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“Vacation for Victory!” British Columbia’s call for a Women’s Land Army during the Second World War and the prairie women who answered
No full textA Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in History, University of Regina. iv, 120 p.During the Second World War, Canada experienced a shortage of agricultural workers. After a decade of economic depression, the appeal of well-paying factory jobs or a position in the armed forces pulled many young men and women away from rural areas. While each province strived to maximize food production in agricultural regions with a depleted labour force, only British Columbia and Ontario instituted a Provincial Women's Land Army. However, while Ontario's Farm Labour Program quickly gained momentum, British Columbia experienced difficulty in recruiting women from within their province to engage in fruit farming and orchard labour. Reaching out of province, the Minister of Agriculture was able to secure tremendous help from women in Alberta and Saskatchewan under the auspices of the Dominion-Provincial Farm Labour Program. Utilizing the concepts of gender, race, class, topography, and propaganda, this thesis examines British Columbia's difficulties in recruiting its own women and demonstrates why these same concepts help explain the successful mobilization of Prairie women.Studentye
The effects of chronic stress on allocentric versus egocentric spatial memory
No full textA Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Experimental Psychology, University of Regina. ix, 85 p.Spatial navigation is a skill that is critically dependent upon an organism’s ability to remember object locations and orient themselves in an environment. Two strategies commonly examined in spatial memory research are allocentric (ALLO) and egocentric (EGO). Individuals using an ALLO strategy orient with respect to a cognitive map of distal environmental boundaries, while those using an EGO strategy orient with respect to themselves and singular proximal landmark cues. Stress affects spatial memory, but it is unclear whether one strategy more than the other enhances processing in the context of chronic stress. The present study examined the effects of chronic stress on ALLO and EGO spatial memory. A final sample of forty-two male participants completed a chronic stress measure and then a spatial memory dual-strategy navigation task with ALLO and EGO cues. Participants’ preferred strategy was determined by identifying which strategy they relied upon to guess the previously viewed location of an invisible target. Participants’ EGO and ALLO performance was determined by examining how accurate their guesses were on trials for which only one cue type was an accurate predictor. Chronic stress variables (frequency and severity) from chronic stressors that occurred during childhood as well as overall chronic stress were examined as potential predictors of visuospatial strategy performance in a series of regression analyses. Regression analyses were also used to examine chronic stress variables (frequency and severity) from chronic stressors that occurred during childhood as well as overall chronic stress as potential predictors of strategy preference scores. A greater number of chronic stress events was associated with a greater preference for EGO strategy use, but no relationships were found when examining chronic stress severity, performance, and childhood chronic stressors. The findings suggest that chronic stress—specifically overall chronic stress—may be an important factor related to visuospatial memory preference.Studentye
When the Sun Sets on Net Metering: How the Cancellation of Net Metering Impacted the Potential Adoption of Residential Rooftop Solar Photovoltaics in Regina, Saskatchewan
No full textRooftop solar photovoltaics will play a role in decarbonizing electricity generation and meeting
global climate goals. Policymakers can benefit from understanding how their policy choices impact rooftop
solar PV adoption. We conduct a case study of Regina, Saskatchewan to determine the extent to which
solar policy changes in that Canadian province have impacted the relative desirability of rooftop solar PV.
