CARIC 2024 Program & Abstracts

CUE Annual Research & Innovation Conference

Celebrating CUE’s Impact and Excellence in Research, Scholarship and Artistry

April 18 - 19, 2024 Program and Abstracts

DAY 1: Thursday, April 18, 2024

Opening of Event

10:00 - 10:30

Welcome and Opening Remarks CARIC 2024

Session 1: Oral Presentations (all talks: 15 min each + 5 min Q&A)

Session Moderators: Dr. Bobby Swar & Brenden Powers

10:30 - 10:50

10:50 - 11:10

11:10 - 11:30

Dr. Alexander Taikh , Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychology, Faculty of Arts

The Influence of Contextual Linguistic Information on the Typing Output of Words

SCHEDULE

Location: HA 015

11:30 - 11:50

Location: HA 015

12:00 - 13:00

12:00 - 13:00

Evan Capp, Undergraduate Student, Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science Factors Influencing Benthic Macroinvertebrate Biodiversity in Urban Stormwater Ponds

Gina Friedrich , Undergraduate Student, Dept of Fine Arts (Music), Faculty of Arts

The compositional process of “Dichterlieder (A Poet’s Songs)”

Dr. Makan Golizeh , Associate Professor, Dept of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science

Can French Fries Become Less Unhealthy?

Lunch

Location: Tegler

Topic Tables for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Location: Judy Kruse Student Commons

Table 1: Emerging Researchers: Applying to Grad School

Table 2: Emerging Scholars: Other Career Options

Table 3: Research Opportunities at CUE

Table 4: Grad Student Networking

Session 2: Oral Presentations (all talks: 15 min each + 5 min Q&A)

Session Moderators: Dr. Linda Van Netten Blimke & Brenden Powers

13:00 - 13:20

Location: HA 015

13:20 - 13:40

Dr. Ashish Thomas , Associate Professor, Dept of Management, Faculty of Management

Reengineering Well-to-Wheels Supply Chain for Sustainable Solutions

Joyce Guan , Undergraduate Student, Dept of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts

Christian Nationalism, Gender Mainstreaming and The Canadian Trucker Convoy: A Critical Feminist Analysis

DAY 1: Thursday, April 18, 2024

SCHEDULE

Session 2: Oral Presentations (all talks: 15 min each + 5 min Q&A)

Session Moderators: Dr. Linda Van Netten Blimke & Brenden Powers

13:40 - 14:00

14:00 - 14:20

Location: HA 015

Dr. Xin Chen , Professor, Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science

Risk Assessment of Treated Oil Sands Tailings Water Release:

Integrating Science and Indigenous Knowledge through Bayesian Network Modeling

Rebecca Bergt , Undergraduate Student, Dept of Fine Arts (Music), Faculty of Arts

Canadian Folk Music and the Creation of a National Identity

14:20 - 14:40 Break

Session 3: Oral Presentations (all talks: 15 min each + 5 min Q&A)

Session Moderators: Dr. Jason Daniels & Brenden Powers

14:40 - 15:00

15:00 - 15:20

15:20 - 15:40

15:40 - 16:00

16:00 - 18:00

Location: HA 015

Dr. Emmanuel Mapfumo, Associate Professor, Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science

Prairie Provinces Winters are Becoming Less Cold: Implications on Crop Health and Production

Brechin Piper, Graduate Student, Dept of Information Systems Security & Assurance Management, Faculty of Management

Self-Sovereign Identity, Legacy Data, and Data Localization in Healthcare

Keira Gow, Undergraduate Student, Dept of Psychology, Faculty of Arts

The Influence of Uppercase Letter Location on the Typing of Multiword Passphrases

Carol Gao, Graduate Student, Dept of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Automated Bottle Depot Recycling Using Computer Vision

Session 2: Poster Session and Networking

For abstracts, refer to page 33

Location: Tegler

DAY 2: Friday, April 19, 2024

Opening of Day 2

9:00 – 9:05

Opening Remarks

Session 4: Oral Presentations (all talks: 15 min each + 5 min Q&A)

Session Moderators: Dr. Bill Anderson & Daniella Hirwa

9:05 - 9:25

9:25 - 9:45

9:45 - 10:05

10:05 - 10:25

SCHEDULE

Location: HA 015

Location: HA 015

Dr. Owen Scadeng , Associate Professor, Dept of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science

Synthesis of Peptide Biomarkers for Chagas Disease Detection

Monika Burns , Undergraduate Student, Dept of Literature and Language, Faculty of Arts

Violent Virtue: The Inevitability of Violence in Shakespeare’s Dramatic Work

Dr. Eslam AbdAllah , Assistant Professor, Dept of Information Systems Security & Assurance Management, Faculty of Management

Evaluation of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks and Countermeasures on Autonomous Vehicles

Regan Holt , Undergraduate Student, Dept of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science

Permanganate Oxidizable Carbon (POXC) Distribution with Depth for an Orthic Black Chernozemic Soil Under Historical Perennial Grasses and Annual Cereals

10:25 – 10:40 Break

Session 5: Oral Presentations (all talks: 15 min each + 5 min Q&A)

Session Moderators: Dr. Deborah Hemmerling & Daniella Hirwa

10:40 - 11:00

11:00 - 11:20

11:20 - 11:40

Dr. Tim Cusack , Dean, Education, Faculty of Education

11:40 - 12:00

Location: HA 015

Understanding the Self-Efficacy of Aspiring School Leaders

Dr. Sergey Ishutov, Assistant Professor, Dept of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science Energy Calculator as a New Tool for Monitoring Energy Consumption

Payton McPherson , Undergraduate Student, Dept of Fine Arts (Drama), Faculty of Arts

Kinetic Connections

Dr. Baidya Saha, Associate Professor, Dept of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science

Privacy-Preserving Distributed Machine Learning: Bridging the Gap Between ML and Cryptography Communities

DAY 2: Friday, April 19, 2024

SCHEDULE

12:00 - 13:00 Lunch

Session 6: Oral Presentations (all talks: 15 min each + 5 min Q&A)

Session Moderators: Dr. Matthew Churchward & Rebecca Wilson

13:00 - 13:20

13:20 - 13:40

13:40 - 14:00

14:00 - 14:20

Location: Tegler

Location: HA 015

Neeraj Silivanuru , Graduate Student, Dept of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science

Development of an Algorithm for Estimating Household Appliance Energy Use

Todd Sutherland , Undergraduate Student, Dept of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts

Exorcisms: The Superhero Priest and Those Who Are Exorcised

Azalea Goerz , Undergraduate Student, Dept of Fine Arts (Drama), Faculty of Arts

Echo: How to Fully Immerse an Audience

Dr. Stephen Portillo, Assistant Professor, Dept of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science From Pixels to Asteroids

14:20 - 14:40 Break

Session 7: Oral Presentations (all talks: 15 min each + 5 min Q&A)

Session Moderators: Dr. Thea Comeau & Rebecca Wilson

14:40 - 15:00

15:00 - 15:20

15:20 - 15:40

Location: HA 015

Dr. Sergey Ishutov, Assistant Professor, Dept of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science

Using 3D-Printed Models in Improving Efficiency of Learning the Earth Science

Caroline Howarth , Associate Professor, Dept of Fine Arts (Drama), Faculty of Arts

Songs My Mother Never Sung Me: Deaf and Hearing Theatre Collaboration

Dr. Md Morshedul Islam , Assistant Professor, Dept of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science

Enhancing Adversarial Defense in Behavioral Authentication Systems through Random Projections

Closing of Event Location: HA 015

15:40

15:50

Awarding of prizes for oral and poster presentations delivered by undergraduate and graduate students

Closing remarks

The Influence of Contextual Linguistic Information on the Typing Output of Words

Typing is a complex process that involves the stages of identifying the to-be-typed word, accessing its information, including meaning, and planning then executing the keystrokes. Keystroke latencies, like pauses in speech, reflect the demands of processing the linguistic information associated with the to-be-typed word and the context in which it is embedded. Logged keystroke data has thus been used to examine how linguistic information is accessed and used during typing output. For example, the latency of the initial letter (initiation time) is thought to reflect accessing a word and planning its output. The latencies of the non-initial letters (production time) is thought to reflect the output of this plan.

We investigate how linguistic information from a word’s context influences their output. Interactive theories posit that during the typing process, linguistic information is active and affects the entire process, and should influence both the initiation and production times. Modular theories, in contrast, posit that linguistic information is only active and influential during the encoding and planning of production, but not the execution of the motor plan, and would be expected to influence initiation but not production. We report two studies, one examines the influence of semantic (i.e., meaning) information on typing, and the second examines the effect of morphological information on typing.

Semantic priming refers to the facilitation

of a target (e.g., doctor) by a preceding related semantic prime (nurse) compared to an unrelated prime (bread). At longer intervals between the prime and target, the benefit of the prime may reflect strategic processes, such as evaluating a match in meaning between the prime and target, and may influence the typing process differently than at short intervals. The results of our study show that at both short and long intervals, related semantic primes facilitated the initiation of a word, but not its production, suggesting that the information from semantic primes influences the encoding and planning processes.

Morphology also influences typing. During the typing of complex words (e.g., armrest), the embedded constituent words (arm and rest) are used as units of planning, rather than the whole word, as seen in a pause between finishing the first word and initiating the second. In our second study, we examine whether the output of a shared first constituent word is influenced by the type of complex word in which it is embedded. Both initiation and production of a constituent word (e.g., arm) were fastest when it was embedded in a compound (armrest), followed by a pseudo-compound (armour), followed by a nonword (armgosd), suggesting that morphological information influences both the initiation and production of an embedded word. The availability of embedded constituent words thus influences their access, planning, and production.

Factors Influencing Benthic Macroinvertebrate Biodiversity in Urban Stormwater Ponds

Factors contributing to benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) biodiversity, species composition, and succession within artificial water bodies is not well studied under current literature, with studies on reservoir lakes being the closest to the topic. However, reservoir lakes do not provide an accurate comparison to stormwater ponds as they already have existing benthic communities in the rivers dammed to create them, meanwhile most stormwater ponds are constructed entirely from scratch. This leaves biodiversity and succession in urban stormwater ponds poorly understood despite the popularity of these ponds in many modern and historic developments. In this study, the impact of water quality, sediment, and pond age, among other factors, on the BMI biodiversity and species composition are explored within 13 Edmonton stormwater ponds. Field samples were collected during the summer of 2023 and processed from fall 2023 through winter 2024. Initial water quality parameters were collected onsite using a YSI ProQuatro water quality meter, and additional water quality and nutrient parameters would be determined with a YSI 9300 in the lab. Sediment was tested

for pH with a probe and the organic matter content with a furnace burnoff test. The BMIs would be identified to a family level, then used to calculate biodiversity using the Shannon-Wiener index. Collected parameters underwent dimension reduction via principal component analysis and the resulting components were used in a regression analysis to determine their impact on family level BMI biodiversity. Initial findings suggest that water quality factors play a large part in the biodiversity of these ponds, even more so than pond age. This highlights the importance of the city of Edmonton monitoring drain water quality as these ponds are small, variable environments vulnerable to sudden shifts in water quality. This is additionally highlighted by many of the ponds undergoing eutrophication during the sampling period. It is possible that residentially applied fertilizers accumulating in the impacted ponds via drain water could be the cause of the nutrient loading leading to eutrophication. Altogether the findings of this study demonstrates the importance of maintaining high drain water quality and highlights the need for future ponds to be designed with high nutrient input in mind.

The compositional process of “Dichterlieder (A Poet’s Songs)”

“Dichterlieder,” a composition recital, will present eleven works composed by Gina Friedrich for a variety of voicings and instruments. This recital will take place on April 20th, 2024 and will feature Concordia staff, students, and alumni. In preparation for this recital, Gina has been studying with Ontario-based composer Matthew Emery for the last eight months.

In this oral presentation, Gina will discuss some of the characteristics of and the compositional process for her songs, including the inspiration behind each piece. Themes for these songs include nature, nostalgia, and grief, with all but one of the texts having been written by Gina as well. Voicings and instrumentation for the songs include: a cappella SATB choir, a cappella SSA choir, SAB choir and piano, solo voice and piano, solo voice and cello, and vocal duet and piano. To conclude, she will complete the presentation with a performance or recording of one of her pieces.

Gina will provide a broad overview of her compositional process from the generation

of the text to the production of a final version. She will also discuss more specific components of her composition process including how the structure of text effects composition, the process of setting original texts versus pre-existing poetry, her experiences writing for different instruments and voicings, her process of collaboration with her performers, the development of her troubleshooting and problem solving skills, her experiences working with Matthew, and how her skills have grown as a composer over the last year.

In discussing her different compositions, Gina will point out compositional decisions she has made regarding text setting, instrumental accompaniment, vocal texture, and key changes, and how she uses different techniques to evoke desired effects and how they contribute to the character of the composition as a whole. She will also identify characteristics that have emerged in multiple of her compositions as she begins to develop her own compositional voice.

Dr. Makan Golizeh, Seth Nobert, Haley Wolgien, and Tamara Davis

Can French Fries Become Less Unhealthy?

French fries contain large quantities of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), a group of potentially harmful compounds formed between carbohydrates and proteins at elevated temperatures. AGEs are involved in the pathology of many chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and play an important role in the ageing process. Heavy metals, such as iron and copper, catalyze the formation of AGEs. Potatoes are a rich source of iron, which is believed to increase AGE formation when French fries are made. Chelating agents are able to bind heavy metals and remove them from food and other biological samples. In this study, a natural chelating agent, phytic acid, was added to raw potato, then the French fries were cooked and tested. Through our analytical approach, our research aimed to assess the effect of phytic acid on the quantitative profile of the AGEs in French fries.

Potato samples were peeled, sliced, rinsed, salted, and air fried under similar cooking conditions with and without chemical grade phytic acid or rice bran, a natural source of phytic acid. The French fries were subjected to sensory evaluation

and chemical analysis using various instrumental analytical techniques. X-ray fluorescence analysis confirmed that phytic acid-treated potatoes had a significantly lower iron content. Spectrophotometric measurements demonstrated that phytic acid-treated French fries had higher quantities of AGEs, whereas those prepared with rice bran had significantly less AGEs. Three compounds were found to decrease in rice bran-treated fries, two of which were tentatively identified by tandem mass spectrometry as toxic AGEs.

Throughout this work, we developed an analytical approach to assess the effect of natural chelating agents on AGE formation in food. Total AGEs were measured in French fries using a variety of analytical methods, and several AGEs were identified in the French fry samples prepared under controlled experimental conditions. Lastly, we were able to observe that the addition of phytic acid or its natural source, rice bran, to potato altered the AGE profile of French fries. Further studies are needed to fully assess whether adding rice bran to potatoes, prior to frying, could make them less unhealthy by decreasing the AGE content of French fries.

Reengineering Well-to-Wheels Supply Chain for Sustainable Solutions

An important priority for the oil and gas industry (O&G) is the reduction of their carbon footprint especially as Canada strives to meet its Net zero plan. O&G companies actively seek collaboration between key stakeholders to bring oil production to net zero emissions by 2050. Well-to-wheels (WtW) supply chain has a substantial impact on emissions and the environmental footprint of O&G. The WtW supply chain engages a complex global network of intermediaries that delivers oil and gas products from raw materials to end customers through an engineered flow of information and physical distribution. The complexity of the life cycle of oil is critically impacting net zero goals.

Reengineering the supply chain network of O&G is becoming progressively critical to meet the demand for environmental sustainability. This research study identifies the key linkages between sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the O&G supply chain. This study is based on the case study research method and this approach allows for analysis of the complex supply chain process of O&G. We start by scrutinizing the current operational and

supply chain strategy for the O&G firm in focus by reviewing its official corporate documents and sustainability reports. We then apply an analytical framework developed by Menéndez-Sánchez, J. et al. to characterize how the firm is contributing to SDGs by employing R&D and technological innovation. The case analysis provides an understanding of the company’s ecosystem and insight into developing effective low-carbon technologies and solutions. It elaborates on the need for innovation and collaboration with intermediaries for the efficiency of supply chain practices and the greening of transportation and operations.

The main result of the analysis is the characterization of specific supply chain innovations with low-carbon technologies and alternative energy sources to meet SDG 7, and SDG12 goals. It highlights the significance of IT integration, research and development innovations and creative solutions with cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing and data analytics for reengineering the Well-to-wheels Supply Chain for sustainable solutions.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Joyce Guan, Robin D. Willey

Christian Nationalism, Gender Mainstreaming and The Canadian Trucker Convoy: A Critical Feminist Analysis of Faytene Grasseschi’s Online and Self-Published Material

Radical right activists are overwhelmingly male. This over-representation of certain masculine gender practice is one of the largest draws to its politics. With very few exceptions, this group portrays itself as one by men for men. Faytene Grasseschi is an exception to this pattern and has founded non-profit organizations that further Christian nationalism within Canadian politics. Through speaking tours, podcasts, multiple books, and her most recent addition, a self-produced online show titled “Faytene TV,” Grasseschi has gained an uncommon authoritative voice within the Canadian Christian right-wing media milieu.

Christian nationalism has long been associated with hyper masculinity, individualism, and anti-feminism. Christian nationalists have quickly adapted to new online environments and have taken their place alongside other right-wing social media influencers, such as Paul Joseph Watson, Alex Jones, and Russell Brand. Women’s visibility within Christian nationalist

circles is crucial in making these spaces more palatable for mainstream audiences. This study uses “frame analysis” and feminist theories of gender mainstreaming to re-centre women’s influence in online content spaces. When discussing the increased visibility of women within radical right circles this representation is key to making authoritarian ideals more palatable for the general public and to downplay the extremist views. This paper examines the Faytene Talk Show’s playlists titled “COVID-19, Unplanned, Social Need, and Trucker Convoy/ Freedom Convoy” in addition to her first two published books titled Stand on Guard: A Prophetic Call & Research on the Righteous Foundations of Canada (2005), and Marked: A Generation of Dread Champions Rising to Shift Nations (2009). We obtained the data through publicly available playlists and analyses her first two published books.

Faculty:

Dr. Xin Chen, The TEKA project team

Risk Assessment of Treated Oil Sands Tailings Water Release: Integrating Science and Indigenous Knowledge through Bayesian Network Modeling

Oil sands tailing ponds have been a significant environmental concern associated with the extraction and processing of oil sands. The growing volume of oil sand process-affected water in these ponds contain toxic substances such as heavy metals, naphthenic acids, polycyclic aromatic compounds, and salt, which pose risks to water sources and ecosystems. Under industry requests, the federal government has been developing regulations to potentially allow the release of treated tailing water into the Athabasca River, raising widespread concerns regarding risks to the surrounding environment and human health in downstream communities.

