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RDM in Court: Creating a repository for the Robinson Treaties Annuities Case
No full textVideo recording of a presentation given at OCUL Scholars Portal Day on December 7, 2018 at Snell Hall, St. James Cathedral Centre in Toronto.Description of a work in progress that adapts an RDM framework to create an open, digital repository of files submitted to and created by the Robinson Treaties Annuities Case. Phase I of the Case was heard in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Thunder Bay, Garden River, Little Current, and Sudbury, Ontario from September 25, 2017 to June 22, 2018
Quantification of seismic responses to mining using novel seismic response parameters
No full textMining-induced seismic events can be loosely classified as induced events or triggered events.
Induced seismic events in mines are typically proportional to mining-induced stress change. This
type of rock mass failure is often successfully managed by seismically active underground
mining operations, and is generally considered part of a normal seismic response to mining.
Triggered seismicity represents a disproportional seismic response to mining, and often results in
visible rock mass damage. The variations in space and time characteristics of induced and
triggered seismicity, particularly in relation to mine blasting, are indicative of distinct seismic
source mechanisms and may be useful in seismic hazard evaluation for mines.
In this work, Seismic Response Parameters (SRP's) are conceptualized using fundamental rock
mechanics and mine seismicity principles, and subsequently supported with a comprehensive
case study from Agnico Eagle's LaRonde mine. The primary factors considered in this thesis are
space and time; how they relate a seismic response to the stimulus and how they relate individual
events within a seismic response to the response itself. The four SRP's are: Distance to Blast,
Time After Blast, Distance to Centroid and Time Between Events.
A normalized set of SRP's, calculated with site specific considerations, are proposed as a
meaningful measure of how likely a seismic response is to be induced or triggered by discrete
mine blasting. Within this thesis, Seismic Response Rating (SRR), the summation of normalized
SRP's, is presented as a means of quantifying seismic responses to mining with a single
numerical value. Seismic responses at LaRonde mine are used to demonstrate the application of
SRP's and SRR to real mine seismic data.
A mine shutdown period, in which no mine blasting occurs, is used to provide meaningful
insight into the spatial and temporal relations of mine seismicity. In the absence of mine blasting,
seismic events associated with induced seismic source mechanisms cease to obscure triggered
seismicity (resulting from triggered source mechanisms). Where and when both induced and
triggered seismic source mechanisms interact in space and time, complex seismicity may be
observed. An interpretation of complex seismic responses to mining, occurring in the transitional
zone between induced and triggered seismicity, is also presented in this thesis
Effect of a simulated mine rescue on physiological variables and heat strain of mine rescue workers
No full textWorkplace Safety North (2015) reported 945 injuries related to mining in 2014 in
Ontario, requiring the deployment of 53 emergency response teams. These statistics demonstrate
the high risks of serious injury and fatality in the mining industry. Frequently occurring accidents
include: underground fires, falls-of-ground, mobile equipment collisions, exposure to harmful
environments, and falls from heights, which often require rescue (Government of Ontario,
2015b; Handbook of Training in Mine Rescue and Recovery Operations, 2014, Workplace Safety
North Injury Statistics, 2015; Stewart, McDonald, Hunt, & Parker, 2008). Therefore, Mine
operators rely on mine rescue teams, who have specialized skills in these issues, to save lives
during an underground emergency. Mine Rescuers regularly participate in training simulations, which require teams of five
to seven members, to solve a hypothetical rescue problem while timed and observed by judges
(Handbook of Training in Mine Rescue and Recovery Operations, 2014). Simulations typically
involve trapped miners who have to be found and rescued under challenging circumstances (T.
