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Atlantic Striped bass Morone saxatilis and Atlantic tomcod Microgadus tomcod otolith and body dimension relationships
No full textAgeing fish is a key tool used in fisheries conservation and management. The research presented aims to assess otolith and body dimension relationships in Atlantic Striped bass Morone saxatilis
and Atlantic tomcod Microgadus tomcod and to explore whether otolith size can be used to estimate fish age. Otoliths are small stone-like structures made of calcium carbonate and other constituents located within the inner ear of fish. They form an organ that helps with spatial orientation. Otoliths accumulate chemicals laid down in growth rings which store information such as environment and are used to estimate fish age. Atlantic tomcod and Striped bass were processed, and otoliths were extracted, rinsed, and placed in separate vials, desiccated and weighed. Otoliths were photographed using a digital SLR with a macro lens, or a dissecting stereo microscope with a digital camera. Each otolith image was analyzed using Fiji software to measure length, width, and area. Otolith dimensions were related to fish dimensions including fish total length and weight. Otolith area was found to relate well to otolith length and width for both species. Otolith area related well to otolith weight and fish length for Striped bass, but otolith area was not as well related to fish weight for Striped bass or fish length and weight for Atlantic tomcod. This study provides
relationships of otolith size and fish size leading to a potential useful way to estimate fish age without undertaking otolith ageing
I am nothing without us: relationship contingent self-esteem as a predictor of well-being and reactions to disapproval
No full textAmple research has found romantic relationship disapproval to be associated with poorer relational well-being. However, much less research has included personal (i.e., mental and physical) well-being variables in disapproval analyses, examined whether any factors (e.g., individual differences, relationship demographics) moderate well-being associations, or analyzed the reactions that
transpire when people are faced with relational disapproval. To examine these issues, 545 participants completeda comprehensive online survey asking about individuals' level of relationship contingent self-esteem (RCSE, i.e., an individual difference in which people's self-worth depends on the state of their romantic relationship) and perceived strength of SNM (i.e., social network member, e.g., friend versus family) disapproval. These variables served as key moderators in a regression model. Relationship type (e.g., same-sex, mixed-sex) and SNM type (i.e., if relationship
is disapproved of by a family member or friend) were also included in the model, on an exploratory basis. Higher relationship disapproval was associated with poorer well-being. In response to disapproval, higher disapproval predicted a lesser likelihood of trying to change the SNM's mind and a greater likelihood of distancing both from individuals' partner and the SNM. Level of RCSE significantly predicted better relational well-being, poorer mental well-being, and a greater likelihood of disregarding (i.e., not doing anything about) and discounting (i.e., ignoring) the SNM's pinion.
Contrary to hypotheses, RCSE did not moderate relational disapproval in any well-being analysis. Both disapproval and RCSE interacted with exploratory variables i.e., SNM type and relationship type in several analyses. Potential explanations for the results and future research directions are discussed
Queer and Mad: 2SLGBTQIA+ students' perceptions of the Acadia Counselling Centre
No full textThe purpose of this research is to determine if queer students at Acadia University are receiving the help they need from the school provided mental health services, specifically the Acadia
Counselling Centre. For this research, six semi-structured interviews were conducted with self-identified queer Acadia University students. The interviews were then transcribed and coded to
identify the relevant themes. In interpreting and understanding the experiences of my participants, I use an anti-oppressive and participatory action me thodology, with a specific goal of creating positive change for queer students at Acadia University. The findings show that queer students do not feel the counsellors of the Acadia Counselling Centre are sufficiently knowledgeable in queer identity or issues to provide them with the proper mental health supports. Based on the interviews and interpretations, recommendations are provided for necessary changes to the Acadia Counselling Centre
Examination of a novel neuromuscular training intervention on clinical risk factors for sport related concussion in female athletes
No full textIntroduction: Sport related concussions are a concerning health issue due to the associated acute and chronic symptoms that they cause. Current literature suggests that female athletes present a greater risk of concussion due to various anatomical and biomechanical differences compared to men. Neck musculature strength and neuromuscular control have been identified as possible factors in preventing concussions by reducing head and neck acceleration. Isometric and isotonic neck strengthening interventions have shown to be effective in improving isometric neck strength. However, there is a lack of research identifying the effectiveness of dynamic multiplanar cervical neuromuscular training on static and dynamic neck strength. Due to the dynamic nature of sport, it is important to train the neck to respond to the unpredictable environment to reduce the biomechanical forces that result in concussion. The purpose of the current study is to determine whether a 7-
week novel dynamic neuromuscular training intervention improves concussion risk factors.
