VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Performing Animals: Analyzing Live Animals in the Arts and their Impacts on Our Environmental Perceptions of the Animal Other
Keywords: Animals
Circus
Environmental Education
Theatre

My thesis research is a critical and ethical analysis of live animals in the performing arts, and their impact on environmental perceptions of the animal other. How does viewing an animal on stage, in a performative role, engender particular reactions from audiences in terms of how and what we learn about those animals. What is the interplay between performance arts, live animals, and their audiences, and how do modes of presentation influence ongoing relationships between those three elements? I investigated these questions through the lens of “geodrama”, which calls for re-reading historical texts to “discover our past sense of place with nature” (Chaplin xix), to learn how the resulting ‘performances’ have come to inform our contemporary environmental perspectives. My research comprised of three major case studies: nineteenth-century circus elephants; twentieth-century SeaWorld orcas; and a starkly different contemporary work by performance art duo Olly and Suzi, called Shark Bite. By putting these three works into conversation, I interrogate the tradition of animals in performance arts, and question how these relationships may evolve. My research combined primary and secondary historical materials, and theoretical analysis of the primary case studies, based on considerations for ecological performances laid out by Gail J. Kuhl (on what constitutes ethical ecological art), and Theresa J. May (on what realworld implications and ecological realities the works reflect). I discovered there is a strong desire for tangible encounters with animals through artistic performance. There is also a strong tendency to supplant animal realities for anthropocentric narratives that necessitate captivity for entertainment and education. However, there is an equally strong desire for these relationships to be ethical or to support the idea that the animals are being incorporated into the performance willingly, and audience perceptions on the animal performer are quickly evolving to reflect this.
Plant evolution, soil ecosystems, and feedback
Keywords: competition
drought
plant-microbe interactions
plant microbiome
plant-soil feedback

Plants are inextricably linked to their environment. They can alter biotic and abiotic properties of soil ecosystems, which in turn can feed back to affect plant performance. My thesis explores this dynamic link between plants and soil at microevolutionary (within plant species) and macroevolutionary (between plant species) scales. In the microevolutionary half of my thesis I first test whether genetic variation, range-wide geographic trait clines and contemporary evolution in the focal plant species Oenothera biennis (Onagraceae) influence soil ecosystems. I found strong effects of plant genetic variation and evolution, but not geographic origin, on the structure of soil invertebrate communities and ecosystem processes such as soil respiration, litter decay and N mineralization rates. Finally, to understand how soil may be influencing plant evolution, I test whether variation in soil microbial communities can alter plant evolution across two common environmental stressors, competition and drought. I found that soil microbes drastically modify plant fitness, the expression of, and natural selection on flowering time. In the macroevolutionary half of my thesis I use a set of co-occurring plant species to investigate how evolutionary divergence over longer timescales influences plant-soil interactions. First, I conducted a multi-generational experiment to understand the drivers of plant–soil feedback (PSF) across 50 plant species. I found that evolutionary divergence and overall phenotypic similarity were poor predictors of soil feedback, however individual plant traits were strongly related to PSF. Next, I characterized the assembly and ecological function of the root microbiome across 30 plant species. Close plant relative exhibited high similarity in the diversity and composition of their root microbiota. Furthermore, patterns of root microbial recruitment among host plant species were related to PSF and plant drought tolerance. My thesis provides a unique evolutionary perspective on the reciprocal interactions between plants and soil.
The Biology of Social Adversity in Oral Disease
Keywords: Biological embodiment
Biopsychosocial
Cortisol
Periodontal disease
Psychosocial stress
Stress

