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The bringing together of Indigenous (IK) and Environmental science Knowledge (ESK) has garnered significant attention in environmental research. This intersection has been recognized for enhancing understanding of various contemporary environmental challenges. Despite its acknowledged importance, there remains a notable gap in understanding how these knowledge systems are brought together, specifically at the level of data analysis, presentation, and interpretation of results. Furthermore, even less is known regarding the appropriate and effective use of any one approach and method in its application. Therefore, this thesis was guided by the question, 'What approaches and methods have been used previously to bring together Indigenous and Environmental science Knowledge in environmental research, and what are the challenges and limitations of any one approach and method in practical application?' This question is investigated through the conduct of a systematic map and application of a case study scenario. A search protocol was developed and served as a guide for the conduct of a systematic map. This protocol detailed how articles focused on bringing together IK and ESK would be systematically gathered and analyzed (Chapter 2). The resulting systematic evidence base highlighted four main approaches used in the peer-reviewed literature to bring together IK and ESK, namely: (1) a narrative approach to mixing; (2) the use of statistical analysis; (3) use spatial overlap in GIS; and (4) mixing IK and ESK using illustrative figures (Chapter 3). In order to gain a more in-depth understanding of the identified approaches and methods, their use was explored through the application of a case study scenario on environmental factors influencing Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) growth in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (Chapter 4). Although more data collection and analysis is needed to understand the relationship between environmental variables on Arctic Char growth in lakes surrounding Ulukhaktok, the attempt to link Indigenous Knowledge of lake ice change with Environmental science Knowledge on landlocked Arctic Char growth, coupled with insights informed from a review of relevant literature, led to the development of criteria that may be used in future research to test the identified approaches and methods. This thesis makes contributions to the academic literature by documenting and examining the types of approaches used to bring together IK and ESK at the level of data analysis, offering insights into the complex and evolving landscape of linking IK and ESK in environmental research.

Author Keywords: Arctic, Arctic Char, Environmental research, Environmental science Knowledge, Indigenous Knowledge, Knowledge linking

Northern flying squirrels (NFS) are mycophagous specialists (fungi-dominated diet) thatmay be displaced with southern flying squirrel (SFS) range expansion, thereby limiting fungal dispersal in forest communities. To understand the implications of squirrel species turnover on mycophagy, we investigated the home ranges of both flying squirrel species who are living in stable sympatry. We found no significant difference in home range sizes and identified spatial overlap between the two species. Through habitat selection ratios we found SFS were strongly selecting for deciduous-dominated habitats more than NFS. Lastly, we conducted microscopy on flying squirrel scat and found NFS were eating more fungi than SFS. We conclude that the squirrels are sharing the same habitat landscape but are finding ways to partition the habitat accordingly to allow for sympatry. SFS may contribute to the spore-dispersal cycle similarly to their northern counterpart through moderate fungus consumption and large home range sizes.

Author Keywords: diet, flying squirrels, Glaucomys, home range, mycophagy, sympatry

Climate change is a major conservation concern, especially for many cold-adapted species. The rate of warming due to climate change will likely outpace adaptive responses, and many populations will likely need to rely on phenotypic plasticity to cope with environmental warming. It is currently unclear whether plasticity in physiological responses to warming will be sufficient to offset the negative consequences of chronic environmental warming in ectotherms. I studied within-generation and transgenerational plasticity in two cold-adapted species of fishes, lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and brook trout (S. fontinalis), following temperature acclimation. Adults of both species were acclimated to either cold or warm temperatures and offspring were generated using a fully factorial breeding design, whereby the family thermal histories included crosses made within each temperature treatment and bidirectional crosses between temperatures. Offspring families were subdivided into two groups and acclimated to either warm or cold temperatures, so that offspring thermal experience matched or mismatched that of one or both parents. Offspring metabolic rate and critical thermal maximum during an acute thermal challenge were measured for both species. Limited transgenerational plasticity was detected in both species, but had a lesser effect than within-generationacclimation. In brook trout, the paternal contribution was greater than the maternal contribution. In lake trout, a mismatch in thermal acclimation, where the offspring were cold-acclimated but the parents warm-acclimated, resulted in elevated offspring metabolic rate without a corresponding increase in growth, suggesting that a mismatch in temperatures across generations could be detrimental to offspring. Using RNA-sequencing, transgenerational plasticity was linked to differential gene expression in the liver of lake trout offspring, in that genes were differentially expressed depending on the parental acclimation temperatures. Within-generation warm acclimation had the greatest effect on gene expression profile of offspring, with more genes differentially expressed under conditions of within-generation warm acclimation compared with transgenerational warm acclimation. Although it has been suggested that transgenerational plasticity may help to buffer the impact of warming due to climate change, my work implies that transgenerational plasticity, like within-generation plasticity, will be insufficient for these two species of cold-adapted salmonids to cope with climate change.