Hanley, personal communication, December 15, 2017). Mine rescuers carry heavy gear
(approximately 100lbs), including a metal stretcher, spare breathing apparatus, hydraulic
equipment, and first aid supplies; while wearing personal protective equipment (e.g. Selfcontained
breathing apparatus (SCBA), gloves, helmet, coveralls, boots etc.) (Handbook of
Training in Mine Rescue and Recovery Operations, 2014). Research studying mine rescue
participants demonstrate metabolic workloads between 400-700 Watts, with short bouts
exceeding 1000 Watts; and often have concurrent heart rates nearing 100% of estimated
maximum heart rate (HRmax estimated) (Stewart et al., 2008; Tomaskova, Jirak, Lvoncik, Buzga,
Zavadilova, & Trlicova, 2015). In addition to extreme physical demands, underground mine conditions are often characterized by temperatures exceeding 40 °C, as well as humidity
exceeding 60%, which can exacerbate physiological loads on the mine rescue worker (Kenny,
Vierula, Maté, Beaulieu, Hardcastle, & Reardon, 2012). However, research examining the
physical demands; energy expenditure, physical activity levels, and recovery time associated
with event specific mine rescue tasks are limited. Such that current literature does not identify
differences between positions, and records data primarily during circuit-type tasks, which allow
for more than adequate rest (unlike real conditions). The present study documented heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), energy expenditure
(EE), oxygen consumption (V̇ O2), core temperature (Tc), and skin temperature (Tskin) of mine
rescuers to produce descriptive statistics and determine vulnerability to heat illness’ (heat
exhaustion, crams, syncope, and stroke) during a simulated rescue emergency. The simulation
closely mimicked a real emergency because: rest was limited, participants lacked information
about the tasks, and the rescue was performed in an operational, underground mine; which
provided realistic physiological responses. Physiological responses were documented with a
heart-rate-variability (HRV), body-worn monitor, and a Tc ingestible capsule on each team
member, which included a Captain, Vice-Captain, #2person, #3person, and #4person. They
performed the following tasks: locating and performing first aid to an unconscious casualty (task
1); building a barricade to extinguish a fire (task 2); provide advanced first aid to a conscious
casualty (task 3); and carry the casualty up a steep ramp out of the mine (task 4). The present work highlights the physiological differences between mine rescue tasks and members of a mine rescue team. Laborious tasks were more strenuous than casualty care, however all tasks required a vigorous effort as mean HR of the entire sample exceeded 70% ofthe age predicted maximum heart rate (%APMHR). Captains exhibited a lower physiological load in comparison to Vice-Captains, #2persons, #3persons, and #4persons during the simulated
emergency scenario. Captains also elicited lower Tc compared to other team members. Heat
strain was evidenced via an increase in mean Tc to 38.6 ºC; 14 participants (non-Captain)
registered a Tc above 39 ºC.
This research is expected to lead to an improved understanding of the physiological
challenges faced by Mine Rescuers. These physiological measures affect worker fatigue and risk
of heat stress, both of which increase the risk of injury, and are therefore essential to understand
in the development of prevention strategies
Trouble concomitant de stress post-traumatique et d'utilisation des substances chez les militaires canadiens francophones : perception du fonctionnement social au terme du traitement
No full textCette recherche vise à explorer les effets des traitements du trouble de stress post-traumatique
(TSPT) et du trouble lié à l’utilisation de substance (TUS) chez les militaires canadiens
sur le fonctionnement social et plus spécifiquement sur l’exercice des rôles sociaux.
Puisque le trouble concomitant de TSPT-TUS entraîne des conséquences majeures sur le
plan du fonctionnement social, nous avons questionné des militaires traités pour un TSPT
et un TUS sur leurs capacités à répondre aux différents rôles sociaux au terme des traitements
reçus à la clinique de santé mentale du Centre de santé Valcartier. De plus, nous
cherchions à identifier, selon l’expérience de ces militaires, la contribution ou la non-contribution
des traitements obtenus sur l’exécution des rôles sociaux auprès des membres de
la famille immédiate et de la famille élargie, auprès du réseau social et au travail.
Pour ce faire, l’analyse qualitative exploratoire a été utilisée comme méthode d’analyse et
l’entrevue semi-structurée pour la collecte de données a été privilégiée. Nos résultats nous
ont permis de constater que, bien que les traitements semblent efficaces pour la réduction
des symptômes du TSPT-TUS, des difficultés significatives demeurent en ce qui concerne
l’exécution des rôles sociaux de conjoint, de parent et au travail.
L’analyse de nos résultats, par l’application du modèle écologique, nous a permis d’identifier
certaines limites des traitements visant la réduction des symptômes du TSPT-TUS.