Several pathways have been proposed to explain the relationship between adverse social and living conditions and oral health outcomes. However, little is known about the underlying biological mechanisms by which the social “gets under the skin” to bring about oral diseases. This work aims to investigate the pathobiological pathways by which adverse social exposures (focusing on socioeconomic position), become embodied in oral and systemic inflammation. The specific objectives are to: (1) evaluate the evidence on social-biological interactions in oral disease; (2) assess the contribution of socioeconomic factors to the association between periodontal and systemic inflammation; (3) assess socioeconomic differences in periodontal and oral immune parameters; and (4) examine the contribution of psychosocial stress factors and the activation of the stress pathway in these relationships. To do this, we first conducted a systematic review, based on which a conceptual model was plotted, followed by an analysis of secondary NHANES IV data where the contribution of socioeconomic position to the relationship between periodontal and systemic inflammation was assessed. Finally, an analysis of primary data was conducted to assess the socioeconomic differences in periodontal disease and oral immune outcomes and the contribution of financial stress, perceived stress and the stress hormone cortisol to these differences. Overall, the results showed that socioeconomic factors attenuate the relationship between periodontal disease and systemic inflammation, and that individuals on the lower rungs of the socioeconomic hierarchy are at a greater risk for a pro-inflammatory oral immune system that potentially increases their vulnerability to periodontal tissue damage. This relationship was significantly attenuated by the effect of financial and perceived stress and cortisol, indicating a biopsychosocial pathway between socioeconomic exposures and periodontal disease. Collectively, the results from this work show that the socioeconomic, psychosocial and biological factors have a convergent role in the oral disease process. Integrated policy solutions that target these underlying factors in oral disease and associated inequalities are required.
Fish Community Responses to the Land Use Change and Environmental Variability in Estuaries
Keywords: community ecology
environmental change
estuaries
functional connectivity
stream networks
watersheds

Understanding how species communities respond to land use and environmental change over space and time is necessary given the rapidly changing environment that threaten species persistence. In intrinsically dynamic environments such as estuaries, the spatial and temporal environmental variability at the interface of freshwater and marine ecosystems result in species that persist with morphological or physiological adaptations to these changing environmental conditions. Yet, estuarine fish communities are facing further change as a result of the loss of functional connectivity through stream fragmentation due to culverts that impede fish passage upstream, and land use change as well as climate change among estuaries that reduce habitat quality. It is unknown how the extent of environmental change due to land use and climate change in estuaries and their associated watersheds affect estuarine fish communities in addition to natural variability. In this thesis, I determine how fish communities in estuaries respond to land use impact and environmental variability at the stream and watershed levels. The functional connectivity of species is impacted by stream fragmentation due to culverts upstream of New Brunswick estuaries and their watersheds. I show that the potential functional connectivity of species varies according to migratory traits and the ontogeny of species. In the Miramichi watershed, I assess how forest harvesting and weather fluctuations affect the density of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) at the watershed level. I demonstrate that accounting for the upstream forest harvesting have cumulative impacts on juvenile Atlantic salmon through each catchment downstream and over time. Within and among the estuaries, I find evidence that fish communities shift according to environmental change. My findings relating to the effects of land use and environmental variability from streams to the watersheds would result in a better predictive capacity of how estuarine fish communities will potentially change or persist.
Music Learning in an Online Affinity Space: Using a Mobile Application to Create Interactions During Independent Musical Instrument Practice
Keywords: independent practice
mobile learning
piano
social interaction
studio instruction
technology

This research study considers the effects of the implementation of a mobile application designed for use during music students’ independent practice sessions between weekly lessons. Designed as an intrinsic case study, this research examines interactions within a shared online space, as facilitated by the mobile app called PracticeCactus. During their piano practice, a group of young, committed students, aged 10 to 15, used the app for 20 weeks, prompting an investigation of the effects of facilitating social interactions in the context of independent piano practice. Drawing on social constructivism and sociocultural theory, this research positions music learners as engaging in music learning through active experiences, in certain cultural contexts, and in the midst of interactions. Influenced by the work of James Paul Gee, the research context is conceptualized as an affinity space where learners participate in a variety of ways based on their common interest in piano playing. Participation in the affinity space, (i.e., using the PracticeCactus app), included opportunities for learners to share piano practice with their peers and to hear their peers’ contributions. In addition, the app provided opportunities for students to become aware when other students in their studio were practising. Data sources included: (a) two interviews with each student; (b) artefacts students created within the PracticeCactus app including musical recordings and comments; (c) field notes; and (d) four group music-sharing sessions. Throughout the course of the study, students’ use of the app changed, reflecting a move toward the social praxis philosophy of music learning. As a result of using PracticeCactus, students described their opportunities to play piano in a low-stakes, participatory environment, to engage in focused listening, to receive feedback and encouragement, and to share musical accomplishments. In addition, students described how the mobile app fostered social connections, affinity, and fun. Suggestions for future research are offered, as well as a discussion of implications for studio music teachers and mobile app developers.
Experiencing the Activity of Teaching “At-Risk” College Mathematics Students: Perspectives of Two College Teachers
Keywords: At-risk
College Mathematics
Instructors Experience
Learning Environments
Non-cognitive Issues
Teaching Strategies

