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Certain new applications of symmetric q-calculus for new subclasses of multivalent functions associated with the cardioid domain
Get PDFIn this work, we study some new applications of symmetric quantum calculus in the field of Geometric Function Theory. We use the cardioid domain and the symmetric quantum difference operator to generate new classes of multivalent q-starlike and q-convex functions. We examine a wide range of interesting properties for functions that can be classified into these newly defined classes, such as estimates for the bounds for the first two coefficients, Fekete–Szego-type functional and coefficient inequalities. All the results found in this research are sharp. A number of well-known corollaries are additionally taken into consideration to show how the findings of this research relate to those of earlier studies.The research work of Fairouz Tchier is supported by the project number RSP2024R401, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.FacultyReviewe
Sexism and Ts'msyen Law
Get PDFSexism exists in relation to women holding the highest-ranking name of chief within Ts’msyen society (also spelled Tsimshian and Tsimpsean). There are limited historic examples of Ts’msyen women holding the chief names. Some of these examples occurred with colonialism at a time when there was greater church influence in Ts’msyen communities. Today, the sexist pattern persists within Ts’msyen society, including within legal and governance systems where women are excluded based on their gender from holding the highest-ranking names. Despite the sexist pattern, women have legal agency, and they are at the centre of the Ts’msyen matrilineal society. My legal research demonstrates that these exclusionary patterns do not result from legitimate legal reasoning and do not constitute valid Ts’msyen law. First, I engage with Indigenous theories on sources of law. Second, I suggest a path forward based on Jennifer Nedelsky’s four-step relational approach to creating transformative change which I apply to the Ts’msyen legal principle of equality for application to gender equality of chiefs’ names.Graduate2025-03-2
Stackelberg–Nash game approach for price-based demand response in retail electricity trading
Get PDFThis paper studies the price-based demand response problem in a deregulated retail electricity trading, aiming to coordinate the energy consumption behavior of end-users under dynamic retail prices. The challenge here is that in addition to the hierarchical decision-making process between utility company and end-users considered in existing works, the non-cooperative and competitive interdependence among end-users cannot be ignored. To address this issue, we first construct a novel Stackelberg–Nash game, in which the Stackelberg game is used to capture the hierarchical decision-making process between utility company and end-users, while the Nash game is dedicated to describing the interdependence among end-users. Then the existence and uniqueness of the Stackelberg–Nash equilibrium is provided along with theoretical analysis. On the basis of the analysis of equilibrium, we propose a distributed iterative algorithm with an adaptive step size, which is benchmarked with a fixed step-size algorithm. The comparison results on a real-life residential retail electricity market show that our proposed algorithm has better performance in terms of effectiveness and scalability.This work was supported in part by the National Key Research and Development Program of China under Grant 2022ZD0120001; in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant
62303252; in part by the Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation 2208085QF201; in part by the USTC Research Funds of the Double First-Class Initiative YD2100002011; in part by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities WK2100000029; and in part by the State Key Laboratory of Alternate Electrical Power System with Renewable Energy Sources LAPS22010.FacultyReviewe
Edge server placement considering resilience in mobile edge computing networks
Get PDFIn today’s rapidly evolving communication landscape, the demand for exceptional Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) in communication networks has reached unprecedented levels. This surge in demand can be attributed to the explosive growth and pervasive deployment of Internet infrastructure. Emerging technologies and novel applications underscore the urgency for a network architecture that not only delivers speed and efficiency but also boasts scalability and resilience beyond the capabilities of traditional cloud computing networks. Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) stands as a promising solution to address these challenges. By deploying Edge Servers (ESs) in close proximity to end-user devices, MEC enables the offloading of delay-sensitive and computationally intensive workloads from mobile applications. This deployment, in turn, mitigates latency issues and enhances the QoE for mobile users. However, the reliability of Edge Server Placement (ESP) within MEC networks is of paramount importance. While several studies have explored the ESP problem in MEC networks, they often focus on two main objectives: minimizing Edge Server (ES) access delay and optimizing workload distribution. However, one critical aspect has been relatively under-emphasized: the resiliency of ESP. The failure or malfunction of ESs, stemming from various challenges, can disrupt operations and degrade the overall QoS/QoE of the network. In this study, we tackle the ESP problem in MEC networks from a distinctive perspective. Our focal point is to minimize ES access delay, efficiently balance workloads, and significantly enhance network resilience. To achieve these objectives, our innovative algorithm employs a dual strategy. First, we utilize the robust K-medoids clustering algorithm for ESP, optimizing the architectural layout of MEC networks. Second, we introduce a bespoke heuristic algorithm designed to allocate multiple ESs to each Base Station (BS), thereby fortifying network resilience. This approach not only adheres to various constraints but also ensures uninterrupted services, even in the face of server failures, while consistently meeting key performance indicators. Experimental results, based on real-world data, prove the effectiveness of our algorithm. It not only reduces access delay and workload imbalances but also ensures responsive performance and uninterrupted services, even in scenarios involving ES failures.Graduat
