Although interpersonal communication studies have focused on various aspects of interpersonal relationships, research on the player identity and gendered emotional manipulation in romantic relationships has received little attention. This narrative research inquiry was undertaken to explore perceptions of men and women related to the player identity and gendered emotional manipulation. This investigation used social construction as a theoretical perspective to understand three areas of investigation that include: the existence and relevance of the player identity, the player’s relation to emotionally manipulative behaviour, and the connection between socially constructed gender conventions and the player identity. Hesse-Biber’s (2006) feminist interviewing approach guided semi-structured interviews with six male and six female participants. Respondents reported the existence and relevance of the player identity in romantic relationships today, connecting this identity to emotionally manipulative behaviour, as well as relating this identity to traditional gender conventions. Finally, implications for men and women in romantic relationships today and future areas of research are discussed in light of these findings.

Altered neuromuscular processing and motor output as both a risk and perpetuating factor for chronic neck pain is a relative new area of study. The cervical flexion relaxation response (FRR) is a reproducible and reliable marker of differences in neuromuscular function between neck pain patients and controls. Change in joint position sense (JPS) of upper limb joints has also been linked to chronic neck pain. Studies in this thesis sought to develop an experimental model in humans to investigate whether the FRR and JPS can be altered by fatigue and/or postural stress. Additionally a pilot study on the effect of three months of chiropractic treatment on the FRR was conducted. The studies revealed that muscular fatigue is a modulator of the FRR and may play a large role in spine stabilization. Minor postural alterations in the neck can impact joint position error at the elbow and 12 weeks of chiropractic care is a useful therapy to improve chronic and recurrent neck pain as well as improving the cervical FRR. / UOIT

An all-optical micromanipulation technique is presented in the framework of precise cell selection within a cell culture and multiplexed transport capabilities for microfluidic single cell analysis applications. The technique was developed by combining an optical tweezer setup with a novel integrated waveguide cell propulsion method referred to as end-face waveguide propulsion (EFWP). The EFWP technique delivers optical forces to a particle generating thrust. The thesis is divided into two sections: simulation and experimental validation. In the first section a new simulation technique based on ray optics theory (ROT) and the beam propagation method (BPM) is used to predict particle velocity and trajectory along a microfluidic propagation channel. In this work, the ROT-BPM technique is used to analyse and optimize the waveguide geometry to maximize particle velocity. Analysis of the impact of common microchip manufacturing limitations on velocity is performed to determine acceptable fabrication process tolerances. The second section presents experimental results of polymer microspheres and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells as biological targets. The experimental results are compared with simulations performed in the first section. Correction factors are added to the simulations to reflect the experimental device parameters. Thermal e_ects due to photon absorption within the fluidic channels are also investigated and corrected for. The final analysis indicates that the ROT-BPM technique developed in this work can be used to adequately predict particle velocity and trajectory path. EFWP currently delivers the fastest particle velocities compared to other optical micromanipulation techniques currently available in microfluidic applications. While the technique is focused on addressing chemical cytometry precise particle selectivity and high throughput needs, EFWP can also be used in many other single cell applications.

This thesis presents a photography curriculum for a beginning high school level photography class. It is designed as a teaching guide to structure a photography class that incorporates both film photography and digital photographic technology. One of the biggest challenges for teachers of photography is how to structure a curriculum with a limited number of enlargers and space in the darkroom, while incorporating digital technology with limited computer access for students. The curriculum presented here includes three major parts: a traditional photographic film component, a digital photography component, and a concepts component where students will experiment with different photographic techniques of manipulation as well as tackle photographic history, criticism, and visual literacy.