We assess financial returns that can be achieved in Regina under three policy scenarios: net metering,
net billing, and net billing with a capital incentive. We use GIS analysis to identify suitable roofs in Regina
and assess any shading that may occur. We calculate hourly capacity factors for these roofs using solar
irradiation data, temperature data, and shading factors. We match the simulated solar output results with
hourly load data to simulate over 4 million potential roof-load combinations and calculate NPV and net
monthly return for each combination. We conduct a telephone survey of 451 Regina residents to assess
willingness to install solar at different levels of financial return and compare these results to our solar
simulations. Our results indicate that a move from net metering to net billing reduced financial returns
from rooftop solar and lowered solar potential from 129 Gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year to 99 GWh/yr in
Regina. The introduction of a capital incentive grant by the federal government has helped increase solar
potential upwards to 120 GWh/yr. The capital incentive grant may also help overcome high discount rates
by providing a larger upfront benefit to households that install solar.This work was supported with funding
from the David Suzuki Foundation’s Fellowship program
Numerical simulation and optimization of cyclic and continuous fluid injection for geothermal energy recovery
No full textA Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Applied Science in Petroleum Systems Engineering, University of Regina. xiii, 135 p.Geothermal energy is a viable solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and
mitigating climate change. It has a wide geographic distribution, requires little
exploration and operation costs, and has virtually no carbon emissions. This renewable
energy source can generate electricity, provide direct heating and cooling, and even be
utilized for agricultural and industrial processes. It can be harnessed at any scale, from
individual buildings to large-scale power plants, and is available in many parts of the
world. In addition, the operation and maintenance costs of geothermal energy resources
are relatively low, making it a cost-effective alternative to other energy production
forms. Meanwhile, geothermal energy emits significantly less carbon dioxide compared
to fossil fuel power plants, reducing the dependence on fossil fuels.
This thesis focuses on the numerical simulation of the geothermal energy extraction
from the geothermal reservoirs by utilizing various recovery strategies originating from
the petroleum industry. Initially, this research uses Computer Modelling Group (CMG)
reservoir simulator software to simulate the energy extraction in the conventional water
base geothermal reservoirs that locate at Western Canada Sedimentary Basin and the
area in the City of Regina. The simulation of the primary recovery (rely on the natural
energy release from the original reservoirs) and secondary recovery (continuous water
injection and cyclic water injection) were discussed. The CMG-CMOST was involved
in this study in order to process the optimization process to maximize cumulative
energy production and net present value (NPV) of geothermal energy recovery process.
In addition, the injected working fluid was changed to carbon dioxide (CO2) for
extracting geothermal energy, which is considered a significant source caused global
warming issues. In this study, the injected CO2 was controlled at a supercritical state in
order to maintain its higher heat capacity. History matching was performed in order to
verify the fluid model’s accuracy. All the simulation and optimization process was
performed, and the performance of CO2 as a working fluid in the geothermal energy
extraction process were discussed.Studentye
Design and development of a Virtual Window with industrial and civil applications
No full textA Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Applied Science in Electronic Systems Engineering, University of Regina. xv, 131 p.The recent advances in deep learning algorithms and computer vision applications
have prompted research into their application in various problem domains, including
industrial and civil applications. This area o ers a unique opportunity to develop
applications that were not previously Possible without computer vision technology.
One such application is the replacement of conventional windows with digital smart
windows that provide end-users with access to natural scenery. This technology has
potential uses in military contexts and meetings, among others. This research focuses
on a novel approach to implementing this technology in industrial settings using a
real-time face detection algorithm to display natural scenery on a digital screen in a
way that provides a user experience similar to looking out a real window. The study
involved testing multiple methods and algorithms to identify the fastest and most ef-
cient approach that can be implemented purely through software methods, thereby
reducing the need for costly sensors and hardware like what you may nd in VRs
with expensive sensors. Given the paramount signi cance of both execution speed
and detection accuracy in our project, we have made a deliberate decision to utilize
the most e cient real-time face detection algorithm available. This algorithm, known
as Yolov7, excels in achieving swift processing while maintaining a high level of preci-
sion.Details of how this model excels compared to other real-time models can be found
in Chapter 3. YOLO represents a singular stage detector that adeptly handles object
identi cation and classi cation within a single iteration of the network. Although
various single stage detection models exist, YOLO consistently demonstrates supe-
rior performance in terms of both speed and accuracy. By approaching the detection
task as a single-shot regression method for identifying bounding boxes, YOLO mod-
els exhibit remarkable swiftness and compactness, rendering them highly amenable to
e cient training and deployment, particularly on resource-constrained edge devices.
