The Authors Acknowledge The Contributions Of The Extension Agents In Each Of The Six Southwest States In Nigeria, Who Provided Links Between Our Survey Team And The Farmers During Data Collection., Obed Appiah, Kwame Oppong Hackman, Belko Abdoul Aziz Diallo, Kehinde O. Ogunjobi, Son Diakalia, Ouedraogo Valentin, Damoue Abdoul-Karim, Gaston Dabire

All Grantees Publications

This study presents PlanteSaine, a novel mobile application powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) models explicitly designed for maize, tomato, and onion farmers in Burkina Faso. Agriculture in Burkina Faso, like many developing nations, faces substantial challenges from plant pests and diseases, posing threats to both food security and economic stability. PlanteSaine addresses these challenges by offering a comprehensive solution that provides farmers with real-time identification of pests and diseases. Farmers capture images of affected plants with their smartphones, and PlanteSaine’s AI system analyzes these images to provide accurate diagnoses. The application’s offline functionality ensures accessibility even in remote areas with …

Rwandan Farmers’ Perceptions Of The Acoustic Environment And The Potential For Acoustic Monitoring, Destiny Kwabla Amenyedzi, Micheline Kazeneza, Frederic Nzanywayingoma, Philibert Nsengiyumva

All Grantees Publications

Monitoring the farm acoustic environment can provide important information about processes affecting crop production. This paper assesses farmers’ knowledge and attitudes toward acoustic technology for farm monitoring in Rwanda. Stratified random sampling was used to select 430 farmers from 3 sectors. Demographic, farm, and technical knowledge data were collected from farmers with a survey. Cross-tabulation results show farmers with secondary and university education are more interested in acoustic technology than those with a primary education and farmers engaged in commercial farming are more interested in technology for monitoring acoustic sources than subsistence farmers. However, nearly all farmers are willing to …

Evaluation Of The Awareness Of Electromagnetic Compatibility And Interference For Improved Medical Device Management Observed In Selected Rwanda District Hospitals, Chiedza Hwata Mtecha, Omar Gatera, Omar Gatera,, Ritsch Nicola, Therese Meng, Rushingabigwi Gerard, Twizere Celestin, Mukalinyigira Didacienne, Thomas Bolaji, Nsengiyera Daniel

All Grantees Publications

Accuracy and reliability of medical device measurements are essential for high-quality healthcare delivery. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is 1 of the conditions that can be monitored when managing electronic and wireless medical devices in hospitals. Noncompliance with EMC can lead to electromagnetic interference (EMI), risking catastrophic failures, especially in vital sign devices such as defibrillators and pacemakers, and potentially irreversible harm to patients’ health. This study assessed the knowledge of biomedical engineers and technicians regarding EMC and EMI in hospital devices and their effects. It also examines how hospitals manage biomedical equipment and the frequency of wireless communication usage. This study …

Numerical Analysis On The Use Of Carbon Nanostructures As Interlayers To Perovskite Solar Cells Using Scaps-1d, Wisly Fidel, Guido Perrin, Ikram Anefnaf, Richard K. Koech, Dieuseul Prédélus, Nicole Doumit, Jacques Botsoa, Conchi O. Ania

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Despite the numerous efforts to optimize the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), challenges persist. Carbon materials are promising candidates for this purpose, but identifying the most suitable carbon material and understanding its role in the PSC among the wide family of carbons remains a challenging task. In this study, SCAPS-1D software is employed to optimize the use of carbon materials as interlayers to PSCs. The best configuration of the carbon interlayer and the required physicochemical properties of the carbon materials is identified for improved performance. The simulations show that the insertion of thin carbon interlayers of adequate features in …

System Design For A Prototype Acoustic Network To Deter Avian Pests In Agriculture Fields, Destiny Kwabla Amenyedzi, Micheline Kazeneza, Ipyana Issah Mwaisekwa, Frederic Nzanywayingoma, Philibert Nsengiyumva, Peace Bamurigire, Emmanuel Ndashimye, Anthony Vodacek

