title: Cultivating class consciousness in Canadian short fiction from the 1930s

contributor:
Saddington, Sara (author)
(Wyile, Herb) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2010

abstract: During the economic turbulence of the Depression, many authors began to  focus on economic issues in order to promote a radical opposition to the  capitalist establishment. Through an examination of a selection of short stories  that were published in Canadian literary magazines during the Depression, this  thesis examines the complex relationship between literature and ideology. By  examining these texts from a socialist perspective, this thesis determines the  role of literature in developing class consciousness and promoting social  reform. This thesis discusses three spheres of political engagement of capitalist  society in this fiction: the representation of the workplace, the representation  of the infiltration of ideology into the consciousness of the working class, and  the representation of the bourgeoisie. By examining these three strata of  capitalist society this thesis interrogates the infiltration of capitalist ideology  into individual consciousness. While many of the characters are imprisoned  within capitalist institutions, these stories compel readers to recognize this  imprisonment as a construction of ideology and thus challenge the ideological  strictures at work in their own lives.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Using otolith elemental fingerprints for stock discrimination of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L. 1758) smolts from three Canadian Maritime rivers

type: Text Dissertation/Thesis

contributor:
Reader, Jeffrey M. (author)
(Dadswell, Michael) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

rights: The author grants permission to the University Librarian at Acadia University to reproduce, loan or distribute copies of my thesis in microform, paper or electronic formats on a non-profit basis. The author retains the copyright of the thesis.

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: In this study the utility of otolith elemental fingerprints for discriminating river specific  stocks of Atlantic salmon was examined. Otoliths were removed from Atlantic salmon  smolts collected in May and June 2001 from three rivers in the Canadian Maritimes: the  Northwest Miramichi River and Southwest Miramichi River, New Brunswick, and the  Margaree River, Nova Scotia. They were analysed for 27 elements using inductively  coupled plasma mass spectrometry ( ICPMS) and inductively coupled plasma emission  spectrometry ( ICPES). Calcium and 11 minor and trace elements could be precisely  measured in whole otoliths at concentrations significantly above the detection limits.  Univariate analyses indicated that six of these elements ( Ba, Pb, Li, Mn, Rb, and Tl) were  significantly different among rivers, although only Mn differed significantly among all  three rivers. The same six elements contributed to a significant difference among rivers  when analysed as a multivariate fingerprint. Linear discriminate function analysis based  on concentrations of four elements ( Li, Mn, Rb, and Tl) classified Atlantic salmon to  their river of origin with an average accuracy of 73 % and correctly identified 93 % of the  Margaree River, 77 % of the Southwest Miramichi River, and 46 % of the Northwest  Miramichi River smolts. Discriminant analysis generated from a regional grouping of  data ( NW Miramichi and SW Miramichi versus Margaree) and based on concentrations  of four elements ( Ba, Li, Mn, and Rb) resulted in a mean classification accuracy of 93 %.  Results of this study indicate that otolith elemental fingerprints could be used to  discriminate among individual river stocks of Atlantic salmon. However, they may be  more effective as a natural tag of biogeoclimatic region of origin.

abstract: Biology


title: Examining spatial ecology at multiple scales: Implications for Eastern ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritius) recovery in Nova Scotia

contributor:
Imlay, Tara Leah (author)
(Herman, Tom) (Thesis advisor)
(Mockford, Steve) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: The Eastern ribbonsnake ( Thamnophis sauritus) is a threatened species in Nova Scotia. Many threats and limiting factors have been identified for the species, however the lack of knowledge surrounding movement patterns and habitat use inhibit recovery decisions. Ribbonsnakes were hand- caught during visual surveys at Grafton and Molega Lakes in 2007. Two methods for tracking ribbonsnakes were examined. External radio- transmitter attachment was unsuccessful; this was attributed to slender body shape and the habitat used by the species. Fluorescent powder- tracking, using a water- resistant paste of powder and mineral oil, was successful for documenting paths for 1.3 – 16.5 m. Ribbonsnakes were observed in dry areas during late spring and fall and were concentrated along the shoreline of the marshes in summer. Snakes tended to aggregate during ecdysis. Upland observations of ribbonsnakes in early spring and late fall suggest that hibernacula may be located in these areas. Habitat models revealed ribbonsnakes selected habitat based on temperature, substrate and cover ( Grafton Lake only) and that habitat selection differed between sites. Individual movements, recapture rates and home ranges suggest that ribbonsnake movements are more extensive than previously thought and that site fidelity between years is high. Fractal analysis of movement paths revealed that ribbonsnakes respond to habitat at least three different scales, 3.5 – 9.2, 9.2 – 11.4 and 15.3 – 24.6 cm and that adults appear to respond to habitat at a finer scale than juveniles. Ribbonsnakes tended to display oriented movement, with considerable use of arboreal habitat.

abstract: Biology


title: Generalized page tests

contributor:
Cui, Yunsong (author)
(Cabilio, Paul) (Thesis advisor)
(Peng, Jianan) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: This thesis considers the situation of incomplete rankings in which n judges independently rank ki 2 f2; :::; tg objects. For testing ordered alternatives, the statistic  considered is a generalization of the extended Page test in which the ranks assigned  by each judge are replaced by real-valued general score functions of the ranks. The  methodology relies on the concept of compatibility to extend the denition of dis-  tances and similarities between the criterion determined by the alternative ordering  and complete rankings to such situation. The resulting test procedures are therefore  applicable to any simple block design. Given score functions with certain property,  this generalized statistic is asymptotically normal as either n or t and ki go to innity.  The simulation study shows that the performance of these tests is not only related  to the forms of general score functions, but is also in  uenced by the actual patterns  of missing observations. In the complete case, the resulting statistics coincide with  the w-tests in Pirie (1974). In the incomplete case with the Wilcoxon score func-  tion, it coincides with the extended Page test in Alvo and Cabilio (1995b). Finally,  the calculations of null distributions of the generalized statistics are implemented  in R programs, which provide exact critical values, and allow the procedures to be  conveniently utilized for analysis of real data.

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics


title: Adult literacy educators' perceptions of technology integration

contributor:
Langille, Lisa Marie (author)
(Hemming, Heather) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2004

abstract: This study explored adult literacy educators' perceptions of technology integration. Forty-six adult literacy educators in Atlantic Canada completed a mailed survey that focussed on their experiences with and attitudes toward computer technology.  Six adult literacy educators acted as key informants through two informal, semistructured  interviews and a focus group meeting to further investigate issues surrounding technology integration within adult literacy education.  Adult literacy educators viewed the role of technology as having an increasing importance within adult literacy education because their definitions of literacy have expanded to embrace interactions with multimedia. However, nearly half of educators did not integrate computers within literacy instruction. Barriers to integration included a lack of funds, technology, professional development, time, skills, and comfort level. Nonetheless, educators expressed a great interest in increasing their levels of technology integration and believed that computer technology has the potential to play an important role within adult literacy education.

abstract: Education


title: Two new approaches for compressing XML

contributor:
Leighton, Gregory (author)
(Muldner, Tomasz) (Thesis advisor)
(Diamond, Jim) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2005

abstract: The Extensible Markup Language (XML) has emerged as a popular format for associating  semantics with data. While XML offers the advantages of flexibility and  extensibility, its expressiveness leads to greater verbosity. It is not uncommon for an  XML representation of a data set to be five to ten times larger than alternative data  encoding formats. The goal of XML compression is to reduce this verbosity without  sacrificing the benefits of using an XML representation.  This thesis provides an overview of existing XML compressors before introducing  two new approaches to XML-conscious compression. The first strategy, called AXECHOP,  uses a grammar-based strategy for compressing XML structure. It is intended  for use in archiving applications, where reducing disk storage requirements is a top  priority.  The second presented strategy, TREECHOP, performs an online compression of  XML data and supports querying of compressed data without requiring a prior decompression  to take place. These features make it particularly well-suited for use  in XML messaging applications, where key concerns are the efficient transfer and  processing of XML-encoded messages between networked systems.

abstract: Computer Science


title: An optimized hybrid web load balancing algorithm

contributor:
Yang, Hai (author)
(Giles, Rick) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3. A278 2005

abstract: As the key technology for network traffic distribution, Network Load Balancing (NLB) is widely applied to help balance the network load in distributed computing, video  streaming and web dispatching. With a proper NLB algorithm, a Network Load Balancing System (NLBS) can establish a scalable and stable network to serve numerous clients without any service interruption. As a sub system of NLBS, a Web Server Load Balancing System (WSLBS) is presently the most popular system. This thesis expands the study of WSLBS and WSLB algorithms by proposing an improved  WSLB algorithm, namely, an Optimized-Hybrid Algorithm (OHA). Combining both static and dynamic WSLB algorithms, the OHA provides a mechanism with which to distribute the workload. A simulator is designed to evaluate the OHA and compare it with other WSLB algorithms. Performance is compared in terms of mean response time, mean response rate, and errors. The simulator system implements in Java in order to alleviate several disadvantages of current load balancing systems.

