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Forest type drives the response of boreal forested peatlands to wildfire: a simulation study.
Get PDFBoreal black spruce forests contribute to climate change mitigation by accumulating large amounts of carbon (C) in moss-derived peat. When left undisturbed, a thick peat layer can inhibit tree growth, and this trade-off between peat and tree biomass can have implications on the forest C dynamics. Similarly, wildfire severity and frequency can modify C accumulation patterns, but this impact remains poorly documented. We used the Carbon Budget Model of the Canadian Forest Sector (CBM-CFS3) to explore over a 400-year simulation period, the effects of high (HSF) and low severity fire (LSF) on C dynamics of two forest types (black spruce- Sphagnum (BSSP) and black spruce-feathermoss (BSFM)). We found that total carbon stocks increased to higher levels after LSF than after HSF in BSSP due to peat accumulation. Conversely, in BSFM, HSF resulted in greater carbon storage than LSF due to tree biomass. The tree component is key to the rapid recovery of carbon pools in both BSSP and BSFM forests specifically after HSF, while mosses maintain C sinks over the long term. This study suggests that a good characterization of forest type is key to better predictions of the effects of a change in fire regime on ecosystem carbon dynamics.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Computational Screening of Filamin Mechanical Binding Proteins using AlphaFold2
Get PDFFilamins are dimeric actin binding protein that play a critical role in mechanical signaling. They contain a mechanosensory region (MSR) that naturally folds into a globular closed conformation. Under mechanical stress, the MSR unfolds into an open conformation, exposing binding sites for numerous proteins. Filamins are involved in diverse cellular functions, and their mechanical binding targets are highly context dependent. In this study, we employed AlphaFold2 modeling for screening proteins that specifically recognize the open conformation of filamins. We focused on the Drosophila melanogaster filamin, Cheerio, and conducted a biased screen to identify mechanical binding proteins. We selected the top 132 hits from the initial screening for further characterization. All identified binding proteins specifically recognize the open conformation of the MSR and not the closed conformation. Interestingly, the binding regions of these proteins lack obvious sequence similarity. While some false positives were identified, they could be effectively filtered out based on the secondary structure formed at the binding interface. This study provides a framework for identifying specifically filamin interactions in mechanosignaling.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
The echo of White Raven : an exploration of the duality that imbues the lives of Indigenous women working in the Public Service of Canada
Get PDFThis dissertation was completed and submitted at Nipissing University, and is made freely accessible through the University of Toronto’s TSpace repositoryThis study explores the experiences of Indigenous women in executive positions within the Canadian public service, focusing on how they maintain their intersecting identities as Indigenous women and public service professionals. The research employs an Indigenous methodology using storytelling, engaging with seven Indigenous women from various Indigenous communities across Canada. Through in-depth storytelling, the study captures their unique lived experiences, knowledge, skill sets, and career pathways within the public service. Key findings reveal that resilience and determination deeply rooted in Indigenous identity play a crucial role in their success. The study also highlights the profound impact of historical colonization and intergenerational trauma on their professional journeys, as well as the prevalence of lateral violence within their workplaces. Additionally, the research underscores the significance of community responsibility, mentorship, and the integration of Indigenous values in fostering effective public service leadership. The study concludes that the inclusion of Indigenous women in leadership roles is essential for effective governance and meaningful reconciliation. Their unique insights and lived experiences contribute to more inclusive and equitable policy-making processes. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering supportive environments, the public service can better reflect the diversity and richness of Canadian society, ultimately benefiting all citizens.Ph.D
Keeping It All a Halal Muslim Was Never Harder: Identity Formation Among Second-Generation Muslims in Canadian Urban Centres
Get PDFAbstractThe influx of Muslim immigrants to Canada raises tensions: the host society’s fear of Islamification as manifested in Bill 21 (prohibition of wearing religious symbols by public employees) versus Muslim communities’ fear of losing their religious identity. Expanding on the concept of religious identity construction, I ask how second-generation Muslim Canadians form their religious identity in Canadian urban centres and how this changes over the life course. My sample consists of N=30 second-generation Arab Muslim Canadians living in Montreal and Toronto, and I use qualitative semi-structured interviews to collect data. The findings identify three family types; those with non-existent relations to Islam, those with sporadic affinity to Islam, and those with devout strict affinity to Islam. The evidence of conflicts surrounding religious identity (disentangling cultural versus religious aspects, wearing the hijab, attending Sunday school) indicates participants re-evaluate their religious identity in three ways: some individualize their religious identity (i.e., selectivists who pick and choose elements); some indigenize it to the Canadian context (i.e., ‘all halal’ participants); some deconvert (i.e., ‘all halal’ participants for whom religion becomes less germane). These trajectories are theoretical alternatives to the more common ‘black box’ notion of ‘identity negotiation’ in explaining religious identity formation. The trajectories inspire us to consider theoretical models where Muslims can retain their religious identity in an Islamophobic context, rather than promoting models confined to edge cases (loyal to or exiting the community). In their romantic life, most participants prefer a Muslim spouse whose outlook on religious identity is similar to theirs, including those who have deconverted. I call this an intra-faith preference based on variance within the group (in-group), thus presenting an alternative to the literature on inter-faith marriages between groups (out-group), commonly considered an indicator of integration. The preference for a Muslim spouse with a similar outlook contributes to the religious vitality of Muslims in the Canadian context. The findings contribute to two scholarly fields: identity theory of religious identity construction and religious vitality.Ph.D
