19614 research outputs found
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The British Columbia Cabinet's role in the Agricultural Land Reserve, 1973-1993
Get PDFThis thesis is about British Columbia’s government, the workings and evolution of the Environment and Land Use Committee (ELUC), a cabinet committee, and cabinet appeals regarding Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) land, a provincial land use policy intended to protect agricultural land from development. From 1973 to 1993, the cabinet and the ELUC had the final call on whether land was excluded from the ALR through cabinet appeals from individuals, local governments, and the Agricultural Land Commission. This thesis looks at some of the decisions by the cabinet and the ELUC in this role. I argue here that the Social Credit government of Bill Bennett used cabinet appeals to make it easier for landowners to appeal to an elected body and to build. It is argued that Bill Vander Zalm’s Social Credit government used cabinet appeals to ensure that the development of ALR-zoned land enriched his constituents, the premier’s friends, and the premier. I also argue that the NDP governments of Dave Barrett and Mike Harcourt sparingly dealt with ALR appeals. The thesis is structured into five main chapters, beginning with the creation of the cabinet committee during W.A.C. Bennett’s last government in 1969 and ending in 1993 with the abolition of most cabinet appeals. Specific appeals are explained from Vancouver Island, the lower mainland, and the Okanagan valley. This thesis contributes to scholarship about British Columbia’s government and political culture, cabinet and cabinet committees, and the ALR; it does so in an innovative way by examining specific ALR appeals.Graduate2025-08-2
Analyzing Ocean Boundary Phenomena in Echograms: A Deep Learning Approach
Get PDFThis research puts emphasis on the fundamental part of marine monitoring as an instrument to study how the oceans influence the global climate, biodiversity and ecological systems under the condition of the Arctic region. Utilizing underwater active acoustic surveys conducted with moored multi-frequency echosounders as our source gives us the opportunity to reflect on the complexity of ocean settings. We propose a deep-learning approach to automate the identification of sea surface boundaries and near-surface phenomena in echograms to assist oceanographers who currently rely heavily on the time-consuming manual analyses. The identification of boundaries at the surface and the occurrence of bubble phenomena are vital to those who investigate marine environments. These factors greatly affect the complex interactions between organisms. We propose a two-step, end-to-end, deep learning approach where the first step uses an image classification framework to categorize echograms based on surface conditions and is followed by the second step where we employ semantic segmentation frameworks that help to delineate sea surface and near-surface bubbles within the water column. This segmentation in the second step is equipped with a type-specific model that has been proven to outperform a single global segmentation model. Furthermore, our methodology incorporates innovative learning strategies, including a tailored boundary loss function, to enhance model performance. Through comprehensive testing with a range of image classification and semantic segmentation architectures, we identify the most effective models for Arctic echogram analysis. Our proposed deep learning pipeline showcases noteworthy capabilities in accurately characterizing and analyzing marine acoustic data.Graduat
A Novel Approach to PUF-based Hardware Security: Noise-aware Authentication and Key Exchange Protocol
Get PDFThis thesis proposes a novel approach to PUF-based IoT security. PUFs are used to provide a unique identity to the IoT device using it. However, the authentication process can be undermined by the noisy responses of PUFs. Traditional error correction codes can address this issue but increase system complexity, overhead, and security risks. To overcome these limitations, the study proposes an innovative approach that leverages a statistical analysis technique to extract the relevant information from the PUF response bits, resulting in a strengthened authentication key. The proposed method achieves an innovative authentication and key exchange protocol with enhanced security without traditional error correction codes. The results of evaluating the approach with synthetic PUF data demonstrate a significant improvement in PUF-based security. This study represents a significant step towards enhancing the security of IoT devices, demonstrating the potential of a unique combination of PUF and the statistical analysis approach in addressing the challenges of hardware-based security.Graduate2025-05-1
Circular Economy Transitions: Informal Recycling and Expanding the Deposit Refund System in BC
Get PDFThe overabundance of waste produced globally is a wicked environmental issue, and single-use items are a main source of much of this waste produced in Canadian cities. Existing literature has examined the contributions of informal recyclers, known as ‘binners’, ‘diverters’, and ‘valoristes’ in the Canadian context, to urban waste management, particularly through the organizing of local binners into nonprofits and cooperatives. The purpose of this study was to examine the possibility of expanding the provincial deposit refund system in BC to include coffee cups, a change that has been advocated for by binners in BC through the annual public Coffee Cup Revolution event since 2014.
