1722 research outputs found
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Advancing EEG-Based Emotion Recognition: Multimodal Techniques, Channel Optimization, and Insights into Subjective Emotion Perception
Full text linkThis dissertation explores the application of electroencephalography (EEG) in identifying and understanding the neural mechanisms of emotional responses. Using a non-invasive and economically efficient OpenBCI Cyton wireless EEG system, this research developed and assessed several technological advancements for optimal neural activity recording. Key among these were the implementation of both software and hardware triggers to ensure precise data acquisition and a comparative analysis of dry versus semi-dry electrodes. The findings suggest that semi-dry electrodes, when used in conjunction with a flexible cap, not only minimize noise but also improve participant comfort, thereby offering clear benefits over the dry electrodes with rigid cap structure by OpenBCI. Additionally, our study of event-related potentials (ERP), which included measures of subjective emotional responses, indicates that the impact of motion versus no motion in stimuli diminishes at higher emotional intensities. This observation suggests that at elevated levels of emotional arousal, the emotional content of the stimuli becomes more salient to the perceiver than the associated motoric information. Moreover, this thesis delineates the development of a deep learning model dedicated to emotion recognition, which successfully achieved a prediction accuracy of 72.3% by incorporating EEG and eye movement data. However, the practical challenges associated with multimodal data collection, particularly among older adults and individuals with neurological disorders, are pronounced. The use of 62 EEG channels, for instance, can be cumbersome and uncomfortable. This challenge has spurred further investigation into the transferability and generalizability of EEG channel selection tailored for emotion recognition tasks across different datasets. Employing a dataset-independent strategy and leveraging Power Spectral Density (PSD) to pinpoint critical EEG channels, our methodology was validated across independent dataset using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Through comprehensive experiments that varied the number of channels and features, our models exhibited classification accuracies of 77.02%, 75.42%, 71.31%, and 64.31% with configurations of 62, 30, 20, and 10 EEG channels, respectively, for four distinct emotion categories. This approach to channel selection not only streamlined the number of EEG channels necessary for accurate emotion prediction but also paved the way for the development of more efficient EEG systems. Such systems are envisioned to facilitate daily emotional monitoring in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. Lastly, the research also introduced a deep learning model capable of predicting subjective emotional intensities, which achieved an F1-Score of 65.2% in classifying between high and low emotional intensities. This result underscores the significant impact of the subjectivity of emotions on the efficacy of emotion recognition technologies.University of Winnipeg, Misericordia Health Center, Mitacs, and NSERC.Master of Applied Computer Scienc
Determining post pandemic organizational health in the education sector: A review of a school-based programming intervention
No full textThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a post-pandemic, school-based workshop programming intervention developed by a national mental health organization, to support education sector employees as they navigate post-pandemic challenges. Using a qualitative approach, data were gathered through post-workshop interviews conducted during the 2022-23 school year, and analysed according to five key indicators of organizational health: connectedness, organizational commitment, well-being, recovery and resilience. Findings indicate that while some participants continued to report role strain in each of these areas, highlighting the need for improved worklife balance, the workshop intervention positively influenced employee well-being through enhanced awareness of mental health resources and increased capacity for supportive dialogue with colleagues. This was notable specifically, when participants were aware of their emotional resilience and able to manage it effectively. The study highlights the vital role of sensemaking in helping education sector employees interpret complex or challenging situations. The research demonstrates that understanding these nuances can better inform future programming aimed at reducing further stress, minimizing additional burnout and preventing potential staff turnover. Accordingly, practical insights are suggested to guide the development of initiatives that enhance employee well-being, strengthen individual resilience and reinforce organizational commitment within the sector, factors that ultimately contribute to more sustainable and supportive work environments in education.This research is supported by the Canadian Mental Health Association.https://onlinesciencepublishing.com/index.php/ajel/article/view/1221/162
Fusarium head blight detection, spikelet estimation, and severity assessment in wheat using 3D convolutional neural networks
