Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>I assessed how organisms having multiple biotic attributes may have conflicting niche determinants, and whether the realized niche reflects single or multiple attributes. All-female salamanders engage in two biotic states: hybridism and reproductive parasitism. Hybrids should occupy areas transitional to those used by parental species, whereas parasites that engage in competition with… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>This thesis explores Frankenstein's popular culture narrative, contrasting recent Frankenstein texts with the content of Mary Shelley's classic novel and James Whale's iconic films Frankenstein (1931) and The Bride of Frankenstein (1935). The research investigates how Frankenstein's legacy of adaptations function intertextually to influence both the production and the… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Threats such as climate change and increased anthropogenic activity such as shipping, are expected to negatively affect the Arctic. Lack of data on Arctic systems restricts our current understanding of these sensitive systems and limits our ability to predict future impacts. Lakes and ponds are a major feature of the Arctic landscape and are recognized as 'sentinels of change… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The Kentucky coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is an endangered tree species native to the American Midwest and Southwestern Ontario. Significant habitat loss and fragmentation due to agricultural, industrial and urban development has caused gradual decline across its native range. The aims of this study were to investigate: (1) patterns of genetic diversity and, (2) genetic… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Aeolian transport of sand particles is an important geomorphic process that occurs over a significant portion of the earth's land surface. Wind tunnel simulations have been used for more than 75 years to advance the understanding of this process; however, there are still several principles that lack validation from direct sampling of the sand particles in flight. Neither the three-… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Chemical presumptive tests are used as the primary detection method for latent bloodstain evidence. This work focuses on developing a forensic blood substitute which mimics whole blood reactivity to a luminol solution commonly used in presumptive testing. Designing safe and accessible materials that mimic relevant properties of blood is a recognized research need in forensic science.… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Numerous prey taxa employ defensive postures for protection against attack by predators. Defensive postures mitigate predation risk at various stages of the predator-prey sequence, including through crypsis, mimicry, thanatosis, aposematism, and deflection. In terrestrial salamanders, defensive postures may be aposematic, or deflect attacks away from vital body parts and towards the tail… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Media has had a significant influence on how individuals living with and at risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) care for their health. This research builds on previous research to explore the link between HIV related media messaging and HIV related health behaviours using a mixed methods approach. To investigate the access to and perceptions of HIV related media, a sample of 129… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Salamanders are capable of tissue regeneration throughout all life-stages, which requires the dedifferentiation of mature cells to regrow lost tissues. Dedifferentiation is promoted by degradation of the extracellular matrix by matrix metalloproteases, as well as lysosomal degradation of intracellular and cell-surface proteins that mark cells as part of a mature lineage. Salamanders are… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Neuroblastoma (NB) has one of the highest mortality rates in pediatric oncology due to relapsed and refractory disease. Current aggressive multi-modal treatments are inhibited by dose-limiting toxicities and are associated with late-effects and secondary malignancies, emphasizing the necessity for novel therapeutics. Uniquely, most NB cells highly express disialoganglioside (GD2) a cell… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): Samkari, Bshayer A, Thesis advisor (ths): Beresford, David, Degree committee member (dgc): Hutchinson, Tom, Degree committee member (dgc): Sager, Eric, Degree committee member (dgc): Davy, Christina, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>This thesis looks at the genus Pollenia: historically where they were first introduced into Canada and spatially, where they are found now. This project involved me identifying 2211 files, sorted from the 3 years of field specimens obtained in 2011, 2012, 2013. P. pediculata was the most abundant and widespread, yielding 1272 specimens out of 2211, and it was found in all provinces… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Soluble uranium (U) has been observed continuously in the porewaters of Bentley Lake,</p><p>a lake with semi-permanent anoxic sediments, despite the fact that reduced U(IV) is known to be</p><p>insoluble. To be able to predict the fate and mobility of U that has been deposited in lake</p><p>sediments, it is very important to understand the factors that… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding targets sequences with interspecific</p><p>variation that can be amplified using universal primers allowing simultaneous detection</p><p>of multiple species from environmental samples. I developed novel primers for three</p><p>barcodes commonly used to identify plant species, and compared amplification success… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Jimmy Carter and his administration varied the ways in which they addressed human rights concerns internationally. There was a strong, often emotional evocation of human rights in reference to countries that were less economically, strategically, or politically important to the United States and the foreign policy goals of the Carter administration. This was not present in Carter's… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>The natural world and environmental issues present critical points of convergence</p><p>between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and their knowledge systems. This</p><p>qualitative study engaged with 18 Indigenous and non-Indigenous environmental</p><p>practitioners in interview conversations to explore their experiences in cross-cultural</p… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Chimney swifts are listed as Threatened nationally and in many provinces within Canada due to rapid population declines. I examined large-scale spatial variation in the maximum size of chimney swift roosts at the northern edge of their range to identify where larger roosts occur. I used multi-sourced data collected across Ontario and Quebec between 1998 and 2013. I found that larger… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Ustilago maydis is a biotrophic fungal plant pathogen that causes 'common smut of corn' disease. During infection, U. maydis develops a metabolic dependency on its host, relying on uptake of the carbon molecules provided within Zea mays tissues. The research presented indicated a requirement for metabolism of the pentose sugar D-xylose through functional investigation of a U.… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Sexual script theory suggests that sexual behaviours have social meaning, and that individuals perceive certain behaviours as normative and expected. Previous research has indicated that there is a common belief in a cultural sexual script for (hetero)sexual behaviour sequences (CSSHS). Study 1 compared perceived norms with behaviours in first ever penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) sex… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Name(s): Creator (cre): McClenaghan, Beverly, Thesis advisor (ths): Nol, Erica, Degree committee member (dgc): Nocera, Joseph J, Degree committee member (dgc): Beresford, David V, Degree committee member (dgc): Kerr, K, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University Abstract: <p>Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) populations have declined in North America over the past 40 years and they are listed as Threatened in Ontario, Canada. Changes in the food supply have been hypothesized as a potential cause of this population decline. I used DNA barcoding to investigate the diet and food supply of Barn Swallows and to determine if the food supply affects their reproductive… more Year: 2018, 2018
Member of: Trent University Graduate Thesis Collection
Abstract: <p>Pastures and hayfields provide surrogate habitat for many declining grassland birds. Understanding agricultural land use dynamics and habitat quality can impact conservation of grassland species. I investigated 1) patterns of land use change in protected and unprotected sites in relationship to Bobolink occurrence in Carden, Ontario, Canada and 2) whether continuous grazing at low… more