Author Keywords: Brook trout, Climate change, Lake trout, Phenotypic plasticity, Thermal tolerance, Transgenerational plasticity

Older adults with dementia experience higher rates of hospitalization than those without dementia, yet nurses in acute care frequently feel unprepared to support patients with responsive behaviours using non-pharmacological approaches. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of nurses' using activity-based interventions, such as colouring, word games, therapeutic dolls, and mechanical pets, with patients with dementia in a small community hospital. Using a qualitative interpretive descriptive method, face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten nurses (five Registered Practical Nurses, two Registered Nurses, and two Nurse Practitioners). Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. Five major themes and multiple sub-themes were identified: (1) enhancing safety, stability, and emotional well-being, (2) facilitating engagement through practical and adaptive strategies, (3) collective responsibility and collaboration, (4) opportunity for deeper understanding and connection, and (5) challenges implementing activity interventions. The findings highlight how activity-based interventions enhance relational, person-centred care while revealing barriers related to resources, time, and knowledge. These results can inform the Canadian Gerontological Nurses' Association's aesthetic/artful standard and reinforce the need for enhanced dementia education for nurses and evaluation of activity-based interventions.

Author Keywords: activity, acute care nursing, dementia care, gerontological nursing, non-pharmacological interventions, responsive behaiours

Pharmacological cognitive enhancement is the use of prescription drugs to improve cognitive functioning in healthy individuals. Multiple ethical concerns have been raised by such use. The purpose of this project was to develop a reliable and valid measure to assess public attitudes about this issue. Participants were university students in Studies 1 (N = 465), 2 (N = 580) and 3 (N = 156). In Study 1 principal components analysis reduced the 90-item Attitudes Toward Pharmacological Cognitive Enhancement Scale to 42 items that loaded onto four components: Cheating/Unfairness, Motivation, Expected Benefits and Safety. Subscale scores differentiated users and nonusers. In Study 2 confirmatory factor analyses supported the model and statistically significant associations were found with related constructs such as attitudes toward performance-enhancing drugs, and prescription drug expectancies. In Study 3 test-retest reliability over a 3-week interval was above .70 for 3 of 4 subscales. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Author Keywords: attitudes, cognitive enhancement, nonmedical use of prescription drugs, scale development, smart drugs

This study examines the experiences of Tamil Canadian caregivers providing home care for older adults with dementia, highlighting their unique challenges. Grounded in a social constructivist and phenomenological approach, the qualitative research explores the influence of social, cultural, and familial expectations on caregiving roles. Semi-structured interviews with ten Tamil Canadian caregivers revealed difficulties in accessing healthcare, managing complex care needs, and balancing personal well-being with caregiving responsibilities. Language barriers and limited awareness of available health and social services further exacerbated emotional, financial, and physical burdens. Caregivers expressed a strong need for educational resources to enhance their skills and support their roles. Despite these challenges, participants reported emotional rewards, such as strengthened family bonds and a profound sense of duty. The study underscores the importance of tailored interventions, advocating for culturally responsive services, language support, and caregiver education to better address the needs of Tamil Canadian caregivers.

Author Keywords: caregiver burden, cultural barriers, cultural values in caregiving, language barriers, self-care for caregivers., tamil Canadian caregivers

Methylobacterium spp., a dominant and functionally conserved group of plant-associated bacteria, have long been recognized for their roles in promoting host growth, stress tolerance, and phytohormone modulation. This body of work collectively repositions Methylobacterium not only as a plant growth-promoting genus but also as a promising agent of microbiome-mediated crop protection. Across several investigations, the ecological, biochemical, and functional attributes that underpin this potential were examined, with specific focus on hormone production, compatibility with agrochemical inputs, and antifungal activity.

A comprehensive inventory of 46 Methylobacterium strains revealed widespread production of cytokinins – including highly active forms such as trans-zeatin – and variable capacities to synthesize indole-3-acetic acid. Cytokinin output increased under carbon-limiting conditions, highlighting the genus's adaptive hormonal response. Parallel investigations demonstrated that commercial glyphosate-based herbicide formulations significantly inhibited the growth of most Methylobacterium strains, whereas pure glyphosate alone showed negligible toxicity. Key findings of experiments indicate that non-active formulation components participate in the disruption of beneficial bacteria by facilitating higher intracellular glyphosate concentrations and subsequent toxic effects. This introduces a novel link between agrichemical formulation practices and the selective disruption of keystone microbial taxa.

Contrastingly, fungicide compatibility testing showed that Methylobacterium strains tolerate key fungicides such as azoxystrobin, fludioxonil, and metalaxyl-M, supporting their inclusion in integrated pest management frameworks. Subsequent functional antagonism assays further revealed that specific Methylobacterium isolates inhibit phytopathogenic Fusarium species in vitro and in planta. Notably, M. organophilum enhanced soybean seedling vigor and reduced disease severity when co-inoculated with F. graminearum by preserving the integrity of the seed coat, demonstrating protective activity with unique mechanics.

