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The importance of considering thermal unpredictability in understanding how fish will respond to climate warming
No full textClimate change has led to increases in global mean temperatures, as well as in the intensity, frequency, and duration of extreme temperature events. Notably, the unpredictability of thermal fluctuations is increasing in natural ecosystems. Thus, experiments that incorporate realistic, unpredictable thermal variability should lead to more accurate predictions of how temperature will impact physiological performance in natural populations. Using the hermaphroditic, amphibious Mangrove rivulus (Kryptolebias marmoratus) as a model species, I investigated the difference between warming predictable and unpredictable thermal fluctuations on physiology and also tested for genetically based differences in phenotypic plasticity among lineages. I hypothesized that compared to predictable thermal variability, unpredictable thermal variability would negatively
affect acclimation capacity. To test this, I acclimated three isogenic lineages of Mangrove rivulus in three thermal groups: predictable (27°C-35°C) and unpredictable thermal fluctuations (27°C -35°C) with a similar thermal load, and stable control temperature (27°C). After five weeks of acclimation, I measured growth rate, thermal biology endpoints (emersion temperature, critical thermal maximum (CTmax)), and gill morphology (interlamellar cell mass height, lamellar width/height). I determined that fish acclimated to either thermal fluctuation treatment (27°C-35°C) had a lower growth rate than control fish at a stable temperature, yet thermal tolerance was not impacted by either warming temperature cycle. Notably, fish acclimated to either predictable or unpredictable thermal cycle had a reduced gill surface area when compared to control fish, possibly as a preparatory response for emersion.
The results of my thesis led me to develop a collaborative second project that compared two environmentally relevant unpredictable thermal cycles to the mean of the cycle, with the goal of disentangling the effects of thermal fluctuations and thermal warming. We acclimated three isogenic lineages of Mangrove rivulus to four different thermal regimes – two unpredictable thermal cycles, one mimicking current climate conditions (low cycle: 24°C-29°C) and one predicting warming conditions (high cycle: 29°C -34°C), and the mean of both cycles (low mean: 26.5°C, and high mean: 31.5°C). We measured growth, fecundity, and thermal tolerance and predicted that (1) these variables would be similar in fish acclimated to unpredictable thermal fluctuations when compared to fish acclimated to the mean of the cycle, and (2) these variables would be different between the two unpredictable cycles, with fish in the warming fluctuations having decreased reproductive output, growth, and thermal safety margins as they were more frequently exposed to suboptimal temperatures. Our preliminary results supported both predictions, as cyclic acclimated fish responded similarly to fish exposed to the mean of the cycle, and fish in both warming conditions (high cycle and high mean) had decreased growth and reproductive output compared to fish in the cooler thermal groups. Similar to the results of my thesis, thermal tolerance was conserved across groups. Collectively, my data reveal the importance of considering daily, unpredictable thermal variability when studying the effects of temperature on fishes. Additionally, genetically based differences were observed in response to thermal
unpredictability, suggesting that an organism's response to changing environmental conditions is genotype specific
Breaking down barriers in the Village of New Minas: understanding what makes an age-friendly community
No full textThe province of Nova Scotia has both the highest proportion of older adults and persons with disabilities in Canada. Nova Scotia has a responsibility to make sure the needs of all people, but especially those who are older and living with a disability, are met. The growing number of older adults and persons with disabilities is not only occurring in Nova Scotia. This trend is also recognized by the World Health Organization, who say that the world's population is aging rapidly. Therefore, age-friendly communities, communities where people regardless of age and ability feel welcome and included, are necessary to enhance accessibility and inclusion for all. This research explored the perspectives of older adults who reside in the Village of New Minas, a rural community in Nova Scotia, to understand how New Minas can implement age-friendly practices. The results emphasized a need to improve accessibility in the built environment, such as sidewalks, the community complex centre, and the public transportation system. In addition, the participants had valuable insights on how to improve communication and community engagement within New Minas. New Minas, similar to other areas of Nova Scotia, is responding to an increase in migration to Nova Scotia and is currently working on plans to expand. Therefore, understanding the needs of older adults to create an age-friendly community will be essential as New Minas starts to expand their community
The social determinants of health as barriers to food access: informing the design of a socioeconomically inclusive food hub in Wolfville, Nova Scotia
