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An Approach of Adjusting the Switch Probability based on Dimension Size: A Case Study for Performance Improvement of the Flower Pollination Algorithm
No full textNumerous meta-heuristic algorithms have been influenced by nature. Over the past couple of decades,
their quantity has been significantly escalating. The majority of these algorithms attempt to emulate
natural biological and physical phenomena. This research concentrates on the Flower Pollination
algorithm, which is one of several bio-inspired algorithms. The original approach was suggested for
pollen grain exploration and exploitation in confined space using a specific global pollination and
local pollination strategy. As a “swarm intelligence" meta-heuristic algorithm, its strength lies in
locating the vicinity of the optimum solution rather than identifying the minimum. A modification to
the original method is detailed in this work. This research found that by changing the specific value
of “switch probability" with dynamic values of different dimension sizes and functions, the outcome
was mainly improved over the original flower pollination method
Understanding and Addressing Occupational Stressors in Internet-Delivered Therapy for Public Safety Personnel: A Qualitative Analysis
No full textInternet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) is effective when tailored to meet the needs of public safety personnel (PSP). Nevertheless, there is limited research on the nature of the occupational stressors faced by PSP who seek ICBT and how PSP use ICBT to address occupational stressors. We provided tailored ICBT to PSP (N = 126; 54% women) and conducted a qualitative content analysis on clinicians’ eligibility screening notes, clients’ emails, and clients’ survey responses to understand the occupational stressors faced by PSP and their use of ICBT to address such stressors. Clients described several occupational stressors, including operational stressors (e.g., potentially psychologically traumatic events and sleep/shiftwork issues) and organizational stressors (e.g., issues with leadership, resources, and workload). More clients shared occupational concerns during the screening process (97%) than during treatment (58%). The most frequently cited occupational stressor was exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events. Clients reported using course skills (e.g., controlled breathing and graduated exposure) to manage occupational stressors (e.g., responding to calls, workplace conflict, and work–family conflict). Thought challenging was the most frequently reported strategy used to manage occupational stressors. The current results provide insights into the occupational stressors PSP experience and endeavor to manage using ICBT, which can inform further efforts to tailor ICBT for PSP (e.g., adapting course materials and examples to take into account these operational and occupational stressors).This research was conducted by PSPNET, which is funded by the Canadian Government’s Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.Facultyye
The cost effectiveness of new reservoir hydroelectricity: British Columbia’s Site C project
No full textLarge-scale, reservoir hydroelectric facilities can play an important role in decarbonizing the electricity sector. However, new hydroelectric facilities are costly, and several recent projects in Canada have been subject to cost over-runs. In this paper, we develop a methodology for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of new reservoir hydroelectric projects. We apply this methodology to a case study of the Site C hydroelectric project currently under construction in British Columbia, Canada. Our approach makes use of a purpose-built linear programming capacity expansion and dispatch model, resolved at an hourly frequency and incorporating detailed treatment of balancing area requirements, available wind and solar resources, watershed constraints on hydroelectric potential, and endogenous electricity trade. Our simulations reveal that the value of the Site C project is unlikely to exceed its total cost, and only exceeds the avoidable cost of project cancellation in scenarios where BC and Alberta build additional inter-provincial transmission capacity and aim for 100% decarbonization of their electricity systems. Site C provides a cautionary tale for policymakers and planners pursuing large hydro-electric projects. Potential cost over-runs can render large hydroelectric projects uneconomic relative to alternatives. The decision to complete the Site C project is only justified by its high sunk costs.Facultyye
Exploring the experiences of women in leadership positions at a higher education institution in south-eastern Nigeria: A phenomenological study
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 Education in Adult Education and Human Resources Development, University of Regina. x, 135 p.This phenomenological study explored the experiences of five women in leadership positions at Michael University, which is a federal higher institution in Southeastern Nigeria. I embarked on this journey because of my interest in understanding how women who have broken the “glass ceiling” (Yukl & Gardner, 2020) experienced leadership at the studied institution. The theoretical framework for the study was guided by Joan Acker’s (1990) theory of gendered organizations. According to Acker, one of the processes in which organizations are gendered is through divisions of labor between men and women, including institutionalized means of maintaining those divisions in institutions. Further, Williams et al. (2012) indicate the theory of gendered organizations is used to explain the persistent gender inequality in the workplace, especially in issues relating to leadership. In addition to gendered organization theory, leadership theory was used as a theoretical framework for the study. The study employed phenomenology as research methodology and snowball sampling was used in recruiting the five participants. In addition, in-depth one-on-one semi-structured interviews was used in data collection and a thematic approach was used in data analyses and interpretation.