The complexity of the issue and the lack of complete scientific information necessitate a comprehensive risk assessment approach that considers multiple variables and uncertainties. Additionally, recognizing the importance of indigenous ecological knowledge and incorporating it into the assessment can provide a holistic understanding of the risks and potential environmental management strategies. This ongoing study aims to integrate current scientific information and indigenous perspectives within the same assessment

framework, providing a comprehensive understanding of the risks. One effective approach is through Bayesian network modeling to capture the interdependencies between variables, such as the release decision, environmental conditions, water quality, ecological impact, and human health risk. Conditional probabilities will be assigned based on available data, expert knowledge, and historical records. To incorporate indigenous ecological knowledge, input parameters and conditional probabilities are to be informed by the insights and perspectives of local indigenous communities, in addition to scientific literature. The network is then used to estimate posterior probabilities for the risk assessment of ecological impact and human health risk, considering both scientific and indigenous perspectives.

Our preliminary findings have identified critical gaps in scientific knowledge and technologies necessary to establish responsible standards, regulations, and effective tailing treatment methodologies. Addressing these gaps will be vital for ensuring the responsible management of oil sands tailing water and minimizing adverse environmental and health impacts.

Canadian Folk Music and the Creation of a National Identity

“Imagined Communities:” Canadian Folk Music and the Creation of a National Identity is the title of my final research paper and capstone project from my degree. Concordia’s music program specializes in the study of classical music and church music. When I was given the freedom to choose my research topic for my paper, I decided to expand my knowledge and talk about a notable less discussed topic, which is Canadian folk music. Folk music has been an integral aspect of Canadian culture since its earliest days of exploration and colonization. However, due to its predominantly oral traditions–and its propensity to shift and mutate over time, folk music has been notoriously difficult to define. Only in the past century have folklorists like Marius Barbeau, Edith Fowke, Helen Creighton and Kenneth Peacock begun collecting, transcribing, and publishing folk music. But beyond the issues in defining folk music, this unique genre is also capable of creating a sense of community and connection. But how does Canadian folk music emphasize a sense of nationness?

Drawing from Benedict Anderson’s concept of “Imagined Communities,” I will apply this culturally-made concept of nation while engaging with Canadian folk music. I will explore how Canadian folk music brings Canadians together, and helps build a national identity. Although Anderson does not discuss Canada’s nationality directly, his ideas of nationality can relate to almost any “imagined” nation. With Anderson’s theory in mind, I will analyze samples of Canadian folk music such as Wade Hemsworth’s “The Log Drivers Waltz” and French Canadian folk song “À la claire fontaine” as examples of how these songs highlight Canadian national identity. As Canadians, although we all come from completely different walks of life and historical backgrounds, we as a nation can collectively agree on things that we can define as part of the Canadian identity, this is what social construction is. Even if some of these things are not directly related to us, but are categorized as Canadians, we still relate to them, to some degree. The findings from my research are currently still ongoing.

Dr. Emmanuel Mapfumo, David Chanasyk, Dick Puurveen, Shannon Elton, and Sachin Acharya

Prairie Provinces Winters are Becoming Less Cold: Implications on Crop Health and Production

The presentation will cover results that were published in two articles in the Canadian Journal of Plant Science in 2023: (1) A review of the scientific literature conducted on the past studies on trends in climate parameters for the Prairie Provinces; (2) A parallel study that involved analyses of historical climate data for the Breton Region of Alberta to investigate the climate trends over the 1901-2020 period. For the literature review, our search strategy involved finding literature sources from journals, books, government documents and creditable website documents. This included conducting searches on databases such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, Environment Complete and Google Scholar. The results showed that across the Prairies the minimum air temperature increased by up to 0.9 oC every 10 years between 1950-1998. Other climate parameters such as corn heat units and number of frost-free days also increased over time, but maximum snow depth decreased. For parallel Breton region study, the climate data used were obtained from the Alberta Climate Information Service and various parametric statistical

analyses were conducted to determine if trends occurred in the minimum air temperature over time, and the analyses were conducted on the annual data as well as the 30-year climate normal. The results of the Breton region study showed that the minimum air temperature average increased at a rate of 0.5oC every 10 years during the winter periods (December, January, and February, inclusive) from 1901 to 2020. Corn heat units and the length of the growing season also increased over time, and this has allowed for potential expansion of corn growth in northwards. However, the adverse impacts include mid-winter season snowmelts, reduced duration of snow cover, reduced maximum snow depth, low soil moisture levels in spring during crop establishment, more frequent droughts, and increased crop disease incidences. Crop producers now must adapt to changes in climate, including adoption of zero tillage practices, seeding their crops earlier, using drought tolerant and disease resistant varieties, and early scouting for pests and diseases to minimize crop damage.

Self-Sovereign Identity, Legacy Data, and Data Localization in Healthcare

Background: Fragmentation of healthcare data directly impacts patient care. Individuals have poor access and control over their own healthcare data. Self-Sovereign Identity is an evolving identity concept that aims to allow individuals full control over their personal data. Self-Sovereign Identity furthers digital trust by equipping individuals with a digital wallet so that they can hold and store credentials, as well as a public-private key pair so that they can securely exchange information, as well as sign documents. There are several competing implementations of Self-Sovereign Identity such as Hyperledger Aries.

Purpose: To examine how Self- Sovereign Identity concepts can be used to replace existing authentication and authorization methods for accessing legacy healthcare information systems. Instead of the traditional method, such as a username and password to access patient records, two improved login methods are proposed. The first, for routine access, requires a digitally signed consent form per patient. The second, for emergency use, requires an emergency medical license from a health regulator, such as Alberta Health Services. When an emergency license is used instead of a signed consent form, the patient will receive a notification.

Method: A proof of concept was conducted using Hyperledger Aries agents and the Verifiable Organization Network blockchain. The Hyperledger Aries agents contain a wallet, decentralized identifier, public-private key pair, as well as many functions to sign, issue, and verify messages and credentials. The Verifiable Organization Network allows for common definitions of credentials,

such as what fields a medical license must contain. Five docker agents were created to represent: a patient, a healthcare practitioner, a healthcare regulator, a legacy database, and the blockchain. The healthcare regulator created several schemas for credentials such as medical licenses and consent forms. The healthcare practitioner was issued a family medicine as well as emergency medical license from the healthcare regulator. The patient requested proof of a medical license from the practitioner, and then issued them a consent form. The legacy database was configured to accept the combination of a family medicine license and consent form, or emergency medical license.

Results: Both authentication methods were successfully tested. Every credential is traceable to the decentralized identifier that issued it, in this case either the healthcare regulator for licenses, or the patient for the consent form.

Conclusion: Updating existing legacy databases to accept Self-Sovereign Identity credentials improved the Confidentiality of patient data, as explicit patient consent is now required by all healthcare practitioners who do not have an emergency medical license. The number of practitioners with emergency licenses, and the use of these credentials to access patient records is a much smaller subset than all healthcare practitioners and will be much easier to audit for misuse. A patient can provide consent to any practitioner they choose, reducing data fragmentation by breaking down the legacy data silos. As the data is not removed from the existing datacenters, no data localization regulations are broken.

The Influence of Uppercase Letter Location on the Typing of Multiword Passphrases

Organizational policies for secure passwords and passphrases may require certain criteria to be met, such as minimum lengths or the inclusion of uppercase letters, to ensure security. However, as passphrases and passwords increase in complexity, there is often a simultaneous decrease in the ease of typing. Uppercase letters, in particular, appear to lead to slower and more error prone entries.

Interactive theories of typing posit that the typing output of words is influenced by the linguistic information of both the word itself and the context in which the word is embedded. For example, familiar or more common words are typed faster compared to unpracticed or more rare words. Importantly, the linguistic information from the words adjacent to the one being typed appear to exert an influence as well. For example, when typing compound words (e.g., highlight), the typing of the first constituent word (high) is faster when the second constituent (light) is easier to access. This finding, which is consistent with interactive theories of typing, suggests that people access and

plan the output of subsequent words while outputting a current one, and that the linguistic information of both is influential. While passwords and passphrases contain linguistic information, there has been little research examining the effects of linguistic information on their typing input. We examine the influence of uppercase letters on the typing of three-word passphrases. Specifically, we were interested in whether the location of the uppercase letter, which should not influence the security of the passphrase, would influence its typing speed or typing accuracy. Passphrases with no uppercase letter were typed more accurately and quickly than passphrases with an uppercase letter. Interestingly, passphrases with an uppercase letter in the second word (compared to first or third words) were more likely to be typed incorrectly, and were typed more slowly when entered correctly. Our findings are consistent with the linguistic information of adjacent words influencing the output of the word being typed, where an altered second word interfered with the output of both the first and second words.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Automated Bottle Depot Recycling Using Computer Vision

Overview of the Research: Streamlining recycling processes becomes vital with a global emphasis on sustainability. This proposed research project introduces an intelligent bottle and can recycling system through AI and computer vision. The system will be used in the Bottle Depot Centre to automate the process of recycling sorting and improve the user experience throughout the recycling process. This proposed research project seeks to position Canada as a pioneer in merging tech-driven solutions with environmental endeavours, potentially redefining standards for recycling centers worldwide.

Methodology:

Data Collection: I will collect images of recyclable bottles with various types, conditions, and sizes and label them as the training set. The computer vision model will use this training set for feature extraction and classification.

Deep Learning Model Development: I will develop and train a deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) using the gathered images to instruct bottles and cans recognition and infer their corresponding values. In parallel, I will adapt the YOLO (You Only Look Once) model, leveraging its real-time object

Faculty:

Department:

detection capabilities (Wong et al.,2019), and apply transfer learning to enhance model accuracy (Gopalakrishnan et al., 2017), and compare the results with the developed R-CNN (Region-based Convolutional Neural Network) model (Hung & Carpenter, 2017).

Model Test and Validation: After finalizing the model, I will subject it to rigorous testing and validation using a separate set of images not included in the training phase. This will ensure the model’s robustness and reliability in real-world scenarios (Tomaselli, 2019).

Model Deployment: Bottle depot’s locations need to be equipped with a regular RGB camera interfaced with the trained AI system. When a consumer drops off bottles at the counter, the camera “sees” them, the computer program identifies them, and tells the consumer their value. The trained AI system also can be integrated with smart kiosk to facilitate self-serviced bottle depot recycling through instant bottle recognition, type differentiation, and value assessment, enabling consumers to easily retrieve their bottle deposits. The AI system’s performance can be continuously adjusted and refined based on real-world user feedback and data.

Synthesis of Peptide Biomarkers for Chagas Disease Detection

Chagas Disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (1) , is responsible for over 10,000 deaths per year (2) , and is estimated to be present in 8 million people worldwide. Increased tourism and immigration from endemic countries has led to its further spread via blood transfusion, organ transplant, and mother to child transmission (3) . The current methods fordetection of Chagas Disease are expensive and difficult to employ in the rural populations where the disease is endemic (4) . This collaborative project aims to produce a more advantageous detection method via detection of a series of biomarkers for Chagas Disease. This talk specifically discusses the synthesis of the small peptide biomarkers that will eventually be used to produce selective aptamers. Three peptide precursors were explored using solution and solid-support based methods to generate their protected

forms. Namely the peptides phenylalanylthreonine, pyroglumatyl-glycine, and Asn-Gly-Phe-Lys. The exploration of their synthesis using various coupling agents and protecting strategies, as well as the solubility pitfalls of generating such small peptides will be discussed.

1. Bern C. Chagas’ Disease. N Engl J Med 2015, 373, 456–66.

2. World Health Organization. Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) key facts 2019. https://www.who.int/news-room/factsheets/detail/chagas-disease-(americantrypanosomiasis)

3. Echeverria LE, Morillo CA. American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas Disease). Infect Dis Clin North Am 2019, 33, 119–34.

4. Balouz V, Agüero F, Buscaglia CA. Chagas Disease Diagnostic Applications: Present Knowledge and Future Steps. Adv Parasitol 2017, 97, 1–45.

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Friday, April 19, 2024

Violent Virtue: The Inevitability of Violence in Shakespeare’s Dramatic Work

A notable characteristic of Elizabethan drama is a movement from the Senecan tradition of describing violence to the performance of violence in order to elicit the catharsis, pity, and fear, which Aristotle claimed as essential elements of tragedy. When considering the death and violencesaturated culture of Renaissance England, it can be tempting to chalk up gratuitous violence on the stage as just that, devices used to engage the crowd and promote an emotional response to the unfolding drama. Yet, in a review of Julia Taymor’s 1999 film Titus, an adaptation of Titus Andronicus, David McCandless comments, “Lavinia forces spectators to reconcile violence and entertainment by exhibiting, in the space of entertainment, a body bearing the marks of violence’s irreparable harm.” It is true that much of the violence in Elizabethan plays, including those by William Shakespeare, could be considered primarily as an effective dramatic tool, but this does not rule out more significant philosophical implications. Though perhaps a bit unhinged and unrefined in

the playwright’s first attempt at tragedy, the theme of an irreparable and inevitable cycle of violence in Titus Andronicus can be found throughout Shakespeare’s writing. When one then considers the use of violence throughout his dramatic work, irrespective of genre, a pattern emerges in which violence and suffering are almost always presented alongside certain expressions of masculinity which were considered normal and even praiseworthy by the Renaissance culture. Shakespeare’s plays certainly engage in the expectations and ideals of the day, but this does not mean he always agrees with them. This presentation will examine the portrayal of violence and masculinity in historical, tragic, and comedic plays to determine if one can reasonably infer a cohesive picture of the playwright’s beliefs regarding masculinity and violence. Does Shakespeare view the common ideals of 16th and 17th-century men as genuinely virtuous? If not, what sort of masculinity results in praise and peace rather than irreparable violence?

Friday, April 19, 2024

Dr. Eslam G. AbdAllah, Rahul Gothwal, Gaurav Dharmani, and Ramnik Singh Reen

Evaluation of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks and Countermeasures on Autonomous Vehicles

An autonomous vehicle (AV) can drive itself and perform important duties without the help of a driver. To run its software, autonomous cars require sensors, complex algorithms, machine learning systems, and fast processors. Most new car models now include Wi-Fi modules that are used to transmit telemetry data to cloud servers in the background and gather realtime traffic data. In this paper, we will demonstrate how Man-inthe-Middle (MITM) attack can be

successfully executed on the Wi-Fi attack surface of an autonomous vehicle. This is accomplished by creating different attack scenarios and performing attack analysis. We analyze mitigation strategies such as enabling VPN (Virtual Private Network), using encryption to protect against MITM attacks. Based on our analysis, enabling VPN is the best mitigation technique against MITM attacks in AVs.

Regan Holt, Emmanuel Mapfumo, Vern Baron, and Megan MacElheren

Permanganate

Oxidizable Carbon (POXC) Distribution with Depth for an Orthic Black Chernozemic Soil Under Historical Perennial Grasses and Annual Cereals

Impacts of historical annual and perennial pasture management on soil organic carbon (SOC) and permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC) were investigated on an organic carbon rich Orthic Black Chernozem at Lacombe, AB. The original site was broken from perennial grass in 1992, and the CAESA trial established in 1993. Between 1994 and 1997, half of the paddocks included winter triticale and a mixture of triticale and spring barley; half included smooth and meadow bromegrass; and each paddock was light, medium, or heavily grazed. The study site was located at the Lacombe Research and Development Centre, Alberta (52 ◦ 28’N; 113 ◦ 45’W; 847m), on an Orthic Black Chernozem of loam texture derived from glaciolacustrine parent material. Surface soil (0–15 cm) contains 15% clay, 34% silt, and 51% sand. The paddocks were 9 m × 33 m. Perennials were seeded on 31 May 1993 at 11.2 kg ha −1 for smooth bromegrass and 16.8 kg ha −1 for meadow bromegrass. Establishment of annuals involved first rototilling each spring to a depth of 10 cm followed by seeding

at 135 kg ha −1 for triticale plots only or a mixture of triticale and barley at 90 and 50 kg ha −1 , respectively. Soil samples were collected in spring 2022 and various soil carbon analyses were conducted. The results showed that soil under continuous perennial grass since 1993 had higher total carbon (TC), total organic carbon (TOC), and permanganate oxidizable (POXC) than that under annuals with these legacy effects mainly observed in the 0-15 cm depth interval. The regression analyses of TC, TOC, and POXC values against soil depth showed the highest values in the 0-15 cm depth interval but drastically decreased in the 15-30 cm depth and further decreased down to the 60-90 cm depth. This is attributed to the root distribution with depth observed in other studies on perennial grasses and annual cereals, whereby more than 50% of the total root mass is found in the top 0-15 cm and decreases with depth. Overall, POXC values were less than 1% of the total organic carbon. There was a significant positive correlation between POXC and TOC.

Dr. Tim Cusack

Understanding the Self-Efficacy of Aspiring School Leaders

Background: We are at a crossroads in Alberta in terms of principal succession planning and succession management. Given the increased instances of resignation, early retirement, and burnout, many school jurisdictions are seeking innovative ways to attract more people to school-based leadership. Join Dr. Cusack as he shares aspects of his research on the self-efficacy of assistant principals and what might be helpful for principals and system leaders to know in terms of attracting more aspiring leaders to principalship. His study (2020) was a precursor to his recent book “Leader Ready” published by Corwin Press 2023).

Method: Though a quantitative descriptive analysis, Dr. Cusack determined the attitudes and dispositions that serving assistant principals espoused towards becoming a principal. Through an examination of instructional, managerial,

and ethic leadership domains, study participants were invited to share perspectives on what types of professional learning and development might be helpful in advancement to principalship.

Results: Only about a third of currently serving assistant principals are actively seeking principalship. While 20% indicate they have no intention of advancing, over 40 % remain undecided. With greater focus on managerial processes and increasing mentorship supports, it is likely more undecided individuals may choose to progress towards principalship.

Conclusion: There is need to harmonize aspiring leader preparation and training in school systems. Assistant principals have been a neglected demographic within educational leadership research. Dr. Cusack proposes practical means and solutions to better support and champion these important school leaders.

Dr. Sergey Ishutov, Melissa Stasiuk, Nasim Hajari, and Md Khairul Anam

Energy Calculator as a New Tool for Monitoring Energy Consumption

Background: Climate change is a sequence of extreme weather events and anthropogenic input such as natural resource depletion that affects energy supply to the growing population of our planet. The study involves the development and implementation of a phone/tablet app that uses machine learning techniques such as image recognition to enable individuals and enterprises to estimate and manage their energy consumption over time.

Purpose: This project is aimed at demonstrating that efficient energy use is in hands of every energy consumer. The main objectives of this research are: 1) to reduce carbon intensive operations on campuses; 2) to increase energy efficient technologies among the city residents; and 3) to encourage communities to adopt sustainable energy use practices.

