3855 research outputs found
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Weaving Indigenous knowledge and western science to investigate the impacts of railways on wildlife
No full textRailways have been documented to cause mortalities for many different species, but overall, the
ecological impacts of railways are under-researched and poorly understood. To date, railway
ecology research has mainly focused on large mammals, but to develop effective railway
mitigation, it is important to understand risks for underrepresented taxa. My aim was to use a
Two-Eyed Seeing approach that weaved Indigenous knowledge and western science to improve
understanding of railway ecology for understudied species and to help guide future mitigation
efforts. In partnership with two First Nations, community members were invited to share
Indigenous knowledge (IK) of wildlife-railway interactions to inform study design, then I
conducted weekly visual surveys over three field seasons along two 3.6 km sections of railway in
Eastern Georgian Bay, Ontario, recording the locations of live and dead wildlife. I recorded 462
observations of individuals from 42 different species, of which 76% were found dead, and 24%
were encountered alive, findings complemented by shared IK. Reptiles and amphibians were the
most severely impacted taxa, accounting for 87% of observed mortalities. Additionally, I
identified hotspots of turtle and anuran interactions, and found that the locations of interactions
were related to adjacent habitat use and railway features. Ultimately, this study highlights the
value of collaborative research that uses complementary knowledge systems, indicates that
reptiles and amphibians may be particularly susceptible to railway mortality, and identifies areas
to target future mitigation both locally and in relation to broad scale landscape features for turtles
and anurans.Master of Science (MSc) in Biolog
The effect of cognitive load on decision making in endurance athletes
No full textEn raison de leur entraînement, les athlètes d’endurance ont des besoins spécifiques par rapport à leur nutrition. C’est pourquoi une diète spécifique pour les athlètes d’endurance est tellement importante. Celle-ci leur permet d’optimiser leur performance avant, durant et après les compétitions. Cependant, cette tâche ne s’avère pas toujours facile. Plusieurs études soulignent que les athlètes éprouvent des difficultés quand vient temps d’apprendre et d’appliquer les directives nutritives. Aucune étude a évalué leur capacité d’application des règles alimentaires de façon quantitative. L’objectif principal de cette recherche était d’évaluer si la complexité cognitive affecte la probabilité d’erreurs lors de décisions alimentaires chez les athlètes de course d’endurance. Pour ce faire, une trentaine d’athlètes ont complété une tâche de prise de décision alimentaire. Le nombre de recommandations à considérer pour faire le meilleur choix alimentaire a été manipulé (une, deux ou trois recommandations). Lors de la présentation, l’impact de la complexité cognitive d’une diète sur la capacité à prendre de bonnes décisions alimentaires sera discuté. Au fur que les participants allaient d’une condition à une autre, leur exactitude de réponse et leur choix de réponse était négativement affectée. Cependant, lors de la régression logistique mixte, nous n’avons pas vu une taille d’effet entre les conditions. Ceci suggère qu’il peut y avoir un effet entre les conditions, mais elle n’est pas significative. Ce patron de résultats suggère que les athlètes ont un faible niveau de connaissances et ceci vient leur affecter lors de la prise de décision. Cette recherche supporte le besoin pour des programmes d’éducation pour les athlètes, mais aussi supporte l’affirmation que les individus, surtout dans le milieu scolaire, doivent être conscients du montant d’information partagé avec les autres afin de ne pas surcharger la mémoire de travail.Due to their training, athletes have proper needs pertaining to their diet and nutrition. Following a nutrition plan benefits athletes by optimizing their performance before, during and after practice and competition. However, this is not always easy. Previous studies have demonstrated that athletes have poor knowledge of and therefore struggle to apply nutritional recommendations. No study has qualitatively evaluated their capacity to follow the recommendations. The main objective of this study was to analyse if cognitive complexity affects the probability of making mistakes when endurance athletes make decisions pertaining to their diet. To do so, the athletes complete a decision-making task. The number of recommendations to
consider was manipulated (one, two or three recommendations). As they moved from condition to condition, their decision-making skills were hindered. However, after completing a mixedlogistic regression, there was no significant effect size between the conditions. These results suggest that athletes have a weak knowledge base, and this affects them negatively when makingdecisions. This research supports the need for education programmes for athletes, but also supports the statement that individuals, especially in academic environments need to be conscient of the amount of information shared with others to avoid overcharging their working memory.Honors Bachelor Specialization of Arts in Psycholog
Trust in online reviews: effects of valence and exposure to information on deceiver’s distrust and financial incentives
No full textOnline deception is prevalent and may have consequences for trust in online reviews. The
present research considers the manipulated effects of information exposure and valence on
participants’ accuracy in lie detection and trust in online reviews. Undergraduate university
students (N = 166) completed an online study where they were exposed to information about
deceiver’s distrust, financial incentives, or general information about online reviews (control).
