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    Science curriculum-making for the Anthropocene: perspectives and possibilities

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    This paper illuminates how science curriculum-making can be reinvigorated to address urgent local and global socioscientific issues that centres place as an interconnected part of larger socio-ecological and socio-technical systems. Given how industrial and capitalistic extractive practices have pushed the planet beyond its complex life-sustaining limits, we draw on theoretical perspectives that recognize schools as complex systems, nested within local, regional, and global social-ecological-technological systems. Science curriculum-making in these systems prompt dialogue regarding knowledge and competencies required to address planetary sustainability, as well as ontological questions connected to systems, relations, and responsibility. Consequently, schools are important places for curriculum enactment practices. Furthermore, teachers, students, administrators, and school community members are enmeshed with local ecologies that are constituted in the cultural, material, and social arrangements found in or brought to a school and its local community. In our work, we draw on a curriculum commonplaces perspective to investigate curriculum-making practices. Specifically, we use empirical data from two cases of elementary and secondary science teachers developing and enacting curriculum and adopt a philosophical-empirical deductive approach illustrative of how to apply complexity theory, systems thinking, and associated ontological and epistemological views to practical reasoning of science curriculum-making for schools.This work was supported by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council [435-2018-59

    Emerging Variants and Fading Immunity: Analyzing the Impact in Epidemic Modeling

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    Outbreaks like the recent COVID-19 pandemic underscore the importance of quick and informed responses to control and mitigate the epidemic. This thesis aims to develop a model that can provide deeper insights into how epidemics progress and behave. Accurate epidemic simulation can provide valuable insights into how an epidemic affects the population. This thesis considers both epidemic spread and epidemic severity, and integrates fading immunity into the epidemic model, creating a more realistic representation of real-life scenarios. This research also extends the model by considering diverse population structures in the contact network where different age groups have different levels of immunity strength. An evolutionary algorithm was used to generate and evolve personal contact networks. We analyzed the epidemic dynamics within these networks, focusing on how different proportions of young and old individuals impact the spread and severity of the epidemic. Results reveal that older populations with weaker immunity experience more severe infections, while younger populations with stronger immunity mitigate both spread and severity. The thesis also explores the impact on variant generation, showing that when using the epidemic spread fitness function there is a tendency to produce more variants than when using the epidemic severity fitness function, highlighting the virus's need to mutate in response to existing immunity. When the population is dominated by younger individuals, even though fewer variants are being generated, successful variants tend to exhibit a higher mutation distance to overcome the robust immunity present in the community

    Reinforcement Learning-based Time-Dependable Modelling of Fog Connectivity for Software-Defined Vehicular Networks

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    Connected vehicles are crucial in strengthening vehicular and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) by enabling autonomous and dynamic data sharing across the vehicular network. Extensive research has been conducted to predict connectivity, alongside thedevelopment of diverse techniques to manage this essential aspect. In recent times, learning methodologies have become increasingly popular for their ability to effec-tively handle sophisticated models adaptively. Various machine learning algorithms have been demonstrated as convincing methods for rendering any system flexible andpredictive. We thus propose a Learning based Adaptive Connectivity Estimation Model LACM. This model calculates and enhances the connectivity among differentstates and actions, monitoring their changes over time. The purpose of this model is to accurately depict the current connectivity status and predict potential fluctuations in fog connectivity. This model will utilize networking and vehicular characteristics to make the accuracy of its predictions. The design of this model aims to tackle the complexity of the problem by incorporating detailed data into a large state space representation, thereby enhancing adaptability. The second part of our work proposes a Time Dependent Connectivity Estimation Model, TDCM. Incorporating time dependency in the model helps to forecast the alterations in cluster lifestyles. It shows the progression of cluster evolution, significantly contributing towards achieving a stable and reliable network. Utilizing Long Short-Term Memory within an RL-based framework enables the system to enhance decision-making accuracy through predictions related to connectivity and network maintenance. Extensive analysis conducted through realistic simulations demonstrated that both LACM and TDCM strongly support estimating and maintaining stable connectivity over time. Our evaluation compared a previous state-of-the-art approach, showing that LACM and TDCM consistently enhanced the connectivity within the network

