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Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Iminophosphine Ligands and their Complexes
Full text linkThe development of environmentally conscious and cost-efficient catalysts is an important aspect of synthetic inorganic chemistry. Due to the cost and potentially harmful effects of many late row transition metals, the use of abundant, less toxic, first-row transition metals is necessary. We are particularly interested in activating N-H Bonds in ammonia and amines.
Two new iminophosphine (bidentate N, P donor) ligands have been synthesized via Schiff Base Condensation of 2-(diphenylphosphino)benzaldehyde and corresponding anilines. Ligands are stable to atmospheric moisture and oxygen. Ligands have been characterized by 1H and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. A characteristic resonance for the imine hydrogen is visible at ~8.8 ppm and ~163 ppm in 1H and 13C NMR spectra respectively. We have begun complexation reactions using Nickel (II) Triflate, Nickel (II) Chloride, and Nickel (0) Cyclooctadiene. We are working towards obtaining crystal structures via X-ray crystallography. Once complexes have been characterized, we will carry out catalytic studies with the intent of activating N-H bonds in ammonia and amines
4C: TRU Library Makerspace Tour
No full textGet a short tour and demonstration of TRU Library’s Pilot Makerspace! Located in three small study rooms, it is full of technology like robots, electronics, VR, a 3D printer, a programmable sewing machine, and more
3B: What is a library website anyway?
No full textThe library website is a crucial platform for research, outreach, policy, and general information. But is there a general consensus about what a website includes, what it is used for, and what a good one should look like?
This presentation will use data from a 2019 exploratory survey of website users to discuss uses and perceptions of the library website from a wide variety of user groups. We will also discuss how a general (and possibly inevitable) loose conception of the website\u27s purpose ultimately limit usability
Acoustic Impulse Response Capture and Reverb Convolution Modelling
No full textFor our study, the goal is to simulate, capture and analyze the acoustic properties (in particular reverb) of real space locales to the best of our abilities with the equipment we currently possess. An impulse response is a sort of unique audio signature which describes how a given impulse of sound will reverberate and echo at a particular location. If one can capture that response, it’s possible to create a model which can transform input sounds to the soundprint of the measured location, thus giving the illusion that those sounds were played at the original location. We will construct said model, and present it at the conference along with a poster describing the research we did to come to it. Interested viewers will be able to listen to the different reverbs through a pair of headphones that will ”transport” them to different locations around the school. This technology has a lot of applications in sound design for film, video games, virtual reality, music production, audio forensics, among other related areas. The process of capturing the impulse response is essentially to measure the input and output signals generated by a location and deconvolve them. This will be done using a set of microphones and speakers, with the deconvolution done digitally in the Csound audio programming language. Our reverb model will convolute the impulse response with some
input signal (a users voice for example) and play back a transformed version of that signal to the user, repeating the process in reverse. Our model will be contained within a VST file suitable to be loaded into a multitude of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). By examining several acoustically interesting areas around TRU, we hope to successfully capture there impulse responses (soundprints) with minimal pre-ringing, abrupt pulsive noises, skewing, cancellation, and timesmearing. To accomplish this, we have conducted research on related protocols and propose to implement the preliminary tests, equipment alignments, signal capturing, and analysis methods presented by Angelo Farina and suggested by our co-supervisor Richard Taylor. These methods include Equipment Equalization, Exponential Sine Sweep (ESS) and Artifact Reduction. Analysis of the results will be conducted through the use of various software applications and hardware devices. To simulate the captured models we are developing a software application called a VSTi (Virtual Studio Technology Instrument) that will contain the captured models to be used for presentation. The VSTi will also contribute to the audio industry by being made available to the public for free
A History of Dispossession: An Analysis of Indigenous-Settler Relations in the Secwepemc, Nlaka’pamux, and Syilx Territories of British Columbia
No full textThe piece of land which we now refer to as British Columbia was first the home of a multitude of Indigenous cultures, territories, languages, and people. Throughout history, the British Crown referred to this land as Terra Nullius, meaning empty land. There were treaties made on Vancouver Island, but the majority of the province remains unceded in reference to Indigenous title to land. Yet, here we are in 2020 with colonial civilization flourishing. How we got here, specifically in the Interior region of BC, is my research question. I investigate this topic by focusing on the relationship between newcomers and Indigenous peoples. In the Interior of BC, the relationship between Indigenous peoples and newcomers has changed over time. What was once a mutually respectful relationship quickly became lacking of everything a trusting relationship requires. When explorers such as Simon Fraser came to the Interior, he wrote of amicable interactions with the Nlaka’pamux people in the Thompson Region. Further explained in the Sir Wilfrid Laurier Memorial, fur traders were also experienced similar interactions in this territory and surrounding nations. However as other whites, including settlers and miners, began encroaching on Indigenous land, their relationship began to change. In this presentation, the relationship between newcomers and Indigenous peoples from these territories are analyzed in order to understand why the Interior of British Columbia remains unceded
Effects of High pH at Near-ambient Temperature on Decomposition Rate Kinetics of Xanthates in Mining Waters
