MacEwan Open Journals (MacEwan University)
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Thomas\u27s Function and its properties at irrational and rational numbers
No full textThomas\u27s function is a very unique phenomenon in mathematics, as its characteristics are very unusual. Its continuity at irrational numbers and discontinuity at rational numbers will be proven. This is done using standard real analysis definitions along with some creativity at the same time.
Discipline: Mathematics
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nataliya Zadorozhn
Implicit theories of depression and depression severity influence endorsement of lifestyle changes and therapies for depression
No full textImplicit theories refer to the extent to which an attribute of self is viewed as changeable (Dweck, 1999). Individuals who have an entity theory, or a fixed mindset, of depression believe that depression cannot change. Conversely, those who have an incremental theory, or a growth mindset, of depression believe that depression can change. The current study (N = 235) investigated whether implicit theories of depression are predictive of depression severity in undergraduate students. Results showed that a growth mindset of depression, being male, and endorsing lifestyle changes for depression were predictive of lower depression severity. Understanding implicit theories of depression may improve therapeutic outcomes. If individuals are led to view depression as changeable prior to therapy, they may be more likely to believe that therapy can improve depression. Therefore, such a treatment component may be associated with increased therapeutic engagement and enhanced therapeutic outcome.
Discipline: Statistics
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Karen Bur
The Evaluation of the Neighbourhood Empowerment Team
No full textThis research will be evaluating the Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET) and will be observing changes of attitudes stakeholders have around NET and their new approach to crime prevention. NET is an agency that addresses crime prevention and community safety and has recently shifted to a new approach known as Situation Integrated Teams (SIT). In the past, NET old approach would involve the agency staying in a neighbourhood for 2-4 years to address any problems or concerns the neighbourhood had regarding crime and safety, however, due to economic pressure and the displacement of crime from neighbourhoods, NET has decided to adapt a new approach known as SIT which is project focused. Ever since the shift, NET has not officially communicated that they have shifted their approach to all their stakeholders and this research uncovers the reality and perception around NET and SIT.
Discipline: Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Gulayet
Understanding the Relationship Between the Victims of Partnered Domestic Violence and the Criminal Justice System
No full textThis research project is comprised of two parts. The first part will provide an in-depth examination of domestic violence victim self-reports gathered by the Integrated Treat and Risk Assessment Centre (ITRAC). ITRAC is the threat and risk assessment centre associated with ALERT (the Alberta Law Enforcement Team). ITRAC is responsible for developing risk reduction plans in regards to domestic violence cases. The team communicates information and develops risk assessment plans that are carried out by the police, government, and other agencies across the province. The project gathers information from ITRAC files which contain details of domestic violence events. I am particularly interested in the extensive tapering process that occurs and why victims choose to retract their support, as this tends to have a direct impact on the outcome of their cases. Throughout my research, I will aim to gain a better understanding of the victims and how investigative professionals can facilitate better responses. The second portion of the project explores the relationship between the criminal justice system and the victims of domestic violence, by interviewing professionals who frequently deal with domestic violence cases. The project sought information through semi- structured interviews with criminal justice professionals (e.g., police officers, psychologists, social workers) who deal with domestic violence cases. The goal of the interviews was to gain front-line perspectives on the criminal justice procedures that impact the victim’s willingness to proceed with the case.
Discipline: Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Gulayet
Is Martin Luther Represented in Candide?
No full textVoltaire’s Candide, a novella about finding happiness in a chaotic world, explores the conflict between optimists and pessimists while critiquing religion in what is often listed among the greatest works of satire written in any language. In this presentation, I argue that Voltaire intended for his cynical character Martin, to be a satirical representation of the Protestant reformer, Martin Luther. I make this argument by comparing when and how Voltaire introduces his character in the story with Luther\u27s biographical information, and Martin\u27s adversarial relationship with the optimistic Pangloss, who it has been established represents Gottfried Willhelm Leibniz, and philosophic and theological evidence of both Luther and Leibniz, all to show that Martin is representative of the father of Lutheranism.
Discipline: English
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Asma Saye
Across the Ice: Assessing the Arctic Council and its role in contemporary Arctic Relations
No full textThe purpose of this thesis is to investigate and assess the progress of the Arctic Council in its stated goals of maintaining and broadening cooperation between circumpolar nations. This is done through an analysis both its political agreements to date and policy documents published by the nine polar nations involved in the Council as well as overall accomplishment of the stated goals of the Council in the past 21 since the Council’s inception. Upon examination of these factors, it becomes clear that the Arctic Council has had middling success in its stated goals, due to a lack of overall unity in the goals and priorities of arctic nations, despite the overall cooperative sentiment expressed by each nation.
