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2013 — Agent Trust Management Based on Human Plausible Reasoning and Rough Sets: Application to Agent-based Web searchRésumé
Nowadays, there is a growing need to manage trust in open systems. Service providers can autonomously join and leave the open system at any time. Thus, an open system may contain untrustworthy service providers. In order to handle the autonomy of providers, multi agent systems are used to develop open systems. In a virtual society, which consists of several autonomous agents, trust helps agents to deal with the openness of the system by identifying the best agents capable of performing a specific task, or achieving a specific goal. In this research, we first introduce ROSTAM, a new approach for Agent … Lire la suite
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2013 — A Framework for Divisible Load E-science Applications in Optical GridsRésumé
E-science applications require discovering, collecting, transferring and processing large volumes of scientific data. In divisible load e-science applications, data is generated and stored in geographically distributed repositories (e.g., instruments, sensors, cam- eras, satellites and storage facilities). The generated data can be divided into in- dependent subsets to be analysed distributed at many computing locations. Such applications usually require optical networking for fast and reliable data transfer. In this thesis, we propose a framework for divisible load applications in optical grids. Within this framework, schedulers are developed to co-schedule computational and optical network resources. Moreover, processes to handle divisible load applications … Lire la suite
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2013 — Maximum Intersecting Families of PermutationsRésumé
In extremal set theory, the Erd}os-Ko-Rado (EKR) theorem gives an upper bound on the size of intersecting k-subsets of the set {1; : : : ;n}. Furthemore, it classi es the maximum-sized families of intersecting k-subsets. It has been shown that similar theorems can be proved for other mathematical objects with a suitable notion of \intersection". Let G B Sym(n) be a permutation group with its permutation action on the set {1; : : : ;n}. The intersection for the elements of G is de ned as follows: two permutations ; > G are intersecting if (i) = (i) for some … Lire la suite
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2013 — A Classification of Homogeneous Kȁhler Manifolds with Discrete Isotropy and Top Non Vanishing Homology in Codimension TwoRésumé
Suppose G is a connected complex Lie group and is a discrete subgroup such that X := G= is K ahler and the codimension of the top non{vanishing homology group of X with coe cients in Z2 is less than or equal to two. We show that G is solvable and a nite covering of X is biholomorphic to a product C A, where C is a Cousin group and A is feg, C, C , or C C . Lire la suite
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2013 — Graphical and semantic extensions of variable elimination in Bayesian Networks.Résumé
Variable Elimination (VE) is a central component of Bayesian network (BN) inference. Two drawbacks of VE are that it has no graphical depiction and that currently its intermediate distributions have no clear semantics. To address these drawbacks, we suggest two approaches, called Graphical VE (GVE) and Semantic VE (SVE). GVE graphically depicts the BN conditional probability tables (CPTs) as Graphical CPTs (GCPTs). The salient characteristic of GVE is that it explains the intricate mathematical equations and notations using graphs without resorting the numerical values and evaluates the inference technique using Merge and Remove graphical operations. GVE may be useful to … Lire la suite
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2013 — Experimental and Numerical Studies of Three-Phase Relative Permeability Isoperms for Heavy Oil SystemsRésumé
There is a great deal of interest in obtaining reliable three-phase relative permeability data given recent developments in enhanced heavy oil recovery processes associated with multiphase flow in porous media. Experimental measurement of threephase relative permeability data for heavy oil systems is prohibitively difficult. Such data and research is scarce in the literature since the implementation of steady state experiment is onerous and time consuming. Still results from unsteady state technique do not really coincide with those from steady state experiments. Empirical correlations, such as Stone’s models, which are widely used in modern commercial simulators, carry along uncertainties with two-phase … Lire la suite
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2013 — Atmospheric Concentrations of Selected Insecticides and Current Use Herbicides in SaskatchewanRésumé
Atmospheric samples were collected during 2007-2010 at Bratt’s Lake, Saskatchewan. Samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in negative ion selected ion monitoring mode. Atmospheric concentrations of three high usage pre-emergent herbicides (triallate, trifluralin, and ethalfluralin) in the Canadian prairies showed increasing atmospheric concentrations in spring-early summer when they were recommended for application for weed control. Atmospheric concentrations of triallate during 2007-2010 remained in a similar concentration range (maximum concentration >5000 pg/m3) to the previous measurements. In 2010 the increase in concentration of triallate was higher during the fall than previous years with a maximum concentration of 3183 pg/m3 on … Lire la suite