abstract: Computer Science


title: Sampling with control on joint inclusion probabilities and its applications to balanced structures

contributor:
Gu, Zhao (author)
(Cabilio, Paul) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: One of the evaluation criteria about the sampling schemes is whether the drawn sam-ples  can be used to make precise inferences. Not only must the first order inclusion  probabilities be met, but also the joint inclusion probabilities need to lead to a non-negative  variance estimator. This thesis proposes a sampling scheme by controlling  joint inclusion probabilities to support precise inferences. The effectiveness of the  proposed approach is studied by comparing with an approach without control on  joint inclusion probabilities. Then we extend this idea to construct balanced struc-tures.  Through sampling, we study the construction of a Hadamard matrix with the  help of controlling joint inclusion probabilities. As a result, an example of constructed  Hadamard matrix is presented and the quality analysis for different orders of matrices  is studied.

abstract: Mathematics & Statistics


title: Ideological geography: Sandburg, Steinbeck, Dos Passos and space

contributor:
MacFarlane, Jeremy (author)
(Narbeshuber, Lisa) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: Depression era literature has never been the darling of the English department. Despite the tireless work of Americanists such as Janet Galligani Casey, Barbara Foley, and Alan Wald, the literature of the 1930s just seems to lack a certain cachet. However, as the economy continues to deteriorate and the nation sits precariously on the edge of a new Great Depression, there is no better time to revisit these texts than now. This thesis examines the ways in which Carl Sandburg‟ s The People, Yes, John Steinbeck‟ s The Grapes of Wrath, and John Dos Passos‟ The 42nd Parallel engage with the production and reproduction of capitalist- dominated space, highlighting the ways in which capitalist ideology manifests itself in the form of a dystopic material reality. However, as this thesis will also argue, there is also a highly problematic ambivalence toward capitalism in these texts, and this effectively blunts any prospects for the realization of utopic visions. In short, these authors look to the idealism of the American past for a cure to the ills of the nation in their own time, and what they find is a discourse which suggests that capitalist space and utopia are not mutually exclusive. However, this project extends beyond the 1930s, offering a brief history of American economics since the Great Depression, tracing a national trajectory in an effort to elucidate the factors that led to the current state of the nation. The problems facing America in our own time bear an alarming resemblance to those of the depression era, and there is an urgent need to analyze the qualities and the workings of space now, just as Sandburg, Steinbeck, and Dos Passos did then. However, it is only with a clear understanding of the past that we can hope to avoid replicating past failures and build a better tomorrow.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Photochemistry of 2,7-disubstituted-9-fluorenyl alcohols and esters

contributor:
Roxin, Aron (author)
(Lukeman, Matthew) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2009

abstract: The disubstituted fluorenyl alcohols 51- 52 and ester 53 were synthesized from fluorene  and the photochemistry of 50- 53 was investigated. Compounds 50- 53 had moderate  reaction quantum yields. 1H NMR and GC- MS product studies identified the  photoproducts of 50- 53 generated by photolysis in water, methanol and acetonitrile.  There was an apparent competition between heterolytic and homolytic pathways. Data  was compiled to construct mechanistic schemes that illustrated the pathways involved in  the photolysis of 50- 53. 50 and 51 likely formed excited state phenolates from excited  state proton transfers which generated a respective quinone methide due to heterolysis, a  9- radical from homolysis and possibly a radical by electron transfer. UV- Vis identified  the presence of highly coloured byproducts generated by 50 and 51 due to the presence of  the 2- and 7- hydroxyl groups. The byproducts may be a quinones formed through the  aforementioned electron transfer pathway. 52 and 53 likely underwent heterolysis and  homolysis to form a 9- carbocation and 9- radical, respectively. Triplet excited state  quenching of 50- 53 suggested that photolysis occurred through singlet or short triplet  excited states. Photophysical characterizations of 50- 53 showed low fluorescence  quantum yields for 50- 53 that were consistant for fluorenyl compounds. Water quenched  the fluorescence of 50- 52 while little change was noticed for 53. Singlet excited state  lifetimes for 50- 53 were ~ 3- 7ns in water, acetonitrile and cyclohexane. This data  suggested that 50- 53 experienced static quenching. Since 50- 53 had only moderate  reaction quantum yields and generated many photoproducts by both heterolysis and  homolysis, they did not meet the requirements to pose as adequate models for novel  photocages.

abstract: Chemistry


title: Social support, stress, and cognitive coping strategies as predictors of anxiety and depression during the transition to university

contributor:
O'Regan, Anne-Elise (author)
(MacLeod, Peter) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2010

abstract: This study examined first- year students ( between 18 and 22 years of age) during their transition to university and the psychological consequences of this transitional period. Students are at risk for developing mood disorders upon entering university, which can be a particularly stressful time due to separation from support networks, independent living, financial difficulties, and so on. Additionally, many psychological disorders first appear at this age. In this study, perceived social support, daily hassles, and cognitive coping styles were investigated to identify probable predictors of anxiety and depression. New students were assessed prior to university ( Time 1) and during the fall midterm exam period ( Time 2). Data were examined cross- sectionally ( Time 2 only), as well as longitudinally, using multiple regression and bootstrapping. For the longitudinal data ( N = 41), significant increases in anxiety, depression, and stress were found, as well as decreases in perceived social support. Maladaptive coping styles moderated the relation between stress and distress ( i. e., anxiety and depression). For the Time 2 cross- sectional data ( N = 83), cognitive coping strategies partially mediated the relation between perceived support and depression.

abstract: Psychology


title: Virtual MIMO for energy efficient cognitive wireless sensor network

contributor:
Azim, Anwarul (author)
(Hussain, Sajid) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2010

abstract: Energy efficient long range communication in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is a  challenging issue due to limited power supply. Virtual Multiple Input Multiple Out-  put (MIMO) techniques are used to provide energy efficient communication in a radio  harsh environment. We estimate the virtual MIMO link communication costs for dif-  ferent path loss factors and fading channels in cluster based communication. Then,  we investigate virtual MIMO for fixed and variable data rates, random and fixed path  loss factors, and different network densities. We also propose a routing strategy based  on a virtual MIMO link. Simulation results show that virtual MIMO can be more en-  ergy efficient compared to Single Input Single Output (SISO) communication beyond  a certain distance, and it is efficient in fading conditions where random path loss is  possible. Further, the virtual MIMO can prolong the network lifetime significantly  compared to traditional SISO communication.

abstract: Computer Science


title: Marrying conservation and exploitation: Combining integrated resource management plans (IRMs) and the Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) to conserve and manage wetland ecosystems in Nova Scotia

contributor:
Lefebvre, Jose (author)
(Herman, Tom) (Thesis advisor)
(Mockford, Steve) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2010

abstract: The main objective of my research will be to explore the use of ecological data on the Blanding’s turtle as a means to protect and manage specific wetlands and the species that inhabit them. The ecological data will then be used to make recommendations, through Integrated Resources Management plans at two different scales, to combine conservation of Blanding’s turtles and exploitation of the ecosystem’s resources. I propose to do this by:  1. Selecting a study site of known importance to Blanding’s Turtle that also has the potential for turtle/ land- owner conflict  2. Examining geographic range, sex ratios, habitat use, and nesting ecology of the Blanding’s turtle population at this site  3. Combining this data with land- owner information and data on other species- at- risk in the wetland to produce Integrated Resource Management plan for Blanding’s turtle at the ecosystem level at the site, for four life- history stages.  4. Finally, I will evaluate the approach and comment on its possible wider applicability in Nova Scotia, at a smaller scale ( individual private landowner), for the protection of Blanding’s turtle and associated species.  Blanding’s turtles primarily inhabit wetlands, which due to urbanization and agriculture are one of the fastest disappearing types of ecosystems ( Joyal et al., 2001). The conservation and protection of the Blanding’s turtle would also serve to protect such species as ribbonsnakes ( Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis), designated threatened by COSEWIC ( 2002), which typically use the same habitat and have a similar distribution ( Figure 1), but have much smaller home ranges ( 0.8 ha) ( Figure 2) ( Desroches & Rodrigues, 2004). The monarch butterfly ( Danaus plexippus), who is listed as special concern with the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada ( COSEWIC, 2002), would benefit by the protection of milkweed ( Asclepias spp.) ( Figure 3), which is essential for the reproduction and nourishment of monarch larvae, also found in the same habitat and with a range overlapping Blanding's turtle ( Department of Natural Resources in Nova Scotia, 2001).

