title: (In)Visible Influences: Conceptualizing Homelessness in the Age of Over-Regulation and Neoliberalism

abstract: Homelessness as a phenomenon and as a social problem can be unpacked and understood in a variety of ways. Although there is some consensus among various actors involved in homeless prevention on how to end homelessness, there is a lack of momentum when it comes to effective policy and program development and implementation. The challenge becomes greater when private sectors get involved in the monopoly of physical space and impact the privatization and regulation of space. The purpose of this research is to move beyond discussion and into implementation in order to begin the momentum towards homelessness solutions. This is accomplished through emphasis on current events and issues within the context of Governmentality, Over-Regulation and the Right to / Use of the Shrinking Public Space, bringing awareness to the importance of reframing homelessness for varying languages across disciplines for accountability and to better align with action oriented goals, and most importantly defining the forces that frequently shape policies and programs, but are often overlooked when addressing homelessness.


title: “If They’re Good Girls”: A Qualitative Examination of Arts-Based Programs for Federally Sentenced Women in Canada

type: Text thesis

contributor: Kwantlen Polytechnic University Criminology Department (Degree granting institution)

abstract: Prisons are spaces of violence that strip autonomy and a sense of personal identity from prisoners. Art and arts-based programming can not only be a way to combat the monotony of prison life, but to build communication skills, increase self-esteem, and help prisoners to build better relationships with themselves and with one another. Most of the research and literature surrounding arts programs for prisoners is centered around men. This project was an opportunity to explore the types of arts programs currently available to women and contribute to filling in gaps in the literature. By analyzing documents obtained via Access to Information Requests from Correctional Services Canada and conducting one-on-one semi-structured interviews with program developers and mentors, it was discovered that there is not much in the way of arts-based programming available for women – and even less access for Indigenous women. The programs that are available leave women, their needs, and their trauma out of the discussion and are not mentioned in program guides. When women are discussed, it is done so using infantilizing and misogynistic language (i.e. “if they’re good girls”) that is deeply problematic. The programs are often funded by external sources, so funding is not guaranteed from year to year. The analysis of these documents and interviews lead to recommendations, including giving women (including Indigenous, queer, and trans women) more opportunities to run arts-based programs, more funding from CSC in order to combat unpaid labour, and openly including discussions of women and the issues that incarcerated women face in program guides and outlines.

abstract: prison

abstract: feminist theory

abstract: corrections

abstract: alternative interventions

abstract: correctional programs

abstract: women

abstract: Indigenous women

abstract: Corrections Canada


title: Policing Public Disorder in a Canadian Community in Crisis

contributor: University of Leicester Department of Criminology (Degree granting institution)

format: electronic electronic

abstract: For the past several years a debate has been occurring about reason for the reduction of crime in New York City under the leadership of Mayor Giuliani and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton. Some claim that the principles of Broken Windows Theory worked to reduce crime. Others claim that the reduction had little to do with Broken Windows Theory and more to do with increased police, aggressive patrol tactics and abuses of the public by police. This research was conducted into an initiative by the Vancouver Police to reassign sixty police officers to the Downtown Eastside. This initiative, Citywide Enforcement Team was put in place to reduce disorder in the DTES. This research study utilized observational methods combined with quantitative and qualitative analysis to conclude that the introduction of the CET into the DTES impacted positively on the level of disorder and crime in that community


title: The Experiences of Black LGBQ Canadians within the Workplace

abstract: This research examines the experiences of Black LGBQ people within the workplace in the Lower Mainland. It is important to explore these experiences because there is a significant lack of research regarding the experiences of Black LGBQ people in not only British Columbia but Canada. The theoretical framework of this study included critical race theory, feminist theory, intersectionality, and queer theory. These theories supported the findings of this research and helped to analyze patterns that emerged from the data collected. The literature review of this study guided the development of the interview guide and analysis of data. The literature review argues the limited research literature on the experiences of Black LGBQ people. For this study, 1 semi-structured interview was conducted in-person, and 3 were conducted over the phone. There were 1 cisgendered lesbian, 2 cisgendered bisexual women, and 1 cisgendered gay man interviewed, 3 of whom had university degrees. Participants worked in a range of workplaces (e.g., childcare, educational services, health care, non-profit organizations, sales and retail, and transportation). The research findings illustrated intersectional experiences between both Black women and Black men. The 4 key themes found in this research were 1) racism within the workplace, 2) inequity in promotions and opportunities within the workplace, 3) supervisors and responses to racism within the workplace and 4) relationship with colleagues and supervisors within the workplace. In the discussion chapter, an analysis of the key findings are supported by the theoretical framework and research literature is undertaken. Three policy recommendations for workplaces within the service sector and the labour market are outlined to better equip workplaces with the knowledge and understanding of various forms of discrimination demonstrated within the workplace.

abstract: labour market

abstract: Black LGBQ people

abstract: Black people

abstract: queer people

abstract: discrimination

abstract: gender

abstract: racism

abstract: sexuality

abstract: workplace


title: Breaking Through a Culture of Denial: Pathways to Environmental Activism in BC

type: thesis Text

contributor: Kwantlen Polytechnic University Department of Criminology (Degree granting institution)

rights: This thesis may be printed or downloaded for non-commercial research and scholarly purposes. Copyright remains with the author.

subject:
Criminology
Environmental Studies

abstract: climate change

abstract: green criminology

abstract: environmental activism

abstract: denial

abstract: British Columbia

abstract: Our society is in collective denial about the extreme threat that climate change presents to the future of our world. Capitalism creates a culture that is based on the exploitation of people and the earth for profit, and as citizens living within this culture we use denial to shield ourselves from this reality. This study contributes to the growing field of green criminology, and combines an analysis of the politics of climate change with a sociological exploration of practices of individual and collective denial and acknowledgement. Drawing on qualitative interviews with B.C. activists, the study explores the pathways of people who have moved past denial and are now participating in the diverse and multifaceted environmental movement. The ability of this movement to successfully act against climate change, and those who are allowing it to happen, will shape what kind of world we leave for the next generation. Conflict resolution, privilege, and dealing with subsequent emotions in a constructive way are identified as steps to help others break through the culture of denial and strengthen the movement.

abstract: This work is an honours student thesis, prepared, submitted, and accepted in partial fulfillment of the degree of Bachelor of Arts, Honours Criminology, in May 2015.


title: Features and Categories: Non-finite Constructions in Finnish

subject:
European Languages and Societies
Modern Languages
Syntax

abstract: Finnish language

abstract: syntax

abstract: word order

abstract: morphology

abstract: Doctor of Philosophy, 1998, Department of Linguistics University of Toronto


title: Power and prejudice: A phenomenological study with criminology instructors on the intersubjectivities and invariances of conflict

contributor: Kwantlen Polytechnic University Criminology (Degree granting institution)

abstract: Criminology is presently contested in ways beyond ethical and political argument, often ranging to implicit ontological wrangling. This thesis is an attempt to more explicit these and other issues. This project investigates phenomenological intersubjectivities and invariances with contemporary conflicts in criminology by considering the experiences and expressions of its practitioners. A brief account of the researcher’s metaphysical and pretheoretical suppositions grounds a subjective starting point for this qualitative inquiry. Key pieces of literature were drawn from Nietzsche, Husserl, and Schutz while also considering them as subjective figures themselves. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with ten active instructors from KPU’s Criminology Department. Thematic content analysis was used to process initial interview data; phenomenological methodology informed further analysis of initial findings and themes. What recurring issues in present criminological practice seem to give rise to major conflicts and interpersonal disagreements within the discipline? From these, what might be invariant factors for understanding conflict in general? What can address persistent conflicts or reduce detrimental consequences? Major normative divergences were found regarding disciplinary and pedagogical priorities. Is the disciplinary, departmental, or criminologist’s priority to teach, to “just” do research, or to find solutions to societal problems and thereby recommend actions? Agonistic positions on structural and societal matters, e.g. the role of police in society, presented key themes for conflict in criminology. These include strong intersubjective and intergroup prejudices and concurrent breakdowns in communication and cohesion. A species of false dichotomy was identified and offered as a source of communicative ambiguity and interpersonal prejudice. A recommendation of “domain-specifying” inquiry is submitted as a way to mitigate prejudices in pursuit of intersubjective understanding.


title: Research assistants at Kwantlen Polytechnic University : Positioning and Training for Success

subject:
Higher Education
Leadership Studies
Nonprofit Administration and Management

abstract: university employees

abstract: research assistants

abstract: training

abstract: recruitment

abstract: This study examined organizational practices impacting research assistants (RAs) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (Kwantlen), identifying issues and discovering optimal ways to address concerns, increase their connection to the organization, and maximize their contributions, enabling Kwantlen to move forward as an institution that encourages faculty and student research. Using qualitative action research methodology, I invited RAs and researchers who employed RAs to examine how a new, small polytechnic university with a teaching focus could maximize the potential of undergraduate student RAs. I engaged 15 RAs in two focus groups and five researching faculty who employed RAs in a third focus group, in addition to interviewing three researchers individually. Together, we identified issues and explored possibilities for improvement, including comprehensive recruiting, hiring and training practices, and a focus on valuing the university‟s RAs. This led to a recommendation that the role of the Office of Research and Scholarship be expanded.

abstract: This thesis was completed for the author's M.A. in Leadership at Royal Roads University, Victoria, B.C.


