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Accelerating esports professionalism: designing for player well-being
Full text linkesports, or Electronic Sports, is accelerating into one of the fastest growing professional
sports in the world. With extreme ease of access for both viewers and players, esports
is on track to reach a peak viewership of 577 million by 2024, containing a viewbase of
291.6 million casual viewers and 285.7 dedicated viewers.1 As the esports profession
starts reaching maturity, the surrounding infrastructure is still infantile in its conception.
This practicum proposes to invite changes into how designing for esports is thought out
and achieved through targeting various elements that appear lacking within current
esports infrastructure. Utilizing theories such as Environmental context, cognitive load
and periodization, this practicum aims to provide a space dedicated to the professional
athletes for superior practice conditions and the ability to further hone their skills. In
conjunction with the above theories, Interior Design principles, such as ergonomics and
anthropometrics, will provide ample help to alleviate the ongoing risk of physical and
mental injuries seen within the profession. Lastly, an in depth look at the current
facilities and their negative attributes will be conducted in order to further advance the
design of the new facility. Using the above principles, this practicum aims to elevate the
spaces esports professionals currently inhabit by providing an overhaul on how esports
facilities have been designed. Resulting improvements can include enhanced training
atmospheres, as well as reduced physical and mental ailments. These changes will
continue to propel Professional esports towards success by including purposefully
designed spaces, contrary to the systems we currently see.February 202
The Kiggavik natural analogue
Full text linkThe most promising solution for permanent disposal of Used Nuclear Fuel (UNF) is burial in a Deep Geologic Repository (DGR). This requires knowledge of how UNF will behave in the subsurface over ~1 Ma. This thesis develops the Kiggavik U deposits (Nunavut) as a natural analogue for a DGR.
The Kiggavik U deposits formed in five stages: 1) ~1830 Ma albitization and U-enrichment; 2) hematization and development of quartz breccias; 3) 1553 ± 16 Ma bleaching and primary (U1) U mineralization; 4) ~1440-274 Ma U alteration and resetting/remobilization (U2) events; 5) geologically recent (< 1 Ma) remobilization and alteration of U minerals (U3).
Stage 1 may have formed as part of a Metasomatic Iron Alkali Calcic (MIAC) system, while stage 3 is linked to both MIAC and unconformity-related processes. Geologically recent U3 alteration occurred in distinct pulses dated to 36.5 ± 1.9 Ka, 55.7 ± 4.8 Ka, 153.3 ± 3.7 Ka, 258.6 ± 11.6 Ka, and 471.3 ± 6.3 Ka. It is isotopically linked to the infiltration of subglacial fluids along fractures systems and, to a much lesser extent, through the porous host rock matrix. This infiltration caused relatively minor degrees of short-range (~<5 cm) U mobility, but more widespread disruption to U decay chains through selective leaching of vulnerable isotopes. Factors restricting U mobility include reduction and reprecipitation of dissolved U by preexisting U minerals and Ti-oxides, adsorption onto clay mineral surfaces, and fracture sealing and pore filling, which reduces the porosity of affected rocks by ~50%, by precipitation of secondary calcite, Fe-oxides, U-minerals and vanadinite precipitated by infiltrating fluids.
The Kiggavik region is prospective for both unconformity related and MIAC affiliated deposits and has a long and complex history of U deposition, mobility, and reprecipitation. Glaciation may impact UNF within a DGR if subglacial fluids are able to penetrate deeply into the subsurface along fractures and bypass safety barriers. Interactions with host rocks and precipitation of fracture-sealing secondary minerals, however, greatly restricts the rate and overall distance of radionuclide mobility, suggesting natural host rock barriers are capable of providing significant containment even in non-ideal circumstances.Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (contract #3000069567)February 202
Critical behaviour of interacting iron-oxide-based nanoparticle systems
Full text linkThe study of disordered magnetic systems is a core topic in condensed matter physics. Specifically, spin-glasses represent a real challenge for theory, because their description combines all the difficulties of the theories of magnetic phase transitions and disordered systems. The recent progress in spin-glass theory has already led to considerable advances in statistical physics, and methods developed initially to study spin-glasses have facilitated research in other fields, for example polymer chemistry, protein folding, optimization problems and neural networks. However, an open question still remains: what is the nature of the transition that takes place in spin-glasses? The non-equilibrium dynamics present in spin-glasses and their dependency on the experimental observation times lead to some authors to dismiss spin-glass as a new thermodynamic phase, but just a dynamic crossover to a frozen non-equilibrium state. On the contrary, the susceptibility cusp observed in the susceptibility, the divergence of the non-linear susceptibility and the existence of a non-zero order parameter are taken as evidence for a static phase transition into the spin-glass phase. Moreover, additional controversy appears in spin-glass-like nanoparticle systems, where the effects of the interplay between intra and interparticle magnetism on the collective behavior is not well understood.
