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Gauging user tolerance to interface modifications using Gestalt Principles
No full textInterface updates are more than all too common in the twenty-first century.
Constantly, users are bombarded by new updates incurring changes, and new functionality
to not one but many of their favourite applications and devices. How changes affect the
users can be studied in various settings for numerous reasons. This paper examines a
situation where the health and safety of individuals may be at risk; specifically, the patients
in the care of nurses and when the input of the medical equipment that the nurses’ use is
changed. It is theorized to have unforeseen consequences on the nurse, leading to critical,
even fatal errors to the patients in their care. This research aims to outline what interface
changes can be made and how these changes affect the user in terms of performance and
cognitive load. To accomplish this, an experiment is conducted where participants’ play a
simple memory game, and the inputs are changed during gameplay. Simultaneously,
performance scores, time, number of errors, and cognitive load are tracked to infer to what
degree users are affected by the change. It is hypothesized that the changes tested are not
significant enough to elicit a large reaction from the user, and this was found to be true in
the performance and cognitive load scores collected, other than a few exceptions. Given
this, we can state that user interface modifications based on the Gestalt Principles of
Figure-Ground, Proximity, and Closure did not, in this case, elicit a significant effect from
the user. Therefore, changes like those tested could be implemented on an interface in a
similar scenario and given to users with little concern for negative repercussions. Although,
to generalize to a larger context, the experiment would need to be reconducted with more
participants to elicit a significant effect from the data.Master of Science (MSc) in Computational Scienc
Paired comparison study to determine the impact of rotated neck/trunk posture combined with vibration exposure on seated comfort
No full textLiterature shows that whole-body vibration (WBV) has been linked to low-back pain
(LBP), but also that exposure to WBV while in non-neutral postures can further increase the risk
of LBP (Bovenzi et al., 2002; T. Eger et al., 2008). Operating cranes, agricultural tractors,
underground mining vehicles and some construction equipment can expose a worker to WBV and
non-neutral postures (T. Eger et al., 2008; Kittusamy & Buchholz, 2004; Newell & Mansfield,
2008; Wikström, 1993).
This study aims to determine if discomfort is greater due to WBV alone, axial rotation
alone or WBV and axial rotation combined. It also aims to determine if the degree or type of
rotation (neck vs trunk) causes more discomfort when WBV is present. Ten participants (5 male
and 5 female, 21.1±0.57 years, 169.2±9.5 cm and 74.9±11.8 kg) participated in a single elimination
tournament of 16 postures with varying axial rotations of the neck and trunk both with and without
WBV, to identify the most uncomfortable condition. They also rated the discomfort of each
condition on a scale of 1-9.
Results of the head-to-head tournament indicated, six participants selected the max neck
and max trunk rotation posture as most uncomfortable (4 with WBV and 2 without). While two
participants selected the 15° neck and max trunk rotation without WBV, and two participants
selected the max neck 0° trunk with WBV. Similarly, the average discomfort scores were highest
for the max neck and max trunk rotations with WBV and slightly lower without WBV.
These results indicate a trend of increased discomfort when axial rotation and WBV are
both present. They also seem to indicate that discomfort continuously increases as the angle of
rotation increases and that any maximum rotation leads to more discomfort than a combination of
neck and trunk rotations. Future, machine designs should focus on eliminating both factors.Master of Human Kinetics (MHK
Volcanogenic massive sulphide targeting in the Noranda Camp: Using a 3D implicit modelling platform for deeper exploration through the integration of structural and geochemical vectors.
No full textThe Noranda camp is a world-class region for volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS)
deposits hosted in the 2704-2695 Ma volcanic Blake River assemblage, Abitibi greenstone belt.
Of the ~20 VMS deposits (past production ~225 Mt ore) in the Noranda camp, the most recent
discovery of the West Ansil deposit in 2005 was attributed to the integration of multidisciplinary
data (geological mapping, drilling data, geochemical data and geophysical surveys), in a 3D
modelling platform (GoCAD). Although there has been limited success since the discovery of
West Ansil (depth from the surface: 270 m), continued exploration has shown some potential at
greater depth, such as the showing at 1300 m depth in the Ribago area evident by drill logs and
core samples. VMS deposits in the study area occur less than 750 m below the surface, with the
exception of Ansil, which occurs at a depth of 1260 m below the surface.