title: The Instructional Skills Workshop as a Transformative Learning Process

subject:
Educational Methods
Higher Education
Higher Education and Teaching

abstract: college teaching

abstract: college teachers

abstract: higher education

abstract: Kwantlen Polytechnic University

abstract: This study was undertaken to explore the nature and impact of the Instructional Skills Workshop process on faculty members and their teaching practice. It draws on Lewin's theory of change and Kirkpatrick's levels of evaluation to analyze both survey and interview data from faculty members who have completed the ISW at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and to identify transformative learning with respect to their teaching and their students' learning. After reviewing a range of literature about transformative learning, adult education, and the needs of faculty members, this research aimed to discover their prior teaching practices and to identify the improvement of this practice after taking the Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) course at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Available since 1978, and offered in most universities, colleges, and institutes in British Columbia, the ISW is the longest running professional development activity for post-secondary educators in the province. Through reference to the original educational theories used in the development of the ISW and bringing ideas from new theorists since its inception, a model has been built to encompass the process and identify a basis for the impact that the course has on the participants. The survey and interview research reported here has identified the positive support that participants have experienced as they examined and changed their teaching practices with the intention of improving student learning. The quantitative results and interview narratives describe the immediate and long lasting impacts of the ISW, including awareness of various learning styles, taking an appreciative approach, connections with colleagues, and other effects as experienced by the participants. It also gives a basis for suggestions on ways to enhance and extend communities of practice around teaching and other benefits experienced.

abstract: Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Education, Simon Fraser University, Fall 2011.


title: Shifts in Colour Discrimination and Food Imagery Preferences during the First Trimester

contributor: Kwantlen Polytechnic University Psychology department (Degree granting institution)

subject:
Cognition and Perception
Evolution
Experimental Analysis of Behavior
Quantitative Psychology

abstract: visual perception

abstract: colour discrimination

abstract: food preferences

abstract: pregnancy

abstract: first trimester

abstract: psychology

abstract: darwinian

abstract: The present study aims to test the adaptive theory of pregnancy sickness to limit fetal exposure to teratogens, by investigating possible shifts in colour discrimination and food imagery preferences in women during their first trimester of pregnancy. We hypothesized that colour discrimination and food imagery preference shifts are part of the changes that occur to the first trimester pregnant woman's perceptual shifts. The reason for this shift is to protect the embryo during its most vulnerable phase of development. We recruited 6 pregnant women in their first trimester and 9 non-pregnant women to participate in the study. Subjects complete the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue test in which they were asked to order 85 coloured caps in their order of hue. Next, subjects viewed a slideshow of 10 common food exemplars. Each slide displayed a food at 6 different stages of its ripeness or freshness and subjects were asked to rate how appetizing they found each food. Preliminary results confirm our first prediction that first trimester subjects have better chromatic discrimination when compared with non-pregnant subjects.

abstract: Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the PSYC 5010, Honours Thesis course.


title: The Construction of the Gang in British Columbia: Mafioso, Gangster, or Thug? An Examination of the Uniqueness of the BC Gangster Phenomenon

contributor: London Metropolitan University John Grieve Centre, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (Degree granting institution)

coverage:
British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia

subject:
Gangs
Gangs--British Columbia
Gang members
Gang members--British Columbia
Juvenile delinquency
Juvenile delinquency--British Columbia
Social constructionism
HV6439.C2

abstract: This thesis explores the structure, demographics, and history of gangs in British Columbia (BC), Canada, through a social constructionist lens. The purpose of the research is for the reader to consider the current state of gangs in BC as inherently different from other places in the world, to assist in understanding why there may be misconceptions, and to promote the research and implement of more appropriate context-specific intereventions. Building on previous work conducted as a Vancouver Police officer of over 27 years, I participated in field observations with gang units in Toronto and Hobbema, Canada; Chicago and Los Angeles, USA; and London, England. I also examined gang typologies and definitions in academic literature as a segment of the historical context of gang research and highlight how these bodies of literature contribute to the social construction of gangs. A historical review of media-reported gang violence in BC from 1903 to 2012 demonstrates that gang violence is not a new phenomenon, and its history is an essential element in the constructed concept of the gang. As well, I conducted semi-structured interviews with participants who either police gangs, work with gangs, or were former gang members to get their perspectives on the issue. The research findings highlight that gangs in BC are distinct from other locations, Whereas traditional at-risk youth dominate gangs elsewhere, BC has a large number of youth involved in gangs who do not appear to possess the typical antecedents to gang involvement. Because of these differences, it is crucial that anti-gang initiatives and policies be adapted to BC context to effectively reduce gang activity and ultimately eliminate gangs.

abstract: gangs, British Columbia, constuctionism, social construction, Vancouver Police


title: Law, Vulnerability and Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada: A Post-Carter Policy Review

abstract:
This project focuses on assisted-dying policy in Canada; assisted-dying was legalized in February 2015 as per the Carter v. Canada (Attorney General) (2015) ruling, because the longstanding blanket prohibition of assisted-dying was found to be unconstitutional as it violated the plaintiff’s s. 7 right to life, liberty and security of the person. In June 2016, Bill C-14: An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (2016) was enacted federally. One of the main concerns from various sources regarding this legislation is that an individual’s natural death must be reasonably foreseeable to access MAID. Bill C-14 (2016) excludes individuals who do not have a ‘foreseeable natural death’ from accessing medical assistance in dying.  The current policy has not found a balance between the need to protect vulnerable populations from becoming victims to assisted-dying and is not accessible to those who are suffering from non-terminal illnesses or are deemed vulnerable.
The methodology used in this research was a policy analysis, using court cases/rulings, federal legislation, provincial policies, transcripts, and legislative backgrounds/summaries. In addition, the co-investigator conducted two one-on-one semi-structured interviews to supplement the main data.

abstract: policy

abstract: assisted-dying

abstract: physician assisted-dying

abstract: medical assistance in dying (MAID)

abstract: euthanasia

abstract: Charter rights

abstract: principles of fundamental justice

abstract: Carter v. Canada

abstract: Rodriguez v. British Columbia

abstract: disability


title: Rethinking the growth mantra: an exploration of the post-normal world of declining conventional fossil energy

contributor: The University of British Columbia, Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP) (Degree granting institution)

abstract: This dissertation represents a meta-survey of evidence projecting a future of conventional fossil energy decline, and the rapid disappearance of highest quality conventional energy sources. Evidence also suggest that increasing costs of fossil fuel production and declining energetic quality of replacements, point to a growing uneconomic cost of fossil fuel consumption. This indicates the need to challenge the benefits of continued fossil fuel consumption due to the growing devastation on humanity associated with accelerating global climate disruption. Resistance to transitioning away from fossil fuel consumption is documented, with major corporations continuing to promote continued fossil energy consumption using multiple think tanks and political agencies. This dissertation supports the findings of the original 1973 Limits to Growth models projecting an end to the modern “Business as Usual” (BAU) industrial age civilization from two aspects: growing resource depletion, and the expected decline of industrial and services per capita. Evidence indicates that dedicated efforts to continue BAU fossil fuel consumption could end in the collapse of energetic structures essential to industrial civilization, leaving humanity in an energy impoverished position struggling to adapt to increasing global climate disruption. This evidence suggests that the education and knowledge developed in a civilization, where nearly everything created in past generations of increasing fossil fuel consumption risks redundancy in a new ontological world of learning to live with declining per capita energy. This transdisciplinary dissertation surveying these emerging trends in petroleum geology, energy related economics and climate science, collectively dictate that a post-carbon future and the changes that accompany it is one that educators must not ignore.


title: The Critical Knowledge Gap in Evaluating Restorative Justice Practices as a Response to Sexual Misconduct / Sexual Violence in Post-Secondary Institutions: A Call to Action

contributor: Royal Roads University Humanitarian Studies (Degree granting institution)

abstract: In this professional practice paper I set out to discover whether there is data indicating Restorative Justice Practices are effective with respect to victim/survivor satisfaction and engendering systemic culture change when used as a response to incidents of Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Violence in Post-Secondary Institutions (PSIs). I discovered ample and convincing literature making a case for Restorative Justice (RJ) as a valid response to such incidents; as well as, frameworks to guide PSIs in developing this approach within their own institutions. The critical knowledge gap lies in evaluation. What is currently lacking is data on whether institutions are adopting this approach, in what circumstances, in what ways, and to what effect. I suggest this lack of data exists because it is only within the last five years that PSIs, in many Provinces in Canada but not all, have been legislated to respond to these kinds of incidents. This has driven an emergent interest in RJ specific to Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Violence within the Post-Secondary setting. Despite the promise inherent in Restorative Justice Practices, there are legitimate challenges to implementation. This paper seeks to provide some ideas to address those challenges; highlighting work I have undertaken within my own institution. My call to action is for PSIs that implement RJ Practices to do so with evaluation in mind and for researchers to focus scholarship in this area. My hope is to inspire others to strive towards infusing a restorative and relational approach in their work.