Developing an Approach to Screening Rare Genetic Diagnoses for Amenability to Bespoke Antisense Oligonucleotide Therapy Development
Get PDFRare genetic conditions are major contributors to paediatric morbidity and mortality, but few have specialized treatments. Proof-of-concept exists for precision genetic therapies like antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that are customized for an individual’s specific genetic variant and/or ultra-rare condition. However, there are no consensus recommendations for how to triage diagnoses and variants within bespoke ASO programs. With support from the N=1 Collaborative (n1collaborative.org), we developed, piloted, and refined workflows for evaluating variant amenability to four ASO approaches: canonical exon skipping, splice correction, mRNA knockdown, and wildtype upregulation. Through the input of multiple experts, we arrived at a comprehensive and concise analysis approach. We then retrospectively applied these workflows to 341 diagnoses made by clinical genome-wide sequencing at SickKids in Toronto, Canada over a 4-year period. 20 (5.9%) were identified as being likely eligible or eligible for ASO therapy development.M.Sc
A scoping review on the impact of rotational grazing in beef cattle systems on greenhouse gas emissions, soil health, plant diversity, and plant productivity parameters
Get PDFRecently, the government of Canada has encouraged the use of rotational grazing (RG) within its Sustainable Agriculture Strategy to improve soil health and decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the livestock sector. However, the effectiveness of RG in improving soil health and preventing climate change remains unclear. The objective was to summarize the evidence on the impact of RG on plant productivity, GHG emissions, soil health, and plant richness and diversity in cow-calf operations in Canada and similar climate regions. This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. Studies could be randomized controlled trials, randomized block design, controlled trials, observational, or simulation studies. Retrieved studies were screened in two stages by two independent reviewers. After screening, 15 studies were considered relevant and included in the review, and 46 outcomes were extracted. Of these, 46.5% showed a positive impact of RG, while 53.5% reported RG having neutral or no impact. There was a consistent body of evidence proving that RG benefits plant productivity. However, the evidence showing benefits on soil health and GHG emissions varied depending on the outcomes assessed. There was minimal evidence of impact on plant diversity. Rotational grazing has benefited soil surface properties, water dynamics, and nutrient availability.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
The Harivaṃśa and Its Kṛṣṇa
Get PDFThis dissertation is a literary analysis of the Harivaṃśa that examines the text's portrayal of its protagonist, Kṛṣṇa, in contrast to the portrayal of Kṛṣṇa among other Sanskrit narratives—particularly the Mahābhārata and Bhāgavata Purāṇa. The study explores heterogeneity among conceptions of deity within Sanskrit literature by comparing each text's portrayal of the same figure and contrasting the narrative logic of each work. It puts forward a fourfold model by which Harivaṃśa and its portrayal of Kṛṣṇa can be contextualized. This model situates the text across four axes or dimensions: 1) the historical dimension, 2) the inter-textual dimension, 3) the narrative dimension, and 4) the theological dimension. The Harivaṃśa can thus be indexed as 1) the oldest known Sanskrit narrative to offer an origin story for the figure known as Kṛṣṇa, 2) a commentarial appendix to the Mahābhārata, 3) an actualization narrative of Kṛṣṇa, and 4) a text that asserts a unique theology to the much more popular Bhāgavata Purāṇa. This research contributes to a growing body of scholarship on comparative Sanskrit literature and to the study of the Harivaṃśa, more specifically. Future research may focus on historical elements of this project (early Kṛṣṇa worship), homogeneity among portrayals of Kṛṣṇa in other works, or applying the fourfold model to other works.Ph.D
Risky Bodies: Implications of Risk and Risking in the Therapy Room
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Suicide risk assessment is seen as an integral component of psychotherapy practice; however, there is much debate surrounding the validity and efficacy of making such assessments. Specifically, the discourse of risk, including “risking” or “categorizing” individuals, has the potential to negatively impact the people whom psychologists/clinicians aim to serve. This dissertation aims to critically interrogate the notion of “risking” in suicide risk assessment to gain a better understanding of what works and what is harmful in suicide risk assessment procedures. Specifically, I interrogated the framing of “at risk” for 2SLGBTQ+ peoples, who are often perceived with this lens. Data from qualitative interviews and suicide risk assessment training materials was examined using a three-study model. The data was analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis and principles from critical discourse analysis, methodologically informed by social constructionism and drawing upon suicidism as a key conceptual consideration. This program of research expands theorizations surrounding the implications of suicide risk assessment practices and the ways that their nuances inform psychotherapeutic care.
