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A relational autonomy argument against public funding for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT): the routinization of NIPT and the geneticization of pregnancy and reproduction
No full textNon-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a genetic test that analyzes cell-free fetal DNA
(cfDNA) in maternal blood as early as ten weeks into pregnancy. It is a reasonably accurate
screening tool for detecting chromosomal conditions such as Patau, Edwards, and Down
syndromes, caused by Trisomy 13, 18, and 21, respectively. Although disability rights advocates
have strongly opposed public funding for NIPT, arguing that government endorsement of the test
sends a discriminatory message, implying that a life without a disability is more valuable than a
life with a disability, several Canadian provinces and territories offer public funding for NIPT,
subject to specific eligibility criteria for pregnant individuals.
Proponents of funded NIPT argue that funding enhances reproductive autonomy by
enabling pregnant individuals to make informed decisions regarding continuing or terminating a
pregnancy. While this dissertation challenges this conventional autonomy argument - that claims
that funded NIPT expands pregnant people’s reproductive choices to terminate or continue
pregnancy - put forth by proponents of funded NIPT, it instead proposes an argument against
funded NIPT based on the concept of relational autonomy. A relational perspective of autonomy,
advocated by feminist bioethicists, focuses on adverse social and structural conditions that can
undermine women’s free reproductive choices.
This dissertation promotes a relational concept of autonomy and argues that public
funding for NIPT can undermine reproductive autonomy by routinizing its use in prenatal care
and normalizing genetic testing in prenatal care that might influence a pregnant person to accept
NIPT without fully considering its implications for their life. If NIPT becomes a standard genetic
test in prenatal care, it may become difficult for many pregnant individuals to decline the test.
Moreover, providing public funding for NIPT can encourage the widespread use of this test,
subtly oppressing individuals to undergo testing and potentially terminate pregnancies based on
results, ultimately undermining their reproductive autonomy.
To cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment within Canadian prenatal care,
governments must revise their NIPT funding policy to disrupt structural barriers to pregnant
people’s reproductive autonomy. The dissertation concludes with recommendations to: enhance
informed decision-making, address the impacts of technological advancements, consider caseby-
case public funding, and foster inclusivity for people with disabilities. These steps can create
a more inclusive prenatal care landscape that upholds reproductive autonomy in a relational
sense
A Study of structures and the binding in cationized host-guest complexes in the gas phase
No full textStudying host-guest complexes in the gas phase provides a way to understand the intrinsic properties of the non-covalent interactions between hosts and guests. Two hosts were studied in the current thesis. One is 1,1,n,n-tetramethyl[n](2,11)teropyrenophane (TMnTP, n=7, 8 ,9), synthesized by Dr. Bodwell’s group, in which the non-planar teropyrene of TMnTP molecules allow alkali metal cations and protonated glycine to associate. The other types of hosts are ethers, including ortho-, meta-, para- and bridge- tetra anisole (TA) substituted anthraquinodimethane (AQ), namely o-TAAQ, m-TAAQ p-TAAQ and b-TAAQ, synthesized by Dr. Zhao’s group. The oxygen atoms, as well as the π electrons enable complexation with alkali metal cations. These cationized host-guest complexes were electrosprayed and isolated in the Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) cell, which allowed tandem mass spectrometry to be performed in order to explore the structures and unimolecular dissociation chemistries of host-guest complexes. Along with experiments, computational methods were also used to obtain proposed structures and energy information to compare with experimental results.
Fragments of the host-guest complexes under sustained off-resonance irradiation collision induced dissociation (SORI-CID) were analyzed. The fragments of M⁺(TMnTP) (M = K, Rb, Cs) complexes are alkali metal cations and TMnTP, whereas the fragments of protonated glycine (GlyH⁺)/TMnTP complexes were Gly and protonated TMnTP. Energy resolved SORI-CID provided relative gaseous stabilities of the host-guest complexes. Two species (endo- and exo- guests/hosts) were observed in both the M⁺(TMnTP) and GlyH⁺/TMnTP by the means of blackbody infrared radiative dissociation (BIRD).
Structures with guests associating the host at different sites were proposed and computed using density functional theory (DFT). In this research, only M⁺(TMnTP) dissociated under infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) in the range of 3150 cm⁻¹ to 2700 cm⁻¹. The experimental IRMPD spectra of M⁺(TMnTP) agreed well with the computed infrared (IR) spectra of endo-M⁺(TMnTP). Additionally, the non-covalent interactions between GlyH⁺ and TMnTP were a little more complicated thus they were visualized using the independent gradient model based on Hirshfeld partition (IGMH), and the nature of these non-covalent interactions were analyzed by natural energy decomposition analysis (NEDA). It showed a strong ion-induced dipole interaction within endo-protonated glycine TMnTP complexes.