title: Comparison of intrinsic motivation scores for two groups of pre-adolescent athletes

subject:
Intrinsic motivation
Sports (Psychological aspects)
Athletes (Psychology)

abstract:
In order for an individual to successfully learn and execute a new movement skill
it is expected that they will not only have achieved a specific level of understanding (i.e.,
cognition), but they will also have had to maintain a level of interest or enthusiasm. The
following is a comparison study designed to evaluate the effect of instruction on intrinsic
motivation scores. Specifically, the study used a secondary data analysis approach to
determine whether an intrinsic motivation score, derived from an attitude based
questionnaire differed in a group of minor hockey players who were taught the basic
concepts, and allowed to body check versus a group of minor hockey league players that
were not permitted to body check.
Although the results indicate that there was a significant difference in the
intrinsic motivation scores between the two cohorts, the researcher suggests that future
studies should consider the many limitations and contributing influences, some of which
include team dynamics, game and practice schedules, amount of playing time, method of
instruction, as well as the psychological constructs such as self-concept, cognitive
maturity, age, and issues of socialization. Further, one may question the importance of
cognitive maturity within this cohort since below average cognitive maturity levels may
suggest a lack of understanding, especially related to the fundamentals of learning a new
movement skill which may in turn influence the individuals motives to perform the skill
(i.e., intrinsic motivation).


title: Little community that could but wouldn't : a case study of controversy, innovation and social change among northern Ojibwa

subject: Indians of North America Ontario Webequie

subject: Ojibwa Indians Social life and customs

subject: Television Ontario Webequie Receivers and reception

abstract:
The main conclusion arrived at in this thesis is that
social change in northern Ojibwa communities is linked to
the balance of power and dependence found between various
individuals and groups. To arrive at this the author
examined the issue of obtaining illegal satellite signals in
the village of Webequie, Ontario.
Through the method of participant observation several
groups in this issue were identified, each had varied desires
but all had the same interest—television service. In
Webequie, the demand for such a system created a controversy
which divided the village into two groups; those who wanted
television and those who rejected it. Each faction held a
degree of power, but the struggle to gain a satellite unit
was more difficult for supporters. They not only had to
contend with non-supporters represented by elders (those
people most influential according to village norms and
Ojibwa custom}, but they also had to deal with the Canadian
Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC),
Their desire was to enforce communications policy and they
stated that legal action would be taken against all illegal
systems.
Apart from the legal issue, all northern native settlements
operating such equipment, despite CRTC threats, are
faced with the added risk of losing their language and
current way of life. This is so because most of the programming found on such systems (mainly American "super
stations") is controlled by people with values different
from the ones practiced in remote Ojibwa^—Cree villages, J
is this cultural threat which concerns a fourth group
identified in the study--Wawata Communications Society,
This organization was established to help preserve
native culture, yet illegal satellite systems threaten to
undermine their purpose. Realizing their position and the
demand for television by many villages like Webequie,
Wawata’s goal was to resolve its dilemma. So, in this study
of social change, one finds supporters who want television
service, non-supporters who reject it, the CRTC who requires
that communications policy be upheld and finally, Wawata who
desires a solution to its problem.
By concentrating on interactions between these four
groups over the issue of television, the researcher has
conducted a case study of social change. To analyze the
situation, the author used the principles of exchange relations,
power-dependence, balancing operations and network exchange,
found in Richard M. Emerson's power-dependence exchange
paradigm.
The data obtained revealed that exchange relations were
established between all groups. Furthermore, power and
dependence was found not only between supporters and nonsupporters,
but also between advocates and Wawata,
supporters and the CRTC, plus other government branches such as the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
The power-dependence relation between non-supporters
and advocates in Webequie generated an imbalance in which
non-supporters maintained a "power advantage". Yet, through
network exchange and one of the balancing operations
(coalition formation) advocates joined with Wawata to balance
non-supporters' power and in the end obtained television
service.


title: Effects of d-amphetamine sulfate and UCS-levels on one-way avoidance behaviour of two selectively bred strains of rat

subject:
Rats
Behavior
Avoidance (Psychology)

abstract: Two experiments were carried out involving 40 animals of RHA/Lu and RLA/Lu strains in a one-way active avoidance situation. Subjects were tested for avoidance conditioning and activity with seven behavioural measurements under training for three days and, under the effect of d-amphetamine sulfate for 5 days. In the first experiment, subjects were selected to form strain-sex groups to ascertain strain and sex differences. Sex differences emerged only on activity scores. In the second experiment, subjects were all female and were tested under two levels of UCS footshock. Shock differences demonstrated a consistent effect with the higher shcok value evoking a larger number, and faster responses.


title: Coordination chemistry of bithiazole ligands: a comparative study of the 2,2’ and 4,4’ isomers

contributor:
MacKinnon, Craig
Gottardo, Christine
Campbell, Michael

subject:
Metals in molecular chemistry
Hard-soft acid-base model
Bithiazole ring system
Ligand synthesis
Bithiazole regioisomers

abstract: The bithiazole ring system consists of two thiazole (C3NS) aromatic rings. There are many regioisomers but two of potential interest for coordination chemistry are the 2,2’-bis(1,3-thiazole) and the 4,4’-bis(1,3-thiazole), because in the syn orientation they have a bipyridyl-like core that could lead to chelating behaviour. Very few single-crystal structures are known to contain bithiazole ligands and those that are known, are mostly of the 4,4’-isomer. This thesis presents work on new ligands using the bithiazole core, reporting the synthesis and coordination chemistry of 2,2’-dichloro-4,4’-bithiazole, 5,5’-dibromo-2,2’-dimethyl-4,4’-bithiazole, and 5,5’-dibromo-2,2’-diamino-4,4’ bithiazole. In solution, the bithiazole ligands are weaker ligands than bipyridyl ligands, but when used in large-scale, and high concentration reactions, a coordination complex can be isolated. UV-vis and combustion analysis evidence are reported to support the formation of the coordination complex. In the case of coordination compounds between silver(I) and a 5,5’-dicyano-2,2’-bithiazoles core, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray powder diffraction are used to characterize the thermal stability of the known single-crystal structures.


title: Seafloor deposit models, geochemistry, and petrology of the mafic-ultramafic hosted Big Lake VMS occurrence, Marathon, Ontario

subject:
Geochemistry
Ontario, Northwestern
Marathon region
Petrology
Mineralogy
Geology

abstract: The Big Lake volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) occurrence, located in the Schreiber-Hemlo belt of the Superior Province, was discovered in March 2006 near Marathon, Ontario. It is hosted in a mafic-ultramafic metavolcanic sequence lacking felsic volcanic or volcaniclastic rock, and consists of a thin, locally anastomosing sheet of veined pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite currently defined over a plan area of approximately 0.5x0.5 km, along the base of a series of peridotite and pyroxenite cumulates termed the Big Lake Ultramafic Complex (BLUC).


title: Experimental evaluation of some classical and adaptive iterative learning control schemes on a 5DOF robot manipulator

subject:
Iterative methods (Mathematics)
Robots (Control systems)
Manipulators (Mechanism)

abstract:
In many process industries (e.g., VLSI production lines, Automotive industries, IC
welding process, inspections, manipulations), robot manipulators are used to perform
the same tasks repeatedly over a finite time interval. The ultimate goal of robotic
research is to design intelligent and autonomous robot control systems to perform
repetitive tasks that are dull, hazardous, or require skill beyond the capability of
humans. The nonlinear nature of the robot dynamics has made this problem a challenging
one in robotics research. This highly demanding control problem of driving an
industrial robot to follow a desired trajectory perfectly under constrained or unconstrained
environment has led to the application of sophisticated control techniques.
From the classical or modern control view point, it is a very difficult task to design
an intelligent robot control system that can achieve perfect tracking over a finite time
interval due to the effect of highly coupled robot dynamics and the presence of the
unmodeled dynamics such as friction and backlash that are usually exhibited in the
robot system during actual operation.


title: Studies in the coordination chemistry of phospholes

contributor:
Holah, D. G.
Hughes, A. N.

subject: Organophosphorus compounds

abstract:
The chemical, physicochemical, theoretical and metal
coordination studies of phospholes which have so far appeared
in the literature are reviewed briefly with particular reference
to the electronic structure of the system.
The coordinating properties of the simple phospholes
1-phenylphosphole (PP), 3-methyl-1-phenylphosphole (mPP), 3,4-
dimethyl-l-phenylphosphole (dPP) and 3,4-dimethyl-1-rwbutylphosphole
(dBP) with the metal ions Re(III), Ru(III), Ru(II), Co{II),
Rh(III), Ir(III), Ni(II), Pd(II), Pt(II), Cu(I) and Hg(II) and
also with carbonyl complexes of Ru(II) and Rh(I) have been studied. ...
Differences in the behavior of the various phospholes
studied here, and also other phospholes, in complex formation are attributed to variations in the substitution pattern with the
type of substitution at the phosphorus atom being apparently of
particular importance.
The results are discussed in terms of orbital perturbation
of a pyramidal phosphole in which the HOMO may not be the
lone-pair orbital and also in terms of a pyramidal but aromatic
phosphole system.


title: Crown dynamics in Pinus resinosa Ait. : analysis and stochastic description of branch production, branch extension growth and foliage dry weight---branch length relationships

subject:
Red pine
Trees Growth

abstract:
The development of the crown structure of Pinus
resinosa Ait. was analysed in terms of three component
processes of tree growth: the number of first order
branches per whorl within the crown, the annual extension
increments of the main stem and first order branches, and
first order branch length - foliage dry weight
relationships. Factors regulating these components were
analysed and stochastic models to describe them were
developed.
Thirty-two trees from five different planted stands
located in the Quetico Section (L.ll) of the Great Lakes -
St. Lawrence Forest Region (Rowe 1972) were examined.
These stands represented various site conditions, stand
ages, and spacing categories.
The number of branches per whorl was weakly
correlated with two attributes of the parent structure:
the length of the terminal leader at the time of whorl bud
inception, and the length of the terminal leader on which
the branches occurred as whorl buds. The number of
branches per whorl was not related to the age of the tree
at the time of whorl bud inception. The binomial probability density function was a suitable model to describe the number of branches per whorl,
Extension growth of first order branches varied greatly from year to year. Differences in the extension growth of individual branches were associated with: differences in the annual height increment of the tree,
factors governing apical control, and the relative position of a branch within the crown.
There appeared to be a potential length which
one-year-old branches could attain that was dependent upon
the concurrent height increment of the tree. There also
seemed to be a potential extension increment for branches
after their first growing season that was dependent upon
initial branch length and branch age. The observed
extension increments of branches were related in a
stochastic manner to the potential for branch extension
growth to simulate naturally occurring variation.
Total branch length was a useful estimator of the
total foliage dry weight for branches of the same age.