Barriers to access in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory and beyond
Get PDFThis research project centers on visualizing barriers to accessing culturally significant plant species for the Squamish Nation. By utilizing an interactive map, community members can toggle layers on and off, making it easier to locate and access traditional harvesting sites within their territory. A key feature of this project is the "Community Harvesting Form," which allows Nation members to share information about specific harvesting sites and plant species. This project is designed to protect data ownership and sovereignty, ensuring that information remains within the community.Valerie Kuehne Undergraduate Research Awards (VKURA)UndergraduateReviewe
Just Letting Her Rip and Hoping for the Best Didn’t Work Out: Raw Log Export Controls in British Columbia, 1871 to 1947
No full textRaw log exports from British Columbia have been a popular political football for more than 120 years. Governments of all stripes have denounced them while in opposition, but continued to allow them when in office. Whether and to what extent raw logs are exported is determined by the balance of power between government, capital, and public opinion. Government, motivated perhaps by public opinion, perhaps by concern for the long-term benefit of British Columbians, has introduced some modest raw log export controls, found a politically and economically acceptable balance between allowing and restricting raw log exports, and worked diligently to keep the issue quiet. Capital has fought for the right to export logs as it sees fit. The public, guided by a sense that exporting natural resources in their raw state is no way to build an economy, has consistently opposed the practice. The result has been more than a century of a three-way tug of war which has left none of the stakeholders particularly pleased.Graduat
AdaptVarLM: A linear regression model for covariate-dependent non-constant error variance
Get PDFIn biological research, traditional multiple regression models assume homoscedasticity — constant variance of error terms — an assumption that is difficult to maintain in complex biological data. This thesis introduces AdaptVarLM, a novel linear regression model specialized in dealing with non-constant error variance dependent on one covariate. AdaptVarLM integrates an auxiliary linear relationship between the logarithmic variance of the error term and a specific explanatory variable, and uses maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) in the iterative updating process to improve the parameter estimation accuracy. By modelling non-constant error variance, AdaptVarLM outperforms the traditional regression model in capturing the complex variability inherent in biological data. Applying to the study of Alzheimer's disease, AdaptVarLM detects genetically linked genes associated with the disease and error variance. The results of analyzing both bulk and single-cell data validate the effectiveness of AdaptVarLM in detecting significant genes.Graduate2025-08-2
Using postcolonial theory and a cultural safety orientation to understand Inuit perspectives of public health TB policy and practice in Nunavut
Get PDFThis research sought to understand Inuit perspectives of culturally safe public health tuberculosis policy and practice in Nunavut, Canada. The legacies of colonialism in Canada’s arctic north endure as harmful determinants of tuberculosis health, with Inuit of Nunavut continuing to experience inequitable rates of tuberculosis, up to three hundred times higher than Canadian-born non-Indigenous Canadians. Despite many studies investigating tuberculosis among Indigenous peoples, few studies have explored Inuit perspectives related to public health tuberculosis policy and practice. There is also lack of knowledge about what constitutes cultural safety related to TB policy and practice from Inuit perspectives, and thus the systemic issues that prevent Inuit from obtaining TB health services.
Given Canada’s colonial history and its impact on Inuit health, a postcolonial theoretical perspective was applied in this research to understand the key research objectives: 1) the factors communicated by Inuit, that would promote culturally safe TB policy and practice with Inuit communities, 2) ways Inuit understand how TB-related stigma shapes Inuit perspectives of public health TB programs and limits their participation, and 3) how Inuit envision mobilizing Inuit knowledge to inform and democratize Government of Nunavut public health policy and programs. Principles of community based participatory action research made space for Inuit voices to be recognized as knowledge holders involved in shaping policy and practice. I applied Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami’s research framework as a guide to promote culturally safe process and respect for Inuit self-determination.
