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Europeanization as pragmatic politics: Italy's civil society actors operating in the face of right-wing populism
Full text linkThis article examines how and under what conditions Italy’s civil society organizations (CSOs) have resorted to transnational activism and to what extent these efforts translate into impactful political advocacy. The analysis focuses on the action strategies of these civil society actors that have come under considerable pressure through the resurgence of populist–nationalist actors in the domestic arena. Developing an actor-centred perspective from below, this article draws on a series of 27 interviews conducted with these organizations’ representatives working primarily on issues related to migration and refugees in Italy. The empirical study examines some key initiatives that see domestic CSOs as protagonists in the transnational realm and explicates their motivations, approaches, and experiences. Conceptually, the article distinguishes between the vertical and horizontal Europeanization of CSOs. While there are notable opportunities for CSOs to engage in Brussels-centred governance and policy making, the effectiveness of horizontal Europeanization in the form of cross-border networking is—at first sight paradoxically—limited by the EU’s system of multi-level governance. The central argument about Europeanizing civil society activism is that these processes are primarily driven by a pragmatic pursuit of solutions to concrete political challenges that could not be properly addressed in an increasingly hostile domestic environment.We would like to acknowledge that this article draws on research supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (grant number 435-2019-0461) and the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union under the Jean Monnet Network “Transnational Political Contention in Europe” (TraPoCo) (grant number: 620881). The European Community’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views of the authors. The EC cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.FacultyReviewe
The Duty to Consult: A Philosophical and Historical Investigation
No full textThe duty to consult, primarily understood as a legal doctrine, has often been approached with a narrow technical-legalistic lens. However, adopting a political-scientific perspective broadens the discourse beyond adherence to 'minimum legal requirements,' facilitating a more nuanced exploration of this doctrine and its entrenchment of power dynamics. Acknowledging this viewpoint, this research endeavours to foster a more comprehensive understanding of the duty to consult, particularly illuminating its colonial implications. Through an exploration of legal philosophy and consultation history, this research works to unveil patterns across time and space, providing vital insights into some of the inherent limitations of the duty to consult and advocating for incorporating broader conceptual frameworks.Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)UndergraduateReviewe
Cyberspace vigilante or security sleuth: Understanding the threat hunter persona
Full text linkThreat hunters are essential to cybersecurity. Anticipating, identifying, and intercepting potential threats makes threat hunters an indispensable part of an organization's security strategy. Though essential, the human aspects of threat hunting are often overlooked, leaving threat hunters to face difficult challenges in an intense environment. Through a qualitative study, involving interviews with 20 threat hunters, I aimed to better understand who threat hunters are, how they work, and the challenges they face. I identified 17 key dimensions of threat hunters and constructed four unique threat hunter personas that capture the lived experiences of threat hunters. I discuss the findings in the context of the literature, the implications of the novel findings, the adaptability the threat hunting role in response to an evolving threat landscape, the utility and drawbacks of personas for supporting threat hunters, and recommend directions for future work. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the human aspects of threat hunting and humanizing the role, this research lays the foundation for the design of user-centered support tools that will ultimately improve the well-being of threat hunters and cybersecurity strategies as a whole.Graduat
Examining the performance change of inverse surrogate models with building energy model time series data
Full text linkA building Surrogate Model (SM) is a Machine Learning (ML) model trained to reproduce the outputs of a building energy model at a much smaller computational cost. While a SM will traditionally accept Building Energy Modelling (BEM) parameters for its inputs to predict BEM outputs, a building Inverse Surrogate Model (ISM) suggests doing the opposite. Inverse modelling provides potential in determining unknown building thermal characteristics of existing structures. The task of deriving inputs from outputs is more difficult as multiple input combinations can result in the same output, thereby necessitating the need for comprehensive outputs allowing for more information to be extracted. With the rise of deep learning models and methods, ML practitioners have a greater array of tools available to handle increasingly complex tasks. This has enabled ISMs with a stronger opportunity to excel in parameter prediction.
The papers in this thesis focus on the ability of the ISMs to accurately predict parameter values. The first paper (Chaper 2) examines prediction performance of an ISM with synthetic data from a BEM model based on a single-family home. Performance changes were investigated when data was decreased by reducing the amount of time series provided, the duration of time series, or both. The second paper (Chapter 3) primarily focused on the generalizability of ISMs to be applied for multiple projects without having to retrain on new data each time. Several different ISM models were tested with predicting parameters for different BEM building shapes with varied geometry in addition to multiple locations.