Methods: The first online survey was distributed among all Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) members to identify the type, size, and approximate location (via a postal code) of participants’ homes as well as to learn about their energy consumption patterns based on the building’s insulation, lighting, heating sources, and daily use of electronic devices and appliances. The second survey included participants’ interaction with the newly developed energy calculator and the follow-up survey to inquire about current sources of heating, lighting, and appliances in the participants’ homes. The user needed to provide the quantity and wattage for each item for the algorithm to calculate power usage per month. After completing the second survey, participants

provided feedback on the functionality and the most useful features of the online energy calculator. Based on their responses, recommendations on what types of new energy-saving habits for participants will be developed in the app.

Results: The survey results showed that the main electricity source was the power grid, and the main source of heating was the gasforced air central furnace. It was found that 95% of participants would be willing to switch to green energy sources if they had the opportunity and enough incentives from the federal and provincial governments. Out of all participants, nine CUE members indicated that they installed or inherited some energy-saving equipment or lighting sources within their homes. In addition, insulation in walls and windows plays an important role in energy efficiency for buildings. By comparing participants’ homes that ranged from 1 to 50 years in age and analyzing the number of windowpanes and any renovations completed within the last 15 years, there was a trend of using less energy (in kWh) in the properties with triple-glazed windows and recent renovations. Out of all our participants, 88.3% stated that they would switch to a greener energy source (wind, solar, hydro, etc.) if they had the opportunity to learn how much they can contribute to energy conservation.

Conclusion: The results of the behavioural survey allow residents to rethink their strategies of waste management, sustainable landscaping and enhance their commitment to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Kinetic Connections

My name is Payton McPherson, a local dancer from Sherwood Park, and currently in the final year of my Bachelor of Arts degree at Concordia University. As a drama major, I am embarking on a capstone project to culminate my academic journey.

For my drama capstone I have produced Kinetic Connections; a collaborative dance showcase with the purpose of embracing diversity through movement. The heart of this project lies in celebrating the connection within global dance with a focus on various styles, cultures, and ethnicities to celebrate our community. This project entails 10+ talented dance artists and communities contributing in this collaborative endeavour. Kinetic Connections showcases performances steeped in the rich history of eleven different countries!

Each participating dance group will be given the opportunity to showcase their own piece, ranging from 1 to 5 minutes in duration. The entire production is estimated to be an hour in length. The primary objective of this project is to demonstrate unity within our diverse communities through dance. My intention is to fully

engage in understanding the unique styles of each group, and I will actively participate in a segment of their choreography during each performance. Through this experience, I aspire not only to enhance my dance skills but also to deepen my appreciation for the history of dance.

As an artist I aspire to illustrate collaborative work that dives into diverse expression and self-discovery. I strive to create a safe inclusive space that empowers individuals to embrace their authenticity and unique backgrounds. I will inspire and educate others in my work within the arts through proper representation and cultural appreciation.

Kinetic Connections - Embracing Diversity Through Movement presents a collaborative dance showcase founded and produced by Payton McPherson. The showcase will be held at the Al and Trish Huehn Theatre, Concordia University of Edmonton (7128 Ada BLVD, Edmonton, AB) on Saturday, May 25, @ 7:30pm.

“Dance, an unspoken language that translates to all”

Friday, April 19, 2024

Dr. Baidya Saha

Session

Privacy-Preserving Distributed Machine Learning: Bridging the Gap Between ML and Cryptography Communities

In light of the remarkable success of Machine Learning (ML), particularly in deep learning, across various big data applications, the cybersecurity threats posed to ML systems are of paramount concern, especially in sensitive sectors such as healthcare, defense, finance, and government. This research endeavors to fuse ML techniques with privacy measures, striving for a balance between security and performance to achieve secure Privacy-

Preserving Distributed ML (PPDML). Its objective is to pioneer novel cryptographic and ML algorithms tailored for PPDML systems, with applications spanning critical domains like healthcare prognosis, credit risk assessment, and insurance actuary models. This presentation explores diverse methodologies aimed at bridging the knowledge gap between the ML and cryptography communities, with a focus on addressing privacy concerns.

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Development of an Algorithm for Estimating Household Appliance Energy Use

Background: The global effort to reduce carbon emissions significantly focuses on enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings, given their considerable contribution to the overall carbon footprint. Traditional methods for evaluating a building’s energy consumption involve extensive data collection on its utility history, construction materials, insulation properties, and other factors, which can be both costly and time-consuming. This necessity underscores the importance of innovative approaches to ascertain energy usage more efficiently.

Purpose: The aim of this project is to create a machine learning algorithm capable of identifying and assessing the energy consumption of household appliances from photographs. This tool will allow users to upload images of their appliances, after which the algorithm will classify them and provide an estimation of their energy consumption. Furthermore, it will suggest more energyefficient alternatives to these appliances, thereby facilitating a reduction in household energy usage without the need for manual data entry or extensive energy audits.

Methods: A convolutional neural network (CNN), a type of deep learning model adept at processing visual imagery is used to analyze energy consumption. This algorithm will be trained on a large dataset comprising images of major household appliances and corresponding energy consumption data. The training process will enable the model to recognize various appliances and estimate their energy use accurately. Additionally, the

algorithm will access a database containing specifications and energy consumption information of the latest, more efficient appliances to recommend alternatives to users. To compile the necessary datasets, we will collaborate with manufacturers, energy efficiency organizations, and conduct web scraping where permissible.

Results: Preliminary results demonstrate the model’s capability to accurately classify major household appliances and provide an estimate of their energy consumption within a margin of error of 10%. Moreover, the algorithm not only identifies the appliance but also provides alternatives that are more efficient than the current appliance, thereby offering potential pathways for users to enhance their energy efficiency significantly. These outcomes suggest a significant potential for the algorithm to contribute to energy-saving practices in households.

Conclusions: The development of a machine learning algorithm for estimating the energy use of household appliances from photographs represents a promising step towards optimizing energy efficiency in residential settings. By simplifying the process of identifying energy-intensive appliances and suggesting more efficient replacements, this tool can play a crucial role in reducing household energy consumption and, consequently, the carbon footprint of buildings. Future work will focus on enhancing the accuracy of the algorithm, expanding the database of appliances, and developing a user-friendly interface for broader adoption.

Exorcisms: The Superhero Priest and Those Who Are Exorcised

Exorcism is an arcane ritual, mystifying and intriguing the collective consciousness. It transforms the marginalised into the socially accepted. It allegedly removes the tarnish and polishes its subjects into a gleaming beacon of respectability to enable them to assimilate into society. This transformation is presented as unflinchingly positive; it is rarely done with nefarious intent; it is supposed to heal and care for the souls of the bodies it touches.

Our conceptions of exorcism have been informed by the popular culture of the seventies. Satanic panics, Peter Blattly’s novel turned movie “The Exorcist’’, Malachi Martin’s “Hostage to the Devil’’, and Frank and Ida Mae Hammond’s “Pigs in the Parlor’’ created the mythos and modern understanding of the ritual. Bolstered by a renewed interest in the subject, Evangelical deliverance and Catholics exorcism have proliferated throughout mainstream media. The portrayal of exorcism in the media is sardonic to the bodies that are subjected to the ritual of exorcism. It is a simulacra of the ritual, and does not portray the real experiences and

actualities of how exorcisms operate. It is simply the enactment of power that is vital to the performance of an exorcism. While not surprising, we underserve the affected populations, further marginalising the marginalised, pushing them further into the shadows.

The focus of this project is the marginalised bodies that are oft forgotten and cast aside in portrayals of exorcism. Popularised by Judith Butler in her 1993 book Bodies that Matter, abjection is the process of creating a deviant ‘other’. Once created this ‘other’ allows you to reify your own piety by contrasting yourself with an individual that is wracked with a demonic entity. Demographic data was collected for this project through analysing texts from The Stephen A. Kent Alternative Religions Collection. Using a primary case methodology this data was collated into distinct caricatures of those targeted by exorcisms. Once these ideal types have been identified a thematic analysis was performed to identify what made these bodies deviant, and why they are abjected.

Azalea Goerz, Glenda Stirling

Echo: How to Fully Immerse an Audience

Echo is a creative research project and live performance presented by Azalea Goerz that explores immersive theatre beyond the stage. This project is an extension of findings from Goerz’s semester abroad in England, where they spent five months learning immersive theatrical techniques alongside UK professionals in the winter of 2023. When they started the research for Echo, they sought to answer the question, ‘How can an audience be fully immersed in a performance?’ From this research and experience in the UK, Goerz created a sensory control isolation pod that dampens external stimuli to immerse the audience entirely. Using the pod, Goerz created a theatrical work that did not require a traditional stage, allowing it

to be more accessible specifically to those in wheelchairs.

Performed to a single audience member at a time, Echo explores the ups and downs of growing up through childhood memories. Think back to your childhood. Was it fun? Was it safe? Was it horrible? Echo dives into this topic and is not afraid to explore the good and the bad. From birthdays, to playing hide and seek, to failing school work, to staying up past bedtime, Echo covers it all. Looking back at childhood memories, what could possibly go wrong?!

The presentation as part of CUE Annual Research & Innovation Conference will involve a behind the scenes look at the performance followed by a question and answer talk-back.

Dr. Stephen Portillo, KBMOD Group (University of Washington) and the DECam Ecliptic Exploration Project. Hayden Smotherman, Pedro Bernardinelli, Stephen Portillo, Andrew Connolly, Bryce Kalmbach, Mario Juric, Dino Bektesvic, and Zachary Langford

From Pixels to Asteroids

The Kuiper belt is the remnant debris disk of asteroids left over from the Solar System’s formation, and measurements the population of Kuiper belt objects (KBOs) probe the early history of the Solar System. For example, the distribution of KBOs in inclination and semi-major axis constrains scenarios for the migration of Neptune. Approximately 3 500 KBOs are currently known and finding fainter KBOs will clarify our understanding of the early Solar System. The DECam Ecliptic Exploration Project (DEEP) was allocated 46.5 nights of observing over 3 years using the Dark Energy Camera to find faint KBOs. We developed the KBMOD (Kernel-Based Moving Object Detection) software package to enable the discovery of faint KBOs that are not apparent in a single night’s image. KBMOD uses digital tracking to search for KBOs in a grid of 1 500 possible velocities for each possible starting pixel. GPU acceleration allows KBMOD to search billions of velocitypixel combinations in minutes. After finding KBOs, their orbital parameters can be measured using a more detailed

forward-modelling approach that combines the information from all images of the object. With this approach, we find 105 new, faint KBO candidates and measure their properties well enough to classify their orbits and find disagreement with theoretical models of the Kuiper belt. Future work will focus on detecting KBO binaries – pairs of KBOs that mutually orbit each other. KBO binaries are an important probe of the early history of the solar system. Wide KBO binaries are easily disrupted by dynamical events like the migration of Neptune. Because of their close separation, these binaries are difficult to find, necessitating space-based followup imaging. Only 123 binary KBOs are currently known, partially because it is not practical to follow up all known KBOs with space-based telescopes. Work in progress extends the forward-modelling approach to specifically search for pairs of objects that move consistently as a mutually orbiting pair. This approach will allow searches done with ground-based telescopes to find more closely separated binaries, reducing the need for space-based follow-up.

Dr. Sergey Ishutov, Jennifer Szukala, Alexander Taikh, and Seyma Yildirim-Erbasli

Using 3D-Printed Models in Improving Efficiency of Learning the Earth Science

Background: Teaching science courses often involves the use of visual aids, such as computer renderings or physical models. Teachers can implement physical models to help students better understand the content covered. One example of this is in courses where geological concepts are covered.

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to understand whether 3D-printed models can help undergraduate students with the comprehension and retention of geological information compared to textbook figures or computer models displayed on the screen.

Methods: Our experiment consisted of study and test stages which took place during one class. Our participants, firstyear science students, were divided into four groups: 1) the paper group received a printed image of the geological terrain; 2) the computer group was shown a digital form of the terrain on the computer screen, 3) the 3D group received a 3D-printed model of the terrain; and 4) the integrated group received access to all model types above. We assessed the understanding of concepts using 15 questions about morphology and physical features of the terrain. Participants alsocompleted a survey about their experience and attitude toward a particular type of model they interacted during the study stage.

Results: According to the results from the first test stage, on the knowledge test (out of 15 questions), the integrated group showed the highest performance with a mean (M) of 6.26 and a standard deviation (SD) of 1.97, followed by the paper (M=6.22, SD=1.35), computer (M=6.15, SD=1.46), and 3D model groups (M=5.44, SD=1.69), respectively. According to the survey responses, students most strongly endorsed the usefulness, ease, and comfort of using 3D-printed models (for both integrated and 3D model groups) to learn the geological material, followed by computer models, followed by images on the paper. While survey findings suggest that students may prefer using 3D-printed models for a better learning experience, the knowledge test results suggest that the paper-based materials may provide a more effective way of retaining information.

Conclusions: This study will contribute to the broader scope of finding more efficient methods of teaching science using tangible aids. The workflow for the student evaluation of perception, cognition, and retention may also be adapted for other subjects in future. We anticipate continuing this project and conducting experiments on more models and more diverse groups of participants to devise an approach for using 3D-printed models in teaching science courses.

Caroline Howarth

Songs My Mother Never Sung Me: Deaf and Hearing Theatre Collaboration

In this presentation I will reflect on my experience as a hearing artist co-directing the recent remount and tour of Songs My Mother Never Sung Me, a chamber opera for children and families by Dave Clarke, performed in American Sign Language (ASL) and sung English. The piece developed by Concrete Theatre is a fictionalized memoir based on Clarke’s experience as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adult) and explores the complex relationship of a hearing boy and his Deaf mom. The goal of the production is to create a fully bilingual theatrical experience that can be equally enjoyed by Deaf and hearing audiences through collaboration between hearing and Deaf artists and application of tactile vibration, visual projection, and rhythmic ASL to extend the experience of music and rhythm.

The piece was developed over several years through readings and workshops and was premiered at the SOUND OFF Deaf Theatre festival in 2019. A national tour was postponed by the pandemic, but a smaller Western Canadian tour went forward in early 2024 with performances in St. Albert, Saskatoon, and Calgary. Returning to the rehearsal hall with some returning and some new performers afforded the opportunity to apply what was learned in the first production and to discover new ways to work with a Deaf and hearing cast coordinating ASL, English, music, vibration, and projection for a multilayered accessible production. I will share an overview of the project, discoveries in rehearsal practice and audience response to this unique production.

Faculty:

Dr. Md Morshedul Islam

Enhancing Adversarial Defense in Behavioral Authentication Systems through Random Projections

A Behavioral Authentication (BA) system uses a verification algorithm to verify users based on their behavior patterns. This verification algorithm usually trains a Neural Network (NN) classifier on user profiles to classify them, which eliminates the need for a profile database to store the profiles and enhances the system’s performance. However, like other NN applications, the NN-based BA classifier is also susceptible to adversarial attacks. To defend the system against such attacks, we employed a method that utilizes Random Projection (RP) and the reverse process of RP to generate and add random noise to the training profiles of the classifier. This prevents the model from overfitting

and keeps the model’s predictions at an expected level. This technique has proved effective against adversarial attacks. We tested our method on two BA systems, achieved classification accuracy rates of approximately 93.0% and 81.0% on regular profiles, and approximately 99.0% and 98.0% on profiles with added noise, respectively. However, attacks based on adversarial examples are significantly less effective against the classifier trained with noisy data than the one trained on plain data, and the success rates of the attackers dropped to about 75.0% to 98.0%. Our approach is general and can be applied to other BA systems to protect them from similar attacks.

Alexander Rivera, Makan Golizeh

Method Development for Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Quantitation of Advanced Glycation End-Products

The Maillard reaction is a non-enzymatic adduction between the carbonyl function of a sugar or glycated lipid, and the amine group of biomolecules such as nucleotides, amino acids and proteins, and is typically found in food when exposed to high temperatures for prolonged time, such as frying or boiling. The product of this reaction is usually an advanced glycation end-product (AGE). By quantifying different molecules with similar polarities and functional groups to those of AGEs, including serotonin, a-ketoglutaric acid, mandelic acid, tyramine, and caffeine, using high-performance liquid chromatography

(HPLC) paired with positive-mode electrospray ionization (ESI) at a cone voltage of 30V at a desolvation temperature of 350°C with the HPLC column at 45°C and sample temperature at 22°C, the results with the best intensity and resolution came from reverse-phase HPLC with a octylsilane (C8) column. Only caffeine, serotonin and tyramine were detected with partial fragmentation. Future refinement of the method should include compounds that are more susceptible to positive mode ESI, and chemically derivatize amines to protect them from fragmentation.

Faculty:

Alexander Taikh, Jessica Dubauskas, Ajay Mangat, Rachel Campbell, Brittany Briggs, and Torrey Loucks

The Influence of linguistic Complexity of Speech Disfluencies In People Who Stutter

Stuttering is a developmental speech disorder that is characterized by repetitions, prolongations, or blocks of voicing and airflow that disrupt syllables and monosyllabic words. Deficits in sensorimotor processes and aberrations in speech planning have both been implicated in stuttering. Phonological encoding is a language formulation process involved in overt speech, where individual sounds are selected and assembled into an articulatory plan. Differences in phonological encoding that primarily involve delays have been reported, where people who stutter (PWS), but not fluent controls, have greater variability in articulatory movements when producing more phonologically complex nonwords. This finding suggests aberrations in interaction between the speech motor system and phonological encoding. Specifically, the greater demand on the system that comes from more linguistic information in the articulatory plan can destabilize the speech motor system and increase the likelihood of disfluencies occurring.

We examine the influence of linguistic complexity of text on disfluencies in PWS. Using recordings of PWS reading a fixed text that are in the publicly available Fluency Bank database, we examine the relationship between utterance complexity and the number of disfluencies that occur during the production of that utterance. The linguistic complexity of each utterance is indicated by its Flesch Reading Ease Score, which

is derived from the number of words in an utterance and the number of syllables in each word. We counted speech disfluencies in video recordings of participants reading a fixed text. Specifically, on a syllableby-syllable basis, we indicated whether an observed disfluency was a repetition, prolongation, block of voicing and airflow, or a cluster (i.e., more than one type of disfluency occurred on that syllable). We found significantly fewer disfluencies in less linguistically complex utterances (ones with a greater Flesch Reading Ease Score), z = 3.09, p = .002.

