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Is Cannabis Changing Our Relations? An Evaluation of British Columbia's Attempts at Economic Reconciliation
Get PDFPrior to Canadian cannabis legalization, Indigenous nations had started to participate within the unregulated cannabis industry, turning it into a vehicle for cultural assertion. With the
enactment of a federally regulated market, Indigenous cannabis businesses began to be displaced by regulated storefronts. With the increasing grievances from First Nation voices it was apparent that federal cannabis legalization actively excluded them from participating in a regulated economy (Crosby, 2019). In response to the increasing call for change, British Columbia enacted a unique amendment that aimed to create new government-to-government agreements between Indigenous communities involved in cannabis economies and the provincial government (BC Government News, 2022). Due to the recency of this amendment a large gap in evaluating its efficacy was apparent. Through the application of a historiographical analysis this research aims to establish the effectiveness of these newly formed agreements in the context of rebuilding Indigenous-Crown relations. This paper suggests that there is a growing amount of self-determination for those who participate within this new cannabis framework. However, based on the response by Indigenous voices and perspectives there is still a high degree of rigidity that excludes many from participating (Clarke, 2023). The overarching message is that this policy moves in the right direction but still lacks the ability to allow nations to assert an adequate degree of sovereignty.UndergraduateReviewe
Finger fluting in prehistoric caves: A critical analysis of the evidence for children, sexing and tracing of individuals
No full textFinger flutings are channels drawn in soft sediments covering walls, floors and ceilings of some limestone caves in Europe and Australia and in some cases date as far back as 50,000 years ago. Initial research focused on why they were made, but more recently, as part of a growing interest in the individual in the past, researchers began asking questions about who made them. This shift in direction has led to claims that by measuring the width of flutings made with the three middle fingers of either hand, archaeologists can infer the ordinal age, sex and individuality of the ‘fluter’. These claims rest on a single dataset created in 2006. In this paper, we undertake the first critical analysis of that dataset and its concomitant methodologies. We argue that sample size, uneven distribution of sex and age within the sample, non-standardised medium, human variability, the lack of comparability between an experimental context and real cave environments and assumptions about demographic modelling effectively negate all previous claims. To sum, we find no substantial evidence for the claims that an age, sex and individual tracing can be revealed by measuring finger flutings as described by Sharpe and Van Gelder (Antiquity 80: 937-947, 2006a; Cambridge Archaeological Journal 16: 281–95, 2006b; Rock Art Research 23: 179–98, 2006c). As a case study, we discuss Koonalda Cave in southern Australia. Koonalda has the largest and most intact display of finger flutings in the world and is also part of a cultural landscape maintained and curated by Mirning people.FacultyReviewe
Collaborating to upgrade UVicSpace
Get PDFThe Copyright and Scholarly Communications team at UVic Libraries recently undertook a major upgrade of our institutional repository to DSpace V7. In this presentation, we give a tour of the newly refreshed UVicSpace, outline the collaborative process of upgrading the site, discuss the successes and challenges we faced, and share insight into the value of community-led infrastructure. We conclude with some ideas about possible next steps for UVicSpace and how strong collaborations within the library community can help make them happen.FacultyUnreviewe
Modeling and control of ejector-based hydrogen circulation system for proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems
No full textEjector-based proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are of great interest due to their simplicity and feasibility. Thus, proton exchange membrane fuel cells are considered the most suitable technology for in-vehicle systems, industrial applications, etc. Despite the passive characteristics of the ejector, active control of the hydrogen supply system is needed to ensure sufficient hydrogen, maintain the stack pressure, and ensure effective entrainment. In this research, a novel semi-empirical model is proposed to accurately predict the entrainment performance of the ejector with an 80 kW fuel cell system. According to the precise semi-empirical model, the hydrogen supply system and the anode channel are modeled. Then, a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is developed to supply sufficient and adequate gas flow and maintain the rapid dynamic response. Compared to the conventional proportional–integral–derivative controller, the fuzzy logic controller could reduce the anode pressure variability by 5% during a stepped case and 2% during a dynamic case.This research was funded by [National Key Research and Development Program of China] grant number [2022YFB2503504].FacultyReviewe
Predicting maturity of coconut fruit from acoustic signal with applications of deep learning
No full textThis paper aims to develop an effective AI-driven method to predict the maturity level of coconut (Cocos nucifera) fruits using acoustic signals. The proposed sound-based autonomous approach exploits various deep learning models, including customized CNN pretrained networks, i.e., the ResNet50, InceptionV3, and MobileNetV2, models for maturity level classification of the coconuts. The proposed study also demonstrates the effectiveness of various deep learning models to automatically predict the maturity of coconuts into three classes, i.e., premature, mature, and overmature coconuts, for inspecting the coconut fruits by using a small amount of input acoustic data. We use an open-access dataset containing a total of 122 raw acoustic signals, which is the result of knocking 122 coconut samples. The results achieved by the proposed method for coconut maturity prediction are found to be promising, which enables producers to accurately determine the yield and product quality.FacultyReviewe
