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Apology experiences of sexual assault survivors
No full textThrough the methodology of descriptive phenomenology, the purpose of this qualitative
research was to explore the lived experiences of female sexual assault survivors in Canada who
received an apology from their perpetrator as a form of accountability. By employing purposive
sampling and four distinct recruitment strategies, a total of 16 women from across Canada
participated in this study. Using a semi-structured, open-ended interview guide, one-on-one
interviews were conducted virtually over Zoom. With interviews as the method for data
collection, participants could freely share their incredible stories in greater depth and provide
elaboration and clarification where needed. Following the initial interviews, follow-up second
interviews were conducted with three participants to gain deeper insights into their experiences.
All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using the seven-
step analytic method by Colaizzi (1978), through which four salient themes were identified.
Participants shared how certain pieces of an apology contributed to their healing while other
pieces adversely impacted the survivors’ lives, creating a complex apology mosaic. As such, the
findings contribute to the scholarly community by expanding the understanding of the specific
apology needs sexual assault survivors have for their sense of healing and justice. Moreover, this
research offers valuable information for practice and policy while highlighting areas for further
exploration to enhance the safety, empowerment, and recovery of female sexual assault
survivors
Effect of lignin content on the performance grade and stability of asphalt binders used in Thunder Bay
Full text linkThe design roads relies solely on bitumen as a binding agent because it provides superior adhesive properties and waterproofing capabilities. The main source of bitumen production from crude oil oil refining results in expensive production costs and supply chain problems and reduced refining capabilities. The worldwide transition toward sustainable infrastructure solutions and environmentally responsible construction materials has become more urgent because of these challenges. The paper industry produces lignin as a renewable biopolymer which shows promise as a bitumen extender because of its structural compatibility and sustainability advantages. The research evaluates the addition of kraft lignin at 10%, 20%, and 30% levels in asphalt mixtures to determine their performance against Ontario's Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Performance Grade (PG) standards for cold climate applications in Thunder Bay. The primary objective of this study is to determine whether lignin-modified asphalt (LMA) meets structural and performance standards while providing a sustainable alternative to traditional binders. The primary objective is to determine whether lignin-modified asphalt (LMA) can meet structural and performance standards while providing a sustainable alternative to traditional binders. The primary objective is to determine whether lignin-modified asphalt (LMA) meets structural and performance requirements while serving as a sustainable alternative to conventional binders. A hybrid methodology was adopted, involving both practical and theoretical approaches. The experimental component consisted of mix design tests using PG 52-34 bitumen and kraft lignin, including Marshall Stability and Superpave Gyratory Compactor methods. These tests examined workability, compaction, and strength parameters. For the theoretical analysis, secondary data from FPInnovations was used to evaluate rheological properties, oxidative aging resistance, and PG classification shifts. Results indicated that a 20% lignin substitution level provided the most balanced performance, achieving optimal Marshall stability, acceptable air voids, and good compaction. Theoretical data supported improvements in high-temperature PG ratings (e.g., PG 58-28) and enhanced resistance to rutting and oxidative aging at moderate levels of substitution. This research will provide valuable insights into the mechanical viability and environmental potential of LMA. The findings support the use of Lignin as a partial bitumen substitute and offer a foundation for future research and performance-based implementation strategies in cold-region pavement applications
Left and rightwing illiberty
Full text linkBy examining how three political orientations: Left-wing authoritarianism, libertarianism
(subsequently divided into lifestyle and economic liberty), and Right-wing authoritarianism
related to moral values, the current study found support for the notion that the standard left-right
political spectrum conceals important distinctions and overlaps among political orientations.
Participants (N = 155) completed self-report measures for political orientation, endorsement of
moral ethics (community, autonomy, and divinity), and moral foundations, immorality ratings of
moral violations, emotional reactions to moral violations (“contempt,” anger, and disgust), and
punishment preferences for moral violators. Across several different sets of results (Shweder’s
Ethics, moral foundations, emotional responses to moral violations, and punishment preferences
for moral violators), political orientations consistently displayed a heterogeneous pattern of
differences between one another. The results revealed that political orientations diverged on
some moral domains but converged on others, showing that the standard left-right spectrum fails
to capture some variation. Political orientation scores were linked to differential responses across
contrasts that did not conform to a simple unidimensional model
Petrology and geochemistry of the Saddle North Cu-Au porphyry deposit, British Columbia, Canada.