Studies examining phonological encoding in PWS have often focused on nonword production tasks because the influences of lexical and semantic information present in words are excluded. Relatively few studies have examined the production of words by PWS, and fewer studies have examined the production of utterances. Examining the production of words embedded in utterances allows us to examine the effects of numerous types of linguistic information on disfluencies in PWS. Subsequent analyses will examine the effects of wordlevel information, such as how frequently a word occurs in the English language, and contextual information, such as how predictable a word is in its sentence context, on disfluencies. Our study aims to examine how linguistic information influences speech production in PWS in a natural context.

Archana Govindarajan, Hrishil Kamal Shah, Tseide Krekelberg, Stella Chukwujama, Zhuoran Li, Agam Gupta, Sergey Butakov, and Eslam AbdAllah

A Security and Privacy Assessment Framework for Accessible Technologies for Blind and Visually Impaired People

With a significant chunk of the global population suffering from visual impairments, there have been intensive efforts from researchers and governments alike to make visually impaired people engaged more in conventional life. To achieve this, visually impaired people increasingly depend on technology. Typically, any computer assisted technology depends on collecting, storing, and processing data. Recognizing this need for assistive technology for visually impaired people, researchers and developers are pushing newer products into the market at an astonishing pace. Many of these products are rushed into production and distribution with limited assessment of the product’s cyber security posture and privacy of user data. This puts the users at risk of cyberattacks and privacy breaches as well as developers with the burden of dealing with the aftermath, like bad press, monetary losses, competitive disadvantage, bug fixes, etc. Thus, there is a need to bring cybersecurity and privacy issues to the forefront during the development phase of these technologies.

The framework developed in this document consists of controls that need to be applied to protect against commonly found vulnerabilities among assistive technologies and audit methods of these controls to ensure efficient and proper use of the controls. Developers can use this framework to protect against

Faculty:

MANAGEMENT

commonly found vulnerabilities in assistive technologies. The framework is tested on a sample set of 15 assistive technologies presented at relevant conferences like ACM ASSET.

Conclusion: The proposed framework was developed based on NIST SP 80053 considering the security and privacy challenges widely recognized from accessible technologies presented in various conferences and journals, aiming to assist the developers and manufacturers from the early development stage. As a result of referencing “A Security and Privacy Assessment Framework for Accessible Technologies for Blind and Visually Impaired People (BVIP)”, accessibility and security of devices can be balanced while development without waiting till pre-market assessment. This not only helps to reduce the cost of rework, but also saves enormous amounts of effort for developers which can be utilized progressively. The framework is developed mainly focusing on the privacy and security of blind and visually impaired people. So, the current framework can be used narrowly for development of accessibility technology designed for BVIP. As the framework evolves, the usability will also extend to technologies that are being developed for other disabilities and contemporary problems associated with them.

Department: INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY AND ASSURANCE MANAGEMENT

Mâmawiwikowin: Revisiting Métis Legal Traditions for Self-Determination and Kinship Renewal

In the heart of Fort McKay territory, a silent revolution germinates as the sanctity of water clashes with ceaseless demands of profit and industrialization. Mâmawiwikowin, a beacon of hope, embodies the struggle for selfdetermination and environmental justice amidst conflict. Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit rights, protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, face challenges from corporate interests, as evidenced by the Fort McKay Métis Association versus Alberta Energy Regulator 2019 case. Documented air pollution exacerbates the conflict, raising concerns for downstream Indigenous communities’ health and well-being. This study explores the legal dispute’s implications, the correlation between pollution and increased health risks, and the role of Métis legal traditions in fostering kinship renewal and selfdetermination.Methods: This research employs a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, integrating Indigenous worldviews, feminisms, law, and environmental sociology. By critically examining epigenetic issues surrounding the legal dispute through an intersectional lens, the study acknowledges the researcher’s privilege and bias. The constitutional dimensions of air pollution’s infringement upon Indigenous rights, as protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, are thoroughly analyzed. The study utilizes legal analyses, epidemiological data, and historical research to elucidate deficiencies in regulatory frameworks and propose solutions. Results and Discussion: The legal dispute between the Fort McKay Métis Association and the Alberta Energy Regulator has brought to light significant deficiencies within current regulatory frameworks concerning Indigenous rights and environmental protection in resource extraction activities. A profound conflict between Indigenous

rights and corporate interests has emerged, underscoring the urgent need for robust ecological assessments and rigorous regulatory enforcement to mitigate adverse impacts on Indigenous lands and communities. The correlation between acute air pollution and the 30 percent increased prevalence of leukemia and other cancers among downstream Indigenous communities underscores the critical importance of addressing environmental justice and public health concerns in Indigenous contexts. This intersection informs discussions on the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, as advocated for under Section 35 of the Constitution Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Furthermore, our examination of Métis legal traditions and the role of Métis women in community-building provides valuable insights into kinship renewal and selfdetermination within Indigenous communities. Recognizing the historical contributions of Métis women and their pivotal role in shaping the social fabric of their communities can foster greater understanding and appreciation for Indigenous sovereignty and environmental stewardship in resource development endeavors. Overall, proactive measures are urgently needed to safeguard Indigenous rights and ecological integrity. Collaborative efforts between Indigenous communities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders are essential to enact meaningful policy reforms and uphold environmental and social justice principles. Conclusion: Indigenous women’s historical roles in community-building and conflict resolution are vital yet often overlooked. In the spirit of Mâmawiwikowin, this study concludes with a call to action for grassroots initiatives to drive legal and policy reforms, safeguarding Indigenous rights and environmental integrity.

Ayden Justice-Riar, Cole Babcock and Emmanuel Mapfumo

Identification of Degradation Products of Cellulose Derivatives in Soil Using Size Exclusion Chromatography

The current use of petroleum-based polymers has created a huge pollution problem. The degradation of petroleumbased polymers has negative impacts on the environment and human health. Biopolymers have shown great potential to help reduce the current pollution problem. Cellulose is the world’s most abundant biopolymer, and its degradation products are non-toxic. Cellulose and cellulose derivatives have already been used in many applications; cellulose derivatives could be used in a biodegradable assay for the fast detection of waterborne pathogens in various surface water sources and wastewaters. The decomposition of cellulose is a vital process in maintaining soil health, however, modification of cellulose can affect its decomposition. It remains unknown if the developed cellulose derivatives maintain their nontoxic decomposition properties. This study was conducted to determine the degree of decomposition of four cellulose derivatives following eight months in soil. Four cellulose derivatives were mixed with soil and moistened every 2-3 days. The samples were left to degrade for 6 months at room temperature. One control sample (without cellulose derivative added)

was also left to degrade over the same period. The cellulose derivatives used were cellulose tosylate acetate, cellulose tosylate, alkylated cellulose acetate, and aminated cellulose. Liquid-liquid extraction was conducted on the cellulose derivatives treated soil samples and the control sample using HPLC grade water and dichloromethane (DCM) to prepare for size exclusion analysis. Three controls were used to check for potential interference. These controls were pure soil, quartz sand, and soil doped with sugar (glucose). The doped sample was run on HPLC to check if the extraction method worked. The results of HPLC analyses of the control samples showed that there were no interferences from the reagents and matrix. The extraction method worked as shown by the clear peak on the chromatogram indicating glucose. HPLC analysis of the soil extracts from cellulose derivatives is ongoing.

This work has been financially supported by Babcocks Synthetics Ltd., of which the second author is President and Founder. The outcome of this project will be used to support the development of a commercial product.

Self-Sovereign Identity, Legacy Data, and Data Localization in Healthcare Brechin

Background: Fragmentation of healthcare data directly impacts patient care. Individuals have poor access and control over their own healthcare data. Self-Sovereign Identity is an evolving identity concept that aims to allow individuals full control over their personal data. Self-Sovereign Identity furthers digital trust by equipping individuals with a digital wallet so that they can hold and store credentials, as well as a public-private key pair so that they can securely exchange information, as well as sign documents. There are several competing implementations of Self-Sovereign Identity such as Hyperledger Aries.

Purpose: To examine how Self- Sovereign Identity concepts can be used to replace existing authentication and authorization methods for accessing legacy healthcare information systems. Instead of the traditional method, such as a username and password to access patient records, two improved login methods are proposed. The first, for routine access, requires a digitally signed consent form per patient. The second, for emergency use, requires an emergency medical license from a health regulator, such as Alberta Health Services. When an emergency license is used instead of a signed consent form, the patient will receive a notification.

Method: A proof of concept was conducted using Hyperledger Aries agents and the Verifiable Organization Network blockchain. The Hyperledger Aries agents contain a wallet, decentralized identifier, public-private key pair, as well as many functions to sign, issue, and verify messages and credentials. The Verifiable Organization Network allows for common definitions of credentials, such as what fields

a medical license must contain. Five docker agents were created to represent: a patient, a healthcare practitioner, a healthcare regulator, a legacy database, and the blockchain. The healthcare regulator created several schemas for credentials such as medical licenses and consent forms. The healthcare practitioner was issued a family medicine as well as emergency medical license from the healthcare regulator. The patient requested proof of a medical license from the practitioner, and then issued them a consent form. The legacy database was configured to accept the combination of a family medicine license and consent form, or emergency medical license.

Results: Both authentication methods were successfully tested. Every credential is traceable to the decentralized identifier that issued it, in this case either the healthcare regulator for licenses, or the patient for the consent form.

Conclusion: Updating existing legacy databases to accept Self-Sovereign Identity credentials improved the Confidentiality of patient data, as explicit patient consent is now required by all healthcare practitioners who do not have an emergency medical license. The number of practitioners with emergency licenses, and the use of these credentials to access patient records is a much smaller subset than all healthcare practitioners and will be much easier to audit for misuse. A patient can provide consent to any practitioner they choose, reducing data fragmentation by breaking down the legacy data silos. As the data is not removed from the existing datacenters, no data localization regulations are broken.

A Mathematical Summary of Bifurcations Models and their Applications in Science

Bifurcations within the field of mathematical modeling have been around since the late 1800s and were first introduced by French mathematician Heneri Pointcaré, to describe a specific graphical behavior within a model. Nowadays we describe bifurcations as a topological change within a model’s phase space that alters a system’s graphical behavior. Moreover, bifurcation models have allowed for us to better understand and construct models with topological changes. These models have since been applied in a variety of different biological and scientific models which have improved the fields of population dynamics, cardiac rhythms, immunology, epidemiology, and neural oscillators.

Additionally, my research explores and summarizes how we can use localized information in ordinary differential equations such as equilibrium points, Jacobian matrices, and eigenvalues to evaluate and construct such bifurcations. This information is then calculated to construct a critical condition and a topological shape to illustrate the bifurcation model using mathematical software such as python. Here, I was

able to replicate common one and two dimensional diagrams such as saddle node, transcritical, pitchfork, and Van del Pol bifurcations. Allowing for a generalized approach to constructing such graphs.

Investigation into newer and current models of bifurcation were examined such as bifurcation in coastal sand dunes. Here, a saddle node bifurcation was formed due to a logistical dune growth height caused by currents and dune erosion from storm events. The evidence of the saddle node bifurcation allows for further modeling and testing that may someday be used in storm event research.

Further research into constructing a one dimension bifurcation model has been promising in the field of silica nanoparticles. The formation of the silica nanoparticles has been shown to have a linear regression between particle size and annealing temperature that becomes unstable at 1700 degrees Celsius thus resulting in a transcritical bifurcation that was modeled. Future models may lead to a nanoparticle equation that may be used to determine size dependency.

Brooke Huber, Ezekiel Gading and Jenna Congdon

Exploring the Welfare and Enrichment of Primates In Zoos: A

White-Handed Gibbon (Hylobates lar) Case Study

Enriching primates in captivity is critical to: providing species-specific environments and provoking natural behaviours, increasing cognitive stimulation, and decreasing stress and resulting stereotypy (i.e., abnormal repetitive behaviours). Within the biological order of Primates, both humans (Homo sapiens) and gibbons (Hylobates sp.) are in the superfamily Hominoidea, thus closely related and classified as apes (great apes and lesser apes, respectively). Unfortunately, lar gibbons (i.e., whitehanded gibbons, Hylobates lar) are classified as endangered due to the illegal pet trade, hunting, and habitat loss as a result of deforestation. As a result, many of these apes will live in captivity where the efforts of accredited zoos are to ensure for appropriate habitats and enriched lives. Gibbons are social species, typically living as bonded pairs; locally, the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s (EVZoo) white-handed gibbon recently lost his female, mated partner. Despite showing minimal stereotypy, the purpose of this research was to provide novel enrichment to further improve the welfare for this isolated individual. Upon conducting

a literature review on the welfare and enrichment of primates in accredited zoos, a novel enrichment device was recommended, built, and implemented to investigate resulting changes in behaviour. Unlike many food-oriented (i.e., foraging/olfactory) enrichments, a sensory board was constructed, instead focused on providing unique tactile and visual elements (e.g., coloured wheel, ropes, switches, PVC pipes). The subject’s behaviour (e.g., brachiating, foraging, object play, etc.) during these enrichment sessions were assessed in comparison to baseline observations; both baseline and enrichment behaviours, and use of habitat space, will be presented. Beyond this individual gibbon, these findings warrant further investigation into the effects of tactile enrichment on other primate species, both within EVZoo and globally. More broadly, due to the relatedness of gibbons and humans, additional understanding about lesser apes will also be critical in further uncovering evolutionary divergence, including the similarities and differences in cognitive abilities between great and lesser apes.

The Affect of Nutrition on Butyrate Production of Clostridium histolyticum

Currently, prescription pharmaceuticals are prescribed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Many of these prescriptions have varying side effects, some negative or disruptive to an individual’s daily life. There are potential alternative therapies to contemporary pharmaceuticals utilizing the gut-brainaxis and the molecular byproducts of naturally occurring intestinal bacteria; current research in the last four to five years suggests a correlation between the microbiome of the colon and the upstream effects it has on the brain. Bacteria of the colon can produce short-chain carboxylic acids (SCCAs) that correlate with an increase of serotonin levels in the brain, serotonin has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The SCCAs produced most prominently are acetate, propionate, and butyrate; butyrate has been shown to increase serotonin levels in the brain via the gut-brain-axis. Levels of butyrate vary person to person: total amount of bacteria presence in the colon, diversity of bacteria species, bacteria metabolism efficiency, and diet are all factors that affect butyrate production. I hypothesis that a change in diet – away from high processed sugars (i.e. fructose) – will affect butyrate production in the colon, having upstream effects via the

gut-brain-axis in the brain, increasing serotonin, thereby decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Clostridium histolyticum is a typical bacteria found in the human colon that produces butyrate by metabolizing carbohydrates. This project will investigate the affects of various macromolecules – dextrose, fructose, lactose, and glutamate – on butyrate production of C. histolyticum. The bacteria will be grown in broth culture consisting of 5%-sheep’s blood-tryptic soy media where the molecular byproducts will be collected and filtered, the sample will be analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the amount of butyrate present in media. I expect the fructose sugar, representing a high-processed sugar diet, to produce less butyrate in contrast to lactose and glutamate. This project should provide alternative therapies to combating the increasing presence of anxiety and depression in Canada without concern of negative side-effects of current therapies. If no change in butyrate-production occurs due to a change in substrate presence, further research into genetic alteration of bacteria to promote metabolism efficiency – like with Escherichia coli producing butyrate for bio-fuel production – could offer a solution to combat anxiety and depression via the gut-brain-axis.

Dry Mixwood Ecoregion Graminoid Physiological Response to Native Fauna Defecation, Bison (Bison bison) Contrast to Domestic Cattle (Bos taurus)

Large grazers such as bison and cattle have been a predominant figure in promoting grassland biodiversity and total productivity through their engagement in nutrient cycling; via grazing, defecation and nutient uptake. The aim of this research project has been to study the phylogical response of native graminoids within different soil treatments containing dried defecation from either bison or cattle. The objective is to observe any quantifiable differences in growth rate, phytomass, development and environmental strategies, success rate and nutrient utilization. The project began by collecting raw defecation from

agriculturally raised bison and cattle at a pre-determined location. Those samples were treated and prepared alongside native soil collected from Cold Lake, Alberta. Three separate species of native graminoids were planted and grown over a four-month period, with their shoot length being recorded every two weeks; alongside the root and shoot mass being collected once the study concluded.

Photometric analyses were also performed on individual samples to quantify nitrate, phosphate and potassium concentrations. The results thus far suggest bison have the largest impact on graminoid production.

The Creative Process and Development of Conscious Killing

When our survival is threatened, it is only natural that human instinct guides us to live. But if our ambition and identity slowly begin to fade, how does our body fight to stay alive? For the multimedia showing of a psychological horror and thriller, Conscious Killing will be demonstrating this very concept in both the forms of a script read and film viewing presentation. The 20 minute to 25 minute performance will offer insight into the relationship between the consciousness and well-being of an individual person while providing unique perspectives on certain philosophies, such as the mind-body problem. Conscious Killing hopes to remind audiences that our ambition and accomplishments are just as necessary as food and water. Oftentimes people abandon their dreams due to personal challenges, but this reckless act can lead directly to your own demise. With a specific idea being interpreted through performative art, such as the one being

presented in Conscious Killing, difficulty can arise when attempting to demonstrate the concept through the various aspects of film. In order for the film to be effective, soundscapes, camera shots, and acting must reflect the intended message or the audience may find themselves confused and less engaged in the experience. An involvement in all fields of film production will allow me to thoroughly understand each aspect while helping me develop the necessary skills that are required for a successful and effective film. The knowledge that we develop from looking past surface level preconceptions allow for our understanding to broaden, which in turn gives us better appreciation for the craft of performative art. As we experience a new process and development of a creative project, we are given the chance to go beyond our limits, and take hold of an unfamiliar learning opportunity.

LVL Code: An Interactive Club-Journey System

Clubs of Concordia University of Edmonton have been facing an enormous wall of challenges throughout the years: a long process of registering a club, a struggle to advertise its presence, and a strenuous task to maintain attendance. When the club is on its own, it is left with many questions on resolving those issues, yet no solid answers. On the other hand, for those seeking an entertaining club journey at Concordia University of Edmonton, there is another set of barriers that posters on every wall of the Hole Academic building cannot solve, like reaching out to the club, offering help, or finding events. However, there is hope - to assist both clubs and members with their issues - LVL Code! LVL Code is a form of rules within levels that can lead an individual to an enjoyable club journey, similar to a Moral Code proposing rules for better living. The level system is designed to reward users with experience for attending club events. With more experience, a person gains higher levels. For reaching a milestone, for example, level 5, a reward is bestowed. The LVL Code system is also a place to be

remembered - through the leaderboard, where every student registered will be displayed, even post-graduation. The platform resides within a website where one can find a user list, event catalogue, and leaderboard. However, with more resources, time, and attention, it is planned to transfer to an application (a mobile/ desktop app) for convenience. It also takes time for more clubs to join, since the process of uniting is under development. For clubs, this platform offers collaboration - posting your events/quests and presenting rewards displayed by you. For students and staff, it is an opportunity to look no further to attend what you are interested in and even get rewarded. If the LVL Code system receives more recognition from the Concordia University of Edmonton community, it will benefit clubs and members tremendously. From more confidence in creating and leading a club to more awareness of what clubs are around, from enjoying a reliable schedule of events to also receiving rewards for attending, LVL Code is the future.

