Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide due to its poor prognosis. Detection of cancer in the earliest stages is crucial for the success of therapeutic strategies to truly cure the disease. Molecular imaging provides the potential to diagnose and image cancers at an asymptomatic stage. In molecular imaging, the nanoparticles are designed to target the cancer cells. Molecular imaging is capable of assessing the molecular processes within the tumors by detecting the accumulated or targeted nanoparticles. However, for most molecular imaging systems, the background signal is a common problem, obscuring signals from specific probes and limiting sensitive detection. A hybrid imaging technique, entitled magneto-photo-acoustic (MPA) imaging, was developed as a non-invasive imaging tool to detect nanoparticles, which are used to target pathologies, with high sensitivity and specificity. Based on dual-contrast of both optical absorption and magnetic susceptibility, MPA imaging can significantly improve the molecular contrast specificity as well as investigate the interaction of nanoparticles with cells. Studies were performed using tissue-mimicking phantoms, ex vivo tissue sample and in vivo animal models of cancer. The results indicate that, coupled with dual-contrast agent, the molecular MPA imaging will allow not only mapping the pathologies located in the body, but also sensing the molecular and physiological processes. / text

The sun is a vast source of renewable energy, which can potentially be used to satisfy the world's increasing energy demand. Yet many material challenges need to be overcome before solar energy conversion can be implemented on a larger scale. This dissertation focuses on materials used for solar energy conversion through photo-electrochemical (PEC) processes. It discusses methods for improving PEC materials, namely mixed metal oxide semiconductors, by nanostructuring, incorporation of additional elements, and application surface electrocatalysts. In this dissertation several material synthesis techniques are detailed. A high vacuum synthesis process known as reactive ballistic deposition (RBD) is used to synthesize nanostructured bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄), which is studied for PEC water oxidation. Additionally, ballistic deposition (BD) is used to incorporate Mo and W into nanostructured BiVO₄ to improve the PEC activity. An array dispenser and scanner system is used to incorporate metals into copper oxide (CuO) and copper bismuth oxide (CuBi₂O₄) and over 3,000 unique material compositions are tested for cathodic photoactivity. The system is also used to test 35 elements as single component metal oxides, mixed metal oxides, and dopants for titanium dioxide (TiO₂) for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Lastly, RBD is used to deposit tungsten semicarbide (W₂C) onto p-type silicon (p-type) substrates as an electrocatalyst for PEC proton reduction. In many cases, the synthesis techniques and new material combinations presented in this dissertation result in improved PEC performance. The materials are thoroughly assessed and characterized to gain insights into their nanostructure, chemical composition, light absorption, charge transport properties, catalytic activity, and stability. / text

Individuals view an overwhelming number of mediated messages every day, even if most of these messages are merely glanced at or given minimal amounts of attention. It is not possible or advantageous for individuals to critically evaluate all messages they encounter. In that first glance or initial impression, however, our brains process the visual arguments designed by photo manipulation presented in messages. This happens instinctually, almost instantaneously, and most often underneath our radar of consciousness. Following, individuals decide to attend to the information (or not) though conscious processing. Regardless of decisions for elaborative processing, however, the initial visual processing of photo manipulated arguments influences how individuals think, feel, and behave – whether they are aware of it or not. This dissertation contributes to our understanding of the role of implied visual arguments for persuasive message processing in three ways. First, Experiment 1 identified and provided empirical evidence for effects of photo manipulation as a visual persuasion technique. This experiment was a necessary first step in exploring the cause-and-effect relationship of photo manipulation and attitudes to better understand influences on message perception. Second, Experiment 2 tested currently used dual processing approaches for persuasive messages to overcome the gaps that currently exist. Theoretical frameworks widely used in advertising and communication research – ELM and HSM – largely overlook the influence of visual communication and visual processing. These models do not account for the current understand of the brain mechanisms and processes for message processing. Findings from Experiment 2 provide evidence for the need to refine these models to account for influential visual processing variables that are largely absent from the literature. Third, findings from both experiments contributed to the conceptual refinement of visual literacy with evidenced-based support for the boundaries of when this concept is (or is not) influential for assigning meaning to visual messages. / text