Participants were also exposed to the valence manipulation where they were presented with
either positive or negative reviews and were asked to identify whether each review was deceptive
or truthful. Their trust in online reviews was also assessed through measures of trust and
authenticity. Evidence was found for the effect of valence on lie detection accuracy because
those in the positively-valenced conditions were better able to detect deceptive reviews than
those in the negatively-valenced conditions. Results also demonstrated a high self-reported
frequency of leaving deceptive online reviews. This finding establishes the pervasiveness of
deception in online reviews. There was no significant main effect of information exposure, nor
was there an interaction effect. Results suggest that online deception is commonplace and that
positive deceptive reviews may be easier to detect than negative ones. Implications for
consumers and businesses are discussed.Master of Arts (MA) in Psycholog
Inflation forecasting using hybrid ARIMA-LSTM model
No full textPrediction of time series is one of the most demanding research areas due to the nature of various
time series i.e., stocks, inflation, stock indexes etc. Various methods have been used in the past to
forecast such time series, however, Machine Learning (ML) methods have been suggested in the
academic literature as alternatives to statistical ones for time series forecasting. Yet, scant
evidences are available about their relative performance in order of their accuracies and
computational requirements. In this thesis, a hybrid model consisting of ARIMA and LSTM is
proposed and compared with individual models ARIMA, LSTM, and PROPHET for inflation
forecasting. Two Scale-dependent metrics namely mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean
square error (RMSE), one Percentage-error metric, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and
coefficient of determination (R
2
) are used to evaluate the variance between dependent and
independent parameters for inflation forecasting in developed and developing countries.
Consumer Price Index (CPI) data is collected monthly to reflect the effect of price inflation at
consumer level. Most of the central banks depend on inflation forecast to inform their respective
monetary policy makers and to enhance the efficacy of monetary policy. The publicly available
CPI data is presented for analysis and evaluation of price inflation effects on developed and
developing countries. For this research work, six developed countries (Canada, United States,
Australia, Norway, Poland and Switzerland) and six developing countries (Colombia, Indonesia,
Brazil, South Africa, India and Mexico) with different durations are targeted to evaluate the
performances of proposed machine learning model and the individual models to forecast inflation
(CPI). The proposed HYBRID model with one-step ahead forecasting outperformed every other
model for forecasting inflation (CPI) of developed and developing countries regardless of duration.
The best performance was observed by taking 90% training data and 10% testing data. All
iv
forecasting models performed better on data of six developed countries with overall average errors
of 1.023796 in MAE, 0.009648 in MAPE and 1.222454 in RMSE when taking 10% as test data.
While in the case of developing countries overall average errors of MAE, MAPE and RMSE was
1.361308, 0.011847, and 1.562288 respectively. Also, in the case of 20% and 30% test data, the
performance of all models on developed countries data was better than developing countries in
terms of least errors in MAE, MAPE and RMSE.Master of Science (MSc) in Computational Science
The regenerative urban ecology hubs: An alternative approach to the design and operation of pedagogical environments in the Toronto District School Board
No full textA novel approach to the dissemination of ecological
knowledge in Toronto is urgently required: one that does not
presume miracle support for new builds in the future but instead
initiates its own regeneration today by reimagining latent sites
of opportunities as hubs of ecological thinking. By synthesizing
ideas of life-centered design, community participation and
ecological urbanism into one quasi-architectural typology – the
Regenerative Urban Ecology Hub –this thesis project contributes
to the creation and dissemination of ecological knowledge with
the population best poised to sustain positive change: children. By
empathetically navigating the intersection of ontology, pedagogy
and ecology, this thesis project imagines what roles regenerative
architectural theory and design could have in restoring the
dissemination of ecological values in the Toronto District School
Board. In redefining how the facilities and operations of these
vulnerable programs are conceived and designed, architecture
can ambitiously elicit both a pedagogical reform and an urban
rewilding.Master of Architecture (M.Arch
Lessons from the land: how Northern Ontario architecture can be Influenced by land-based Learning
No full textHealth and well-being are a relationship that can be explored through
the Land. Understanding this connection is something the Indigenous peoples living in Canada have been doing for thousands of years.
