Controls on volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits in the Kamiskotia area, Timmins, ON

The Kamiskotia area is a volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) district in the Abitibi greenstone belt. Past-producing VMS deposits in this area are hosted by the Neo-Archean Blake River assemblage and share several similarities (e.g., comparable bimodal host lithologies, alteration signatures, deposit morphology, stratigraphic position, and ore assemblages) to suggest further mineralization potential. However, no significant deposit has been uncovered since the initial discoveries of the past-producing mines in the 1920s and traditional prospecting is inhibited by relatively low outcrop exposures. This study seeks to describe in detail the geochemical characteristics of >10,000 lithogeochemical data points and to determine if the volcanic units in the study area have geochemical signatures characteristic of VMS mineralization. This study also uses mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM) to identify potential exploration targets. Random forest (RF) was used to integrate predictor maps from lithologic, structural, geophysical, and geochemical data prepared in both continuous and binary surface map formats. Lithogeochemical analyses reveal two general mafic groups (1 and 2) and four rhyolite groups (1– 4) for most assemblages, based on TiO2, P2O5, and Zr plots. The mafic to intermediate rocks are predominantly tholeiitic to transitional basalts and basaltic andesites with MORB-like magma affinities based on the TiO2/Yb proxy. The Th/Nb ratio suggests an interaction of the mafic magmas with existing hydrated crust, resulting in crustal contamination, except for Tisdale mafic samples. Mafic rocks with an evolved signature (i.e., P2O5 > 0.3 wt %, TiO2 > 2.2 wt %, high rare earth element concentrations, and relatively flat chondrite normalized patterns) were also distinguished from their primitive counterparts, except for Tisdale mafic samples. Felsic samples are mainly tholeiitic to transitional rhyolite-dacites, with more fractionated rare-earth element patterns. The rhyolites are predominantly of the fertile high-silica-Zr, FII-FIII type. These geochemical signatures are associated with fertile bimodal-mafic VMS systems. Computed mass changes and alteration indices show that mafic samples and rhyolites from Upper and Lower Blake River assemblages have the greatest degrees of hydrothermal alteration. The probability map from continuous predictor maps (continuous MPM) and binary predictor maps (binary MPM) showed high overall classification accuracies (i.e., > 85 %), success rates of classification and prediction, and area under the curve (AUC) on efficiency curves. The success rates and AUCs obtained were higher for the binary MPM than the continuous MPM, suggesting that binary predictor maps outperform continuous maps. The binary MPM was, therefore, selected as the best performer. Ten areas with probabilities greater than 90 % were highlighted as the most prospective areas, out of which six were interpreted as new potential targets away from past-producing mines that may be prime for follow-up. RF ranks predictor maps from subvolcanic-synvolcanic intrusions and faults, mafic and felsic volcanic lithologies, Bouguer gravity and its derivatives, high-Zr rhyolites, evolved mafic rocks, Cu, Zn, and chloritization indices as the most important parameters to consider for follow-up studies in these areas. The results underscore the usefulness of RF MPM in integrating multiple geoscience datasets to map VMS prospectivity and exhibit the potential for new discoveries in the Kamiskotia area. Based on the presence of (i) contaminated, MORB, and Fe-Ti mafic signatures, (ii) high-Zr, high-silica, and FIII rhyolites with WPG signatures, (iii) high alteration indices (AI and CCPI) with corresponding high mass change intensities, and (iv) high RF probability areas, it is likely that the Upper Blake River, Lower Blake River, and Upper Kidd-Munro assemblages have the best potentials for VMS followed by Lower Kidd-Munro and Deloro. The Tisdale assemblage in the study area may have the lowest potential.International Explorers and Prospectors (IEP), Mineral Exploration Research center (MERC

Advancing Chinese Whole Nation system through supporting first level athletes’ meta-transitions