This study suggests that an expansion of the refund system in BC to include coffee cups would make it affordable for binners to recover these recyclable materials, supporting typically vulnerable populations in conducting environmentally beneficial work. The greatest barrier to such a change identified was the lack of political will to actively advocate for a provincial refund system expansion. Overall, it is argued that by increasing opportunities for participatory governance methods in waste management decision making, it is possible to improve collaboration between binners, government, and industry and effectively address the social, economic, and environmental facets of waste in BC.Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)UndergraduateReviewe
Boundless Horizons: A Mother-Daughter Odyssey to Shape Education and the Future
Get PDFThis project explores the multifaceted educational experiences of immigrant students through the lens of autoethnographical narrative, guided by Clandinin and Connelly’s (1990, 1991) approach. Drawing from personal reflections on my own and my daughter's transitions to a new educational system, the discussion examines the challenges and opportunities faced by immigrant students. Berry’s (1989, 1997) acculturation theory is used to analyze how assimilation, integration, separation, and marginalization affect students' adaptation. Whiting’s (2017) insights on English Language Learners (ELL) classes highlight their role in overcoming language barriers and supporting academic success. Furthermore, Ladson-Billings’ (1995) Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Gay’s (2010, 2015, 2018) Culturally Responsive Teaching are explored as frameworks for fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments. By combining these theoretical perspectives, the project offers practical insights to enhance educational support for immigrant students, emphasizing the value of culturally informed teaching practices.Graduat
Nitrate, proton, and ammonium uptake in fern gametophytes
Get PDFFerns possess two independent and alternating growth forms: the spore-producing sporophyte and gamete-producing gametophyte. Another unique aspect of ferns is that sex is determined post-spore germination; thus, environmental conditions may influence whether gametophytes develop as male (M), female (F), or hermaphrodite (H). The goal of this research was to determine if there is an effect of sex, pH, and/or generation on NH4+, NO3-, and H+ uptake in fern gametophytes. A microelectrode ion flux measurement (MIFE) system was used to characterize these major nutrient ion fluxes in the gametophytes of Polystichum munitum (sword fern), Christella dentata (soft fern), and Cyrtomium falcatum (Japanese holly fern). On average, NH4+ flux was greater in M than F/H, which may be explained by male gametophytes being at earlier and more active stages of development. The majority of NO3- flux was efflux, which could be due to the tendency of NO3- to be lost in the acidic environment of PNW forests simulated within the methods. The study provides insight into the nutritional ecology underlying fern gametophytes, essential for the successful establishment of fern species in our forests.Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)UndergraduateReviewe
Advances in reverse osmosis membrane engineering and alginate recycling: Covalent surface modifications for membrane performance and analysis of molecular changes and calcium crosslinker removal for alginate sustainable practices
Get PDFThe increasing demand for potable water and the environmental impact of conventional plastics present significant global challenges that require innovative solutions. Addressing these issues effectively involves advancements in both water purification technologies and material sustainability. This thesis explores these challenges through two complementary projects: enhancing reverse osmosis (RO) membrane technology and improving the sustainability of alginate-based bioplastics.
Reverse osmosis is a critical water purification technology used to produce fresh water from diverse sources, including seawater and brackish water. Central to this technology are RO membranes, which are predominantly made of polyamide. Despite their effectiveness, these membranes face performance limitations due to biofouling and chemical degradation. Biofouling, caused by microorganisms forming biofilms on the membrane surface, reduces water flux, increases operational pressure, and raises energy consumption. Chemical degradation affects membrane longevity and performance, leading to frequent cleaning and replacement. These issues contribute to significant economic costs and environmental waste.
Chapter 1 explores the attachment of PEI-diazirine onto PET surfaces, with the hypothesis that successful cross-linking in these trials could also be applied to polyamide-based RO due to the reactivity between polyamides and carbenes. The objective was to develop a method for covalent modification of RO membranes using diazirine moieties, which could serve as a foundation for further functionalization. Covalent bonding offers advantages such as improved stability, durability, and compatibility, making it a favorable approach for RO membrane surface modification. In conclusion, the study introduced an innovative approach to enhancing the surface properties of RO polyamide-based membranes by incorporating covalently bonded diazirine-containing molecules. While direct evidence of covalent attachment was not confirmed, indirect observations—such as results from dye and water angle tests, DSC, and FTIR—support the presence of activated diazirine on the surface. These tests disproved the idea that diazirine molecules react exclusively with each other rather than with the surface. This groundwork sets the stage for future functionalization processes to impart foul-release properties to RO membranes.
Chapter 2 focuses on advancing the sustainability of alginate-based bioplastics, particularly those derived from kelp. The study investigates the recycling potential of alginate, aiming to enhance sustainable practices. Recycling alginate helps preserve resources by reintegrating used materials into the production cycle, reducing the need for fresh raw materials. Additionally, recycling alginate-based products reduces waste volume, supports waste reduction goals, and minimizes the environmental impact of landfill disposal.
The research in Chapter 2 builds on optimized sodium alginate extraction methods and evaluates the recycling potential of alginate films produced by these methods. It proposes and assesses a recycling protocol for its effectiveness in terms of yield and purity, focusing on calcium crosslinker removal and structural changes in alginate films. This study provides valuable insights into sustainable alginate recycling, promoting a circular economy by extending the life cycle of materials and reducing waste generation.