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2013 — Majorization and the Schur-Horn Theorem.Résumé
We study majorization in Rn and some of its properties. The concept of majorization plays an important role in matrix analysis by producing several useful relationships. We find out that there is a strong relationship between majorization and doubly stochastic matrices; this relation has been perfectly described in Birkhoff's Theorem. On the other hand, majorization characterizes the connection between the eigenvalues and the diagonal elements of self adjoint matrices. This relation is summarized in the Schur-Horn Theorem. Using this theorem, we prove versions of Kadison's Carpenter's Theorem. We discuss A. Neumann's extension of the concept of majorization to in_nite dimension … Lire la suite
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2013 — An Examination of Misconduct in Canadian PrisonsRésumé
This thesis examines the relationships between inmate characteristics and prison misconduct in Canadian penitentiaries using prison data collected from 18,075 inmates admitted to the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) between January 1, 2006 and August 31, 2009. In a test of importation theory, this research examines the relationships between minor and major prison misconduct and the following individual-level characteristics: gender, age, race, conviction for a violent offence and gang membership, controlling for prior incarceration, need, risk and prison placement (level of security). In order to carry out this research, a series of logistic regression analyses were estimated. Consistent with prior … Lire la suite
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2013 — Zero Forcing Sets for GraphsRésumé
For any simple graph G on n vertices, the (positive semi-de nite) minimum rank of G is de ned to be the smallest possible rank among all (positive semi-de nite) real symmetric n × n matrices whose entry in position (i; j), for i x j, is non-zero if ij is an edge in G and zero otherwise. Also, the (positive semi-de nite) maximum nullity of G is de ned to be the largest possible nullity of a (positive semi-de nite) matrix in the above set of matrices. In this thesis we study two graph parameters, namely the zero forcing … Lire la suite
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2013 — An Optimum Vision-Based Control of Rotorcrafts Case Studies: 2-DOF Helicopter & 6-DOF QuadrotorRésumé
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft capable of sustained flight without a human operator on board which can be controlled either autonomously or remotely (e.g., by a pilot on the ground). In recent years, the unique capabilities of UAVs have attracted a great deal of attention for both civil and military application. UAVs can be controlled remotely by a crew miles away or by a pilot in the vicinity. Vision-based control (also called visual serving) refers to the technique that uses visual sensory feedback information to control the motion of a device. Advancements in fast image acquisition/processing tools … Lire la suite
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2013 — Economic Evaluation of Capturing CO2 From Natural Gas Power Plant and Injecting CO2 for Enhanced Oil Recovery as an Integrated SystemRésumé
CO2 is said to be one of the most important greenhouse gas that causes global warming. The most common sources of CO2 emission into the atmosphere are fossil fueled power plants. With the increasing demand of energy in the world, more power plants needs to be built and consequently more CO2 is released to the atmosphere. On the other hand, there is possibility of establishing tax for carbon emission in different countries. One of the popular methods for decreasing the emission of CO2 is using MEA as a chemical solution to capture it and inject it to an oil reservoir … Lire la suite
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2013 — A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experiences of Individuals in Intercultural RelationshipsRésumé
This study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological research design to investigate the lived experiences of individuals in intercultural relationships. In total, six individuals (four female and two male) participated. At the time of the study, each participant was in a romantic intercultural relationship (either common-law or married status) and had been in that relationship for at least 3 years. None of the participants had children and the ages of the participants ranged from 22 to 32 years old. Five of the participants self-identified as Canadian citizens, while one participant self-identified both her heritage and citizenship as Hungarian. Of the five Canadian … Lire la suite
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2013 — An Experimental Approach to the Construction of Binary Decision Classes from Card Sort DataRésumé