title: Wild wolves? Understanding human wolf interactions in a coastal Canadian national park reserve

contributor:
Russell, Connie
Lemelin, Harvey
O'Connell, Tim

subject: Wolves (British Columbia Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)

subject: Wolf-human interactions

abstract: Opinion surveys and interviews with park users (chiefly kayakers and canoeists) in the Pacific Rim (B.C) area, to examine their attitudes about wild wolves (Canis lupus).

abstract:
In the Broken Group Islands unit (BGI) of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, there
are increasing accounts of human-wolf interactions due to a combination o f the recent
migration of wolves (Canis lupus) into the area and high human use. The wolves have begun
exhibiting less wariness of humans and are learning to forage for food in areas frequented by
visitors. In this island environment, paddlers (kayakers and canoeists) constitute a significant
95% of total users, a highly influential group worthy of study. These increasing human-wolf
interactions have prompted park managers to explore the human dimensions of wolf
management with the intention to reduce risks to both people and wolves.
In response to this need, I used a mixed-methods approach (surveys and interviews)
to find out what attitudes were prevalent among paddlers in this area and how people
perceived and felt about wolves being in the area. During the summer months (July to
September) of 2005, I collected 374 usable questionnaires and conducted interviews with 13
volunteers. The surveys illustrated that most paddlers within my sample felt wolves were
important to the area for their intrinsic value and their relationship to the environment and
other species. The interviews elicited a variety o f emotions, ranging from fear to curiosity to
awe. Interview participants also discussed how the presence of wolves affected their
experience in the BGI which ranged from moderately negative to outright positive.
This research provides insight into the complex dynamics at play in wolf-human
interactions within the BGI of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and, by extension,
protected areas worldwide.


title: Effectiveness of a structured handwriting program

contributor:
Epp, Juanita
Epp, Walter

subject: Penmanship Study and teaching

subject: Penmanship Study and teaching Ontario Thunder Bay Testing

abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess the use of a structured multi-sensory
handwriting program with grade one students. This study utilized a multiple-group
time series design and included a pre-test. A standardized assessment of
handwriting skills, the Minnesota Handwriting Test was used for this baseline
measurement and subsequent measurements throughout the school year. Two
experimental classes received instruction using the Handwriting Without Tears
method and a control class used traditional methods. Subsequent testing of
handwriting skills was conducted each month from December until June. A one-way
Analysis of Variance was used to compare the results. The experimental
classes using the structured multi-sensory handwriting program improved
significantly in handwriting skills specifically, in overall printing skills, alignment of
letters on the baseline and size of letters in comparison to the control class. The
girls in both experimental classes mirrored the above results and demonstrated
improvement in overall printing skills, alignment and size when compared to the
girts in the control class. The boys in the experimental classes demonstrated
significant changes in the areas of legibility and spacing. Although the
experimental classes demonstrated more improvement than the control class in
overall handwriting skills, the students in the control class were fester writers.
Further research including an assessment of handwriting skills into grade two would
be helpful to further explore the speed and legibility issue and consolidation of
handwriting skills. A longitudinal study would assist in exploring handwriting issues.


title: Effect of gender on violent and non-violent recidivism : a meta-analysis

contributor:
Ariss, Rachel
Liu, Jianye

subject:
Recidivism
Recidivism and gender

abstract:
A large body of literature has been dedicated to understanding re-offending after release
from prison - a phenomenon known as recidivism. Such research is critical both to
understanding the determinants of crime and optimizing the correctional system. A meta-analysis
was conducted using 49 published studies on actuarial predictors of both violent and
non-violent recidivism in men and women. The current analysis resulted in 65 effect sizes
between violent recidivists and non-recidivists, and 60 effect sizes between violent recidivists
with non-violent recidivists. Several variables (drug/alcohol use, age, and marriage) were
predictive of recidivism. Gender differences were also observed. In men, increased violent
criminal history was associated with increased violent recidivism. In women, a younger age at
first offence and longer sentences were predictive of violent re-offending. Despite limited data
on women, pursuing the predictors of recidivism is a rewarding avenue of research which can
lead to many possibilities within this field.


title: Hydromapping Tool Creation for Sprat Lake Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Surface From Motion Analysis; A Proactive Approach to Reduce Potential Mercury Fluxes Following Forest Harvesting By Using Variable Retention Buffers and Preplanned Machine Travel Corridors

subject: Mercury in the environment

subject: Mercury cycle

subject: Dissolved organic carbon and pH

subject: Affects of forest disturbances on Hg levels

subject: Riparian buffers and their affect on water quality

subject: Aerial photography and UAVs in Resource Managment

abstract:
There has been an increase in the awareness and concern regarding
mercury contamination in Northwestern Ontario fish. Wetland and low laying areas
are considered hotspots for methylmercury production which, when disturbed by
harvesting and site preparation equipment, can cause mercury to runoff into the
aquatic system and bioaccumulate through the food chain. In this study, a
hydromapping tool for Sprat Lake was created through surface from motion
analysis of Unmanned Areal Vehicle (UAV) images. This tool determined areas of
high water accumulation on the landscape that might otherwise go undetected.
Variable retention buffers were also created with this tool as riparian zones may
extend farther than fixed with buffers currently prescribed by Ontario forest
management guidelines. Wetland environments were identified and classified to
ensure that they could be avoided by heavy equipment during harvesting and
tending treatments. Road corridors were also outlined to steer heavy equipment
away from low laying areas. This proactive approach reduces surprises incurred
when conducting harvesting and renewal operations and may reduce soil
disturbance on sensitive areas, possibly helping to mitigate total mercury and
methylmercury fluxes that may sometimes follow forest harvesting disturbance.


title: Characteristics of the boreal mixedwood forest associated with subnivean access by the American Marten (Martes americana)

contributor:
McLaren, Brian
Thompson, Ian
Luckai, Nancy

subject:
American marten
Habitat
Ontario, Northwestern
Taiga ecology
Forests and forestry
Kapuskasing region
Thunder Bay region

abstract: Habitat selection by the American marten (Martes americana ), in studies throughout its range, has been associated with forest types that offer higher structural complexity. Such structure has been proposed to facilitate predator avoidance and access to the subnivean environment for thermoregulation and food procurement. The purpose of my study was to assess fine-scale habitat characteristics at points of subnivean access, and to use these characteristics to evaluate stands designated as reserved marten habitat according to the Forest Management Guidelines for the Provision of Marten Habitat in Ontario . In two study areas near Kapuskasing and near Thunder Bay, Ontario, I used point sampling to measure overhead canopy cover and various attributes of downed wood and dead trees, and plot sampling to describe understory woody vegetation, where 31 subnivean access points had been determined by winter tracking of marten. A case-control design and stepwise logistic regression were used to compare habitat at marten access points to habitat available in adjacent areas, using two or more reference points each 50-100 m from an access point. Overhead canopy cover ( P = 0.003), abundance of coarse woody debris (P = 0.020), and deciduous understory stem density (P =0.030) were positively associated with subnivean access. Total volume of standing dead trees (snags) and coarse woody debris in intermediate stages of decay, identified by loose bark and little to no intact fine branch structure, were negatively associated with subnivean access when estimated as volume within a plot ( P = 0.047). In habitat reserves in the Lakehead Forest, near Thunder Bay, the same characteristics were used in a forward stepwise discriminant function analysis comparing sites of used subnivean access and proximally located control points to stands designated as "good" and "fair" suitable marten habitat within marten cores. The discriminant function analysis was able to distinguish the "good" suitable habitat from the case - control model to a greater degree than the "fair" suitable habitat.


title: Aerobic power and anaerobic threshold of male rowers

subject:
Respiration
Muscle strength
Rowers

abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the endurance component
of off-season rowing performance in male rowers before and after an
8-week training period. Specific attention was given to laboratory
assessment of aerobic power (AP) and anaerobic threshold (AT) as they
were affected by the above training period.
A single subject case study research design was employed, which
involved pre- and post-training tests, of seven male rowers of national
and provincial calibre. Following the pre-training test, individualized
training programs were designed involving continuous and interval
endurance training. The training intensity for continuous training (CT) and
interval training (IT) was based on a percentage below (AT -10% VO[subscript]2 max) and above (AT +10 to 25% VO[subscript]2 max) the subject's AT. The training intensity was monitored through heart rate count. The training was carried out on rowing ergometers (Concept II), 3 times per week, each session lasting 50 to 60 minutes. After the training period, VO2 max L min[superscript]1 and VO[subscript]2 M1kg[superscript]1 min[superscript]1 at AT increased in all subjects between 1.8% and 22.9% and -4.2% to 16.3%, respectively. As well, the maximum
rowing ergometer performance, power output, maximum workload, and
time before reaching AT increased.
High levels of AT among oarsmen are attributed to the specific nature
of training regimens which may have increased the oxidative capacity of
muscle fibers and the cardiorespiratory transport system. Measurement of
HR at AT could provide the coach and the oarsman with an objective
method of monitoring the intensity of training. These results demonstrate
that the AT in rowers is profoundly influenced by endurance training.