Analyzing the social determinants of health in urban and rural
communities, the work conducted tries to rekindle ancestral knowledge
to create a strong relation to the Land using a series of reciprocal connections with various members of the community of Sudbury. Utilizing three
main stakeholders: Conservation Sudbury, professionals at Laurentian
University, and Indigenous scholars, the process undertook a bottom-up
approach to design that fulfils as much of the community’s needs and
wants as possible. Located on the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area,
the proposed project aims to bring small-scale architectural interventions
along various trail segments to encourage experiential education and
Land-based learning to ultimately increase peoples’ health and well-being.Master of Architecture (M.Arch
Neuroprotective effects of fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor (URB597) and low-frequency EMF against paraquat-induced neurotoxicity: relevance to neurodegenerative disease
No full textParaquat is an herbicide and neurotoxin that elicits many of the pathological features seen in
Parkinson’s Disease (PD). There are currently limited therapeutics available to prevent
neurodegeneration or repair neuronal damage, therefore the demand for novel research in
neuroprotection is imperative. Emerging evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system
(ECS) may be a useful treatment strategy for PD as it is acts as a neuromodulator within the central
nervous system (CNS). In this study, the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597
was implemented to obstruct the breakdown of anandamide, one of the two main cannabinoids in
the ECS; this leads to the accumulation of anandamide and activation of the cannabinoid receptor
type 1 (CB1R). Additionally, the effects of a low-frequency electromagnetic field patterned to
mimic the activity of the CB1 receptor were explored. The results from this study revealed that
500 µM paraquat reduced differentiation [F(4,57 = 6.659, p=<0.001, η2= 0.334] and cell viability
[F(4,26 = 5.579, p= 0.004, η2= 0.48] in PC12 cells in comparison to controls. Similarly, 500µM
paraquat significantly reduced locomotor behaviours in planaria after 24 hours of exposure [F(2,41
= 28.965, p= <0.001, η2= 0.586] but showed the most significant decrease after 72 hours in
comparison to controls [t(59)=7.647, p=<0.00]. The reduction in differentiation, cell viability, and
planarian locomotor activity elicited by paraquat confirms its efficiency as a neurotoxic agent in
PC12 cells, causing symptoms of neurodegeneration. When PC12 cells were exposed to URB597
in conjunction with paraquat, levels of cell differentiation were significantly higher than those seen
in paraquat alone [t(20)= -4.032, p=<0.001]. Correspondingly, planaria that were exposed to
URB597 in conjunction with paraquat showed significantly higher levels of locomotor activity
compared to paraquat alone after 72 hours of exposure [F(3,126 = 26.008, p= <0.001, η2= 0.382].
Finally, treatment using low-frequency EMF patterned after CB1 activity demonstrated an increase
in planarian locomotor velocity when exposed to paraquat in comparison to controls [U=1409.5,
z=-2.110, p=0.035]. These results support the idea that CB1 receptor activation modulates the
activity of other neurotransmitter levels. Overall, I found that (1) paraquat produced neurotoxic
damage in PC12 cells and planaria, (2) URB597 provided neuroprotective effects against paraquatinduced decreases to differentiation and planarian locomotor behaviours, and (3) an EMF patterned
after CB1R activation provided neuroprotective effects against a paraquat-induced decrease in
planarian locomotor behaviours. Both URB597 and the CB1R EMF demonstrated neuroprotective effects against paraquat-induced neurotoxicity. The results of this research provide evidence that
manipulation of the ECS could be a beneficial target involving neuroprotection against
neurodegenerative diseases.Master of Science (MSc) in Biolog
Reclaiming material, space, and agency: developing a circular construction framework for housing in Iqaluit, Nunavut
No full textPrior to the introduction of a settler-colonial structure, Inuit moved
lightly across the land. The Inuit seasonal, semi-nomadic dwellings
and traditional knowledge: Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) allowed their
culture to live in harmony with the land. The current identity, housing
and climate crises are causing social and physical states of vulnerability across the Territory of Nunavut. The growing obsolescence of the
housing stock and remote location represents a potential opportunity to
create a deconstruction economy that can generate a cyclical construction framework to reclaim the material, space and agency occupied by
the current colonial housing system. A ReStore/Redesign program will
be proposed in the capital city of Iqaluit that will facilitate the use of
reclaimed material with the community in an effort to move towards a
decolonized housing system that places more agency on the local community.Master of Architecture (M.Arch
Discourse analysis: a study of the social, political context of radioactive pollution effects on Indigenous Communities
No full textThis thesis addresses the effects of radioactive pollution on Indigenous communities, across the world and particularly in Canada. In many cases Indigenous cultural and traditional lifestyle, environment and health of the community are directly impacted due to various sectors of the nuclear industry and its radioactive contamination. My thesis highlights radioactive
contamination of Indigenous traditional lands and waters, its impact on health, various instances of historical injustice and displayed experiences of affected Indigenous persons. Additional research is devoted to highlighting the radioactive contamination of Indigenous lands and waters, and in particular I reviewed the impact of tailings on Serpent River First Nation, in Ontario.