I examined the dynamics of an endangered population of northern bottlenose whales over a 23-year period during which its prime habitat, the Gully canyon, was made a Marine Protected Area (MPA). Using mark-recapture techniques on photo-identifications I estimate a current population of 116 animals (95% CI=101-130). The population size and sex-ratio have remained stable since before the MPA designation suggesting this population is persisting. I used photo-identifications and high definition videography to examine the social organization of northern bottlenose whales, including behavioural synchrony. Relationships are highly variable; most associations are short-lived, but there are also long-term preferred associations lasting from several years (female/immature dyads) to over a decade (mature male dyads). I found little, if any, division of the social community. Synchronized breathing is common, precise, and appears to vary with behaivoural context. Although speculative, synchronized breathing might play a role the maintenance of general social relationships within this population.

Darbe nagrinėjamas identitetas ir jo paieška šeimos fotografijose. Keliamas tikslas išanalizuoti identitetą ir jo vizualumą formuojančius faktorius. Kadangi darbo tema susijusi su savęs paieška, analizės objektu tampa tapatumas, o šeima pasirinkta kaip priemonė jam atskleisti. Albuminės fotografijos šiame darbe naudojamos kaip giminės istorinis šaltinis, kaip paveldas, kurio pagalba ne tik vizualiai atkuriamas šeimos genealoginis medis, bet ir pereinama prie interpretacinio požiūrio į albuminę fotografiją, kuri sąlygoja kitokį – intymų šeimos kaip vertybės suvokimą. Praktinio darbo tikslas, sukurti fotovaizdiniais ir lingvistine informacija pagrįstą instaliaciją, kurią sudarys: vizualiai sukurtas šeimos genealoginis medis, vietomis su teksto intarpais, ir fotografijų koliažas. Genealoginio medžio struktūros kūrimui bus naudojamos dabartinės šeimos narių portretinės fotografijos ir senos mėgėjiškos fotografijos iš albumų. Vietoj prarastų kai kurių šeimos narių fotografijų bus naudojamas tekstas, kuris pabrėš bet kokią žinomą informaciją apie tam tikrą asmenį. Koliažo kūrimui bus naudojamos moteriškos lyties giminės atstovių albuminės fotografijos ir mano dabartiniai portretai vizualiam identitetui atskleisti. / This work examines the identity and searching of it in the family photography. The aim is to clarify the identity and factors which form its visual aspect. As the subject of this work is connected with searching of myself, the object of analysis is identity, and family is chosen as a tool to detect it. Albumin photographs in this work are used not only as a source of family history, as a heritage, which helps to restore my family genealogical tree, it also moves me to the interpretative approach to albumin photography, which leads to another – intimate understaning of family values. The aim of practice work is to create photo images and linguistic information based installation, which will consist of: visually created genealogical family tree, sometimes using text inserts and photo collage. For the creation of the structure of the genealogical tree recent created family portraits and old amateurish family members photographs from the album will be used . Instead of some lost portraits of family members there will be used a text, which will highlight any known information about a particular person. For the collage creation will be used female representatives photographs of the family photo album and my current portraits to disclose a visual identity.