In this work, these questions are addressed by testing the validity of different dynamic and static scaling laws of spin-glass theories to interacting nanoparticle systems. In order to discern the effects of the particles' internal magnetic structure from those caused by size distribution and interactions, a theory that incorporates concepts of superparamagnetism in conventional spin-glass scaling theories was used.
To achieve our objective, AC and DC susceptometry and magnetometry data were collected for cobalt-doped iron-oxide nanoparticle systems. Firstly, highly monodisperse cobalt-doped magnetoferritin nanoparticles were studied and the effects of anisotropy on the collective behavior was examined. Next, the effects of size distribution on magnetite nanosphere powders were investigated. Lastly, 7~nm magnetite nanospheres dispersed into non-magnetic media at different concentrations were analyzed.February 202
Dynamic wait-free atomic snapshot
Full text linkEfficiently implementing wait-free atomic snapshot objects is one of the core problems in the shared memory model of the theory of distributed computing. An atomic snapshot object gives users access to a set of n shared registers and two types of operations to perform on them. One of the operations, called update, allows a process to update the data in one of the n registers. Another operation, called snap, allows a process to read the values of all n registers. Despite operating in an asynchronous environment, these operations should appear atomic, i.e., their outcomes should be consistent with an execution in which the operations run with no interruptions by other operations. We want the implementation to be wait-free, which means that the progress of any update or snap operation should not be paused due to any other operation that is being executed by any other process. For example, the implementation should not use any kind of locking mechanisms on variables. A dynamic version of this problem is where the n registers can be dynamically added or removed without needing to re-initialize the atomic snapshot object. In this thesis, we provide an efficient algorithm for dynamic atomic snapshot.February 202
SoundBrush: using participatory design to explore a novel art-based activity for older adults
Full text linkArt-based activities benefit the health and well-being of older adults, and technology can expand these opportunities. Yet many studies examine such technologies primarily in terms of health, well-being, or social outcomes. There remains a gap in how technology-mediated art activities can be designed to support older adults' creative engagement. This thesis investigates how sound as a creative input can enable older adults to create visual art online. Over the course of a year-long participatory design process involving 11 remote focus groups, we collaborated with a group of actively engaged older adult participants (n = 5) to develop three playful and expressive prototypes collectively called SoundBrush. SoundBrush implemented mappings that translated sound parameters into corresponding visual elements. I recorded all the conversations from the focus groups in video format and analyzed them using reflexive thematic analysis. My findings address participants' desires and needs regarding the sounds they preferred, the modes of engagement they gravitated toward, the factors shaping their creative expression, and collaborative engagement. Most notably, the results highlight key tensions participants experienced when creating with sound: negotiating control over artistic choices, developing mental models of the system, maintaining authorship over their sonic inputs, and creating with visuals that felt coherent and meaningful in relation to sound. Based on these findings, I discuss the broad design implications of designing digital art tools for older adults that utilize sound as a creative modality.February 202
Hydrodynamics and geomorphology of Netley-Libau Marsh and the lower Red River
Full text linkThis thesis quantifies hydrodynamic and geomorphic processes within Netley–Libau Marsh and the lower Red River using bathymetry, discharge, water levels, and turbidity measurements.
Bathymetric analyses demonstrate that morphological change is strongly structured spatially. At Netley Cut, erosion and deposition are closely balanced, with a net depositional gain of 2,978 m³ corresponding to an average bed elevation increase of 0.083 m. Netley Delta exhibits pronounced deposition along newly formed islands, with mean elevation increases of 0.417–0.484 m between 2010 and 2022. Mean bed elevations in the west and north entrance channels increased by approximately 0.18 m and 0.14 m, respectively, with the west entrance remaining the dominant pathway into Netley Lake. At the Red River outlet and navigation corridor, minimum bed elevations within the maintained channel rose by 0.811 m between 2010 and 2021, accompanied by complete infilling of the former navigation channel. Within the Red River trifurcation, bed elevations decreased by an average of 0.44 m along the east channel and increased by 0.144 m along the centre channel. Within the restoration project footprint, dredging removed 7,740 m³ of material, with approximately 26 percent of the excavated footprint volume re-accumulating within one year.
Discharge measurements show that Netley Cut consistently diverts Red River flow into the marsh, conveying an average of 39.27 percent of Red River discharge under typical open-water conditions, with observed maxima of 56.6 percent. At the trifurcation, mean flow splits indicate approximately 47.6 percent and 50.9 percent of discharge conveyed by the east and centre channels, respectively. Water level lag analysis indicates hydraulic connectivity, with seiche-driven water level changes propagating from upstream of Netley Cut to the Red River outlet within approximately 1.05–1.07 hours.
