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Getting to the root: ceremony leader perspectives of the healing potential of ayahuasca drinking for eating disorders
Get PDFAyahuasca is a plant medicine traditionally used by Indigenous groups in the Amazon.
Researchers are now exploring its healing potential for mental illnesses. This qualitative study
evaluated the perspective of fifteen ceremonial leaders’ using content analysis on the healing
potential of ayahuasca drinking among individuals with eating disorders. Leaders’ theories of
eating disorders included the belief that eating disorders: are reflective of a deeper issue,
including unprocessed trauma; have an adaptive function; affect health on multiple levels; are
similar to addiction. Leaders’ theories on the healing mechanisms of ayahuasca included that
ceremonial experiences: support participants to process and integrate underlying causes of the
illness; facilitate physical, spiritual, mental and emotional healing; enhance and reorganize
relationships with symptoms, self, community and creation; and support healing through a
general shamanic approach. From their perspective, ayahuasca offers a potentially new and novel
treatment option in the healing of eating disorders
A stochastic markov-blanket framework strategy for microarray data
Get PDFMicroarray technologies allow examining expression levels for thousands of genes under various
experimental conditions. It has provided a new way of biological classification on a genomewide scale. The predictive accuracy is affected by the presence of thousands of noisy or useless
genes from the classification point of view. The Key issue of data classification is to identify the
smallest possible set of genes that can achieve good predictive accuracy. We applied the
Stochastic Multiple Markov Blanket (SMMB) algorithm, which combines both stochastic
ensemble strategy inspired by random forests and Bayesian Markov Blanket-based methods. The
different classifiers used in this research are K-nearest Neighbour (KNN), Support Vector
Machine (SVM), and Naïve Bayes (NB), on cancer microarray datasets: Cell Lymphomas,
Prostate Cancer, Leukemia Cancer, Brain Tumor, and Lung Cancer. The algorithm was runs
times on the described datasets to find a subset of genes having statistically meaningful
conclusions. The five cancer microarray datasets used for the experiments and algorithms were
implemented in R Studio. We compared SMMB with Hiton algorithms using both simulated and
real datasets
Effect of prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids and ionizing radiation on programming of adaptive behaviour and neural genetic dysregulation in adult offspring
Get PDFEarly life exposure to stress can lead to physiological and behavioural adaptations in offspring.
Adaptive changes do not always benefit the organism, as it may result in adult diseases such as
hypertension and diabetes in response to prenatal nutritional deficiencies. This thesis investigates
the behavioural and genetic profiles of offspring exposed to two pathways of oxidative stress and
DNA methylation: synthetic glucocorticoids and ionizing radiation. Synthetic glucocorticoids are
able to bypass the placental enzymatic barrier and directly interfere with fetal gene expression by
binding to glucocorticoid binding elements to either promote or inhibit expression as well as
inducing changes in methylation of CpG islands. Ionizing radiation induces reactive oxygen
species that will initiate DNA damage and oxidative stress leading to epigenetic modifications of
gene regulation. The exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids induced adaptive phenotypical changes
in Wistar-Kyoto offspring, inducing a stress-coping strategy and increased exploratory activity in
combination with gene dysregulation in the prefrontal cortices. Exposure to ionizing radiation in
C57Bl/6J mice did not induce significant behavioural changes; however, did elicit a few changes
in gene expression in the prefrontal cortices, cerebral cortices, hippocampi, and cerebella that were
sexually dimorphic. In contrast, the same radiation exposure study replicated in BALB/c mice
induced extra-activity in offspring when faced with stress, arguably an adaptive response that may
pose a risk to the animal. Significant gene dysregulation of oxidative stress and neuronal
proliferation pathways was discovered in the prefrontal cortices, cerebral cortices, and cerebella
of the BALB/c offspring. In consideration of the literature and the results of these studies, fetal
programming of adult behavioural profiles may be accomplished through stress-induced genetic
modifications
Incorporating grade uncertainty in oil sands mine planning and waste management using stochastic programming
Get PDFThe primary purpose of oil sands mine planning and waste management is to provide ore from the
mine pit to the processing plant while containing the tailings in an efficient manner in-pit.