title: Panic attacks, hypochondriacal concerns, and selective processing of threat cues

subject:
Panic attacks
Hypochondria
Agoraphobia

abstract:
Cognitive theories of panic disorder and hypochondriasis were investigated using
a modification of the Stroop Colour-naming Task. Sixty-two participants were divided
into four groups (hypochondriacal panickers, non-hypochondriacal panickers,
hypochondriacal non-panickers, and controls) on the basis of their responses to the
Illness Behavior Questionnaire and the Panic Attack Questionnaire. Colour-naming
times for neutral words and five categories of threat words (imminent physical, imminent
mental, non-imminent, autonomic arousal, and non-autonomic arousal) were recorded in
order to explore the hypotheses that the perceived imminence of the catastrophe and the
types of symptoms that are feared are the key features that discriminate between panic
disorder and hypochondriasis. Contrary to predictions, panickers and hypochondriacs did
not exhibit selective processing for any category of stimulus items. That is, in
comparison to neutral words, panickers did not take longer to colour-name the imminent
physical catastrophe, imminent mental catastrophe, and autonomic arousal words, that
were most relevant to the experience of panic attacks. Furthermore, subjects with
hypochondriacal concerns did not exhibit greater Stroop interference for the nonimminent
catastrophe or non-autonomic arousal words that were most closely associated
with hypochondriacal ideation. The findings did indicate, however, that panickers and
individuals with greater degrees of psychopathology, exhibited slower responding in
general. Methodological differences between the present study and previous research
with panickers may account for inconsistencies in the findings. Implications of these
findings for cognitive theories of panic disorder and hypochondriasis are discussed and
suggestions for future research are made.


title: Synthesis of novel Lipid A analogs as potential ligands for toll-like receptor 4

subject:
Lipid A
Toll-Like Receptors
Physiology
Lipids
Synthesis
Cell receptors
Ligands

abstract: Lipid A, the glycolipid component of Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide has been shown to engage the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling pathway. While this signalling cascade results in cellular mediators which serve to activate the immune system and eliminate the invading organism, the associated toxicity is potentially harmful to the host. With an ever increasing molecular understanding of TLR4 mediated signalling, synthetic analogs of the natural Lipid A structure and the structure-activity relationship information they provide have emerged as a potential method of harnessing the desired immunomodulating effects from the undesired toxicity. As such, the therapeutic potential of TLR4 signalling is becoming an increasing possibility.       Two novel synthetic frameworks have been designed and synthesized to potentially mimic the natural Lipid A structure. A dimeric monosaccharide framework was obtained, however, attempts at functionalization (R = Lipid) to generate a series of analogs were generally unsuccessful due to unforeseen circumstances. A revised synthetic strategy has thereby been undertaken to allow more facile functionalization of this framework. A monosaccharide framework in which diethanolamine is employed as an acyclic scaffold replacing one of the sugar groups common to the natural disaccharide Lipid A structure has also been obtained. Functionalization (R = Lipid) has been successfully achieved, with further functionalization of this framework through the acyclic hydroxyl moiety intended. Ultimately, biological evaluation will determine the potential of these frameworks as being ligands for TLR4.


title: Cognitive processes in acquaintance rape judgments : an information processing perspective

subject: Acquaintance rape

abstract:
Acquaintance rape has been considered society's "hidden crime", often being seen as
wrong, but not criminal (Bechhofer & Parrot, 1991). In comparison to other violent
crimes, rape has the highest rate of acquittal and the lowest rate of conviction (Weiner &
Vodanovich, 1986). In many instances victims of rape are held accountable for their
victimization (Abbey, 1987). This study investigated the cognitive processes involved in
the development of rape judgments and sanctioning decisions. Cognitive structures, namely
observer attitudes (rape myth acceptance, sex-role beliefs, hostility towards women), were
found to have a mediating role between ambiguous information and the development of
inferences (regarding the victim and offender). In mm, the mediational relationship between
inferences and consequent rape judgments (perception of rape, victim and offender
responsibility and blame) was established. Sanctioning judgments (conviction and
punishments) were found to succeed rape judgments. Individuals who had more
conventional attitudes (higher rape myth acceptance, traditional sex-role beliefs, more
hostility towards women) tended to develop less negative offender inferences (e.g.,
perceived him as less violent), and more negative victim inferences (e.g., perceived her as
more desiring of sex). In turn, they also tended to attribute more responsibility to the
victim, and were more reluctant to identify the situation as "rape". Furthermore, these
individuals were less willing to convict, and assigned less punishment to the offender. The
inverse pattern of inference development, and rape and sanctioning judgments was found
for those with more progressive attitudes (less rape myth acceptance, more egalitarian sex-role
beliefs, less hostility towards women). Based on hierarchical multiple regression
analyses, a model of information processing was proposed.


title: Emotion regulation mediates the association between HRV reactivity and relationship success

subject: HRV and emotion regulation

subject: Emotion regulation and social processes

subject: Early social psychophysiological research

subject: HRV and romantic relationship formation

abstract:
Two hundred single post-secondary students participated in a longitudinal study including
online, laboratory, and speed dating components. This methodology was used to examine the
link between romantic relationship formation and the heart, specifically heart rate variability.
Relationship success was operationally defined as matching during a speed dating session or
forming a romantic relationship over a prospective 6-month period. Both HRV reactivity and
resting HRV were related to relationship success, each through different mechanisms. In a
moderated mediation model, higher HRV reactivity predicted greater use of the emotion
regulation strategy of reappraisal which, in turn, interacted with body mass index (BMI) to
predict relationship success. Higher use of reappraisal increased relationship success amongst
higher-BMI individuals, but hindered relationship success amongst lower-BMI individuals. In a
separate moderation model, a pattern of increasing HRV in response to a stressor conferred an
advantage in relationship success only to participants with lower resting HRV. Finally, resting
HRV was found to predict relationship success through the mediator of mate value. Higher
resting HRV was associated with higher mate value, which predicted higher subsequent
matching and relationship formation. These results are discussed in the context of the
generalized unsafety theory of stress. This investigation of human relationship formation
through a biological lens provides insights into how otherwise imperceptible cardiac experiences
are contributory to romantic relationship formation.


title: Stakeholders' experiences of an interpretation accreditation system : a case study in Banff National Park, Canada / by Rosanna L. Maunder.

contributor:
McIntyre, Norman
Curthoys, Lesley
Russell, Connie

subject: Tour guides - Training

subject: National parks and reserves employees - Training

subject: National parks and reserves - Interpretive programs

subject: Banff National Park

abstract:
Previous research suggests that guided interpretation in nature-based settings has the potential to develop positive attitudes towards conservation and can foster appropriate visitor behavior in parks and protected areas. However, such goals are unlikely to be achieved without adequately trained personnel. In response, professional associations have been formed and professional accreditation systems have been developed (in countries such as Australia, United States and Canada) in part to enhance the quality
assurance for nature-based tour guides. While considerable research has focused on guide effectiveness and roles, there have been few studies that have explored the issues surrounding implementation of accreditation requirements. Using the Mountain Parks Heritage Interpretation Association (MPHIA) located in Banff National Park, Alberta,  Canada as a case study the intent of the research has been to discover how a professional association and the concept of accreditation are accepted by a guiding
community. By understanding the perceptions of stakeholders (guides, operations owners. Parks Canada, and MPHIA’s management) in regards to the accreditation program, this research aimed to
enhance the overall effectiveness of the services provided by interpretive guides in the Rocky Mountain
National Parks while also contributing to knowledge base in allied fields including: tourism, parks and
recreation, outdoor leadership and education. Although overall there was a general acceptance of the
need for MPHIA and its programs, by the fourteen stakeholders who were interviewed for this study,
some specific criticisms were voiced in regard to the content, and evaluation of its programs, the
national and international transferability of its qualifications and its image and credibility. These
concerns were manifested in a lack of commitment and involvement among some guides and tourism operators. Given this outcome, there is a need for MPHIA to examine the content and relevance of its
programs; to increase links to national and international organizations involved in guiding; and to
broaden its scope to encompass a more diverse clientele within the tourism industry in Banff and beyond. More generally, observations from interviewees suggested that a fruitful area for future research would be the impacts on certification programs of the peripatetic lifestyle of guides, the cost of resort living and the insecurity and seasonal nature of employment in the guiding field.


title: Investigating productivity and foliar nutrient status in second growth white spruce (Picea glauca) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides)

contributor:
Luckai, Nancy
Reid, Doug
Shahi, Chander

subject:
Boreal mixedwoods
Hegyi's competition index
Facilitation
Foliar nutrient status
Periodic basal area increment
Productivity
Trembling aspen
White spruce

abstract: This thesis synthesizes two related papers investigating competitive interactions of second growth white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) at the Fallingsnow Ecosystem Project sites near Thunder Bay, Ontario. In the first paper, biweekly white spruce foliar concentrations and ratios of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and micronutrients were analyzed for 12 trees of varying mixture proportion, throughout the 2010 growing season. Results were analyzed with repeated measures design to determine patterns in foliar nutrient concentrations, including seasonal stability and the effect of mixture proportion on the timing of these relationships. Seasonal trends were evident in concentrations of N, P, K and Ca, as well as in many nutrient ratios (Ca/N, Mg/N, Mn/N and Zn/N). Significantly lower foliar P, K and P/N and higher Ca, Ca/N, Mn/N and Zn/N were observed in foliage from spruce trees in spruce dominated stands. The presence of aspen appeared to influence the amount and duration of nutrient uptake. These results suggest that it is important to differentiate between mixed- and mono-cultures for foliar nutrient research in plantation white spruce.


