Research Repository
LU|ZONE|UL distributes and preserves the scholarly work of LU faculty. It is a space for faculty to support the dissemination of knowledge created at Laurentian.
Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) Repository This section preserves Master's theses and doctoral dissertations accepted at Laurentian University and is a mechanism for making this form of scholarly work widely accessible.
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Recent Submissions
Cell derived microparticles in intercellular communication and their cole in cancer
(2025-04-24) Ali, Mohsin
Cell-derived microparticles (MPs) are extracellular vesicles that, although once considered to be cellular waste, are an important part of cellular processes. They play an important role in intercellular communication and have been identified as major participants in cancer progression. These submicron vesicles facilitate the passage of bioactive substances such as proteins, lipids, and genetic material, impacting important physiological processes like coagulation, angiogenesis, immunological regulation, and metastasis. MPs promote tumor growth by increasing endothelial cell proliferation, establishing a pro-metastatic microenvironment, and allowing immune evasion. Furthermore, their function in drug resistance underscores their significance on cancer therapy, demanding the development of innovative therapeutic interventions. MPs have also been identified as possible biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy monitoring due to the molecular characteristics they share with their parent cells, and they can be used as drug delivery vehicles. Despite their promise, there are still hurdles to standardizing MPs isolation and characterization procedures. This study critically investigates the biogenesis, composition, and functional importance of MPs in intercellular communication and their role in disease progression with special focus on cancer and possible therapeutic applications.
Comparison of analytical tools and biological assays for detecting hydrogen sulfide
(2025-04-14) Hoque, Mehezabin
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.
Developing a modern-day samurai: a Canadian perspective
(2025-04-29) Fink, Charles
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.
Intersectional approaches to perinatal mental health training
(2025-04-28) Dorrington, Dyneisha
This final report presents findings and analysis from my practicum experience at a Canadian Perinatal Mental Health training where my primary project involved program evaluation identifying CPMHT’s curriculum’s strengths, barriers, and areas for improvement concerning intersectional perinatal mental health. The evaluation process specifically centered around Black, Indigenous and People of Colour(s) experience in the perinatal mental health service sphere from a (BIPOC) service provider perspective via interviews, focus groups and surveys as data collection points. This process was further informed by a literature review, implementing an autoethnography approach, and trauma informed, culturally responsive and anti oppressive frameworks. The literature review examined the existing perinatal mental health framework (s), approaches, best practices, limitations and challenges within a broader societal context, while considering questions from onset related to parenthood, motherhood and how social location shapes the ways in which service provider/receiver dynamic. The practicum description outlines my role not only as a student within the CPMHT Training environment but as a program evaluator, facilitator and curriculum trainer and emphasizes the role of critical analysis and reflection intertwined in both my personal and professional identity throughout the placement process. This paper contributes to the ongoing discussions regarding the importance of Perinatal Health Equity, Diversity, Inclusion in the creation of high-quality, inclusive, and practical training programs for healthcare and mental health providers. Moreover, it examines the nuances and complexities of bridging gaps in access to standardized perinatal mental health training in ways that emphasize genuine commitments to social and reproductive justice.
Spatial ecology and sexual colour dimorphism in a central Ontario population of Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata)
(Laurentian University Library & Archives, 2025-01-10) Thibeault, Stéphane; Dr. Jackie Litzgus
Populations of endangered species distributed across variable environments may require site-
specific conservation. Ontario’s coastal populations of spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) are
well-studied, but little is known about inland populations. I described the demography and
spatial ecology of an inland population of spotted turtles in Ontario using mark-recapture data
and radiotelemetry. The population’s sex ratio was skewed towards males; males also occupied
larger home-ranges and travelled greater distances than females. Bright colours often play a role
in signalling sex, and mate quality. Spotted turtles are sexually dichromatic in chin/eye colour;
females bear brighter colours than males. I tested the effect of female chin colour on male
spotted turtle mate choice using visual models and behaviour trials. Males were more likely to
mate with the models as chin colour brightness increased. Future research should focus on inland
female nesting behaviours, aestivation, and the role of chemical/tactile cues in turtle mate choice.