Incorporating waste management in the mine plan is essential in maximizing the economic
potential of the mineral resource and minimizing waste management costs. However, spatial
variability such as grade uncertainty results in ore tonnage variations, which leads to fluctuations
in the quantity of ore to be processed and waste to be managed. If grade uncertainty is not
incorporated in oil sands mine planning, it may lead to under- or over-design of the waste
management system required to support the mining operation, resulting in lost opportunities.
Grade uncertainties have profound impact on the Net Present Value (NPV) of the mining project
as it may induce large differences between the actual and expected production targets. Thus, the
primary research objectives are to develop, implement and verify an integrated oil sands mine
planning optimization framework using Stochastic Mixed Integer Linear Programming (SMILP)
to integrate the related domains of bitumen grade uncertainty and waste management. The SMILP
model determines the order and time of extraction of ore, dyke material and waste that maximizes
the Net Present Value (NPV), minimizes waste management cost, and minimizes the geological
risk cost of the mining operation. Sequential Gaussian Simulation (SGS) is employed to
quantitatively model the spatial variability of bitumen grade in the oil sands deposit. Multiple
simulated orebody models are used as inputs for the SMILP model to generate optimal mine plans
in the presence of grade uncertainty. MATLAB programming platform was chosen for the SMILP
framework implementation. A large-scale optimization solver, IBM CPLEX, is used for this
research.
To validate the SMILP model, an oil sands case study was implemented based on SGS realizations
block models to generate a stochastic integrated production schedule (SMILP schedule), and the
results compared with a conventional production scheduling approach based on Ordinary Kriging
block model (OK schedule) and E-type block model (E-type schedule). The E-type block model
is the average block model of the SGS realizations. In comparison, the SMILP schedule which
was based on the developed SMILP framework generated an uncertainty-based integrated
production schedule and waste management plan with better financial profitability compared to the OK and E-type schedules. Additional numerical experiments and analysis was done by
applying the three schedule results to each of three randomly selected realizations. The
corresponding SMILP schedules generated from the realizations were consistently uniform and
smooth compared to similar OK and E-type realization schedules. The SMILP framework
accounts for geological risk by placing higher penalties for ore grade and ore tonnage deviations
from production targets in the early years of mine life to defer production deviations to later years
when more geological information becomes available to update the block model and mine plan.
By deferring geological risk to later years, the risk of not reaching production targets in the earlier
years is minimized, thus creating a smoother and stable production schedule. The results
demonstrate that the SMILP schedule generates 14% and 17% improvements in NPV compared
to the E-type and OK schedules respectively. These results prove that the SMILP model is a useful
tool for optimizing stochastic integrated oil sands production schedules whilst taking into account
grade uncertainty.Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Natural Resources Engineerin
The determinants of sleep quality in the mining industry
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to determine the current state of self-reported sleep quality in workers of the mining industry and identify the factors that affect sleep in this sample. A large-scale questionnaire was administered to 2,224 workers of the mining industry with operations in Ontario. A modified version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (mPSQI) was used to determine sleep quality and quantity. A total of 84% of participants self-reported poor sleep quality with an average mPSQI score of 6.43 (± 3.07). The average sleep duration of participants was 6hr:05min (± 1hr:03min), which is lower than the recommended 7-8 hrs of sleep. Participants engaging in hazardous drug and alcohol use, screening positive for mental health concerns, stress and fatigue, experiencing workplace burnout and working shifts, self-reported worst sleep quality. Finally, depression, personal burnout, fatigue, PTSD, shift work, diagnosis of a chronic disease and hazardous drug use were significant predictors of poor subjective sleep quality, accounting for 37.1% of the total variance of sleep quality (R²= 0.371, F(7, 1572) = 131.78, p ≤ 0.000). These data will assist in developing targeted strategies and interventions for workers to achieve better sleep quality, overall well being and a safer workplace
Peer-reviewed scientific contributions from Canadian zoos and aquariums
Get PDFWith the widespread loss of biodiversity, zoos and aquariums are striving to become leaders in biodiversity conservation and research. Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) is a nonprofit organization created to represent its members, including as agencies of conservation and science. However, the contribution of CAZA members to conservation and science has not been quantified. We used research productivity in the form of peer-reviewed publications to systematically quantify biodiversity conservation engagement by CAZA institutions. We extracted publications from the ISI Web of Science database and found that the annual number of publications increased over time. CAZA members published most in the area of veterinary science, with few publications in biodiversity conservation. Organization age, research-orientated mission statements, and financial assets were significant predictors of research productivity. CAZA institutions also published significantly less (X = 12.5 ± 5.52 SE) than members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (X = 24.27 ± 5.08 SE), based in the United States. Zoos and aquariums are important resources in mitigating biodiversity loss, and are increasing their research output in this area. Nonetheless, only a small proportion of publications were in biodiversity conservation, and the majority of all publications occurred in OPEN ACCESS zoo-centric journal
The use of sulfide mineral chemistry to understand PGE mineralization processes in the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex
Get PDFThe Platreef is a complex lithological unit defining the base of the Northern Limb of the Bushveld
Igneous Complex (BIC) and typically characterized by complex magma-footwall interaction. It is of
interest primarily because it contains significant PGE-Ni-Cu mineralization and there is no consensus
regarding the mineralization processes, particularly on the role of footwall assimilation. One puzzling
aspect is the apparent lack of correlation between sulfide abundance and PGE-Ni-Cu contents.
