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A Numerical Investigation of Sidebands in High Harmonic Spectra
Full text linkA Numerical Investigation of Sidebands in High Harmonic Spectra When an atom is subjected to coherent electromagnetic radiation, it is possible for its electrons to be excited by the electric field that is inherent to this radiation. A commonly used source for coherent electromagnetic radiation is a laser, which delivers an electric field that oscillates in time. High harmonic generation (HHG) is the process of applying a strong laser field to a material, such that one of its electrons is accelerated away from the atom, only to be driven back toward it by the oscillating laser field. As the electron is repeatedly accelerated away from and back to this ion, it emits photons that are of odd-integer harmonics of the driving field. In other words, light is emitted at frequencies that are odd integer multiples of the laser frequency. When a second, weaker field is applied to the system, the trajectory of the electron is perturbed at its maximum distance from the ion. This process causes a signal to occur in the harmonic spectrum that is characteristic of the perturbing field energy. This signal is referred to as sidebands due to their shape and the way they appear on either side of the even harmonics. These sidebands have been shown to contain valuable information regarding the optical free-induction decay of complex biomolecules, which can be used to spectroscopically identify these molecules. Numerical simulations of this physical process were performed using the split-step Fourier method of solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. The results of these simulations provide insights on how to optimize the signal of the sidebands in future laboratory experiments
Manufacturing the Mythology of "Be-Leaf": A Thematic Analysis of 2017 Playoff Coverage in the Toronto Star
Full text linkFor the better part of a century, Canadians have gathered around television sets and radios on Saturday nights for Hockey Night in Canada. Each viewer connected to every other viewer during the game in a dense imagined community. In the new media era, Canadians at home and abroad gather around computers and tablets to partake in the same rituals of an even greater imagined community. Spurred by globalization however, the game of hockey, a vastly important component in Canada’s cultural identity, becomes increasingly commodified and exclusionary. Nowhere is this exclusion more problematic than in Toronto, where the Maple Leafs are now valued at almost 1.5 billion dollars. The team’s “local” paper, which is consumed nationally, promotes the team and beckons new fans to enter “Leafs Nation” each season. This research examines 13 days of Toronto Star coverage of the Toronto Maple Leafs 2017 playoff run. Through a hybrid method combining critical discourse and content analysis, the research seeks to identify themes and Maple Leaf myths that the Star promotes and perpetuates, and how those myths support a massive brand public. The analysis identifies four threads of myth within the sample: Winning Tradition, Be-Leaf, Inherent Violence, and Depoliticized Power. The brand public, unlike the imagined community, is shallow and transient, but its existence justifies the enormously high cost of participation, despite the franchise going 50 years without a Stanley Cup win. The Star has the highest circulation in the country and is the most liberal leaning mainstream newspaper in Canada, which raises questions about the Star’s social responsibilities: are they responsible for keeping the public accurately and fairly informed, or are they responsible for helping build up the brand of a billion dollar corporation
Evaluation of Outcomes and Identified Barriers for Individuals Seeking Mental Health Crisis Care at a Local Community Hospital
No full textThis project aimed to analyze trends in mental health-related emergency department (ED) visits at Erie Shores Healthcare (ESHC) from January 2019 to December 2022. The study involved retrospective chart reviews, collecting demographic data (age, race, language, housing status) and clinical characteristics (visit dates, length, transportation mode, discharge status, final diagnosis) to identify patterns among patients seeking mental health care in the ED. Results indicated that over 2,400 individuals made nearly 3,500 visits, with anxiety disorders, depression, and alcohol use disorders being the most common diagnoses. The study highlights the need for enhanced community-based mental health services, as the majority of patients were discharged to their homes with limited follow-up care. Furthermore, transportation barriers and lack of culturally sensitive services were significant challenges for Leamington residents. This research contributes valuable insights for addressing mental health gaps in rural communities, suggesting the need for targeted interventions and improved ED staff training. In collaboration with local and provincial stakeholders, ESHC plans to develop recommendations for mental health care strategies tailored to the unique needs of Leamington's diverse population, with a goal of securing funding for broader initiatives to support mental health outcomes in rural Ontari
Patient and Systems Navigation: Resolving an Unmet Clinical Need
No full text['UNSDG 3: Good Health and Well-being (https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal3)', 'UNSDG 10: Reduced Inequalities (https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal10)']Viable, Healthy and Safe CommunitiesAbstract: Background: Retinal disorders pose significant visual problems for patients. and disproportionately affect those experiencing barriers to accessing high-quality eye care. Patient navigators are individuals who help overcome known barriers to the utilization of various healthcare services. The purpose of this study is to develop a patient navigator program and to evaluate its feasibility is supporting patients with retinal disorders. Methods: All study participants will be recruited from Windsor Eye Associates. The qualitative study involves a convenience sample of patients who expressed interest in sharing their lived experiences of navigating the healthcare system. Main barriers to accessing eye care will be identified. The quantitative study includes patient navigator intervention and survey questionnaires. Participants will be selected based on a screening questionnaire designed to identify patients experiencing challenges to accessing eye care. Prior to and following patient navigator intervention, participants will be asked to complete the demographic survey, VFQ-25, IVI profile and mental health survey consisting of PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Results: Preliminary results show that 39% of the patients who underwent the pre-screening survey identified that their eye condition is a big source of anxiety, or significantly impacted their mental health. In addition, 56% of patients interviewed are interested in participating in a longer survey that explores the gaps found in our healthcare system. Conclusion: Patients with retinal disorders may struggle with mental health and a lack of access to essential services. Implementation of a patient navigator support system is likely to improve vision-related quality of life of these patients