Methods: Seventeen female varsity athletes participated in the current study. All athletes performed the baseline concussion testing, including assessments in anthropometrics, cognition, isometric and dynamic strength, cervical range of motion, posture, balance, proprioception and vestibular-ocular function. Eight participants were then randomly selected to perform a 7-week dynamic neuromuscular training program for the cervical musculature. The intervention involved two dynamic training regimens: Dynamic Neck Force (DNF) using TopSpin360 and the Multiplanar Neck Strengthening using Iron Neck. Following the 7-week training period, all seventeen participants then completed post-testing which was identical to the aforementioned baseline testing.
Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in several factors related to concussion risk. Specifically, following 7-weeks of training, neck-girth increased by 3.3%, flexion-
extension strength ratio increased by 26.1% and cervical flexor endurance increased by 65.7% within the intervention group. Further, isometric rotational strength improved significantly in left lateral flexion, and left and right flexion with rotation. Dynamic strength, measured by rate of force development improved by 275% in clockwise direction and 322% in CCW. Postural control was also shown to improve, as sway velocity decreased in both anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions for COBALT condition 1 and condition 6. Inversely, the control group did not experience any significant improvements in any of the concussion risk factors.
Discussion: The findings of the current study suggest that the intervention was effective in improving various factors related to concussion risk. Results obtained suggest that neuromuscular training of the cervical spine may be effective in improving the stability and function of the cervical spine. Prior research suggests that improved size, strength, endurance symmetry and postural control, improve an athlete's ability to stabilize the head. This improved stability may cause athletes to have reduced motion of the head following a concussive load, consequently reducing concussion risk.
Importance: Interventions used in the current study can be implemented into the athletic training programs as methods to improve cervical neuromuscular function, with hopes of reducing the
biomechanical forces that often result in concussion
The intersectional complexity of Olivia Pope: a critical discourse analysis of Scandal
No full textThe following thesis examines how the popular television series, Scandal, disrupts gendered and racialized expectations of women, allowing for a broader discussion on societal issues. I employ a critical discourse analysis with an intersectional feminist lens to argue that the series engages with gendered and racialized discourses to disrupt societal expectations of women. In exploring this, I examine four main themes found within Scandal: the mistress relationship, the white savior, women's empowerment, and Blackness within the series. I argue that the mistress relationship between the lead character, Olivia Pope, and the President rejects the Jezebel stereotype and rather, it resembles the autonomy of women in choosing what they desire with their bodies. In the exploration of the white savior, it is revealed that the expectation of having a savior in certain relationships is eliminated in Scandal, freeing both the male and female from societal expectations. Further, the analysis of gendered discourse and women's empowerment proves to challenge misogyny and highlight certain gendered problems within society. An exploration into the lead character reveals moments of colorblindness within the show, but my analysis demonstrates how other Black characters interacted with Pope to clearly surface questions of intersectionality. I conclude that the complexity of Pope creates a significant advancement for Black women in media through the imperfect portrayal of her character. This thesis rejects the belief that society is in a post-feminist state and urges the reader to incorporate an intersectional feminist lens into their daily discourse
Isolation and identification of fungi associated with the marine green Macroalga Codium fragile (Suringar) hariot in Nova Scotia
No full textFungi associated with marine macroalgae are a relatively unexplored ecological grouping. Recently there has been an increase in the interest of studying this aspect of fungal biodiversity, the ecological roles and phylogenetic history of marine and marine-derived species, and their potentially useful secondary metabolites. We aimed to better understand the biodiversity of fungi specifically associated with the marine green macroalga Codium fragile in Nova Scotia. We collected samples of C. fragile from the intertidal zone of 3 coastal sandy beach sites along the Atlantic coast, incubated them in sterile damp chambers, and observed
and isolated morphologically distinct fungi as they emerged. Fungi were isolated using a variety of culturing techniques and growth media. Axenic cultures were identified using morphological and molecular analysis. 23 filamentous fungi were obtained representing 11 species, 7 families, 4 orders, and 3 classes, all of which belonged to the subphylum Pezizomycotina (Ascomycota). The predominant genus isolated was
Acremonium, with A. fuci being the most frequently isolated species, followed by Akanthomyces attenuatus, Penicillium brevistipitatum and Parasarocladium sp., respectively.To our best knowledge, this sample contained 2 species unknown from marine environments, 8 novel host records for C. fragile, and 5 novel regional species records
An investigation of caregiver attitudes , adult attachment style, and caregivers sensitivity using a simulated parenting task
