MacEwan Open Journals (MacEwan University)
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Cataloguing Retrogressive Thaw Slumps along the Old Crow River, YT: Proposing Regional Controls on Retrogressive Thaw Slump Formation and Growth
No full textThe Old Crow River flows across a continuous permafrost zone in the Northern Yukon. The seasonally frozen ground contains ice, organics, and metal pollutants. Retrogressive thaw slumps form when permafrost on the riverbanks thaw and sediment flows downslope into the river, leaving an unvegetated scar that can be seen on satellite images. The thaw slump will grow rapidly until stabilization impedes further melt. The specific controls on permafrost thaw will vary regionally throughout the Yukon, and the variables affecting formation and activity of thaw slumps along the Old Crow River have not been studied. Influences on the activity of thaw slumps are proposed through cataloguing geomorphic conditions and variables measured using satellite images and digital elevation data. The data collected suggests that cliff slope and direction, river processes, and proximity to certain landforms may influence growth and activity of thaw slumps along the Old Crow River. Satellite data is used to perform a supervised classification of the area that identifies RTS with a sensitivity of 62% and precision of 85%.
Department: Physical Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robin Woywitk
Discourses of Female Masturbation in Human Sexuality Textbooks
No full textMany studies show that masturbation is a common and healthy aspect of human functioning (Kontula & Haavio-Mannila, 2002). Despite this, masturbation has been, and continues to be, perceived by society as a sinful, unhealthy, immoral, and/or shameful act (Hare,1962; Kontula & Haavio-Mannila, 2002; Studd & Schwenkhagen, 2009). Female masturbation, in particular, is subject to harsh social criticism and experiences elevated levels of conceived social unacceptability. Female masturbation is demonized within society to such a degree that it is often perceived as inherently unworthy of discussion or consideration (Garlick, 2012; Stolberg, 2000). The purpose of this study is to trace the ways in which female masturbation is discussed in Human Sexuality textbooks. By conducting a content and discourse analysis of 21 Human Sexuality textbooks and encyclopedias, I explore the dominant themes in which female masturbation is represented.
Department: Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Alissa Overen
Mothering During the COVID-19 Pandemic
No full textThe World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic on March 11th, 2020, and ever since, our world has been turned upside down: replacing “ordinary life” with chaos, uncertainty, and fear. The widespread lockdown measures and closures of schools and daycares mid-March created a crisis of care, where formal and informal care arrangements have been upended, which has left many families on their own to resolve this issue. Since historically, women have shouldered the heaviest weight of the child care burden, and earn on average less than their male counterparts, it has become women and their work that have seen dramatic impacts, including being the ones to step back from their careers to assume the full-time responsibilities during the pandemic. Given the barriers they already face under normal circumstances, the question becomes how have mothers been impacted by the added strain involved with child care, homeschooling and navigating paid work following the pandemic? How will this crisis shed light on the inequalities that persist, namely the cultural expectations for mothers, and gendered norms embedded in carework?
Department: Honours Sociology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Joanne Minake
Identifying demographic factors associated with the transmission of COVID-19 in Canada
No full textSince the 2019 eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, behavioral and health related issues have impacted people significantly. As a result, mortality and morbidity rates have increased. Therefore, for my project I am looking at the impact of COVID-19 on specific socio-demographic factors in Canada, such as age group, biological sex, and location. I am also looking at how transmission patterns of COVID-19 have unfolded across all Canadian provinces and how these patterns are linked to human behaviors that have changed as a result of public health restrictions that have either been followed (isolating, mask wearing, social distancing, washing and sanitizing hands) or ignored (socializing and circulating misinformation about the pandemic). A preliminary assessment of the data revealed that COVID-19 cases increased significantly in Canada between October 16th (N= 2767) and November 30th (N=4924). During this time, more males became infected, especially in the age group 70-80 years. In conclusion, I will discuss the limitations of this research and the potential ways to reduce the outbreak.
Department: Anthropology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Treena Swansto
In All Directions: Higher Dimensional Arithmetic Progressions in Meyer Sets
No full textWe establish the existence of higher-dimensional arithmetic progressions of arbitrary length in Meyer sets, which gives a novel characterisation of fully Euclidean Meyer sets.
Department: Mathematical Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nicolae Strungar
Metis Folklore & Game Design
No full textIn an effort to address the lack of Metis culture in the entertainment industry, I researched a way to adapt Metis mythology for video game design. I did so in the hopes that presenting Metis folklore and cultural values through an interactive and modern medium such as video games, would promote interest in Metis culture and inspire more representations in other projects. My presentation focuses on sharing my process of conceptualizing a video game based on folklore, and the ways culture can be adapted to a video game setting.
Department: Art and Design
Faculty Mentor: Elisabeth Bellivea
Infodemics During Plague and Pandemic: A Comparison Study of Misinformation During the Black Death of 1665 and COVID-19
No full textStarting in 1665 and ending in 1666, London had an episode of the Bubonic plague that left 100,000 Londoners dead. The 1665 Black Death was not the first time England faced a mass outbreak, but it proved to be a swiftly spreading disease that was running rampant in a city that was also rife with misinformation, suspicion, and faulty cures that only increased the death count. Many factors contributed to people’s willingness to embrace false and hokey remedies; plagues carry a history of conspiracy, and with every outbreak, more theories come into being. The accompanying surge of fraudulent cures only served to increase the panic Londoners felt. A similar situation has become prevalent in the current COVID-19 outbreak; the internet and social media have allowed for the mass consumption of misinformation that negatively affects public health and safety.
Discipline: HistoryFaculty mentor: Dr. Aidan Fort
Peace in Storms
No full textThe photo shows a rainbow that symbolizes hope despite hardship and conflict. The field is bright even though the sky is grey and dark. The field creates a sense of isolation that removes the two girls from their friends and supports. Even though they may feel alone, they have each other and the opportunity to connect with nature
Multitasking Momma
No full textI have found a way to keep everyone fed and happy (for the most part) while making sure everyone\u27s schoolwork is completed on. a daily basis. I am back at school after a pretty long break and it involves remembering how to be a student while taking care of my daughter’s needs. My daughters and I spend time together with crafts, admiring our hamster, and thinking of what snack to eat next. FaceTime with friends and family has been a blessing for keeping connections
Screens
No full textAcross the globe, there have been restrictions put in place for the sake of everyone\u27s health and safety. Although the lockdowns have been enacted to slow and eventually stop the pandemic, countless people have been stuck at home. Days have merged, and time is non-existent. March 2020 seems like a lifetime ago, and yet we can remember when life changed as if it happened recently. Now we are in March 2021, and we watch the world outside through a virtual screen while we keep ourselves inside with the blinds closed