This research focuses on the potential for new deeper discoveries of VMS mineralization
along known synvolcanic structures to help guide camp-scale exploration. A new implicit
(interpolant-based) 3D geological model was built from an updated 2017 drill hole database
combined with primary lithological interpretation from the 2005 3D GoCAD geological model in
Seequent’s Leapfrog® Geo®. The 3D geological model is coupled with a 3D representation of
geochemical alteration signatures, mass-balance calculations, and normative minerals. Compared
to existing models, the new model has a depth of 2.5 km compared to the previous 1.5 km and
provides geochemical vectors that consider structural trends resulting from synvolcanic faults,
which are the inferred pathways for hydrothermal fluids. Structural trends guide the 3D
interpolation of alteration models and extend to greater depths, highlighting metal-bearing
hydrothermal fluid pathways.
The proposed VMS targets were developed using 3D block model integration of the 3D
geological model and all the developed 3D numeric models of alteration. Using queries, the block
model highlights the proximal alteration zones associated with VMS deposits at the intersection
of known synvolcanic faults and exhalite horizons in the area. In addition, the targets were
developed considering the possibility of multiple stacked sulphide lenses deeper in the stratigraphy
and the effect of zone refining was evaluated.
The developed queries yielded two potential targets in the Noranda South camp and seven
potential targets in the Noranda Main camp. The Main camp targets are associated with the
Beecham, Lewis, and Corbet exhalite along synvolcanic faults associated with high values of
alteration and the gains/losses of major elements. Despite the sparse structural data, alterationmodelling results of the South camp targets show VMS-style alteration extending southwest of the
Beauchastel fault, with high values of normative alteration index and gains in Fe and Mg
concentrated in the Powell andesite of the Powell block. Most of the potential targets occur at a
depth range between 400-800 m, with the exception of three targets (MCT-3, MCT5, and MCT7) that occur below 1,000 m depth. In addition, most of the drilling in the area did not extend deeper than the developed targets, as in the case of one potential target associated with Beecham
exhalite. The target shows substantial alteration near the Beecham breccia horizon, but none of the
drill holes in the area intersects the horizon.
The new 3D model and exploration targets presented here highlight the potential for VMS
discoveries at greater depth if specific key structural trends are integrated with 3D alteration
models. The potential targets are deeper than existing drill holes in the area (historical and new).
The new 3D implicit geological model has improved on Noranda's previous 3D explicit geological
model, mainly as the exhalite horizons have been updated using new contact points derived from
recent and historical drill holes. The new 3D model can be dynamically updated as exploration
progresses and new data becomes available. In addition, structural trends control the flow of rising
hydrothermal fluids and are a key input to highlight deeper prospects.Master of Science (MSc) in Geolog
Investigation of the role of eukaryotic initiation factor 3f (eIF3f) and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) in stress induced RNA disruption in melanoma cells
No full textThe incidence of skin cancer has been on the rise over the last few decades. While it only
represents a small percentage of skin cancers, melanoma is the deadliest skin malignancy.