An all-optical micromanipulation technique is presented in the framework of precise cell selection within a cell culture and multiplexed transport capabilities for microfluidic single cell analysis applications. The technique was developed by combining an optical tweezer setup with a novel integrated waveguide cell propulsion method referred to as end-face waveguide propulsion (EFWP). The EFWP technique delivers optical forces to a particle generating thrust. The thesis is divided into two sections: simulation and experimental validation. In the first section a new simulation technique based on ray optics theory (ROT) and the beam propagation method (BPM) is used to predict particle velocity and trajectory along a microfluidic propagation channel. In this work, the ROT-BPM technique is used to analyse and optimize the waveguide geometry to maximize particle velocity. Analysis of the impact of common microchip manufacturing limitations on velocity is performed to determine acceptable fabrication process tolerances. The second section presents experimental results of polymer microspheres and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells as biological targets. The experimental results are compared with simulations performed in the first section. Correction factors are added to the simulations to reflect the experimental device parameters. Thermal e_ects due to photon absorption within the fluidic channels are also investigated and corrected for. The final analysis indicates that the ROT-BPM technique developed in this work can be used to adequately predict particle velocity and trajectory path. EFWP currently delivers the fastest particle velocities compared to other optical micromanipulation techniques currently available in microfluidic applications. While the technique is focused on addressing chemical cytometry precise particle selectivity and high throughput needs, EFWP can also be used in many other single cell applications.

Although interpersonal communication studies have focused on various aspects of interpersonal relationships, research on the player identity and gendered emotional manipulation in romantic relationships has received little attention. This narrative research inquiry was undertaken to explore perceptions of men and women related to the player identity and gendered emotional manipulation. This investigation used social construction as a theoretical perspective to understand three areas of investigation that include: the existence and relevance of the player identity, the player’s relation to emotionally manipulative behaviour, and the connection between socially constructed gender conventions and the player identity. Hesse-Biber’s (2006) feminist interviewing approach guided semi-structured interviews with six male and six female participants. Respondents reported the existence and relevance of the player identity in romantic relationships today, connecting this identity to emotionally manipulative behaviour, as well as relating this identity to traditional gender conventions. Finally, implications for men and women in romantic relationships today and future areas of research are discussed in light of these findings.

No description available.

