Full list
You will be redirected to the institution’s website in order to read these documents.
-
2023 — “Vacation for Victory!” British Columbia’s call for a Women’s Land Army during the Second World War and the prairie women who answeredAbstract
During the Second World War, Canada experienced a shortage of agricultural workers. After a decade of economic depression, the appeal of well-paying factory jobs or a position in the armed forces pulled many young men and women away from rural areas. While each province strived to maximize food production in agricultural regions with a depleted labour force, only British Columbia and Ontario instituted a Provincial Women's Land Army. However, while Ontario's Farm Labour Program quickly gained momentum, British Columbia experienced difficulty in recruiting women from within their province to engage in fruit farming and orchard labour. Reaching out of province, … Read more
-
2019 — Variation in Tree Growth and Vascular Formation Across A Water-Limited Forest Landscape From 1951 to 2016Abstract
Tree growth in sub-humid forests is influenced by environmental conditions that may differ across local topographic gradients. My study investigated how the growth of two conifer species (Pinus contorta var. latifolia and Picea glauca) varied across a range of habitats in a water-limited island forest landscape in western Canada. Historical precipitation from 1951-2016 had a positive overall effect on annual radial growth (as measured by tree rings), but the magnitude of this effect varied with proximity to a permanent water source and tree size. Mean annual precipitation had a greater positive influence on the growth of larger trees and on … Read more
-
2018 — A Novel Mobile Host Intrusion Detection Using Neural NetworksAbstract
Smart-devices have advanced and qualified an enormous popularity in the past decade. However, this development has exposed smart-devices to a large number of security attacks. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective security systems to protect smartdevices. There are different prevention-based strategies for implementing security on smartdevices such as firewalls, user authentications, and anti-viruses. Occasionally preventionbased strategies may get passed through various methods. Thus, it is needed to develop security systems to detect attacks. In this thesis, we propose a novel host intrusion detection system utilizing signature-based detection based on an artificial neural network for detecting known attacks in a … Read more
-
2023 — ‘Return on[boarding] investment’: Exploring volunteer onboarding experiences on newcomer behaviours and implications for volunteer board performanceAbstract
Exploration of the onboarding experiences (OE) of newcomer volunteers in a volunteer leadership context is lacking in current volunteer management and governance research. Through a lens of socialization and self-efficacy principles, this study aims to address whether OE can be an interceding influence for newcomer behaviours and motivations. The level at which an individual is onboarded (Bauer, 2010) and the exchange between existing employees and newcomers, affects attitudinal aspects of the individual toward the role that they uphold (Sluss & Thompson, 2012). Increasing the knowledge base about the implications of onboarding practices within a volunteer context allows for more discernment … Read more
-
2019 — Knowledge Mobilization: Local Community Engagement, Sustainability, and Adaptive GovernanceAbstract
The thesis is devoted to studying ecomuseums’ role in advancing sustainability practices in communities, as well as the role of communities and ecomuseums in gathering and preserving knowledge about local heritage. The value proposition of the research is to recognize the ecomuseums’ social, cultural, and economic potential in Saskatchewan, as well as propose policy recommendations to improve their role for the provincial development. As partnerships formed by communities, academic institutions, and ecomuseums influence and facilitate local decision-making, it is also essential to focus on the practices of adaptive governance to implement sustainability initiatives and contribute to local knowledge mobilization. The … Read more
-
2017 — Projecting Regional Climate Change through Statistical and Dynamical Downscaling TechniquesAbstract
Climate change has comprehensive and profound influences on every aspect of the natural and human systems such as the hydrological systems, ecosystems, food systems, infrastructure, human health and livelihoods. Not only are the impacts diverse in expressions, they are also geographically heterogeneous. In order to manage and reduce the risk of climate change impacts with the consideration of its heterogeneity, region-specific mitigation and adaptation strategies needs to be taken. The foundation of regional climate impact studies and the subsequent design of regional mitigation and adaption strategies is the projection of future regional or local climate. To this end, this study … Read more
-
2022 — Spatiotemporal heterogeneity in precipitation and moisture transport over China and their connections with anthropogenic emissions and natural variabilityAbstract
In this dissertation research, the following scientific questions are explored: (i) Has the probability distribution of precipitation over China undergone variations since the midtwentieth century? (ii) How are the above changes related to the modes of climate variability? (iii) Can these changes be attributed to anthropogenic behaviors? (iv) What are the mechanisms for these changes in terms of moisture transport and recycling? Specifically, through quantile regression, the quantile trends in monthly precipitation anomalies over China, as well as the individual and combined quantile effects of teleconnection patterns, are examined. The results show that the quantile trends exhibit apparent seasonal variations, … Read more
-
2015 — Analysis and Numerical Methods for Algebraic Riccati Equations Associated with Regular M-MatricesAbstract