abstract: Biology


title: Petrology, geochemistry, age, and tectonic setting of the Margaree pluton, Aspy terrane, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Sombini dos Santos, Gabriel (author)
(Barr, Sandra) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: The Margaree pluton extends for 40 km along the central axis of the Ganderian Aspy terrane of northern Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.  Previously described as rapakivi-textured megacrystic syenogranite, detailed mapping and U-Pb (zircon) dating showed that the pluton consists of three units of similar age: (1) Second Fork Brook megacrystic syenogranite (363.1 ±1.6 Ma); (2) Northeast Margaree River equigranular syenogranite (364.8 ± 1.6), and (3) North Branch Margaree River porphyry (365.5 ± 3.3 Ma).  Although the units display wide textural variation, conserved element analysis and Pearce element ratio analysis indicates that they are comagmatic, and that their chemical variation can be attributed to the fractionation of quartz, K-feldspar, and Na-rich plagioclase. The isotopic signature of the Margaree pluton indicates that it was derived from melting of recycled continental crust, and that its evolved orogenic chemical signature can be attributed to inheritance. The magma that formed the Margaree pluton resulted from the melting of HPE-enriched source area, possibly triggered by the intrusion of mafic magmas in an extensional tectonic environment, following the conclusion of the orogenic activity and during regional uplift and cooling. The resulting magma ascended through the continental crust at the point where the Aspy fault intersected the contact between the Belle Cote Road orthogneiss and the Taylors Barren pluton. The presence of megacrysts and rapakivi texture can be attributed to thermal perturbation in the magma chamber caused by mixing of felsic and mafic magmas. The Margaree pluton is interpreted as a mixed silicic-mafic pluton, emplaced at shallow depth, even though direct evidence of mafic magmatism is lacking at the level of the pluton currently exposed.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title:
Fishway passage of Alewife, Alosa pseudoharengus (Wilson, 1811), and marine nutrient transfer to freshwater ecosystems
in three river systems in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada

contributor:
Nau, George (author)
(Stokesbury, Michael) (Thesis advisor)
(Spooner, Ian) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Dams are prevalent throughout North American river systems and affect river hydrology, and aquatic and terrestrial ecology.  The decline in abundance of many anadromous fish species on the east coast of North America has been partially attributed to the presence of dams,   and   their   effect   on   critical   habitat   and   river   connectivity.      Obstruction   of
anadromous  fish  migrations  has  broad  ecological  effects,  including reduced biotransport  of Marine Derived Nutrients  (MDN)  into  freshwater  systems.   Technical  fishways  have been used since  the  beginning  of  the  20th century  to  mitigate  the  effects  of  dams  on migrating fishes. However, studies  of the  effectiveness and dynamics of  fish  passage
began only recently, and most fishways remain unstudied.  In this study, I assess fishway passage  efficiency  based  on
Passive Integrated Transponder  (PIT)  telemetry.   During 2013 to 2016, from 24 April to10 June; 5,423 Alewife with a mean
fork-length of 227 (± SD  of 18) mm were  tagged  with  PIT tags in  three  rivers  on the  Isthmus  of  Chignecto, Nova  Scotia  and  New  Brunswick, Canada.   Measurements  of passage  and attraction efficiency were calculated for each fishway and
Generalized Linear Models (GLM) were applied to determine how variables such as fish length, sex, and the number of years post-tagging were  related  to Alewife passage efficiency. During  their year  of tagging, approximately  half  of  individuals (40 -64%)  were not detected. Alewife  that  were detected used fishways from 16 April to 8 July. Attraction rates to fishway entrances in 2013 and 2016 ranged from 85% to 98% and fishway passage rates ranged from 0.5% to 97%.    Larger  individuals, males  and previously  tagged  returnees,  had  higher  passage success indicating that some fishways apply population-level selective pressures for size, sex and age. Alewife had greater passage in two Denil style fishways
than in the single pool-and-weir style fishway.    I  also attempted  to  quantify historical  MDN  transfer  by Alewife into  lakes  associated  with  these  rivers  using  paleolimnological  methods. One sediment  core  was  taken  from  each  of  two  lakes  and  was  analyzed  using Stable Isotope  Analysis  (SIA)  and X-Ray Fluorescence  (XRF). However,  the  rivers  chosen  for  the analysis did not have historical records of fish abundance, so a baseline against which the new SIA data could be compared was not available.  The methods and results presented here  can  be used  to  guide  future  research.   Marine  sediment  in  both  cores  showed a change  in  the  concentration  of  S, 34S, 13C, 14N,  K  and  Ba/Ca ratio,  which  could
(along with other potential marine proxies such as Sr) be used to measure relative MDN input by anadromous  fish. Any
such  projects should  use  similar  lakes  with  known Alewife abundances and records  of  land  use  and  alteration to  effectively  apply  the  methods presented  here  and determine  historical input  of  MDN  from  Alewife  during  their
spawning run.

abstract: Biology


title: Multicultural diversity and missionary team dynamics

contributor:
Marlowe, Jeffrey David (author)
(Kirk, Andrew) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: The research project evaluated four multicultural missionary teams ministering in four international sites. The guiding question focused on identifying best practices and competencies for multicultural missionary teams seeking to be cohesive, minister successfully, and represent Christian community which transcends culture. In order to lay the underpinnings of multicultural ministry, the study examined biblical foundations primarily from Genesis and the book of Acts in order to present an overview of God’s love for and inclusion of the nations as participants in the kingdom and as ministers in the extension of the kingdom. In addition, a theological discussion emerging from community life in the early house churches, the concept of missio Dei, and the notions of culture and diversity further contributed to the significance of multicultural missionary teams. The research project used a combination of action research and interviews of twenty-seven participants and, through the data gathered, proposed eight best practice categories for effective multicultural missionary teams. As to conclusions determining what contributes to a functional multicultural team, several items emerged consistently including a spiritual emphasis focusing on commonalities in Christ; cultural awareness and discussions around issues of worldview, values, and behaviors; and leadership that promoted cultural awareness, spiritual dynamics, and community life.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: “Become what you are!”: a consideration of the role of adoption in relation to justification and sanctification in the theology of Herman Bavinck

contributor:
Bent, Jessica C (author)
(Robbins, Anna) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: The study of the doctrine of adoption has drawn increasing interest in recent years. Adoption has often been considered a part of justification and as such it has not always enjoyed the interest granted to other doctrines, such as justification and sanctification. This study engages the thought of the Dutch Reformed theologian Dr. Herman Bavinck (1854-1921) and his concept of adoption in light of his theological conceptions of justification and sanctification. Bavinck wove the concept of adoption into his discussion of justification and sanctification, through union with Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. However, he does not offer an explicit theology of adoption. This lack yields deficiencies in his consideration of active sanctification, contradicting the active Christ-focused public life that Bavinck lived. Placing a greater emphasis on adoption may have helped him forge more clearly the connection between justification and sanctification without relegating active sanctification to a second-class status.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: This is my story: autobiographical writing as a tool for spiritual reflection, Christian witness, and group buiding

contributor:
Vogt, Jill Elizabeth (author)
(Janzen, Carol Anne) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: This dissertation explores the connection between autobiographical writing and Christian witness.  More specifically, it argues that the Moravian Lebenslauf tradition, which involves the practice of writing a personal account of one’s life to be read at one’s funeral service, can be utilized to improve the ability of church members to speak about and share their faith confidently in our present post-Christian culture.  The thesis describes and evaluates the outcome of a practical workshop that offered church members information and support for writing their personal life story and encouraged sharing in the context of a group setting.  Central to the argument is the insight of Narrative Theology that story telling is a legitimate way to communicate the Gospel.  The Bible presents the message of the overarching story of God to which the corporate story of God’s people and the individual story of each believer are connected.  Based on this understanding, the purpose of the workshop project was to enable the participants to recognize and to share with others how their own story connects to God’s story.  An evaluation of the participants’ workshop experience, based on a qualitative methodology, revealed that all participants benefited from the opportunity for personal reflection, as well as from the group process, leading them to a better ability to see and to speak about God in their lives.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: Sexual failure among spiritual leaders

contributor:
Thomas, Richard Charles (author)
(LeBlanc, Gary) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1997

abstract: This thesis-project looks at the problem of sexual failure among spiritual leaders, with a goal of providing resources for a seminar/workshop for these professionals. It begins by considering, from an evangelical perspective, the biblical teaching on human sexuality, and marriage and the family. Consideration is also given to the biblical teaching on the morality of spiritual leaders in ancient Israel, and in the church during the apostolic age. In an effort to understand why spiritual leaders succumb to sexual temptation, the author looks at the principal characteristics of contemporary society, the contributions of contemporary psychology, and the marriages of these spiritual leaders. Surveys by Cti/Leadership (1992), the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (1994), and by the author of pastors in the United Baptist Convention of the Atlantic Provinces (1995), provide data concerning marriage and family life. In an effort to understand why certain women become the victims of sexual misbehavior by spiritual leaders, the insights of contemporary psychology are once again brought into focus. The thesis-project concludes with an appeal for professionalism as a safe-guard to sexual failure.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: Habitat use and reproduction of female ring-necked pheasants in eastern Kings County, Nova Scotia

contributor: (Bondrup-Nielsen, Soren) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1997

abstract: Public concern over the availability of habitat for ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) prompted the Department of Natural Resources to initiate a habitat use study for these birds. During the winters of 1995 and 1996, 50 wild female ring-necked pheasants were live-trapped and fitted with necklace style radio collars in eastern Kings County, Nova Scotia. Hen locations were calculated from 18 February 1995 until 01 April 1996. Annual and seasonal habitat use was determined. Nesting activities were also documented. There was a significant difference in annual habitat use. Shrub was the most highly used cover type on an annual as well as a seasonal basis. Alders and grain were two habitat types out of ten that were used in different proportions throughout the day, possibly the result of morning and evening feeding in grain and increased use of alders during midday as a loafing area. Overall nesting success was 54%. Sixty per cent of juvenile and 75% of adult birds were successful at hatching a nest. Predators destroyed 33% of nests. Shrub had the highest number of successful nests/ha., followed by wetland, grass and grain. Later nests tended to be more successful. Success was negatively correlated with nesting home range size indicating hens occupying smaller home ranges were more reproductively fit. Suggestions are given regarding conserving shrub, wetland and grass habitats for pheasants and other farm wildlife.

