remote and hybrid work environment have had to become technical and professional mentors to their colleagues, while experiencing a disruption in skill development necessary for professional growth. I further show the implications of these experiences on the subjectivities of these young employees by engaging in formal and informal dialogue with them
Land-Based Education for Northern Youth: Exploring the Impacts of On-the-Land Camps in the Northwest Territories
No full textOngoing extractive research and educational systems continue to perpetuate colonial narratives of northern Indigenous communities and the Land which ignore the rights, perspectives, and values of Indigenous Peoples in arctic and subarctic regions around the world, such as the Northwest Territories (NWT). Additionally, Indigenous Peoples face rapid environmental and sociocultural changes that disrupt access to traditional places and practices and limit cross-generational knowledge transfer and decreases opportunities for youth to connect with the Land. Land-based programs aim to provide Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth with spaces to learn about and connect with the Land. However, limited research exists on the experiences of youth in land-based programs, particularly regarding their potential to foster leadership and Land Stewardship among northern youth. Additionally, there is a lack of research documenting the impacts of on-the-land camps as spaces for land-based research projects. Grounded in an Indigenous Research Paradigm (IRP) methodology and Land Stewardship theoretical framework, this land-based research addresses the forementioned gaps in three manuscripts: (M1) "It's not being 'on-the-land'; it's like we are a part of the Land.": Indigenous Youth share visual stories at "on-the-land" camps in the Dehcho; (M2) "A connection with the Land will help youth protect it": Empowering northern youth as Land Stewards through land-based programs in the Northwest Territories and (M3) "Just being on-the-land, the traditional way, eating the food off it. I couldn't ask for a better community to do that in": On-the-land camps as a space for collaborative, reciprocal land-based research.
An adapted photovoice method was used to support northern youth to share visual stories of their experiences at four on-the-land camps in the NWT. This research documents the ways the youth were (re)connecting with the Land (M1) and empowered as leaders through Land Stewardship values and practices (M2) at on-the-land camps. By analysing stories from Ka'a'gee Tu, also spelled as K'ágee Tue First Nation (KTFN), youth, Tarek Leahy-Chicot, I provide a reflective examination of this collaborative land-based research to explore holistic meanings and stories of the Land (M3). The results show that land-based programs, like on-the-land camps, are transformative and healing spaces for building relationships between youth and the Land and empowering them as leaders and Land Stewards. Additionally, on-the-land camps are effective spaces for conducting collaborative, reciprocal land-based research. Throughout the dissertation, I include my own personal photographs and poetry as section breaks to create space for the reader to stop, pause, and breathe, and allow for moments of reflection about the ideas shared. This research was conducted and written with love, care, respect, and reciprocity, embedded with my emotions and self-reflection, and it is an act of nurturing and honouring all my relationships
Patient-Reported Cognition in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Neuropsychological Correlates and its Association with Cardiorespiratory Fitness
No full textCognitive impairment (CI) is a common manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS). Physical activity and exercise training are promising approaches to address impairments and preserve function in people with MS; however, their potential effects on patient-reported cognition remain understudied. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) may provide insight into the effects of MS and interventions that are not always detectable using objective assessments. The objectives of this thesis were to better understand: i) the neuropsychological utility and interpretation of cognitive PROs; and ii) the potential protective effects of maintaining physiological fitness (as a marker of physical activity and exercise) in people with MS.
Study 1 examined associations between cognitive PROs/insight (i.e., self-awareness of deficit) and objective neuropsychological outcomes (cognitive performance, biomarkers of neuroaxonal degeneration) and putative confounds (e.g., depression, fatigue). Analyses found that, in participants with MS, cognitive PROs more strongly correlated with the most affected objective neuropsychological outcomes in comparison to less affected outcomes. In the MS group, insight was not related to depression or fatigue. These preliminary findings provide support for the use of cognitive PROs to monitor/screen for MS-related cognitive decline.
Study 2 assessed the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and cognitive PROs. Analyses found that higher CRF coincided with "overestimation" of CI in the MS group. There were no true CI underestimators in the MS sample, namely, persons with objectively measured CI who overestimate their cognitive function. This might explain why CI "overestimators" - who had unimpaired executive function - displayed the greatest biomarker evidence of neurodegeneration and slowest information processing speeds relative to participants with MS who accurately estimated/"underestimated" their CI. Because of this unique profile, the association that occurred exclusively in the MS sample between CRF and overestimation of CI was viewed as preliminary support for CRF being associated with heightened insight of the cognitive effects of MS.
The presented findings offer some support for the use of cognitive PROs to assess cognitive functioning in MS. Physical activity, exercise training, and the related maintenance of CRF may represent an approach for preserving cognitive precursors to insight in MS. Research is needed to replicate study findings in larger, more diverse MS samples. Future studies should examine longitudinal associations between cognitive PROs/insight and other objective neuropsychological outcomes in people with MS. Research should attempt to identify other components of fitness related to insight and elucidate what features of physical activity/exercise training may contribute to the preservation of insight in people with MS
Pronounced Genetic Structure Associated with Differences in a Reproductive Trait and Climatic Barriers in Canadian Populations of Western Toads (Anaxyrus boreas)
No full textIdentifying genetic groups within species is essential for understanding biodiversity, characterizing species' distributions, and for delineating conservation units. I aimed to characterize genetic structure for western toads (Anaxyrus boreas) in Canada where they are currently recognized as two legal conservation units (i.e. designatable units): a Calling population, which has a pronounced breeding call and vocal sac, and a Non-calling population, which lacks both these traits. I assess whether genetic differences exist between these populations and correspond to known phenotypic differences in calls. I additionally explore ecological differences between Calling and Non-Calling populations using ecological niche models. Genetic analyses revealed the Calling and Non-calling populations are genetically distinct, with a high concordance with the call phenotypes. The observed genetic boundary between these groups also aligns with ecological breaks in habitat suitability. In addition to differences between Calling and Non-Calling western toads, I found evidence of a third genetic group in southwestern Alberta and southeastern British Columbia, in what is known as the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem. Overall, my thesis suggests the continued recognition of the Calling and Non-calling populations as separate conservation units is warranted, and highlights the potential for northern latitudes to harbor biologically significant genetic structure