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The prolonged effects of acute aerobic exercise on executive function in healthy older adults
No full textOlder adults aged 65 and over are the fastest-growing age group in Canada and are expected to represent a quarter of the population by 2036. Aerobic exercise is a crucial and inexpensive modality that can be used to prevent or slow the progression of age-related declines in cognition. Acute bouts of aerobic exercise (AE) have been shown to positively effect executive functions (EF) although the optimal modalities are unknown. Previous research has observed effects of acute AE on cognition for up to 2 hours. The aim of this study is to explore the extent to which an acute bout of moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) versus high-
intensity interval training (HIIT) improves EF in older adults after exercise. It was hypothesized that after one session of MICE and HIIT training, both protocols will improve cognition, where improvements are more
significant in the HIIT protocol. It was also hypothesized that cognition would be greater 45 minutes after (T45) exercise cessation compared to 0 minutes after (T0). Twenty-four older adults (men= 10, women= 15; mean age= 68 ± 5 years) completed a MICE and HIIT session on the cycle ergometer to which they were assigned in a randomized and counterbalanced order. A color-words Stroop task was completed pre- and post-exercise to measure reaction time (RT). Reaction time improved significantly in both HIIT (1372 ± 212 ms vs 1230 ± 210 ms, p < 0.01) and MICE (1372 ± 212 ms vs 1253 ± 245 ms, p < 0.02) protocols directly after exercise. However, in the executive component of the task (Stroop 4), HIIT RT continued to improve 45 minutes after exercise, creating a statistically significant difference between both interventions (p < 0.04). These results indicate that, while both protocols can improve EF, HIIT may be a more effective modality as it is able to prolong improvements in EF in older adults. Additionally, this suggests that exercise intensity plays an important role in modulating the effect of acute aerobic exercise on EF in older adults
Athletes' perceptions of clique identity and cohesion within interuniversity sports teams
No full textThe abundance of research into team cohesion reflects its importance for both performance and providing psychological benefits within sports teams. Although it is widely accepted that various variables affect overall team cohesion, not all variables have gained equal attention. The presence of cliques and isolates within teams are two of such variables which have been acknowledge as having potential impact on overall team
environment but have received little attention. This is concerning as cliques have been identified in the literature as being inevitable and having the potential to negatively impact the overall environment of the team.
Furthermore, social isolation within a team has been shown to have a negative impact on the emotional state of those isolated. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of clique members and isolates within varsity athletic teams.
A sample of 76 male and female varsity athletes from football, soccer, rugby and hockey teams completed a one-time questionnaire where athletes gave perceptions of their team environments and clique environments within their team. A sample of 6 athletes was for a one-time semi-structured interview related to their perceptions as clique members and isolates within sports teams.
Results showed significant correlations between ingroup ties and ingroup affect, and other positive group variables. Clique members, compared to non-members, had significantly higher perceptions of ATG-S, ATG-T, social identity and ingroup affect. Cliques were described as resulting from athletes' time as a member of a team and common interests between team members. Social isolation was primarily seen to occur from personal characteristics of team members which were perceived to not fit with those of other members of the team. The findings point to the need to manage cliques so that they may positively contribute to team environment
Just like Omar: living in a continued state of exception & the threat of becoming homo sacer
No full textAfter 9/11, the governments of Western democracies started to operate under a constant state of exception and have continued to do so into the present. This thesis explores this new paradigm. I closely examine how Giorgio Agamben's theories of the state of exception and homo sacer that outlines a system that permits government to enact policies that are outside the constitution as a means of national security. This empowers the state to treat citizens and foreigners in ways that would otherwise be unlawful, leaving anyone vulnerable to the whims of the leaders who hold power. To describe the effect exceptional
governance can have on a person, this thesis investigates the case of Omar Khadr and his relationship with the United States and Canada. I argue that Omar's capture, detention, and treatment is a cautionary example of the lengths the state can go to when they consider someone a threat to national security. I
conclude this thesis by examining the evolution of exceptional politics from the governments that succeeded the Bush and Harper administrations and determine that western democracies are living in a constant state of exception, leaving anyone vulnerable to become homo sacer