This thesis presents work done towards understanding the data collected from a card sorting study of facial photographs. In that study, 25 participants sorted 356 photos (178 Caucasian and 178 First Nations) into piles based on similarity. Photos placed in the same pile are deemed to be similar, photos in different piles are deemed to be dissimilar. Looking to establish binary decision classes is reasonable because the underlying question that participants answered was “Are these photos similar or not?”. There may also be more than two decision classes to describe all the behaviours. For example, an initial split into decision … Lire la suite
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2013 — Physiochemical and Biological Behaviors of Organic Contaminants in Multi-Phase Media Under Enhanced Treatment ConditionsRésumé
The rapid increase of anthropogenic activities has led to the ubiquitous presence of organic contaminants. There is an urgent need for understanding the fate and behavior of organic contaminants in the environment. In this dissertation research, the physiochemical and biological behaviors of organic contaminants in multi-phase media have been investigated. Considerable research efforts have been made in characterizing the transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at solid-liquid interface, as well as exploring the remediation of pollutants through solvent extraction and composting. The effects of short-chain organic acids (SCOAs) on the behaviors of PAHs in soil-water system have been systemically investigated. … Lire la suite
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2013 — The Effect of Breathing on Hip Roll Asymmetry in Competitive Front Crawl SwimmingRésumé
Front crawl swimming is a cyclic activity in which swimmers alternate arm and leg movements to create propulsive forces while the body rotates about its longitudinal axis. It has been suggested that breathing increases body rotation and potentially disrupts the symmetry of the stroke. This study quantified the effect of breathing on hip roll angle using a body-fixed (lower back) tri-axial accelerometer. Twenty (13 male, 7 female) provincial and national level swimmers performed four 100m front crawl trials at 70% of their best 100m time with 2 minutes recovery between trials. Four breathing conditions were tested: 1) unilateral preferred side, … Lire la suite
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2013 — Alternative Land Tenure: A Path Towards Food Sovereignty in Saskatchewan?Résumé
In the past few years, a global food crisis has fuelled corporate investment and speculation in land and the attendant dispossession of smallholders and ecological damage, while doing little to alleviate hunger or secure livings for rural dwellers. This phenomenon is most evident in the Global South, but it is happening in Canada too. The dominant industrial agricultural model in Saskatchewan, with roots in the foundation of colonial capitalist agriculture and private ownership of land on the prairies, has resulted in a decades-long “farm crisis” as smaller farmers are forced off the land and agribusinesses consolidate and dominate production. A … Lire la suite
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2013 — Weak Expectation Properties of C*-Algebras and Operator SystemsRésumé
The purpose of this dissertation is two fold. Firstly, we prove a permanence result involving C*-algebras with the weak expectation property. More speci cally, we show that if is an amenable action of a discrete group G on a unital C*-algebra A, then the crossed-product C*-algebra Ao G has the weak expectation property if and only if A has this property. Secondly, the concept of a relatively weakly injective pair of operator systems is introduced and studied, motivated by relative weak injectivity in the C*-algebra category. E. Kirchberg [14] proved that the C*-algebra C (F1) of the free group F1 … Lire la suite
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2013 — Aboriginal Dispossession and Proletarianization in Canadian Industrial Capitalism: Creating the Right Profile for the Labour MarketRésumé
The central theme of this paper revolves around the dispossession of Aboriginal peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) from their traditional socio-economic means of production and their subsumption into the industrial-capitalist mode of production. The investigation is a hypothesis about the historical proletarianization process regarding Aboriginal peoples in Canada stemming from dispossession. The analysis utilizes a critical political economic approach primarily in regard the revolutionary power of private property relations as the competitive antithesis to traditional-subsistence economy relations. Positing the facts of Aboriginal proletarianization within a political economic framework is an addition to the critique of capital. The research of … Lire la suite
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2013 — Rethinking Social Assistance Policy to Reflect Modern Socio-Economic RealitiesRésumé
In the past four decades rapid change has characterized the modern world. The global market has permeated even the smallest of communities, and new economic, social and political realities exist. The political, economic and social factors that once contributed to the “success” of the welfare state are now radically different. The framework for addressing poverty in our society must also change. Currently, Canada addresses poverty through various welfare state initiatives, which translate into programs such as social assistance, tax credits, employment insurance and pensions. It is proposed that the current welfare state structure is addressing poverty inadequately and inefficiently, to … Lire la suite
