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Impact of metamorphism and deformation on pyrite and precious metals at the epithermal Haile deposit, South Carolina, USA
No full textThe Haile deposit, South Carolina, is a high-tonnage, low-grade, pyrite-dominated, Au-Ag, low-sulfidation epithermal deposit hosted in the Carolina terrane and formed during the Neoproterozoic. It underwent greenschist facies metamorphism during the Ordovician Taconicorogeny in which sulfides, precious and critical metals endured remobilization. The degree ofphysical and chemical remobilization is characterized here with a focus on the role of pyritetexture, trace element abundance within pyrite, and the brittle-ductile behavior of pyrite during remobilization.
Although remobilization of sulfides, precious and critical metals is a common occurrence in metamorphosed hydrothermal deposits, both the impact of remobilization deposit-wide and what process(es) facilitate the translocation of metals is debated. A combination of textural (microscopy), compositional (electron probe micro-analyzer, laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry, secondary ion mass spectrometry), and microstructural (electron back-scattered diffraction) investigations were applied on pyrite, native gold and tellurides at the Haile deposit to decipher their behavior during metamorphismand deformation.
Of the three pyrite types (Py1a, Py1b, Py2) identified, Py1a and Py1b were formed syn-genetically during the Neoproterozoic by dominantly reduced, mildly acidic to near neutral, magmatic-derived fluids at ≈ 290°C. Arsenic, precious metals and critical metals were incorporated into the pyrite structure syn-genetically (Neoproterozoic) with up to 2.49 wt.% As, 103 ppm Au, 482 ppm Sb, and 145 ppm Te. However, trace element content in these twopyrite types is highly variable with abundances a magnitude lower in Py1a and Py1b with Au grades of < 2 g/t. Py2 was formed syn-D2 or post-D2 of the Ordovician Taconic orogeny as newly crystallized, coarse, subhedral to euhedral pyrite around porous anhedral Py1b by oxidized, mildly acidic to near neutral, metamorphic fluids. Trace element contents are overall, at least a magnitude lower in Py2 compared to the older syn-genetic pyrite.
During the Taconic orogeny, all three pyrite types experienced crystal-plastic and brittle deformation, albeit to different degrees: (1) low misorientation angles as a result of dislocation climb are preserved in strongly deformed Py1b and Py2; (2) higher abundance of high misorientation angles is common in most Py1a and Py1b that overprints foliation; (3) cataclastic cracks only occur in Py1b and Py2 and can have native gold and tellurides along the cracks; and (4) annealed aggregates occur in all pyrite types but are most prominent in Py2. Physical remobilization was accompanied by chemical remobilization which was driven by coupled dissolution reprecipitation reactions between porous Py1b and metamorphic fluids and resulted in the liberation of precious and critical metals. The liberation and transport of precious and critical metals was enhanced by pores and cataclastic cracks in Py1b; however, the absence of fluid pathways in Py1a prevented the liberation of these metals resulting in the absence of native gold and tellurides adjacent to Py1a.
Although remobilization is a local process and occurs at the micro-scale, it impacted all ore zones at Haile and played a major role in refining and upgrading the precious metal and critical metal tenor of the deposit.Pretivm Resources, Society of Economic Geologists (SEG
Intersectional approaches to perinatal mental health training
No full textThis final report presents findings and analysis from my practicum experience at a Canadian Perinatal Mental Health training where my primary project involved program evaluation identifying CPMHT’s curriculum’s strengths, barriers, and areas for improvement concerning intersectional perinatal mental health. The evaluation process specifically centered around Black, Indigenous and People of Colour(s) experience in the perinatal mental health service sphere from a (BIPOC) service provider perspective via interviews, focus groups and surveys as data collection points. This process was further informed by a literature review, implementing an autoethnography approach, and trauma informed, culturally responsive and anti oppressive frameworks. The literature review examined the existing perinatal mental health framework (s), approaches, best practices, limitations and challenges within a broader societal context, while considering questions from onset related to parenthood, motherhood and how social location shapes the ways in which service provider/receiver dynamic. The practicum description outlines my role not only as a student within the CPMHT Training environment but as a program evaluator, facilitator and curriculum trainer and emphasizes the role of critical analysis and reflection intertwined in both my personal and professional identity throughout the placement process. This paper contributes to the ongoing discussions regarding the importance of Perinatal Health Equity, Diversity, Inclusion in the creation of high-quality, inclusive, and practical training programs for healthcare and mental health providers. Moreover, it examines the nuances and complexities of bridging gaps in access to standardized perinatal mental health training in ways that emphasize genuine commitments to social and reproductive justice
Exploring epithelial cell response and engineered microbial therapeutics in the mitigation of radiation-induced gastrointestinal injury