Faculty: ARTS

The Good, the True, and the Beautiful: The Meaning of Life as Pursuit of Transcendence

My name is David Neil and I am a philosophy student researching Meaning in Life. The purpose of my research is to provide an objective system for understanding and evaluating the sources of meaning in our lives. In particular, I have studied the topic of meaning within the framework of classical metaphysics, and its understanding of transcendent forms known as Transcendentals.

Meaning is here defined as an identifiable state of mind in which a person feels that their life is worthwhile. Without meaning in our lives, we are left with existential anxiety: the feeling that we have lost our place within reality and that our lives are purposeless and senseless. Experiences of reality provide us with sources of meaning, but there is disagreement about which are the most valuable sources. While we can identify experiences that provide meaning, they tend to be restricted, temporary, and difficult to evaluate. Classical metaphysics, and particularly the metaphysics of Thomas Aquinas, provides sources of meaning which solve these problems.

Classical metaphysics understands reality to be reducible to fundamental, transcendent forms. For Thomas Aquinas, these forms are the aspects of reality which are first experienced by our intellect,

and which are the primary desire of our appetite. The most fundamental form is existence, or Being. Being is experienced by our intellect as Truth, and by our appetite as Goodness and Beauty. These forms, or Transcendentals, solve the previously mentioned problem of meaning because they are universally and eternally accessible, and they provide a means of objective evaluation. The Transcendentals are the greatest source of meaning, and, as they are the makeup of reality, they are accessed through lesser sources of meaning. We intuitively desire a satisfaction which is found in all things, but has its origin in the Transcendentals. Therefore, our sources of meaning can be evaluated by how accurately and fully they manifest the Transcendentals.

The most meaningful life is one that prioritizes the experience of the transcendent within the imminent. We should pursue knowledge which is true, morals which are good, and experiences which are beautiful. If there is a way to connect with pure transcendence this would be the highest source of meaning. So, in our pursuit of meaning, we ought to seriously consider the claims of mysticism and religion.

Dhara Wagh, Baidya Saha

AgriSustain: Advancing Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture for Alberta

Background: AgriSustain is a pioneering project in Alberta aimed at leveraging datadriven AI and deep learning to monitor and enhance soil health. The project addresses the critical need for sustainable agricultural practices in Alberta, known for its extensive agricultural expanses. Traditional soil monitoring methods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and lack real-time insights, necessitating innovative approaches like AgriSustain.

Purpose: The primary purpose of AgriSustain is to revolutionize agricultural practices in Alberta by introducing a Data-Driven AI and Deep Learning-Based Soil Health Monitoring System. This system aims to enhance soil health management, promote sustainable agriculture, and foster data-driven decisionmaking among farmers and stakeholders.

Method(s): AgriSustain employs a systematic approach encompassing data collection, development of deep learning models, and the creation of a user-friendly platform:

1. Data Collection: Diverse soil metrics such as pH levels, moisture content, and nutrient composition are aggregated from different regions in Alberta.

2. Development of Deep Learning Models: State-of-the-art deep learning techniques are utilized to construct predictive models for soil health analysis based on real-time sensor data.

3. User Interface and Mobile Application: A user-friendly interface integrated with a mobile application is designed to provide convenient access to real-time soil health information for farmers and stakeholders.

Result(s) - or anticipated results: The anticipated outcomes of AgriSustain include:

1. Development of a Comprehensive Soil Database: A valuable resource housing diverse soil properties specific to Alberta.

2. Precision in Predictive Models: Accurate projections of soil health enabling early identification of challenges and opportunities.

3. User-Friendly Platform: An intuitive platform facilitating informed decisionmaking processes for farmers and stakeholders.

4. Advancement in Agricultural Sustainability: Improved soil health management contributing to sustainable agriculture in Alberta.

Conclusion(s): AgriSustain represents a transformative initiative poised to address critical challenges in soil health management in Alberta. By incorporating cutting-edge AI and deep learning technologies, the project aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of soil health monitoring, benefiting farmers, agricultural authorities, and the environment. The system aligns with goals of sustainable agriculture and data-driven decision-making, presenting a significant contribution to the agricultural sector in Alberta. AgriSustain signifies a significant stride towards the promotion of sustainable and efficient agricultural practices, ensuring the long-term viability of Alberta’s agricultural landscape.

Factors Influencing Benthic Macroinvertebrate Biodiversity in Urban Stormwater Ponds

Factors contributing to benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) biodiversity, species composition, and succession within artificial water bodies is not well studied under current literature, with studies on reservoir lakes being the closest to the topic. However, reservoir lakes do not provide an accurate comparison to stormwater ponds as they already have existing benthic communities in the rivers dammed to create them, meanwhile most stormwater ponds are constructed entirely from scratch. This leaves biodiversity and succession in urban stormwater ponds poorly understood despite the popularity of these ponds in many modern and historic developments. In this study, the impact of water quality, sediment, and pond age, among other factors, on the BMI biodiversity and species composition are explored within 13 Edmonton stormwater ponds. Field samples were collected during the summer of 2023 and processed from fall 2023 through winter 2024. Initial water quality parameters were collected onsite using a YSI ProQuatro water quality meter, and additional water quality and nutrient parameters would be determined with a YSI 9300 in the lab. Sediment was tested for pH with a probe and the organic matter

content with a furnace burnoff test. The BMIs would be identified to a family level, then used to calculate biodiversity using the Shannon-Wiener index. Collected parameters underwent dimension reduction via principal component analysis and the resulting components were used in a regression analysis to determine their impact on family level BMI biodiversity. Initial findings suggest that water quality factors play a large part in the biodiversity of these ponds, even more so than pond age. This highlights the importance of the city of Edmonton monitoring drain water quality as these ponds are small, variable environments vulnerable to sudden shifts in water quality. This is additionally highlighted by many of the ponds undergoing eutrophication during the sampling period. It is possible that residentially applied fertilizers accumulating in the impacted ponds via drain water could be the cause of the nutrient loading leading to eutrophication. Altogether the findings of this study demonstrates the importance of maintaining high drain water quality and highlights the need for future ponds to be designed with high nutrient input in mind.

Analysis of Jacopo Peri’s Opera, Euridice, in the Context of the Florentine Camerata’s Manifestos

The Florentine Camerata, also known as Bardi’s Camerata, was a group consisting of musicians and intellectuals who met at Count Giovanni de’ Bardi’s house between approximately 1573 and 1587. The Camerata is believed to have contributed to the development of the opera genre. They thought that music should return back to the theatre of the ancient Greeks, which the group believed was fully sung. The Camerata published two manifestos, both of which discussed their thoughts that only one melody should be sung at a time, counterpoint should only be used to bolster harmony in the accompaniment, and that vocal lines should embody the emotional quality of the singer.

This research explores to what extent the composition of the earliest surviving opera, Euridice, composed in 1600, by Jacopo Peri, follows the principles published in the Florentine Camerata’s manifestos. After analyzing the tenets from the manifestos published by Bardi’s Camerata in greater detail, I analyzed the score of Euridice in

the context of the tenets mentioned in the manifestos. Following this, I completed my investigation with a brief discussion of the first opera performance practices.

It appears that the composition of Euridice does follow the Camerata’s tenets to a high degree. A single melody is certainly the dominant texture in the opera, and there are few extravagant embellishments, resulting in simple, understandable melodic lines. However, there are places of independence between vocal lines, particularly when the chorus is singing. While the texture of the chorus music appears to resemble a madrigal upon first glance, there are several key differences, as mentioned in one of the manifestos. In the music for the Euridice choruses, the vocal lines move at similar rates, the staggering between entrances is minimal, and text is infrequently repeated more than once. These techniques add interest, while still following the recommendations of the Florentine Camerata.

Glory Belford, Rachel Cole, Matthew Churchward, and Holli-Anne Passmore

A Replication and Extension Study

to

Test the Efficacy of the “Noticing Nature

Intervention” at Boosting Wellbeing and Reducing Stress

Background: Wellbeing interventions are empirically-validated simple activities designed specifically to enhance well-being, with a possible benefit of also reducing ill-being. The Noticing Nature Intervention (NNI) is a simple wellbeing intervention that involves merely noticing how the everyday nature you encounter in your daily routine makes you feel. It does not depend on people spending more time in nature. Results from several previous studies provide strong evidence that engaging in the NNI, for two weeks, boosts wellbeing. Some support for the efficacy of the NNI at reducing illbeing, particularly stress, has been evidenced; however replication studies are needed.

Purpose: The purpose of the current study is to replicate findings from previous studies validating the efficacy of the Noticing Nature Intervention (NNI) to boost various aspects of wellbeing, with particular emphasis on replicating findings of the NNI’s efficacy at reducing stress. We aim to extend previous findings in this regard by testing the efficacy of the NNI at reducing a physiological measure of stress, specifically salivary alphaamylase (sAA), an enzyme that naturally occurs in saliva and increases with stress.

Method: We closely followed the methods utilized in previous NNI studies, with the addition of testing sAA. All participants report to an in-person session of their choosing where they provide a saliva sample (via the passive drool method) and complete pre-questionnaires of wellbeing and stress. Participants are then randomly assigned either to: a) engage in the NNI for the next 14 days); or b) continue with their daily routine

as usual (control condition). Participants in the NNI condition receive daily email reminders to log what nature they notice in their everyday routine and how it makes them feel. All participants report back for a second in-person session in two weeks’ time to again provide a saliva sample and to complete postquestionnaires of wellbeing and stress.

Results to date: We are continuing to collect data as our sample size is not yet large enough to provide adequate power for statistical analyses. Preliminary overview of qualitative responses (n = 130) thus far do, though, indicate that participants who engaged in the NNI noticed many aspects of nature, including: weather observations, birds chirping, trees and plants, the sun and moon, and wildlife tracks in the snow. These everyday nature sights and sounds evoked feelings of: happiness and joy; peace, calmness, and serenity; relief, hopefulness, and optimism; curiosity and wonder; energy and motivated. Some participants also reported feelings of sadness or disappointment relating to weather conditions, although these were in the minority.

Conclusions: Qualitative responses are consistent with findings from previous studies with respect to the ratio of positiveto-negative emotions (approx. 7:3) evoked by nature, and with respect to the variety of both low- and high-arousal positive emotions evoked by nature. Reports of feeling calm and relieved suggest that engaging in the NNI also made participants feel less stressed; however we have not yet analyzed the selfreport measures or the saliva samples to verify if these feelings are reflected in our psychological and physiological measures.

Exploring the Role that Gender Plays in the Link Between Temperament and Post-Drug Use Behavior in Adolescents

In light of the rising impact of substance use on adolescents, this study addresses a critical gap by investigating the relationship between temperament and behavior after drug use as moderated by the demographic variable of gender. We studied the publicly available Fisher Temperament Inventory (FTI) dataset collected in 2019. Participants (n=503 aged 13-18) completed the FTI involving a series of questions about sociability and experience of behavior change following the use of nine drugs, and indicated whether they were male, female, or other. The sample included 141 male participants and 333 female participants. We conducted linear regression to determine if gender played a moderating role in the relationship between temperament and behavior change following substance use. No significant results were found regarding this interaction. Additionally, we conducted both parametric and nonparametric independent samples t-tests to determine if behavior change following substance use and temperament subtypes differed between males and females. According to a

Mann-Whitney test, there was a significant difference in the analytical/tough- minded scores between males and females z=14192.5, p <.001, as well as for prosocial/ empathetic scores between male and female adolescents z=28715.000, p <.001. According to the t-test results, a significant difference existed in the analytical/toughminded scores , t(470)=-7.166, p <.001, prosocial scores, t(470)=4.243, p <.001, behavior change following substance use, t(470) =-2.081, p=.038, and overall temperament score, t(470)=-2.831,p=.005 between male and female adolescents. The results suggest that gender does not play a moderating role in the relationship between temperament subtypes and behavior change following substance use, but the relationship does differ among gender categories. The difference that exists between the different gender categories highlights the importance of approaches to understanding and addressing the impact of drug use on sociability and behavior in adolescents, tailored to specific gender categories.

Hiral Sojitra, Nasim Hajari

Enhancing Fall Detection through Multimodal Data Integration: A

Comparative Study of LSTM and CNN Models

Fall occurrence and associated risks among older persons have increased due to the global demographic trend towards an aging population. Not only are falls common in this population, but they also pose a serious health concern with possibly fatal consequences if left untreated. The need for effective and dependable fall detection systems is increased by the urgency of medical response following a fall.

Traditional fall detection techniques have mainly depended on single data sources, which are useful but have limitations in terms of accuracy and comprehensiveness.

This study aims to bridge the gap in fall detection technologies by leveraging the strengths of multimodal datasets, which encompass a diverse array of sensors, including wearable devices and cameras. By integrating data from accelerometers and both RGB and Depth image sensors, this research seeks to enhance the accuracy and reliability of fall detection mechanisms. Specifically, it evaluates the performance of two advanced neural network models—Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN)—in interpreting these complex datasets.

As part of our methodology, we compare the capabilities of CNN and LSTM models in terms of processing and analyzing data from both single and multiple data sources. The research is designed to evaluate these models in two ways: first, when RGB and Depth image data are the only inputs, and second, when accelerometer and picture data are combined. This methodology makes it possible to fully comprehend how data modality affects fall detection systems’ effectiveness.

The study’s preliminary findings highlight the possibility of multimodal data integration to raise the precision and dependability of fall detection systems for the elderly. Both CNN and LSTM models perform better when accelerometer data is combined with RGB and Depth pictures. This suggests a viable path for the development of fall detection technologies that are more accurate. This study promotes a multimodal strategy to better serve the requirements of the aging population and adds to the body of knowledge on fall prevention and elderly care. It also provides useful insights for the design of future fall detection systems.

Observation of

Zophobas

morio Behaviour and Life Cycle When Reared on Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

Plastic production continues to increase substantially worldwide as a staggering 367 million tonnes of plastic were produced globally in 2020 and that number is expected to rise to 445 million tonnes in 2025. In Canada, only approximately 9% of plastic products are recycled per year, leaving the rest of this plastic to find its way into landfills or ecosystems causing a considerable amount of environmental damage. Recent research into the gut microbiomes of Zophobas morio (superworms) has provided us with a novel approach to the plastic accumulation problem we face today. It has been reported that superworms are able to biodegrade plastic products such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) and produce fecal matter that contains molecules that can be implemented into fertilizers. These superworms undergo morphogenesis from a larval form to a beetle form. The purpose of this research was to investigate two key behaviours: the ability of beetles to consume EPS and the ability of Zophobas morio to progress through life cycle changes. It has been found that superworms struggle to grow and gain biomass when reared on EPS, so we implemented co-diets of bran and EPS in hopes of promoting life cycle changes. Our research began by placing

300 larvae in individual containers to promote pupation. More mortality occurred during this stage than expected as only 36 beetles were captured. We implemented the use of 3 treatment groups for beetles (1 bran diet, 1 EPS diet, and 1 co-diet) and 5 treatment groups for larvae (1 bran diet, 1 EPS diet, and 3 co-diets). In each treatment group 10 worms or 10 beetles were placed in the container. A 3-week feeding period was performed, we took note of mortality, EPS consumption and bran consumption and looked for egg production and pupation. Another 3-week feeding period was performed with only 4 larvae in the containers to increase the probability of pupation. Data is to be collected and compiled in figures and analyzed via ANOVA’s and a Post Hoc Tukey test. Data is still being collected and analyzed at this point in time, but we have observed that larvae consume more EPS than beetles. We have also observed the pupation of larvae on EPS. We were unable to observe egg production in beetles due to the constraints of a necessary sample size in a small container. In conclusion, this research has shown the poor ability of beetles to consume EPS and that the constraints of space and sample size play a large role in limiting the progression of life cycle changes.

Investigating the Impacts of Direct Stimulation on Microglial Cell Inflammation: Implications and Characterization for Neuroinflammatory Disorders

Microglial - from the Latin word micro (small) and glia (glue) - represent the specialized immune cells of the central nervous system that play a pivotal role in major functioning systems throughout the body such as in monitoring the cerebral microenvironments, maintaining homeostasis, and responding to any damage or pathological presence. In multiple neuroinflammatory disorders such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis, the dysregulation of microglial cell activation can contribute to chronic inflammation and exacerbated neuronal damage. Implanted electrical devices are used clinically to treat functional deficits such as hearing loss (cochlear implants) or Parkinson’s (deep brain stimulation), however, specific effects of direct electrical stimulation on microglial cell inflammation remain less understood in the scientific community.

My research aims to further investigate the direct impact of electrostimulation on microglial cells. I hypothesized that as the strength of the electrical current is increased, the cellular inflammatory response would increase. SIM-A9 microglial cells, an in vitro model of brain microglia, were cultured in a 12-well testing plate consisting of 8 outer control wells and 4 inner testing wells with stainless steel electrodes. Each test well was subjected to varying levels of direct electrical stimulation for 1 hour with a biphasic pulse at 25 Hz. Once stimulation was completed, two main assays were done, the Greiss Assay, and the Oxidative Stress Assay. The Griess assay is a straightforward and sensitive method to quantify the key inflammatory mediator signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO) present in the supernatant of the cell culture.

Similarly, the Cell Rox oxidative stress assay was done to test the nitric oxide levels in the microglial cells which are already highly susceptible to oxidative stress due to their phagocytic activity and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as part of their immune response. I chose this test to give me real-time monitoring capabilities to compare the levels of internal NO between stimulated and non-stimulated cells indicating an increase in oxidative damage, exacerbating neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Based on the findings of this experiment, the most significant differences were observed in groups 1(high current) and 2(medium current) via the Greiss assay. The discrepancy suggests that there is a possible “threshold” within the microglial cells, whereby an initial level of stimulation is needed to trigger an inflammatory response releasing NO. Test groups 3 (low current) and 4 (minimal current) exhibited similar results, indicating a lack of discernible responses to stimulation below that threshold. Additionally, the analysis of the oxidative stress test revealed that cells subjected to higher levels of stimulation exhibited a more intense and sharper fluorescence (indicating increased oxidative stress) where internal organelles and microglial processes were more noticeable. In summary, comparing cells that were exposed to electrical stimulation with those unexposed revealed subtle differences; a slight increase in nitric oxide levels both inside and outside the cell, along with slightly reduced mitochondrial activity. This research helps shed light on the potential adverse side effects of treating function deficits, highlighting the risks that are associated with long-term device use.