title: A lived experience research: exploring the meaning of therapeutic horticulture for anishinabek youth in a brief residential treatment unit

contributor:
Nelson, Connie
McKee, Margaret
Cameron, Erin

subject:
Therapeutic horticulture
Anishinabek youth
Aboriginal social work & healing

abstract:
If a social worker truly wishes to support Anishinabek peoples in healing, it is vital that their approach is guided from a personal place in line with a holistic worldview. As a healing practice, therapeutic horticulture by nature connects plant life and people together. Each supports the other in a symbiotic relationship to promote well-being for all. Therapeutic horticulture has many tenets that allow for connection with all life forms of this Universe.
With the long history of oppression and inter-generational trauma of Anishinabek peoples, social work practices must critically reflect on the approaches and structural practices in place in an effort to assess their relevance with this population. This can only be done by working with the people.
This qualitative exploratory research utilizes a hermeneutic phenomenology approach, employing photovoice and semi-directed interviews as the method of data collection. A hermeneutic approach is carried out in collaboration with the participants. As such, this study examined the meaning that Anishinabek youth ascribe to a therapeutic horticulture approach to healing. The main findings of this thesis share that the therapeutic horticulture approach to healing was meaningful for the youth. The following themes emerged as relevant experiences for the participants: Engaging the senses, humour, the social experience, cognitive experience, wonder, resiliency, skill building, and a sense of pride, interconnectedness, caretaking, memories, and the connection to the spirit world, culture and the enjoyment of the photovoice method.
By drawing on the voice of the youth, this research offers guidance for future approaches to therapeutic horticulture healing practices as well as policy making in the social work profession. This research may also inform future research as to relevant and honorable research practices with Anishinabek populations.


title: Dynamic bandwidth allocation in CDMA-based passive optical networks

subject: Access networks

subject: Passive Optical Networks (PON)

subject: Ethernet PON (EPON)

subject: Quality of Service (QoS)

abstract:
Fiber to the home (FTTH) technology is an attractive solution for providing high bandwidth from the Central Office (CO) to residences and small-and medium-sized businesses. The emergence of Internet Protocol-based communication within households such as VoIP, IPTV, video conferencing, and high definition multimedia shows that there is a need for high-capacity networks that can handle differentiated services. By providing an optical fiber link to a household where the optical network unit (ONU) is located, there will be a tremendous increase in information capacity with respect to Digital Subscriber Line and cable modem technologies that are currently in place.
In access networks, Passive Optical Networks (PON) are rapidly replacing copper-based technologies due to a wide range of benefits, one of which is having the capability to transmit data at a higher rate and reach further distances without signal degradation. Under the PON family of technologies, Ethernet PON (EPON) was developed and is specified in the IEEE 802.3 standard outlining the framework that can deliver voice, data, and video over a native Ethernet port to businesses and residential customers.
An increasingly important subject to network operators is Quality of Service (QoS). Although the EPON specification provides mechanisms for supporting QoS, it does not specify or define an algorithm for providing QoS. Rather it is up to the CO to design and implement an appropriate algorithm to meet the specifications of services that are offered to their clients. Researchers have extensively studied bandwidth allocation in EPON where the challenge is to develop bandwidth allocation algorithms that can fairly redistribute bandwidth among ONUs based on their demand. These algorithms were developed for the uplink direction, from ONUs to CO, in a network where only a single ONU is permitted to transmit at a time.
Another well-established PON technology is Optical Code-Division Multiple Access PON (OCDMA-PON). In recent years, it has become more economical due to hardware advancements and it has gained a lot of attention due to its benefits over EPON. The most attractive benefit of OCDMA-PON is that multiple ONUs may transmit to the CO simultaneously, depending on a number of constraints, whereas EPON is limited to a single ONU transmission at a time.
In this thesis, we develop a dynamic bandwidth allocation algorithm called Multi-Class Credit-Based Packet Scheduler (MCBPS) for OCDMA-PON in the uplink direction that supports the Internet Protocol (IP) Differentiated Services and takes advantage of the simultaneous nature of OCDMA. The IP Differentiated Services specifications stipulate the following traffic classifications: Expedited Forwarding for low latency, low packet loss, and low jitter applications; Assured Forwarding for services that require low packet loss; and Best Effort which are not guaranteed any bandwidth commitments. MCBPS incorporates the use of credit pools and the concept of a credit bank system to provide the same services as EPON by assigning ONUs specific timeslots to transmit data and also by specifying the amount of bytes from each class. MCBPS is a central office based algorithm that provides global fairness between Quality of Service (QoS) classes while also ensuring that at any given moment the desired number of simultaneous transmissions is not exceeded. We demonstrate through simulation that MCBPS algorithm is applicable in both EPON and OCDMA-PON environments.
An in-house simulation program written in the C programming language is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The MCBPS algorithm was tested alongside a benchmark algorithm called Interleaved Polling with Adaptive Cycle Time (IPACT) algorithm to compare network throughput, average packet delay, maximum packet delay, and packet loss ratio. From the simulation results it was observed that MCBPS algorithm is able to satisfy the QoS requirements and its performance is comparable to IPACT where the simultaneous transmission is limited to one. The simulation results also show that as the number of simultaneous transmissions within the network increases, so does the bandwidth. The MCBPS algorithm is able to re-distribute the scaling bandwidth while ensuring that a single ONU or QoS class does not monopolize all the available bandwidth. In doing so, through simulation results, as the simultaneous transmissions increases, the average packet delay decreases and the packet loss ratio improves.


title: Interspecific interactions modulate social foraging behaviour and habitat use in a neotropical migratory warbler species during its nonbreeding period

subject:
Migratory birds
Foraging
Habitat selection
Seasonal migration (neotropical birds)

abstract:
Spatial and temporal variation in biotic and abiotic conditions in any foraging
environment prompts individuals to modify their strategies of space use and behavioral
responses such as going from solitary to social foraging, as it occurs with flocking in forest
birds. While asymmetric intraspecific competition determines differential habitat selection, the
occurrence and foraging activity of others, conspecifics or even congeners, can also inform on
fitness prospects and provide floaters or flock attendants additional foraging opportunities when
searching for alternative habitats. Whether interspecific interactions between congeneric
species modulate habitat use in a species that occurs at low densities during the non-breeding
period remains less known. Here, I study two Neotropical migratory bird species that join
flocks: the endangered Golden-cheeked warbler (GCWA; Setophaga chrysoparia) and the
Townsend’s warbler (TOWA; S. townsendi). The main objective was to describe social
mechanisms underlying habitat preference in the former species by looking at foraging
strategies and interactions with its congener that might influence its habitat selection. A
secondary goal was to provide knowledge on the nonbreeding ecology of GCWA toward
conservation recommendations. [...]


title: Whole rock geochemistry, mineral chemistry, petrology and Pt, Pd mineralization of the Seagull Intrusion, Northwestern Ontario

subject:
Geochemistry
Geology
Petrology
Northwestern Ontario

abstract:
The Seagull Intrusion emplaced during formation of the 1.1 Ga Mid-continental Rift centred around Lake Superior was studied in several drill core and surface samples and consists of a lower ultramafic section (~650 m) and an upper mafic section of unknown thickness (<100m).  The lower ultramafic section is texturally dominated by cumulate olivine and poikilitic clinopyroxene with lithologies consisting of dunites, peridotites and pyroxenites. The upper mafic section is variable in lithology, with increasing upwards in abundance of cumulate pyroxene and poikilitic feldspar, dominated by olivine gabbro and gabbros.
Olivine, pyroxene and oxide mineral chemistry from the lower ultramafic section, indicates limited fractionation throughout the section. Forsterite compositions range from Fo75.8 to Fo86.3.  Pyroxene also exhibits a limited range of variability with clinopyroxene restricted to the compositions of En42Wo48Fs10 to En54Wo39Fs7. Oxides occur as inclusions in olivine and in pyroxene with compositions reflecting subsolidus re-equilibrium with the host mineral.  Olivine compositions from the mafic section exhibit a more differentiated nature and range in composition from Fo57.4 to Fo75.8.
Whole rock geochemistry is consistent with the homogeneous nature of the ultramafic section and more differentiated character of the mafic section. Major elements only exhibit minor variations in abundance through the ultramafics, and exhibit enrichment in Fe and Si only in the mafic section. Trace elements and primitive mantle normalised patterns identified five geochemical units, characterised by total trace element abundances and Eu, Nb and Th anomalies. Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotopes indicate the intrusion was variably contaminated by older continental crust. The most extensive contamination is found in the basal section of the intrusion and decreases away from the contact.
Platinum, palladium, nickel and copper mineralization is found at the base of the ultramafic section of the intrusion, formed during initial emplacement and sulphur saturation at that point in time. A second mineralized horizon (RGB Horizon) occurs ~100 to 150m above the basal contact. The RGB Horizon is continuous over 700 m and contains three distinct horizons separated by at least 2 m of unmineralized ultramafic rock. These layers are interpreted to have formed as individual events related to the injection of primitive magma refreshing the chamber.