As for M⁺(TAAQ) complexes (M = Na, K, Rb, and Cs), they decompose to M⁺ and TAAQ under SORI-CID experiments except lithiated TAAQ and sodiated o-TAAQ. The relative gas phase stabilities of M⁺(TAAQ) were determined both experimentally resulting in the following series Na⁺(TAAQ) > K⁺(TAAQ) > Rb⁺(TAAQ) > Cs⁺(TAAQ). This agreed with the results of NEDA analysis that the interactions between alkali metal cations and TAAQ are electrostatic. The structures of M⁺(TAAQ) complexes were explored using DFT method.Includes bibliographical reference
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) specific housing supports analysis: a sequential needs analysis study in Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada
No full textBackground: Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) face persistent and complex housing challenges. Despite growing recognition of neurodiversity, housing systems remain inadequately prepared to support individuals with ASD transitioning to adulthood. Fragmented policies, systemic barriers, and limited access to appropriate support services intensify these.
Aim: This study aimed to explore and assess the housing needs, barriers, and preferred supports for adults with ASD in NL to inform region-specific, inclusive housing policies.
Methods: Using a sequential mixed-methods approach, the study first conducted a qualitative needs assessment framed by Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, followed by a quantitative survey analysis guided by Bourdieu's Social Capital Theory. Data were collected from adults with ASD, caregivers, and service providers across NL's four regional health authorities. Thematic and descriptive analyses were used to study the experiences of the participants.
Results: Major barriers identified in this study include social isolation, lack of independent living skills, shortage of housing options, and poor inter-agency coordination. Results of both studies showed high dependency on long-term caregiving and indicated the need for life-skills programming and support services that are specific to adults with ASD. Participants of both studies strongly recommended structured and supervised housing models that promote autonomy, while considering their needs.
Conclusion: Collectively, the studies identify the urgent need for coordinated policy change, extensive support services, and housing options that are appropriate for adults with ASD. They also stress the necessity of inter-agency collaboration and recommend more research in this field to guide inclusive and sustainable housing outcomes for adults with ASD
Ghost lighting: community-making with theatre technicians
No full textThis thesis concerns ghost lights, a piece of lighting equipment often used in theatres,
commonly at the discretion of the theatrical stage technicians who work behind the scenes. For
this reason, this work centres the voices of stage technicians, engaging their perspectives through
ethnographic research carried out at professional theatres in English-speaking Canada. Supported
by a variety of folkloristic literature and material from the field of performance studies, this
thesis explores ghost lights through a variety of lenses; first as occupational folklore, where
creating and using a ghost light offers technicians a way to prove membership to the folk group
and their own occupational competence. Second, this thesis explores what ghost lights can tell us
about occupational folk belief, and how this contributes to the theatre folk group's understanding
of community. Finally, this thesis analyzes ghost lights as vernacular expressions of grief and
solidarity during Covid-19. Shared through images on social media, ghost lights were a way of
engaging creativity to provide community care during global crisis. Through this exploration, I
argue that ghost lights offer a mechanism to simultaneously make and mark (Moore and
Myerhoff 1977) members of the technical theatre folk group, providing an avenue to perform
both professional and creative community care
Classification of verb morphology in Sangesari: insights into the grammatical patterns of an endangered language
No full textThis study presents a paradigmatic description of the Sangesari verbal system, and
explores the implications for language learning. Phonological features including consonants,
vowels, syllable structure, and stress patterns are briefly described. Syntactic categories, such as
nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and adverbs, are also discussed. The research reveals three
paradigm classes for the past tense and a single paradigm for the present tense within the
Sangesari verb system. Moreover, it highlights markings for phi-features, tense (present and nonpresent),
aspect (progressive, perfect, double-perfect and imperfect), and mode, providing insight
into Sangesari verb morphology. Based on these findings, recommendations are provided for
effective language learning. Learners are encouraged to focus on mastering the complex verb
morphology of Sangesari through practices such as verb stem formation, recognition of tense and
aspect features, and contextual usage. By focusing on verb structure, learners can build a strong
foundation for proficiency in Sangesari.Includes bibliographical references (pages 65-70
Spontaneous cell immortalization and protein kinase D3 (PKD3) in mouse embryonic fibroblasts: transcriptomic characterization and their potential relation to carcinogenesis
No full textCell immortalization, a hallmark of cancer, enables cells to bypass senescence and develop a highly proliferative phenotype characteristic of various malignancies. Previous research has shown that Protein Kinase D3 (PKD3) acts as a crucial regulator of cell proliferation following spontaneous immortalization, using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) as a model, where its deficiency impairs proliferation by modulating microtubule dynamics. Despite these insights, the comprehensive transcriptomic changes underlying this process remain largely undefined, and the precise molecular mechanisms through which PKD3 contributes to immortalization requires further exploration. In our study, we aimed to elucidate the temporal transcriptomic alterations associated with spontaneous immortalization in MEFs and to identify the gene regulatory networks regulated by PKD3. Our findings revealed significant shifts in the expression of genes governing proliferation, cell adhesion, and transcriptional regulation, highlighting the importance of these processes in maintaining the immortalized state. Notably, PKD3 was shown to modulate genes involved in glucose metabolism, calcium homeostasis, and microtubule dynamics, further reinforcing its role in promoting a proliferative phenotype. To broaden the biological relevance of our findings, we performed a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genomic Data Commons (GDC), and other public repositories, which uncovered dysregulated PKD3 expression and mutation profiles across multiple cancer types, as well as its involvement in the progression of several pathological characteristics, which shows its clinical significance and emphasizes the need for further investigation into its mechanistic contributions
