Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Forensic epistemology is the study of knowledge as it relates to forensic science and can be broken into four sources; intuitive, authoritative, logical and empirical. In a four-phase research approach, I explored reasoning skills (logical knowledge) used by crime scene experts and methods (empirical knowledge) for forensic case-specific experimentation. First, the reasoning skills of… more Full Text: FORENSIC EPISTEMOLOGY: STUDYING THE CRIME SCENE A dissertation submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences TRENT UNIVERSITY …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The waterborne protozoan Giardia intestinalis cycles between the environmentally-resistant and infectious cyst and the metabolically-active trophozoite that adheres to the epithelial lining of the small intestine. Adhesion can trigger the innate immune response in epithelial cells, including the synthesis of the free radical nitric oxide (NO) that inhibits cell proliferation and… more Full Text: Differential expression of cytochrome b5 proteins in Giardia intestinalis during nitrosative stress and encystation TRENT UNIVERSITY Peterborough, Ontario, Canada © Copyright by Kaitlyn Mowat 2020 Environmental and Life Sciences M. Sc. Graduate Program …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>This thesis examines how dissolved organic matter quantity and quality and nutrients influence the flux potential of greenhouse gases (GHG) from sediments collected from streams across southern Ontario as well as Lake Erie. Sediments were collected and incubated in a laboratory setting where headspace gases and interstitial waters were analyzed. Results demonstrated that nutrients (… more Full Text: POTENTIAL FOR GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM SEDIMENTS OF AGRICULTURAL STREAMS AND LAKE ERIE A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Faculty of Arts and …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): LeGrand, Matthew Cody LeGros, Thesis advisor (ths): Buttle, James M, Thesis advisor (ths): Metcalfe, Robert A, Degree committee member (dgc): Lafleur, Peter M, Degree committee member (dgc): Aherne, Julian, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Water balance models calculate water storage and movement within drainage basins, a primary concern for many hydrologists. A Thornthwaite water balance model (H2OBAAS) has shown poor accuracy in predicting low flows in the Petawawa River basin in Ontario, so lake storage and winter snow processes were investigated to improve the accuracy of the model. Lake storage coefficients,… more Full Text: MODELLING MONTHLY WATER BALANCE: THE ROLE OF LAKE STORAGE AND SNOW-RELATED PROCESSES A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in the Faculty of Arts and Science …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Environmental and seasonal processes are important watershed drivers controlling the amount, composition, and fate of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in aquatic ecosystems. We used ten months of water samples and eight months of bioassay incubations from two </p><p>contrasting catchments (agriculture and natural, forested) to assess the effects of seasonal variability on the… more Full Text: Effects of hydrologic seasonality on dissolved organic matter composition, export, and biodegradability in two contrasting streams A thesis submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Currently, UAVs are deployed to measure crop health in a timely manner by mapping vegetation indices. A study using two different fields was conducted in order to search for a relationship that may exist between crop health and soil fertility. A UAV equipped with sensor technology was used for mapping of vegetation indices which were then statistically compared to soil nutrient data… more Full Text: Proximal Soil Nutrient Sensing in Croplands through Multispectral Imaging from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for Precision Agriculture Applications A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Anthropogenic atmospheric emissions and subsequent deposition of nitrogen (N) can affect N-sensitive habitats and lead to shifts in plant species community composition. This study assessed the effects of N deposition on plant community composition for Jack pine forests across northwestern Canada and across a smaller subset of sites surrounding the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR) using… more Full Text: The Influence of Nitrogen Deposition on Community Composition in Pinus banksiana Forests Across Northwestern Canada A Thesis Submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>One possible solution to acidification and losses of base cations in central Ontario forest soils may be the application of wood ash. Wood ash is generally high in pH and contains large amounts of calcium (Ca) and other nutrients essential for ecosystem health, however it also contains trace metals. Understanding the chemistry of soils following ash application to forests is crucial for… more Full Text: Effects of wood ash addition on soil chemical properties and sugar maple (Acer saccharum, Marsh.) seedling growth in two northern hardwood forest sites in central Ontario A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on the Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Water storage is a fundamental component of drainage basins, controlling the synchronization between precipitation input and streamflow output. The ability of a drainage basin to store water and regulate streamflow may mediate sensitivity to climate and land cover change. There is currently no agreement on the best way to quantify basin storage. This study compares results of a combined… more Full Text: ASSESSING BASIN STORAGE: A COMBINED HYDROMETRIC AND ISOTOPIC APPROACH FOR STREAMS DRAINING THE OAK RIDGES MORAINE, SOUTHERN ONTARIO A thesis submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease) is caused by the pathogen Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola. Infected snakes exhibit dermal lesions, occasional systemic infections, and, in some cases, mortality. We studied snakes at Rondeau Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, to explore whether ophidiomycosis develops during brumation or year-round. Throughout their active season, we quantified the… more Full Text: Disease ecology of ophidiomycosis in free-ranging snakes A Thesis Submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Faculty of Arts and Science TRENT UNIVERSITY …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>This thesis investigated coloured and fluorescent dissolved organic matter in the Canada Basin, Arctic Ocean from 2007 to 2017. The first interannual time-series of its kind in the Canada Basin