Keywords: suicide risk assessment, at risk populations, risk, risking, psychotherapy, 2SLGBTQ+ mental healthPh.D
Classifying Patient Characteristics and Determining a Predictor in Acute Stroke Patients: Application of Latent Class Analysis in Rehabilitation Practice
Get PDFBackground/Objectives: Predicting comprehensive patient characteristics is essential for optimal individualized rehabilitation plans for acute stroke patients. However, current models primarily predict single outcomes. This study aimed to assess the applicability of latent class analysis (LCA) in rehabilitation practice by identifying comprehensive characteristics and associated predictors in acute stroke patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study using the Japan Association of Rehabilitation Database, including 10,270 stroke patients admitted to 37 acute-care hospitals between January 2005 and March 2016. Patients were classified using LCA based on outcomes at discharge, including Functional Independence Measure (FIM), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) subscales for upper-extremity function, length of hospitalization, and discharge destination. Predictor variables at admission included age, FIM scores, NIHSS subscales for upper-extremity function, stroke type, and daily rehabilitation volume. Results: 6881 patients were classified into nine distinct classes (class size: 4–29%). Class 1, representing the mildest cases, was noted for independent ambulation and good upper limb function. Class 2 comprised those with the most severe clinical outcome. Other classes exhibited a gradient of severity, commonly encountered in clinical practice. For instance, Class 7 included right-sided paralysis with preserved motor activities of daily living (ADLs) and modified dependence in cognitive functions, such as communication. All predictors at admission were significantly associated with class membership at discharge (p < 0.001). Conclusions: LCA effectively identified unique clinical subgroups among acute stroke patients and demonstrated that key admission variables could predict class membership. This approach offers a promising insight into targeted, personalized rehabilitation practice for acute stroke patients
Service Orchestration and Management Framework for Cloud-native Application Slices
Get PDFAs distributed cloud-native applications become increasingly complex, existing orchestration frameworks face limitations in efficiently managing multi-cloud, multi-tenant environments. This thesis presents SliceSphere, a cloud-native orchestration framework that introduces a modular, service-oriented approach to application slicing. SliceSphere allows distributed applications to be partitioned into independent slices that are deployed and managed across different cloud environments, ensuring flexibility, resource efficiency, and scalability.
At the heart of SliceSphere is the SliceKube model, which provides fine-grained control over the lifecycle of each application slice, supporting autonomous management and isolation. Additionally, the integration of AgileSphere, a predictive resource management system, enables dynamic scaling based on both real-time workloads and anticipated resource demands. This approach optimizes resource allocation and enhances the overall performance of cloud-native applications.
The framework was validated on the SAVI 2.0 testbed, demonstrating improvements in modularity, scalability, and lifecycle management compared to current state-of-the-art orchestration systems. SliceSphere addresses key challenges in modern distributed systems, particularly in multi-cloud orchestration, by offering a flexible and adaptable solution for managing diverse workloads across heterogeneous cloud environments. This work contributes to the field by providing a structured approach to cloud-native application slicing, which can support the evolving demands of distributed applications in real-world scenarios.Ph.D