The key finding of this research is that there is potential for ISMs to be used with building data. While all data used in this thesis was synthetic data generated from BEM simulation runs, ISMs were shown to not only successfully predict some parameters, but also hold solid degree of generalizability depending on the ML model used. If ISMs can successfully predict characteristics of an actual building, then it allows for new approaches for applications such as retrofit planning.Graduat
Innovations in In-Shoe Plantar Pressure Measurement Technology for Field Based Quantification of Running Gait
No full textAlthough substantial progress has been made in the field of running biomechanics, a significant portion of this research has been confined to laboratory settings. Data collection within the laboratory, while controlled, often lacks the ecological validity necessary to capture the complexities of athletes' performances in their natural training and competition environments. Given this need, in-shoe plantar pressure measurement technology is of primary importance due to its location of measurement and its unique capacity to deliver continuous measurements of both kinematic and kinetic biomechanical data. However, most commercially available in-shoe plantar pressure measurement systems (PPMS) are designed primarily for use in research settings and are thus unsuitable for field-based use due in part, to their high cost, low durability, and cumbersome hardware designs that can interfere with natural running gait. These limitations restrict researchers, athletes, coaches, and footwear designers from using PPMS to acquire valuable biomechanical data in training and competition environments. The development of a wearable, field-appropriate, in-shoe PPMS capable of providing lab-quality pressure data and its derivative biomechanical signals could address the current gap in measurement technology enabling significant advancements in running biomechanics research. The development of such a technology, however, is highly demanding due to many competing requirements such as low weight, high durability, imperceptible form factor, and cost-effectiveness while still providing lab-quality data.
The purpose of this dissertation is to present research that could aid in the development of a wearable, field-appropriate, in-shoe PPMS through the following research objectives. The first research objective was to determine the accuracy and performance of a low-cost, fully integrated pressure sensing insole relative to a research-grade PPMS using laboratory-standard equipment on bench-top and in-situ performance tests (Chapter 2). The second research objective was to determine the optimal sparse sensor layout and plantar pressure distribution estimation method capable of measuring the complete plantar pressure distribution with lab quality accuracy (Chapter 3). The final research objective was to develop and determine the optimal foot contact event detection algorithms for use with plantar pressure data to enable highly accurate gait phase analysis (Chapter 4). The results presented in this dissertation demonstrate the feasibility of the development of a wearable, field-appropriate, PPMS that can provide accurate kinematic and kinetic data. The application of these findings can aid in the further development of wearable PPMS, leading to advancements in the field of running biomechanics and the sport of running.Graduate2025-01-1
La Corneta China: A Musical Symbol of Santiago de Cuba
Full text linkHavana, Cuba’s capital, is often assumed to be the center and sole expression of Cuban culture (Boudreault-Fournier, 2008). This assumption is reflected in Western academia, which deprioritizes study of Eastern Cuba and its unique traditions. La corneta china, an instrument integral to the cultural institution of conga, is one such tradition. This project explores the historical and contemporary phenomenon of the Chinese Cornet’s iconic status in Eastern Cuba, particularly the city of Santiago de Cuba. I situate the historical contexts of the Chinese Cornet in comparsa and conga, two similar yet distinct Cuban musical traditions, as well as the origins of la corneta from Chinese immigration. In an interview with Roberto de Riva González, an expert Chinese Cornet Cuban player, I investigated how the residents of Santiago’s neighbourhoods practice the corneta tradition and claim the instrument as their own. La corneta china represents generations of musical traditions passed down in the neighbourhoods of Santiago, leading the conga and being a cornerstone of Oriente identity.Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)UndergraduateReviewe
At 19, I am diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
Full text linkAn award-winning work of poetry with the theme of equity, diversity, and human rights created by undergraduate student Cate Freeborn, selected by celebrity judge Thembelihle (Thembie) Moyo.2024 On the Verge Writing Contest first-place poetry winnerUndergraduat
A preliminary scoping review of the impact of e-prescribing on pharmacists in community pharmacies
Full text linkObjective: This scoping review aims to map the available literature and provide an overview of the published articles discussing the impact of electronic prescribing on medication errors and pharmacy workflow. Methods: The literature search was conducted using PubMed®, Web of Science®, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews®, as well as grey literature reports, using the search terms and related components of “pharmacists”, “electronic prescribing”, “medication errors”, and “efficiency”. The search included all articles that were published from January 2011 to September 2023. Twenty-two relevant articles were identified and fully reviewed, ten of which were included in this review. Results: Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) provides a solution for some of the challenges that are associated with handwritten and paper prescriptions. However, the implementation of e-prescribing systems has been recognized as a source of new unforeseen