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The Effects of Strength Spotting on Self-Reported Parenting Competence and Parent-Child Relationship Quality in Parents of Autistic Youth
Get PDFAutism research has often focused on the deficits and challenges experienced by younger children on the spectrum, resulting in the underrepresentation of autistic youth and adolescent populations. Moreover, the emphasis on deficits may negatively impact the quality of parent-child relationships and self-perceived parenting abilities among parents of autistic children. Alternatively, strengths-based interventions such as Strength Spotting may facilitate a shift toward recognizing the positive characteristics of autistic people and benefit families with children on the spectrum. The present pilot study sought to explore the effects of Strength Spotting on parent-child relationship quality and self-reported parenting competence among parents of autistic youth. Nine parents participated in the study, where they learned about and implemented Strength Spotting with their autistic children. We used a pre-post-test design to measure parent-child relationship quality and parenting competence changes. The results revealed non-significant differences in relationship quality, with moderate to large effect sizes suggesting potential improvements. In contrast, parenting competence significantly improved with large effects when comparing pre- and post-intervention stages. Despite the non-significant changes in relationship quality, this study demonstrated high social validity and, to our knowledge, was the first to apply Strength Spotting with parents of youth on the autism spectrum. These preliminary findings hold promise for autistic people and their families, highlighting the importance of recognizing positive behaviours among autistic family members. Furthermore, positively oriented interventions such as Strength Spotting may also have beneficial personal and clinical implications for autistic people and their families
The Maillard reaction in traditional method sparkling wine
Get PDFThe development of “aged” aromas in sparkling wine is often an indicator of quality and is characterized by caramel and toasted qualities. Compounds responsible for these aromas are derived via the Maillard reaction (MR), a non-enzymatic condensation between sugars and amino acids capable of generating a myriad of aroma compounds in a complex reaction cascade. During the production of traditional method sparkling wines, several major aging intervals take place, including the storage of reserve base wines, after the second alcoholic fermentation, and during the storage of finished wines. The work presented in this dissertation investigated the influence of amino acid and sugar precursors, plus the potential catalytic role of metal ions, on the formation of MR-associated products (MRPs) during base wine and sparkling wine aging. Four primary research objectives were addressed. The metal ion content of commercial sparkling wines produced in Niagara was established, and to our knowledge, this study represents the first report on sparkling wine metal profiles. Differences in metal composition were identified between production methods and styles, and calcium and magnesium were confirmed to be the most abundant divalent metal ions, highlighting their candidacy for involvement in MR pathways in wine. In a subsequent study, the influence of calcium and magnesium on the formation of MRPs was assessed in modified base wine treated with varying sugar and amino acid combinations during accelerated aging at 50 degrees C. Aging duration and amino acid additions were primary drivers of variation among MRPs, with calcium and magnesium having a lesser effect. A separate set of studies aimed to identify the impact of different sugar-types in dosage, the final sugar addition during production, on the formation of both MRPs and metabolite levels in sparkling wines during cellar aging. Aging duration had a greater influence on MRP and metabolite composition compared to sugar type, demonstrating that aging conditions for sparkling wine are central to the evolution of the wine matrix. This work contributes novel information to understanding the MR in mild conditions and can inform future research focused on optimizing sparkling wine composition and aging to enhance flavour in accordance with consumer preferences
Synthesis and structural studies of nucleic acids
Get PDFThe first project focused on the synthesis of 4-15N-2′-deoxycytidine as a tool to study the B- to Z-DNA transition using 15N NMR. This study investigated alternative methods for synthesizing 15N enriched 2′-deoxycytidine at the 4-NH2 position. As a model study, ammonium chloride was used as the 15N source to synthesize 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine from thymidine. This chemistry was successfully applied to the synthesis 4-15N-2′-deoxycytidine from 2′-deoxyuridine. In addition, the 15N NMR detection limit was also established to determine the feasibility of studying DNA structures using 15N 1D NMR.
The second project involved finding ‘difficult sequences’ in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis through phosphoramidite chemistry. Using 18-mers as models, all mathematically possible repeating trinucleotides, dinucleotide, and mononucleotide sequences were synthesized, and the overall yields were analyzed by anion exchange high performance liquid chromatography. It was concluded that depurination was a major contributor to decreased yields in purine-rich sequences. In addition, certain dinucleotide-repeat sequences, especially d(CG) and d(GC), were associated with low overall yields for reasons unknown at this time.