Elite athletes’ holistic development has recently brought to our attention as many elite athletes faced challenges, such as mental health issues, both within and outside of their sport careers (Schinke, Henriksen et al., 2024). How to support elite athletes’ development, as well to optimize their respective sport environments have been hot research topics for researchers and practitioners in sport psychology (Stambulova et al., 2021; Wagstaff & Quartiroli, 2023), but also an important question for athletes, coaches, parents, sport managers, as well sport systems (Henriksen, Stambulova et al., 2024). These organizations and persons, who hold one or multiple of above identities, are involved with and sometimes responsible for supporting athletes’ development. Fully excavating athletes’ development and relevant experiences urges researchers to develop a better understanding of athletes’ career development and transitions within their contexts. Most such studies have been developed by exploring athletes’ career experiences (see Stambulova & Ryba, 2013), conducted mainly from Western countries (Stambulova et al., 2021). These conceptual foundations, developed in Western countries situated within Western philosophies, tend not to be fully relevant, compatible, and appropriative when understanding, in my project, Chinses athletes’ experiences and their respective sport environment (Chinese Whole Nation System, CWNS, Li et al., 2023). Missing from our conceptualization of Chinese athletes’ career development pathways and meta-transitions (Schinke et al., 2015) are the insights of Chinese elite athletes, who navigate demands and cope with barriers to strive career excellence in the CWNS. Situated within a Confucian relationism (Hwang, 2012, 2015), I approached this research with the concept that athletes’ meta-transitions, as moral cultivation processes with social responsibility, are interrelated with social and sport contexts. My aim within this research project was to explore Chinese elite athletes’ experiences to inform context-driven recommendations for improving the CWNS, eventually contributing to athletes’ holistic development. The research process began with a group reflection exercise conducted by me as a co-participant with two elite athletes who have experienced career transitions within the CWNS. This group reflection study was written to provides a snapshot of the context of athletes’ meta-transitions within the CWNS, providing a rich foundation for nuanced individual experiences during their unified meta-transitions. Group reflective practice interviews were then employed with 14 Chinese elite athletes to help them reflect and learn from their meta-transition experiences within the CWNS. A template analysis was utilized to develop themes that related to the athletes’ experiences. Five meta-transitions with two central themes were created to outline (1) athletes’ needs and challenges, and (2) athletes’ psychological skills and characteristics, at each nuanced meta-transition. These themes were constructed into three polyphonic tales, a form of data representation but also as an interventional strategy encapsulates the concept of science to practice (Schinke, Wylleman et al., 2024). Finally, these findings and data collection/representation methods were translated into practice through a series of recommendations for scientist-practitioners, submitted to an applied journal. The conclusions, implications, and recommendations arising from the four manuscripts, which constitute this dissertation, are presented

Ébauche de plan de livre de récit de vie pour favoriser la continuité culturelle des enfants Inuit placés

Au Québec, les enfants Inuit1 sont largement surreprésentés dans le système de protection de la jeunesse. Trop souvent, les placements se font en dehors de leur communauté et de leur culture, ce qui contribue à un déracinement identitaire et à la rupture des liens familiaux et culturels. Ce constat nous oblige à repenser les pratiques en protection de la jeunesse pour favoriser la continuité culturelle. Cet essai décrit un stage spécialisé, réalisé en collaboration avec le Centre de santé Tulattavik (CSTU) et Nunavimmi Ilagiit Papatauvinga (NIP) à Kuujjuaq, qui représente une démarche inductive et réflexive, fondée sur un cadre théorique combinant l'approche structurelle et l'approche à double perspective, et de continuité culturelle, et inspirée d'un processus de recherche autochtone basé sur le relationnel, pour explorer les thèmes et éléments culturels essentiels à inclure dans coconstruction d'une ébauche de livre de récit de vie pour les enfants Inuit placés sous la protection de la jeunesse. Deux ateliers en cercle de partage, lun en présentiel et l'autre en virtuel, ont mené à la coconstruction d'une ébauche de plan détaillé du livre de récit de vie Inuit dans une perspective d'autodétermination qui a permis d'enchainer un processus visant à donner la possibilité aux enfants Inuit placés en famille d'accueil Inuit et qallunaat de recueillir les éléments essentiels pour favoriser la continuité culturelle

Comparison of analytical tools and biological assays for detecting hydrogen sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a biologically signaling molecule involved in various physiological and pathological processes. The detection and quantification of H2S are critical for understanding its roles in cellular functions and disease mechanisms. This review compares the analytical tools and biological assays used for H2S measurement, focusing on the accuracy, ease of use, and practicality. Analytical tools such as gas chromatography, mass spectrophotometry, and electrochemical sensors offer high precision and sensitivity but often require complex instrumentation and sample preparation. On the other hand, colorimetric, fluorometric, and chemiluminescent assays provide more accessible, real-time detection methods with varying degrees of specificity and interference. Recent advances in probe-based technologies have improved the sensitivity and specificity. These comparisons would help researchers choose the right method for their needs, enhancing the understanding of H2S’s role in health and disease