abstract: Biology


title: Proclaiming the Messiah's mirth: a rhetorico-contextual model for the interpretation and proclamation of humour in selected gospel sayings

contributor:
Banting, Blayne Alexander (author)
(Ashley, Timothy) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Legassie, Randy) (Thesis advisor)
(Lewis, Stewart) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1998

abstract: This thesis-project is an attempt to facilitate a greater appreciation of the humorous perspective as it relates to the Christian faith in general and biblical interpretation in particular and to supply a specific methodology whereby particular manifestations of humour found in selected gospel sayings might be understood and communicated to a contemporary audience. The theoretical portions of the study develop a theological rationale for the place of the humorous perspective in the Christian faith as well as an appropriate methodology for interpreting the humour in selected gospel sayings. The latter is an adapted version of George Kennedy's rhetorical critical model. The target audience for the study was composed of practising ministers among the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ in Prince Edward Island, Canada. The purposes of the thesis-project were adapted into a workshop format and evaluated. In terms of conclusions, the thesis-project was deemed to be successful in that it was able to contribute to an enhanced understanding of humour in the Christian faith and supply an effective methodology to incorporate this understanding into the tasks of biblical interpretation and preaching.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: Work values: do they matter?

contributor:
Harvie, Phyllis L. (author)
(Leiter, Michael) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1998

abstract: In an increasingly service-oriented environment, congruence between individual and organizational values with respect to the way in which services are provided to clients requires exploration. This may be the aspect that is the most important predictor of employee response in terms of acceptance of change, burnout or engagement, turnover intention, organizational commitment, and meaningfulness of work. The purpose of this study was twofold: to explore the issue of value congruence from a measurement and analytical perspective and to assess the role of value congruence in a model incorporating meaningfulness of work, burnout, and change. A number of questions raised in the literature formed the basis of the analytical exploration. While light is shed on some of these questions, no one method of assessing value congruence can be recommended: different value congruence measures predicted diverse organizational outcomes. Structural equation modeling confirmed the mediating role of burnout in a model incorporating work meaningfulness, burnout, and acceptance of organizational change. As well, the role of the various value congruence measures in the model was established. The problems, as well as the importance, of assessing value congruence are discussed.

abstract: Psychology


title: The influence of John Woolman on the Quakers' antislavery position

contributor:
Osmond, Winston Stanley (author)
(Wilson, Robert) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1998

abstract: This thesis argues that John Woolman was the catalyst in persuading the Society of Friends to become the first denomination in the American colonies to adopt a position favoring the abolition of slavery. The author portrays Woolman's untiring efforts to combat the eighteenth-century's pervasive attitudes towards slavery with emphasis on his personal encounters with Quaker slaveholders, his itinerant ministry through the colonies, and his antislavery writings. Woolman's gentleness and his abilities as a communicator and writer were his resources in spreading his antislavery message. Slavery was an acceptable practise among all the eighteenth-century denominations in the American colonies. As the few antislavery supporters were heard, slowly the American Society of Friends began to be open to change. The result was that the Quakers became the first American sect to change its stance on slavery when, in 1776, it adopted a policy of abolition at the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Other Yearly Meetings throughout America quickly followed suit. A key factor in their decision was John Woolman's vision of liberation for slaves and his labors towards the fulfillment of his vision. Woolman led the American Quaker slaveholders back to the basics of Quakerism by identifying with them in their wrongdoing of slavery and by making himself a model of selfless devotion.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: The role of ecotourism in Aboriginal community development: the case of Lennox Island First Nation

contributor:
Harris, Scott C. (author)
(Colton, John) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2005

abstract: Aboriginal tourism is a form of community development that can benefit First Nations in various dimensions. Given that many Aboriginal communities have a distinct competitive advantage because of their location and unique culture, a growing number of visitors are interested in experiencing Aboriginal tourist destinations. There have been very few explicit links in the literature that examine how Aboriginal tourism impacts overall community development. This research study examines how a community based ecotourism project has impacted overall development of the Lennox Island First Nation. Central to this investigation is the examination of ecotourism as it relates to four key elements of community development, including economic development, empowerment, wellness, and learning. Data was gathered from fifteen in-depth interviews, participant observations and secondary data sources and analyzed thematically. The results revealed that there were a number of areas that ecotourism can impact within the community that are not necessarily related to economic development but are important in overall community development. The results further suggest that when Lennox Island Aboriginal ecotourism is developed in light of a conceptual framework that provides insight into the meaningful dimensions of Aboriginal community development, then purposefully designed ecotourism programs can have planned impacts on areas such as community wellness and learning. When Aboriginal tourism is considered from a comprehensive perspective, where impacts are understood from a social, cultural, political and environmental context, meaningful community development can begin to be realized.

abstract: Kinesiology


title: The distinctives of black Nova Scotian culture and the place of the preacher in that context

contributor:
Adekola, Moses Bola (author)
(Moriah, Lionel) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2006

abstract: The writer's own personal ministry has been that of 'Biblical Preaching' in a black Nova Scotian cultural context. This thesis-project attempts to explore black Baptist life and culture largely from the inside, while drawing freely on insights from other sources. The sociological, economic, racial and religious activities of the Nova Scotian black Baptist churches, and their pastoral leadership have been explored. Many of the distinctive features of black Baptist life have been discussed, with a view to understanding, encouraging and enriching the leadership and the churches of the African United Baptist Association (AUBA). It is hoped that this will serve to strengthen both the witness and the relationships of black Baptists to the wider life of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches (CABC), and express a spirit of good will to the predominantly white community at large. The focus of the thesis-project is on the distinctives of black Nova Scotian life and the preaching, worship and witness of the black churches. The struggles, the pains and the hurts of the black community are clearly acknowledged. Recognition is given by the many indicators that the white Baptist community and the Government of Nova Scotia have made some efforts to strengthen the witness and involvement of the black community in the wider life of the Convention and community. However, it should not be overlooked that considerable strides have been made in the improvement of racial relationships within the Baptist community, and the growing recognition of leaders in the wider Baptist community---the role---often the leadership role---of black Baptists, has been publicly recognized, in ways that go far beyond the limits of a thesis on preaching.

abstract: Acadia Divinity College


title: Cultivating the preacher in the Free Christian Church of Lithuania

contributor:
Rulinskas, Arturas (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(McNally, John) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: Acadia Divinity College

abstract:
Very  few  evangelical  churches  in  post-communist  Lithuania  have  younger  generation preachers. Most preaching in churches is done by preachers with experience, who started to preach as the churches were revived right after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Does  the  first  generation  Free  Christian  Church  in  Lithuania  develop  its  preachers according to a plan that is portrayed in Scriptures? There is a need to examine the preaching and cultivate contemporary preachers and to attempt to do something better in the area of developing the younger generation of preachers.
With the goal to discover the things that would be helpful for cultivating the preachers in the Lithuanian context, a method of qualitative research interviews was chosen.
In order to have a broader view  about cultivating a preacher, the additional following steps were  taken:  a)  a  Biblical  rationale  for  preaching  and  preachers  was  examined;  b)  the sixteenth century Anabaptist church history and its messengers overviewed; c) theological-ecclesiological practices that lasted in Anabaptist churches throughout the centuries were considered; d) literature of contemporary preacher’s experiences were reflected on and e) a course was developed for further development of preachers in the Free Christian Church of  Lithuania.  This  thesis  combines  a  biblical  foundation  with  historical  and  theological reflection, and an ecclesiological survey.
The results that were discovered through this study have value to the Free Christian Church because they point to the weaknesses of the Free Church practice that prevent cultivating preachers, they reveal the strengths of contemporary eneration preachers, and they include the impact of globally recognized preachers.


title: Documenting aspects of the ecology of Striped Bass Morone saxatilis (Walbaum, 1792) in northeastern Nova Scotia

contributor:
Buhariwalla, Colin (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Dadswell, Michael) (Thesis advisor)
(Stokesbury, Michael) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: Biology

abstract:
Striped Bass is an assessed sportfish by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), however, its basic ecology is not well understood in northeastern Nova Scotia, an area bordering two management units and outside of the immediate geographic region of known spawning populations.  I used rod and reel angling to sample and acoustically tag Striped Bass to resolve population characteristics and evaluate residency within the Mira River, Cape Breton. Sixty-two Striped Bass were captured from July 2012 to September 2014 and ranged in size from 31.6 to 125.0 cm TL and ages 2 to 24. Acoustically tagged Striped Bass (n = 31) were detected in a passive array deployed from July 2012 to May 2015 and exhibited residency and fidelity within the system. An estuarine overwintering site was documented, freshwater residency in spring was observed, and a summer through autumn estuarine aggregation site was identified. Leaving events were documented in late summer, but telemetered fish returned by early autumn. These movements suggest that the Mira River may constitute a distinct population and requires further investigation. Other regional knowledge gaps include the documentation of anthropogenic sources of mortality. I described Striped Bass specimens
(n= 98) collected from a cold shock mortality event at the Trenton, NS, power generating station in January 2013. Striped Bass mortalities ranged in size from 11.8 to 60.2 cm TL and ages 1 to 5 years. Diet analysis revealed 16% of the specimens collected were feeding prior to death, with Fourspine Stickleback and conspecific juveniles the only prey species identified.
The frequency, extent, and impact of these overwintering mass mortality events remains unknown


title: Contextualization of the Christian faith in Guyana: using India music as an expression of Hindu culture in mission

contributor:
Bhagwan, Devanand (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(McMullin, Stephen) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: Acadia Divinity College

abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which Hindustani (Indian) music might serve as a bridge between Hindus and Christians to spread the gospel among the Hindustani people in Guyana and enrich their worship experience. Hindus have a strong emotional and cultural connection with Indian music. The music in the church in Guyana, however, is a combination of Western and Caribbean-style (Creole) music. The researcher felt that a good understanding of the Hindus’ appreciation of music could help pastors and missionaries in their quest to evangelize Hindus and to enrich the worship
experience of the Hindustani people. Using a qualitative approach, 12 Hindus and 12 pastors were surveyed to determine their perceptions of music in the church and how important they felt music could be for attracting Hindus to the gospel. The data from the interviews were utilized to categorize themes and identify the findings of the study. A clear majority of Hindu participants indicated that they would be willing to attend a Christian gathering or place of worship if they knew the church would play Indian instruments or have other expressions of Indian music. Although most of the pastors at first felt that Hindustani music would adulterate the present ‘Christian culture’ of the church and thus lead to syncretism, many of the pastors who had disapproved of any form of Indian music in the church changed their negative attitudes after seeing videos with Indian music containing Christian lyrics. This study concludes that when pastors understand Hindus’ appreciation of Indian music and see evidence of Christian Indian music, through videos, for example, they are more inclined to play Indian music in the church. This in turn, could draw Hindus to the Christian faith and enrich the Hindustani
Christian worship experience.