The thesis is a further study about algebraic Riccati equations for which the four coe cient matrices form a regular M-matrix K. We prove a property about minimal nonnegative solutions of such an algebraic Riccati equation and its dual equation. And we show that Newton's method, SDA, ADDA are well-de ned and quadratically convergent in non-critical case. Then we prove that ADDA is linearly convergent with rate 1=2 in critical case. As compared to earlier work on solving regular MARE by ADDA, the results we present here are more general. This thesis extends the knowledge of doubling algorithms. Read more
-
2022 — Further Study of Some Iterative Methods for the Matrix Pth RootAbstract
In this thesis, we solve some problems arising in the study of some iterative methods for finding the principal pth root of a matrix. Our main interest is in Newton's method, Halley's method and Chebyshev's method. We also study Schroder's method (which includes Newton's method and Chebyshev's method as special cases). The study of these methods for the matrix case can be reduced to the study in the scalar case. Some theoretical properties of the iterative methods can be obtained by examining the Taylor series expansion of the iterates. It has been observed by Guo that the Taylor coefficients have … Read more
-
2022 — Experiment Study of Non-Equilibrium Phase Behavior and Effect of External Vibration on Heavy Oil ProductionAbstract
In this thesis, two types of heavy oil experiments were explored to study the heavy oil non-equilibrium phase behavior and the influence of external vibration on heavy oil production performance. The first experiment was to use a Constant Composition Expansion and Compression (CCEC) tests to determine the pseudo-bubble point pressure at low (T = 15°C) and high (T = 75°C) temperature environment with three different volume change rates (“Fast Rate” 1.5 cm3/min; “Moderate Rate” 0.015 cm3/min; and “Slow Rate” 0.0003 cm3/min) and three different live heavy oil samples (15 mol% C2H6 + 85 mol% STO; 35 mol% C2H6 + 65 … Read more
-
2024 — Numerical simulation of geothermal energy production in the Estevan area using water and CO2 as working fluidsAbstract
Geothermal energy is a promising and clean renewable resource that is widely accessible around the world (Avci, A.C., et al., 2020). The city of Estevan is proven to possess some geothermal qualities which can be utilized for heating and electrical power generation (Jacek Majorowicz et al., 2021). Water is the most common working fluid to extract geothermal energy; However, water-based geothermal systems may cause issues, such as water loss and induced seismicity. Recently, CO2 has attracted more interest as an alternative injectant to explore geothermal energy because of its high mobility, thermal properties and the additional benefits of CO2 sequestration. … Read more
-
2021 — Modeling of Enhanced Heavy Oil Recovery Processes: Foamy Oil Flow and Viscosity FingeringAbstract
Many heavy oil reservoirs are now developed by enhanced heavy oil recovery methods, such as solvent-based recovery techniques. The solvent-based recovery techniques have advantages in energy effectiveness, cost efficiency, and environmental benefits compared with other methods. In the application of solvent-based recovery techniques, many types of solvent are available, including methane (C1), propane (C3), carbon dioxide (CO2), and solvent mixture. Foamy oil flow is considered an essential mechanism and has been extensively studied. For each heavy oil-solution gas system, the flow behavior is unique, and a systematic study is necessary to understand the foamy oil mechanism better. Previously proposed simulation … Read more
-
2014 — “A Personal Odyssey”: Contrapuntal Heroism in the Works of Diana Wynne JonesAbstract
This study examines one specific aspect of Diana Wynne Jones’ fantasy fiction— her use of multiple, interdependent character identities to craft heroes whose heroic journeys do not necessitate violence or conformity with preset definitions of heroism. These characters’ heroic journeys are inward ones of self-acceptance and empathy rather than outward ones that lead to external conflict. Because their identities are not always fragmented or divided, I use the term contrapuntal to describe them. Counterpoint, in classical music, refers to pieces crafted from two or more similar melodies interwoven together, and thus is a fitting concept to use in describing Jones’ … Read more
-
2015 — Analysis of In Vitro Differentiation Cues in Adult Mouse Neural Stem and Progenitor CellsAbstract
Neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) from the adult subventricular zone hold therapeutic potential for regenerative medicine. Specifically, differentiated oligodendrocytes can aid in remyelinating denuded axons in demyelinative disorders or spinal cord injury. The excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate, has disputed roles in this multi-step process. The goal of my project was to determine if glutamate has an effect on myelination, with the primary focus on the differentiation aspect of NSPCs to oligodendrocytes. Changes to the gene expression profile of NSPC culture in response to oligodendrocyte driving media, glutamate, differentiation and attachment was investigated using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTQPCR) … Read more
-
2013 — Breeding Biology of Grassland Songbirds and the Effects of Oil and Natural Gas Development on Their Density and Reproductive SuccessAbstract
Understanding the breeding ecology of grassland birds is vital for identifying the mechanisms underlying their widespread population declines. I describe the breeding biology of and quantify the effects of nest predation and brood parasitism on Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Baird’s Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii), Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus), Western Meadowlark (Sternella neglecta), and Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii) in south-eastern Alberta. Nest predation was the primary cause of nest failure, accounting for 75% of all nest losses. For the three sparrow species, daily survival rates were higher during the incubation compared to the nestling stage. For all five species, clutch size, hatching … Read more