Escape criteria using hybrid Picard S-iteration leading to a comparative analysis of fractal mandelbrot sets generated with S-iteration
Get PDFFractals are a common characteristic of many artificial and natural networks having topological patterns of a self-similar nature. For example, the Mandelbrot set has been investigated and extended in several ways since it was first introduced, whereas some authors characterized it using various complex functions or polynomials, others generalized it using iterations from fixed-point theory. In this paper, we generate Mandelbrot sets using the hybrid Picard S-iterations. Therefore, an escape criterion involving complex functions is proved and used to provide numerical and graphical examples. We produce a wide range of intriguing fractal patterns with the suggested method, and we compare our findings with the classical S-iteration. It became evident that the newly proposed iteration method produces novel images that are more spontaneous and fascinating than those produced by the S-iteration. Therefore, the generated sets behave differently based on the parameters involved in different iteration schemes.The author extends the appreciation to the Deanship of Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research at Majmaah University for funding this research work through the project number (ICR-2024-949).FacultyReviewe
Advanced Instrumental Approaches to Study the Fate and Distribution of Emerging Chemical Pollutants
No full textAs novel chemicals and materials are discovered and manufactured, the concentration and diversity of environmental contaminants increase. The fate and distribution of contaminants depend both on intrinsic chemical properties and extrinsic environmental conditions. When chemicals pollute water, they can leave that environmental compartment via loss to the air, sorption processes (e.g., to soils, plants, microplastics), or accumulation in organisms. Some contaminants persist over long timescales, eventually degrading or transforming. To understand and predict contaminant behaviour, it is key to characterize their physicochemical properties and analyze their environmental partitioning. Here, mass spectrometry (MS) is employed to achieve the sensitivities required to analyze chemicals at environmentally relevant concentrations. A direct MS approach, condensed phase membrane introduction mass spectrometry (CP-MIMS), is used to investigate legacy pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and emerging pollutants such as microplastics, nonylphenol, and para-phenylenediamine quinones (PPDQs). Using CP-MIMS, the sorption kinetics (k’sorb) and thermodynamics (KOC) between microplastics and chemical contaminants (nonylphenol and PAHs) were analyzed. Plastic and sediment partitioning and aqueous solubility of PPDQs were also characterized. Lastly, chemical partitioning was analyzed in a pregnant sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus) collected from the Strait of Georgia in 2019. CP-MIMS was initially used and provided important preliminary data that informed the application of appropriate conventional approaches. High resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to analyze the concentrations and maternal transfer of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and heavy metals, respectively, in this unique biological specimen.Graduat
The Well-Made Porn: The Dramaturgies of Erotic Webcamming
Get PDFErotic webcamming, or camming, is a form of sex work in which a virtual audience pays for a live-streaming performer to perform sexual acts. Within this form is consistent, original, theatricality- leading to a realisation of the connection between the two forms. In critically examining camming, I analysed livestreams themselves for these theatrical methods- scenographic design, acting techniques, and audience interaction. I tackle the reality of the way existing studies- as well as pieces of related performance- divorce sex work from art- asking throughout- where do erotic webcamming and online theatre inform each other, and how? I determine the placing of erotic webcamming as separate from the sphere of theatrical and performance practice as an antagonistic agent in the journey to realize online sex work as a artistic industry, and discuss the constituents that mark it as such. The dramaturgies discussed herein all pivot directly to the classification expanded upon in my research, of the inclusion of camming to our collective consciousness as an active art form. Through its embedded dramaturgical structure of audience interaction, and the unique scenography of solo performance, the theatrical practices that inform erotic webcamming have established it as a form of live, virtual, performance art.Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)UndergraduateReviewe
What determine soccer players' wages: The case of the English Premier League (EPL)
Get PDFThis study explores the determinants of wage structures in the English Premier League (EPL), one of the world’s most financially influential soccer leagues. Examining both traditional performance metrics—such as goals scored, assists, and minutes played—and emerging non-performance factors, including nationality, marketability, and club revenue, this study seeks to identify how these variables affect wage disparities among EPL players. After data cleaning, utilizing a dataset of 3,522 player-seasons across 31 teams- that attended at least on EPL season- spanning seven EPL seasons, this research employs machine learning techniques to predict wages based on a comprehensive range of performance and demographic factors. The findings suggest that while performance metrics remain crucial, non-performance factors, particularly nationality and Age play an increasingly prominent role in wage determination, contributing to sustained wage inequalities. Additionally, advanced models indicate that club financial resources, player positional roles, and club’s broadcast income significantly influence wage variability. This analysis provides an understanding Towards the economic and social forces shaping player wages and underscores the need for a balanced approach to wage determination to support both financial sustainability and equity in professional soccer.Graduat