title: Evaluating the university environment from a comprehensive system perspective: the college/university environment scale

contributor:
Williams, Diane Lynn (author)
(Horvath, Peter) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1997

abstract: The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to undertake a comprehensive systems evaluation of the university environment, and second, to determine which aspects of the university environment predict satisfaction and achievement. One hundred and fifteen undergraduate students (mean age = 20.46) completed The College/University Environment Scale (CUES) and The College and University Classroom Environment Inventory (CUCEI). First-order and second-order factor analyses were conducted on the CUES. Reliability and validity were considered for the CUES. Mixed multiple regressions were employed to investigate psychosocial climate, teaching style, and subject matter as predictors for student satisfaction and achievement. Psychosocial climate and teaching style were found to predict satisfaction and achievement. A description of the university environment from the students' perspective and implications for future research are included.

abstract: Psychology


title: Aspects of Newfoundland black bear, Ursus americanus hamiltoni, food habits and habitat use in human-influenced environments

contributor:
Day, Susan Marie (author)
(Herman, Tom) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1997

abstract: I examined the food habits of black bears in two national parks in Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park and Terra Nova National Park, and described habitat use and home ranges sizes of adult female bears in Gros Morne National Park. Food habits were determined from scat and stomach content analysis. Green vegetation dominated the spring/summer diet and fruits dominated the late summer/fall diet. Raspberries (Rubus spp.), wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis), bunchberries (Cornus canadensis) and blueberries and their relatives (Vaccinium spp.) were important berry foods in both study areas. Moose (Alces alces) was an important animal food in both areas. In Gros Morne National Park, plant and animal foods available in the tundra region of the park, such as black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) and caribou (Rangifer tarandus), were also important. Home range sizes of five adult females in Gros Morne National Park varied from 27.7 km to 79.9 km (100% minimum convex polygon method, average 47.7 km, sd = 21.7 km).All five of the home ranges overlapped one of two garbage dumps present in the study area. Female bears used habitat types according to habitat availability within home ranges. At a larger scale they used balsam fir forest more than expected and tundra, sedge fen and bog, tuckamore, other primarily unforested habitat types less than expected during 1995. In both spring/summer (May-August 14) and late summer/fall (August 15-November), they used primarily unforested areas less than expected, and used natural forest areas according to availability. They used logged areas according to availability in the spring/summer and more than expected in the late summer/fall period. The increased use of logged areas in the late summer/fall coincided with the increased occurrence of raspberries in the scats.

abstract: Biology


title: Crossing over  : metonymic process as an act of faith in the poetry of Kay Smith / by Kelly Marie Redcliffe

contributor:
Redcliffe, Kelly Marie (author)
(Baron, David) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1997

abstract: In this thesis I examine the poetry of Kay Smith. In the first chapter I explore her use of metonymic process in "Footnote to the Lord's Prayer": a long religious poem published in her first book of poetry by the same title. In the second chapter I look at how this process is extended and used in a selection of non-religious poems from At the Bottom of the Dark and When a Girl Looks Down. Finally, in the third chapter I show how the metonymic process, used by Smith to make connections between words and ideas in her earlier poems, now helps her to build a connection between life and death in a selection of new poems published in The Bright Particulars.

abstract: English & Theatre Studies


title: Being and bespeaking kin: experiences of family in the lives of bisexual, lesbian, and gay adults

contributor:
Currie, Andrea (author)
(MacKinnon, David) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1998

abstract: Different experiences of family in the lives of bisexual, lesbian, and gay adults are explored in this thesis, which is based on data gathered from six participants, each of whom was interviewed twice. The sample was chosen with diversity in mind, and includes individuals who identify as bisexual, lesbian, and gay; one of whom is Mi'qmaq and one of whom is African-Canadian. In the first interview, family of origin experiences were the focus, leading to discussions about the process through which each individual's ideas about family were shaped. The second interview investigated the present-day experiences of family in the lives of each participant. The researcher/author's experience of family appears throughout the work, foregrounding the nature of her interest in this topic and providing the reader with the opportunity to see the questions and experiences that have informed the project. The thesis concludes with a call to counsellors and therapists to be aware of the depth and breadth of the diverse experiences of family among their bisexual, lesbian, and gay clients, and indicates several areas requiring further research. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

abstract: Education


title: Government employees and their reactions to dramatic organizational change

contributor:
Matheson, Timothy John (author)
(MacKinnon, David) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1998

abstract: The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of how government employees react to dramatic organizational change. In the spring of 1997, a survey was administered to employees of a government organization in Nova Scotia. Results were drawn from three measures in the survey providing scores on employee burnout, perceptions of personal control in the workplace, and perceptions of organizational change. Quantitative analyses indicated, as hypothesized, that there is a relationship between an employee's perception of personal control and their acceptance of organizational change that is mediated by burnout. Post hoc analyses of survey data also provided evidence that a direct relationship between personal control and acceptance of change exists for employees of this particular organization. In addition to the survey data, four participants from across Nova Scotia were interviewed for the purpose of gaining further insight into issues of personal control, burnout, and perceptions of organizational change. Findings from this part of the study suggested that employees are struggling with the issue of organizational change. Participants provided insights into the impacts of change and what supports are needed in the workplace. Aside from the findings, recommendations on how to deal with issues for this organization are provided in the following study.

abstract: Education


title: Mom blobs, midwives, and other metaphors: a postmodern feminist inquiry into mother-daughter narratives

contributor:
Smiley, Susan Lynne (author)
(MacKinnon, David) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Graveline, Jean) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1998

abstract: This thesis examines the uses and meanings of metaphors in mother-daughter stories. This project both produces and shares the meanings that mothers and daughters make in and through the narratives of their relationships. This inquiry is a collaboration between myself and six female participants. The primary means of data collection were two open-ended conversations with three mothers and their respective daughters. This thesis is informed by a postmodern and feminist methodology. Therefore, there are no conclusions per se, rather, the continuation of questioning and a sense of the fragments of understanding provided by this text. Future research from a postmodern perspective is suggested. In particular, implications for counsellors within the therapeutic relationship are discussed.

abstract: Education


title: The stopover ecology of migratory landbirds on Bon Portage Island, Nova Scotia

contributor:
Davis, Andrew K. (author)
(Shutler, Dave) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1999

abstract: I mist-netted southbound migrating landbirds on Bon Portage Island, Nova Scotia, to determine the importance of the island in these birds' migration. I specifically asked: (a) are the numbers of migrants that come to Bon Portage in the fall related to wind direction? (b) can any species deposit fat on the island? and (c) does wind direction influence either the abundance or fat loads of individual species in the fall? I tested for a relationship between wind direction and the total capture rate of all migrants combined. I next tested whether individual species can deposit fat on the island. Finally, I tested if wind direction had an effect on either the capture rates or the fat reserves (determined by weights and fat scores) for species for which there were adequate data: Myrtle Warblers, Blackpoll Warblers, and Red-eyed Vireos. I conclude that most birds initially come to Bon Portage Island simply because of its location on the southern end of the province; however once there, some species, such as Myrtle Warblers, are nonetheless able to stay and deposit small amounts of fat. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

abstract: Biology


title: Aspects of the overwintering survival strategy of Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten (Acari, Phytoseiidae) on apple trees in Nova Scotia

contributor:
Moreau, Debra Lynn (author)
(Daborn, Graham) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Hardman, J. Michael) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1999

abstract: Mean density counts, on trees previously inoculated with the New Zealand strain of Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten (Acari, Phytoseiidae) in 1993, showed that this predator had overwintered successfully and established a viable population still present in 1998. The proportion of adult T. pyri surviving winter, based on the ratios of the peak October density on leaves to the peak May density of adults on leaves were c.12.5% and 42.9% in two orchard plots, at Sheffield Mills, Nova Scotia. Low temperature trials were conducted throughout the winter of 1997-1998 to determine the response of overwintering female T. pyri collected from the field to exposure at low temperatures and the influence of substrate, rate of cooling, and acclimation regime on mortality. Responses to low temperature, humidity and water availability are discussed in relation to the effectiveness of T. pyri as a biological control agent for spider mite pests. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