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2013 — Embodied Social Capital: An Analysis of the Production of African-Canadian Women’s Identity and Social Network AccessRésumé
This study examines how race and gender mediate access to social networks. Following the work of Louise Holt, the theoretical framework is informed by Judith Butler’s work on performativity with Pierre Bourdieu’s work on embodiment as well as W.E. Dubois’ notion of double consciousness and Gloria Anzadua’s concept of the New Mestiza (2008; Anzaldua, 1999; and Falcon, 2008). Research methods were framed by Black feminist theory and included eight semi-structured interviews with racialized African Canadian women who ranged in age, length of time lived in Canada and had a range of social networks, incomes, and children. The findings in this … Lire la suite
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2013 — Shifting Our Focus: Teacher Transformation Through Anti-Oppressive EducationRésumé
Shifting Our Focus: Teacher Transformation through Anti-oppressive Education is a case study of how students experienced a justice-oriented graduate course for educators, and how their experiences had the potential to be transformative. Perspectives of fourteen participants were collected through focus groups, interviews, journals, and participant observation and were analyzed thematically using the constant comparative method. The conceptual framework for the study included both transformative learning theory and anti-oppressive education theory. Factors that foster transformative learning and three theoretical dimensions of anti-oppressive education that were deemed crucial to anti-oppressive education (Inclusive, Critical and Poststructural dimensions) guided the analysis within a transformative … Lire la suite
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2013 — Problematizing racialism: Exploring the complexities of racialization and the structuring forces of whiteness in the lived experiences of high school social studiesRésumé
Social studies education plays a fundamental role in the development of students’ understandings of the nation and themselves as citizens of the nation, particularly their ability to be civically responsible and engaged in democratic society (Howard, 2003). However, through uncritical acceptance and perpetuation of dominant discourses, including nationalist narratives, along with the superficial creation and implementation of such educational policies as multiculturalism, social studies education serves as a colonial instrument (Orlowski, 2008; St. Denis, 2011). In so doing, social studies curriculum and the teachers who deliver it support the maintenance of systems of power and privilege which differential position Canadians. … Lire la suite
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2013 — A Theoretical Model of Development Partnership and Identity: Sport-For-Development Partnership in Trinidad and Tobago,Résumé
Current development efforts focus on economic fair play, cultural sensitivity theory, locally driven interventions, and ethical practice. This has led to changes in a number of development areas, including the relationship between development stakeholders. A shift to development partnership was meant to signal the end of development paternalism (e.g., north-south, developed-undeveloped, donor-recipient) and the beginning of development equality. However, for many development stakeholders, the transition has been largely theoretical. This study addresses the existing gap between development theory and practice. It argues that before the gap can be closed there is a need for greater philosophicallygrounded theoretical scrutiny. Therefore, this … Lire la suite
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2013 — Integrated Energy System Modeling For Supporting Energy Systems Planning Under UncertaintyRésumé
Energy is an essential input for social and economic development throughout the world. Ensuring sufficient quantity and satisfactory quality in regional energy systems requires the formulation of a model to allocate energy resources and to properly develop renewable energy sources. In addition, the contradictions and interactions of economic development and environmental sustainability are significant concerns in energy system management. Accordingly, effective planning of regional energy systems is a priority for social, economic, and sustainable environmental development. In this research, an inexact chance-constrained mixed-integer programming (ICMI) model was developed to manage a regional energy system and greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions under uncertainties … Lire la suite
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2013 — Shear Strength Properties of Compacted Expansive SoilsRésumé