The findings of the research revealed the participants had both positive and challenging experiences as women in leadership positions at Michael University. In addition, the study found that factors such as culture, gender roles, inadequate education/training, and family responsibilities continued to undermine the progress of women into leadership positions at the institution. The implications of the findings of the study for leadership policy development and practice at Michael University as well as the suggestions for further research and recommendations arising from the study are discussed.Studentye
Release: PTRC, University of Regina and Evolution Growers Collaborate on Geothermal Optimization Project
No full textStaffn
Impact of COVID-19 on Women Who Are Refugees and Mothering: A Critical Ethnographic Study
No full textRefugee women often experience trauma and social disconnection in a new country and are at risk of experiencing reduced physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Globally, COVID-19 has affected the health and well-being of the population at large. This critical ethnographic study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 on women who are refugees and mothering in Saskatchewan, Canada. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 27 women who are refugees and mothering young children aged 2 years and under. This study suggests that during COVID-19, refugee women are at high risk of experiencing add-on stressors due to isolation, difficulty in accessing health care, COVID-19-related restrictions in hospitals, limited follow-up care, limited social support, financial difficulties, and compromised nutrition. During COVID-19, collaborative efforts by nurses, other health-care professionals, and governmental and non-governmental organizations are essential to provide need-based mental health support, skills-building programs, nutritional counseling, and follow-up care to this vulnerable group.This work was supported by the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital
Foundation (JPCHF) [grant number 5212]
Feature Story: Students helping students with support from the business community
No full textThere are several student groups within the U of R’s Hill and Levene Schools of Business that help students obtain the necessary skills to succeed in the business world but also connect them with the business community. That same business community is what’s helping these groups fulfill their mission of supporting students.Staffn
Feature Story: Your dorm room, your castle
No full textYou've heard the expression "your home is your castle", but what about your dorm? It may only be temporary but there's no reason to not make it cozy, comfortable, and even an expression of your personality. At its core, of course, a dorm room is all about function: you need it to be organized enough to get some deep studying done, and tranquil enough for catching up on sleep. How to strike the balance - and make your dorm room your castle?Staffn
Mental Health Training, Attitudes toward Support, and Screening Positive for Mental Disorders among Canadian Coast Guard and Conservation and Protection Officers
No full textPublic Safety Personnel (PSP) including members of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and Conservation and Protection (C&P) officers, are regularly exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs) and other occupational stressors. Several mental health training programs (e.g., critical incident stress management [CISM], critical incident stress debriefing [CISD], peer support, mental health first aid, Road to Mental Readiness [R2MR]) exist as efforts to minimize the impact of exposures. To help inform on the impact of several categories of mental health training programs (i.e., CISM, CISD, mental health first aid, Peer Support, R2MR) for improving attitudes toward support and willingness to access supports among CCG and C&P officers, the current study assessed CCG and C&P Officers perceptions of access to professional (i.e., physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, employee assistance programs, chaplains) and non-professional (i.e., spouse, friends, colleagues, leadership) support, and associations between training and mental health. Participants (n = 341; 58.4% male) completed an online survey assessing perceptions of support, experience with mental health training and symptoms of mental health disorders. CCG and C&P Officers reported access to professional and non-professional support; however, most indicated they would first access a spouse (73.8%), a friend (64.7%), or a physician (52.9%). Many participants would never, or only as a last resort, access other professional supports (24.0% to 47.9%), a CCG or C&P colleague (67.5%), or their leadership (75.7%). Participants who received any mental health training reported a lower prevalence of positive screens for all mental health disorders compared to those who did not received training; but no statistically significant associations were observed between mental health training categories and decreased odds for screening positive for mental disorders. The current results suggest that the mental health training categories yield comparable results; nevertheless, further research is needed to assess the shared and unique content across each training program. The results highlight the need to increase willingness to access professional and non-professional support among CCG and C&P Officers. Revisions to training programs for leadership and colleagues to reduce stigma around mental health challenges and support for PSP spouses, friends, and physicians may be beneficial.This research was funded by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.Facultyye
Feature Story: U of R hosts students from around the world for Discovery Camp Saskatchewan 2022
No full textThroughout July, the University of Regina is hosting students from around the world for Discovery Camp Saskatchewan 2022, a solution-based and experience-oriented learning program to address sustainability issues and ideas from a Saskatchewan perspective.
The program is led by the University of Regina in partnership with University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP), the Ministry of Advanced Education, and other post-secondary institutions and agencies throughout the province.Staffn