Digitally Sacred: Examining the Use of Plainchant in Halo: Combat Evolved (2001) and Pentiment (2022)

Chant has long been used by the Catholic church as an extension of scripture for teaching and promoting religious sentiment. More recently, chants and chant-style music can be found in a very different setting. Indeed, chant has seen a significant rise in mainstream culture over the past twenty years through covers of popular songs by groups such as Gregorian and video games like Halo, Assassin’s Creed and the Elder Scrolls. However, many people who enjoy these works and games do so with little to no knowledge of the centuries-old musical traditions that inspired them. This project, therefore, is an examination and assessment of two examples of chant found in the video games Halo: Combat Evolved (2001) and Pentiment (2022). These games represent two different genres - a science-fiction first-person shooter and a historical fiction adventure, respectively. In examining the use of chant in these games, I argue that chant is used for two distinct purposes: to communicate historical settings – that is, set during the Middle Ages and around

churches and monasteries – and, in almost complete opposition, to set an “ominous” mood more suitable to horror or sciencefiction settings.

This project draws from recent scholarship on ludomusicology, particularly the work of Tim Summers, Michiel Kamp and Isabella Van Elferen (2016). To achieve this, I engage with interviews with the composers and performers of the Halo and Pentiment soundtracks (Music Respawn, 2023), score study and comparison, and gameplay experience to note the music in context. This research has been organized into sections about the history of Plainchant within the church, the use of chant in Halo to establish mood, and the in-game performance of chant in Pentiment. My hope is for audiences to consider the history of the music they interact with and how they interact with it. This presentation is meant to be accessible to all audiences, regardless of their experience with either video games or music history, with something to interest and educate anyone.

Faculty:

Jenn

Princess and The Pauper

This project undertook the complete production of a staged adaptation of The Princess and The Pauper. Princess and The Pauper follows two identical girls, a princess and a pauper, who are thrown into a treasonous plot. Can the princess and the pauper save the kingdom and each other? Or will the kingdom fall to ruin? A musical take on Mark Twain’s “Prince and The Pauper”. This movie became wildly popular in the early 2000’s and has been adapted for the stage for a Senior Seminar project. This show was headed by one student who created and produced the show primarily alone. Typically in theater there are multiple people in charge of different areas, such as a director, a costume designer, a vocal director, etc. The purpose of this production was not only to bring this beloved film to life but also to be used as a research tool into the most effective and efficient way to create an entire production primarily

by oneself in 4 months. The planning took 2 months prior to the official beginning of producing this show. There are four stages that require different methods: the planning stage, the rehearsal stage, the creation stage, and the production stage. The methods for the planning stage include mind mapping and scenario planning. For the rehearsal stage, the method used was a maintenance method which essentially is repeating and memorizing. The creation stage had many different sub-stages that required different methods. Lastly, the production stage combined the methods from the other stages. The anticipated result is a smooth running show that welcomes all people and that leaves the actors feeling accomplished, as well as a new understanding of production efficiency. This production will not only create a full show but develop a concise way to produce a show on a time limit and a budget.

Poster 24

Accessing Fully Substituted Unsaturated Acylsilanes Via Catalytic Meyer-Schuster Rearrangements

Unsaturated acyl silanes have significant potential as synthetic building blocks thanks to their easy access to acyl anions via a 1,2-Brook rearrangement (1) The current synthetic methods to make unsaturated acyl silanes frequently involve odorous materials, multiple steps, and inconsistent yields. The Meyer-Schuster rearrangement is an attractive catalytic method to generate conjugated carbonyls that transposes propargyl alcohols into a corresponding unsaturated system (2) . The Trost group has recently shown the advantages of using Vanadium based catalysts to intercept the Meyer-Schuster with aldol type products, but exclusively for ketones (3). The Orellana group meanwhile, showed that Rhenium catalysts can make unsaturated acyl silanes, but did not use any trapping agents limiting the scope

of substrates available (4). In this work, we synthesized different silyl propargyl alcohols as well as various transition metal catalysts. We then explored methods to generate conjugated acyl silanes via enolate trapping of the Meyer-Schuster process with benzaldehyde. This poster will discuss in detail the various efforts and adjustments made in an attempt to access these highly desirable substrates.

1. Reich, H.J.; Kelly, M.J.; Olson, R.E.; Holtan, R.C. Tetrahedron, 1983, 39, 949

2. Meyer, K.H.; Schuster, K. Chem. Ber. 1922, 55, 819-823. Vartanyan, S.A.; Babanyan, S.O. Chem. Rev. 1967, 36, 670-686

3. Trost, B.M.; Tracy, J.S. Acc. Chem. Res. 2020, 53, 1568-1579

4. Nikolaev, A.; Orellana, A. Org. Lett. 2015, 17, 5796-5799

Poster 25

Khalid Iqbal, Shanta Islam, Sergey Butakov, and Eslam G. AbdAllah

Enhancing Healthcare Credentialing in the Metaverse With Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)

This paper presents an extended suggestion for the integration of SelfSovereign Identification (SSI) within the metaverse ecosystem, specifically focusing on its implementation in healthcare contexts. The suggested practical framework for SSI deployment emphasizes full control by the patient over all data in a less trusted metaverse system. The results of the experimental analysis demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of SSI in safeguarding user

data within the less trusted ecosystem. Our findings provide insights for stakeholders interested in leveraging SSI to facilitate digital healthcare while maintaining enhanced security and privacy on the same level as in the traditional regional healthcare systems. Special attention has been paid to the auditability of the system by providing potential auditors with the practical steps required to achieve high confidence in the system by patients and healthcare authorities.

Faculty:

Department: INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY AND ASSURANCE MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT

PCR Detection of Antibiotic-Resistant Genes from Water Samples from the North Saskatchewan River

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) is fueled by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics This is leading to strains that are increasingly difficult to treat, due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This upward trend has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as both hazardous to human health and environmental pollution and poses significant challenges. Understanding the mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance is crucial to mitigate its spread, preserve the efficacy of antibiotics, and safeguard public health and ecosystems.

This work aims to investigate the frequency of ARGs in environmental samples while also developing a reliable methodology for extracting DNA from filter paper samples. The research was focused locally to identify how close this issue is to us; samples were taken from the North Saskatchewan River. The North Saskatchewan River has been identified as a source of drinking water and recreation. WHO has identified this issue as an environmental pollutant, and to be able to take steps to preserve natural local water sources it is important to identify what ARGs are already present.

Two 250mL samples were taken from the river in November 2023. The samples were

vacuum filtered through mixed cellulose filters [size 0.45 µm HAWP]. Said filters were extracted for DNA, and prepared for PCR. Eight different primer sets were used to amplify DNA. The primer sets that identify the presence of ARGs were ordered (tetM1/ M2, VatB1/B2, MecA1/A2, aac-AphD1/ D2, qnrs-f/qnrs-r,], and VatC1/VatC2.) The DNA concentration was combined with a PCR master mix composed of (PCR buffer, dNTPs, Taq, MgCl2, and water. The PCR products were characterized by agarose gel electrophoresis. , The samples were positive for the presence of Vat C1 + Vat C2, and MecA1 + MecA2. No other presence was found within the genes of the sample.

Further analysis of this allowed insight into the presence of ARGs within the North Saskatchewan River, which is concerning for the future environmental safety of our local bodies of water. This prompts the incentive to research further how the presence of effluent from wastewater treatment plants affects the presence of ARGs in the water by comparing the water upstream and downstream. Along with this further research into how the contamination of these can be slowed or removed.

Dance as a therapeutic tool for the development of children with ASD

Dance, one of the oldest and most versatile art forms in the world, has significant roles to play in society, embracing various cultural, expressive and human development aspects. Recognized as a powerful instrument of expression and communication for typical people, questions have arisen about its potential benefit for atypical individuals, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

This study investigated the impact of dance on the development of children with ASD, based on an analysis of the Atypical Universe project of the Bálance Dance Studio in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The project offers free activities for 25 children with ASD, from two years upwards, and it is facing a high demand, with a waiting list of more than 60 children. To sustain its operations, the project relies on financial support from local businesses and the community.

The methodology adopted was based on a phenomenological qualitative approach, using multiple sources of evidence. This methodological choice was made with the aim of understanding human experiences of development, especially from the perspectives of parents and/or guardians, as well as teachers and/or monitors involved in the Atypical Universe project.

To collect the data, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore in depth the interviewees’ perceptions of how dance can contribute to the development of the children in the project. The questions were formulated taking into account the

subjective nature of the perceptions and the individual characteristics of the children with ASD, allowing us to address their particularities and trajectories of evolution in the practice of dance.

The results of the research showed that dance not only provides a welcoming environment for the diversity and social inclusion of children with ASD but also promotes interaction between them. Inclusion goes beyond simply placing the individual in an environment; it is about modifying that environment so that the atypical individual can adapt, live together and develop fully. Through dance, the children are improving broad and fine motor skills, such as lifting their heads and climbing stairs, as well as developing body control. The social skills developed are giving some children the ability to sing and play instruments, as well as mutual perception in space, facilitating eye contact and stimulating speech development.

Based on the results presented in this research project, it was concluded that children with atypical development have the ability to overcome their limitations with the help of more experienced people and the use of adaptive methods and appropriate tools. The Atypical Universe project plays a crucial role in stimulating children’s abilities, being an inclusive space that is receptive to diversity. In addition to the personalized therapeutic benefits, it promotes integration between peers, creating an environment conducive to interaction and socialization.

Maria Luiza Paim Pithon, Carolina Costa da Silva Souza, João Victor Machado

Cirino, and Atson Carlos de Souza Fernandes

Studies on the Applicability of Natural Dyes in Dentistry: A Literature Review

In dentistry, dyes are employed in various areas such as the fabrication of prostheses and composite resins used in dental restorations, thereby playing an important role in ensuring the aesthetic and natural appearance of these dental materials. In addition to their aesthetic function, these pigments are present in plaque disclosing agents commonly used by dentists, which play a significant role in dental care by guiding and motivating patients towards better oral hygiene practices. Natural dyes, pigments extracted through derivatives provided by the environment, present an alternative to synthetic dyes, compounds obtained through chemical processes commonly used in dentistry. They offer a range of advantages, such as being biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-allergenic. Furthermore, they can be obtained from renewable sources such as plants, fruits, and vegetables, providing high sustainability to the environment.

This article presents a literature review of studies that have evaluated the efficacy and safety of natural dyes applied in dentistry. Articles published between 2010 and 2023 were selected. The review results demonstrated that natural dyes are effective in staining dental materials such as composite resin, infiltrating resin, and ceramics. Additionally, they are effective in disclosing bacterial plaque, the sticky, colorless film containing bacteria that naturally accumulate on tooth surfaces. Furthermore, specific natural dyes exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that enable the treatment of chronic inflammatory oral diseases progressively destroying the supporting dental apparatus, also known as periodontitis. Moreover, they are safe for intraoral use, causing no irritation or allergy. However, it is important to note that further studies are needed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of natural dyes applied in dentistry.

Poster 29

Maria Luiza Paim Pithon, Carolina Costa da Silva Souza and Cláudio Marcelo Bittencourt das Virgens

Case Report: Bicytopenia Secondary to the use of Rifampicin and Isoniazid on the Treatment of Pleural Tuberculosis

Female patient, 24 years old, presented to a brazilian emergency medical care due to dyspnea and afternoon fever. There was no cough, weight loss or nasal congestion. There were no known previous medical conditions and no history of leaving the country on the last five years. The patient was a medical student on hospital rotations, maintaining contact with sick patients on a daily basis. Physical examination revealed fever, tachypnea, dullness on percussion at the base of the right hemithorax, as well as a reduction in vesicular murmurs in the same location. A chest tomography was performed, demonstrating a large pleural effusion in the right hemithorax, without cavitations or other findings in the lung fields. A thoracoscopy was performed simultaneously with the pleural biopsy, without complications, with a large amount of citrine yellow liquid coming out. Not all of the pleural fluid was removed due to the presence of segmentations, with the option being clinical treatment for the portion that was not removed. Bacilloscopy was not performed due to the absence of sputum since the onset of the condition and the paucibacillary form of the disease. Due to the impossibility of collecting sputum smear microscopy, AFB research and a rapid molecular test were carried out, which were both negative. During the diagnostic investigation, tests for HIV and other immunosuppressive diseases and differential diagnoses were negative. The diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis was made based on pleural biopsy culture, and treatment was initiated with Rifampicin 150mg + Isoniazid 75mg + Pyrazinamide 400mg + Ethambutol

275mg for 02 months, and subsequently 04 tablets per day of Rifampicin 150mg + Isoniazid 75mg for 4 months. During the patient’s follow-up, monthly laboratory tests were carried out to monitor adverse effects from the use of the therapy. Patient presented with leukopenia (1919 thousand/ mm3) and thrombocytopenia (131 thousand/ mm3) between the fourth and fifth months of treatment. Patient was asymptomatic and maintaining regular medical monitoring for a non-transmissible and paucibacillary form of tuberculosis. Similar findings had not been identified in the patient prior to this stage of treatment. Other causes for the development of these findings were not identified. Despite formal recommendations of treatment interruption, patient successfully completed the regimen with no change in medication doses or drugs due to a rigorous clinical monitorization. The patient continued to undergo laboratory tests every 48 hours, showing stability in leukopenia and thrombocytopenia levels until the end of treatment. Additional treatments or medical admission were not necessary. Pleural tuberculosis is a rare disease; it is estimated to represent only about 18.5% of tuberculosis cases in the United States. In a Brazilian study, Rifampicin-induced thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, agranulocytosis, vasculitis, acute interstitial nephritis, and septic shock occurred in 0.1% of the patients. Due to the low prevalence of these adverse reactions, the importance of considering alternative managements according to the patient’s clinical presentation, on a case-bycase basis, is highlighted.

Megan MacElheren, Emanuel Mapfumo and Vern Baron (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe Research Centre)

Low-cost Forage Management Impacts on Soil Biological Health Indicators of Old Grassland: Legacy Effects

Over the last decade, Canada has been experiencing a decline in grassland productivity for forage due to the increasing cost of fertilizer application and improper land management practices. Sod-seeding (direct-seeding) legumes into grass stands have shown to improve grassland productivity and soil health by various mechanisms including improved nutrient fixation, drought tolerance, and stand persistence. The current study was established in 2022 at Lacombe Research Centre and utilizes 8 pens previously managed under either annual cereals or perennial grasses since 1993. Baseline data was collected on biological soil health indicators preceding the application of new treatments (sod-seeded legumes) to determine the long-term effects of annual cereal and perennial grassland management. Baseline biological soil health indicators assessed were permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC), autoclave extractable (ACE) soil protein, and bacteria composition and diversity determined by 16S rRNA marker gene sequenced data. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) General Linear Model procedure in SPSS was used to test for differences

in soil health indicators under annuals versus perennials. Regression analysis was conducted on POXC data’s relationship to soil depth. Bioinformatic analyses at phylum level for 16S rRNA marker gene sequenced data using Microbiome Analyst included alpha diversity and interactive heat map with cluster analysis using the Ward algorithm. Selected soil health indicators showed the legacy effects of the historical management site. POXC and ACE soil protein were significantly higher under perennials than annuals. POXC decreased with increasing soil depth (curvilinear) (R2>0.85). Bioinformatic analyses indicated higher microbial diversity (Shannon index) at OTU level under perennials compared to annuals. The actual abundance of bacteria phyla was 19% higher in perennials than annuals. Relative abundances of Acidobacteriota and Firmicutes were higher under annuals compared to perennials, and Verrucomicrobiota and Actinobacteriota relative abundances were lower under annuals compared to perennials. Sampling and assessment of biological health indicators will continue until 2026 to assess effects of sod-seeding of legumes on aboveground productivity and soil health.

Faculty:

Department: BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Comparison of Gender and Coping With Stress

Abstract How individuals cope with stress and problems that occur in their daily lives can significantly impact mental health and psychological well-being (Matud, 2004). Roger et al. suggest four types of coping strategies: two are maladaptive, which are unhealthy, not helpful, and may temporarily relieve stress but do not provide solutions to problems. The first is emotional, in which the individual has negative emotional reactions, such as anger or sadness towards a problem or stressor. The second is avoidant, when the person has no strategy to deal with a problem and waits for it to resolve itself. Roger et al. suggest two adaptive coping styles, which are healthy, helpful, and solutionfocused. The first is rational, where the individual is focused on solving problems, seeking solutions, and actively thinking about how to reevaluate the problems they encounter. The second adaptive coping strategy is detached. This is where the individual disconnects from the feelings or ideas they experience toward the actual situation. In this study, we posted a 19-item questionnaire using Google Forms on our Instagram and Facebook pages for 24 hours. The mean age for the 20 male respondents was 20.35, and the mean age for the 21 female respondents was 20.19. We hypothesized that women would have emotional coping styles, such as anxiety towards problems they face,

and that men would have avoidant coping styles, such as waiting for the problem to solve itself. We based our hypothesis on previous literature and our personal lived experience. Four independent t-tests were performed at the .05 significance level, comparing the differences between genders for each coping style. We found that women scored higher on emotional coping styles (M = 14.381, SD = 2.80) than men (M = 12.2, SD = 2.65), t(39) = 2.65, p = .006. Conversely, men scored higher on avoidant style (M = 15.3, SD = 3.15) than women (M = 12.2, SD = 2.65), t(39) = 2.6, p = .006. We found no gender difference for detachment or rational coping styles. These results suggest that women have a more emotional coping style when compared to men and that men have a more avoidant coping style than women. Possible implications for these research findings are increased funding and support for families with young children to promote positive childhood experiences and decrease adverse childhood experiences, which may impact coping styles. Another potential implication maybe print resources in doctors’ offices and libraries to promote awareness and healthier coping strategies. In addition, online and in-person support should be increased, and an online quiz on coping strategies should be provided to personalize healthy coping strategies for both men and women.

An Algorithm for Producing Principal Well-Rounded Ideals of Real Quadratic Fields

A lattice L is a discrete additive subgroup of some Euclidean space V. A lattice L is called well-rounded if its shortest vectors generate V. The image of an ideal I of a number field under embeddings is a lattice, we call it the lattice associated to I. The ideal I is called well-rounded if the lattice associated to it is well-rounded.

Well-rounded ideals relate to important mathematical problems such as the shortest vector problem, sphere packing problem, and kissing number for ideals of number fields. In addition, well-rounded ideals provide useful applications in coding theory, for example for a fading wiretap channel. On the other hand, principal ideals offer a short representation of these ideals, contributing to efficient storage. The concept of principal well-rounded ideals combines the advantages of both principality and well-roundedness.