Exploration into the population genetics of American Black Bears (Ursus americanus) in the Maritimes, Canada with emphasis on Nova Scotia
No full textThe population genetic structure of American Black Bears (Ursus americanus) in the Maritimes, Canada, with emphasis on Nova Scotia, was examined at both a large- and small-scale. The large-scale study used hunter-sourced tooth samples from across Nova Scotia, as well as samples from New Brunswick. Evidence of three weakly differentiated genetic subpopulations were found in the Maritimes, with their generalized geographic locations being: 1) New Brunswick, 2) Northeastern Nova Scotia, and 3) Southwestern Nova Scotia. Findings suggest that the New Brunswick subpopulation had high measures of genetic diversity as well as effective population size relative to both subpopulations in Nova Scotia, but in particular the Southwestern Nova Scotia subpopulation. The small-scale study involved collecting hair samples from a series of hair snags from within a ~7 km2 region in Southwestern Nova Scotia. It was hypothesized that a lack of male-biased dispersal could be contributing to inbreeding within this subpopulation, and thus it was predicted that
both females and males would exhibit low dispersal and that black bears in this region would exhibit low genetic diversity. Limited evidence was found for reduced male-biased dispersal, with potentially some evidence of increased female dispersal relative to some other black bear populations. Additionally, no evidence was found for inbreeding at the study site
Investigating social ideals at the Fin-de-Siècle: challenging Victorian values in Sarah Grand's New Woman trilogy
No full textThis thesis explores how Sarah Grand's trilogy, Ideala, The Heavenly Twins, and The Beth Book, challenges received standards and values at the turn of the twentieth century. These three novels depict the social anxiety around cultural change at the Fin-de-Siècle, and I argue that they also offer the beginning of change. The trilogy focuses on prevalent Victorian beliefs involving women, such as gender roles and marriage, and
examines how they were enforced through legal constraints and social expectations. This thesis shows the consequences of such beliefs for society, and more specifically for women, as in her trilogy she reveals the dangers of syphilis and gender inequality. In order to do this, this thesis demonstrates how the trilogy format gradually introduces progressive ideologies and develops characters over the course of the three novels to
depict Grand's New Woman ideal and, ultimately, to put forward a vision for women in the new century
Perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine in oral health education, a qualitative exploration of a Canadian school
No full textComplementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) which is generally described as any healthcare modality outside of mainstream medicine, is being used by a significant portion of the general population creating an environment where it may be necessary for healthcare professionals to incorporate this knowledge into their education and practice. The literature is lacking lack with regard to research about CAM in dental and dental
hygiene curriculum and in relation to faculty attitudes toward the topic. The purpose of this qualitative, single case study in one Atlantic Canadian University was to explore the attitudes of one institutions dental and dental hygiene faculty members towards CAM. Faculty members opinions about CAM inclusion in curriculum, and their perceptions about issues and benefits relating to the topic were explored. This information
maybe useful in reshaping curriculum, faculty development, and encouraging further research with regard to CAM in oral health. Semi-structured open-ended interviews were conducted with dental and dental hygiene
faculty members. Questions focused on attitudes toward CAM, perceptions of compatibility with current curriculum, and perceived barriers and facilitators to incorporating CAM in to education and practice. The study has been undertaken from a constructivist view point. The four-dimensional model of a curriculum framework by Lee, Steketee, Rogers, and Moran (2013) was used to guide the exploration of CAM in relation to oral healthcare education. The findings suggest that there are overall positive attitudes, however, a lack of knowledge on the subject exists and there is caution due to perceived lack of evidence. Educators recognized the need for an information organizer so that more informed decisions about CAM in curriculum can be made
A tale of two mussels: molecular characterisation of unionid species in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
No full textThree groups of morphologically distinct freshwater mussels (Family: Unionidae) were collected near Cañas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Two of these three putative species are the focus of this thesis. These species are of interest in terms of (1) documenting the biodiversity of Costa Rica, and (2) because many freshwater mussels exhibit an unusual form of mitochondrial DNA transmission known as doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI). DNA samples from fourteen individuals were extracted, PCR-amplified and sequenced using universal cytochrome oxidase subunit I primers. The results revealed invasive species Sinanodonta woodiana (Chinese pond mussel), and two unionid species that share ~93% and ~89% sequence similarity to native Mesoamerican species Psorula profunda and Anodontites trigonus, respectively. Morphology and recent developments in Mesoamerican unionid phylogenetics suggest that the P. profunda relative is possibly in the genus Nephronaias, which is undescribed on molecular databases, such as GenBank. To assist in