L’application de ce modèle, dans le contexte du traitement du TSPT-TUS, nous permet
d’accéder à une perspective plus large des interventions psychosociales à intégrer qui pourrait
améliorer le fonctionnement social. Par ailleurs, nous avons pu mettre en lumière certains
facteurs associés à la socialisation (secondaire) des hommes, et particulièrement des
hommes militaires. Des facteurs qui, par ce qu’ils influencent l’exécution des rôles sociaux
des militaires atteints de TSPT-TUS, peuvent gagner à être considérés dans la prestation des
soins auprès de cette clientèle à la clinique de santé mentale du Centre de santé Valcartier.Maîtrise en Service Socia
Methane production in peatlands
No full textMethane emissions from peatlands have been researched for decades, although our
understanding of methane production at microbial scales is still limited, and this may hamper our
ability to predict methane emissions from site-to regional- to global scales. Here, a multi scale
approach is used to expand on current knowledge related to the controls and the microbial
community responsible for methane production within peatlands. For the first time, an analysis
of methane production from a global, coordinated sampling effort was done using a standardized
laboratory methodology. Site pH and plant communities were shown to be the best predictors of
methane production at the global scale, while peat organic chemical characteristics and abiotic
factors including temperature, moisture, and nutrient concentrations, were also shown to be
important. Around 5% of samples showed disproportionately high methane emissions compared
to CO2. The second research project narrowed focus to a regional scale: peatlands in the
Sudbury, ON region were evaluated to assess the role historic and contemporary smelting
activities, and subsequent metals and sulfur deposition, have had on the methanogen community
composition and methane production. In comparison to most peatland studies, the methanogens present in impacted sites were largely unclassified at the order level and production of methane
was dramatically decreased compared to the reference locations. The third research project in the
thesis focused even more exclusively at the microbial scale: enrichments of peat were used in an
attempt to isolate novel methanogens. While no pure culture isolates were obtained, novel
methanogens at the genera and species level where obtained from five of the seven known
methanogenic archaeal orders. The case is made that obtaining enrichment (mixed) cultures is an
important, underused methodology for discovering and learning about novel methanogens, which
have very tight, perhaps inseparable, syntrophic relationships with other anaerobic microbes. Combining culture techniques with modern sequencing technologies was explored as a way
forward in obtaining novel species genomes and related growth conditions. Taken together, the
overall controls on methane production at global and local scales are commonly peat pH, plant
community composition, and peat quality, while the methanogen communities responsible for
methane production remain largely unknown and underrepresented in culture collections
highlighting the need for further enrichment and isolation work
A multi-predator analysis: comparing trophic niche dimensions and mercury concentrations among four sympatric piscivores of boreal Lakes
No full textAquatic apex predators, like all predators, are an intrinsic part of a healthy
ecosystem. They help stabilize food webs, as well as regulate and support strong
biodiversity. In addition to being ecologically important, many predatory fish species are
also of high socio-economic and cultural importance. Unfortunately, at the top of the
trophic pyramid, apex predators are also at greater risk of accumulating harmful
contaminants, such as mercury (Hg). With reports of rising Hg in boreal predatory fish
species, the objective of this study was to compare and contrast the trophic ecologies and
Hg concentrations of four sympatric piscivores of 27 boreal lakes across Ontario.
In Chapter 1, trophic relationships among sympatric burbot (Lota lota), lake trout
(Salvelinus namaycush), northern pike (Esox lucius) and walleye (Sander vitreus) were
investigated by using stable isotopes ratios of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) to
calculate metrics of trophic niche dimensions (position, size and shape) and trophic
interaction. How each metric responded to varying environmental conditions was also
explored. The trophic range utilized by all four species was similar, and the differences in
trophic niche positions and dimensions observed were greatest when comparing species
along a nearshore to offshore gradient. Overall, different environmental conditions had
varying effects at different scales (i.e., population, paired-species, community); however,
lake mean depth had the strongest and most consistent positive effect on niche
dimensions and the dispersion of species within isotopic space. Deeper, clearer, less
productive lakes (i.e., greater Secchi depth) supported greater niche segregation among
these four species, while shoreline complexity had a negative effect on community
trophic dispersion.
iv
In Chapter 2, the relative importance of food web position (δ15N and δ13C) and
somatic growth rate (LGR) in explaining differences in muscle total Hg concentrations
([THg]) among the same four predatory fish species was explored. Ecosystem differences
accounted for 44% of the total observed variability in [THg], and species differences
accounted for 15%, of which approximately half could be attributed to differences in
trophic positions and growth rates. Relative to δ13C and LGR, δ15N was the best predictor
of [THg] among sympatric predators, but the best model included both δ15N and LGR.