Full text linkThe Saddle North porphyry Cu-Au deposit, northwestern British Columbia, Canada, is located in the Upper Triassic Stuhini Group and is associated with the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic Tatogga Suite intrusions. This study integrates petrographic, geochemical, and geochronological data to characterize the deposit's intrusive evolution, alteration assemblages, and mineralization processes. Four intrusive phases (FQMP-I1 to FQMP-I4) of feldspar–quartz–monzodiorite porphyry were identified based on petrographic and geochemical criteria, demonstrating a progressive compositional evolution and varying intensities of potassic alteration. High-precision LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon geochronology yielded crystallization ages ranging from 205.3 ± 1.7 Ma to 208.2 ± 1.8 Ma, confirming the temporal overlap between intrusive emplacement and hydrothermal activity. Re-Os dating of molybdenite veins returned a model age of 205.6 ± 0.8 Ma, corroborating a genetic link between mineralization and magmatism.
Whole-rock geochemistry reveals that the intrusions are alkaline to weakly calc-alkaline, with moderate to strong Nb, Ti, and Eu depletions consistent with subduction-related arc magmas. Micro-XRF maps further constrain the spatial distribution of key alteration minerals and elemental enrichments within the core of the deposit. Eight vein types were recognized and categorized into four paragenetic stages: early (A–D), main (C, F, G), late (E, F, G), and post-mineral (G, H). Early-stage veins (A- and B-type) are associated with magnetite, chalcopyrite, and molybdenite and are found in potassic-altered FQMP-I1 and I2 intrusions. The vein paragenesis and alteration zoning indicate a progressive decline in temperature and fluid metal content during hydrothermal evolution. These findings collectively support a magmatic-hydrothermal continuum model for Saddle North, similar to other porphyry systems in the Golden Triangle, such as Red Chris and Galore Creek, emphasizing its potential as a significant Cu-Au mineralizing centre in the Canadian Cordillera
Intimacy and public stigma
No full textBackground: The negative impact and barriers caused by mental health stigma are substantial, therefore understanding the context and underlying mechanisms that perpetuate stigma is crucial. Originally thought to be a linear relationship, Corrigan and Nieweglowski (2019) have proposed a U-shaped model to understand the effects of familiarity on stigma. However, research and empirical support for the suggested model is limited. Additionally, familiarity has predominantly been explored in terms of the type of relationship and overall closeness determined by relationship type. A potentially more accurate representation and understanding of the degree of familiarity could be examining the direct level of intimacy within an individual’s relationship. Objective: The present study aimed to explore whether the relationship between familiarity (in terms of intimacy) and public stigma is better fit by a linear model or a quadratic model. Additionally, this study examined the impact of personal mental illness on the relationship between public and self-stigma. Method: Participants (n = 523) completed a demographic questionnaire and three public stigma measures. Individuals who identified knowing someone with mental illness were assessed on the degree of intimacy within that relationship. Participants that identified as having a mental illness themselves completed a self-stigma questionnaire. Results: Across all three public stigma measures, a linear model better fit the relationship between intimacy and public stigma. The addition of a quadratic term did not significantly improve the fit. In the sub-group with lived experience (n = 227), similar results emerged. Exploratory analysis showed significant associations between public and self-stigma and intimacy was positively correlated with self-stigma. Discussion: Our findings did not support the quadratic model, but they did highlight the potential protective role intimacy may play in reducing stigma. However, increased intimacy may heighten internalized stigma for those with lived experiences suggesting the need for more targeted stigma-related interventions
Assessment of fire-induced damage and CFRP retrofitting strategies for GFRP-reinforced concrete columns
No full textFibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are increasingly used to improve the durability and sustainability of reinforced concrete structures. Glass FRP (GFRP) bars offer a corrosion-resistant alternative to steel reinforcement, making them attractive for harsh environments and long-term infrastructure. However, their performance under elevated temperatures remains a concern and has not been clearly investigated. GFRP-reinforced concrete (RC) members are vulnerable to thermal degradation, and the structural consequences of fire exposure (such as bond loss, strength reduction, and instability) are not yet fully understood. One promising repair method is external confinement using carbon FRP (CFRP) wraps, which provide high strength and can be efficiently applied in the field. This study investigates the use of CFRP jacketing to restore axial capacity in fire-damaged GFRP-RC columns. A two-phase experimental program was conducted on fourteen square columns (200 × 200 mm), including both short (1000 mm) and slender (1500 mm) specimens, with variations in fire exposure (one or two hours) and confinement level (one or two CFRP layers). Ambient specimens had strain gauges surface-mounted on the longitudinal GFRP bars prior to casting, while fire-tested