THE DOWNPLAYED DEBT ATTRIBUTES OF BNPL: A THEMATIC CONTENT ANALYSIS OF TIKTOK
Full text linkThis research employs Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) to examine the downplayed debt attributes of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services, focusing specifically on the contrast between official narratives and critical discourse on TikTok. The study investigates how BNPL companies in North America employ promotional strategies on their official websites and in press conferences to downplay the debt aspect of their services. It further explores the role of TikTok as a platform for public discourse that challenges these dominant narratives surrounding BNPL debt attributes and breaks knowledge hegemony. By analyzing samples from BNPL service providers' websites and press conferences, the study identifies the strategies used to control official discourse and shape public perception. Additionally, it analyzes TikTok videos under relevant hashtags to understand how influencers critically evaluate BNPL services and employ counter-discursive strategies. The findings highlight the hidden intentions of BNPL services in North America, questioning whether they offer free money or intentionally designed debt traps. The study also reveals the burden-shifting phenomenon, exposing the misplaced responsibility within BNPL services. Furthermore, it explores the potential of the BNPL phenomenon to facilitate overspending and expand risky consumer finance that may lead to a personal debt crisis. This research contributes to the understanding of the political economy of communication, consumer finance, and media studies by shedding light on the power dynamics, dominant narratives, and knowledge hegemony surrounding BNPL services in North America. The insights have implications for policymakers, consumers, and scholars, providing valuable perspectives on the discourse surrounding BNPL and its implications for society
The Alignment of Self-Perception, Stereotypes, and Career Traits
Full text linkPresenter: Erica Rossi I am currently on a full-time co-op term and would only be able to take time off in the late afternoon so if chosen I would appreciate a late afternoon presentation time slot.This study explores gendered inequities in STEM fields by examining the intersectionality of self-perception, stereotypes, and gender across career goals. Self-perception strongly influences career decisions and is often affected by societal stereotypes and dated views on the roles of men and women. Gender biases are evident in male dominated science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields (Franzway et al. 2019). Previous research has solely focused on how self-perception is linked to the undergraduate female performance (Jones et al, 2013). Female centered studies create a gap in understanding the impact of gender inequity on students in STEM based programs. Expanding the scope to include female and male experiences in a variety of STEM and non-STEM careers creates a more accurate relationship between one's self-perception and success in chosen career. In this study, participants were asked to list their five most salient personality traits. They were then asked to list the three traits they considered most critical for success in two STEM and two non-STEM related careers. To conclude, participants were asked to state their intended profession. This study tested the hypothesis that males would consistently list traits associated with engineers and scientists, i.e., hard-skill descriptors, whereas females would list traits consistent with teachers and nurses, i.e., soft-skill descriptors. It is anticipated that this will hold for men and women regardless of their career goals, highlighting how gendered career stereotypes and self-perception can hold students back in their careers. Understanding the implications of this dated gendered self-perception can inform STEM education and create a more progressive and equitable STEM culture
A Critical Analysis of the Media Representations of Venezuelan Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum-Seekers (Venezuelan IRAS) in Peru
Full text linkThe Venezuelan migration phenomenon is currently the second-largest external displacement crisis worldwide. As the number of Venezuelans leaving their country has risen, migration policies in Latin American countries have become more restrictive. In Peru, the second-largest recipient of Venezuelans and the largest host of Venezuelan asylum-seekers worldwide, the securitization of migration policies started in August 2018 with a passport requirement for Venezuelans, and intensified in June 2019 with another, yet virtually unreachable requirement: the Humanitarian Visa. Utilizing media-framing theory and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), this study analyzed the media discourse built by El Comercio newspaper between April 1 and June 30, 2019. CDA was performed on a total of 63 news stories of different journalistic genres, and findings are consistent with the academic literature pertaining to the media representations of immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers around the globe. Overall, there is a tendency to frame Venezuelans negatively, portraying them as threats and accusing them of Peru’s structural flaws. In addition, specific findings suggest a lack of rigour in the journalistic practices of El Comercio as well as larger discursive strategies involving political purposes
Lost in Translation: Grand Strategy on the Asymmetric Battlefield
Full text linkRevised proposal attached as PDF
DEVELOPMENT OF A DYNAMIC, RECONFIGURABLE FINGER-HAND SKELETAL STRUCTURE
No full textA finger or hand brace may be required to be worn for people who require physical support or controlled motion support. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) patients have connective tissue disorders, and wear braces to support and limit motion. Manual assembly operators (i.e. assembling clips, wire harnesses, fabrics, etc.), carpal tunnel sufferers, and the elderly may also benefit from wearing finger or hand braces. Additive manufacturing (AM) solutions, commonly known as 3D printing, provide flexible manufacturing options; however, a customizable CAD (Computer Aided Design) model must be developed to facilitate a manufacturing solution. The goal of this research is to develop a readily adaptable CAD model. Rhinoceros and Grasshopper modelling tools are employed to develop a solution that can be dynamically manipulated to adjust to a specific hand size, and/or localized finger-hand configurations. The final CAD model can be then used as input for an AM solution