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Beneath the surface: Community archives and belonging in Cumberland County, NS
No full textThis study examines how deindustrialized working class, rural communities in Cumberland County, Nova Scotia experience belonging through engagement with archival records and local histories at community archives.This study explores the connections and disconnects between archives, people, and community in deindustrialized areas of Cumberland County, Nova Scotia. I have sought to understand one central question: “In what ways can local archives improve one’s sense of belonging within (and understanding of) community?” To address this, I have used a narrative inquiry approach and interviewed four archival professionals who run community archives in the area, as well as four community members who have accessed local archives. The archival professionals serve as key informants, while the community participants provide rich perspectives on their experiences in their communities and in accessing archives. Based on thematic analysis of these interviews, it is clear that engagement with local archives can affect feelings of belonging in rural and working-class deindustrialized communities, namely by deepening connections between individual, historical, and geographic identity
Reading History, Playing with History: The American Girl Historical Collection and Writing and Reading History for Girls
No full textA Metabarcoding Approach Measuring Four Complementary eDNA Marker Genes From Prokaryotes To Cetaceans Reveals Ecosystem Structure In The Coastal Northwest Atlantic Ocean
No full textThis thesis investigates biodiversity and seasonal dynamics of the marine ecosystem on the
Canadian Atlantic Scotian Shelf using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding of four
marker genes. It addresses two primary questions: (1) How does eDNA multi-marker
metabarcoding detect ecosystem structure in Scotian Shelf marine environments? (2)
How does quantitative eDNA analyses contribute to improve the resolution of
metabarcoding on seasonal biodiversity patterns in a coastal ocean ecosystem?
Chapter 2 presents the first assessment of biodiversity made in the Gully Marine Protected
Area (MPA) using eDNA metabarcoding from the Atlantic Zone Monitoring Program
(AZMP). A multi-marker gene approach (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and COI)
revealed biodiversity patterns structured primarily by depth and seasons, with 115 phyla, 566
families, and 631 species detected. Methodological factors, such as membrane filter pore size
and reference database, influenced community detection and taxonomic resolution. The
presentation of these pilot findings concludes with recommendations for the refinement of
biomonitoring using eDNA in seawater.
Chapter 3 examines eDNA-based seasonal ecosystem dynamics across Inuktpikjuik (Halifax
Harbour and Bedford Basin) through a quantitative metabarcoding approach that combines
qPCR quantification of the marker genes and amplicon sequencing. Monthly river-to-ocean
transects of eDNA sampling and metabarcoding revealed distinct seasonal shifts in
community composition and richness. From the same samples of eDNA, qPCR assays
measured independently distinct seasonal fluctuations in concentrations of marker genes in
seawater. Combining the two approaches, these seasonal eDNA signals were analyzed in
parallel with field-filtered blanks and internal standards spiked in samples to better quantify
potential biases.
My findings demonstrate that eDNA metabarcoding captures fine-scale ecological
heterogeneity in the marine environment, while qPCR quantification of the same genes
complements ecological interpretation. Further, my results provide an eDNA biodiversity
baseline for long-term biomonitoring of the Scotian Shelf at different scales. In the
conclusion chapter, I provide insights and suggestions on how to further develop a
quantitative eDNA metabarcoding for future ecosystem management and multi-trophic
ecology modelling based on eDNA metabarcoding
Walking Through Nature: Biophilic Channel as an Urban Design Strategy
No full textThis thesis examines biophilic channels as an architectural strategy that embeds natural elements within everyday pedestrian routes by leveraging the human tendency to take shortcuts. Unlike conventional urban greening initiatives requiring intentional detours, biophilic channels integrate nature directly into high-traffic pedestrian pathways and ensure the benefits of a biophilic environment. Through a multi-layered approach, the study analyzes case studies—including the High Line in New York, Starfield Library in Seoul, and Arc in Sydney—using biophilic design and shortcut principles. The research explores two architectural applications: the Prototypical Channel, which introduces minimal biophilic interventions within existing urban structures, and the Expanded Channel, which presents a more comprehensive integration of biophilic principles. This thesis presents biophilic channels as a design approach that strengthens environmental sustainability, supports pedestrian well-being, and enhances everyday interactions with the built environment by illustrating their flexibility and capacity to integrate into various urban conditions
A’ faighneachd Mhic-Talla [Asking the Echo]: A corpus-based approach to vernacular classification of Gaelic songs
No full textAlthough Gaelic songs are an important facet to Gaelic cultural heritage, no study to date has systematically examined vernacular classifications of Gaelic songs. Due to this omission, digital archives may utilise foreign terminologies as descriptive metadata to classify Gaelic songs. These labels will influence how Gaels and non-Gaels interpret and understand Gaelic culture. Potential misrepresentations in archives can lead to a dilution of Gaelic culture. This study addresses this gap by utilising corpus linguistic methods to analyse adjectival and genitive constructions of the most common Gaelic word for song-poem, òran, and a dialectal variation amhran, while also observing vernacular categories in concordance of òran and amhran and traits of broader classification from the Gaels’ own narratives in the longest-running, all-Gaelic newspaper Mac-Talla (1892–1904). Forty-nine vernacular categories were observed along with various broader classifications such as melodic quality, age, taste, and bard. By engaging with Gaelic vernacular knowledge, this research aims to contribute to the discourse and development of culturally sensitive metadata for Gaelic songs in digital archives
Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals by Leach’s Storm-Petrels (Hydrobates leucorhous) in the North and South Atlantic Ocean during the Non-breeding Period
No full textEarth and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honours ThesisLeach’s storm-petrels (Hydrobates leucorhous) have experienced a significant decline in Atlantic Canada and are currently listed as “Threatened” by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). Many factors may underlie this decline, including exposure to heavy metals. While mercury (Hg) levels have been measured in blood and eggs of breeding storm-petrels, these short-term indicators have not been associated with impacts on hatching or fledging success. However, longer-term Hg intake and the extent of exposure to other heavy metals during the non-breeding period remain unknown. In this study, secondary feathers were assayed to assess variation in heavy metals concentration among five overwintering regions in the Atlantic Ocean. Using geolocation data, centroid locations for each overwintering region were calculated for February, when feathers are grown. Overwintering region was a significant predictor of Hg concentrations, whereas other heavy metal varied without a clear regional effect. Foraging indicators were also strong predictors of Hg concentrations, whereas colony of origin had no influence, likely due to high individual plasticity in non-breeding migration behavior. Hg concentrations were negatively correlated with δ¹⁵N values, emphasizing the role of diazotrophic organisms in reducing baseline nitrogen levels in oligotrophic ecosystems such as the mid-Atlantic, while sulfate-reducing bacteria simultaneously enhance methylmercury bioavailability. In contrast, Hg concentrations were significantly lower in more productive upwelling regions like the Benguela system, where rapid export to deep sediments through decaying phytoplankton biomass and sinking particles drive Hg biodilution. Given their extensive migration across the Atlantic Ocean, Leach’s storm-petrels serve as valuable bioindicators of heavy metal pollution. This study provides the first insight into exposure and bioaccumulation of heavy metals during the non-breeding period of Leach’s storm-petrels. My results can serve as a baseline for assessing migration-to-breeding carry-over effects on adult survival and fledgling survival to maturity in the Atlantic population, as these factors remain unexamined. Furthermore, combining these findings with sulfate-isotope analysis could help future studies to better understand Hg biogeochemistry and contaminant dynamics within Leach’s storm-petrel preys during the overwintering period.
Keywords: Mercury biodilution effect; upwelling; oligotrophic region; sulfate reducing bacteria; diazotrophs; detoxificatio
Developing Vehicle Ownership and Activity-Based Travel Demand Models for Transportation Network and Emission Analysis
No full textThis research focuses on understanding how vehicle ownership – particularly the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) – shapes transportation behavior and influences greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). By developing a prototype of the Integrated Transport Land-use and Energy (iTLE) model, the study investigates the interplay between land use, vehicle type choice, and individuals’ activity pattern. Using a combination of machine learning and econometric techniques, it identifies key socio-demographic factors behind EV adoption including their lifestyle and attitudinal characteristics. The study further examines how individuals allocate vehicles to different trip purposes and how these decisions vary by activity types – mandatory, maintenance, and discretionary. A novel aspect of this work is the application of a copula-based framework to jointly model activity start-time and duration, offering a critical overview of daily travel pattern. The iTLE framework is extended with a traffic simulation model to assess network-level impacts and estimate emissions under varying levels of EV penetration. By incorporating spatial analysis, the model also pinpoints potential emission hotspots. Overall, this research delivers an integrated approach to forecasting the environmental implications of future mobility patterns, offering a robust decision-support tool for policymakers and urban planners pursuing sustainable, low-emission transport solutions.Vehicle ownership significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as the type of vehicle chosen for various activities directly affects fuel consumption and emission levels. This study presents an Integrated Transport Land-use and Energy (iTLE) modelling framework including the diversification of vehicle type to assess vehicle ownership level, travel patterns, traffic network performance, and vehicular emissions in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). The study begins with the development of electric vehicle (EV) adoption models, exploring the socio-demographic factors influencing EV ownership through machine learning-based clustering and econometric models. The findings highlight the role of income, education, employment status, and household characteristics in shaping EV adoption patterns. Additionally, an electric vehicle type choice model integrates attitudinal and lifestyle factors, identifying distinct user classes with varying preferences for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The study also examines activity start-times, durations, and vehicle allocation using advanced statistical modeling. A nested Archimedean copula framework captures the dependencies between individuals’ activity start-time and duration, highlighting variations