The algorithm employed in this study was utilized for the dual objectives of detect-
ing facial features and identifying landmarks. To cater to the speci c requirements
of the project, a custom dataset was employed during the training phase of the algo-
rithm. Rather than undertaking the task of creating a novel algorithm, our approach
involved identifying the latest and most e cient algorithm, which we subsequently
employed in our application. Consequently, we were able to divert more resources
towards enhancing the software capabilities of our application, such as accurately
estimating the user's head orientation and focusing on related aspects.Studentye
Research thesis
No full textA Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics, University of Regina. iii, 28 p.Trans Neptunian objects are icy bodies in the outer solar system which orbit at a distance from the Sun further than Neptune. Ninety four such objects, discovered in the last thirty years and observed by astronomers many times since, are the subject of this paper. Several new observations of these objects have been made over the past couple years. By incorporating these new data points, the goal is to discover whether these objects continue to exhibit behaviors characteristic of resonant Trans-Neptunian Objects. Resonant objects are objects which have an orbital period with an integer ratio to that of Neptune and a resonant angle that oscillates within 360° in orbital integrations over million year timescales. In order to classify their dynamical behavior, n-body simulations were performed by others in the LIDO research group, and then the data analyzed and summarized in this paper. It was found that 52 objects can be classified as resonant secure, 4 as resonant insecure, 6 as Kozai resonant, 29 as non-resonant, and 3 objects are unclassifiable and require further observation. Of these objects, all but 9 were found to be Plutinos.Studentn
Optimizing Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for public safety personnel: Qualitative insights from clients and stakeholders to guide program improvements
No full textA Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental and Applied Psychology, University of Regina. xiv, 209 p.Public Safety Personnel (PSP) (e.g., EMS/paramedics, police officers) experience high rates of clinically significant symptoms of mental health disorders. The high rates have been explained by the extraordinary occupational stressors that PSP experience. There is a need for accessible treatment options to overcome common barriers to care in PSP populations. Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) has the potential to provide effective treatment while overcoming barriers to care. PSPNET is a clinical research unit that has adapted an ICBT program to meet the needs of PSP. The current dissertation is designed to explore the extent to which PSPNET has been optimized and can be further enhanced to meet the needs of PSP. The dissertation consists of three studies assessing stakeholder perceptions of PSPNET from both the client-level and the organizational level (i.e., PSP leaders). The studies are guided by a micro-learning health system framework that emphasizes integrating research and clinical practice to make continuous improvements to interventions. Qualitative data are used because of the substantial potential to develop specific recommendations for iterative improvements to PSPNET. The studies were conducted sequentially. In Study 1, Beahm et al. (2021) examined client communication data (i.e., client emails and feedback surveys) from 82 clients enrolled in the PSP Wellbeing Course, a core transdiagnostic ICBT course offered by PSPNET. The study shows that most clients reported benefits from the program. Results also evidenced that clients identified more aspects of the program as helpful, than they identified areas for improvement. The study results were used to make several of the proposed changes to the course (e.g., inclusion of audio and video content, inclusion of new additional resources).