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Crop damage attributed to pest birds is an important problem, particularly in low-income countries. This paper describes a prototype system for pest bird detection using a Conv1D neural network model followed by scaring actions to reduce the presence of pest birds on farms. Acoustic recorders were deployed on farms for data collection, supplemented by acoustic libraries. The sounds of pest bird species were identified and labeled. The labeled data were used in Edge Impulse to train a tinyML Conv1D model to detect birds of interest. The model was deployed on Arduino Nano 33 BLE Sense (nodes) and XIAO (Base station) …

Optimization Of Desorption Parameters Using Response Surface Methodology For Enhanced Recovery Of Arsenic From Spent Reclaimable Activated Carbon: Eco-Friendly And Sorbent Sustainability Approach, Jonas Bayuo

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Desorption and adsorbent regeneration are imperative factors that are required to be taken into account when designing the adsorption system. From the environmental, economic, and practical points of view, regeneration is necessary for evaluating the efficiency and sustainability of synthesized adsorbents. However, no study has investigated the optimization of arsenic species desorption from spent adsorbents and their regeneration ability for reuse as well as safe disposal. This study aims to investigate the desorption ability of arsenic ions adsorbed on hybrid granular activated carbon and the optimization of the independent factors influencing the efficient recovery of arsenic species from the spent …

Energy Efficiency Analysis Of Solar Water Heating Systems With Sensible Heat Storage In Mozambique, Fernando Chichango, Luís Cristóvão, Jorge Nhambiu, Fabião Cumbe, Gil Gabriel Mavanga

All Grantees Publications

Considering the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions and the need to reduce electricity costs, dependence on fossil fuels and deforestation, the aim of this article is to present a case study of the implementation performance of solar heating systems with sensible heat storage in Mozambique. This study investigates the efficiency of these systems when heat storage systems are integrated. The case study method includes the collection of empirical data through field measurements and computer simulations. The results indicate that the solar heater, when integrated with thermal storage systems, has high energy efficiency potential. The simulations show that, by storing …

Flying Through The Air With The Greatest Of Ease? Evaluation Of Glide Capability In Basal Maniraptoran Theropods, Norah Zoller, Kierra Miller, Michael B. Habib, Hans C. Larsson, T. Alexander Deccechi

Annual Research Symposium

Pterosaurs, a lineage of Mesozoic flying archosaurs, include the largest flying animals ever known. Quetzalcoatlus nortropi a Late Cretaceous representative, had a wingspan of over 10 m and likely weighed more than 200 kg. It presents a combination of features (large head, massive wingspan, shoulder height equivalent to an extant giraYe) that has led to ecological interpretations of it as a major predator in the North American Maastrichtian Biome, perhaps second to only Tyrannosaurus rex. Here we examine the probability of that from an energetics perspective. Despite the great wingspan of Quetzalcoatlus, the body length (gleno- acetabular distance) is relatively …

Terror From The Skies?: Investigating The Energetics And Feeding Ecology Of One Of The Largest Pterosaurs: Quetzalcoatlus Northropi, Kierra Miller, T. Alexander Deccechi

Annual Research Symposium

Our goal is to assess the gut capacity and energetics requirements for Q. northropi in order to understand the role that it played when living.

Synthesis And Biophysical Analysis Of Modified Cell-Penetrating Peptides, Joel Mitchell

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are a family of peptides that have the ability to penetrate biological membranes. They were discovered in the late 1980s and have been the topic of many studies. Much of the interest in CPPs has been due to their ability to translocate biological membranes, and the possibility that they could offer a novel drug delivery method by conjugation to biologically active molecules. Linear CPPs can be modified to form cyclic structures. This change in structure has been observed to enhance the stability and penetrative ability of the CPPs which have been studied. The current thesis focuses on …

Modulation Of Persistent Inward Currents With Changes In Posture And Cutaneous Sensory Input, Ryan William Weller

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Spinal motor neuron (MN) persistent inward currents (PIC) increase and sustain the MN output. PIC is amplified by descending monoamines and reduced by afferent inhibition. There is strong coupling between plantar cutaneous sensory input and lower limb MNs. Given that monoaminergic drive is altered with postures and motor tasks, our purpose was to assess posture-dependent plantar cutaneous sensory modulation of tibialis anterior (TA) MNs. We hypothesize that: 1) a supine position will suppress PIC, 2) removing the load from the bottom of the heel will inflate PIC, and 3) cutaneous stimulation of the plantar aspect of the heel will reduce …