Although each chapter addresses different material types and applications, they share a common theme: enhancing material performance while mitigating environmental impact. Improving RO membrane fouling resistance and chemical stability directly contributes to reducing waste and energy consumption in water treatment. For alginate bioplastics, optimizing recycling processes ensures effective material reuse, decreasing plastic waste and the demand for new raw materials.
These projects reflect a broader commitment to sustainability by tackling critical issues in material performance and environmental responsibility. The outcomes from these chapters offer practical solutions that align with global efforts to conserve resources and minimize ecological footprints. Through the development of advanced membrane technologies and sustainable bioplastics, this thesis contributes to a more sustainable future, demonstrating that innovation in material science can drive significant improvements in both industrial applications and environmental stewardship.
In conclusion, this thesis bridges the gap between technological advancement and environmental sustainability. By addressing the challenges of water purification and plastic waste management, it provides valuable insights and practical solutions that enhance material performance and promote a more sustainable approach to resource use.Graduate2025-11-1
UVic Convocation November 15, 2023 – 10:00 am
No full textStudents from the faculties of Graduate Studies, Human and Social Development, Law and Science. Dr. Andrew Petter received an honorary degree.UndergraduateUnreviewe
How Consumer Choice is Influenced by Labor and Environmental Conditions in the Global Cosmetics Industry: A Study of Students’ Purchasing Decisions at the University of Victoria
Get PDFIn this research project, I explore what cosmetics products students at the University of Victoria consume, what factors influence their purchasing decisions, and what students know about labor and environmental conditions within global cosmetics supply chains. I conducted an online questionnaire and series of interviews to collect this data, and I contextualize my findings in comparison to existing studies which also identify “cost” as the primary factor influencing cosmetics consumers’ purchasing decisions. The implications of these findings are 1) offering a price premium for products manufactured in “ethical” labor and environmental conditions may only appeal to some consumers, having a limited impact on global labor and environmental conditions in cosmetics manufacturing processes, and 2) changes to labor and environmental conditions within cosmetics supply chains must occur from supply-side policies, involving a range of actors such as governments, corporations, non-governmental organizations, media, academic institutions, and communities in which ingredients for cosmetics products are sourced.Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)UndergraduateReviewe
Using acoustics to explore fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus velifera) ecology and habitat in British Columbia
Get PDFGlobally, fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) were heavily targeted by commercial whaling. Despite this, some populations are recovering; their numbers are increasing in the Southern Hemisphere and North Atlantic. Fin whales are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), although populations worldwide show varying degrees of recovery.
Fin whales were once the most abundant large cetacean species off the coast of British Columbia (BC). They are currently listed under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA) as Threatened, although their status is currently in consideration for downlisting following recommendations by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) in 2019. Although fin whales may be returning to coastal areas in BC, efforts to track their recovery in their core habitat, in deeper waters and off the shelf break, has been limited. Much of what is known about their habitat use, ecology and seasonal movements come from details from historical catch records, with recent designated studies looking to refine this knowledge.
In this thesis, I consider the potential recovery of fin whales and use acoustic recordings from two study sites in BC waters to analyze their vocalizations. If populations are recovering in BC, recording and analyzing their acoustic behaviour as they rebuild their social and physical connectivity can provide clues to how they are responding after decades of removals.
Primarily driven by the considerable number of fin whale vocalizations observed in the acoustic recordings, I create a comparative analysis of fin whale call types to provide finer resolution to the spatial and temporal distributions of vocalizations. The presence of 20 Hz and 40 Hz call types, associated with breeding and foraging behaviour, respectively, were analyzed to determine fin whale habitat use. This comparison analysis indicated fin whales use coastal and offshore areas very differently; considerably higher call presence of both types was observed offshore, and song patterning was only present here.
The diverse range of call parameters observed within the 40 Hz call type, particularly from the offshore study location, led to further analysis for the potential for sub-division within this call type. Cluster analysis indicates the structure of 40 Hz call types is more varied than previously recognized and determines five subcategories within the 40 Hz type based on call features. I further explore the potential of subcategories within this call type by analyzing the relative presence of fin whale 40 Hz calls over daily, monthly and seasonal time periods to better understand drivers of the variability.
Fin whale song patterns in the offshore acoustic recordings at Clayoquot Slope suggest BC waters are used for courtship, breeding and calving. The difference in song structures may suggest at least two populations using these waters. Although the dominant song pattern structure matched previous findings for the west coast of North America, considerable change in pattern timing was evident. Additionally, new song patterns not previously described for this region were found.
Overall, knowledge on whale acoustic use and the value of acoustics to their ecology is still over-simplified, but our understanding increases with deeper study. Some of my observations and understanding of various fin whale acoustic signals have yet to be described in the current literature. Fin whales have a more complicated acoustic repertoire than previously thought and the variety of calls observed indicates BC is an important habitat for recovering populations.Graduat