My thesis highlights how top predators in boreal lakes share trophic space and
how their trophic interactions are modified by different lake habitat features. Identifying
trophic variability among co-habiting top predators could help us better understand
differences in [THg] among the important sympatric piscivores we rely on
Finding yourself through art education students experiences of an arts-based mindfulness group program
No full textPostsecondary students’ mental health is a pressing concern on campuses across the
country as young adults are experiencing alarmingly high rates of stress-related challenges such
as anxiety and depression. A recent report released through the Council of Ontario Universities
recommends postsecondary institutions work together with mental health systems to break down
silos, find collaborative solutions, and implement programs focused on building resilience. My
research study explored the suitability and effectiveness of an innovative mindfulness-based
intervention (MBIs) called the Holistic Arts-Based Program (HAP) to teach mindfulness skills to
education students. Arts-based methods are enjoyable and engaging, and enable individuals to
express feelings/thoughts that might otherwise be difficult to elicit; this information is rich and
interesting, even powerful. Results of qualitative thematic analysis of pre- and post-group group
interviews led to the development of three main themes: (1) increased self-awareness and
mindfulness, (2) benefits of arts-based methods, and (3) benefits of group work. Participation in
HAP helped students mitigate the negative impacts of stress, and taught them mindfulness
concepts and activities that they were inspired to introduce into their education practicum. My
research demonstrates how interventions such as the HAP could make a difference in student’s
mental health. As MBIs may not have universal appeal they should not be a mandatory program requirement, but consideration may be given to offer mindfulness interventions as self-care
options for postsecondary students.Masters in Social Wor
L'expérience psychosociale de l'arthrite vécue par les jeunes étudiants postsecondaires du nord-est de l'Ontario : une étude photovoice
Get PDFCe mémoire vise à explorer l’expérience psychosociale de l’arthrite vécue par les jeunes étudiants postsecondaires du Nord-Est de l’Ontario. L’approche écologique, la typologie des problèmes et le modèle des perspectives changeantes de la maladie chronique furent
utilisés afin d’analyser ce phénomène.
Cette étude comporte deux objectifs. D’une part, elle cherche à comprendre et connaître
la réalité de l’arthrite vécue par les participants. D’autre part, elle souhaite sensibiliser
les professionnels de soins de santé, ainsi que le grand public sur les défis auxquels ces
jeunes étudiants font face.
Des entrevues qualitatives ont été effectuées auprès de dix jeunes étudiants
postsecondaires. Quatre participantes ont aussi contribué à la discussion de groupe. La
technique Photovoice fut employée lors des entrevues individuelles et lors de la
discussion de groupe.
Huit thèmes furent explorés lors des entrevues : les premiers signes et symptômes, les
problèmes liés aux soins médicaux et aux ressources communautaires, les difficultés et
stratégies de la vie quotidienne, les enjeux liés aux traitements, les difficultés reliées aux
études et à la vie professionnelle, les impacts sur les relations et loisirs, les aspirations et
inquiétudes face à l’avenir, et enfin, la discussion de groupe.
Les données recueillies lors des entretiens avec les participants mettent en perspective la
réalité d'être aux prises avec l'arthrite en tant que jeune adulte. Ils ont dégagé leurs défis
reliés à l’imprévisibilité, la gestion et l’invisibilité de la maladie, le manque d’accès aux
services, ainsi que la méconnaissance dans la société de son impact sur les jeunes
adultes.Maîtrise en Service Socia
Conditioned stress-eating and stress non-eating in rats, and their preference for food sweetened with sucralose
No full textThe current study examined different learning histories in relation to stress and food intake. In
other words, stress-induced eating and non-eating could be due to different learned associations
between a stressor and food. Seventeen male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to create a model
of stress-eating and non-eating using operant conditioning. This model was then used to examine
subjects’ food intake and preferences for food formulas sweetened with three different amounts
of Splenda: 0%, 10%, and 60%. These formulas were first presented to the rats individually (onechoice
test) while a high-frequency tone (the stressor) was present and absent. The second test
(two-choice test) exposed the rats to 2/3 formulas at the same time while the stressor was present
and absent. It was found that all rats, regardless of group assignment preferred chows containing
no Splenda, as demonstrated by an increase in food intake. This did not change as a factor of
stress. Additionally, conditioned stress-eaters increased their food overall food intake when the
stressor was present, as compared to when it was absent. This was not observed for conditioned
stress non-eaters. Limitations, implications, and future directions are discussed