No full textXanthates are a class of compounds used in the mining industry to bind to metals within ore samples as a way to collect the metals for further refinement. How pH conditions for a given solution of xanthates that would be representative of a real sample in an industrial setting (such as a flotation tank or a tailings pond) affect rate kinetics has been studied previously; however, the surface has only just been scratched. Optimizing pH values for the best rate kinetics near ambient temperature for an industrial process remains an unsolved problem. The primary method for analysis was headspace Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Previous work by this group looked at two xanthate species; in this study, samples of five different xanthates in high pH solutions were analyzed by testing for the generation of carbon disulphide (CS2) gas at specific time intervals. The five xanthates studied were: potassium amyl xanthate (PAX), potassium butyl xanthate (PBX), potassium ethyl xanthate (PEX), potassium isopropyl xanthate (PIPX), and sodium ethyl xanthate (SEX). Optimal pH level for the rate of xanthate degradation was studied and the rate constants at these pH levels were compared. The column temperature was set to 33 ºC by the GC-MS instrument and pH was controlled by the addition of sodium hydroxide. Stabilization or destabilization of the xanthate decomposition shows a measurable change in the evolution of CS2 gas. This change is calculated and helps to determine the positive or negative effects of a given pH level. By controlling pH as well as temperature, better insight into the nature of these compounds may be elucidated
Exploring Child Poverty Reduction Policies and Strategies in Canada
No full textChild poverty is a threat to society’s future because child poverty harms the well-being and development of the citizens and leaders of tomorrow. Poverty causes negative life, social, and health outcomes, such as food insecurity and homelessness. It affects everyone in society because it also creates inequalities among citizens, barriers to participation in society, and avoidable costs to humanity and the state’s resources. In doing a research paper assignment for the SOCW 3000 Canadian Social Policy course, the social work student presenter has explored the issue of child poverty in British Columbia, and how societal views and approaches to child poverty have changed over time. This presentation will summarize some Canadian policies and strategies that aim to address child poverty, such as the 2016 Canada Child Benefit. Possible amendments and additions to this policy will also be discussed
Self-directed Practicum: Finding One\u27s Passion in Social Work Education
No full textAs a third year practicum student, I have been challenged with a self-directed placement. The reason for the practicum is that students get a chance to apply their theoretical knowledge in the real work settings and to develop professional skills. Normally they are placed in an agency where they learn and develop their professional skills under the supervision of a social worker. I actually got a chance to enhance my practical skills under the supervision of Dr. Sasha Kondrashov, but in a very unique way.
In my self-directed practicum, which will be discussed in this presentation, I created my own practicum activities, goals and projects which were linked to the course learning objectives. With the guidance of Dr. Sasha Kondrashov, I was able to create activities and tasks to meet my learning needs. Together we connected each activity to performance indicators to evaluate the practicum learning experience. Currently I am working on the project called Voices Social Work where I am connecting with Social Workers and get to know about their professional experiences. I am helping Sasha in Welcome to Kamloops program that is offering in March and is open for public free of cost to learn more about Kamloops. I am gaining hands on experience as well by volunteering at Kamloops Hospice Association as a child support worker. I am also leading a project that is to create a spreadsheet for the Funding opportunities for Social Work. Overall it’s a practicum opportunity full of learning and gaining a lot of different experiences to meet course outcomes
China in Africa: How Chinese Investment is Impacting Developing Nations
No full textThis presentation will examine China’s relationship with various African nations such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Angola, and Zambia. The relationship between China and these nations stems from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which is a program created by the Chinese to invest in major infrastructure projects in nations around the world. These include projects like large ports, railway lines, and even simple roads. China has focused on several African nations which have received much more funding and investment, and the purpose of this research is to examine exactly how much money has been invested and for what projects, the effects that these projects have had on the countries they are in, and what the implications are for those countries, and for China, moving forward. This research takes an unbiased stance on the work China is undertaking, and instead looks objectively at the positive and negative impacts that Chinese investment brings to the various countries of Africa
The Natural History of Coldstream Vineyard
No full textThe purpose of this project was to explore the natural history of a small vineyard that is relatively new, just outside of Vernon, B.C. By documenting the history, geography, geology, botany and wildlife presence on the property, I was able to advocate for the practicality and importance of observing the natural world. After all, observation is the first step in conservation. No government is able to afford to pay biologists, naturalists, or environmentalists to monitor all that needs to be monitored. Engaging the general public could contribute much to the protection and the proper stewardship of the land around us. Whether in a wild, rural, or an urban environment, a watchful eye can contribute baseline observations against which future change can be measured. By outlining and recording natural observations, species sightings, geographic and geological factors on this rural agricultural property within the Okanagan, I was able to complete a detailed ecological account of a 16-ha property over a two-month period. The vineyard is on a South facing, gradual slope, North of Kalamalka Lake, B.C. and was originally granted in 1864 and would be owned by both Lord Aberdeen and the Vernon brothers, as part of the Coldstream Ranch. The property is about 85 percent agricultural land, mostly planted with grapes, but also 1-ha of garlic, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, and other vegetables. The remaining portion of the property is a small pond and bulrush wetland, placed in the hollow of the property before raised train tracks. Over the period of two months, I observed 44 species of birds, 57 plant species and several large mammals including a family of coyotes who, having a den nearby, were regular visitors. The work of this project emphasizes the importance of the role that we can all play in preserving the world around us. Certainly, the completion of this project reminded me of the complexities of interactions between species and the importance of diversity and proactive community stewardship of the land