abstract: Biology


title: Habitat use and population spatial structure of the forked fungus beetle, Bolitotherus cornutus Panzer

contributor: (Bondrup-Nielsen, Soren) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 1999

abstract: In this study I use an exploratory approach for examining habitat use at multiple scales by modeling two responses of adult forked fungus beetles: the incidence of beetles and the number of individuals counted in units of habitat. Characteristics of the sporophores (size and decay) were important for the beetles at all scales examined, however, the ability to describe patterns of habitat use increased with scale. I also used an experimental approach to more closely examine the influence of sporophore decay on the oviposition behaviour and nightly activity of the forked fungus beetle. In a field experiment, I presented pairs of adult beetles housed in enclosures sporophore combinations of varying decay levels. In another field experiment I presented adult beetles, housed in arenas, with 3 sporophores that differed in their level of decay and were attached to logs. I counted their positions during the night and observed that both males and females congregate in areas near live and intact sporophores. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

abstract: Biology


title: Canadian Pentecostal spirituality: addressing the theological drift

contributor:
Burns, Terry (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Althouse, Peter) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Acadia Divinity College

abstract:
The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) is in the process of re-examining its doctrine as articulated in the Statement of Fundamental Beliefs and Essential Truths. Additionally, the PAOC has concurrentlyinitiated national initiatives to revitalize its spiritual vitality. The time could not be more suitable for theological reflection.
Some who study Pentecostal theology and spirituality often consider Pentecostalism to be defined largely by one unique theological and experiential distinctive, Spirit baptism, with the manifestation of glossolalia following as initial evidence of the experience. Although it cannot be denied that this distinctive feature remains an important one, current Pentecostal scholarship would suggest this distinctive to be only one among many and scholars are now re-presenting a more coherent theology that deserves renewed attention.
This research is an examination of the theological and spiritual priorities facing Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) practitioners in their contemporary contexts. PAOC practitioners have expressed a desire to understand what other olleagues are believing and experiencing from a Pentecostal spiritual perspective. Additionally, practitioners want to know that colleagues are planning to do about a perceived “Theological drift” from forms of classical Pentecostal spirituality in their respective contexts. This study will provide some of the answers to the questions these ministers are posing and offer a potential way forward for those wishing to lead their congregation into a revitalized Pentecostal spirituality.


title: Exploring multimodal behavioural cues in the invasive beech leaf mining weevil, Orchestes fagiL., in Nova Scotia, Canada

contributor:
Goodwin, Joel (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Hillier, Kirk) (Thesis advisor)
(Sweeney, Jon) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Biology

abstract:
The invasive beech leaf mining weevil, Orchestes fagi L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a common pest of beech trees in Europe that has recently established in Nova Scotia, Canada. Adults overwinter and emerge in early spring to feed on and lay eggs in beech leaves. Developing larvae mine beech leaves and cause significant defoliation when populations are high. Successive years of heavy defoliation by the weevil is killing native American beech trees (Fagus grandifolia) in Nova Scotia and the weevil is spreading rapidly. Our main objective was to develop survey tools to monitor the weevil’s spread and detect new infestations as early as possible. By using bioassays and field trapping experiments, we have analyzed the response of O. fagi to auditory, chemical, and visual stimuli to better understand putative attractive cues used by the beetle. Results from field trapping trials in 2017 and 2018 comparing several trap colors, trap types, and the addition of an attractive host volatile suggest that yellow, green, or white sticky prism traps without a host volatile lure are an effective way of detecting O. fagi adults. Additionally, we recorded sounds produced by adult O. fagi under three conditions: male
in distress, female in distress, and male in presence of female. Playback of recorded sounds to adult beetles suggest female
O. fagi are repelled by sounds produced by distressed males. Taken together, our acoustic results provide a deterrent which could have potential implications in control of this pest, and our trapping experiments suggest an effective means of
monitoring the spread of the species in Canada.


title: Chemical ecology and biology of Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman), a primary pest of western honey bees (Apis mellifera L.)

contributor:
Light, Michael (author)
(Shutler, Dave) (Thesis advisor)
(Hillier, Kirk) (Thesis advisor)
(Cutler, Christopher) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract:
Honey bees (Apis melliferaL.) are the most agriculturally beneficial eusocial insects for crop pollination. Chemical communication is critical in maintaining colony structure and activity, which may be exploited by parasites. Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman; Acari: Varroidae) is regarded as one of the biggest threats to apiculture, blamed for annual colony mortalities of over 30% in some regions. The objectives of this thesis were to identify odorants important to
V. destructor for further development of techniques to disrupt its lifecycles through in-colony treatment. Honey bee colony
volatile collections involving ex-situ techniques were used to identify individual compounds and odor detection sensitivity
of V. destructorto these compounds through gaschromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-linked electrotarsal detection, respectively. Volatile components identified in this and previous research were then tested for concentration-dependent responses using electrophysiology. Electrotarsogram responsesindicated significant difference among odorants in eliciting responses, suggesting the potential application of this procedure in screening putative repellents or odors that disrupt host detection (disruptants) to live V. destructor. Results from this research can be applied o colony-wide testing of active odorants in developing effective alternative methods for V. destructor control as well as developing methods for future research exploring chemical ecology of social insects.

abstract: Biology


title: Life after genocide a psychoanalytical perspective on the postcolonial politics of reparations for historical injustices: a case study of the Herero of modern day Namibia

contributor:
Townend, Laura (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Trofanenko, Brenda) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: Politics

abstract:
The trauma of genocide is a wound that is passed down through generations. This continuance prompts curiosity as to how one can live after genocide. My thesis explores the case study of the 1904-1908 German colonial genocide of the Herero. Over a century later, the Herero has requested monetary reparations from Germany. Is it possible for the  Herero to receive justice? Can reparations heal the wounds of genocide? Through an engagement with Lacanian psychoanalytic theories of
trauma, as well as theories of responsibility and reparations through Nozick, Barkan, Thompson, and Minow, this case study will be analyzed within a postcolonial context through the work of Mbembe so as to come to an understanding of how best to contend with historical injustice. Although my research suggests that repair of the wound of genocide is an impossibility, I argue that the symbolic aspect of reparations has the potential to facilitate psychological transformation.


title: Post-breeding movements of Swainson’s Thrush in southern Nova Scotia

contributor:
Berrigan, Lucas (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Taylor, Phil) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: Biology

abstract:
Abstract for Chapter 1: Neotropical migrants are known to move over broad temporal and spatial scales during the post-breeding period. The extent of these movements has recently been investigated by Brown (2016) and Cormier (2017) in Blackpoll Warblers (Setophaga striata) on Bon Portage and Seal Island in Nova Scotia. Their studies revealed that, during this period, adults and hatch-years made regional-scale movements of over 200 km. Previous research has suggested that post-breeding movements are related to the selection of future nest sites. However, these have typically not included analyses at broad scales due to technological limitations. Miniaturization of radio transmitters as well as the development of automated radio telemetry has expanded opportunities to study this period in small migratory songbirds.
I tracked post-breeding movements of Swainson’s Thrushes (Catharus ustulatus) using the same study area as in Brown (2016) and Cormier (2017) to allow for a comparison with a species that have similar overwintering are as (northern South America) but a different migratory route (Blackpoll Warbler; Setophaga striata). I found no evidence for 5 differences between ages in the number of sites visited or the tortuosity of movement. Hatch-years tended to slow down after departing their natal grounds and overall took longer to move towards their migratory destination when compared to adults. This supports the idea that hatch-years require more time than adults to reach their migratory destination, but there was only weak evidence that these timing differences were related to exploratory movements. Individuals from the more remote of the two islands (Seal Island) moved at a faster rate and had less tortuous movements than those from the less remote island (Bon Portage). This resultis consistent with the idea that individuals at more remote sites tend to choose more direct routes towards their migratory destination while those from sites closer to the mainland exhibit more regional exploration. Together these findings suggest exploratory movements may not be solely related to experience, but also to
place of origin.
Abstract for Chapter 2: Few studies have examined how nocturnal migrants behave in the days immediately prior to their first migratory flights. Cage studies suggest there is a hormonal shift that occurs in nocturnal migrants that causes individuals to become restless at night at a measurable rate prior to migration. Here, I examined the nocturnal flight behaviour of a wild Neotropical migrant, the Swainson’s Thrush, prior to departure from two island sites off coastal Nova Scotia, Canada: Bon Portage and Seal Island. I tested for differences between the behaviour of individuals depending on experience (age) and distance to the mainland (island) given that inexperienced birds require navigational cues to correctly
orient themselves and mainland coastlines as well as polarized light at sunset as an aid. I show that compared to adults,
hatch-years were far more likely to make pre-departure flights on the island and that hatch-years made flights closer to sunset at the more distant site (Seal Island) which supports the hypothesis that hatch-years require more cues than adults
prior to initiating migration.  Adults tended to depart closer to sunset than hatch-years and departed later in the season. Both adults and hatch-years from Seal Island departed closer to sunset than those on Bon Portage which suggests location
plays a more significant role in determining departure time. Together, these findings suggest pre-departure flights are
common in hatch-years prior to migration and that individuals at remote sites are more likely to make these flights when solar cues are available.