No full textThis thesis aims to provide detailed and context-specific information on how a food hub at the Wolfville Farmers’ Market (WFM) can help address the exclusion of low-income Nova Scotians from healthy food access. This was done by conducting a literature review to identify widespread barriers to food access, as well as the food hub design features that can help address these barriers. A Social Determinants of Health framework was used to analyze both participant observation field notes and secondary data analysis of qualitative focus group interviews. The barriers to food access at the WFM were identified as health risks and challenges, the perception of the WFM being a “White” space, time constraints, insufficient income, the cost of food, and, specific to university students, the acceptance and normalization of food insecurity. The facilitators of food access at the WFM were identified as the online shopping and food delivery program (WFM2Go), the wide range of food products, the “food bucks” program, and the physical and social accessibility of the WFM. Three of these facilitators of food access, food delivery, “food bucks”, and social accessibility, were also identified in the literature as food hub design features that help address food insecurity. Other design features which were identified, and that the WFM food hub is planning to implement, are partnering with a farm-to-school program, holding food skilling workshops, having a community kitchen, and involving those who experience food insecurity in the planning and management of the food hub. Recommendations for the design of a socioeconomically inclusive food hub were based on these identified design features and the facilitators of food access already in place.</p
LiDAR-assisted mapping and environmental risk assessment of the Carboniferous rocks in the Cumberland sub-basin of Nova Scotia
No full textThe objective of this project is two-fold: to examine the accuracy of the current geological map and to produce an environmental risk assessment in a small area near Pugwash, Nova Scotia. This area lies within the Cumberland sub-basin, a component of the late Paleozoic Maritimes Basin spanning much of onshore and offshore Atlantic Canada. The current geological map of the Oxford/Pugwash area includes three sizeable, yet independent, salt diapirs mapped along a NE–SW trend. However, this map predates developments in the understanding of salt tectonics that support the notion that the three diapirs are likely part of a larger salt structure, likely a salt wall. To test the hypothesis, the areas between the diapirs are examined to determine if there is evidence of a salt wall connecting them. Sinkholes outside the mapped diapir limits, borehole data, and geological mapping all support the interpretation that a salt wall, and not isolated salt diapirs, exist in the area of interest. To address the second part of this project, producing an environmental risk assessment, we collect data from the local populace, through informal
interviews and surveys, about sinkhole risks in the area. It is apparent during these interviews, that most locals are unaware of any potential geological hazards (e.g., sinkholes) in their communities. The overall goal of this second objective is to increase public awareness of geohazards to mitigate the potential impact of sudden structural collapses
Quantum with Qiskit
No full textIn the last two decades there has been growth in the field of quantum educational research both to find new ways to demonstrate content, and to modify teaching practices to help build student understanding [8]. Recognizing the need to adapt education in quantum theory to draw in new learners, we present this teacher's view of how that course should be built and review a series of resources for their strengths to help instructors begin to modify their practices. Thereafter we will introduce the capabilities of the quantum-computing platforms Qiskit and IBM Quantum as they relate to introductory quantum theory and emphasize – with a capstone project pertaining to entropy, mutual information and tomography – the effectiveness of utilizing a quantum course which integrates the tools available through Qiskit and IBM Quantum.</p
Danger in the air: construction workers' perceptions of silica dust through the lens of the health belief model
No full textAlthough extensive research has been conducted in order to understand silica dust as an occupational hazard, including effective control measures for mitigating its effects, it remains unclear how workers perceive this occupational hazard, along with corresponding safety policy. This research examines the employment experiences of 12 workers actively employed in the Prince Edward Island commercial construction industry. Qualitative research, through the means of semi-structured interviews, was used in order to understand how workers perceive the dangers of silica dust, and the effectiveness of control measures, including respiratory protective equipment. A thematic analysis was used in order to identify important themes. Additionally, participant responses were analyzed through the theoretical constructs of the Health Belief Model, which aims to determine the likelihood of an individual engaging in a predetermined health behaviour. It was found that workers actively engage in numerous health behaviours, such as respirator usage, and control measures such as local exhaust ventilation and wet dust suppression. However, it was additionally found that workers often misunderstand the effectiveness of control measures, which leads to hazard exposure, unbeknownst to the worker
Understanding Nova Scotia's Liquor Control Act: an exploration of employee perception
No full textThis dissertation explores the perceptions of liquor laws and serving practices of industry workers in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The study finds that there is a general lack of understanding, compliance, and regulation of the Liquor Control Act (R.S., c. 260, s. 1.). This paper identifies various factors that are believed to contribute to the over-serving of alcohol, including avoiding undesirable interactions, lack of knowledge of, or belief in, current liquor laws and a desire for profit. The study also explores the serving practices at Nova Scotia wineries and golf courses and provides a careful analysis of the Liquor Control Act (R.S., c. 260, s. 1.). Based on the findings, it is recommended that owners of liquor distribution establishments mandate responsible serving training for all employees to protect themselves from legal repercussions. Additionally, the paper suggests that legislators review the wording of the Liquor Control Act (R.S., c. 260, s. 1.) to ensure more realistic and equitable regulation of the industry. Small sample size and self-reporting bias are some limitations to this research. There are numerous topics that should be considered for further research based on the findings presented in this dissertation. The