Malignant melanoma is very aggressive and displays both primary and acquired resistance to
most therapies. A recent clinical trial has demonstrated that high tumour ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
degradation during neoadjuvant chemotherapy can predict complete tumour destruction and
improved survival for breast cancer patients. This phenomenon of RNA degradation in response
to chemotherapy has been termed RNA disruption, and has been shown to occur in various
cancer cell lines, but never in melanoma cells. While the molecular mechanisms involved in
RNA disruption remain unclear, studies conducted by other groups have provided evidence that
eukaryotic initiation factor 3f (eIF3f) and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K)
may play a role. Under stress eIF3f has been shown to associate with hnRNP K, and it has been
proposed that this results in the displacement of hnRNP K from rRNA, allowing it to be
degraded by as of yet unidentified ribonucleases. We propose that this may be an underlying
mechanism in chemotherapy induced RNA disruption. In this study, we provide the first
evidence that chemotherapy and stress-induced RNA disruption can occur in malignant
melanoma cells in vitro. We further demonstrate that chemical stressors inducing RNA
disruption also promote the loss of eIF3f and hnRNP K expression in melanoma cells, and that
similar to RNA disruption, this loss of expression is both dose- and time-dependent. However,
our studies could not confirm prior studies that eIF3f binding to hnRNP K is increased in cells
exposed to chemical stressors. Nevertheless, the dramatic reduction in cellular levels of hnRNP
K (a ribosome associated protein) might facilitate rRNA degradation, by permitting greater
ribonuclease binding to rRNAMaster of Science (MSc) in Biolog
Warmer autumn temperatures affect wetland plants
No full textTemperature is an important driver of many plant developmental processes including seasonal activities;
therefore, many studies have been conducted on the effect of increased temperatures on plants. These
studies show delays in autumnal phenological events and advancements of spring events however often
only look at leaf unfolding and senescence of trees. Therefore, in this study, whole-plant responses to
increased temperature in autumn were studied for four common Northern Ontario wetland plants: Carex
lasiocarpa, Sparganium emersum, Dulichium arundinaceum and Rhynchospora alba. Root and shoot
growth in autumn and spring, autumn senescence along with the production of over-wintering structures
was observed. The increased autumn temperature treatment was covered with transparent vinyl closed-top
chambers while the ambient autumn temperature treatment consisted of open-top chambers. The
treatments were applied from August 21st until November 5th
. The results show an interspecific difference
in responses specifically delayed senescence and increased growth in autumn and spring for two species:
C. lasiocarpa and R. alba.Master of Science (MSc) in Biolog
Architecture in a contested territory: co-creating a community hub with the people of Jane and Finch, Toronto
No full textThe population of the City of Toronto vastly increased due to
a significant migration of people from all over the world to seek a
better life after World War II. Many settled into ethnic enclaves that
share similar cultures and characteristics. Since the 1970s, Toronto
has grown into a large city much like Paris and London, where
low-income families, which are mostly minorities, are pushed into
the urban periphery. One of these inner-city neighbourhoods, Jane
and Finch, is composed of two city neighbourhoods: Black Creek
(Up Top, to the North) and Glenfield-Jane Heights (Down Bottom,
to the South). Jane and Finch is a major intersection known for its
high rates of gang violence such as shootings, drugs, robberies, and
other gang-related activities. The negative reputation of Jane and
Finch is further spread by the media, promulgating racial stereotypes
about the neighbourhood. The rapid growth of the community in the
1960s to 1970s resulted in overcrowding in schools and insufficient
recreational facilities, which caused additional stress for the residents.
The gang rivalry over territory in Jane and Finch created an invisible
barrier at the intersection: The Up Top and Down Bottom. Adding
to the gang violence, the lack of city funding and general neglect
transformed Jane and Finch into a community with the highest level
of inequality amongst the neighbourhoods within the Greater Toronto
Area.
Jane and Finch was not always like this, but it is difficult for
people to see past its bad reputation. As a member of the community,
I know of many positive aspects overlooked by outsiders. However,
the reputation is slowly changing. Nowadays, Jane and Finch receives
recognition for the art which the residents have created. I believe
that the image of the community can be altered as long as people
can learn about the positive stories of the residents.