    Using Multiple Exemplar Training to Increase Fitness to Stand Trial

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    Fitness to stand trial refers to an individual’s capacity to comprehend judicial proceedings related to a crime they have committed. There currently exists no legally codified or empirically validated procedures for training fitness in forensic inpatients with mental health diagnoses, developmental diagnoses, or dual diagnoses. The purpose of this study was to develop a teaching procedure based on multiple exemplar training (MET) that provides a procedural foundation for training fitness. Broadly, this study sought to yield the first objective teaching procedure and measurement system for improving fitness based on the principles of behaviour analysis. Specifically, MET was used to develop a variety of stimulus (questions) and response topographies, which were presented to participants and designed to increase acquisition of targets related to fitness. Results from one completed participant and three partial datasets provide preliminary to support MET as a procedure for increasing fitness, as indicated by an increase in correct responding across to all questions related to an individual’s fitness to stand trial. This study has implications for both judicial system and hospital settings, as the empirical validation of a standardized approach to training fitness could serve to streamline service delivery and mitigate the common barriers experienced by individual with dual diagnoses during legal proceedings

    The Press, Volume 13, Issue 8, November 4, 1976

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    The Press, Volume 13, Issue 8, includes: BUSU fundamental problems: consequences of $8000 loss; BUSU VP Bruce Robert resigns, protest against T-Jay Waldock “assuming too much power”; Eat your Essays; BUSU Prez T-Jay hires volunteer assistant; The War Against Rape; Earp on differential fees: new computer at Brock; International students

    Digital Horizons: Faculty and Student Perspectives on ChatGPT and the Future of English Studies

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    The growing body of literature on the uses, challenges, potentials, and ethics of generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) is rich and nuanced; however, such research rarely examines faculty and student perspectives comparatively or in the context of discipline-specific issues and concerns. Since both faculty and students are implicated in shaping a future for their discipline of study, and both are deeply affected by disciplinary policies and standards of practice, it is crucial to situate faculty and student perspectives as a part of a shared discourse rather than two related but distinct conversations. This thesis investigates the specific expectations, concerns, ambitions, and desires for the future that circulates among and between English faculty and students in the wake of the widespread availability of generative AI applications like ChatGPT. It employs mixed-methods to compare and contrast the responses of eleven faculty and thirty-one students from one Ontario university’s English department to semi-structured questionnaires on the topic of generative AI, the future of English studies, and participants’ perceptions of one another. Participant perspectives are contextualized within a discussion of the imagination as a mechanism for inventing into being. This research emphasizes self-reflexivity as a method for establishing trustworthiness. This MA thesis finds that participants imagine generative AI and one another in both similar and contrasting (and occasionally contradictory) ways. In that context, the thesis ends by discussing misconceptions and mistrust among and between faculty and students as a potential cause for differences between what participants anticipate and what they desire for the future of their field

    Exploring the Role of Knowledge Mobilization in the Adoption of Integrated Pest Management for Grapevine Viruses

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    Adopting sustainable agricultural practices requires effective knowledge mobilization of research to growers to inform their decision-making. Grape growers are increasingly facing widespread viral outbreaks, causing reduced quality and quantities of grapes. Growers affected by grapevine viruses are recommended to adopt integrated pest management practices, which are complex and require substantial knowledge. Understanding how to mobilize knowledge effectively is critical to the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices; however, getting research to growers is challenging. To better understand the role of knowledge mobilization in adopting integrated pest management for grapevine viruses, a case study of the grape and wine region of Niagara, Ontario, was conducted. Study One aimed to synthesize the knowledge produced on grapevine viruses in Canada and the United States by conducting a scoping review. Eligible articles were collated and thematically analyzed to comprehensively review the literature and identify key themes. Seven themes emerged: the field of grapevine virus research is growing, research foci are shifting and responsive, knowledge of grapevine leafroll-associated viruses and future research needs, knowledge of grapevine red blotch virus and future research needs, research needs of other major viruses, primary virus management foci, and primary vector management foci. Study Two aimed to identify factors facilitating and hindering the flow of knowledge using interviews and observations of primary actors and knowledge mobilization events in the Niagara region. Data was thematically analyzed, resulting in six key themes: connectivity, intermediaries, and tailoring knowledge mobilization to growers’ needs facilitate knowledge mobilization, and lack of localized and practical knowledge, limited support and resources, and misalignments among actors hinder knowledge mobilization. Study One offers a valuable educational resource to understand what is known about grapevine viruses and where future research efforts are required while making the research more accessible to researchers, intermediaries, and growers. Study Two informs future agricultural knowledge mobilization efforts and provides scholarly input on the factors influencing knowledge flow. Together, these studies enhance Nguyen et al.’s (2017) knowledge-action framework, elaborating on existing factors and identifying additional factors influencing knowledge mobilization