Specimens were embedded with thermocouples to monitor internal temperatures during exposure. Nine columns were fire-tested in accordance with the CAN/ULC-S101 standard, and seven were subsequently retrofitted with CFRP. All specimens were tested under axial compression with pin-ended boundary conditions. Lateral displacement was measured using LVDTs positioned at mid-height in both orthogonal directions. The program evaluated how fire duration, slenderness, and confinement affect residual and regained axial capacity. Test results showed that fire exposure caused significant capacity loss, with reductions amplified by fire duration and slenderness. Two-hour specimens retained only a fraction of their original strength, and slender columns showed greater thermal penetration and instability. Internal temperatures exceeded critical thresholds for GFRP degradation, leading to visible damage in bars and concrete. CFRP jacketing enhanced strength and ductility in all retrofitted columns. Confinement became more effective with increasing fire damage, as retrofitted columns showed greater strength gains relative to their unwrapped counterparts. However, even with multiple layers, severely damaged columns remained well below ambient strength. These results highlight both the potential and limitations of CFRP confinement in post-fire rehabilitation of GFRP-RC compression members.
KEYWORDS
Glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP), Carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), Reinforced concrete, Fire Safety Engineering, Residual axial capacity, Regained axial capacity, Post-fire rehabilitation, FRP confinement, Thermal degradation, Fire-damaged columns, CFRP jacketing, CAN/ULC-S101, Slenderness effects, Ductility enhancement
Inequity, precarity, and disparity: Exploring systemic and institutional barriers in open access publishing
Full text linkDespite increasing advocacy for open access (OA), its uptake in some disciplines has remained low. Existing studies have linked the low uptake of OA in the humanities and social sciences (HSS) to disciplinary norms, limited funding for article processing charges (APCs), and researchers’ preferences. However, there is a growing concern about inequity in the scholarly communication landscape, as OA publishing has remained unaffordable to many researchers. This study investigates systemic and institutional barriers to OA publishing in Canada, as well as strategies for improving the uptake of and equity in OA publishing. Using semi-structured interviews, qualitative data was collected from 20 professors from the HSS disciplines of research-intensive universities in the country. Data was analyzed using the NVivo software, following the reflexive thematic analysis approach. Findings revealed five systemic and institutional barriers to OA publishing: (1) unaffordable APCs; (2) precarious career stage and tenure requirements; (3) unequal privileges; (4) gender; and (5) conflicting and unsupportive institutional OA policies. We conclude that there needs to be a concerted effort in promoting and funding viable and sustainable OA models, which removes the financial burden of OA publishing from researchers. There is also an increasing need to promote OA culture within academia and provide institutional support for OA publishing. Notably, the model of academic scholarship that places prominence on journal metrics for tenure and promotion needs to be reformed. Some recommendations for reducing systemic and institutional barriers to OA publishing are provided
Linking landscape structure to woodland caribou density using non-invasive spatial capture-recapture
Full text linkAssessing how landscape composition and anthropogenic disturbance influence spatial variation in abundance is essential for effective conservation planning in threatened species. For woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), there remains limited knowledge of spatially explicit population density, potential differences in density and space use between males and females, and the specific habitat and disturbance features that structure their distribution across managed forest landscapes. We applied spatial capture-recapture (SCR) modeling to non-invasive fecal DNA samples collected in the Churchill Range of northwestern Ontario to estimate caribou density, space-use parameters, and evaluate how landscape composition and disturbance influence spatial variation in abundance. A total of 589 genotyped samples identified 245 unique individuals (132 females, 113 males). The best-supported SCR model estimated a population