Another aspect is the possible relationship between PGE-Ni-Cu mineralization in the Northern Limb
and PGE-Ni-Cu mineralization elsewhere in the BIC (e.g. the Merensky Reef). This study focuses on
the mineral chemistry (major and trace elements) of major sulfides: pyrrhotite (Po), pentlandite (Pn),
and chalcopyrite (Ccp) in Platreef samples intersected by Ivanplats during deep drilling in the
Turfspruit area. A drill core (UMT094), for which Sr and S isotope stratigraphy was collected
previously, was used as reference because the isotopic data helped define the degree of footwall
assimilation. Whole rock geochemistry (Cu, Ni, S, PGE) showed the existence of at least two distinct
sample populations in UMT094: one defined by relatively low S/Ni (with no evidence of footwall
assimilation and stratigraphically associated with PGE mineralization), the other defined by relatively
high S/Ni (and stratigraphically associated with footwall assimilation and with low PGE grades). The
project had three objectives. The primary goal was to assess whether the differences identified in
whole rock geochemistry were also expressed in the composition of major sulfides (pyrrhotite,
pentlandite, chalcopyrite) in UMT094. Having established those parameters, the second goal was to
use the same approach (and assess the degree of footwall assimilation) on samples (from drill cores
UMT231 and UMT233) considered representative of the main PGE-Ni-Cu mineralization (i.e. the
Flatreef) in the Turfspruit area. Finally, the data obtained in this study were compared to similar data
from the Merensky Reef (from published peer-reviewed literature) to evaluate possible matches
between sulfide chemistry in assemblages associated with PGE mineralization in the Northern Limb
and the Western Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex (to assess a possible common origin). After
careful petrographic observations and documentation, major and trace element contents in sulfides
were acquired using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and laser ablation inductively coupled
plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The results showed that there are no significant differences
in major element chemistry (e.g. Fe/Ni in pentlandite, Fe/S in pyrrhotite) between the two populations
identified. However, the trace element data validate the hypothesis tested and show that in UMT094:
(a) Selenium contents in all sulfides associated with PGE-Ni-Cu mineralization are higher than in
sulfides associated with footwall assimilation; and (b) Other trace elements (such as Co and Ru in
pyrrhotite; Co, Pd and Ru in pentlandite; Cd and Sn in chalcopyrite) are also useful in distinguishing
between sulfides in intervals with no evidence of footwall assimilation and sulfides (lower in the
stratigraphy) associated with footwall assimilation. When applied to the Flatreef samples (UMT231
and UMT233) the results show that, in general, trace element content in sulfides from the Flatreef also
varies with stratigraphy: sulfides from Flatreef intervals with high PGE grades (and intervals above)
have trace element contents that are closer match to sulfides from the unaltered (magmatic) intervals
in UMT094. Finally, when data from this study is compared to similar data from the Merensky Reef
the results show significant overlap. This is interpreted as compelling evidence to conclude that the
mechanisms that operated in the formation of PGE-Ni-Cu mineralization in the Flatreef were similar
to those involved in the formation of the Merensky Reef (for which local footwall assimilation is not
considered a significant factor). Thus, footwall assimilation was not the primary process in PGE-NiCu mineralization. These results show that trace element data in major sulfides can be an additional
and useful tool to distinguish among different sulfide mineralization event
An environmental scan of outdoor orientation programs at universities in Canada
Get PDFAs of 2012, colleges and universities in the United States had established 191 outdoor orientation
programs (OOPs) and this was increasing at the rate of approximately 10 per year. The situation
in Canada has been strikingly different. Little information is available regarding OOPs at
universities in Canada and this is true for information available online and in the literature. This
study used an environmental scanning (ES) approach to identify information related to OOPs at
universities in Canada. During the 2015-2016 academic year, approximately 20% (n=21) of the
universities in Canada used OOPs, however only 573 students were participating in Canadian
OOPs (COOPs) during the 2017-2018 academic year. The common objectives of COOPs were
to: (1) facilitate peer relationships and bonding; (2) connect students to place; and (3) promote
student development. The COOPs described in this study represent an underutilized opportunity
for a holistic approach to student development and orientation at universities in Canad
Using photovoice to empower survivors of intimate partner violence
Get PDFIntimate partner violence is a predominant issue that negatively affects women worldwide.