Previously we identified the necessary and sufficient conditions for a real quadratic field to have principal wellrounded ideals. One of the conditions is

a particular generalized Pell equation, which is dominant in our run time when finding principal well-rounded ideals. Hence finding a pair of principal wellrounded ideals can be reduced to solving a Pell equation. There are several classical algorithms to solve the generalized Pell equation (or an equivalent problem) such as Buchmann’s algorithm and using index calculus. The fastest of these algorithms runs in sub-exponential time. There also exists a quantum algorithm which solves the Pell equation in polynomial time.

In this project, we constructed an algorithm which finds principal well-rounded ideals faster than the other existing classical methods. By adapting our work into a quantum algorithm, we also obtain an algorithm which runs in polynomial time. As a result, using a laptop with an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor (2.80GHz, 4 cores) and 16 GB of RAM, we can produce principal well-rounded ideals of norm up to 10^(100) within minutes while the other classical methods would not even work.

Pavan Sarvaiya, Baidya Saha

FrostGuard: Advancing Agriculture with AI and ML-Based Frost Detection

Background: Frost events pose significant challenges to agriculture in various regions worldwide, impacting crop yields and economic stability. Timely detection of frost is crucial for implementing mitigation measures to minimize damage and losses. Traditional methods of frost prediction often lack accuracy and reliability, necessitating the exploration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to develop more effective detection systems.

Purpose: The primary objective of this project is to develop an AI and ML-based frost detection system tailored for agricultural landscapes. The system aims to provide realtime, accurate frost alerts to farmers, thereby enhancing crop yields, reducing economic losses, and strengthening the resilience of the agriculture sector. By leveraging AI and ML algorithms, the goal is to improve the accuracy and timeliness of frost detection, ultimately benefiting farmers and agricultural communities.

Method(s): The project employs a comprehensive methodology to achieve its objectives:

1. Data Collection: Historical weather data, images, and crop-specific information are gathered to create a robust dataset for model training.

2. Model Development: Machine learning algorithms are developed and fine-tuned using historical data to predict frost events accurately. This involves integrating meteorological data, satellite imagery, and crop-specific factors.

3. Alert System: A user-friendly mobile and web application is created to deliver

timely frost alerts to farmers, along with recommendations for protective measures.

4. Field Testing: Extensive field testing is conducted in collaboration with local farmers to validate the system’s accuracy and effectiveness.

5. Education and Outreach: Training sessions are provided to farmers and stakeholders on utilizing the AI and ML-based frost detection system effectively.

Result(s) - or anticipated results: Upon completion, the project is expected to deliver:

• A fully operational frost detection system providing real-time alerts and recommendations for crop protection.

• In-depth insights into frost patterns and trends, along with the system’s impact on crop yield and economic resilience.

• Educational resources including workshops, manuals, and training materials to optimize system usage.

• Research findings including best practices for frost mitigation and the technology’s effect on crop quality and yield.

Conclusion(s): The project represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges posed by frost events in agriculture. By harnessing AI and ML technologies, it aims to provide farmers with advanced tools for mitigating frost damage and improving productivity. Ultimately, the project holds the potential to enhance agricultural resilience and contribute to food security in various regions facing frostrelated challenges.

Poster 34

Payton McPherson, Glenda Stirling

Kinetic Connections

My name is Payton McPherson, a local dancer from Sherwood Park, and currently in the final year of my Bachelor of Arts degree at Concordia University. As a drama major, I am embarking on a capstone project to culminate my academic journey.

For my drama capstone I have produced Kinetic Connections; a collaborative dance showcase with the purpose of embracing diversity through movement. The heart of this project lies in celebrating the connection within global dance with a focus on various styles, cultures, and ethnicities to celebrate our community. This project entails 10+ talented dance artists and communities contributing in this collaborative endeavour. Kinetic Connections showcases performances steeped in the rich history of eleven different countries!

Each participating dance group will be given the opportunity to showcase their own piece, ranging from 1 to 5 minutes in duration. The entire production is estimated to be an hour in length. The primary objective of this project is to demonstrate unity within our diverse communities through dance. My intention is to fully

engage in understanding the unique styles of each group, and I will actively participate in a segment of their choreography during each performance. Through this experience, I aspire not only to enhance my dance skills but also to deepen my appreciation for the history of dance.

As an artist I aspire to illustrate collaborative work that dives into diverse expression and self-discovery. I strive to create a safe inclusive space that empowers individuals to embrace their authenticity and unique backgrounds. I will inspire and educate others in my work within the arts through proper representation and cultural appreciation.

Kinetic Connections - Embracing Diversity Through Movement presents a collaborative dance showcase founded and produced by Payton McPherson. The showcase will be held at the Al and Trish Huehn Theatre, Concordia University of Edmonton (7128 Ada BLVD, Edmonton, AB) on Saturday, May 25, @7:30pm.

“Dance, an unspoken language that translates to all”

Pooja Shah, Eslam AbdAllah

Strengthening Endpoint Security and Data Protection for Small Businesses with Microsoft Office 365 Suite

Background: Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) are essential contributors to global economies, yet they often face challenges in defending against cyber threats and safeguarding their data. With the increasing adoption of technology and cloud services, SMBs become prime targets for cyberattacks, endangering both their endpoints and data integrity. To address these vulnerabilities, SMBs must fortify both Endpoint Security and Data Protection measures. This research aims to provide actionable guidance for SMBs to enhance their Endpoint Security and Data Protection controls, leveraging the widely used Microsoft Office 365 Suite. By focusing on practical strategies, SMBs can bolster their security posture and ensure data integrity. Furthermore, adopting these strategies lays a foundation for future compliance with industry standards.

Purpose: This research aims to offer practical guidance to SMBs for implementing effective Endpoint Security and Data Protection controls using Microsoft Office 365 Suite, empowering them to mitigate cyber threats and safeguard their digital assets.

Methodology: This study integrates a comprehensive review of existing literature on Endpoint Security and Data Protection best practices with insights from the Microsoft Office 365 Suite. Expert interviews and case studies provide realworld perspectives on securing endpoints and protecting data in SMB environments.

Results or Anticipated Outcomes:

Anticipated outcomes include the identification of key Endpoint Security and Data Protection controls suitable for SMBs leveraging Microsoft Office 365 Suite, with practical recommendations for implementation. SMBs adopting these strategies are expected to experience enhanced resilience against cyber threats, reduced risk of data breaches, and improved compliance readiness.

Conclusion: This research offers valuable insights and actionable recommendations for SMBs seeking to fortify their cybersecurity posture and protect their data integrity through effective Endpoint Security and Data Protection measures using Microsoft Office 365 Suite. Implementing these strategies enables SMBs to safeguard digital assets, maintain customer trust, and foster sustainable growth.

Faculty:

Department: INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECURITY AND ASSURANCE MANAGEMENT

Typing Words Embedded in Compounds, Pseudo-compounds, and Nonwords

Keystroke latencies, like pauses in speech, reflect the cognitive demands of processing linguistic information during typing, and have thus been used to examine how the linguistic information of words and the context in which they are embedded influences their output. The initiation time is the latency of the first keystroke, and is thought to reflect the accessing the word and planning its output. Production time is the average latency of the non-initial keystrokes and is thought to reflect the execution of the motor plan. Interactive theories of typing posit that linguistic information from a word and its surrounding context is present and influences the typing output of that word. Morphological information is a type of linguistic information, and has been found to influence keystroke latencies. For example, during the typing of complex words, the embedded constituent words are available and are used as units of planning, rather than the whole word. Consistent with interactive theories of typing, studies related to the current study have found that when typing compounds (highlight), the typing of the constituents was influenced by their linguistic properties rather than the linguistic properties of the whole compound. Additionally, the output of one constituent is influenced by the linguistic properties of the other constituents, suggesting that accessing and planning the output of the second constituent coincides with the output of

the first constituent. In the present study, we examine how the availability of an embedded constituent word influences its output. Specifically, we compare the output of a shared first constituent word (arm) when it is embedded in a compound (armrest) and is thus a functional morpheme constituent, a pseudo-compound (armour) and is part of the whole word accidentally rather than a functional morpheme, or a nonword (armgosd). Initiation and production times of the first constituent word were fastest when embedded in compounds, followed by pseudo-compounds, followed by nonwords. Our findings are consistent with the interactive theory of typing, where the linguistic information of the context in which “arm” was embedded influenced its production. Specifically, the ease with which “arm” was extracted and represented as a separate word depended on the context in which it was embedded. Extracting and planning the sequence of keystrokes of “arm” was easier when it was embedded in a compound than a pseudocompound (where its representation would be suppressed, because “arm” is not a functional constituent of “armour”). The representation of “arm” would not be suppressed when it is embedded in a nonword (armgosd). However, accessing and planning the output of “gosd” would be occurring during the typing output of “arm”. The difficulty of planning the sequence of keystrokes of a nonword would likely slow down the concurrent typing output of “arm”.

“Imagined Communities:” Canadian Folk Music and the Creation of a National Identity

“Imagined Communities:” Canadian Folk Music and the Creation of a National Identity is the title of my final research paper and capstone project from my degree. Concordia’s music program specializes in the study of classical music and church music. When I was given the freedom to choose my research topic for my paper, I decided to expand my knowledge and talk about a notable less discussed topic, which is Canadian folk music. Folk music has been an integral aspect of Canadian culture since its earliest days of exploration and colonization. However, due to its predominantly oral traditions–and its propensity to shift and mutate over time, folk music has been notoriously difficult to define. Only in the past century have folklorists like Marius Barbeau, Edith Fowke, Helen Creighton and Kenneth Peacock begun collecting, transcribing, and publishing folk music. But beyond the issues in defining folk music, this unique genre is also capable of creating a sense of community and connection. But how does Canadian folk music emphasize a sense of nationness?

Drawing from Benedict Anderson’s concept of “Imagined Communities,” I will apply this culturally-made concept of nation while engaging with Canadian folk music. I will explore how Canadian folk music brings Canadians together, and helps build a national identity. Although Anderson does not discuss Canada’s nationality directly, his ideas of nationality can relate to almost any “imagined” nation. With Anderson’s theory in mind, I will analyze samples of Canadian folk music such as Wade Hemsworth’s “The Log Drivers Waltz” and French Canadian folk song “À la claire fontaine” as examples of how these songs highlight Canadian national identity. As Canadians, although we all come from completely different walks of life and historical backgrounds, we as a nation can collectively agree on things that we can define as part of the Canadian identity, this is what social construction is. Even if some of these things are not directly related to us, but are categorized as Canadians, we still relate to them, to some degree. The findings from my research are currently still ongoing.

River Buhler, Glenda Stirling

Design for the Stage

Design for the stage is a presentation turned poster by River Buhler on their drama capstone project. It’s originally to be presented at the Fine Arts Festival, and outlines their process of designing lights and sound for the festival and two peers’ capstones within the festival; Echo by Azalea Goerz, and Princess and the pauper by Jenn Ethier. River has contributed to mainstage productions at Concordia for the majority of their time here, most of this being in stage management or another area off stage. Since transferring to a double concentration in Music & Drama, River has been active in mainstage productions and has been slowly collecting related knowledge. In the fall 2022 semester they assisted in programming lighting cues, and this led them to be very interested in theatrical design, especially on how to light the stage. After taking on larger leadership roles this year, and observing each step of the process carefully, River had gathered new technical theatre skills and was ready to learn more and apply. They decided to focus on theatrical design for their capstone and took on designing lighting for others within the festival. By choosing to explore this now, they are supported by an equipped and capable theatre that they already understand the general mechanics

of. While exploring various areas of theatre, River searches for what interests them most and how it could translate to their future. This experience could be very useful in the future, and River looks forward to finishing this project!

Results on April 11th - 14th at the Fine Arts Festival. The beginning of April marks the start of the programming and adjustment period before rehearsals with all technical elements begin. Before this, there are meetings to clarify and brainstorm, and time to draft cues and estimate where they will be in the show. Once at the programming stage, River is a step ahead because of their experience as a lighting and sound operator, already knowing where most buttons are (there are a lot of buttons). The lights are adjusted based on feedback from the director and how collaborative it is, and cues are practiced during technical rehearsals.

River believes that design is an integral aspect of live theatre performance, not only because we can light someone as if they are outside when not, but because they help the magic of the show to reach its full potential. Full results and conclusions will be gathered and solidified by the conference dates.

Left-Symmetric Superalgebras on Special Linear Lie Superalgebras

A superalgebra L over a field k is called a left-symmetric superalgebra if the associator (x, y, z) = (x ∙ y) ∙ z - x ∙ (y ∙ z) is supersymmetric in x and y for all x, y and z in L. The supercommutator defines a Lie superalgebra structure on L. The resulting Lie superalgebra g is called the associated Lie superalgebra of L, and L is called a leftsymmetric superalgebra on g.

We consider to determine whether the set of left-symmetric superalgebras on a Lie superalgebra is non-empty and classify all such left-symmetric superalgebras. The nonsuper version of this problem arises in the theory of affine structures on differentiable manifolds and Lie groups. It is known that finite-dimensional complex semisimple Lie algebras do not admit left-symmetric algebra structures. Unlike the case of Lie algebras, there do exist finite-dimensional complex simple Lie superalgebras that admit leftsymmetric superalgebras. The problem of

classifying the left-symmetric superalgebra structures on Lie superalgebras is even more challenging.

We study the existence and classification problems of left-symmetric superalgebras on special linear Lie superalgebras sl(m|n) with m ≠ n. The main three results of our study are: (i) a complete classification of the left-symmetric superalgebras on sl(2|1), (ii) sl(m|1) does not admit left-symmetric superalgebras for m ≥ 3, and (iii) sl(m+1|m) admits a left-symmetric superalgebra for every m ≥ 1. To prove these results we combine the results on the existence and classification of left-symmetric algebras on the Lie algebras gl(m) with a detailed analysis of small representations of the Lie superalgebras sl(m|1). We also conjecture that sl(m|n) admits left-symmetric superalgebras if and only if m = n+1.

Sameera Nayyar Syeda, Baidya Saha

House Price Prediction Using Machine Learning Algorithms

In the real estate sector, predicting house prices is essential for helping buyers, sellers, and investors make well-informed decisions. This study investigates the use of various machine learning algorithms to make precise predictions about home prices. Using real-world housing datasets, a variety of regression techniques, such as Gradient Boosting, Random Forest, Decision Trees, Support Vector Machines, and Linear Regression, are used and assessed. Preprocessing the data, feature engineering, training the model, and performance assessment are all steps in the process. Furthermore, methods like hyperparameter tuning and cross-validation are used to improve the robustness and generalization of the model. To

evaluate each algorithm’s advantages and disadvantages in terms of interpretability, computational effectiveness, and prediction accuracy, a comparative study is done.

The outcomes of the experiment show how well machine learning algorithms work at making highly accurate predictions about home prices. In addition, information is given regarding the elements that have a major impact on property prices, which helps decision-makers. This study advances the field of predictive modeling in the real estate industry and is a useful tool for researchers and practitioners who want to utilize machine learning to estimate house prices.

Certificate Management using Blockchain Technology

Background: In today’s digital age, traditional paper certificates pose significant challenges for educational institutions, including issues with insurance, storage, and verification. Paper certificates are susceptible to being easily copied or lost, compromising their integrity and causing inconvenience for both institutions and individuals. As such, there is a pressing need for a secure and efficient system to manage certificates in the education sector.

Purpose: The purpose of this proposal is to introduce a novel solution leveraging blockchain technology, specifically NonFungible Tokens (NFTs), to revolutionize certificate management in schools and universities. By transitioning from paper certificates to digital certificates secured by NFTs, we aim to address the shortcomings of traditional certificate management systems and ensure the integrity and authenticity of certificates.

Method(s): We propose the development of a new system utilizing NFTs, which are digital assets authenticated and stored on a blockchain. This system will enable educational institutions to generate digital certificates that are tamper-proof and cannot be replicated. The process will involve the creation of smart contracts to automate the certificate minting process, ensuring authenticity and permanence. Additionally, the data will be stored on the

InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) to optimize scalability, integrity, and authenticity.

Result(s) - or anticipated results: The implementation of this system will result in a secure and efficient certificate management process for schools and universities. Digital certificates authenticated by NFTs will be resistant to tampering, loss, and forgery, providing a reliable method for verifying the authenticity of qualifications. Individuals and institutions will be able to easily validate certificates through a dedicated online portal, enhancing convenience and reducing administrative burden.

Conclusion(s): In conclusion, the adoption of blockchain technology, specifically NFTs, offers a promising solution to the challenges associated with traditional certificate management systems. By leveraging the immutability and security features of blockchain, we can ensure the integrity and authenticity of digital certificates while streamlining the verification process. With robust security measures in place and a commitment to sustainability, this system represents a significant step towards safeguarding important educational credentials in the digital age. It serves as a digital guardian for vital school documents, promising a greener, more secure, and efficient future for certificate management.

Poster 42

Shihab Sharar Isa, Kavya Sathya, Sergey Butakov, and Eslam AbdAllah

Self Sovereign Identity in Health Care

During the modern day of growing concerns regarding data control and privacy, the healthcare sector is one which grapples with significant challenges in safeguarding information. Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) emerges as a transformative solution, allowing individuals full control over their personal data in a decentralized manner. The focus of this paper is to explore the integration of the concept of SSI in healthcare, primarily focusing on the development of use cases and their auditability, while using the metaverse as a communication platform. Integrating SSI into existing healthcare systems

would allow healthcare stakeholders the ability to enhance their level of security, transparency, and interoperability while addressing regulatory compliance and cross-jurisdictional data flows. A security analysis of typical use cases underscores the importance of identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities to safeguard sensitive healthcare information. Through this analysis, this paper explores the benefits, issues and other considerations that are associated with implementing SSI within the healthcare sector while highlighting its potential to revolutionize data management and privacy protection.

Faculty:

Siddharth Dua, Pooja Shah, and Eslam Abdallah

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Enhancing

Small and Medium Business’s Security through Asset Management and Data Classification

Globally, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in the economy. SMEs are independent businesses that employ 1-499 employees (1-99 for a small business and 100-499 for a medium business). These businesses play a critical role by contributing to global economic development and by creating employment. SMEs represent about 90% of businesses and contribute to more than 50% employment worldwide. However, if we look only at Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, an intergovernmental organization with 38 member countries, SMEs represent about 99% of all firms and 70% of all jobs. This essentially means that SMEs contribute a large share in the well-being of the economy and for employment opportunities. This demonstrates how important SMEs are to our current and future world economy and that if SMEs were significantly affected by cybercrime losses, it would negatively impact our global economy.