Children’s perceptions of note-taking during interviews

During forensic interviews with children, interviewers frequently use best practice protocols which emphasize the use of open-ended and cued-invitation questions in order to maximize productivity of the children’s narrative while minimizing the potential for suggestions. Despite the potential utility of note-taking practices in formulating cued-invitation questions, little is known in terms of the potential impact of note-taking practices during forensic interviews with children. In the current study, child participants (N = 52, Mage = 9.6, 6 to 12 years old) watched a series of interviews (8 videos) that displayed an adult interviewing a child with differences in note-taking procedure (i.e., no notes condition, notes condition, notes introduced condition, no notes and looking down condition). Child participants were then asked to rate the interviewers and the use of note-taking. This study found that a high percentage of participants noticed when note-taking occurred during interviews, with significantly more positive perceptions of relationship quality when note-taking was introduced, while also reporting some nervousness during the note-taking conditions. However, comfort levels remained unaffected by whether the interviewer was taking notes, indicating that while note-taking influences certain perceptions, it does not affect children’s comfort overall in the interview setting. The current research provides valuable information on children’s perceptions of note-taking during interviews, which will impact recommendations for forensic interviewing practices with vulnerable and maltreated populations

Roots of a resilient city: a bio-based manufacturing and agricultural research innovation center for the city of Owen Sound

In an era where the climate crisis becomes increasingly more urgent, It is important for architects to recognize their role in shaping a sustainable future. Our current models are accelerating global carbon emissions, contributing significantly to worsening climate effects. This thesis turns to an analysis of material systems, understanding how the past histories of extraction, manufacturing, and production have contributed to unsuitable growth. This thesis proposes a framework to counteract these issues with local biogenic supply chains. The City of Owen Sound is used as a model for this analysis, using local plant based materials from surrounding farming regions to inform a sustainable manufacturing facility within the city’s shifting port Industries

The Apocalypse is Ongoing— Abolition Amongst Growing Annihilation. How Life Promotion is Guiding Indigenous Communities' Beyond Survival

Guided by the theories of Abolition Praxis and Arts-Based Research, I explore Life Promotion in Indigenous communities through poetry. This collective work sheds light on the cultural revitalization and preservation that has and will occur in Indigenous communities using the principles of Life Promotion. It documents traditional stories, teachings, and visions as Indigenous futurism. It hopes to foster a sense of confidence in our knowledge systems while highlighting and celebrating the individuals who have contributed to Life Promotion initiatives. Where we have faced unimaginable disasters, we have found ways to overcome. The ongoing apocalypse refers to the colonial systems that have oppressed Indigenous people since contact. Abolition praxis is defined by its ability to build worlds beyond what was previously conceivable. Western knowledge has long sought to extract, exploit, and eradicate Indigenous knowledge, this research seeks to instead highlight its perseverance. Life Promotion acts as a practice of World Building

Exploring if Indigenous cultural programming in prison could influence a decline in the rate of incarceration of Indigenous women in Canada?

This thesis explores the notion that if principled programming was fittingly available in Canadian prisons, a sense of healing may be gained for incarcerated Indigenous women thus giving rise to esteem in their life. Principled programming is thus defined as instances of learning which echoes opportunities to gain understanding and skill by using of a method which may resonate from inherent knowledge. I investigate if the insight acquired from participation in programming in prison is enough to transcend the impositions from the legal system which prevails over the high rate of incarceration of Indigenous women in Canadian prisons: Hence women finding their voice. The overall research examines if culturally fitting programming in Canadian prisons has enough promise to influence a decline of the future over-representation for Indigenous women. The primary objective is to identify to what extent the use of programming may contribute to a life of meaning for Indigenous women prisoners. The secondary objective is to identify barriers such as financial and political narratives that may demonstrate that a priority other than a common good for the women is at the forefront, thus contributing to a lower rate of incarceration. Indigenous storying method and auto-ethnographic inquiry are used to navigate the discourse and personal insights urging an analysis of the barriers that Indigenous women in prison encounter. To summarize, if the methods used within the current framework of criminalization are sufficiently bestowed, there may not be an incentive to change the judiciary’s, or the state’s methods in the incarceration of Indigenous women