The last project involved the identification of alternative detritylation composition for industrial solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis. These compositions include acids, solvents, and carbocation scavengers. The acid currently used in industrial oligonucleotide solid-phase synthesis is dichloroacetic acid, which has a short shelf life and contains impurities that react with the desired reaction product. For solvents used in the detritylation reaction, toluene and dichloromethane are currently used. While dichloromethane is not preferred in industry, toluene has been known to swell the polystyrene solid support creating an issue during detritylation. Furthermore, the use of carbocation scavengers helps to remove the cleaved DMTr+, preventing it from re-protecting 5′-OH. However, some scavengers have been reported as problematic for this purpose. The results of this project provided a potential alternative acid, namely difluoroacetic acid, investigated and explained the reason for the current solvent choice, and studied the feasibility of scavengers used in the literature
Niagara Photo Album and Scrapbook, c. 1910-1936
Get PDFA photo album and scrapbook containing photos and other materials related to Niagara Falls. The album contains 38 photos including Niagara Falls; the Rapids; the Fallsview or Steel Arch bridge; a boardwalk along the river in the gorge; the Whirlpool and Cantilever Bridges, as well as some portraits including three men with bicycles and a partially destroyed building. The scrapbook
contains railway schedules; postcards; tickets; brochures and ads for tourist attractions; and business cards. The scrapbook contains 33 small photos including views of Niagara Falls, the Niagara River, Maid of the Mist as well as buildings, streetcars, and a steamship. An envelope contains four additional photos of the Fallsview or Steel Arch Bridge, the Whirlpool Bridge and the American Falls. There is also a typewritten list of expenses for the trip and a handwritten account of trip activities
Bleeding Beyond Binaries: A Critical Interpretive Review of Trans, Non-Binary and Gender Non-Conforming Experiences with Menstruation
Get PDFWhile some barriers for managing menstruation have been mitigated for cisgender women, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people still struggle to navigate menstruation in a gendered society. With an increasing number of young people identifying outside of the gender binary, there is an immediate need to identify and address the barriers to managing menstruation. This review sets out to explore how trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people experience and navigate menstruation. Using critical interpretive synthesis methodology, nine pieces of literature including peer-reviewed journal articles, graduate theses, a book chapter, and a conference poster presentation were reviewed using thematic analysis. Four primary themes were identified: (1) menstruation is strongly gendered; (2) there exists inadequate trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming- education and healthcare training; (3) the gendering of public toilets/washrooms poses a barrier to the management of menstruation; and (4) there exists a lack of diverse participants in studies and attention to intersectional menstruation concerns. A set of recommendations, specific to a variety of stakeholders is provided, and implications for future research are discussed
Niagara Township Municipal Ledger, 1850-1886
Get PDFA Niagara Township Municipal ledger with entries dated from 1850 to 1886. The book records various expenses with entries titled “Foxes” and “Crows” (monies paid to individuals for destruction of foxes and crows); Roads and Bridges; Indigent and Infirm Persons; Township Officers; Niagara and Ten Mile Creek Road Company; Lunatic Asylum; Queenston and Grimsby Road Company; Surveying; Poor; Council Expenses; Municipal Officers; County Assessments; Queenston Ferry; Licenses; Sheep Fund; School Section Rates; and Election Expenses
Preserving Academic Integrity in Ontario High Schools: Emerging Challenges
Get PDFThe qualitative study explores the challenges and issues faced by secondary school teachers in Ontario due to the proliferation of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) in education. The study employed a semi-structured interview format with volunteered teachers, recorded and transcribed using AI technology, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The preliminary results suggest that teachers face significant challenges in adapting to the changing educational landscape, including the need for administrative support and the development of coping mechanisms. The discussion is focused on supporting secondary school teachers as we march towards postplagiarism
Examining the Academic and Social-Emotional Functioning of Gifted Students as They Transition to Post-Secondary Education: A Rapid Review
Get PDFGifted students are generally considered high achievers, but research demonstrates that they may experience difficulties functioning due to unique characteristics, especially during times of transition. The post-secondary transition specifically, may impact their academic and social-emotional functioning due to these unique characteristics, coupled with difficulties related to their emerging adulthood status. I conducted a rapid review study to systematically examine how gifted students function academically and social-emotionally during the post-secondary transition. The literature shows that gifted students function well academically during the transition but experience difficulties with the increased demand for studying. Their social-emotional functioning appears to be mixed, demonstrating positive social interactions with faculty members and likeminded peers, but negative emotional experiences such as loneliness and isolation. The current study discussed these results further and reviewed implications for practice, policy, and further research to support gifted students during this critical transition
Railway Employees’ Time Book Guide and Directory, 1938-1940
Get PDFA completed Railway Employees’ Time Book Guide and Directory. The identity of the booklet’s owner is unknown but the pages record the day; straight time; overtime; total hours, days or miles; overtime rate; time left; time arrived; time of register; and amount. The book also contains many advertisements for local businesses in Niagara Falls, Bridgeburg, Ridgeway, Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Stevensville, and Welland
Exploring Utilitarian and Hedonic Factors That Influence Professional Sport Team App Use
Get PDFThe continuous advancement of technology has allowed professional sport franchises to further engage fans via team mobile apps. The purpose of this study was to explore the utilitarian and hedonic factors that influence professional sport team app use. The study employed the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM; Venkatesh & Davis, 1996) qualitatively to understand influential utilitarian and hedonic factors of sport team app use in more detail and support future applications of the model via qualitative inquiry. Using a post-positivist lens, the study findings revealed that main screen use, second screen use, time efficiency, and contest entries were primary drivers for fans’ app use. Expanding on the work of (Hwang et al., 2020; Kang et al., 2015; Kim et al., 2017; Uhrich, 2022) the findings reflected an increase in enjoyment-based marketing approaches in the professional sport industry. Fan identification was a notable contributor to app use and helped fulfill a segment of fans’ team engagement needs. Beyond the employment of the Technology Acceptance Model constructs, user recommendations were also explored to support future innovations in team app features such as: augmented reality, e-commerce activity, in-depth statistics, and live game streaming. Based on prior research and the current study findings, a reconceptualization of the TAM was offered to support future scholarship that aims to understand users’ technology use journey in a sport-specific context