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Colonization has had a detrimental impact on Indigenous peoples and communities. Colonization has and continues to remove Indigenous peoples from full participation in Canadian society, which has forced some Indigenous men to search out other avenues in order to gain power, respect, and economic capital to survive. It is the direct result of colonial-shaped socio-political histories and ideologies that have led to the creation and proliferation of urban Indigenous street gangs. This dissertation examines 16 Indigenous male ex-gang members and their perceptions of masculinity, identity, and how this is supported through their involvement within a street gang. Relational accountability was the methodology utilized to engage and support the men through the course of the research process. It was from the focal point of relational accountability that photovoice methods could be modified to accommodate the lived realities of the men during the time of the study. Overall, fifteen individuals participated in the study, with nine engaging in photovoice methods to document and explain how they understood and practiced masculinity. The nine men, who completed photovoice, had their photographs and narratives brought together to create Brighter Days Ahead, to give back to the organization STR8 UP and help inform the broader community about the multiple issues that Indigenous youth face in the Canadian Prairies. The role of masculinity was integral for the men’s inclusion into street gangs. Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinity and Bourdieu’s concept of habitus helped to create a framework to understand why some Indigenous men see street gangs as a viable option to practice masculinity. By examining the men’s histories, with a focus on their relationships’ with parents, siblings, family, peers, and social institutions, a more robust understanding the linkages to street gang involvement is created. The street gang epitomized the ideal “man”— tough, independent, emotion-less, and powerful, as it were these individual’s whom they would target for their recruitment. Analysis of the men’s narratives and photographs revealed how violence and trauma impacted their notions of maleness. It was through violent and traumatic experiences that the men would create a “mask” that they would wear to help them engage in hyper-violent behaviours within multiple fields and protect them from further victimization. This study directs our attention to focus future research on: 1) the impacts of colonization as both a historical and contemporary factor in the lives of Indigenous peoples; 2) the importance of relational accountability within the research process; 3) the potential of photovoice methods in expanding street gangs research; and 4) the need for gang prevention and intervention programming to focus on the concept of masculinity in order to deter gang involvement amongst Indigenous males and build healthier stronger communities.

Current trends in education and school architecture reflect a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of people and spaces. Spaces acquire meaning through the experiences of those who use them and can contribute to the development of a sense of place. Purpose-built schools have long been valued and built in Iceland. The broad purpose of this study was to explore Icelandic students’ perceptions of their purpose-built school. Specific research questions included: (a) What spaces in purpose-built schools are important to students? (b) What happens in these spaces? (c) What meaning, if any, do these identified spaces hold for students? and (d) In ascribing meaning to some of the identified spaces, do students develop a sense of place? This phenomenological research initiative used an emergent design methodology. Seven Grade 9 and three Grade 10 students were recruited for this study. Primary data sources included students’ photographs of important school spaces, individual photo-elicitation interviews, and walking tours. Participants identified 25 important school spaces and 7 issues of concern within these spaces. Further analysis examined participants’ complex construction of importance and meaning. Participants described that school spaces were more likely to become meaningful places, when the design of the educational facility was in harmony with students’ experiences. The results of this study should raise awareness of the importance of building such schools in Canada and encourage the inclusion of students’ unique perspectives in the design of future schools. / Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-23 14:39:27.1

This work aims to explore how normalized gender representations in images are heightened through the use of digital manipulation technologies and how that influences a spectator’s relationship both to the image and to their own body. After constructing a theoretical understanding of the ways in which images influence and create a normative beauty ideology, a critical case study analysis of the ways celebrities are photographed and digitally altered provides for a grounding of theoretical material.

The discovery that it is possible to identify an individual before the onset of first episode psychosis and that treatment may prevent or delay onset have led to a proliferation of early intervention clinics designed to intervene before symptoms of psychosis have fully appeared. Early intervention has generated considerable debate, given the risks associated with intervening and that the majority of those identified will never develop full-blown psychosis. Despite potential stigmatizing effects, little is known about young people’s views regarding the favourable and/or adverse consequences of early intervention. This research examines the experiences and meaning of illness in young people identified as being at ultra high risk for psychosis and participating in a psychological intervention program. Specifically, the study uses photo elicitation to explore how participants construct and interpret their experiences, and the impact an at risk label has on their sense of self, identity, and social relationships. Five young people were invited to photograph their daily experiences at home, at school, and in the community. The participants and I then analyzed the photographs together in a photo elicitation interview. I further analyzed the visual and textual data from an interactionist perspective, exploring the concept of stigma and its relationship to young people’s experiences. Visual and narrative data revealed that young people reject their at risk status and redefine their experiences to fit with more acceptable and familiar notions of health. Participants are conscious of the stigma associated with psychosis and actively undertake strategies of resistance to avoid stigmatization and uphold a normal self conception and social impression. Photo elicitation provided insight and understanding into the experiences of young people at risk for psychosis that were not available through more traditional methods. The results from this study support the call for a reconsideration of the psychosis risk paradigm. There is a need to increase awareness about the power of diagnostic information and the labeling process. Non-specialized settings such as schools and community health centres may offer more appropriate environments for mental health monitoring and intervention.