incorporated the use of EEM-PARAFAC to validate a seven-component model. Statistical temporal tests revealed (1) an increasing protein-like intensity in the upper polar mixed layer (UPML); (2)… more Full Text: Temporal Variability of Coloured Dissolved Organic Matter in the Canada Basin, Arctic Ocean (2007-2017) A thesis submitted to the committee of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in the Faculty …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>This study examined dissolved organic matter (DOM) and labile Mercury (from diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT)) in the Quesnel river, British and the Goose creek tributary of the Churchill river, Manitoba. DOM properties were measured with optical measurements of absorption coefficient (a254), spectral slopes (S275-295, SR) and fluorescence indices (HIX, BIX, FI). The DOC proxy… more Full Text: Temporal variation of dissolved organic matter and diffusive gradient in thin films-labile mercury in the Quesnel river, BC, and the Goose Creek tributary of Churchill river, MB A thesis submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in partial …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Warming climates have had various consequences on terrestrial and aquatic food webs that are expected to persist. There is evidence suggesting that certain organisms are better equipped to handle changing climates compared to others. Therefore, the purpose of my thesis was to study the adaptability of Daphnia under temperature stress and nutrient limitation. First, to examine the effects… more Full Text: DAPHNIA PULICARIA RESPONSES TO TEMPERATURE AND NUTRIENTS STRESS: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE HEAT IS ON? A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Faculty of …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Poo Palam, Kosheela, Thesis advisor (ths): NARINE, SURESH S, Degree committee member (dgc): Vreugdenhil, Andrew, Degree committee member (dgc): Hill, Stephen, Degree committee member (dgc): Metcalfe, Chris, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Energy storage efficiency and sustainability require advanced technologies and novel materials. Recently, bio-based phase change materials (PCMs) have received significant attention for thermal energy storage (TES) uses. Vegetable oils are versatile renewable feedstocks that are well suited for the development of sustainable, functional PCMs. PCMs derived from vegetable oil, which… more Full Text: NOVEL ALIPHATIC AMIDES FROM VEGETABLE OILS AS BIO-BASED PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS A dissertation submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts and …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The main goal of this thesis was to assess the potential impacts of discharges of treated effluent from a small facultative sewage lagoon serving approximately 300 residents of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to freshwater mussel populations in Boston Creek, a small tributary of the lower Grand River. The current resident mussel populations inhabiting Boston Creek were… more Full Text: Wastewater Impacts on Freshwater Mussels and Water Quality in a Tributary of the Lower Grand River in Southwestern Ontario, Canada Nda-kendan/ dbaagan aanii enji aanseg moo -waaboo nibiing epiichiiyiik miiniwaa esenyik oodi nikeyaa Giiwedinong Mchi-Saagig …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Soils play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning, for example, soil minerals provide important provisioning and regulate ecosystem services. This study used major soil oxides from the North American Soil Geochemical Landscapes Project (n=560) to assess elemental associations and infer soil minerals through exploratory data analysis and to determined quantitative soil mineralogy using a… more Full Text: Soil Geochemistry and Normative Mineralogy across Canada A Thesis Submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Faculty of Arts and Science Trent University …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Understanding the complex genomic architecture underlying quantitative traits can provide valuable insight for the conservation and management of wildlife. Despite improvements in sequencing technologies, few empirical studies have identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) via whole genome sequencing in free-ranging mammal populations outside a few well-studied systems. This thesis uses… more Full Text: Genomic architecture of artificially and sexually selected traits in whitetailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Janik, Gabrielle, Thesis advisor (ths): Ponce-Hernandez, Raul, Degree committee member (dgc): Hutchinson, Tom, Degree committee member (dgc): Beresford, David, Degree committee member (dgc): Thompson, Karen, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>This thesis uses three approaches to assess the potential of permaculture in Central Ontario. This was done using a vegetable field trial and modelling programs to determine the effectiveness of permaculture to decrease negative impacts of climate change based on projected climate values derived from regional circulation models. The first approach showed no statistical difference (P<0… more Full Text: ASSESSING THE POTENTIAL OF PERMACULTURE AS AN ADAPTATION STRATEGY TOWARDS CLIMATE CHANGE IN CENTRAL ONTARIO A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Mafic and ultramafic mine wastes have the potential to sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) through enhanced weathering and CO2 mineralization. In this study, kimberlite residues from South African diamond mines were investigated to understand how weathering of these wastes leads to the formation of secondary carbonate minerals, a stable sink for CO2. Residues from Venetia Diamond… more Full Text: ENHANCED WEATHERING AND CARBONATION OF KIMBERLITE RESIDUES FROM SOUTH AFRICAN DIAMOND MINES: IMPLICATIONS FOR CO2 SEQUESTRATION A thesis submitted to Committee of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of …
Year: 2020, 2020
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Radionuclides occur in the environment both naturally and artificially. Along with weapons testing and nuclear reactor operations, activities such as mining, fuel fabrication and fuel reprocessing are also major contributors to nuclear waste in the environment. In terms of nuclear safety, the concentration of radionuclides in nuclear waste must be monitored and reported before storage… more Full Text: Automated Separation and Preconcentration of UltraTrace Levels of Radionuclides in Complex Matrices by Online Ion Exchange Chromatography Coupled with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) A Dissertation Submitted to the Committee of …