    Paper Parks or Protection: Evaluating Atlantic Canada's Marine Protected Areas

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    Reversing biodiversity loss is one of society’s most pressing challenges. In response, marine protected areas (MPAs) are arguably one of the most effective conservation solutions. Yet, the outcomes of MPAs are highly variable. Some deliver positive biodiversity outcomes while others are criticized for being “paper parks”; a term used to describe protected areas that are designated on paper but offer little contributions towards the conservation of nature. The current protection levels of Canada’s MPAs are largely unknown. In this major research paper (MRP), I evaluated the protection levels for eight MPAs located in Canada’s Atlantic Ocean. The analysis revealed that over half (62.5%) of Atlantic MPAs are incompatible with conservation due to the heavy presence of offshore oil, fishing, and shipping. These results suggest that enhancing the levels of protection in the MPAs on Canada’s east coast is required for MPAs to contribute effectively to biodiversity conservation and human well-being

    Indigenous Students' Experiences in Physical Education: A Scoping Review

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    Positive experiences in Physical Education (PE) throughout one’s childhood encourages life-long interest and participation in exercise and movement, as well as increased mental and physical well-being (Akbar & Tsuji, 2020). However, for many Indigenous students’ this is not the case as these individuals experience much negativity, the most prominent one being racism (McHugh et al., 2019). Therefore, my study aimed to gain a better understanding of Indigenous students’ prior experiences in public school PE across Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. A scoping review was conducted guided by Arksey & O’Malley’s (2005) framework, while using a decolonial lens following Linda Tuhiwai Smith (2021). Data collection started on May 12th, 2023 and finished on August 19th, 2023. The search strategy identified 41 pieces of literature, after the title, abstract, and full-text was reviewed. And, upon more in-depth analysis a final list of 15 pieces of literature were identified that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study. A descriptive analysis followed by a thematic analysis were conducted examining all 15 pieces of literature. The descriptive analysis identified key descriptors from each piece of literature (i.e., document name, author, country where data was collected, etc.). Some examples of major findings included, 93% of the pieces of literature focused only on high school students and 60% of the pieces of literature were published pre-2012 and none since 2018. Based on the Thematic analysis two overarching themes were identified: (1) Experiencing a cultural disconnect in the PE curriculum and the content being taught; and (2) Connections between Students’ and the PE Environment. The results of this study demonstrate that although research presently exists with regards to Indigenous students’ sharing their experiences in PE, there is still a need for considerably more work specifically focused on this topic. Sharing Indigenous students’ experiences in PE may resonate with Indigenous researchers, scholars, teachers and beyond these groups as well. What this research offers is a pathway for future research with Indigenous and minority communities to provide a better understanding of the student experience in PE for current and future educators and administrators

    The Susceptibility of Medically Important Mosquito Species to Insect-Specific Virus Infection

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    Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) cause disease in humans and animals throughout the world. Many factors exacerbate the risk of virus transmission over time, including climate change and global transport. Developing methods to control their transmission is of interest, and insect-specific viruses (ISVs) pose a novel avenue for biocontrol of arboviruses at the vectorial level. Cell-fusing agent virus (CFAV) (Flaviviridae: Flavivirus) is an insect-specific flavivirus that has been seen to influence the replication of arboviruses in vitro and in vivo. The maintenance of this virus within a persistently infected colony of Aedes aegypti was investigated. Between 2022 and 2023, the colony infection rate decreased. The capacity of the virus to be horizontally transmitted through cohabitation was also assessed with Ae. aegypti, by housing infected mosquitoes with uninfected mosquitoes for 7 days. No horizontal transmission was observed. The use of CFAV-infectious cell culture to infect Ae. aegypti larvae was also tested. Infection was successful in low proportions. These results gave insight into CFAV transmission pathways and raised questions about the factors that can affect stability of CFAV over time. Negev virus (NEGV) and Piura virus (PIUV) are part of a recently discovered genus called Nelorpivirus. Not much is known about their transmission or their effects on arboviruses. Here, Ae. aegypti and Culex pipiens larvae were successfully infected via infectious cell culture. There were higher infection rates in Ae. aegypti. Both species were able to vertically transmit PIUV while only Cx. pipiens could transmit NEGV to offspring. These results demonstrate that both medically important mosquito species are susceptible to infection by NEGV and PIUV. This is also the first experimental evidence of their capacity for vertical transmission

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