Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Mountain ranges are often thought to restrict movement of wildlife, yet previous studies evaluating the role of the Rocky Mountains as a dispersal barrier for Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) have been contradictory. Our study uses neutral microsatellite loci to evaluate the role of the Rocky Mountains as a barrier to gene flow for lynx. Although lynx exhibited low genetic differentiation,… more Full Text: ASSESSING CANADA LYNX DISPERSAL ACROSS AN ELEVATION BARRIER: GENETIC STRUCTURE IN LIGHT OF HABITAT HETEROGENEITY 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: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Exposure of pre-metamorphic amphibians to neonicotinoid insecticides may be contributing to the global decline in amphibian populations. In this study, anuran embryos and tadpoles of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) and the North American leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens) were used to determine the effects of embryonic exposure to neonicotinoids. In addition, Xenopus was used to… more Full Text: Effect of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid on embryogenesis and anuran survivorship in frog virus 3 infected tadpoles A thesis submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Volatility modelling is an important task in the financial markets. This paper first evaluates the range-based DCC-CARR model of Chou et al. (2009) in modelling larger systems of assets, vis-à-vis the traditional return-based DCC-GARCH. Extending Colacito, Engle and Ghysels (2011), range-based volatility specifications are then employed in the first-stage of DCC-MIDAS conditional… more Full Text: Range-Based Component Models for Conditional Volatility and Dynamic Correlations 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 Science …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Poole, Sarah Kathleen, Thesis advisor (ths): Obbard, Martyn E., Thesis advisor (ths): Schaefer, James A., Degree committee member (dgc): Nocera, Joseph J., Degree committee member (dgc): Ray, Justina C., Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>I investigated site fidelity and habitat selection of American black bears (Ursus americanus) from 15 GPS-collared adult females in central Ontario, Canada over nine years. I used generalized linear mixed models to determine the factors affecting between-year variation in fall fidelity and the habitat selection in movement paths. I assessed second and third-order habitat preference by… more Full Text: Yearly variation in fall movements of adult female American black bears (Ursus americanus) in central Ontario, Canada A thesis submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Tree harvesting alters nutrient cycling and removes nutrients held in biomass, and as a result nutrient availability may be reduced, particularly in naturally oligotrophic ecosystems. Selection harvesting is a silvicultural technique limited to tolerant hardwood forests where individual or small groups of trees are removed creating a "gap" in the forest canopy. In order for… more Full Text: The impact of selection harvesting on soil properties and understory vegetation in canopy gaps and skid roads in central Ontario A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Stressors are often an inescapable part of an organism's life. While the effects of many stressors have been well studied individually, potential interactions between stressors exist that may result in greater than additive negative effects. Stressors may be linked by conflicting demands on energy budgets, interfering with important physiological pathways, or necessitating… more Full Text: Pathogen vs. Predator: Ranavirus exposure dampens tadpole responses to perceived predation risk 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 …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>In this thesis, we study modelling with non-linear ordinary differential equations, and the existence of positive solutions for Boundary Value Problems (BVPs). These problems have wide applications in many areas. The focus is on the extensions of previous work done on non-linear second-order differential equations with boundary conditions involving first-order derivative. The… more Full Text: POSITIVE SOLUTIONS FOR BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS OF SECOND ORDER ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS 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 …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Currier, Charise A., Thesis advisor (ths): Freeland, Joanna, Thesis advisor (ths): Wilson, Chris C, Degree committee member (dgc): Morris, Todd J, Degree committee member (dgc): Schaefer, James A, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection uses species-specific markers to screen DNA from bulk samples, such as water, to infer species presence. This study involved the development and testing of species-specific markers for four freshwater pearly mussels (Unionidae). The markers were applied to water samples from intensively sampled mussel monitoring sites to compare species detections from… more Full Text: Detection of four at-risk freshwater pearly mussel species (Bivalvia: Unionoida: Unionidae) from environmental DNA (eDNA) A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Athletes' concussion risk is part of a complex system of personal and contextual factors. This study differentiated athletes based on attitudes and intentions towards protective behaviours. A cross-sectional survey design was used to sample varsity athletes. Three intention response subgroups (indifferent, reactive, and proactive) were identified. The indifferent group (28%)… more Full Text: How Do We Let the Players Play and Keep Them Safe? The Issue of Problematic Beliefs in the Prevention of Concussion Injury A thesis submitted to the committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Puccinia triticina, wheat leaf rust (WLR), is the most economically damaging fungal rust of wheat on a global scale. This study identified transcriptome changes in a recently emerged race of WLR in Ontario with a new virulence type relative to a possible ancestor race. Also, this study focused on detecting variation in candidate virulence genes and uncovering novel insight into WLR… more Full Text: Investigating wheat rust virulence evolution through transcriptome analysis of a recently emerged race of Puccinia triticina A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>In this thesis, water mass distribution of dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics (i.e. molecular weight, fluorescent components, thiols and humic substances concentration) was observed in the Arctic Ocean. For the first time, DOM molecular weight (MW) in Beaufort Sea was assessed using asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation, as well as the first monitoring of thiols and… more Full Text: CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER IN RELATION WITH HYDROGRAPHY IN THE ARCTIC OCEAN 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: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Using data drawn from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's (WSIB) Survey of Workers with Permanent Impairments, this thesis explores if and how the human capital associated with education mitigates the realized work-disabling effects of permanent physical injury. Using Cater's (2000) model of post-injury adaptive behaviour and employment dynamics as the structural,… more Full Text: THE DISABILITY-MITIGATING EFFECTS OF EDUCATION ON POSTINJURY EMPLOYMENT DYNAMICS 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 Science …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Sexual assertiveness encompasses skills in refusing unwanted sexual situations and bringing about wanted sexual situations. Measures of sexual assertiveness typically assess both refusal and initiation aspects, yet there is a dearth of research examining these skills in relation to one another. The present study examined the relationship between these skillsets in women, exploring… more Full Text: ASSERTING SEXUAL (DIS)INTEREST: HOW DO WOMEN’S CAPABILITIES DIFFER? 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 Science TRENT UNIVERSITY …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Previous research has found that bullying and victimization is related to poor socioemotional competencies. The present study examined the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and bullying and victimization in a large community-based sample of adolescents. Specifically, we explored the EI of bullies, victims, bully-victims, and those uninvolved. We also examined whether the… more Full Text: EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND BULLYING VICTIMIZATION: AN EXPLORATION OF GENDER, AGE, AND SUB-TYPES OF BULLYING ACTIVITIES A Thesis Submitted to the Committee of Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of the Master of …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>To study the Giardia intestinalis cell cycle, counterflow centrifugal elutriation (CCE) was used to separate an asynchronous trophozoite culture into fractions enriched for cells at the different stages of the cell cycle. For my first objective, I characterized the appearance of a third peak (Peak iii) in our flow cytometry analysis of the CCE fractions that initially suggested the… more Full Text: STUDIES OF THE GIARDIA INTESTINALIS TROPHOZOITE CELL CYCLE 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: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>In 2008, the first North American water soldier (Stratiotes aloides) population was discovered in the Trent River, Ontario. Water soldier is an invasive aquatic plant with sharp, serrated leaves that has the potential to spread rapidly through dispersed vegetative fragments. Although it is too late to prevent water soldier establishment in the Trent River, its local distribution remains… more Full Text: EVALUATING ENVIRONMENTAL DNA (eDNA) DETECTION OF INVASIVE WATER SOLDIER (STRATIOTES ALOIDES) 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: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The present thesis entails a qualitative investigation of the unique notion to transition media change from the current paper-based system to the potential use of information technology innovation for communication between health care providers and employers during return to work. Stakeholder perspectives on relevant communication phenomena were gathered from workers, employers, and… more Full Text: THINKING AHEAD: STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES ON TRANSITIONING MEDIA CHANGE FOR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS AND EMPLOYERS DURING RETURN TO WORK A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Polar bears are generally described as solitary, but features of their life cycles and </p><p>habitats regularly necessitate interaction. Effective conspecific assessment, including accurate </p><p>recognition and discrimination, likely confers benefits, especially to females accompanied by </p><p>dependent young. Individuals in the Southern (SH) and… more Full Text: Social discrimination by female polar bears (Ursus maritimus) when accompanied by dependent offspring during the ice-free season in southern and western Hudson Bay and James Bay A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Biological differences between island and mainland conspecifics have been well studied, but few studies have addressed differences in stress physiology. Stressors, such as predation and competition for resources, cause the release of glucocorticoids (GCs). Characteristics of island wildlife, called "island syndrome", are attributed to low levels of predators and competitors. I… more Full Text: ISLAND SYNDROME AND STRESS PHYSIOLOGY OF MICE IN THE GENUS PEROMYSCUS 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 Science TRENT …
Year: 2017, 2017
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Early developmental stages of cold-adapted ectotherms such as brook trout </p><p>(Salvelinus fontinalis) are at risk of mortality with increasing water temperatures because </p><p>of their sensitivity to changes in their environment. I studied the mass and routine </p><p>metabolic rate (RMR) of wild-origin brook trout eggs, alevin and young fry reared… more Full Text: TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON THE ROUTINE METABOLIC RATES OF BROOK TROUT (SALVELINUS FONTINALIS) EGGS, ALEVIN AND FRY: IMPLICATIONS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE A Thesis Submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the …