title: (Re)militarization in Guatemala and its ramifications for social movements and human rights defenders

contributor:
MacDonald, Rebecca (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Brittain, James) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: Sociology

abstract: Guatemalan society was increasingly permeated with militarization throughout a 36-year-long civil war that devastated the rural indigenous population. The regime of Otto Pérez Molina (2012 – 2015) led to an increase in militarization of civil society. Although there is existing literature on remilitarization, a gap in the academic literature exists on this topic. Through a series of six interviews with members of the Comité Campesino del Altiplano (Highland Small Farmer’s Committee), this thesis aims to explore the topic of remilitarization through the life experiences of human rights defenders working in a socio-political context of remilitarization. Drawing on concepts such as accumulation by dispossession, separation, and neoliberalism, this work demonstrates the pressing need for further inquiry into remilitarization in Guatemala and the broader Central American region.


title: Image to grape yield estimation in the vineyard using deep learning

contributor:
Monga, Tanya (author)
(Silver, Daniel L.) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
Agricultural  yield  estimation  from  natural  images  is  an  important,  yet  challenging problem to which machine learning can be applied.  There is value in having better methods  of  yield  estimation  based  on  data  that  can  be  captured  with inexpensive technology in the field, such as a smartphone.  The research uses convolution neural networks (CNNs) to develop models that can estimate the weight of grapes on a vine using an image.  Convolutional Neural Networks have advanced the state of the art in many machine learning applications such as computer vision, speech recognition and natural language processing.  We investigate five approaches of generating yield estimate from images by using convolutional neural networks.  The results yield solid evidence that the proposed model bears strong potential to be superior compared to the existing solutions for yield estimation.  We discovered that a trained CNN model developed using weights from a pre-trained density map model can be successfully used to generate yield estimate from images.  We demonstrate that the CNNs perform better in predicting yield estimate when we specify the grape locations in the images
by using density maps.  By applying finetuning and using a density map, the proposed model achieved an error rate as low as 12%.  The system is trained and tested on the images of grapes in a vineyard.  The system is capable of accurately estimating the yield from images that have grapes of almost the same size, color, and brightness as grapes in images used to train the model.  Using the concept of deep learning, I have demonstrated how a deep CNN module can be expected to be used in near real-time conditions for commercial deployment with minimal hardware requirements.

abstract: Computer Science


title: Sedimentology and paleontology of the lower Jurassic Scots Bay Formation, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, Canada

contributor:
Hassan, Hassan Salem (author)
(Cameron, Barry) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2000

abstract: The rocks of Scots Bay Formation occur only along the south shore of the Bay of Fundy where they are exposed in small coves from east of Baxters Harbour to west of Scots Bay, Nova Scotia. Lithologically, the Scots Bay Formation is dominated by clastic sediments, including sandstone, silty sandstone, conglomeratic sandstone, and shale. Carbonate and silicified carbonate rocks include calcareous sandstone, packstone, mudstone, wackestone, and stromatolitic limestone. Jasperoid chert nodules and bedded cherts are common throughout much of the formation. Four environmental facies are recognized in ascending order: (1) marginal channeling facies, (2) shoreline facies, (3) nearshore facies (basal and upper units), and (4) offshore facies. Meanwhile, litharenitic sandstone was deposited along the shoreline which is present now as the top unit of the Scots Bay sequence. Fossils in the Jurassic Scots Bay Formation are rare and mostly silicified. They include a relatively low diversity of ostracodes, small gastropods, small clams, invertebrate burrows, fragments of charophyte stems, freshwater stromatolites, rare ferns, and log and wood fragments. Sedimentary facies in the Scots Bay Formation do not vary widely from outcrop to outcrop. Interpretation of their depositional environments is based on paleoecological and sedimentological criteria. The fossil assemblages and the stratigraphic position of the Scots Bay Formation suggest an Early Jurassic age. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: Team Lab: a collaborative environment for teamwork

contributor:
Yang, Guang (author)
(Tomek, Ivan) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2000

abstract: As we are entering the 21st century, demand for high quality software increases dramatically. Software development requires teams of developers working closely together, so it becomes more and more important to have a good collaborative environment in order to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality. Unfortunately most software development tools are designed for a single user or do not have a good environment for teamwork. This gap led to the design of Team Lab. Earlier work at Acadia University led to the development of a collaborative virtual environment called MUM. This thesis is an attempt to validate MUM architecture by developing a MUM tool for integrated software development called Team Lab. Team Lab is a basic code management tool that provides a common repository for shared code, supports concurrent programming activity and class level version control. The conclusion of the thesis is that the architecture of MUM is a workable foundation for a CVE with full support for software development tools.

abstract: Computer Science


title: Contrived relationships and the power of support: an exploration of the mentoring process

contributor:
Kyte, Darlene (author)
(MacKinnon, David) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2000

abstract: In this study, I am exploring the multiple perspectives both mentors and mentees hold of the mentoring process as they are experiencing it. The focus is on the mentorship of university students within an academic support program at a Canadian University. These students have failed at the end of their first year but have been permitted to return the next year on certain conditions. These conditions are that they take only three courses and attend a twice-weekly academic support class. My work attempts to gain insight into the effectiveness of such support programs and whether their mentoring components show themselves to be meaningful. I also sought to try to understand the dynamics of the mentoring process through the eyes of both participants in the mentoring relationship. I have designed an interpretive methodological approach that seeks to understand how others (mentor and mentee) make sense of their lived experience. The focus is on the shifting dynamics of these dyadic relationships. A series of semi-structured open-ended interviews were used to understand the participants' experiences. The mentoring relationship has shown itself to be powerful in the lives of the participants. Meaningfulness of the mentoring relationship was demonstrated when the relationship had shown itself to be worthwhile for the parties involved. Mentees had expectations that their mentors fulfill roles of knowledge giver, role model, counsellor, advisor, and perhaps surrogate parent. In all cases, the mentor was able to provide one or some of these roles for the mentee. The mentee, in turn, accepted this support and benefited in some way from it. Program recommendations were made for the future mentors as well as administrators.

abstract: Education


title: A university education for all?: a study of parental educational expectations in China's Sichuan Province

contributor:
Niu, Rui (author)
(Perry, George) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2001

abstract: This study explores the educational expectations held by two groups of parents in Sichuan Province of China in 2000. Ninety-two parents were surveyed by questionnaire. Participating parents were divided into two groups, 'workers' and 'intellectuals'. Intellectuals were defined as the parents who graduated from secondary schools and entered colleges or universities. Workers for the purpose of this study referred to the parents who had less than full secondary education. Results from this research showed clearly that even after twenty-five years of wide-scale reforms, parental expectations for children's education continue to rise in all classes of society. It is also clear that elitist practices continue to favor the intellectuals and other privileged urban families. Furthermore, while great progress has been made in the education of girls, the evidence shows that traditional attitudes persist in many workers' families where concerns over income and employment are greater. The thesis concludes that officialsand leaders cannot ignore the pressure for a greater accessibility to all levels of education. It argues that educational reforms must be built on greater awareness of the diversity and circumstances found in China's families. To achieve this point, communications between parents and schools should be reinforced. With this awareness, policy makers, school leaders and officials must begin their work.

abstract: Education


title: Anne of the imaginative space: fan activities as textual negotiation of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne narrative

contributor: (Schwenke Wyile, Andrea) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: English & Theatre Studies

abstract:
This thesis examines the significance of Anne’s daydreaming as a productive negotiation between reality and the imagination in L.M. Montgomery’s Anne series, especially through its expanded, continually adapted series format. Particularly, Anne’s daydreaming is established as an imaginative mental space that facilitates this negotiation. Just as Anne’s imaginative space leads audiences to generate imaginative possibilities within the constraints of their individual realities, some audiences engage with the Anne narrative through web fan activities. Tracing these activities through the
spaces that the novels and adaptations create, this thesis demonstrates how Anne, as a character, acts as a role model in negotiating identity, and how many of these activities help fan creators negotiate between the imaginative ideals of the
Anne narrative and their own realities, thus helping them in developing their mature identities.


title: Evaluating social network members' disapproving opinions in romantic relationships: a comparison between marginalised and non-marginalised

contributor:
Kay, Jensen (author)
(Holmberg, Diane) (Thesis advisor)
(Blair, Karen) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract:
The current study examined a hypothesised model, which proposed that when individuals are deciding to trust a social network member’s (SNM) disapproving opinion, they will take into account the SNM’s level of perceived relationship expertise, level of perceived bias, quality of evidence given to support the SNM’s disapproving opinion, and level of perceived approval for the romantic relationship from the broader social network. The current study further investigated whether aspects of the hypothesised model varied by relationship type (i.e., marginalised relationship versus non-
marginalised relationship) or social network group (i.e., friend versus family member). Using a hierarchical multiple
regression, the online study (N=173) found partial support for the hypothesised model; however, no differences were found by relationship type or social network group, suggesting the process of evaluating a disapproving opinion was the same for
both relationship types and network sources. Further exploration using two separate multiple mediation models revealed that commitment to the romantic partner or (separately) the SNM was an important variable to consider. Commitment levels predicted the model variables, which in turn predicted trust in the SNM’s opinion. The implications and theoretical explanations for such findings are discussed.