Shear strength of compacted expansive soils affects the bearing capacity of foundations, slope stability of embankments, and design of earth retaining structures. The purpose of this research was to develop a clear understanding of the shear strength properties of compacted expansive soils. A typical expansive soil, namely, Regina clay, was selected for detailed laboratory characterization. Geotechnical index properties were determined for preliminary soil assessment. The specific gravity and clay size fraction (material finer than 0.002 mm) were found to be 2.74 and 60%, respectively. The liquid limit (77%) and plastic limit (27%) indicated a significant water adsorption and retention capacity … Lire la suite
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2013 — Lessons of the Ancients: Thinking About War in Early Modern EnglandRésumé
Early modern English warfare has been harshly treated in twentieth-century historiography: while historians put out sweeping works touting, and debating, the grand military achievements of early modern Europe, England found itself berated for its apparent backwardness and inefficiency. However, recent trends not only in reconsidering the effectiveness and needs of early modern English warfare, but also in debating the extent of the Greco-Roman influence over early modern culture in general, warrant a re-examination of early modern English warfare altogether. Given the large number of works available at the end of the sixteenth and beginning of the seventeenth centuries on warfare … Lire la suite
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2013 — Identifying Coaching Abuses in Youth Sport: A Human Rights Approach for Policy DevelopmentRésumé
Research indicates that the culture of sport tends to promote an idealized, or mythologized perception of the benefits of participation for youth (Brackenridge, 2006; Forster, 2006; Houlihan et al., 2011). The belief that sport is a moral oasis (Brackenridge, 2006) has had a serious negative impact on our understanding of the harm caused by abuse in youth sports. In particular, there is a lack of data, monitoring, evaluation, and universal definitions of abusive coaching behaviours, despite the general acknowledgement that coaches wield considerable power and influence that extends beyond the playing field. Without such information it is extremely difficult to … Lire la suite
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2013 — Informal Learning Through Participation in Fransaskois Community-Based GovernanceRésumé
This research is a study of deputies’ informal learning content and processes and how they see their learning applied to the benefit of the Fransaskois (French-speakers from Saskatchewan) community. Participants were volunteer deputies in the Assemblée Communautaire Fransaskoise (ACF), a francophone community-based governance organization in Saskatchewan. In the ACF, community members are elected to serve as “deputies”, representatives who make decisions regarding initiatives and allocation of funds. Interviews with eight deputies were conducted using semi-structured interviews and resulting data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participation in the ACF resulted in informal learning on the job or ‘sur le tas’. Deputies … Lire la suite
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2013 — Colonialism’s Impact upon the Health of Métis Elderly: History, Oppression, Identity and ConsequencesRésumé
In this dissertation I examine colonialism through the theoretical lens of racialized power relations. I consider the identity regulation imposed upon Aboriginal peoples and extrapolate the impact of colonialism on the health of a sample of elderly Métis. Health, care and access to services are vital social indicators in any society. The traumas of colonialism can be measured by the health of colonized people. I focus on the Métis elderly because our elders are the most revered members of Aboriginal society and they have been impacted by colonization the longest. Unlike status Indians, the federal government does not have a … Lire la suite
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2013 — Towards Ethical Practice: A Narrative Self Study of Discourses in the Drama ClassroomRésumé
This self-study explores some of the subject positions that are negotiated, produced and reinforced through discourses that circulate in the high school drama classroom where I teach. By exploring my areas of discomfort in the classroom as well as my self-definition as a teacher, I expose many of the ways I affect and am affected by technologies of power and governmentality that operate within the school. Drawing on a number of self-study research methods, through an interrogation of my intellectual history as well as through careful reflection of my past experiences as an educator, I illuminate some of the discursive … Lire la suite
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2013 — Crossing the Racial Hiring Divide in Public Education: First Nation Teachers Encounters with Employee Fit, Merit, and White Racial InnocenceRésumé
In the Yukon Territory, significant social, political and legal efforts have been put in place to articulate equality between First Nations and non-First Nations people, not as equality based on good will, but equity as a legal right. These significant accomplishments in the advancement of First Nations rights include recent land claims agreements and self-government agreements, employment equity policy and staffing protocol. In contrast to these statements of legal equality, this study examines the ways in which hiring challenges encountered by First Nations teachers—as racialized individuals in Northern Canada—are made to appear normative and natural. The hiring challenges exist despite … Lire la suite