in travel pattern across different demographics. Further, a vehicle allocation model analyzes preferences for different fuel types across mandatory, maintenance, and discretionary activity-based tours, providing insights into vehicle type choice decisions based on accessibility measurements and household characteristics. This study advances a prototype of the iTLE model to forecast future electric vehicle (EV) adoption and evaluate its effects on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The simulation outcomes reveal a notable decrease in emissions across various scenarios as EV adoption grows, emphasizing its potential to enhance sustainable transportation strategies. Additionally, the research employs an in-depth traffic simulation to estimate vehicle kilometers travel (VKT) and analyze emissions at a highly detailed level. It considers different vehicle types, including electric, gasoline, and diesel-powered vehicles, alongside various activity categories such as mandatory, maintenance, and discretionary trips. This comprehensive approach allows for more precise emission evaluations and facilitates the identification of urban pollution hotspots using spatial analysis. By integrating transportation modeling, behavioral analysis, and emissions forecasting, this study provides a comprehensive tool to support policy decisions for sustainable urban mobility. The findings offer valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers aiming to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 and promote cleaner, more efficient transportation systems
NON-LINEAR BEHAVIOR OF ±55˚ GFRP TUBES FILLED WITH CONCRETE AND DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL LOW-CARBON, GYPSUM-MODIFIED CONCRETE FOR SUSTAINABLE STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS
No full textConcrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tubes (CFFTs) with ±55˚ glass-FRP (GFRP) tubes exhibit highly non-linear tensile behavior, unlike the linear response of cross-ply or near-cross-ply configurations. While the confinement effect in axial compression is well understood, the interaction between the tube and concrete core under axial tension remains less explored. This study investigates the non-linear tensile and flexural behavior of ±55˚ GFRP tubes in CFFTs. A novel experimental setup successfully captured an ultimate tensile strain of 0.077 mm/mm, providing key insights into their tensile response. Finite element models accurately simulated tensile and bending behavior, with strong agreement to experimental data. A design-oriented constitutive model was developed for ±55˚ GFRP tubes filled with concrete and integrated into an analytical framework for flexural capacity prediction, achieving 85-100% accuracy in estimating experimental ultimate load and deflection.
To mitigate the environmental impact of cement production and drywall waste, this study proposes a low-carbon, gypsum-modified concrete that reduces cement usage by 80% through the incorporation of recycled gypsum, fly ash, and slag. An experimental program with 135 specimens optimized material compositions, achieving a cement content of only 21% of the total binder. The challenge of early-age strength loss, typical in high cement replacement mixes, was mitigated through confinement in ±55˚ GFRP tubes. Structural testing of six ±55˚ CFFT specimens under monotonic and cyclic compression demonstrated confinement-induced strength gains of 2.1-4.8 times in monotonic loading and 2.1-2.5 times in cyclic loading. These findings highlight the potential of integrating sustainable concrete with CFFT technology for enhanced structural and environmental performance
Greener Futures in Suits and Ties: Environmental Literacy and Intrigue Among Management and Law Undergraduate Students at Dalhousie University
No full textEnvironmental Problem Solving II: The Campus as a Living Laboratory Student PapersEnvironmental and sustainability issues are prominent and routinely studied issues in our society. These issues are not only important to address, but they have also long been the focus of increasing interest and educational demand. In recent years, universities have begun incorporating and offering environmental education programs, but what about the stimulation of environmental and sustainable knowledge in students in non-science related courses? The goal of this research is to evaluate the level of interest undergraduate students in Management and Law programs at Dalhousie University have in environmental literacy and sustainability initiatives. We investigated whether Management and Law students believe environmental education is important and whether it is incorporated in their studies. We also examined their interest in making environmental or sustainable courses required in their degrees, their participation in Environmental Science (ENVS) or Sustainability (SUST) courses and campus sustainability initiatives, and their willingness to complete an online module on sustainability literacy. Data collection was completed over one week through the distribution of an online survey. The survey included both open-response and closed-response questions. We received 46 survey responses. Survey results revealed that few students have taken an ENVS or SUST course as part of their degree (13.1%) but half (50%) agreed an environmental science course be incorporated into all undergraduate programs at Dalhousie. Over half of the students showed interest in participating in sustainable initiatives through the school, and 84.8% believed environmental knowledge is important in today’s world. Students showed little interest in completing an online sustainability module, with only 26% stating they were somewhat too very interested. Significant differences in responses between Law and Management students were found when asked about the importance of environmental knowledge, where fewer Law students believed in importance compared to those in Management. To satisfy student desire to learn more about these concepts, we recommend that undergraduate programs at Dalhousie incorporate environmental and sustainable concepts into the existing curriculum