Indigenous worldviews and generational wisdom play an important role when it comes to
coexistence and conservation of the surrounding environment, policies and role models which act as a guiding principle when it comes to the protection of nature and the wellbeing of future generations. Therefore, this thesis aimed to analyze information and sources with a view to
a) Highlight potential dangers when it comes to radioactive waste in Indigenous
communities;
b) To promote Indigenous knowledge and worldviews in relation to the surrounding environment and;
c) To suggest a positive shift in terms of the renewable, waste-free hydrogen fusion process, the very same process that powers stars in the universe including our sun.
A discourse analysis, which consisted of an in-depth analysis of fifteen literature and related sources were oriented to address two key research issues: a) the dangers of radioactive pollution and b) the impact of dangerous tailings in Indigenous communities. An Indigenous methodology (Kovach 2010, Wilson 2008,) overarched the total thesis to ensure that it respected Canada’s Indigenous worldviews.
Considerable attention is devoted to utilizing a discourse analysis research method for
analyzing relevant texts on existing radioactive danger, experiences and the living conditions of Indigenous First Nations as a result of radioactive contamination. This work highlights the importance of implementation and careful consideration of Indigenous worldviews. Key findings call to attention instances of historical injustice addressing the devastating impact on Indigenous cultures, traditional lifestyles, community health, historical injustice, and contamination of the surrounding environment as a result of radioactive pollution.Master of Indigenous Relation
Analyse écologique des impacts simultanés de la dépression et de la douleur chronique sur le vécu quotidien d’individus du Nord de l’Ontario
No full textCe mémoire tente de mettre en évidence les expériences d’individus qui souffrent simultanément
de la dépression et la douleur chronique en analysant l’interfluence sur les systèmes de leur vie
quotidienne à Timmins (Ontario), où peu de services sont disponibles pour les appuyer. Selon
l’approche écologique, nous avons exploré les expériences des individus qui souffrent de douleur
chronique et de dépression dans chaque sous-système de leur vie.
Cette étude comporte deux objectifs. Le premier objectif est de comprendre comment la dépression
et la douleur chronique concomitante exercent une influence sur la vie quotidienne des participantes. Le deuxième objectif est de saisir les défis auxquels sont confrontés ces individus dans un
contexte où les ressources et les services sont somme toute assez limités. Elle tente ainsi de
répondre à la question suivante : de quelle manière interagissent les différents niveaux de système
dans le quotidien d’individus souffrant de dépression et douleur chronique ? Pour répondre à la
question de recherche, des entretiens qualitatifs ont été effectués auprès de quatre individus
souffrant simultanément de dépression et de douleur chronique à Timmins (Ontario). Ces
entretiens ont permis d’analyser l’interfluence de six sous-systèmes dans leur vie : l’ontosystème,
le microsystème, le mésosystème, l’exosystème, le macrosystème et le chronosystème.
Après avoir analysé les résultats selon les sous-systèmes de l’approche écologique, cette étude a
permis de cerner un certain nombre de facteurs de risque et de facteurs de protection. Les
principaux facteurs de risque ayant émergé de cette étude sont : le manque de services, la faiblesse
du réseau de soutien, une situation socioéconomique précaire, une culture négative au travail et un
hébergement instable. Cette étude a également mis en lumière un certain nombre de facteurs de
protection : l’accès à des services de qualité, l’empathie et la compréhension de la part des
personnes qui entourent les individus atteints de douleur chronique et dépression, un réseau de
soutien, un emploi stable, du soutien au travail et un hébergement stable. Ces résultats soulèvent
des pistes pour des recherches futures et pour la pratique du travail social, qui sont détaillées dans
le présent mémoire.Mémoire de la maitrise en service socia