abstract: Psychology


title: Transition to practice in Radiation Oncology: mind the gap

contributor:
Best, Lara (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Sargeant, Joan) (Thesis advisor)
(Murphy, René) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2018

abstract: Education

abstract:
Introduction: Physicians entering independent practice often express apprehension in managing the non-clinical aspects of practice. Thus, this study examined the perceived preparedness for independent practice of Radiation Oncology (RO) residents and attempted to determine how any deficiencies could be addressed.
Methods: Focus groups with senior RO residents, RO fellows, new ROs, RO residency program directors and the RO specialty committee Competence by Design (CBD) working group were conducted. Data was coded using the Canadian Medical Education Directives for Specialists (CanMEDS) competencies, and thematic analysis.
Results: Commonly reported gaps in the TtP for ROs were lack of experience with: practice management, understanding the
health care system, financial planning, effective collaboration and communication, career planning, and the totality of the radiation therapy planning process. Suggestions to address these challenges included use of: mentorship, educational resources, courses, simulation, improved graded responsibility, resident longitudinal clinics and curricular blocks for
radiation therapy planning. Emergent data demonstrated that there are perceived roadblocks to the implementation of
TtP curricula.
Conclusions: There are gaps in the TtP for RO residents, with opportunities for enrichment with CBD. A socio-materiality perspective suggests that the limitations of the radiotherapy planning software may be causing exclusion of residents
at social, cognitive and pedagogical levels. The data is informative for the development of a TtP curricula.


title: Language Identification on the WWW

contributor:
Cai, Lehe (author)
(Benoit, Darcy) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract:
This thesis discusses the problem of language identification on Web pages. Previous research has mostly focused on text language identification and a limited amount of research has concentrated on Web language identification. Web language
identification is not a simple task that comes from text language identification. The noisy and diverse nature of Web pages
introduces additional difficulties with Web language identification.
To solve this problem, we introduce a robust approach which consists of multiple methods such as detection of language
and character encoding declaration and Web text language identification to better handle the difficulties of Web language
identification. The methods are harmonized to maximize their strengths and complement each other. By verifying our approach on corpora of 1400 Web pages for seven languages, it achieved 99.6 percent accuracy rate.
Furthermore, we designed a system that employed our composite Web language identification approach and several other
Web language and geographical distribution approaches for determining Web server location and language distributing status of portal Web pages on the Internet. The data collection came from the latest Web census (Benoit, Slauenwhite &
Trudel, 2006 and 2007). This system allows us to provide information such as countries ranked by Web server number, the languages ranked by identified portal pages count and language distribution status in a country such as Canada. \

abstract: Computer Science


title: Glacial stratigraphy and till geochemical dispersion controls associated with the Brazil Lake pegmatite, southwestern Nova Scotia

contributor:
Lundrigan, Andrea L. (author)
(Stanley, Cliff) (Thesis advisor)
(Spooner, Ian) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2008

abstract:
Mineralogical and geochemical dispersion from the Brazil Lake rare-element pegmatite occurrence in southwestern Nova
Scotia was examined through a program of till sampling and an assessment of local and regional glacial deposits both inland and along the Acadian coast. This allowed documentation of the glacial stratigraphy and sedimentology, and interpretation of the significance of local ice flow in the Brazil Lake area. Dispersal was constrained by size fraction, till-pebble lithology, till-pebble fabric, drumlin long-axis orientation, pegmatite boulder patterns and till geochemical data.
The Brazil Lake area has been most strongly influenced by early southward glacial flow during regional Late Wisconsinan
ice advances. Till geochemical signatures are related to underlying bedrock sources, with dominantly local dispersal to
the south/southeast/east. Lithium is the only pathfinder element for this rare-element pegmatite mineralization in till, and
its anomalous concentrations occur only in the local, coarse-grained till fraction, suggesting that limited dispersal did not
cause the pegmatite to break into smaller fragments.
Results indicate that less than 50 m of dispersal is inadequate for grain size reduction of spodumene to less than 1 mm size
fraction in till. Future exploration should employ both coarse-and fine-grained size fractions to detect anomalies proximal
and distal from source, and Li concentrations and dilution effects should be used to estimate the up-ice distance to the
source of the anomaly. Exploration for rare-element pegmatites (and other economic occurrences) in southwestern Nova
Scotia should only be undertaken with an in-depth understanding of local glacial dispersal.

abstract: Earth & Environmental Sciences


title: A university's community engagement ethos: working towards reciprocal processes and public purposes through community service-learning

contributor:
Sweatman, Mary (author)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)
(Warner, Alan) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2019

abstract: Education

abstract: The purpose of this doctoral research was to understand undergraduate community service-learning within long-term community-university partnerships (CSL/CUPs), and their potential for community-valued development outcomes. This article-based dissertation involved three distinct, yet interrelated studies. The first study analyzed the means through which current CSL literature incorporated community voice, the conditions that foster successful CSL from the community partners’ perspectives, and the impacts of CSL on community. The second study explored the processes and characteristics of three successful CSL/CUPs. From this study a conceptual model was developed, depicting the processes and key characteristics of CSL/CUPs that are committed to community-valued development outcomes. The third study focused on university readiness to advance community-engagement scholarship. This article explored the paradoxes of supporting a democratic community engagement culture within a neoliberal institutional construct. The concluding chapter of this dissertation connects the three studies by discussing the overall contributions of the doctoral research, the macro-limitations, and future implications.


title: Wolf behavior at the densite and responses to simulated wolf and coyote howls near rendezvous sites

contributor:
Czetwertynski, Sophie (author)
(MacLeod, Peter) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2001

abstract:
Abstract not supplied.
Biology


title: Post-traumatic stress and spirituality: addressing spiritual renewal as an approach to healing in the treatment of Canadian soldiers

contributor:
Mitchell, Cate (author)
(Sumarah, John) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2003

abstract: Helping traumatized soldiers to change & evolve their belief systems could contribute to resolving Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This is a preliminary look at addressing spiritual renewal as a significant component in therapeutic treatment of soldiers diagnosed with PTSD resulting from trauma during military tours. In 3 interviews over 6 months, 4 Canadian soldiers give accounts of their peacekeeping experiences, relating how trauma affected spiritual beliefs, shattering their assumptions about an ordered world, devastating the beliefs that give their lives meaning and purpose, destroying their faith in God and humanity, causing them to believe that the evil inclination in humans is more powerful than the good. Witnessing evil on peacekeeping tours can disconnect soldiers' ability to trust, love and have faith. The soldiers want guidance from therapists or clergy within their treatment for PTSD, to help them renew their spirituality as an approach to healing their suffering from PTSD.

abstract: Education


title: Asperger's syndrome: a teacher's understanding of student ability and challenges affecting teaching practice

contributor:
MacIsaac, Mairi (author)
(Brown, Margaret) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2003

abstract: This study examines how a teacher understands the abilities of a student with Asperger's Syndrome and resulting challenges that affect teaching practice. The purpose is to gain an understanding of the relationships between perceived student ability, teacher background and philosophy, and how they together translate into teaching practice. An examination of school, student, and teacher backgrounds provides the context in which an examination of teacher perceptions and practices takes place. Relevant literature provides a framework to report the findings with relation to common characteristics found in many individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and possible teaching strategies suggested. Through the examination of the data, recurring themes are noted. Six key challenges for educators of students with Asperger's Syndrome are discussed. Implications for teaching practice and future research are provided.

abstract: Education


title: Population parameters and multivariate modeling of winter habitat for moose (Alces alces) on mainland Nova Scotia

contributor: (Bondrup-Nielsen, Soren) (Thesis advisor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2004

abstract: The Tobeatic region of western Nova Scotia is of special interest because it represents perhaps one of the last remaining indigenous moose populations on mainland Nova Scotia. Moose have persisted in this region while extirpations have occurred elsewhere. With only scattered populations of animals distributed across mainland NS, the ability of the species to persist on the mainland is of concern. Moose densities within the Tobeatic Wilderness Area and the Cobequids were determined from aerial surveys. Multivariate statistical techniques were used to develop habitat association models at three spatial scales for moose on mainland Nova Scotia. Habitat variables were extracted from a geographical information system (GIS) to provide inputs for the multiple logistic regression models. The models predicted moose presence or absence across mainland Nova Scotia. Habitat selection within the Tobeatic Wilderness area was assessed by Chi-square analysis. Available habitat was defined as the area within a 99% home range of all moose locations obtained from radio-telemetry. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

abstract: Biology


title: No place called home: exploring the impact of multiple attachment disruptions on the self-construction of female youth in foster care

contributor:
Messervey, Darlene G. (author)
(Sumarah, John) (Thesis advisor)
Acadia University (Degree grantor)

subject: LE3 .A278 2004

abstract: The purpose of this descriptive research study is to explore the lives and experiences of adolescent girls who have been raised in the foster care/group home system, and have experienced the instability and transitional nature of foster care, resulting infrequent and accumulative attachment disruptions and losses. The research explores the impact of their experiences on the construction of self and the development of an internal working model, as well as the employment of coping strategies as a way to protect themselves emotionally, preserve their sense of self, and make sense of their world. Using a phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews (employing a problem-centred interview method) were conducted with five youth females in foster care. Data collection included interviews with workers and reviewing contents of their files. Data Analysis involved cross case analysis, theoretical coding was applied to the data. Findings suggested that the difficulties the girls face are the result of unmet attachment needs that result in a negative working model that is damaging to self-construction. A number of practice implications are noted in addressing these deficiencies underlying the dissatisfaction of those needs to change the working model and promote a more positive self-construction.

abstract: Education