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2013 — The Efficacy of Programming for FASD Youth Incarcerated in Manitoba: Exploring The Perceptions of Service ProvidersRésumé
Youth living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) have a 60% risk of being charged and/or convicted of a criminal offence. However, existing research has shown that with effective targeted interventions, youth can disengage from involvement with the criminal justice system. This thesis examines the effectiveness of current programming initiatives for FASD youth incarcerated in Manitoba, where the disorder is a pressing social and economic problem. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with youth correctional service staff at the two closed-custody youth facilities in the province in order to investigate the efficacy of existing programs for this client group. Through these interviews, … Lire la suite
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2013 — Underlying Cognitive Components and Conceptual Knowledge in ArithmeticRésumé
Within the field of mathematical cognition there is extensive research on conceptual knowledge of arithmetic operations. There is also extensive research on the link between mathematical ability and spatial ability. This research study seeks to build on both areas of research and identify ways in which they are interrelated. Conceptual knowledge of arithmetic operations is the subject of ongoing research. When solving a three-term problem of the form a x b ÷ b, those who understand the inversion concept do not need to perform any calculations because they know that the multiplication and division operations cancel each-other out. When solving … Lire la suite
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2013 — Identification and Characterization of Developmentally Regulated Components of the Stress Axis in Petromyzon MarinusRésumé
Genes resembling elements of the Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) receptor-ligand system (CRH system) have been identified in invertebrate species and suggest the CRH system has existed, in some form, for approximately a billion years. It is theorized that vertebrates inherited components of the CRH system from an invertebrate ancestor. The association of the CRH system with the stress response, however, is specific to vertebrate species and theorized to have accompanied the development of hypothalamic pituitary (HP) axes, specifically the HP interrenal (HPI) axis in fish. A functional HPI axis has recently been suggested in the lamprey species Petromyzon marinus, a … Lire la suite
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2013 — Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference Systems (ANFIS) - Based Model Predictive Control (MPC) for Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane (CDRM) in a Plug Flow Tubular Reactor for Hydrogen ProductionRésumé
The current sources of our energy supply are plagued with many problems, and the impact on the climate is of grave concern. To preserve and sustain our environment, a non-polluting and renewable energy source is required. Hydrogen (H2), when extracted from one of its many sources during carbon dioxide (CO2) capture, is considered a non-polluting, efficient and environmentally sustainable energy source. In this research work, the control of a pilot-scale reformer for the production of hydrogen was studied. Hydrogen was produced through the carbon dioxide reforming of methane (CDRM). This process was used to convert methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide … Lire la suite
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2013 — An examination of youth alcohol and drug use in Prince Albert.Résumé
Information obtained from the Prince Albert Police Service and addictions services agencies show that a high number of Prince Albert youth come into contact with the police for substance abuse and referrals for youth alcohol and drug treatment are much higher than in other Saskatchewan health regions. This study examines data collected from a survey of 921 Prince Albert public high school students conducted in June 2012 to shed light on youth alcohol and drug use. The results showed that Prince Albert youth used alcohol, marijuana, illicit drugs, and binge drank at much higher rates than samples of Saskatchewan or … Lire la suite
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2013 — Investigating the Anxiolytic Effects of Aerobic Exercise for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress DisorderRésumé
Preliminary evidence has demonstrated the anxiolytic capabilities of aerobic exercise; however, the treatment potential for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has received comparably less attention. Aerobic exercise may work similar to interoceptive exposure therapy–an empirically supported treatment for PTSD–but this hypothesis has received scarce empirical attention. The current study investigated the therapeutic potential (i.e., whether or not PTSD symptoms, anxiety sensitivity [AS], and depressive symptoms would decline) and mechanisms (i.e., whether or not therapeutic benefit is changed by increasing or decreasing interoceptive awareness) of a brief aerobic exercise program for individuals with PTSD. Thirty-three participants (Mage=36.9 years; 76% female; 18% drop-out … Lire la suite