Capital accrual through post-secondary decision-making in the Canadian Modern Orthodox Jewish Community
No full textThis qualitative study explores how cultural, social, and ethnic capital shape access to higher education for Canadian Jewish Modern Orthodox high school graduates. Using semi-structured interviews, my participants included 24 former graduates of Canadian Modern Orthodox Hebrew Academy in Southern Ontario, graduating between the years 2015–2024. Drawing on Bourdieu’s (1986) theories of cultural and social capital and Modood’s (2004) theory of ethnic capital, the study analyzes how young adults from a close-knit community navigate decisions about reputation, marriage, and career, leading to the proposed theory of aspiration capital. Building on previous models of higher education decision-making, including those by Hossler and Gallagher (1987), Perna (2006), Ross (2010), and Iloh (2018), this paper introduces the community capital cultivation model to deepen the analysis. The model reflects two basic types of students: capital cultivators and capital yearners to reflect how, even within specific ethnic communities, there are vast differences in socioeconomic status (SES) and differing higher education pathway options available to these different groups. Community aspiration (Appadurai, 2004; Gale & Parker, 2015) helps to bridge this gap by improving knowledge of pathways and subsequent capital accrual through informed higher education decision-making. Based on over nine years of teaching experience at a Canadian Modern Orthodox Hebrew Academy, the study identifies three main pathways for prospective graduates, involving either: (1) taking a gap year in Israel to study at a yeshiva or seminary institution, (2) going directly to post-secondary education in North America, and (3) enlisting in the Israel Defense Forces. The paper investigates how these pathways impact students’ capital accumulation, revealing that those who choose a gap year in Israel often acquire more capital within their community compared to those who proceed directly to university or military service
AI In Everyday Life: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping Our World
No full textUnpublishedFaculty of Medicin
Advanced AC-AC, AC-DC and DC-DC power electronics converters for smart grid
No full textConverters and controllers of power electronics are the lifeblood of many emerging technologies in manufacturing, information technology and more. This thesis investigates the design, analysis, and implementation of advanced AC-AC, AC-DC and DC-DC power electronics converters for high voltage gain and voltage sag/swell compensation in power grids. Firstly, direct single-phase AC-AC converter by using an auto transformer approach and impedance network is presented. It has buck-boost operation in a single-stage direct AC-AC conversion. The high voltage gain is enabled through magnetic coupling and turn ratios of coupled transformer. Notably, it employs a coupled transformer, achieving high voltage gain while maintaining an optimal switching duty ratio, with a 1:1 unity turn ratio. Secondly, AC-DC converter with three output terminals for use in the DC applications is explained. This converter converts an input AC voltage into two output DC voltages. The output DC voltages can be obtained higher or lower than the input AC voltage. The proposed converter with four active switches is analyzed in detail, and control strategies are developed. Finally, a switched-inductor A-source DC-DC converter with an impedance network is presented. The operations of topology are based on the autotransformer technique, which are effective for a wide range of applications due to better DC voltage gain. This network achieves higher voltage gain with less switching duty cycle by using a minimal turns ratio rather than other magnetically coupled impedance source networks. The previous converters usually have high total harmonic distortion (THD) due to discontinuous input current and are not able to operate in buck-boost mode simultaneously. Integrated circuits are becoming smaller, but existing power electronics converters are still inefficient, large, and expensive. Thus, proposed converters have simple structures, operations and share a common ground between the input and output, which enhances the reliability of the power conversion systems. Experimental results are obtained to validate the operations and effectiveness of the proposed converters for the power grids.Includes bibliographical reference
Exact diagonalization on spin-1/2 pyrochlore cluster with spin configuration and entanglement discussion
No full textIn quantum physics, if we can find the eigenstates |Φᵢ⟩ of a Hamiltonian , and the respective eigenergies ᵢ, we can calculate many aspects such as time evolution, or its thermal properties. Exact diagonalization is a method which can solve the Hamiltonian numerically. For a small Hamiltonian system, we can find the eigenvalues by solving the characteristic polynomial equation of the matrix. However, as the system grows larger, the calculation will grow exponentially. Instead of calculating the eigenstates directly, we will use the unitary transformation matrix to block diagonalize the Hamiltonian first. As a consequence, instead of
solving the Hamiltonian directly, we will solve each block. In order to find the unitary transformation matrix U, we will use the symmetry of the Hamiltonian, and with the help of group theory, we can construct matrix and do the block diagonalization. In Chapter 3 we do the block diagonaliztion on a 16-site cluster of pyrochlore magnet. We use the full space group No. 227 to block diagonalize the Hamiltonian matrix into 14 blocks with different degeneracy. In Chapter 4, we analyze the spin states by varying the exchange constants. In Chapter 5, we use the ground state to discuss the quantum entanglement between different sites
in the ground state. We also evaluate the ~I~ concurrence of the ground states