Get PDFAs a cornerstone of cancer treatment, over half of all cancer patients will receive radiation therapy at some point in their treatment course. However, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is particularly vulnerable due to its high cellular turnover, often resulting in gastrointestinal toxicity that compromises patient quality of life and limits the efficacy of abdominal and pelvic radiotherapy. This thesis aimed to investigate the biological effects of ionizing radiation on the GIT using a multi-model approach and to establish future therapeutic strategies involving genetically engineered probiotics. First, mice underwent whole-body exposure to X-rays (0.1–3 Gy) which revealed acute structural and microbial disruptions within the gut 48 hours post-irradiation. At 3 Gy, significant crypt loss, goblet cell depletion, and increased goblet cell size were observed in the ileum. Radiation-induced shifts in microbial composition were observed across doses and gut regions, underscoring the microbiome's sensitivity to radiation. Next, the effects of the immune-regulated growth factor amphiregulin (AREG), were evaluated in-vitro in HIEC-6 and Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cell lines following radiation. While AREG enhanced cell density at plateau in Caco-2 cells, it did not significantly alter other outcomes, suggesting a potential role in epithelial recovery rather than direct radioprotection. Finally, to advance microbial-based interventions, a dual-origin shuttle vector system was successfully developed for Lactobacillus reuteri, enabling high-efficiency transformation and robust gene expression. An optimized electroporation protocol and P32-driven promotor established a modular platform for future delivery of therapeutic clones. Together, these findings present a comprehensive analysis of radiation induced bowel injury across biological models and introduce a translational pipeline for evaluating microbial-based therapies. This work establishes a foundation for integrated analysis of engineered probiotics as mitigation strategies in radiation-induced gut toxicity
Advancing Chinese Whole Nation system through supporting first level athletes’ meta-transitions
Get PDFElite athletes’ holistic development has recently brought to our attention as many elite athletes faced challenges, such as mental health issues, both within and outside of their sport careers (Schinke, Henriksen et al., 2024). How to support elite athletes’ development, as well to optimize their respective sport environments have been hot research topics for researchers and practitioners in sport psychology (Stambulova et al., 2021; Wagstaff & Quartiroli, 2023), but also an important question for athletes, coaches, parents, sport managers, as well sport systems (Henriksen, Stambulova et al., 2024). These organizations and persons, who hold one or multiple of above identities, are involved with and sometimes responsible for supporting athletes’ development. Fully excavating athletes’ development and relevant experiences urges researchers to develop a better understanding of athletes’ career development and transitions within their contexts. Most such studies have been developed by exploring athletes’ career experiences (see Stambulova & Ryba, 2013), conducted mainly from Western countries (Stambulova et al., 2021). These conceptual foundations, developed in Western countries situated within Western philosophies, tend not to be fully relevant, compatible, and appropriative when understanding, in my project, Chinses athletes’ experiences and their respective sport environment (Chinese Whole Nation System, CWNS, Li et al., 2023).
Missing from our conceptualization of Chinese athletes’ career development pathways and meta-transitions (Schinke et al., 2015) are the insights of Chinese elite athletes, who navigate demands and cope with barriers to strive career excellence in the CWNS. Situated within a Confucian relationism (Hwang, 2012, 2015), I approached this research with the concept that athletes’ meta-transitions, as moral cultivation processes with social responsibility, are interrelated with social and sport contexts. My aim within this research project was to explore Chinese elite athletes’ experiences to inform context-driven recommendations for improving the CWNS, eventually contributing to athletes’ holistic development. The research process began with a group reflection exercise conducted by me as a co-participant with two elite athletes who have experienced career transitions within the CWNS. This group reflection study was written to provides a snapshot of the context of athletes’ meta-transitions within the CWNS, providing a rich foundation for nuanced individual experiences during their unified meta-transitions. Group reflective practice interviews were then employed with 14 Chinese elite athletes to help them reflect and learn from their meta-transition experiences within the CWNS. A template analysis was utilized to develop themes that related to the athletes’ experiences. Five meta-transitions with two central themes were created to outline (1) athletes’ needs and challenges, and (2) athletes’ psychological skills and characteristics, at each nuanced meta-transition. These themes were constructed into three polyphonic tales, a form of data representation but also as an interventional strategy encapsulates the concept of science to practice (Schinke, Wylleman et al., 2024). Finally, these findings and data collection/representation methods were translated into practice through a series of recommendations for scientist-practitioners, submitted to an applied journal. The conclusions, implications, and recommendations arising from the four manuscripts, which constitute this dissertation, are presented
Fostering healing spaces: reimagining Toronto's existing violence against women shelters through a trauma-informed design approach
No full textSince the second wave of feminist movements began in Canada in the 1960s, violence against women has been a topic of discussion. Despite these ongoing discussions and policies aimed at addressing gender-based violence, the country has seen few changes in case numbers, highlighting the importance of Violence Against Women (VAW) shelters. Many of these shelters operate within older buildings not originally designed to support this demographic and as a result, the quality of VAW shelters in the city of Toronto has been a concern. Using a trauma-informed design approach, the thesis retrofits existing environments to be a supportive, and responsive to survivors’ diverse identities and needs and reimages them as a place of refuge for healing. The thesis presents a toolkit for shelter improvement, a crucial resource that offers design strategies to foster safety, dignity, and empowerment. It aims to contribute to Toronto’s broader efforts to end gender-based violence through intentional and supportive design
Roots of a resilient city: a bio-based manufacturing and agricultural research innovation center for the city of Owen Sound