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2013 — Investigating Sandhoff Disease in SaskatchewanRésumé
Sandhoff disease is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the HEXB gene detrimentally affecting the enzyme β-hexosaminidase. A high incidence of Sandhoff disease has been reported in northern Saskatchewan. The variant of the disease present in the province causes the death of infants before 4 years of age. In order to ameliorate the impact of this disease on the families and communities where it occurs the following steps were taken. Initially, genetic analysis of the HEXB gene from affected patients revealed a common variant shared among 4 individuals. That genetic information was used to develop a … Lire la suite
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2013 — The Impact of Patient Assessments on nurse Fears, Patient Falls, and Functional Ability in Seniors with DementiaRésumé
Falls are a highly prevalent problem and a leading cause of pain among older adults (Hawk, Hyland, Rupert, Colonvega, & Hall, 2006; Proctor & Hirdes, 2001). For some individuals, actual or potential pain and falls lead to the development of fear of pain and fear of falling. It has been suggested that fears regarding pain and falling increase the likelihood of experiencing a subsequent fall and related pain (Brummel-Smith, 1989). Fear-avoidance models of pain and falls suggest that individuals who are afraid of pain and falling are more likely to engage in avoidance behaviours, which may result in deconditioning. This … Lire la suite
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2013 — The View From Here: Agricultural Policy, Climate Change, and the Future of Farm Women in SaskatchewanRésumé
There are few things that affect agricultural production more than changes in public policy and weather. Agricultural policy and climate change are macro-level phenomena; they are “big” problems that are often seen to be outside farmers’ control, yet they have dramatic effects on both farm livelihoods and food production in general. It can be difficult to trace the everyday, lived effects of major changes in agricultural policy and climate, and even more difficult to understand the gendered dimensions of these changes. In this research project, I explored the interaction between public policy, climate change, and gender in Saskatchewan. I used … Lire la suite
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2013 — Environmental Factors Affecting the Distribution and Abundance of Richardson’s Ground SquirrelsRésumé
Richardson's ground squirrels (RGS) (Urocitellus richardsonii) are an important species for the grassland ecosystem on the Northern Great Plains of North America. They are a main source of prey and burrows for many prairie species including several Species at Risk (SAR) of extinction. RGS are also maligned as agricultural pests and managed extensively via poisoning. Control programs have negative consequences for RGS and non-target species, including some SAR. Despite their ecological importance and agricultural pest status, little is actually known about their distribution on the landscape and habitat variables that influence their distribution and abundance. This lack of knowledge is … Lire la suite
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2013 — BountyRésumé
Bounty is a collection of short stories that explores the lives of characters who have spent a significant portion of their lives in the fictional small town Bounty. The stories consider how small-town ideologies impede personal growth and impose a rigid social code onto its citizens. The accompanying introduction to the manuscript outlines the ways in which I have been influenced by four short story writers—Sherwood Anderson, Anton Chekhov, James Joyce, and Alice Munro. I offer brief criticism of their work, identifying features of their craft that have shaped my own collection: Anderson’s “Grotesques,” referring to those types of people … Lire la suite
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2013 — The Effects of natural Gas Development on Density, Reproductive Success and Nest Survival of Grassland Songbirds in South-Western SaskatchewanRésumé
Natural gas development is currently expanding in south-western Saskatchewan and may be threatening the quality of the remaining grassland habitat. The effects of natural gas development on grassland birds are poorly understood but are often species-specific and vary across the species’ range. The purpose of my research is to (1) quantify aspects of grassland songbird breeding biology and (2) determine the effects of natural gas development on density and reproductive success of grassland songbirds. I found and monitored 392 nests of 7 species of grassland songbirds, including Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus), Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus), Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii), Savannah … Lire la suite