medication errors in all the reviewed articles. Productivity in community pharmacies has been affected with receiving electronic prescriptions (e-prescriptions) and having to deal with the issues that arise from them. The pharmacists’ interventions were not eliminated with e-prescriptions compared to other prescription formats. The most frequently reported reason for intervention was related to incomplete instructions in the field of directions of use. Other common challenges with e-prescriptions were related to missing information, quantity, inappropriate dose, dosage form, and drug. Discussion: This review demonstrates the scarcity of research about the impact of electronic prescribing on medication error and efficiency in community pharmacies. In the literature, most of the studies had mainly focused on hospital pharmacies. The literature search demonstrated that there are still some barriers to overcome with e-prescribing systems and that medication errors were not fully eliminated with e-prescriptions. New errors have been identified with e-prescriptions, all of which caused delays in processing, which affected the productivity of the pharmacy staff, and could have negatively impacted patients’ safety if not properly resolved. Conclusion: e-Prescribing solved some of the challenges associated with illegibility of handwritten prescriptions. However, more time is required to allow e-prescribing systems to mature. Further training for prescribers and pharmacists is also recommended before and after the implementation.This research was funded by Michael Smith Health Research BC, grant number: 17589, and the University of Victoria, Canada.FacultyReviewe
An Intersectionality-Informed Analysis of Loneliness and Discrimination Experienced by 2S/GBTQ+ People Living With Disabilities Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Full text linkIntroduction: Social inequities such as loneliness and discrimination due to sexual orientation (herein, discrimination) are prevalent across disabled people and Two-Spirit, Gay, Bisexual and Trans men, Queer and Non-Binary (2S/GBTQ+) communities. However, little is known about how loneliness and discrimination were experienced in Canada at the intersection of disability and 2S/GBTQ+ communities, especially before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: To address this knowledge gap, four cycles (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) of cross-sectional, bilingual, community-based Sex Now survey data were used, which included 2S/GBTQ+ people aged 15 years or older and living in Canada. A total of 12,355 2S/GBTQ+ participants responded to loneliness outcomes, and 11,575 to discrimination outcomes. A multi-stage data analysis was conducted. First, crosstabulations and chi-square tests were used to describe and test for differences across outcomes across the four survey cycles. Second, pooled data were analyzed to describe and test for differences in outcomes based on social determinants of health. Third, stratified analyses were repeated for participants living with and without a disability. Finally, only among 2S/GBTQ+ participants living with disabilities, multivariable logistic regression models of each outcome identified 1) temporal trends by survey year, and 2) social determinants of health correlates. Results: There were statistically significant differences in outcomes across survey cycles, which were greater among 2S/GBTQ+ participants living with a disability. Compared with 2019 (before COVID-19), the odds of reporting loneliness were greater for 2S/GBTQ+ participants living with disabilities in 2020 and 2021 (but not 2022). 2S/GBTQ+ participants living with a disability who reported a racialized identity, financial strain, or a gender-expansive identity had greater odds of reporting loneliness. Compared with 2019 (before COVID-19), decreased odds of reporting discrimination were found in 2021 and 2022 (but not 2020). Generally, older 2S/GBTQ+ participants living with a disability were less likely to experience discrimination. 2S/GBTQ+ participants living with disabilities who were racialized, queer versus bisexual identified, and gender-expansive reported greater odds of discrimination. Conclusions: These findings suggest that 2S/GBTQ+ people living with disabilities were impacted by greater loneliness and lesser discrimination during COVID-19. However, social inequities were also present among 2S/GBTQ+ people living with disabilities. Equitable policy planning is needed to ensure that underserved yet deserving communities are not disproportionally affected by future pandemics and associated public health responses.Graduat
Breast Ultrasound Images Segmentation Using Deep Neural Networks
Full text linkBreast Ultrasound (US) imaging has emerged as an important diagnostic technique for detecting and characterizing breast tumors. Accurate segmentation of breast US images plays an essential role in enhancing the efficiency and precision of clinical assessments. This report explores the application of several well-known deep neural networks to the breast US image segmentation task. Specifically, we train and evaluate the following five models: SegNet, U Net, and DeepLab V3+ with three different bondnets (ResNet-18, ResNet-50, and Xception).
The presented results are based on two labeled datasets. One is Breast US Images (BUSI) dataset, which was used for training, validation, and testing. The other is Breast US Lesions (BUL) dataset, which was used exclusively for testing. Data augmentation was applied to increase the number and diversity of the data samples by randomly varying the contrast, brightness, and gamma of US images.
The performance of each model was evaluated based on Global Accuracy, Mean Accuracy, Mean Intersection-over-Union (IoU), Weighted IoU, Mean Boundary-F1 (BF) score, Average Dice score of Background, Average Dice score of Tumor, Mean Dice score of Tumor, and the model's cost. Overall, our results showed that Xception-based DeepLab V3+ and U-Net outperformed the other models under consideration when segmenting breast US images.Graduat