This study investigates how two mathematics instructors experience the activity of teaching ‘at-risk’ learners in preparatory college courses. This study was borne out of the need to understand and articulate how to engage and teach the ‘at-risk’ college mathematics learner. This study employs qualitative methods to describe, analyze and compare the instruction of ‘at-risk’ college mathematics learners. The two case studies reveal the similarities and differences in experiencing instruction that arise when teaching ‘at-risk’ college mathematics learners. Specifically, this study examined three areas with respect to teacher experience and understanding of: (a) teaching strategies; (b) non-cognitive/affective issues; and, (c) open and responsive learning environments. There are eight major findings that were influential in the participants negotiation of teaching ‘at-risk' college mathematics students as it related to the above areas: (1) Conferences are a good way to provide individual attention to ‘at-risk’ college mathematics students; (2) Both individualized or lecture style delivery methods could be used; (3) College instructors of ‘at-risk’ mathematics students believe that they could create positive attitudes about mathematics by using humour, using praise, being caring, being patient, engaging in personal life stories, recognizing confusion and frustration in their students and being sensitive to outside pressures experienced by students; (4) The positive learning environment created by the College instructors of ‘at-risk’ mathematics students lead to self-regulation by the student. Providing conferences for personal attention, providing individualized educational plans and providing constant teacher feedback kept students focused on their end goals; (5) College instructors of ‘at-risk’ mathematics students believe that the emotional state of their students is important to their overall learning and that more could be done to access emotional support for students; (6) College instructors of ‘at-risk’ mathematics students used minimal technology and did not believe that the use of technology would enhance their instruction; (7) College instructors of ‘at-risk’ mathematics students were mindful and responsive to the individual differences among their students; and (8) By encouraging students to articulate their lack of understanding, instructors were able to identify areas of individual needs and assist their ‘at-risk’ students.
Exploring Novel Chemical Space: From Small Molecules to Cyclic Peptides
Keywords: amphoteric
boron
cyclol
epigenetic
medium-sized ring
target validation

Lipinski and Hopkins famously stated that “chemical space is for all practical purposes infinite and limited only by the chemist's imagination”. Chemists venturing forth to explore uncharted areas of chemical space are faced with the ongoing challenge of developing efficient synthetic strategies to access new and biologically relevant molecular architectures. This thesis reports on the development of novel chemoselective reactions and molecular building blocks to establish methods of synthesis for a variety of challenging scaffolds, from small molecules to medium-sized rings. In this area, organoboron reagents play indispensable roles in chemical synthesis, providing a versatile synthetic handle that is pivotal in accessing a broader chemical space. Boron-containing amphoteric molecules therefore represent a means for developing flexible, chemoselective routes to densely functionalized borylated molecules. Chapter 1 discusses the development of a new class of amphoteric building block, the dicarbonyl MIDA boronates, and their application toward previously inaccessible borylated heterocycles through condensation chemistry. Chapter 2 outlines a novel methodology for the synthesis of 8-11 membered medium-sized rings and cyclic tripeptides. This work is based on an integrative approach wherein cyclic amides are converted into more electrophilic imides, which subsequently undergo ring expansions to yield the desired rings. Finally, Chapter 3 describes an ongoing collaboration with the Structural Genomics Consortium in Toronto for the development of potent chemical probes for epigenetic protein targets. Target validation studies, which include optimizing expression, purification and crystallization of several proteins, as well as the development and screening of a small library of small molecules produced by members of the Yudin group are discussed in detail.
Working Memory Performance in Youth Following Concussion: Exploring Development, Performance Errors and Variability
Keywords: Cognition
Concussion
Intraindividual Variability
Reaction Time
Working Memory
Youth

Concussion represents a growing concern for youth in Canada. Following concussion, youth present with reduced cognitive performance, including working memory (WM) and processing speed. Youth represent a population of special interest following concussion, with longer recovery than adults and potential impact to the long-term development of cognitive abilities. This thesis explored changes in WM performance and processing speed in youth aged 10-14 years following concussion. The greater objective was to describe how WM performance changes in youth to inform development of clinical assessment and treatment. The initial study chapter described WM performance in uninjured youth athletes and explored how performance errors and variability relate to age (n=96; aged 9-12 years). The following two study chapters compared pre- and post-concussion WM performance through accuracy and performance errors, and average reaction time (RT) and intraindividual variability of reaction times (n=21 and 18 respectively; aged 10-14 years). All studies utilized an experimental verbal and non-verbal WM task. Developmental findings showed a positive relationship between verbal and nonverbal WM accuracy and age, and a negative relationship between verbal WM false alarms and age. The chapters exploring concussion found decreased verbal WM accuracy, increased verbal WM false alarms and miss errors, and increased nonverbal WM false alarms and intraindividual variability. Overall findings suggest that following concussion, youth exhibit reduced WM performance, false alarms may be more sensitive to WM performance change following concussion than accuracy, and variability in RT may be more sensitive to processing speed changes than average speed following concussion in youth. Clinical implications of reduced WM performance and variability in reaction time include decreased performance in activities of daily living such as school and sport.
YOUTH SUICIDE-RELATED THOUGHTS AND ATTEMPTS IN CANADA: EXPLAINING THE ROLE OF CHILDHOOD EXPOSURE TO MATERNAL DEPRESSION
Keywords: incidence
maternal depression
social support
suicide attempts
suicide-related thoughts
youth