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2013 — Saskatchewan Police Officers’ Perceptions of Justice Paradigms: Their Impact on Discretionary Decision-Making with YouthRésumé
Extrajudicial measures and sanctions (EJS) provide an example of how restorative justice has become a component of the criminal justice system through legislation such as the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). This thesis investigates Saskatchewan police officers’ perceptions of various justice paradigms – restorative, retributive, restitutive, and rehabilitative. It examines how officer perceptions, in combination with other characteristics, affect the use of officer discretion with youthful offenders. Findings from ordinary least-squares (OLS) regression indicated no statistically significant effect of the analyzed independent variables on restitutive and restorative justice paradigmatic perceptions. Officers’ perceptions of retributive justice were affected by their years … Lire la suite
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2013 — Wave Attenuation in Porous Media Under Multiple Energy Excitations and a Statistical Periodicity Ratio Method with its Application in Nonlinear System Behavior DiagnosisRésumé
To comprehend the mechanism of seismic vibration technique used as an external excitation method in the oil production industry, a three dimensional wave model was developed based on Biot’s theory (1956a, b) for describing the wave field in a medium excited by multiple point energy sources under spherical sources. The displacements governing equations of compressional and shear wave propagation in non-viscous fluid saturated elastic porous media are derived separately. The relative displacement between the fluid and solid is investigated because it is critical to understanding the dynamic behavior of the whole domain. The superposition characteristic is considered for spherical waves … Lire la suite
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2013 — Hydrothermal Gasification of Flax Straw in Subcritical WaterRésumé
There is substantial interest in the application of biomass as a source for renewable fuels and chemicals. When processed for energy purposes, biomass has the benefit of being either CO2 neutral or a sink. Flax straw, which is rich in lignin content, decays slowly, making it difficult to incorporate it into the soil. Flax straw can be gasified to produce fuel gases or liquid fuels. However, flax straw may contain a higher percentage of water, causing high drying cost if a conventional gas-phase conversion process is employed. This can be avoided if gasification in subcritical or supercritical water is employed. … Lire la suite
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2013 — Exergy Analysis of Pulverized Coal-Fired Ultra Supercritical Power PlantsRésumé
Demand for power generation has been increasing day by day and, along with it, a clean and efficient way of generating power is becoming more and more important. Apart from the electricity generated, the emission of the hazardous gases plays a vital role in the research field. The world’s power generation majorly depends on fossil fuels like coal and natural gases. Among power plants, pulverized coal-fired power plants are of great concern due to the relatively high emission of CO2 per MW of production. The modification of coal-fired power plants has been significantly used in reducing the emissions of particulate … Lire la suite
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2013 — Environmental Factors Affecting the Landscape-Scale Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Small Mammal Assemblages Across the Northern Great Plains of North AmericaRésumé
The logistic constraints of traditional sampling methods have limited our understanding of the effects of landscape-scale factors on the spatiotemporal distributions of rodents and shrews (small mammals), particularly in heterogeneous landscapes. I used owl pellets as an alternative sampling method, from which the remains of 60,972 individuals were identified and quantified in samples collected across 4.3 million hectares over 15 years. These remains were used to examine the influence of landscape-scale environmental factors on the spatial composition and annual abundances of small mammal species. I hypothesized that the spatial distribution of soil characteristics, agricultural land use, and weather patterns would … Lire la suite
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2013 — Automated Analysis of Sewer Inspection Closed Circuit Television Videos Using Image Processing TechniquesRésumé
Closed circuit television (CCTV) has been the primary sewer inspection method over four decades, and it is still widely used around the world. Sewer condition information is an important tool for developing asset management and renewal planning strategies. Several other sewer inspection technologies, such as digital side scanners, sonar, and laser-based scanning have rapidly advanced over the last two decades. However, these technologies still have limited use in the industry, and CCTV technology remains the most widely used sewer inspection technology. CCTV sewer inspections are highly dependent on the operator’s interpretation and assessment, and hence, could be somewhat subjective. Also, … Lire la suite