L'objet de cette thèse est l'évaluation de l'effet du traitement chiropratique sur des variables physiologiques. Il y a peu d'information sur l'effet du traitement chiropratique sur la température cutanée paraspinale. De plus, il y a peu d'information sur la technologie de thermométrie utilisée pour faire ces évaluations. Plusieurs recherches ont été effectuées pour mesurer l'effet des traitements chiropratiques cervicaux ct dorsaux sur la variabilité du rythme cardiaque, mais il n'y a aucune étude qui mesure les effets des traitements chiropratiques lombaires. La littérature fournit peu de documentation sur l'effet des traitements chiropratiques sur les hormones pro-inflammatoires. Il n'y a aucune information sur l'effet des traitements chiropratiques sur l'interleukine-6 et la protéine réactive C. Les hypothèses visaient à mesurer s'il y a des effets produits par des traitements chiropratiques sur les variables énumérées ci-haut : la température cutanée paraspinale; la variabilité du rythme cardiaque et les hormones pro-inflammatoires. La méthodologie était progressive. Le premier projet évaluait l'effet du traitement chiropratique sur des sujets sans douleurs au cours d'un seul traitement. Le traitement chiropratique a été effectué avec un instrument (Activator IV). Deux périodes d'adaptation furent utilisées pour mesurer la réaction de la température cutanée paraspinale selon la période d'adaptation. Le deuxième projet évaluait l'effet du traitement chiropratique de sujets en douleurs lors d'un seul traitement traditionnel et il n'y a eu qu'une seule période d'adaptation. La période d'adaptation a été choisie à partir du projet 1 et elle représentait la période d'adaptation qui semblait la mieux adaptée cliniquement. Le traitement a été effectué avec la main, selon la méthode Diversified. Ce projet nous a permis de mesurer les effets de l'ajustement chiropratique sur la TC de sujets en douleurs et de comparer ces résultats à ceux des sujets sans douleur du projet 1. De plus, il a été possible de mesurer le transfert de chaleur de la main du clinicien et de comparer ces mesures à l'effet de l'instrument utilisé dans le projet 1. Pour le troisième projet, nous avons recruté des sujets avec douleurs et des sujets sans douleurs. Ce projet évaluait l'effet du traitement chiropratique sur la variabilité du rythme cardiaque. Les deux techniques chiropratiques des projets 1 et 2 ont été utilisées. Il y avait une période d'acclimatation de trois minutes et les mesures de la VRC ont été enregistrées pendant les cinq minutes qui suivaient ces trois minutes initiales. Le traitement chiropratique a été effectué et il y avait une autre période d'enregistrement de cinq minutes après le traitement chiropratique. Les mesures temporelles et spectrales ont été analysées. Le quatrième projet évaluait l'effet du traitement chiropratique sur des sujets en douleurs chroniques pour une période de neuf traitements échelonnée sur deux semaines. Il y avait un groupe-témoin dont les sujets étaient sans douleurs. Nous avons mesuré pour chaque groupe l'indice de fonctionnalité de Oswestry (questionnaire sur la douleur et la fonctionnalité); la température cutanée paraspinale; la variabilité du rythme cardiaque et les hormones pro-inflammatoires, soit l'interleukine-6 et la protéine réactive C. Les résultats du projet 1 ont démontré que l'ajustement chiropratique avec instrumentation avait un effet sur la température cutanée paraspinale. Toutefois, pour le projet 2, il y a une différence lors de l'évaluation de la mesure obtenue immédiatement après le traitement. Dans le projet 1, il y avait un refroidissement alors que dans le projet 2, il y avait un réchauffement. Le reste des enregistrements étaient très similaires. Les résultats du projet 3 ont été mitigés et ont révélé que la variabilité du rythme cardiaque avait subi une certaine influence provenant d'une manipulation lombaire. Les résultats du projet 4 étaient multiples. L'indice d'Oswestry a démontré que les valeurs du groupe-traitement avaient tendance à se rapprocher des valeurs du groupe-témoin. Pour ce qui est de la température cutanée paraspinale, celle du groupe-traitement était plus froide que celle du groupe-témoin avant le traitement. Après neuf traitements, les valeurs des variables du groupe-traitement avaient tendance à se rapprocher des valeurs des variables du groupe-témoin, les valeurs pré et post des variables du groupe témoin n'ayant pas changé. Les données sur la variabilité du rythme cardiaque ont démontré que les valeurs du groupe-traitement avaient tendance à se rapprocher des valeurs du groupe-témoin. De même, les valeurs des données de l’IL-6 et de la PRC ont démontré la même tendance, à savoir se rapprocher des valeurs du groupe-témoin. En conclusion, même s'il y avait des effets sur la température cutanée paraspinale, il est impossible en ce moment d'utiliser la technique de thermométrie en milieu clinique. En effet, comme il n'existe aucune base de données normative, il est impossible de conclure sur la valeur de l'effet de l'ajustement chiropratique. Quant à la variabilité du rythme cardiaque, il appert que l'effet serait un réflexe d'origine supraspinale plutôt qu'un effet direct sur le système nerveux autonome. Pour ce qui est des hormones pro-inflammatoires de l'IL-6 et de la PRC, il semble que ces mesures soient similaires aux tendances des valeurs de l'indice Oswestry à la suite d'un traitement chiropratique sur des sujets en douleurs. ______________________________________________________________________________ MOTS-CLÉS DE L’AUTEUR : Thermométrie, chiropratique, diagnostoque, variabilité du rythme cardiaque, cytokines.