density of 43.6 individuals per 1,000 km² (95% CI: 31.8 – 59.6) and a mean space-use parameter (σ) of 5.4 km, corresponding to an estimated home range radius of 25.6 km. Sex-specific models revealed no strong differences in density or space use between males and females. Landscape models indicated that caribou density was positively associated with conifer forest and greater distance to roads, and negatively associated with deciduous cover, highlighting the influence of forest management on caribou distribution in this region. This study provides the first SCR-based population density estimate for woodland caribou in Ontario. Our findings offer critical baseline data for conservation planning and recovery efforts and demonstrate the value of non-invasive SCR for linking population abundance to habitat features in wide-ranging, low-density species
Traveling wave-based fault location in power grids using neural networks
No full textdowntime and improving public safety. One practical FL approach involves utilizing traveling
waves (TWs) to locate the fault along a transmission line. TW-based FL methods are
highly regarded for their speed and resilience to variations in fault parameters. However,
many existing TW-based FL methods rely on constant propagation velocity assumptions,
which can be challenging to apply in real-world applications. In response to these limitations,
this thesis introduces two approaches integrating machine learning to locate faults
in power grids and on hybrid lines accurately.
First, a novel wide-area TW-based FL method is presented to handle complex grid
networks, including multiple line type configurations and bus impedance variations. TW
arrival times are collected via TravelingWave Recorders (TWRs) strategically placed across
the network, capturing the FL information. A multi-task multi-layer perceptron (MLP)
is then trained using TW arrival times throughout the network to simultaneously classify
the faulted line and determine the exact FL within that line. Training the MLP avoids the
need for explicit propagation velocity assumptions. This approach remains accurate with
mixed transmission line types with varying line parameters and remains robust, even if the
TW arrival times provided by the TWRs are slightly inaccurate. Furthermore, this method
accounts for bus impedance effects, which affect the attenuation of the TWs, creating a
more realistic scenario.
Following the proposed wide-area method, the thesis addresses the unique challenges of
hybrid lines (a series of non-homogeneous transmission lines). Conventional time-domain
TW-based methods often face complications when the TW encounters varying propagation
speeds, reflections at junctions, and distinct attenuation characteristics across nonhomogeneous
line sections. To overcome these obstacles, the proposed FL technique uses
the frequency-domain properties of TWs. Given that TWs are inherently tied to both
distance and frequency, the proposed method captures the initial TW wavefronts at both
line terminals, applies Clarke’s Transform and the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to extract
critical frequency content (FC) from the recorded signals. The FC is then processed
by neural networks (NNs), which identify the faulty section of the line and determine the
precise FL. Utilizing the frequency domain removes time synchronization requirements and
the estimation of propagation velocity.
PSCAD/EMTDC simulations are conducted to validate both proposed methods. The
IEEE 39-bus system is used to validate the robustness of the wide-area FL method by
including different line configurations and added bus impedances to mimic measurement equipment. The method’s ability to handle inaccurate arrival time data and various propagation
velocities will be examined. Simulations will also confirm the accuracy and reliability
of the proposed frequency-domain approach using a hybrid line from Mainland
British Columbia to Vancouver Island. Various fault conditions, such as fault resistances
and inception angles, will be tested. The impact of noise and sampling frequency will also
be examined
The short-term effects of dry cupping the lumbar paraspinal muscles in individuals with non-specific low back pain: a single-blind randomized trial
Full text linkIntroduction: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a leading cause of global disability, affecting millions of individuals and imposing significant personal and societal burdens. Current treatments (chiropractic or physiotherapy care, stretching exercises, maintaining a physically active lifestyle, and pharmacological interventions) often yield inconsistent results, highlighting the need for alternative therapies. Dry cupping, an ancient practice involving suction on the skin, has shown promise in improving pain and mobility, yet comprehensive evidence for its efficacy in NSLBP remains limited. This study investigated the short-term effects of dry cupping on lumbar paraspinal muscles in individuals with NSLBP, focusing on pain, range of motion (ROM), skin temperature (as a blood flow indicator), function, and perceived treatment effect.