identification, phylogenetic trees were constructed, and results compared with previously published phylogenies. DUI was detected in putative Nephronaias sp. using primers that only amplify a gene region specific to the male transmitted mitochondrial genomes in DUI positive species. The establishment of S. woodiana in Guanacaste and surrounding regions can be attributed to the unusual glochidial life stage of unionids. Phylogenetic relationships, DUI, and the biology of invasive species are all critical aspects to consider in biodiversity conservation of freshwater mussels –an understudied field in Mesoamerica
Exploring women farmers' gendered barriers and perspectives of sustainable agriculture in Nova Scotia
No full textWomen farmers are essential to the development of sustainable agriculture, however barriers to women's involvement in farming continue to persist. There is currently little research on the gendered experiences of women farmers in Nova Scotia, and no research on the gendered experiences of women farmers in sustainable farming in Nova Scotia. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to increase the discourse around gendered issues in farming and better understand how to encourage and support women in entering and remaining in the field.
There were two questions explored in this research. First, what are the motivations of sustainable women farmers, including what they love most about farming? Second, what are the barriers facing sustainable, women farmers and to what extent are these a gendered experience? These two questions were explored through photovoice, a participatory, action-based methodology. This study collected qualitative data through
four photovoice sessions, including two focus groups. The participants for this research consisted of 6 sustainable women farmers living in the Annapolis Valley.
The study found that there were many motivations for participants to farm, with a significant number of reasons being closely connected to why they chose to use sustainable farming methods. The study also found that participants did face gender barriers, such as having to work harder to gain credibility, having to conform to a male dominated field and experiencing gendered treatment and assumptions in their interactions with others. The types of communities that support sustainable women farmers and the ways in which these support systems can be strengthened were discussed in the study
Fitting in or opting out: recruitment and retention in the Atlantic Canada water industry
No full textThe current study examined the role of psychosocial factors as determinants of commitment to the Atlantic Canada water industry. Factors that were examined include sense of belonging, corporate social responsibility, diversity climate, and work-life balance. By surveying industry employees (N = 120), it was found that one's corporate social responsibility and sense of belonging predict both affective (defined as affective attachment to the workplace) and normative commitment (defined as sense of obligation to remain in the workplace). Gender was found to moderate the relationship between sense of belonging and normative commitment such that belongingness was a better predictor of normative commitment for men than women. Gender was also found to moderate the relationship between diversity climate and normative commitment,
such that as diversity climate increased, men showed an increase in commitment while women showed a decrease in commitment. It was also found that women reported lower levels of sense of belonging and work-life balance than men, which may explain why women are more apt to leave the workforce. Finally, this study identified gaps within the diversity structure of the industry, characterized by gender gaps within particular sectors and an absence of racial diversity. Findings will form the basis of recommendations to the water industry as to how it can adapt/improve the work environment to foster the retention and recruitment of diverse talent
Key mismatch attacks on RLWE encryption schemes
No full textRing learning with errors encryption (RLWE) schemes are a class of public key cryptosystems that securely encrypt messages based on the intractability of hard lattice problems. Several RLWE encryption schemes have been proposed as candidates for standardization in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) post-quantum cryptography project. A key-mismatch oracle is an oracle that allows an attacker to test whether a ciphertext decodes to a given message. This oracle is commonly available when the key pair of an IND-CPA version of these cryptosystems is reused. In this thesis, we examine an attack that uses a key-mismatch oracle to recover the secret key of an RLWE cryptosystem. We survey descriptions of this attack on NIST candidates, and introduce a description of the attack for the NIST candidate LAC.</p