perception of liquor laws and practices by Liquor Inspectors, the relationship of cart girls and golfers, the drinking culture in Nova Scotia, and the relationship between managers and lower-level employees within the industry are all topics that should be considered for future research
Identifying modifiable risk factors of psychosis in undergraduate populations: a scoping review
No full textPsychosis stems from a complex interaction between environmental, social, and genetic factors. The existing literature investigating risk factors for psychosis has increased exponentially in the past three decades and needs continued examination to identify which are modifiable and to what extent. This scoping review aimed to summarize the existing literature published on modifiable risk factors of psychosis and to identify which of these are common in undergraduate populations. Eleven previously published studies were identified, sorted, and reviewed using a five-stage framework for conducting a scoping review. Existing research showed evidence of modifiable risk-factors in the form of substance use, diet and physical activity, and environmental conditions. These studies provide insight into how these factors can be best modified to mitigate the onset of psychosis, with a focus on young adults in undergraduate populations, and give direction for future research
Towards understanding the relationship between movement behaviours, frailty, and cognition
No full textBackground. Individuals experiencing "accelerated" aging typically suffer from various age-related health issues. Cognitive dysfunction is a decline in thinking abilities, such as memory or executive function. Frailty is a state of decreased physiological reserve leading to an increased risk of poor health outcomes. Frailty and cognitive decline share a common etiology, and movement or physical activity (PA) is essential in combatting both. There has been a growing interest in overall physical activity, specifically steps per day for older adults, instead of just time spent exercising. Therefore, we set out to determine if one form of movement behaviour, the average number of steps per day (Steps) or cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), was more strongly associated with frailty and/or cognitive function. We hypothesized that both forms of movement behaviours would be significantly associated with frailty and cognition, but the relationship would be stronger for steps per day.
Methods. This was a cross-sectional study of 29 (21♀) cognitively healthy, community-dwelling older adults. The mean age was 69 years (±6). Frailty score was ascertained using a frailty index (FI): maximum score of 56); variables included vitals, medications, comorbidities, and gait speed. Short- and long-term memory were measured via the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test Short and Long, respectively. Executive function was assessed using the Stroop test (MRT) interference condition. CRF was obtained via distance completed during a six-minute walk test, and each participant wore an activPAL for seven days to determine steps.
Results. Pearson correlations were conducted across all variables. CFR was negatively correlated with FI (p = 0.011; r=-0.501) and MRT (r=-0.465; p=0.029), meaning CRF increased as FI and MRT decreased, and vice versa. CRF was positively correlated with MoCA (p=0.431; p=0.031), suggesting that as MoCA increased, CRF also increased. Steps were negatively correlated with FI (p < 0.001; r=-0.701). There was no association between any other variables
Conclusion. Our results suggest that CRF may better indicate the progression to both frailty and cognitive decline. Therefore, although all daily movement behaviours are essential, engaging in moderate-high intensity exercise could be more effective when simultaneously preventing frailty and cognitive function
What leads to support for collective action aimed at promoting gender equality?: exploring intergroup contact as a possibility
No full textUnderstanding support for policies that serve to empower women is of utmost importance, especially in light of recent abortion restrictions in the United States that violate women's
fundamental rights. Promisingly, it is well-established that intergroup contact – contact with a person or people belonging to a different social group (i.e., "outgroup") – fosters more positive
attitudes and emotions towards the outgroup as a whole. Intergroup contact may also influence the support of action directed at social change. Some work suggests that, in general, intergroup contact
in the form of close, intimate relationships can initiate greater collective action, especially when such relationships involve recognition and condemnation of inequality. I investigated this in a
gender context examining contact between men and women. I examined whether contact (specifically, friendship) between men and women can contribute to support for abortion policy and collective action aimed at promoting gender equality, including examining emotions and attitudes as mediators and recognition and condemnation of inequality as a moderator. Across men and women, cross-group friendship was not associated with support for collective action or abortion policy. Exploring intergroup contact in this particular domain is important, but complex. Contact between men and women may not operate in the same way as other forms of intergroup contact due to gender norms, stereotypes, and sexual tension. However, recognition and condemnation of gender inequality was associated with greater support for collective action and abortion policy through more negative emotions and attitudes toward men and more positive attitudes toward women. Implications and future directions are discussed