Japan - a case study in an independent capitalist economic development


title: Modelling soil temperature on the boreal plain with an emphasis on the rapid cooling period

contributor:
Prepas, Ellie
Catalan, Lionel
McCready, Tim
Putz, Gordon

subject:
Forest soils
Effect of temperature on
Alberta
Effect of cold on
Soil temperature
Soil moisture

abstract:
To accurately model soil temperatures on the Boreal Plain, factors that influence fine-grained
soils during the rapid cooling period must first be identified. The effects of air temperature, soil
moisture and snow depth were quantified at 0.1 and 0.5 m depths for 14 sites encompassing five
treatment types: three upland burned, three upland harvested, three upland conifer, three upland
deciduous and two wetland. In the absence of snow from September to October at the 0.1 m
depth, air temperature was identified as the most important parameter, explaining approximately
70% of the variation in soil temperature for upland and wetland sites. At the same depth in the
presence of snow from November to December, soil moisture was more important. At a deeper
soil depth (0.5 m), soil moisture was identified as the most important parameter regardless of
snow cover, explaining from 63 to 91% of the variation in soil temperatures for upland and
wetland sites. The presence of snow was a significant factor influencing soil temperatures, but
snow depth was not. Further, the soil temperature algorithms of SWAT were tested using one
site of each treatment type at 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 m depths. The algorithms utilized by SWAT were
able to reproduce seasonal trends in soil temperatures adequately for the spring, summer and
autumn seasons, with only a slight increase in the lag coefficient parameter. During winter
months, the SWAT algorithms tended to predict soil temperatures that were consistently lower
than measured data. Further development to the SWAT soil temperature algorithms is required to
represent better the important insulating effect of snowpack.


title: British West Indians in Panama : an analysis of Linda Smart Chubb's memorandum in The Forgotten People / by Nicole Butzke.

subject:
Migrant workers - Panama
West Indians - Panama

abstract:
"Of the many documents available to researchers, one report stands out as a unique first hand account of the history of the West Indian diaspora in Panama. In 1943 Linda Smart Chubb, a West Indian woman of British citizenship working at the British Legation, wrote a memorandum entitled, “The British West Indians and the British Representation on the Isthmus
of Panama” as part of a collections called The Forgotten People. Linda Smart Chubb wrote the document recording the history of British West Indian representation which she observed while working in numerous positions at British Consulates. Over twenty-two years of experience in the
consulate provided the information for the report and placed the writer in a unique position to comment on the situation faced by the West Indian community in Panama. ... The memorandum examines the West Indian community and its interaction with British representatives in the area. Although the document was completed by Vice-Consul Thwaites its
value is not diminished because Linda Smart Chubb conducted all the research for the memorandum, and her impressions form the bulk of the document. The fact that a woman of British West Indian descent was able to provide her views on the community at large was and remains unprecedented. While the majority of the information discussed in the memorandum is now available in the secondary literature, the document provides further support and a much needed individual first hand account of the life for British West Indians on the Isthmus."-- Introduction


title: Effect of carbon-starvation on the survival of and PNP degradation by a Moraxella strain

subject:
Moraxella biodegradation
Bacterial starvation and survival
Carbon-starvation and stress-resistance
Environmental contamination
Bioremediation

abstract:
The effect of carbon-starvation on the stress resistance responses of a p-nitrophenol
degrading Moraxella strain was examined in both, buffer and river water
samples. The Moraxella strain showed optimal stress resistance responses in a minimal
salt buffer when carbon-starved for 1-2 days. In the buffer system, the 1- and 2-day
carbon-starved Moraxella cultures survived about 150-, 200- and 100-foid better than the
non-starved cultures when exposed to 43.5°C, 2.7M NaCI and 500 " H2O2 for 4 hours,
respectively. A green fluorescent protein gene- labelled derivative of the Moraxella
strain was used to examine the stress resistance responses of the bacterium in natural
river water microcosms. The carbon-starved gfp-labelled Moraxella strain also showed
stress resistant responses against heat, osmotic and oxidative stresses in the river water
samples. Despite the stress tolerant capability of the carbon-starved gfp-labelled
Moraxella cells, they did not exhibit any survival advantage over their non-starved
counterparts when inoculated into river water microcosms and incubated at 10° or 22°C
for fourteen days.


title: An Assessment of hospital-based mental health nurses' tobacco cessation practices in two Northeastern Ontario LHIN regions

subject:
Smoking
Prevention & control
Ontario, Northeastern
Psychological aspects
Smoking cessation

abstract: This is the first Canadian study to examine acute care mental health nurses' adherence to clinician-level (4A protocol) and systems-level recommendations from the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario's best practice guidelines (2007). This study also examined respondents' beliefs, confidence, and perceived facilitators and barriers. Persons with a mental illness can and want to quit smoking but have higher tobacco use prevalence and quit at lower rates than do smokers in the general population. Psychiatric nurses are well positioned to intervene given their daily one-on-one patient contact. A questionnaire was mailed (in three steps) to 141 registered nurses who provide care to mental health inpatients within two Northern Ontario regions. Over three-quarters of respondents performed at least one of the strategies listed within each step of the 4A protocol ( ask, advise, assist, arrange ) but strategies were performed between 'seldom' and 'occasionally' and few (6%) spent more than the recommended 10 minutes or more for persons with a mental health disorder. Patient motivation was both the biggest barrier and facilitator to intervening. A general lack of systems-level strategies was identified, few had received tobacco cessation training, and only 19% had seen the RNAO guidelines. However, the majority had high confidence and positive beliefs about intervening, felt intervening was 'somewhat' part of their role, and expressed interest in further training.  The findings suggest that improvements are needed to increase the frequency of intervention and amount of time spent intervening. Psychiatric inpatient facilities could playa key role towards supporting nurses to meet their patients' tobacco cessation needs and help reduce this patient populations' disproportionately high smoking prevalence.


title: Updates from camera traps used to monitor the elk population in the Lake of the Woods area

subject:
Cervus elaphus
Wapiti
Capture-mark-recapture
Predator-prey

abstract:
Elk (Cervus elaphus L. canadensis), once widespread across North America, severely
declined due to overhunting and habitat conversion in the 1900s. The Lake of the Woods are was
one of four locations chosen to reintroduce elk populations in Ontario with the release of 104 elk
between 1998-2001. Using data from approximately six to seven camera traps over 9 years
(2013-2021), this study updates the status of the Lake of the Woods elk population. Age and sex
ratios were determined, as well as the current distribution of the population. A minimum
population estimate was calculated with a mark-capture-recapture design. Camera capture
frequency of individuals in the elk population was compared to the frequency of captures of the
predator population in the region, as well as to the frequency of camera captures of individuals of
other cervid prey species. The results show bias from non-random camera placements, which
also lead to more adult male elk than female elk being captured on camera and to an inaccurate
population size estimate. This study also found a decrease in frequency of camera captures of
predators and other prey populations consistent with an increase in the elk population estimates.
For more accurate population estimates, this study recommends using more camera traps and
using random camera placements.


title: The development of hypothesis testing behaviour in children

subject:
Thought and thinking
Child development

abstract: This experiment investigated whether six, eight, and ten year-old children are capable of simultaneously using more than one hypothesis at a time, or whether children can test only one at a time in a discrimination learning situation.


title: Wilderness risk management and YMCA camp outtripping programs

contributor:
Johnston, Margaret
Potter, Tom
Payne, R. J.

subject:
Risk management
Outdoor recreation
Wilderness areas
Recreational use
Camping
Canoe camping

abstract: Risk management has become a significant focus in outdoor programs. Managing risks in natural environments can be very complex, particularly since many of the risks which can cause loss are the same risks which can cause gain. The purpose of this research was to gain an understanding of how risks are managed in outtripping programs through using three YMCA summer camps as a case study. The three camps are Camp Queen Elizabeth, John Island Camp and Camp Pine Crest. Outtripping programs are a significant focus at each of these camps. Data for this research were collected through the use of semi-structured interviews and focus groups with camp directors, assistant directors and outtripping staff, totalling 19 study participants. This research identifies three main short comings of the traditional approach to risk management: (1) risk management tools and techniques alone do not lead to a safe and valuable outtrip experience; (2) it adopts a partial definition of risk and risk management, which fails to place emphasis on the positive side of risk; and, (3) human factors are not adequately addressed in the process. Findings from this research show that wilderness risk management is a complex process made up of many interconnected components. The components that were identified in this research are grouped into three categories: program design, risk management tools and techniques, and human factors. Managing risk in a wilderness environment involves numerous uncertainties related to the environment, equipment and people. The risk management process is adaptive for both organizations and leaders and involves balancing the competing goals of safety, protection and adventure. Well-developed goals provide a foundation for outcomes based risk management. This research has produced a wide range of information which can be used by both academic and applied audiences to further strengthen the process of wilderness risk management.