Survivors of intimate partner violence often face specific barriers that prevent them from leaving
an abusive relationship, suffer negative physical and psychological implications, and often
encounter challenges in receiving social supports (i.e., shelter, financial support, therapeutic
support). Intimate partner violence is disempowering for women, as control over their personal
agency is taken by the abuser. Empowering women’s experiences with intimate partner violence
by focusing on the strengths that gave them the ability to leave an abusive environment calls for
more research in the area of intimate partner violence. Photovoice allows women to take control
of their experiences with interpersonal violence, make meaning of their story, regain personal
agency in their lives, and offer them an opportunity to see their experiences in a different light.
Recent research has identified the effectiveness of photovoice as a research methodology when
working with women who have experienced intimate partner violence. Therefore, this study
examined photovoice as a therapeutic intervention in a private practice setting may help
survivors of intimate partner violence receive support through the group structure. This study
examines how engaging in the creative process can help women to capture their experiences in an empowering way by focusing on the strengths they drew upon to leave the abusive
relationship. This research project employed a photovoice methodology and thematic analysis of
qualitative data that captured the strengths of participants in a group session. The findings may
also help researchers gain a better understanding of the strength’s women employed that assisted
them in leaving a violent relationship, and how using photovoice as a therapeutic intervention
within a private practice setting can be beneficial to this population.Master of Social Work Progra
The rural industrial typology: resisting the imposition of the subdivision in Shelburne, Ontario
No full textThe town of Shelburne is the second fastest growing town in Canada having nearly doubled in size
since 2006.1
It is now facing an issue of housing that is common in rural communities in Ontario. The housing
problem is multifaceted, the cost of owning a home is higher than its residents can afford, the homes are not
supportive of a dynamic growing family, they lack efficiency, and they lack creativity. The irony of architecture
in growing small towns is that there are conditions that require time and careful consideration to deal with,
but there is a lack of economic means to put towards solving them. The application of funding towards
residential architecture typically comes in the form of developer subdivisions and their primary concern is
economic gain, using architecture as a commodity. The inflated market that allows these homes to be sold at
this high price is outside the realm of intervention, however price and value are different things and value can
be improved. This problem is larger than just economics, the introduction of these urban homes has changed
the community fabric of these neighborhoods. The relationship between the individual and the community
is dramatically different in urban and rural settings and this is reflected in the housing. In an urban and
suburban setting the home is designed for privacy as the city is a centralized public realm where individuals
go to interact with one another, then return to their suburban home or urban condominium where sanctuary
awaits in the form of privacy. In sharp contrast to this, the rural landscape is designed to promote community
interaction everywhere in the town, especially in its neighborhoods, which results in a different residential
architecture.
How can the single-family house be rethought for growing rural communities like Shelburne?
By assessing the current contrasting elements of the typical rural home and the newly built subdivisions
based on their Transparency, Ingenuity, Sustainability, and Personality. Taking into consideration the towns
values to create a series of rural principles that reflect the essence of the town and applying them to future
development. I intend to re-prioritize rural values instead of applying an urban design strategy, while still
creating the density that growing towns demand. Focusing on a new proposed subdivision at the East end of
town at the intersection of Highway 89 and Dufferin Road 124, and the return of an existing housing typology
as benchmarks for improvement this project aims to create a new precedent for further development in town