Methods: Adults aged 18–55 (31 females and 21 males) with clinician-confirmed NSLBP were recruited to participate in a single-blind randomized clinical trial. Fifty-two participants (26 intervention, 26 placebo) received three sessions of either dry cupping or placebo cupping with approximately 48 hours in between each session. The intervention group received static cupping (10 minutes/session) at lumbar landmarks, based on indicated painful areas, using Hansol© cups. The placebo group received identical-appearing cups without suction. Measurements included ROM (Sit and Reach Test, dual inclinometry), pressure pain threshold (algometry), subjective pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale; NPRS), skin temperature (laser thermometer), function (Roland-Morris Questionnaire), and perceived treatment effect (Patient Global Impression of Change Scale; PGICS). Data were analyzed using three-way and two-way mixed factorial ANOVAs and post-hoc tests.
Results: A three-way mixed factorial ANOVA revealed a nonsignificant interaction effect between the three variables (treatment group, session and time) F(1.720, 26)=1.172, p=.309, 2=.023) but a significant two-way interaction effect between treatment group and session (F(1.8949, 26)=29.603, p<.001, η²=.372) and between treatment group and time (F(1, 26)=126.968, p<.001, η²=.717) on Sit and Reach scores.
A three-way mixed factorial ANOVA revealed a nonsignificant interaction effect between the three variables (treatment group, session and time) (F(1.766, 26)=.206, p=.787, ²=.004), but a significant two-way interaction effect between treatment group and session (F(1.558, 26)=25.207, p<.001, η²=.335) and between treatment group and time (F(1, 26)=131.725, p<.001, η²=.725) on inclinometry scores.
A three-way mixed factorial ANOVA revealed a nonsignificant interaction effect between the three variables (treatment group, session and time) (F(2, 26)=.361, p=.698, ²=.007), but a significant two-way interaction effect between treatment group and session (F(2, 26)=13.694, p<.001, η²=.215) and between treatment group and time (F(1, 26)=71.237, p<.001, η²=.604) on pressure pain threshold.
A three-way mixed factorial ANOVA revealed a nonsignificant interaction between the three variables (treatment group, session and time) (F(1.593, 26)=.956, p=.371, ²=.019), but a significant two-way interaction effect between treatment group and session (F(1.545, 26)=11.640, p<.001, η² =.189) and between treatment group and time (F(1, 26)=97.051, p<.001, η²=.660) on subjective pain perception.
A three-way mixed factorial ANOVA revealed a significant three-way interaction effect between treatment group, time, and session (F(2, 26)=19.666, p<.001, η²=.282) on skin temperature.
A two-way mixed factorial ANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect between treatment group and session (F(1.702, 26)=9.387, p<.001, η²=.158) on perceived treatment effect.
A three-way mixed factorial ANOVA revealed a nonsignificant interaction effect between the three variables (treatment group, session and time) (F(2, 26)= 1.538, p=.220, ²=.030), but a significant two-way interaction effect between treatment group and session (F(2, 26)=6.522, p=.002, η²=.115), between treatment group and time (F(1, 26)=28.736, p<.001, η²=.365) and between session and time (F(2, 26)=4.363, p=.015, ²=.080) on overall function.
Conclusion: This randomized clinical trial demonstrates that dry cupping therapy significantly improves short-term pain and ROM in individuals with NSLBP, with a modest effect on overall function. Compared to placebo, the intervention group showed clinically meaningful reductions in pain, increased ROM, elevated skin temperature, and significantly higher treatment satisfaction, leading to a greater understanding of the physiological mechanisms of treatment. Results highlight the importance of multiple treatment sessions for cumulative effects and demonstrate dry cupping is a viable non-pharmacological adjunct for NSLBP management. Further research is needed to explore the long-term sustainability of these effects and to establish optimal treatment protocols, including frequency and duration