Advancing The Implementation Of Connectivity Conservation In Canada: A Case Study Of The Policy And Management Environment Of The Chignecto Isthmus Region, Rachel Hodgson

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Connectivity conservation is a means to enable the unimpeded movement of species and the flow of natural processes to sustain life. Understanding how connectivity conservation functions between parks and protected and conserved areas is a key component of addressing the global biodiversity crisis. The governance and associated policy environment of protected and conserved areas is often complex, and it is challenging for practitioners to understand how connectivity conservation practices can function. In this case study, protected and conserved areas practitioners working in the Chignecto Isthmus region of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada were interviewed assist in better understanding the …

Workplace Wellbeing And Sense Of Mattering Among Small And Medium Enterprise Workers In Canada, Kyle Smilovsky

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) are an under researched area when it comes to workplace wellbeing in Canada. The current research used the Job-Demands Resource Framework (JD-R) to study how a Community Psychology concept, sense of mattering, relates to workload, and indicators of wellbeing (i.e., burnout and flourishing). Specifically, this study tested whether sense of mattering moderates the association between workload and both burnout and flourishing. Moderated mediation models were also tested to see if workload is indirectly associated with burnout and flourishing through distress, while being moderated by sense of mattering. Questionnaires were administered to 2,500 Canadian SME workers …

Situational Competition And The Motivational Climate Of Competitive Sport Teams, Ethan Cowie

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Situational competition is a form of intrateam competition (i.e., the type of competition that occurs within a team) that is organized by the coach, has a clear start and end point, can occur between any two members of the same team, and is a crucial method of preparing athletes for gameday (Harenberg et al., 2016a). Motivational climate is a theory that describes the motivational influence that various social agents (e.g., the coach) exert on athletes (Ames, 1992). A performance climate is traditionally labelled as comprising of competitive tasks (e.g., situational competition) and social comparison (Ames, 1992). This climate implies an …

Experiences Of Peer Interaction Amongst Autistic Lgbtq+ Youth In Secondary Institutions, Brianna Comeau

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This study uncovered the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth on the autism spectrum in Ontario secondary institutions and examined how their interactions with peers shape identity, mental health, well-being, and social belonging. This qualitative research involved interviewing six autistic LGBTQ+ youth across Ontario over Zoom. The study was guided by constructivism, critical theory, neurodiversity, and intersectionality. Results suggest that participants faced discrimination through microaggressions, peer victimization, and stereotyping, which led to feeling less safe in their school environments. Participants also had positive, affirming experiences relating to other peers standing up for them and recognizing their identities, as well as through supporting …

Structural And Functional Analysis Of The Putatively Virulent Gene Products Tde1414, Tde1511, And Tde2714 From The Oral Pathogen Treponema Denticola, Brock W. Corbett

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Periodontitis is a destructive polymicrobial disease of the teeth and gums characterized by dental plaque biofilms on the tooth surface, severe inflammation of surrounding gum tissues, and the resorption of alveolar bone. Discussed as one of the most prevalent conditions plaguing humankind, increased clinical parameters of periodontitis is associated with the increased presence of three bacteria known as the “red complex”: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola. Various transcriptomic and proteomic studies of T. denticola when incorporated into mature biofilms have illuminated key gene targets the bacterium may use as virulence factors to aid in pathogenesis. …

Dual Relationships Of Psychotherapeutically Untrained Imams Who Counsel Their Congregants: A Qualitative Study, Muhammad Abuelezz

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Abstract

Canadian Imams, like many other religious leaders, provide counselling for members of their congregations though most of them have no formal training in psychotherapeutic counselling. The very nature of the Imams’ multiple roles in the community leads to the development of dual relationships. These dual relationships can create an ethical dilemma for Imams because they have a potential to affect the congregants positively or detrimentally. This phenomenological qualitative study explored the lived experience of 15 psychotherapeutically untrained Canadian Imams with dual relationships. Within a psychotherapeutic and an Islamic theoretical framework, this study provided a thorough analysis of five superordinate …

Multiscale Modelling Of Brain Networks And The Analysis Of Dynamic Processes In Neurodegenerative Disorders, Hina Shaheen