The background for this degree thesis is a need to replace the existing seal used to protect equipment containing secret or sensitive equipment used by Swedish Defence. The target design should satisfy both the need for tamper evidence and reduce Life Cycle Cost. In developing a new design for a seal, additional benefits such as improved logistics support and indication of attack methods such as heat and solvents have been considered. The lack of guiding principles for end users of seals became evident during the interviews. Major concerns for the future are education of users, information about actions if a seal is broken and user liability. The design work was divided into several phases. A feasibility study was performed including investigation of theory of labels, materials and possible technologies. The feasibility study also includes a requirement analysis based on interviews. This analysis was later used as a tool for evaluating different concepts. Using the list of construction criteria and the morphologic matrix 27 different concepts where created. All of these concepts did not go further in the concept development but are described in the thesis as part of the result. Evaluation of methods for validation and verification was done to get a deeper understanding of material properties and facilitate the requirement process in future work. The final result of the design process is two concepts. The first concept is based on 2D-barcode, thermocromic material and a double foil label in which the material at the bottom is brittle. The second concept contains active RFID protected by a brittle material and with clear guiding principles. Both concepts are suitable solutions. The reason for presenting two concepts is some remaining uncertainties with RFID technology used in the second concept. / Bakgrunden till examensarbetet är att plomberingen som försvaret använder idag för att skydda sina utrustningar mot intrång inte uppfyller försvarets krav. Den nuvarande konstruktionen är bl.a. tidskrävande och har en hög kostnad ur ett livscykelperspektiv. Vid undersökning av problemet framkom även brister i de riktlinjer som finns runt plomberingen. Detta gäller framförallt utbildning och användarskyldigheter. Genom att utveckla en ny plombering för utrustningar i försvaret kommer eventuell hemlig information skyddas bättre. För att systematiskt få fram bra koncept gjordes en omfattande förstudie. Förstudien innehåller utvärderingar av olika tekniker och material samt en teoridel om etiketter. I förstudien inkluderas även en behovsanalys som är baserad på intervjuer. Analysen användes sedan som hjälpmedel i de olika utvärderingarna i examensarbetet. För att underlätta framtagningen av en kravställning vid upphandling har olika metoder för verifiering och validering utvärderats. Genom konstruktionskriterielistan och den morfologiska matrisen skapades 27 koncept. Även om alla dessa koncept inte gick vidare till konceptutveckling bör de betraktas som en del av resultatet. Resultatet av arbetet redovisas i två koncept. Det första konceptet bygger på 2D-streckkod, termokromfärg och dubbelt etikettmaterial varav det understa materialet är sprött. Det andra konceptet bygger på aktiv RFID med tydliga användarriktlinjer som är skyddat med sprött material. Anledningen till att två koncept valdes som resultat beror på att båda visades vara lämpliga lösningar på problemet men även för att förberedda sig på eventuella osäkerheter runt RFID.

Systems engineering introduces the notion of top-down design, which involves viewing an entire system comprised of its components as a whole functioning unit. This requires an understanding of how those components efficiently interact, with optimization of the process emphasized rather than solely focusing on micro-level system components. The traditional approach to the systems engineering process involves requirements decomposition and flow down across a hierarchy of decision making levels, in which needs and requirements at one level are transformed into a set of system product and process descriptions for the next lower level. This top-down requirements flow approach therefore requires an iterative process between adjacent levels to verify that the design solution satisfies the requirements, with no direct flow between nonadjacent hierarchy levels. This thesis introduces a methodology that enables decision makers anywhere across a system-of-systems hierarchy to rapidly and simultaneously manipulate the design space, however complex. A hierarchical decision making process will be developed in which a system-of-systems, or multiple operationally and managerially independent systems, interact to affect a series of top level metrics. This takes the notion of top-down requirements flow one step further to allow for simultaneous bottom-up and top-down design, enabled by the use of neural network surrogate models to represent the complex design space. Using a proof-of-concept case study of employing a guided projectile for mortar interception, this process will show how the iterative steps that are usually required when dealing with flowing requirements from one level to the next lower in the systems engineering process are eliminated, allowing for direct manipulation across nonadjacent levels in the hierarchy. For this system-of-systems environment comprised of a Monte Carlo based design space exploration employing rapid neural network surrogate models, both bottom-up and top-down design analysis may be executed simultaneously. This process enables any response to be treated as an independent variable, meaning that information can flow in either direction within the hierarchy.