Over the last decade, there have been a lot of changes in the business landscape. Businesses have become highly dependent on technology because it has enabled businesses to create value like never before. It is impossible to imagine a business in the modern world that is not leveraging technology to create and deliver goods and services to its customers. Technology has provided a myriad of benefits to all kinds of businesses. Recent advancements in the world such as Public Cloud Computing has given access to the latest technologies to SMEs while providing numerous other benefits. In last few years, the pandemic has also spurred SMEs to adopt technology and made them recognize its value to deliver services to their clients.

While technology is shaping the new world in every aspect and has created a

dependency for all businesses, it has also exposed businesses to a vector of significant cybersecurity risk. Cyberattacks are on rise and dealing with it is challenging for businesses of any scale. For SMEs, who are recent adopters of technology, the situation is even worse as they do not have adequate staff to dedicate on cybersecurity roles, have tight budgets and are unaware of several risks posed by cyberthreats.

SMEs often resort to informal methods of managing non-core processes and think documentation and formalization of processes are time-consuming. However, documentation and formalization ease the processes of decision-making leading to fruitful outcomes in the long run.

There are various widely acclaimed cybersecurity frameworks available in the industry that any organization can choose from to implement and create cyber resiliency. However, the frameworks available in the market lack adequate guidance and support for implementing them as well as do not work in favour of SMEs.

This report includes security implementation guidelines for Asset Management and Data Classification. Asset management acts as the foundation for implementation of any cybersecurity framework and starting a cybersecurity journey for organization of any scale. Asset Management gives visibility to an organization of all the assets that it has, where they are located and who owns it, so that the organization can decide what all controls would be required to be put in place. Data classification on the other hand helps the organisation to categorize its information assets based on the value it has for the organization and understand what all controls should be put in place for each level of classification.

Tashneet Dhaliwal, Cole Babcock, Seth Nobert, and Makan Golizeh

Chelation Efficiency Study of a PEGylated Metal Chelator

Chelators are a class of compounds which bind to a metal, in turn forming a complex through electrostatic interactions. These chelators possess the ability to be utilized in a variety of different fields, such as analytics and therapeutics. For chelators to be useful, they must bind to metal ions with high efficiency. PEGylation is a chemical modification, by which polyethylene glycol (PEG) is linked to a molecule to add specific properties to it, such as increased solubility. Chelators, like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), are able to undergo PEGylation, increasing their solubility in aqueous environments. However, a thorough literature research did not reveal whether PEGylation would affect the chelating ability of EDTA. PEGylation could potentially increase the bulkiness of a chelator, making it more sterically hindered, and affecting its ability to bind to metals efficiently. PEG is also linked to one of the hydroxyl heads of EDTA, decreasing its electrostatic bonding ability with the metal, which could further affect the chelation efficiency. This research aimed to determine whether PEGylation affects the binding efficiency of EDTA with the metals terbium and zirconium.

Techniques, including displacement titration, ultraviolet visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometry, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, were utilized to quantify our metals of interest in aqueous solutions. The developed methods were

used to quantify the amount of metal that was unable to bind to the chelator, with non-PEGylated EDTA acting as a baseline comparator. For UV-vis spectrophotometric analysis, chrome azurol S (CAS) was employed to assess the concentration of unbound metal through complexation with the unbound metal. Quantified concentrations were then inferred using the absorbance output of the CAS-metal complex. The displacement titration utilized the reagent tetracyanonickelate(II), as the unbound metal could replace nickel(II) in this complex, producing free nickel(II) ions in the solution. The free nickel(II) was then titrated with EDTA to quantify the amount of unbound metal that had displaced nickel(II).

A previously developed ion-exchange solidphase extraction coupled with XRF method was used as an arbiter if differing results arose between the developed methods. From the obtained results, we can infer that PEGylation does not have a significant impact on the chelation efficiency of EDTA. The developed analytical methods from this study can be used for various purposes, such as assessment of binding efficiencies of modified chelators through strategies outside PEGylation. This research is a part of a broader research program that utilizes PEGylated chelators for bioanalytical applications.

This work has been financially supported by Babcocks Synthetics Ltd., of which the second author is President and Founder.

Taylor Marthiensen, Owen Scadeng

Construction of Cross-Conjugated Trienones for Heptatrienyl Anion Formation

Electrocyclizations have shown to be an incredibly useful method to generate various sized rings while also setting adjacent stereocenters at the ring closing junction [1]. The large majority of the work completed in this area has involved the formation of even-numbered rings through thermal isomerization. The use of electrocyclizations to make 7-membered rings has been relatively unexplored [2]. This likely stems from the need for anionic conditions and competitive reaction pathways when trying to introduce the negative charge. We proposed that we could potentially access the needed heptatrienyl anions via 1,2-Brook rearrangements [3], initiated by 1,2-silyl anion addition into the appropriate ketones. In order to explore this methodology, first we needed to develop a route to the starting cross-conjugated trienone

substrates. This poster shows our work to find the optimal route. We found that by using commercially available 2-bromobenzaldehyde as a starting material, we could easily manipulate the functionalities to access various substrates. The aldehyde was used as an electrophile for the addition of vinyl Grignard and Gilman reagents. The alcohol this generates was easily oxidized to the corresponding ketone. Meanwhile the aryl bromide functionality was found to be an ideal reaction partner for Suzuki arylalkenyl cross-coupling, generating the third double bond.

Woodward, R.B.; Hoffmann, R. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1965, 87, 395-397

Zuech, E.A.; Crain, D.L.; Kleinschmidt, R.F. J. Org. Chem. 1968, 33, 771-775

Brook, A.G. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1957, 79, 4373

Time Series Analysis

In my thesis, I will explain what a time series is and what are some applications of it. A time series is simply a collection of data observation observed at different points in time. This data can range from data on weather to coronavirus trends, yes, the coronavirus trends. So, in 2020-2021 when you were opening Google and checking COVID-19 cases today, you were looking at a time series. However, the graph that all of us have seen that showed us those cases was not a simple collection of data, it also used a time series analysis called moving averages. What is a moving average you may ask. It is one of the many time series analysis techniques and some of them will be explained in my thesis. Some of those techniques are Auto regressions, moving averages and walk with drift method. A very interesting kind of time series is called white noise which will be included in the majority of my thesis. White noise is

a time series in which all the data points are completely random and they do not have a correlation at all. However, being so random it still manages to be spread all over the spectrum evenly. Some daily life examples of white noise are a fan, statistics coming out of radios and televisions etc.

I would conclude by saying that a time series is one of the most important statistics tools and without the time series analysis the world that we are living in would be very different, to imagine one, try to imagine a world without weather forecasting. Everywhere we see, we are unknowingly looking at a time series in action. Looking at a person walking to work every day and counting their steps putting them on a graph and trying to predict their steps for the next day to work is a time series in action.

Uloma Udeh, Apoorva Chauhan

Managing PCOS and T2DM With AI: A Holistic Approach to Women’s Health

Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It is characterized by a variety of symptoms including hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities, and insulin resistance, leading to an increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and gestational diabetes. The multifaceted nature of PCOS complicates its management and significantly impacts the quality of life of affected women.

Purpose: The project aims to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop a holistic, personalized management approach for PCOS. By integrating comprehensive data analysis, predictive modeling, and real-time health monitoring, the initiative seeks to enhance early detection, tailor treatment strategies, and provide supportive community networks for women with PCOS, ultimately aiming to reduce the incidence of associated complications such as T2DM.

Method(s): This initiative employs a multipronged methodological approach, including:

• Comprehensive data integration from electronic health records, patient selfreports, and imaging studies.

• Advanced data analysis through machine learning algorithms to identify patterns linking PCOS to its complications.

• Development of personalized healthcare solutions based on predictive models.

• Creation of digital health platforms for realtime monitoring and community support, facilitating open dialogue and shared experiences among women with PCOS.

Result(s) - or anticipated results: Anticipated results include the development of AI-driven predictive models capable of identifying individuals at high risk of PCOS complications, enabling early intervention. Furthermore, personalized management plans are expected to improve patient outcomes, reduce the risk of developing T2DM, and enhance overall quality of life. The digital health platform aims to foster a supportive community, breaking down stigma and encouraging open discussions about PCOS.

Conclusion: Integrating AI into the management of PCOS represents a significant advancement in personalized medicine, offering new avenues for diagnosis, treatment, and support. This approach not only anticipates improved health outcomes for women with PCOS but also contributes to shifting societal perceptions, reducing stigma, and promoting open dialogue about the condition. The project underscores the importance of technology in transforming healthcare delivery and patient engagement, marking a step forward in the holistic management of PCOS and its associated risks.

Leaflet Geo-coded Mapping

This project explores the integration of the Leaflet JavaScript library to create an interactive, geocoded map for a website application. Focusing on the practical implementation, this project demonstrates the development of a dynamic map that allows for pinpointing and marking specific locations. The simplicity and efficiency of using Leaflet are highlighted, alongside the challenge of ensuring marker precision. The resulting map exhibits a user-friendly interface with responsive geolocation features, enhancing the web user experience and offering a model for incorporating mapping solutions in web development.

In the current digital era, the integration of geographical information into web technologies significantly enhances user experience by offering a spatial dimension to data visualization. This research project aims to delve into the domain of geospatial visualization by leveraging the capabilities of the Leaflet JavaScript library, a powerful, open-source tool that provides efficient and intuitive means for creating interactive maps. The focus of this study is to meticulously craft a geo-coded mapping application that can be seamlessly implemented within a website context. To achieve this, we explore the fundamental aspects of the Leaflet library, dissecting its features, straightforward implementation process, and the breadth of potential it offers for web mapping solutions.

Through this project, we aim to design a geo-coded mapping solution that is not only technically sound and robust but also user-friendly and adaptable to different use

cases. The anticipated outcome is a detailed showcase of the synergy between modern web development techniques and the power of geographic information systems (GIS). This will undeniably underscore the significance of interactive mapping in the internet landscape and its vast potential for diverse applications.

The aim of this research project is to develop an interactive geo-coded mapping system using the Leaflet JavaScript library to be integrated into a website, allowing for the creation and display of markers at specific locations. This digital map will offer enhanced user interaction capabilities through features such as zooming and panning. The project will focus on harnessing Leaflet’s open-source platform to build an efficient and responsive map interface,incorporating geocoding to convert physical addresses into geographical coordinates for marker placements. There will be a dedicated effort to customize markers and the user interface for clarity and straightforward information delivery about the locations.

Moreover, the project is committed to ensuring the map’s design is responsive, adapting smoothly to various devices and screen sizes to maximize accessibility. Optimization for performance with the aim of swift loading times and seamless interaction will be central to the development process. Through extensive testing and evaluation on different browsers and platforms, the developed map will be refined based on user feedback.

Malicious URL Pipeline

This project presents an integrated pipeline to automatically identify malicious URLs and extract lexical features for further analysis. The pipeline comprises three main components: web scraping, exploratory data analysis (EDA), and lexical feature breakdown. The web scraping module is responsible for extracting URLs from various sources. Using web scraping techniques, we gather the URL in plain format first, and then we tokenize and vectorize the output URLs so that the machine learning model can predict them. Subsequently, the compiled URLs are passed through the exploratory data analysis component. Leveraging statistical and machine learning techniques, this stage aims to determine the maliciousness of each URL. Features such as domain reputation, URL structure, and content analysis are examined to classify URLs as malicious or benign. Once malicious URLs are identified, they are forwarded to the final stage of the pipeline. Here, each malicious URL undergoes a comprehensive breakdown to extract its lexical features. This process involves

parsing the URL components, such as domain, path, parameters, and query strings, to unveil characteristic patterns and anomalies indicative of malicious intent. In this project, we introduce a comprehensive system designed to automatically detect malicious URLs using an ensemble of machine learning methods. This system includes several components: web scraping to collect URLs from online sources, exploratory data analysis to understand these URLs, and a feature extraction stage to identify various types of features such as those found on blacklists, lexical, host-based, and content-based features. We trained machine learning models for each feature category and used ensemble learning to combine their decisions for the final verdict. We assessed the effectiveness of this automated system through detailed tests on various datasets, showing its efficiency in spotting malicious URLs. The findings highlight the system’s value in improving cybersecurity and its potential to help in the early detection of harmful online material.

Faculty:

Department:

Biodegradation of Polystyrene and Polyethylene by Plastic-Eating Supervorms, Zophobas morio

The larvae of superworms, known scientifically as Zophobas morio, exhibit an ability to break down polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS), which are prevalent forms of plastic widely used in various industries and applications. PS and PE are the most commonly used types of plastics. They have excellent properties, including durability and resistance to degradation. These properties contribute to their persistence in the environment, causing the accumulation of plastic waste in natural habitats. The difference between these types of plastic is that the PE is denser than PS, which is quite easy to shape and mold. However, the unifying feature is recalcitrant macromolecular structure, which is very resistant to biodegradation. Thus, there is a rising demand in finding sustainable techniques for biodegrading plastic waste. There were two main aims of this research: the first was to study the biodegradation process of the superworm, Zophobas morio, to determine if the degradation for PE and PS occurred at the same rate. The

experiment was set up as a completely randomized design, involving feeding superworms on one of three diets with ten replications for each diet. The three diets were wheat bran (control group), PE blocks and PS blocks (experimental groups). Measurements of loss-of-mass of PE and PS as well as survival rates of superworms were conducted weekly. The second aim of this research was to isolate bacteria from the gut of larvae fed an exclusive diet of PE. After twenty-eight days, bacteria from larvae fed PE were isolated and grown on nutrient agar (NA). Isolated colonies from the NA plates were grown on a liquid carbon-free media where PE was the only carbon source. After ten days of growth on PE bacterial DNA was isolated, and the V4 region of the 16SrRNA gene was amplified by PC. The resulting PCR products were sent to Genome Quebec for gene sequencing. The returned sequences were BLAST searched in the NCBI database and compared to the observed bacteria characteristics to confirm identification.

Gellan Gum Influence on the Gastrointestinal System of Caenorhabditis elegans

This research project was inspired by the current use of food additives and preservatives in consumer goods and how this can impact digestive health. Specifically we examined the effect of Gellan Gum (GG), a thickening agent derived from Sphingomonas elodea that is aerobically fermented for commercial use. To test the effects of GG on the gut we will use the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). It is a good model organism due to its similarity in gut microbiome and genetic makeup to humans as well as its transparency. The project incorporated different concentrations of GG into their environment alongside their preferred Escherihia coli (E.coli) diet. Our objective was to find correlation between adding GG into the C.elegans diet and the change in functionality of their gastrointestinal health, specifically the rate of pharyngeal contractions. The treated populations were monitored for overall density, behavior, and individual animals were assessed for pharyngeal contraction rates, and gastrointestinal observation. This was achieved through implementing varying concentrations of GG into the nematode growth media (NGM) plates housing the C.elegans. The percentage of GG used in experimental plates is comparable to those used in consumable food on the market. They were maintained in regulatory NGM in weeks prior to experimentation. Nematodes were synchronized to the same developmental level and transferred among

test plates containing high, medium, and low levels of GG in each. They were then observed during the L4 stage on plates of each concentration level (high, medium, and low). Observations were done through microscopy and video recordings, then translated into graphical representations. To understand pharyngeal contractions we were able to slow down video footage of the nematodes to a speed equipped for counting intervals. Through the data it was found that GG had an impact on the overall integrity of the NGM as visible changes in color and E.coli consistency were recorded. Lower worm density, speed of relocation, and locomotor abnormalities were noticeable in high concentration and medium concentration plates as a result. Contrary to the original hypothesis that there would be pharyngeal contraction rate discrepancy from low to high concentrations the data showed similar numbers between the groups and the control with little to no change. Therefore through single factor ANOVA there was a failure to reject the null hypothesis. The data was not sufficiently able to show any effect elicited by the GG on the gastrointestinal system besides some pharynx deformation and unusual grinder movement. This has shown us that GG has the ability to alter the C.elegans habitat and behavioral aspects as well as physical development without altering the gastrointestinal ability, and gives reason for further investigation in the future.

Zaid Zulfiqar, Holli-Anne Passmore

Reducing Test Anxiety in University Students: An Audio-Based

Nature Intervention

Background: Test anxiety in university students is increasing at an alarming rate, with 10 -35% of students experiencing levels of test anxiety that result in functional impairment and negative impacts on overall emotional and psychological wellbeing. Emotional and psychological wellbeing is positively linked to academic performance. A considerable amount of research has demonstrated that exposure to nature bolsters overall emotional and psychological wellbeing. Affiliating with nature has also been shown to be an effective intervention for managing anxiety. The bulk of research in this area has, however, focused on visual aspects of nature. Nonetheless, some evidence exists for the restorative qualities of natural soundscapes. For example, previous studies have demonstrated that students randomly assigned to listen to nature sounds for 30 minutes/day for four weeks outperformed their control-group counterparts on working memory and attention tasks; and that students who listened to nature sounds while working on academic tasks for at least 30 minutes a day (compared to control counterparts) reported greater engagement in learning, lower levels of academic procrastination, and higher levels of academic self-efficacy. Replication studies, with larger sample sizes, are needed. Furthermore, no research, to our knowledge, has examined if listening to nature sounds while studying reduces text anxiety and research examining nature sounds and specific aspects of wellbeing is lacking.

Purpose: The current study is examining the impact of listening to recordings of natural sounds while studying on test anxiety, perceived academic self-efficacy, engagement in learning, emotional restoration, and general wellbeing indicators.

Method: Participants are randomly assigned, for a 14-day period before an exam, to either a) listen to nature soundscape recordings while studying or b) study as usual. All participants complete pre- and post-questionnaires assessing test anxiety, emotional restoration, general aspects of wellbeing, engagement in learning, and perceived self-efficacy. All participants receive daily emails reminding them to log in to the study site to report: if they studied that day, for how long, if there were any distractions, and, if assigned to the sounds condition, if they listened to the nature sounds while studying.

Results to date: We are continuing to collect data as our sample size is not yet large enough to provide adequate power for statistical analyses. Preliminary overview of qualitative responses suggests that listening to nature sounds while studying made students feel more relaxed and less stressed while studying, as well as feeling more motivated to study and being more productive while studying. Preliminary overview of qualitative responses also suggests that the daily reminders to study and log study habits were, by themselves, beneficial, with participants becoming more aware of inconsistencies in their study habits and the need to reduce distractions while studying.

Conclusions: While it is too early to make any solid conclusions, given our sample size, implications thus far suggest that listening to nature sounds while studying is helpful to students, as is logging daily study habits. Implementing a university-based system where-in students could sign up for a daily reminder to study, based on their course exam schedules, could be explored.

The CARIC 2024 Organizing Committee would like to thank the presenters, attendees, volunteers, its sponsors, and everyone who contributed to this event for their participation and support!

THANK YOU!