Finally, differential hormone profiling at the pathogen-antagonist interface revealed that biocontrol-effective Methylobacterium strains not only produce higher levels of auxin and salicylic acid but also induces jasmonic acid production – likely derived from Fusarium – suggesting complex cross-signalling and interference with fungal development and sensing pathways. Together, these findings advance our understanding of Methylobacterium as a keystone genus in the phytobiome, capable of contributing to both plant vigor and pathogen suppression and reinforce its relevance in the design of next-generation biocontrol strategies.

Author Keywords: agrochemical interactions, biological control, Fusarium antagonism, Methylobacterium, phytobiome, phytohormone signalling

The Wabigoon River is known for an historic mercury (Hg) pollution source, caused by a chlor-alkali facility operating in the 1960s. As legacy Hg contamination continues to cause serious adverse health effects to the local communities living in the Wabigoon River region, it is imperative to undertake additional research to understand the deposition and transport of historical mercury in this system and more importantly, its conversion into methylmercury (MMHg) which renders it bioavailable for ongoing bioaccumulation. The aim of this dissertation was to evaluate the transport and accumulation of Hg species by doing a spatial and temporal analysis of concentrations of mercury and methylmercury along the Wabigoon River, as well as assessing rates of methylation and demethylation, identifying areas of higher methylmercury production. Results show that locations downstream from the pollution source still show elevated mercury concentrations, with levels at least five times higher in water and up to 134 times higher in sediments compared to background levels. Among selected study sites, the Hydroelectric dam, the Wabigoon Rapids wetland and Clay Lake were identified to have high capacity for methylmercury production in the system, with notably Clay Lake presenting a higher potential for methylmercury accumulation due to the observed lower methylmercury demethylation rate. Furthermore, the impact of wetting and drying cycles on Hg methylation in riverbed and wetland locations within the Wabigoon River system was investigated through a laboratory simulation. Findings indicated increased susceptibility of riverbed locations to wetting and drying cycles.

Author Keywords: Demethylation, Mercury, Methylation, Methylmercury, Wabigoon River

The successful settlement of international students is important to their academic success as well as their integration into the host community. This thesis attempts to investigate the settlement needs and experiences of African international students in Peterborough, Canada, from a transnationalism perspective. Surveys were used to collect data from 351 students. A chi-square tests and multivariate ordinal logistic regression were used for the data analysis.The findings reveal that African International Students engage in a variety of transnational activities including, contacting family and friends at home, attending religious and cultural events, and eating traditional food which contribute to the settlement of African International Students. On the other hand, sending money and investing in one's home country were found to hinder the settlement of African International Students in Canada. This study contributes to the existing literature on international education and transnationalism and makes recommendations for policy makers and educational institutions.

Author Keywords: African International Students in Canada, International Student Migration, Settlement Process, Transnationalism

A meta-analysis revealed that while there is often a greater degree of contamination of soils and sediments with metals, contamination by mercury (Hg) is a large concern owing to its toxicity at low concentrations. The case study in Guyana characterized Hg and concentrations of other metals (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in soil and sediment within gold mined areas. Metal concentrations were low in soil and sediment of sampled gold mines, while the concentrations of Hg were much higher in soil and sediment and contamination was not localized to the mine site. Moss bags and Hg passive air samplers (MerPAS) were deployed to measure atmospheric Hg around a gold mine in Mahdia, Guyana over a 90-day period as well as a 2-day period that encompassed a periodic burn (typically 2-hr). Mercury in moss and MerPAS were positively correlated over both deployment periods, but Hg concentrations measured during the 2-day event were several-fold higher in both moss and MerPAS compared with the 90-day exposure demonstrating that most of the Hg sorbed to both moss and passive samplers is lost during periods of inactivity. Using the 2-day deployment as a conservative estimate of atmospheric Hg exposure, Hg air concentrations around the burning station exceeded 100,000 ng m-3 averaged over a 48-hr period, and moss Hg concentrations were greater than 250,000 ng g-1 around the burning station, although Hg concentrations in both media decreased rapidly with distance. Mercury concentration in soil and sediment was strongly related to organic matter content, which tended to be higher away from the mine site. These controls of organic matter (carbon; C) cycling on Hg distribution and movement are clear at sites exposed to high atmospheric Hg and exist at the global scale, although Hg:C ratios in environmental media are greatly elevated at the gold mine site compared with the global average. Locally sourced biochar did not sufficiently improve physical properties (porosity) in overburden soil, which showed the worse plant response, possibly due to the high clay content that contributes to the "baked" condition of these soils and restrict root growth.

Author Keywords: Biochar, Environmental contamination, Gold mining, Mercury, Metals, Organic matter