Objectives: Objectives of this thesis were to: 1) determine the cumulative incidence of suicide-related thoughts (SRT) and attempts (SA) in Canadian youth and young adults; 2) estimate the association between exposure to maternal depressive symptoms during the first decade of life and subsequent SRT and SA; and 3) identify possible moderators (sex, family structure, maternal social support and social cohesion) and mediators (child psychiatric symptoms) of this association in Canadian youth and young adults. Methods: A cohort was constructed by linking all cycles from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, a nationally representative survey, from 1994-2009 in respondents 0-25 years. Exposure to maternal-reported depressive symptoms and moderators were measured when offspring were between 0-10 years, while mediators were measured when offspring were between 6-10 years. Offspring self-reported incident and recurrent SRT and SA were measured between 11-25 years. Time-to-event models under a counting process framework were used to estimate cumulative incidence, measures of associations and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The incidence of SRT between 11-25 years was 29% (95% CI: 26-31%) in females and 19% (95% CI: 16-23%) in males, and the incidence of SA between 11-25 years was 16% (95% CI: 14-19%) in females and 7% (95% CI: 6-8%) in males. The risk of incident and recurrent SRT and SA was significantly elevated among females exposed to maternal depressive symptoms, but not in males. Hyperactivity/inattention and psychiatric comorbidity were significant mediators, explaining 60% of the association with SRT and SA, and 50% of the association with SA, respectively. Conclusions: These findings have implications for earlier age implementation of suicide prevention programs and upstream selective approaches. Family-based preventions targeting families where a mother is depressed, prenatal screening, and clinician monitoring of high-risk families could reduce the risk of entering the trajectory towards suicide.
Issues of Participation: Exploring Ideals of Participation Through a Digital Design Project with a Public Library
Keywords: co-design
human-centred design
participation
Participatory Action Research
participatory design
public libraries

Weak forms of ‘user involvement’ are often conflated with ‘participation’, eroding the personal, social and political potential of participation. In this thesis, I explore ideals of participation in the context of a digital design project to understand why digital teams that engage users in conventional human-centred design (HCD) may not adopt a more participatory approach such as Participatory Design (PD) that engages users in authentic participation based on mutual learning. As a foundation, I traced the parallel but distinct trajectories of HCD and PD, identifying tensions between them based on differences in ideals of participation. Drawing on a range of participatory practices, I also derived the Issues of Participation framework comprised of seven issues: goals, representation, power relations, context, effectiveness, transformations, and sustainability. I demonstrate that these issues can help distinguish PD from HCD. In my fieldwork, I took a Participatory Action Research approach by engaging digital designers on the Account Redesign Project (ARP) at the Toronto Public Library (TPL) as co-researchers. Through a series of workshops, we reflected on participation generally and within ARP. Our reflections shed light on differences in ideals between HCD and PD as well as some of the barriers to moving beyond HCD to engaging library members in more participatory ways. I found that my co-researchers adopted HCD’s pragmatic goal of involving users as informants in order to improve the digital product and had little awareness of PD’s democratic goal of engaging users in authentic participation that gives them a say, not just a voice. Nonetheless, within TPL, they were champions for the inclusion of library members in the design of services. My findings suggest that by addressing personal and organizational barriers, designers practicing HCD may adopt and champion PD. My thesis addresses deeply held concerns within PD about “how participatory a design project has to be so as to ‘qualify’ as a PD project” (Bratteteig Wagner, 2014, p. 117). I argue that distinguishing PD from HCD is valuable in raising awareness of the democratic goals of PD, reclaiming an authentic meaning of participation, and enabling users to achieve more ‘say’ in their future.