-
2013 — Intentionality, Information and Consciousness: A Naturalistic PerspectiveAbstract
In this thesis, I offer a new interpretation of the principles of Naturalistic philosophy that are relevant to the philosophy of mind. In doing so, I attempt to accomplish the broader task of showing how we can make significant progress in our thinking about consciousness by first offering new conceptual foundations that can ground our theorizing, and then applying these new ideas to specific problems in the field. The thesis first articulates the advantages of Naturalism, properly understood, as a valuable methodological alternative to traditional approaches to problems in the field. Next, I explore what we can distill from work … Read more
-
2020 — Exclusions Zones for Small Modular ReactorsAbstract
The objective of this thesis is to estimate the size of the exclusion zone around a small modular reactor (SMR). The aim of such zone is to provide an atmospheric space sufficient to dilute any radioactive releases during an accident, to a level below the safe regulated radiation dose for the public. A hypothetical severe accident is considered for a generic SMR, and the whole-body radiation dose associated with the accident was estimated at various distances and reactor power levels. The results were verified against those of a more complex model for a typical CANDU reactor. The obtained results were … Read more
-
2013 — Granular State Space SearchAbstract
Granular computing is an emerging field of study that derives general principles and models from a wide range of disciplines and uses these principles and models to solve problems. One basic structure in granular computing is a granular struc- ture, which is a hierarchical multi-level structure made of granules. The granular structure implies important ways to problem solving such as hierarchical problem solving and top-down progressive processing. These ways can be used in artifi- cial intelligence. This thesis focuses on how to use granular computing to solve problems in state space search. State space search is a classical approach to … Read more
-
2017 — Construction of Confidence Intervals and Hypothesis Testing for the Mean of a Normal Population When the Coefficient of Variation is KnownAbstract
Approximation of con dence interval and hypothesis testing for a normal mean when the coe cient of variation is known, is quite di erent from the situation when the variance is known. Mostly, the situation when the variance is known is only of theoretical interest. There are many practical situations when the coe cient of variation is known. This situation arises in medical, biological and environmental studies. In the theoretical part of the thesis, we proved that the considered estimates are unbiased estimator with minimum variance and asymptotically normal. We con- struct statistical tests for the normal mean based on … Read more
-
2012 — Coupling of Hydrocarbon Solvents of Hot Water for Enhanced Heavy Oil RecoveryAbstract
Abundant heavy oil reserves and increasing demands for energy have encouraged more and more interest in the exploitation of heavy oil. The recovery of heavy oil is challenging due to its high viscosity. The thermal recovery process has been widely used to reduce the viscosity and increase the mobility of heavy oil, namely cyclic steam stimulation (CSS), in situ combustion (ISC) and steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). Among them, SAGD is the most popular method for recovering heavy oil. However, SAGD usually causes large heat loss and requires a huge amount of water and extensive surface facilities. Also it becomes inefficient … Read more
-
2023 — Understanding dependance on institutions and wellbeing: A mixed-methods study of institutional betrayalAbstract
Individuals rely on institutions (e.g., health care systems, legal systems, universities) for a wide range of important needs. Too often, institutions betray those who rely on them by failing to protect or respond appropriately to individuals who have experienced traumatic events, further compounding the harm of traumatic stress. This is known as institutional betrayal (Smith & Freyd, 2014). While studies on interpersonal betrayal have found that victims who have higher levels of dependence on their abusers experience greater negative impacts to their wellbeing, this association has not yet been directly examined in relationships in which the perpetrator of harm is … Read more
-
2014 — Job Satisfaction: Officers Policing Aboriginal Communities in CanadaAbstract
Identifying the sources of job satisfaction is of key importance in better understanding workplace attitudes and behaviours, such as commitment of an employee to their profession and organization. There is limited research on the job satisfaction of officers policing Aboriginal communities which this study examines. Self-reported data from officers policing Aboriginal communities in Canada was collected by Alderson-Gill & Associates in 2007. T-tests and chi-square analyses were conducted to examine dependent variables including the average levels of job satisfaction and officers’ perceptions of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on their job satisfaction. These dependent variables of satisfaction were examined in relation … Read more
-
2024 — The quantile analysis of gene expression trajectory and quality controlAbstract
In Chapter 2 of the thesis, Taguchi’s loss function in the multivariate case is reviewed and a straightforward and practical definition for the cost coefficient matrix is proposed. In order for the quality control process cost more realistic, the expected modified Taguchi’s loss function is applied on Hotelling’s T2 control chart based on a modified economic statistical design, and variable sampling interval (VSI) scheme is adopted. To obtain optimal design parameters, artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is utilized. By comparing our approach with previous routine design, it is concluded that redefining the cost factor makes the control system more sensitive … Read more