Turbidity measurements indicate that dredging and sediment placement generated intense but highly localized plumes. Turbidity exceeded 1,000 FAU within 5 m of active dredging but declined rapidly with distance. Turbid water exiting the deposition area dissipated within 50–75 m of containment and converged on background lake conditions. Continuous lake monitoring recorded background turbidity ranging from 1 to 986 NTU, with no sustained project-induced exceedances beyond containment.Red River Basin Commission (RRBC)February 202
Zinc biofortification in wheat grains through phosphorus and zinc fertilization strategies in Manitoba’s Red River Valley
Full text linkCanada is one of the world’s largest wheat exporters, yet zinc (Zn) concentrations in Canadian wheat often fall below levels considered optimal for human health. We evaluated agronomic biofortification options that align with Canadian prairie practices by testing phosphorus (P) and Zn fertilizer sources and placements, with or without foliar supplements. A plot-based four-year field study was conducted on calcareous soils of contrasting texture (clay vs. sandy loam) in southern Manitoba from 2023 to 2024. Treatments included monoammonium phosphate (MAP), MAP + granular ZnSO4, and MicroEssentials® SZ® (MESZ) placed as broadcast-incorporated, side-band, or seed-row at seeding, with foliar Zn (± glycine betaine + salicylic acid; ± K) applied at Zadok’s growing stages Z12–15 and Z65. Plant nutrient concentrations were determined by ICP-MS following acid digestion, and Zn bioavailability was indexed by the phytic acid:Zn (PA:Zn) molar ratio.
Across site-years, Zn fertilization increased grain yield by 8.3% over the Zn unfertilized control, with the highest yields achieved when MESZ was banded at seeding. Grain Zn responses depended on formulation, placement, and foliar supplementation. Seed-row MESZ plus foliar Zn produced the largest and most consistent grain Zn gains, raising concentration by ~27–60% at the two most responsive site-years and achieving ~41–43 mg kg-1. Depending on site-year, adding biostimulants provided small non-significant additional gains, whereas adding K produced no clear effect. Independent of formulation, banding MAP and MESZ generally outperformed broadcast for yield and Zn uptake.
Grain PA:Zn ranged ~27–38 and improved (decreased ~25%) where foliar Zn was added to seed-row MESZ, but no treatment reduced PA:Zn below the conventional threshold of 15. Phosphorus fertilization did not systematically elevate grain phytic acid. Overall, integrating seed-row MESZ with well-timed foliar Zn is a practical path to raise grain Zn and improve PA:Zn under Prairie conditions. Further refinement should focus on foliar Zn rate/timing and context-dependent use of K and biostimulants to deliver consistent biofortification across soils and seasons. Future work should prioritize foliar Zn rate and timing and test compatibility with plant-health fungicides to simultaneously support yield and biofortification under Prairie conditions.February 202
Spatial distribution of water quality and phytoplankton in the Upper Manitoba Great Lakes
Full text linkFreshwater eutrophication in Canada poses significant threats to ecosystem health and community wellbeing, particularly in large lake systems like the upper Manitoba Great Lakes (uMBGL). Lakes Winnipegosis, Waterhen, and Manitoba form a critical buffer system within the Nelson River watershed, processing nutrients before they reach Lake Winnipeg and ultimately Hudson Bay and the North Atlantic Ocean. Despite their importance, these lakes remain severely understudied, with minimal spatial and temporal data available about nutrient dynamics and phytoplankton communities. This knowledge gap hinders evidence-based management decisions necessary to protect these valuable freshwater resources from eutrophication driven by modern challenges such as land use management and accelerated climate change.
This study provides the first spatially comprehensive, multi-year assessment of offshore water quality in the upperMBGL system. Over three open-water seasons (2016-2017), I collected and analyzed physical, chemical, and biological data across multiple basins to: (1) characterize in-situ offshore biogeochemical and physical conditions; (2) examine spatial and temporal variation through geostatistical analysis; and (3) document phytoplankton diversity and distribution patterns.
Results indicate that all three lakes are consistently mesotrophic to eutrophic. Nutrient concentrations generally increased from north to south in both Lakes Winnipegosis and Manitoba during the open water season. Filamentous cyanobacteria dominated summer phytoplankton biomass in both lakes, while cyanobacterial picoplankton dominated by abundance. Significant differences between years and basins suggest limited inter-basin mixing and differential impacts from local land use.