This thesis looks at opportunities to co-create a community
center for the people of Jane and Finch, with the use of community
engagement as a process to work collectively with community
members. The outcome is a building with a breadth of spaces and
programs that is available to a diverse group of community users. The
Jane and Finch Community Hub contains a youth lounge, daycare, art
studio, music studio, dance studio, market space, communal kitchen,
cafe, community training spaces and a pool
Lived experiences of self-care among adults with inflammatory bowel disease in Northeastern Ontario
Get PDFAdults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) experience debilitating symptoms that
impede their ability to engage in daily activities. In Northeastern Ontario, there is limited
access to formal specialized resources inhibiting the development of self-care strategies for
living cohesively with IBD. An interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to gain an
understanding of the lived experience of self-care among adults with IBD in Northeastern
Ontario. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six individuals diagnosed with
IBD. Analysis resulted in the identification of two main themes: living with uncertainty and
seeking control. The four subthemes included: disease uncertainty, formal care uncertainty,
self-directed resourcefulness, and self-developed observational skills. The lived experience of
self-care found to be the actions undertaken to live with uncertainty and seek control in the
context of inflammatory bowel disease. The findings align with the Theory of Self-care of
Chronic Illness, and provide new insights into potential improvements in patient-centered
care, the importance of informal resource utilization, and describe how adults living with
IBD in Northern communities navigate their illness through self-care
Assessing differential expression of genes associated with nickel resistance in jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and eastern white pine (Pinus strobus): effects of nickel toxicity
No full textEastern white pine (Pinus strobus) and jack pine (P. banksiana) represent two of the
major coniferous species planted in the metal contaminated region of Northern Ontario. Studies
on coping mechanisms of these two species to soil metal contamination are limited. The main
objectives of the present project were to 1) determine how these two species respond to soil
nickel (Ni) contamination and 2) assess the effects of different doses of nickel on the expression
of six genes associated with Ni resistance. These genes include high affinity Ni transporter
family (AT2G16800), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACC deaminase),
Natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins (NRAMP3), and serine acetyltransferase
(SAT), Nicotianamine synthase (NAS) and Glutathione reductase (GR). Seedlings were grown in
soils treated with increasing concentrations of Ni(NO3)2. Potassium nitrate (KNO3) was used to
control for potential toxicity of nitrate ions. Gene expression was assessed using RT-qPCR.
Damage ratings reveal that P. banksiana is sensitive to Ni(NO3)2 doses of 1,600 and 3,200 mg/kg
as well as 3,200 mg/kg KNO3. However, P. strobus was tolerant to all treatment. Soil Ni
treatments induced a downregulation of NAS in P. strobus as well as AT2G16800 and NRAMP3
in both species with the severity increasing at high doses of Ni. An upregulation of ACC in both
species consistent with an inverted-U hormetic effect was observed. Ni also triggered a hormetic
U-effect downregulation of SAT in P. strobus with the lowest dose showing the highest
repression. An opposite trend was observed in P. banksiana where Ni induced an upregulation of
SAT. Moreover, GR induced an inverted-U hormetic upregulation in P. banksiana. Knowing the
coping mechanisms of these conifers to metal contamination is essential for ensuring their longterm sustainability
Research in focus - MLTSD policy brief: human capital planning for the Northern Ontario primary care workforce
No full textOntario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Developmen
Traditional healing and medicine in dementia care for Indigenous populations in North America, Australia, and New Zealand: a scoping review
Get PDFAccess to culturally-safe dementia assessment, diagnosis, and care in Indigenous populations
worldwide is an emerging challenge. In 2018, the World Health Organization recognized
traditional healers as stakeholders in dementia care and prevention. Traditional healers contribute
to dementia assessment, diagnosis, and care in unique ways, and play a catalytic role in the
process of culturally-safe dementia care planning and assessment with health care providers at
the community level. The purpose of this scoping review was to understand the roles and
experiences of traditional healers, to evaluate strategies for integration between Indigenous
traditional healing and western dementia care approaches, and to examine the policy barriers and
research gaps in North America (Canada and United States), Australia, and New Zealand. The
scoping review methodology used was the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach that included
six steps: protocol development based on participants, content and context framework,
development of a search strategy, selection of relevant studies, charting of relevant data,
synthesis, and reporting of results, and conducting stakeholder consultation. We searched
English literature in select bibliographic databases, including CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline and
PsycINFO. The initial search identified 516 papers published between 2000 and 2020 that met
the search criteria. After 164 duplicates were removed, we screened 352 titles and abstracts,
excluding the 209 that did not meet the inclusion criteria. Our second stage review of 143 fulltext studies resulted in the further exclusion of 141 studies. Only two studies from Canada
met all inclusion criteria for this scoping review and explored the potential integration of
traditional healing in dementia care and the roles and perceptions of traditional healers. The two
studies were conducted in Southwestern Ontario in an urban First Nations community and
Saskatchewan with Cree, Salteaux, and Metis populations in rural and remote communities. The
studies indicated that the inclusion of traditional healers, Elder knowledge-holders, Grandmother
groups, and emerging Indigenous scholars and researchers can contribute to building an
evidence-based dementia care decision-making process for Indigenous people with dementia.
Hence, integrating Indigenous traditional healing and medicine in dementia care is a path to
culturally-safe dementia care and social support systems for people with dementi