In study 2, Beahm et al. (2022) examined client communication data (i.e., client emails, feedback surveys, and intake screening notes) from 126 Saskatchewan-based clients to explore if PSP were seeking and using ICBT to manage occupational stressors. Results evidenced that almost all (96.8%) clients reported seeking ICBT for one or more occupational stressors. Clients noted that skills from the course helped them manage stress related to a variety of occupational stressors. The data were used to make changes to PSP specific examples and case stories in the course, as well as for identifying new additional resources that were needed for the course (e.g., health anxiety, information for families, mental health supports in the workplace). In Study 3, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 PSP leaders based in Saskatchewan. The study explored PSP leaders’ perceptions of PSPNET using the RE-AIM evaluation framework and assessed perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of PSPNET along five dimensions (i.e., reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance). The results showed PSPNET was reaching PSP, that PSP leaders believed PSPNET was beneficial, and that they were willing to continue to support PSPNET. Leaders also offered feedback for improving reach and implementation of PSPNET (e.g., emphasizing the preventative aspects of PSPNET), some of which are under consideration by the PSPNET team. Other feedback had already been implemented by the team which signalled a need for improved communication with PSP leaders related to implementation of PSPNET (e.g., adding audio content). The collective results from the studies evidenced the value of using qualitative feedback from multiple stakeholders for program improvement. The studies evidenced that PSP value ICBT and highlighted factors that strengthen ICBT for PSP.Studentye
Narcissism and pandemic attitudes, behaviours, and COVID stress
No full textA Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology, University of Regina. vii, 60 p.Previous research on dark personality traits (i.e., narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) and pandemic behaviours suggests a relationship between narcissism and a disregard for public health interventions (e.g., social distancing, isolation, vaccination). Individuals who disregard public health measures put many other people at risk of contracting COVID-19, potentially leading to several health-related complications, added burden on limited health care resources, or even death. The present study aims to examine the relationship between narcissism and pandemic attitudes and behaviours using a population representative sample of 5,812 participants from Canada and the United States. Participants were recruited via Qualtrics and were asked to complete a survey which assessed levels of narcissism, entitlement, non-adherence to nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPI), COVID disregard, anti-vaccination attitudes, reasons for social distancing, and COVID stress. MANOVA indicated that individuals with high narcissism were more likely to have greater levels of non-adherence to NPI, COVID disregard, COVID stress, anti-vaccination attitudes, and entitlement compared to those with low narcissism Furthermore, males displayed greater levels of non-adherence to NPI, COVID disregard, COVID stress, and entitlement, whereas females displayed greater levels of intrinsic motivations for social distancing. Lastly, men with high narcissism showed greater levels of non-adherence to NPI, COVID disregard, COVID stress, and entitlement, in comparison to women with high levels of narcissism. These finding provide a better understanding of the relationship between narcissistic traits, sex, and pandemic attitudes and behaviours and have implications for tailoring COVID-19 public health interventions based on individual difference variables.Studentn
Challenges of Conducting a Critical Ethnographic Breastfeeding Study in the Post-Disaster Settings: Lessons Learned
No full textPost-disaster settings are the most vulnerable settings where researchers may face challenges specific to their safety, research logistics, and maintenance of ethical integrity in a high-stress context. This paper presents the researcher’s reflections on undertaking a critical ethnographic breastfeeding study in the post-disaster settings of rural Pakistan where displaced women with young children were under extreme stress due to recurrent natural disasters, displacement, disruption to life, and homelessness. This paper identifies encountered challenges by the researcher during fieldwork in that post-disaster settings, presents the strategies utilized by the researcher during the fieldwork, and shares recommendations for future researchers on ways to maintain research integrity in this challenging context.This work was supported by the International Development
Research Center (IDRC) [Grant#108544-007], Sigma Theta
Tau International Small Research Grant (STTI) [Grant#13566],
and the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) Vanier
Canada Graduate Scholarship awarded to the author
A Scoping Review of the Components of Moral Resilience: Its Role in Addressing Moral Injury or Moral Distress for High-Risk Occupation Workers
No full textThis version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40501-023-00310-9.Purpose of Review: High-risk occupation workers (HROWs) are often exposed to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) which can contribute to moral distress (MD) or moral injury (MI). Moral resilience (MR) has been proposed as a protective or moderating factor to protect HROWs from harm caused by PMIE exposures. The current review was designed to: 1) update the definition of MR to a broader context of HROWs; 2) identify components of MR for HROWs; and 3) determine demographic variables that may impact MR development.This work was supported by the Supporting Psychological Health in First Responders Grant from the Government of Alberta (grant number: 21SPHIFR30-2)