No full textIn an era where the climate crisis becomes increasingly more urgent, It is important for architects to recognize their role in shaping a sustainable future. Our current models are accelerating global carbon emissions, contributing significantly to worsening climate effects. This thesis turns to an analysis of material systems, understanding how the past histories of extraction, manufacturing, and production have contributed to unsuitable growth. This thesis proposes a framework to counteract these issues with local biogenic supply chains. The City of Owen Sound is used as a model for this analysis, using local plant based materials from surrounding farming regions to inform a sustainable manufacturing facility within the city’s
shifting port Industries
Perfectionism and body image among young women athletes: a preventative intervention
No full textDuring adolescence, young women athletes may be uniquely vulnerable to body image concerns and maladaptive compensatory behaviours due to the performance and appearance concerns inherent in sports. These risks are often exacerbated by high levels of perfectionism commonly noted among young athletes. The present study investigated how perfectionism influences the effectiveness of a group-based, virtual intervention designed to increase social connectedness and decrease negative body talk among young women athletes. Participants (ages 16-21) were recruited from sports organizations across Ontario and completed measures of perfectionism and body image concerns prior to participating in a dissonance-based prevention program (Youth- Female Athlete Body Project) targeting appearance concerns in sport. Exploratory analyses indicated there were improvements in body image outcomes post-intervention, including decreased fat talk frequency and appearance-ideal internalization, and increased positive body image. Although some perfectionism traits (self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism) were associated with smaller improvements in body image outcomes, these effects were not statistically significant across measures. Somewhat unexpectedly, certain perfectionism traits (worry about imperfection and hope for perfection) were associated with greater improvements in body image outcomes, suggesting that dimensions of perfectionism may influence the effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions in different ways. Given the small sample size and a lack of control group, the results should be interpreted with caution. The findings provide preliminary evidence for the complex role of perfectionism in shaping how young athletes respond to body image interventions, with implications for tailoring prevention efforts
Re-imagining school design in Sturgeon Falls: integrating cultural identity and local heritage into educational space
No full textThis study explores the design of a new secondary school in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, rooted in the town’s cultural heritage and history. Once a thriving pulp and paper mill town, its identity was shaped by its industrial past and Francophone roots. The mill’s closure created a cultural and economic void, emphasizing the need for a school that fosters community connection and pride. The design integrates place-based design principles and case studies like Quebec’s Lab-École, prioritizing flexibility, collaboration, and cultural identity. Adaptable learning spaces support individual needs, while communal areas encourage social interaction. The school will incorporate historical elements, including monuments and public spaces, on the former mill site to honour its legacy. This project envisions a school that reflects local heritage, strengthens community ties, and sets a model for Northern Ontario, ensuring Sturgeon-Falls’ traditions endure for future generations
Argeting long non-coding RNAs in glioblastoma : a new frontier in cancer therapy
No full textGlioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor observed in adults. It progresses quickly, it has a poor prognosis and is resistant to common treatments like temozolomide (TMZ). This study critically examines the function that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play in the pathological processes of GBM, highlighting their roles in tumor heterogeneity, therapeutic resistance, and dysregulated signaling. A systematic search of 679 papers using PRISMA guidelines resulted 389 studies that were chosen for a comprehensive review. The review addresses at how lncRNAs regulate important pathways like PI3K/AKT, p53, NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, and JAK/STAT. It also categorizes lncRNAs according to their genetic origin, subcellular location, and functional roles. The article also emphasizes how lncRNAs affect glioma stemness and immune evasion, as well as their dual oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles. Overall, this work identifies lncRNAs as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets, supporting their potential integration into precision medicine for GBM
Furniture for micro-living: responding to shrinking residential units in Toronto, Ontario
No full textResponding to rapidly emerging micro-residential units in dense cities including Toronto, Ontario, this thesis critiques the current furniture industry offerings and addresses the shortcomings of this typology. While residential units have shrunken, furniture has not effectively evolved with this change. Limited by functionality, inadequate storage, and inefficient use of space, the existing options struggle to provide the adaptability, affordability, and durability necessary to meet the unique demands of micro-units and their occupants, ultimately leading to occupant discomfort and a decline in psychological and physical well-being. To address this gap, this research applies and modifies the methodology of Kaare Klint, along with insights from the work of Hans J. Wegner and Børge Mogensen, to propose furniture that enhances usability and spatial perception in micro-units. By integrating concepts of modularity, multi-functionality, material
perception, and residential crowding, a methodology that addresses the physical constraints of these spaces and improves occupant well-being has been developed. The resulting furniture line aims to create comfortable and equitable micro-living conditions, offering sustainable, affordable, and beautiful solutions that frame furniture as not only a functional object but a tool to define the spatial experience