Developing a modern-day samurai: a Canadian perspective

Karate is an unarmed system of self-defence originating from Okinawa, Japan. While many of the techniques developed and taught can cause significant harm to another human being, the teachings are typically framed in the context of personal growth and development. Many karate schools’ marketing strategies boast that values such as discipline, respect, determination, and perseverance are part of the curriculum. Are these simply buzz-words used to appease the public while students are taught how to maim or kill each other or are these values realistically included in everyday practice? Whether by design or by chance, values are attached to modern day karate training and an integral part of the martial arts experience in Canada. Karate curricula include the process of teaching and learning physical techniques but rarely does a curriculum describe, in any relevant manner, a transfer of knowledge from master to pupil that promotes the development of the values the martial arts and/or sport. Through this research, I unearthed what values are imbedded in karate practice in Canada, explored how these values are transmitted from teacher to student, and discovered why this is important. I investigated how modern-day martial arts instructors in Canada promote a sense of personal excellence in their students and instill a desire for high performance (by achieving a black belt, a podium finish, or both) in conjunction with a high sense of morality and kindness. I ascertained that in karate training, the transmission of values was primarily done by the example set by the instructors through existing, traditional Japanese protocols. The curriculum itself, when carefully prepared, also serves as a conduit to the transmission of values. A Taoist philosophy was used to underpin this research. Taoism emphasizes the interconnected nature of all beings and elements. Similarly, collectivist research focuses on collaboration, interdependence, and recognizing that individual actions affect the collective iv whole. Taoism advocates for non-contention rather than asserting dominance or control. This research, then, is based on cooperation and consensus-building rather than asserting individual dominance. The emphasis is on mutual respect and understanding among the participants. In practical terms, I drew on inspiration from Taoist principles to foster collaboration, adaptability, and harmony among the participants. The Taoist approach is significant since the subject of the matter, karate, is collectivist in nature and Taoism harmonizes well with community-based research. In addition, the marriage of Schinke et al.’s (2013) traits for judging community research and Braun and Clarke’s (2006) 15-point thematic analysis checklist proved to be an innovative and thorough method of engaging in community-based research. To my knowledge, no study of this kind had taken place. Through this initiative I was able to shed some light on the teaching and learning of values in karate in Canada and I hope that any findings will help serve as a roadmap for current and future teachers and coaches (in martial arts and beyond) to discover their own values and infuse them into the very fabric of their teaching and learning. As we look to develop a healthy, well-balanced society through physical education, sport, and the martial arts, my findings can be used as a guide to help shape curriculum development and pedagogical techniques that impart values into the very exercises practiced by the students. The findings could be extrapolated and derived to fit other martial arts disciplines and organizations within the Canadian context and perhaps internationally. These concepts could also be applied to other sporting fields

Quantifying the impact of environmental contamination using Drosophila melanogaster across biological sex and genetic background

The world is a stressful space. There is a strikingly large knowledge gap in the genetics of stress responses. Stressors are present in nature, such as to exposures to extreme pH, temperatures, and toxicants. We used the response of Drosophila melanogaster to environmental nickel (Ni) as a model to better understand stress, where stress is defined by dysregulation homeostasis. To broadly characterize stress responses, we assayed both males and females of three different types of genetic backgrounds – isogenic, isogenic constructed heterozygotes, and genetically diverse wild-caught lines – of D. melanogaster across a series of phenotypes that range in specificity. We measured Ni response broadly using mortality and more specifically using metabolites. Not surprisingly, Ni negatively impacted every phenotype. Lifespan, feeding, and total lipids were reduced when exposed to Ni. Surprisingly, the Ni effects were substantially different between the sexes, types of genetic backgrounds, and lines. For example, the differences between males and females themselves varied substantially across lines. Similarly, the types of genetic backgrounds and lines differed in response, highlighting genetic complexities. In sum, my results clearly demonstrate that to truly understand the biology of a system, both sexes and multiple lines must be used