Data were sourced from thirty conversational, semi-structured telephone interviews with twenty-five Inuit who were recognized as community knowledge holders, and five health care
professionals, three of whom were Inuit. Respondents were aged between 18-80 years of age, and self-identified as either men or women. Using Braun and Clarke’s Reflexive Thematic Analysis, the data were then used to identify and analyze seven themes that Inuit described as necessary for culturally safe public health tuberculosis policy and programs. Recommendations for addressing culturally safe TB policy and programs for Inuit of Nunavut are that: 1) Kablunaaq, non-Inuit, develop trust and respect towards Inuit; 2) Inuit social determinants of health are addressed; 3) TB-related stigma is addressed; 4) Kablunaaq respect the importance of Inuit Shamanism and spirituality; 5) intergenerational trauma informed care is provided; 6) Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles are recognised and used to guide health care policy and programs; and 7) Inuktut language can be used in health care. A three member Inuit Research Advisory Committee supported the research process, and after identification of the seven themes in the data, individual discussions were held with the committee members to probe the meanings of the data and ways to use the information that had been shared.
Methodologically, this research demonstrates and advances understandings of the applicability and use of cultural safety as an orientation to guide and inform researchers’ epistemological approaches to work with Indigenous peoples. In collaboration with Inuit, this research provides a pathway forward to improvement in the applicability of future public health TB policy and practice for Inuit.Graduate2025-05-0
Project Venture - An Exploration of its Principles of Sustainability
Get PDFThe Project Venture Organization has been supporting the expansion of Project Venture (PV) to encourage healthy choices among Native American youth since the early 2000s. However, the replication of PV often faces many challenges for long-term sustainability. This research project investigated practitioners' experiences in implementing PV and identified strategies for enhancing capacity to maintain PV programming and its benefits past initial funding. The study utilized a mixed-method approach, incorporating a literature review, quantitative data collection, and qualitative interviews. The findings from the study indicate that practitioners recognize the importance of mentorship, early sustainability efforts, and increased engagement with the Project Venture Organization to learn wise practices for program sustainability. The research provides insights into PV sustainability efforts and offers recommendations to inform the development of Project Venture literature, training, and mentorship.Graduat
Examining the neuropsychological role and malleability of trait mindfulness in the context of physical activity and ecological momentary assessment in older adults
Get PDFMindfulness practice has shown to benefit health, mood, and cognition in individuals across the lifespan. Trait mindfulness, the degree to which a person is mindful, is a relevant factor when examining the health and neuropsychological benefits of physical activity and exercise, such that it may play moderating and/or mediating roles. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) may be more sensitive in assessing psychological functioning associated with trait mindfulness compared to traditional measures. Trait mindfulness may, in fact, be impacted by EMA. However, less is known about the interactions of trait mindfulness, physical activity and EMA in older adults. This doctoral dissertation examined the neuropsychological role and malleability of trait mindfulness in the context of physical activity and EMA, in a sample of healthy older adults. Chapter 2 investigated the malleability of trait mindfulness in response to physical activity, and what role this may play in the relationship between physical activity and neuropsychological outcomes. Chapter 3 examined the extent to which engagement in EMA may alter trait mindfulness and how this may indirectly impact neuropsychological functioning (i.e., through mediation), as well as the sensitivity of EMA. Chapter 2 results showed that older adults who underwent an 8-week remote physical exercise training program did not make more gains in trait mindfulness than the control group. Reported physical activity did not predict gains in trait mindfulness, which did not moderate or mediate the relationship between physical activity and neuropsychological outcomes. Trait mindfulness did not predict adherence to the exercise program. According to Chapter 3 results, EMA adherence did not predict changes in trait mindfulness. EMA-measured mood also did not correlate more strongly with trait mindfulness compared to mood measured with traditional questionnaires, but gains in trait mindfulness were associated with greater EMA-measured anxiety and lower traditionally measured anxiety. Higher trait mindfulness was also associated with less variability of EMA-measured anxiety symptoms. Lastly, trait mindfulness did not mediate the relationship between EMA adherence and neuropsychological outcomes, though gains in trait mindfulness were associated with improved cognitive test performance in some areas. Results suggest that in healthy older adults, trait mindfulness may not be malleable in response to physical activity and EMA. Trait mindfulness also may not play a significant role in neuropsychological outcomes relating to physical activity and EMA. However, relationships exist that suggest a role for trait mindfulness in emotion awareness and stability as well as aspects of improved cognitive performance.Graduate2025-08-1