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The complex nature of the human brain, with its intricate organic structure and multiscale spatio-temporal characteristics ranging from synapses to the entire brain, presents a major obstacle in brain modelling. Capturing this complexity poses a significant challenge for researchers. The complex interplay of coupled multiphysics and biochemical activities within this intricate system shapes the brain's capacity, functioning within a structure-function relationship that necessitates a specific mathematical framework. Advanced mathematical modelling approaches that incorporate the coupling of brain networks and the analysis of dynamic processes are essential for advancing therapeutic strategies aimed at treating neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), which afflict millions of …

Predictors Of Canadians’ Psychological Well-Being In Retirement: A Mixed Methods Approach, Jessica Miller

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

In prior decades, retirement research focused on the negative effects of the life transition—such as negative psychological well-being caused by factors such as difficulties adjusting to retirement, feelings of a role loss, or the financial effects of retirement. However, there is considerable agreement across recent research studies that post-retirement years are marked by positive psychological well-being due to a variety of factors. For example, retirees often spend more time in roles (such as volunteer positions) that provide life satisfaction. The present study uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine factors related to well-being in retirement among individuals living in …

Variation In Mainland Northwest Territories Late-Winter Muskox (Ovibos Moschatus) Density Estimations And Habitat Associations Above And Below Treeline., Charlotte Rentmeister

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The Arctic and Sub-Arctic ecosystems are seeing accelerated changes in temperature, landcover, and consequently species abundance and distributions. Reliable distributions, and associated population density estimates, are essential for effective conservation and management efforts. Growing concerns from northern communities regarding the relationship between muskox and declining caribou populations strengthens the need for updated information on muskox populations within mainland Northwest Territories (NWT). The first objective for my research was to quantify and map updated winter estimates of abundance, density, and distribution of muskoxen within three recent survey regions located in mainland NWT, using a multiple covariate distance sampling method (MCDS), paired …

Evaluating The Risk Posed By Gadolinium In The Grand River Watershed, Johann Memmel

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Gadolinium (Gd) is a rare earth element (REE), primarily used in contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with additional applications in metallurgy, phosphors, neutron shielding, and other niche applications. Both Gd and Gd-based contrast agents (GBCAs, the form used for MRIs) have been detected downstream of wastewater effluent discharges and there is currently little research into the risk this poses to aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated the potential environmental risks of Gd and GBCAs using the Grand River watershed (GRW) in southwestern Ontario as a model ecosystem due to it containing a variety of land uses (urban, industrial, agricultural) …

Geochemistry Of Rare Earth Elements In Simulated Natural Waters: Experiments And Modelling Of Precipitation, Complexation, And Bioavailability., Samantha Zulian

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Rare earth elements (REEs) are an important part of modern technology and used for many applications. Mining, agriculture, improper recycling and medical applications can increase the concentration of these elements in surface waters. Metals in the environment including REEs can be found naturally but understanding the implications increase concentrations from anthropogenic inputs is important. REE mobility, persistence and toxicity is imperative to risk assessment as Canada begins to mine REE. Ultimately, as with other metals, the impacts of REEs in the environment should be dependent on the specific physical and chemical forms of the elements. Fractionation provides a practical method …

Grammatical Aspect, Temporal Adverbs, And Situation Models, Valerie Hemeon

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Grammatical aspect and temporal cues have been shown to impact discourse processing. To explore this further, we contrasted temporal adverbs that move narrative timelines forward or backward. Although previous research has examined timelines independently, it was yet to be explored how timeline adverbs impact discourse processing when grammatical aspect and temporal cues are also manipulated. The experiment involved a sentence-completion task which allowed us to measure availability of target discourse concepts in situation models. Results showed main effects for grammatical aspect, temporal shifts, and narrative timeline directions. Three two-way interactions were found. The results demonstrated support for the iconicity assumption …

Unexpected Ring Opening Reactions, Solid-State Structures, And A Chemiluminescent Reaction, L Hiscock