No full textThe present study examined the relations between adult attachment styles and caregiver sensitivity, and how they in turn relate to caregiver attitudes using a simulated parenting task. Participants were 172 undergraduate students who completed measures of adult attachment styles and recollected caregiver sensitivity before and after raising a virtual child from birth to 19 years of age,
completing assignments along the way. Following the virtual child task, participants completed three attachment-informed measures of caregiver attitudes towards the child. As expected, individuals with greater attachment anxiety and avoidance were found to have less positive attitudes toward the virtual child. However, it was only attachment-related avoidance that negatively and uniquely
predicted perceived child security and willingness to serve as an attachment figure for their virtual child, even after controlling for their grade on assignments. Additionally,participants' recollected caregiver sensitivity was found to be inversely related to measures of attachment insecurity and positively related to measures of caregiver attitudes. However, although related, sensitivity did not account for variance above and beyond that of attachment-related avoidance. In sum, these results provide further evidence for the role of attachment avoidance in the prediction of negative caregiver attitudes, with the opposite pattern displayed by caregiver sensitivity. These results offer support for the use of simulations when examining attachment relationships and parenting attitudes
Impact of children on domestic violence civil protection order completion
No full textCivil protection orders (CPOs) are legal remedies intended to reduce risk of future harm to domestic violence (DV) victims and their children. DV victims with children may experience ambivalence about pursuing and obtaining a CPO. As part of a broader project, this study analyzed legal records from 404 female DV victims who filed a CPO petition within the State of Ohio. CPO completion rates were investigated related to presence, number, and involvement of children as well as Child Protective Services (CPS) involvement using a mixed-methods approach. Victims were more likely to obtain a CPO if children were included on an emergency protection order. No other group differences were identified. Qualitative analyses exploring CPS involvement and victims' reasons for returning to an abusive relationship specific to children were consistent with past research.Further study on the impact of children on CPO completion is warranted
Investigating the feasibility of smartphone based VANETs for forward collision detection
No full textThough a topic of heavy theoretical research, in the real-world Vehicle Ad Hoc Networking (VANET) faces one great challenge: lack of hardware adoption. There are few vehicles
manufactured today that have the On–Board Units (OBUs) necessary for vehicular networking. Most cities around the world are not yet equipped with Road Side Units (RSUs), which are required in many VANET schemes for basic functionality. Current literature tends to assume that the existence of RSUs, OBUs and other network infrastructure will become commonplace in the near future. This is simply not feasible from a monetary and manufacturing perspective, especially for rural or poorer areas.
In order to deal with this lack of hardware, new approaches must be considered. One possible approach is to use smartphones in place of dedicated OBU hardware. To this end, a basic platform for a smartphone–based peer–to–peer VANET system is explored [1]. Surprisingly, no real–world applications have yet been tested on it. In order to investigate the effectiveness of this platform in a real–world scenario and whether this solution to the hardware problem is viable, a forward collision detection system was developed in Veins simulator [9]. To test the feasibility of a smartphone VANET system in the real–world and demonstrate its feasibility, we utilized a real–world data gathered from published articles
Enhancing the competency of laypeople for spiritual care: a study of Dr. Charles T.S. Yu's caring-in-action ministry and his psycho-spiritual approach.
No full textThis thesis explores the critical elements of training up competent laypeople for spiritual care, which is regarded as a Christian ministry and witness to develop a practical approach of
equipping volunteers for providing spiritual care to those suffered and wounded individuals in their Chinese communities. The academic discussions and research project seek the best caregivers' examples and practices from the biblical texts, theological doctrines, academic researches, and practical experiences. A lay spiritual caring model is developed to advise a practice that is based on Scriptures. Spirit-enabled spiritual care is constructed to illustrate the relationships and cooperation between the professional caregivers, laypeople, and the Holy Spirit. The discussion explains how the integrative approach can help distressed individuals access more resources that bring them healing, comfort, hope, and insights.
Dr. Charles Yu, a renowned Chinese Christian trainer of emotional intelligence, has been actively involving in caring for and supporting cancer patients and survivors in recent years. As a non-
clergy, his training programs and daily writings draw thousands of Christians and non-Christians from different parts of the world to view and get benefitted. Two online surveys
investigated the outcomes of his online dairy and training programs through validated tools. The findings affirm the significance of his daily messages and the psycho-spiritual approach for
enhancing an individual's well-being and confidence in helping relationships. The establishment of a lay spiritual care team that is expandable and sustainable was also investigated through the
focus group and individual interviews. The findings illustrate the transforming journey of Christian terminally ill patients/ survivors to spiritual caregivers and the five critical elements of Dr. Charles
Yu's psycho-spiritual approach, which shall be adaptable to different social and cultural contexts