This research establishes a critical western science based baseline for understanding water quality dynamics in the Upper Manitoba Great Lakes system, and highlights the urgent need for continued monitoring, community-engaged research, and the weaving of traditional ecological knowledge with western science approaches to ensure these lakes can continue functioning as effective nutrient buffers for Lake Winnipeg.Lake Winnipeg Foundation: 2017/2018February 202
The evaluation of factors influencing the protein digestibility and quality of pulse-based ingredients and products
Full text linkThe growing shift towards plant-based diets has increased demand for pulses—such as lentils, peas, beans, and chickpeas—as sustainable, affordable protein sources. However, their nutritional potential is constrained by deficiencies in certain indispensable amino acids and by reduced protein digestibility, impacted by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Accurate evaluation of pulse protein quality is essential for substantiating protein content claims and guiding product development. While in vivo assays remain the regulatory standard, they are costly, time-consuming, and ethically constrained. In vitro digestion models offer practical, scalable alternatives, yet their application across diverse pulse products remains underexplored.
This thesis examined how processing strategies and compositional factors influence in vitro protein digestibility and quality in pulse-based ingredients and chickpea-fortified foods. Three integrated studies were conducted: (1) evaluation of mechanical scouring and moisture conditioning effects on protein quality in green lentil and yellow pea flours; (2) extension of these treatments to navy beans and chickpeas to assess pulse class-dependent responses; and (3) assessment of food processing methods and product matrices in chickpea-based breads, pastas, and extruded products.
Across studies, pre-milling treatments had limited and pulse class-dependent effects, with small improvements observed in lentils but negligible impact in peas, chickpeas, and navy beans. Differences in protein quality among flours were driven mainly by variations in protein content and amino acid composition. In chickpea-fortified foods, thermal processing methods (particularly roasting and micronization) reduced phytate and trypsin inhibitors and altered protein secondary structures, modestly improving in vitro digestibility and amino acid scores.
Critically, while processing treatments influenced protein quality metrics, assessment of protein content claims showed products achieving equivalent regulatory thresholds regardless of pre-treatment. This contrast highlights a disconnect between underlying nutritional differences and consumer-facing protein content claims, emphasizing the importance of considering both compositional factors and processing effects when interpreting protein quality outcomes.
These findings support the use of in vitro digestion models for evaluating protein quality in pulse-derived foods and underscore the need for holistic, context-specific evaluation to optimize plant protein nutritional value and support transparent labeling.Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriScience Program (Canadian Pulse Science Research Cluster) under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
Alberta Pulse Growers
Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Discovery grant programFebruary 202
DNA double-strand break repair pathway choice in Rett syndrome
No full textBackground: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder affecting one in every 10,000 females worldwide. In over 95% of cases, a reduced- or loss-of-function MECP2 (methyl-CpG binding protein 2) mutation is responsible. Variable clinical severity is seen, suggesting genetic modifiers play an important role. A recent RTT modifier screen in Mecp2-null mice indicated that suppression of the homology-directed repair (HDR) pathway is beneficial in RTT. However, it remains unknown how DNA repair pathway choice affects RTT outcomes.
Objectives: We investigated the candidate RTT modifier, RBBP8 (encoding C-terminal binding protein interacting protein, CtIP), a gene that regulates DSB pathway choice between non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and HDR in human cellular models of RTT.
Methods: An isogenic MECP2-null induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) pair (Δ3-4 variant, female, 6 years, fibroblast-derived) was differentiated into neural progenitor cells (NPCs) to examine DSB-related expression changes and CtIP knockdown. Following optimization of a lipid-based small-interfering RNA (siRNA) protocol, CtIP knockdown was performed in control and RTT NPCs, in which HDR and NHEJ activity were measured. Parallel experiments were conducted in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, where we also evaluated nuclear γH2AX foci. A complementary in silico analysis of DSB repair genes was performed to identify additional candidate modifier genes for future functional validation.
Results: CtIP mRNA and protein expression decreased during differentiation of RTT and control iPSCs into NPCs. In RTT NPCs, CtIP foci were significantly increased and mislocalized outside the nucleus compared to controls. CtIP knockdown using our siRNA protocol reduced HDR pathway usage, consistent with its role in DSB-end resection. In MECP2-knockout neuroblastoma cells, γH2AX foci were reduced relative to controls, although overall DNA damage remained within basal range. The in-silico screen prioritized several HDR-related candidate modifiers. Gene expression analysis identified RAD5, ATF1, E2F4, and SMARCB1 dysregulated in RTT iPSCs.
Conclusion: CtIP expression and localization are altered in RTT NPCs, supporting a role for RBBP8 as a potential genetic modifier. Reduced HDR pathway usage following CtIP knockdown further demonstrates the influence of DSB repair dynamics in neural models. Taken together, investigating RBBP8 (CtIP) and related DSB-related genes in future human RTT modifier studies remains important.Canada Research Chairs Initiative
Brain Canada
CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship – MasterFebruary 202