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Functional π-materials involve the use of an aromatic π-system to carry out a function such as electron transport (organic electronics), absorbing and emitting photons (dyes, fluorescent materials), self-assembly (discotic liquid crystals), or sensors for various analytes. Our lab has recently published the syntheses of heteroaromatic derivatives of tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile (TFTP, 2.24) synthesised via nucleophilic aromatic substitution chemistry. The prepared derivatives have displayed fluorescent (e.g. 2.2)1 and liquid crystalline (1.0)2 properties, as well as displaying close π-π interactions in the solid state (2.8).3 As the materials we are synthesising all belong to the class of aromatic compounds, an introduction to aromaticity and …

Examining The Mental Health Experiences Of Lgbtq+ Identifying Muslim Students In Ontario’S Post-Secondary Institutions, Bushra Ahmed

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This qualitative study explores the unique mental health experiences of Ontario’s LGBTQ+ Muslims in post-secondary settings. The study looks at how LGBTQ+ Muslim students’ mental wellness (i.e., sense of belonging, feeling affirmed in their intersecting identities of being Muslim and belonging to LGBTQ+ community) is affected as they try to navigate systemic barriers and make space for themselves in various settings (i.e., academic, LGBTQ+ affirming spaces, Muslim-specific spaces, student services) on campuses in Ontario, Canada. The study sample consists of four LGBTQ+ identified Muslim students across post-secondary institutions in Ontario and participants discussed their emotional, mental, and sense of belonging …

Social-Emotional Outcomes In Emerging Adults With Adhd: The Influence Of Self-Compassion On Peer Rejection, Rejection Sensitivity, And Psychological Distress, Alia Hussain

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Emerging adulthood, the developmental period ranging from 18 to 29 years, is a critical stage of development in which individuals grow their social skills, set and achieve life goals, learn to live independently, and further develop brain regions involved in higher-level cognition, shaped by their environment and experiences throughout emerging adulthood. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with adverse interpersonal outcomes. Approximately 5 to 8% of emerging adults are reported to have an ADHD diagnosis and may be at higher risk than typically developing emerging adults for unfavourable developmental outcomes. This heightened risk may be attributed to their …

Leadership And Emergent Faith Communities In Canada: A Phenomenological Study, Anne Anderson

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The purpose of this study is to explore how participants within emergent faith communities in Canada experience leadership. Through a phenomenological approach, members from five emergent faith communities across Canada have been interviewed in a semi-structured format. Emerging themes of transformational leadership, community along with belonging, and possible future areas of research will be discussed.

Coordination Chemistry Using Strategic Design Of Ligands For Switchable Properties, Delara Joekar

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Coordination-driven self-assemblies are multifunctional molecular systems that provide an efficient method for miniaturization towards functional devices with diverse applications. Herein, the synthesis of novel pyrazole-based ligands suitable for construction of coordination assemblies is reported. These were designed using a strategy that incorporates the presence of both cationic and anionic coordination sites, and a third site for further functionalization. This design strategy has been used because there is still a knowledge gap for controlling the directionality of weak molecular forces in the presence of stronger competing forces. The structural characterization of these ligands, their Hirshfeld surface analysis, and select coordination complexes …

The Wilderness Which Never Was: A History Of The Białowieża Forest 1850–1947, Rafal Stolarz

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Located on both sides of the Polish-Belarusian border in north-eastern Poland, the Białowieża forest is the largest remaining remnant of the vast primeval forest that once covered most of Europe. It is also home to Europe’s biggest land animal—the European bison. Over the past century Polish governments, as well as modern-day Polish and European environmental groups, have promoted the forest as the “last European wilderness.” Even today, the public regularly protests and decries news of human encroachment on the forest. Yet in reality, the Białowieża forest has been exploited and studied by humans for centuries, making it one of the …

"The Most Important Thing In Ipv Right Now": The Intersection Of Intimate Partner Violence And Brain Injury, Halina (Lin) Haag

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The intersection of intimate partner violence (IPV) and brain injury (BI) has been almost entirely overlooked in research, practice, and policy, despite the known risks associated with the two conditions. Individually, IPV and BI are associated with elevated rates of unemployment, poverty, and homelessness, as well as increased mental health challenges. These social determinants of health, employment status, and income impact women’s wellbeing through access to safe accommodations, food security, and (dis)ability supports. These determinants are also related to an increased likelihood of experiencing addictions, mental health challenges, and physical danger, potentially leaving women vulnerable to ongoing violence. This qualitative …