title: Parent perceptions of safe hockey and their child's participation in physical activity / by Alyshia Landry

subject: Hockey for children

subject: Hockey coaching

subject: Safe hockey instruction

subject: Parents' perceptions of children's hockey

abstract:
Background: Ice hockey, a very popular sport in Canada, is enjoyed by the young and old alike.  However, like any other sport, participating in hockey exposes players to the possibility of injury. The majority of injuries in hockey are caused by "body contact", which include legal and illegal body checks. Injury prevention programs have been formed to teach youth about proper body checking technique and how to stay safe during the high speed game of hockey. The purpose of this study was to assess parent perceptions of safe hockey and physical activity, and to determine if parents would support a safe hockey course delivered to coaches online to help
prevent further injuries in this age group.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with minor hockey parents residing in Waterloo Region, Niagara Region, and Toronto. A self-administered paper-based survey was administered to parents in Toronto and an electronic survey was advertised to those residing in the regions of Waterloo and Niagara. Survey respondents were asked to provide basic demographic information, their attitudes towards safe hockey and towards their child's coach, as well as reasons for enrollment in hockey and other physical activities.
Results: Almost all parents (92.2%) were in favour of their child's coach participating in a safe hockey course online. The vast majority of respondents (97.0%) felt that practicing safe hockey was a "very important" objective of ice hockey and many (84.0%) believed their child's coach was adequately prepared to teach safe hockey skills. The majority of respondents also agreed that hockey promotes positive child growth and development. Respondents indicated that their child is active 2.7(1.3) hours per day and the majority of parents indicated that they themselves are
highly or moderately active. Almost all parents (91.0%) reported that their child is enrolled in additional activities outside of hockey and that their child participates in these additional activities while at school. Parents enrolled their child in an additional activity mainly because their child wanted to and because the activity promoted a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness.
Interpretation: Parents feel that practicing safe hockey is a "very important" objective of hockey. Parents would also support the delivery of a safe hockey course online to their child's coach. From a public health perspective, safe hockey instruction should be implemented in minor hockey.


title: Species relative abundance and aboveground biomass production driven by climate change and stand ageing

subject:
Aboveground production
Boreal forest
Climate change
Community composition
Environmental change
Global change type drought
Soil drainage
Soil moisture regime

abstract:
Understanding forest communities’ responses to climate change is central to global change ecology research. Access to large data sets from government sources has enabled extensive examinations of the effects of climate change on the boreal forest of Canada. Despite the recent proliferation of studies on boreal forests’ responses to climate change, two major facets remain unexamined. First, although it is known that traits and species respond distinctly to climate change, whether these different responses have caused a compositional shift in tree communities is unknown. Second, whether the effects of local soil drainage properties alter the responses to climate change is unknown.
A network of 1,711 permanent sample plots (PSPs) from across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, Canada, was used to determine whether tree community composition has shifted as a result of climate change, while controlling for the effect of endogenous processes related to stand ageing. Over the course of the last half-century, communities have shifted towards a higher prevalence of deciduous broadleaf and early-successional conifers at the expense of late-successional conifers. This shift to more productive species that are less susceptible to climate change has a negative feedback on anthropogenically-induced increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide. The increase in deciduous broadleaf species provides another negative feedback on climate warming through higher albedos and evapotranspiration.
A similar network of 1,324 PSPs from across the three provinces was used to determine if local soil drainage altered the effect of climate change on net aboveground biomass change. Over the course of the study period, the effects of climate change on net aboveground biomass change were more pronouncedly negative for late-successional conifers, and to a lesser extent for deciduous broadleaf species on well drained than poorly drained sites. However, for drought-tolerant early-successional conifers, the negative effects of climate change were felt stronger on poorly drained than well drained sites.
In summary, climate change has altered community composition in the boreal forest as the responses to climate change have differed with life-history traits and by species. The negative effects of climate change are most detrimental to late-successional conifers on well drained soils. The boreal forest has shifted towards more heavily populated by early-successional conifers on well drained sites, and a mixture of deciduous broadleaf and early-successional conifers on other sites, at the expense of late-successional conifers.


title: Polar bears: the conservation of an arctic icon in a warming climate

contributor:
Dowsley, Martha
Taylor, Mitchell
Cornwell, Adam

subject: Canadian polar bear subpopulations

subject: Labrador polar bear traditional ecological knowledge

subject: Subpopulation growth rates

subject: Declining polar bear subpopulations

abstract:
Subpopulation growth rates and the probability of decline at current harvest levels were determined for 13 subpopulations of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) that are within or shared with Canada based on the most recent demographic and harvest statistics using population viability analyses (PVA). Aboriginal traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) on subpopulation trend agreed with the seven stable/increasing results and one of the declining results, but disagreed
with PVA status of five other declining subpopulations. The decline in the Baffin Bay subpopulation appeared to be due to over-reporting of harvested numbers from outside Canada. The remaining four disputed subpopulations (Southern Beaufort Sea, Northern Beaufort Sea, Southern Hudson Bay, and Western Hudson Bay) were all incompletely mark-recapture (M-R) sampled, which may have biased their survival and subpopulation estimates. Three of the four incompletely sampled subpopulations were PVA identified as non-viable (i.e., declining even with zero harvest mortality). TEK disagreement was non-random with respect to M-R sampling protocols. Cluster analysis also grouped subpopulations with ambiguous demographic and harvest rate estimates separately from those with apparently reliable demographic estimates based on PVA probability of decline and unharvested subpopulation growth rate criteria. We suggest that TEK can be used as a reliable correspondence test to evaluate scientific results independent of the assumptions of the scientific analysis models. Considering TEK as reliable for subpopulations where scientific information is suspect (unreliable), we suggest that the current status of Canadian polar bear subpopulations is 12 stable/increasing and one declining. We do not find support for the perspective that polar bears in Canada are currently in any sort of climate crisis. We suggest that climate warming, sea ice decline, and polar bear monitoring should be improved, and that adaptive management practices should be employed as warranted.


title: Space shift keying in the presence of multiple co-channel interferers

contributor:
Ikki, Salama S.
Afana, Ali
Alexandrov, Dimiter

subject:
Spatial modulation
Wireless communication
Space shift keying

abstract:
In this thesis, the performance of Space Shift Keying (SSK) Modulation, a technique for
Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) wireless communication systems is studied. The results
are analyzed and compared assuming absence as well as presence of Co-Channel Interference
(CCI).
SSK Modulation is based on the concept of Spatial Modulation (SM) technique for MIMO
systems. In SM, only one transmitting antenna remains in the state of action at a single point
in time while others remain in sleep mode, resulting in no Inter Channel Interference (ICI). This
is another reason for the increase in system performance and spectral e ciency.
Unlike SM, in SSK Modulation there is no transmission of data symbols. However, the index
of transmitting antenna is transmitted, resulting in advantages such as a reduction in detection
complexity and hardware cost as there is no need for Amplitude Phase Modulation (APM)
elements at both transmitting and receiving end.
In this work, the exact analytical expression for Average Bit Error Rate (ABER) of SSK
Modulation in the presence of CCI has been derived, and the same is further supported by
MATLAB simulated results. The analysis with CCI is necessary because the spectral e ciency
of the communication system can be improved by a reduction in the re-use factor of the co-
channel; however, reducing the re-use factor also raises the co-channel interference.
Performance for the systems with single as well as multiple receiving antennas has been
analyzed twice considering correlated and uncorrelated Rayleigh fading channels. The asymptotic
analysis results for uncorrelated Rayleigh fading channels have also been derived and compared
with exact results.


title: Assistive technology and the self-esteem of students with learning disabilities

subject:
Assistive technology
Learning disabilities
Dyslexia
Dysphasia
Self-esteem

abstract: This thesis explored the relationship between using assistive technology (AT), and the self-esteem of students with learning disabilities (LD). A case study was created for each of two participants and were compared in a cross case analysis. Each case study considered the participants' backgrounds as learners, and investigated their educational experiences prior to and during their participation in an assistive technology program. Although the standardized test scores of the two students did not confirm that there had been an appreciable improvement in academic performance, the in-depth interviews with the students, their parents, and teachers, indicated a perception of improvement. Further, these interviews and the use of a questionnaire that measured levels of self-esteem indicated that AT improved the individual students' self esteem, made them more willing participants in school activities, improved their status among their peers and made them optimistic about their future academic achievements. These results support the use of AT whether or not it improves standardized test scores.


title: Relative error transmission and detection in Strategic Forest Management Model

contributor:
Benson, C. A.
Yang, K. C.
Murchison, H. G.

subject: Forest management Computer programs

subject: Forest management Ontario Thunder Bay Region Computer programs

abstract:
The relative error (term error in the thesis always stands for relative error) transmission
from Forest Resource Inventory (FRI) data to Strategic Forest Management Model
(SFMM) outputs based on different FRI data to SFMM outputs bases on FRI survey
factors such as age, stocking, height, and their combination, and species was studied. A
basic input file from the Fort William Forest Management Unit was used to produce
different experimental data sets which were entered into SFMMTOOL kit to generate
SFMM input files. Each experimental data set was produced through modifying the basic
data to make a given error rate inherent within. Through running SFMM input files of the
experimental data sets, various SFMM outputs inherent error were produced, and were
compared using statistical analysis technology and other analysis. It was concluded that
FRI data errors such as the errors of species, age, stock, and combined errors of them
could be transformed into SFMM outputs at different rates depending on the different
survey factors.
The results from the study indicated that species errors caused large and various SFMM
output errors, depending on the original forest conditions. Age errors could cause small
SFMM output errors except for the case with the age error of more than 15%. Stock
errors can be transmitted into SFMM outputs at the same rate as the stock error value.
Combination error can be transmitted to SFMM outputs at the same rate as the
combination errors, but with a sharp increase of the rate when the combination error
surpassed 20%. Age had an additive effect and interacting effect on the SFMM output
errors when the combination error was equal to or greater than 20%.
Based on the study, some suggestions to deal with the problems associated with FRI and
SFMM application were made.