Discipline: Political Science Honours
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jean-Christophe Bouche
Evaluating the utility of person-first language to reduce bias and stigma towards perpetrators of sexual offences.
No full textCommunity attitudes towards persons that have committed sexual offences can have an impact on treatment effectiveness and community reintegration. The label ‘sex offender’ is highly stigmatized and is associated with many misconceptions that stereotypes them all as being equally untreatable and at a high risk to reoffend. Such associations may impact decision-making and increase support for ill-informed legislation. This leads to barriers for released perpetrators of sexual violence to effectively reintegrate and thus increase their risk to reoffend. Person-first language has begun to replace labels as a means to put the person before the behaviour to lessen stigma and discrimination. Therefore, the present study aims to explore whether person-first language results in more informed decision-making through reducing stigmatization. Using online crowdsourcing, adult Canadian participants will be recruited and administered one of six public announcement vignettes that will all be identical except for the type of label used and the victim’s age. This study will be measuring decisions that underlie: punitive attitudes, perceived treatment amenability, recidivism, and how willing the participant is to have a released individual live in their neighbourhood. We suspect that those in the person-first conditions will answer in a more neutral manner compared to those in the label groups. Additionally, label groups will be further split into ‘diagnostic’ (i.e., pedophile, sexual sadist) or ‘offence’ labels (i.e., child molester, rapist). If these labels negatively influence perceptions, then these findings would demonstrate a justification for change to person-first language in legislation and media when discussing sexual offending.
Discipline: Psychology Honours
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sandy Jun
Swipe Right for (Love): Does Emoji Use Affect Perceived Intelligence in Online Dating?
No full textEmojis essentially serve the same purpose for computer-mediated communication as nonverbal behavior serves for face to face communication. The present exploratory study examines emoji use in a dating profile and its effect on perceived intelligence of the owner. The most interesting finding of this study was that profiles in the “Lots” condition, which contained 14 emojis that either replaced words or were random, were rated as being significantly less intelligent compared to control (no emojis) or any other condition. Implications for our study are discussed as the same “Lots” condition trended toward fewer overall “impressed” ratings, as well as, fewer mean ratings of interest for both short and long-term relationships by both men and women.
Discipline: Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Lynne Hone
A new process for the production of bio-jet fuel precursors from common carbohydrate sources, using CO2 as a green catalyst.
No full textWith the demand for greener bio-fuels ever increasing, new methods for their production using environmentally friendly catalysts for their production are gaining interest. This work expands on recent work looking at the use of CO2 as a catalyst in the formation of bio-jet fuel precursors from common carbohydrates. CO2 used as both the catalyst in dehydration of glucose to Hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF) and aldol condensation with acetone. This work uses a two-step, one-pot reaction for the conversion of common household materials (“soda pop” and acetone “nail polish remover”) to bio-jet fuel precursors. To show the effectiveness of CO2 as a catalyst in this system and the ease of reaction, this work uses carbonated beverages (“soda pop”), as the source for sugars and catalyst, along with added acetone to produce the bio-jet fuel precursors. These precursors are then hydrodeoxygenated and hydrogenated to produce linear hydrocarbons. This work shows that the precursors for bio-jet fuel can be produced using the CO2 present in “soda pop” as a green catalyst from a common source. Additionally through the use of flow chemistry it is shown that it is possible to produce bio-jet fuels from these precursors using commercially available catalysts.
Discipline: Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Roland Le
Inexpensive Mobile Cheapstat Sensor for Environmental, Food and Clinical Chemical Analysis
No full textThe chemical analysis can benefit from the development of integrated hand-held devices that can be used by non-experts, in non-lab settings to determine various contaminants in their environment. Coupled with abundant information on the Internet and a large variety of available electronics, such devices can be fabricated and made available at an economical price. The potentiostat, a staple in electrochemistry, is such a device under current investigation by the authors.
A potentiostat is a simple device that applies a voltage and measures current in response to electrochemical reactions from a specific contaminant under investigation. Potentiostats have many different applications in terms of analytes it can detect. For example, it could be used to determine the quantity of metals in water, glucose in blood, and antioxidants in food. Typically, commercial potentiostats cost from 25,000. Since these devices are expensive, a means of finding a cheaper alternative for public use is beneficial. The CheapStat potentiostat is a device that meets these criteria. The Cheapstat is a do-it-yourself potentiostat that costs a little under $100 and can be made with minimal proficiency in electronics.
We have assembled and tested the Cheapstat to determine its practicality and application for electrochemistry, and we have developed and tested bio-sensors that can be used in conjunction with the Cheapstat to determine antioxidants in fruits. The data we obtain from this project can be used in analytical research and assist in teaching electrochemistry to students.
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