Full text linkFusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most significant diseases affecting wheat and other small-grain cereals worldwide. Developing FHB-resistant cultivars is critical but requires field and greenhouse disease assessment, which are typically laborious and time consuming. In this work, we developed automated applications based on three-dimensional (3D) convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that detect FHB symptoms expressed in wheat, estimate the total number of spikelets versus the total number of infected spikelets on a wheat head, and subsequently calculate FHB severity index. Such tools are an important step toward the creation of automated and efficient phenotyping methods. The data used to generate the results are 3D point clouds consisting of four colour channels——red, green, blue (RGB), and near-infrared (NIR)——collected using a multispectral 3D scanner. Our 3D CNN models for FHB detection achieved 100% accuracy. The influence of the multispectral information on performance was evaluated; the results showed the dominance of the RGB channels over both the NIR (720 nm peak wavelength) and the NIR plus RGB channels combined. Our best 3D CNN models for estimation of total and infected number of spikelets achieved mean absolute errors (MAEs) of 1.13 and 1.56, respectively. Our best 3D CNN models for FHB severity estimation achieved 8.6 MAE. A linear regression analysis between the visual FHB severity assessment and the FHB severity predicted by our 3D CNN showed a significant correlation.This research was funded by Mitacs (Accelerate IT25876), Western Economic Diversification Canada (Project No. 15453), and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.https://doi.org/10.1139/cjps-2023-012
The role of ambient temperature in the ontogeny of endangered Oarisma poweshiek and their relative O. garita reared ex-situ at Assiniboine Park Zoo, Manitoba
Full text linkRegionwide extirpations of Poweshiek skipperlings (Oarisma poweshiek) have prompted an international conservation effort to understand the causes of their decline and to recover the species. However, aspects of their basic biology remain unknown: in particular the role of temperature in their development and their sensitivity to climate change. I studied degree day (DD) accumulations in Poweshiek skipperling and its sister species, Garita skipperling (O. garita), from egg hatch to eclosure. I calculated the DDs accrued by both species reared from 2017 to 2020 at Assiniboine Park Zoo, Manitoba, and compared them between generations and species. I also compared the variability in their hatch dates, the start and end of overwintering, pupation dates, and eclosure dates for each generation and their ages (in days) at each stage. I used thermal upper and lower development thresholds of 32 ℃ and 6 ℃ using the standard and double-sine method to calculate degree-days as well as using the double-sine method without an upper threshold. I calculated similar DDs for both species, as well as similar averages within generations, hatch and eclosure dates and final ages at eclosure. However, Garita skipperlings exhibited substantially more DD accumulation variation, within and between generations, except for the pupal duration where Poweshiek skipperlings were more variable. Poweshiek and Garita skipperling DDs were more variable between generations than within generations, suggesting that variables other than temperature (such as photoperiod) may influence the synchronization of adult emergence. While Poweshiek and Garita skipperlings had similar eclosure dates, final ages, and DD accumulation across the generations, the larger variation observed in most developmental stages in Garita skipperling could suggest that they are more resilient to the effects of climate change. I also reared Garita skipperling larvae in constant, elevated temperatures and compared their growth and survivorship to larvae reared in natural, diurnal temperatures. I measured head capsules widths with an ocular micrometer and determined the total number of instars for Garita skipperling that survived to eclosure. Larvae were grouped using Dyar’s Values, without assuming Dyar’s Rule, then analyzed with k-means clustering to estimate the instar at each measurement. Garita skipperlings eclosed after five, six, or seven instars, and did not maintain a consistent size ratio between instars as assumed by Dyar’s Rule. While larvae with five, six, or seven instars were observed surviving to eclosure in both diurnal and static temperature regimes, the affect of treatment on larval instar number was indeterminable. These results cast doubt on the generalizability of Dyar’s Rule in instar determination for these species and reinforce previous authors’ conclusions that using statistical analysis without applying Dyar’s Rule may be more accurate. Experimental temperature regimes were used to investigate the affect of elevated temperatures on growth of Garita skipperling. Larvae that were reared in these trials were placed into environmental chambers held at 28 ℃, 21 ℃, or reared outdoors in the control. Two groups of larvae were added to the 28 ℃ environmental chamber: neonates added by the beginning of August, and larvae added at the end of August (late inductees, hereafter), after several weeks of development. Only neonates were placed into the 21 ℃ chamber and into the control group. I compared the survival, final ages (in days), and DD accumulation of the larvae that survived to eclosure in each treatment. The 21 ℃-trial had 15% lower and the 28 ℃ trials 6% higher (or 57% higher for late inductees) survivorship versus larvae reared outdoors. However, neonate mortality could not be calculated for late inductees to the 28 ℃-trial. Temperature appeared to influence the differences between my 28 ℃ trial and control. The results of the 21 ℃ treatment are difficult to interpret as potential equipment failure likely reduced the survival of this treatment group. The phenology of almost all larvae in the 28 ℃ chamber was extremely accelerated and almost all survivors eclosed in the year they hatched. All other larvae that survived to adulthood, regardless of treatment, eclosed at the same time as the control group. Larvae that eclosed in a single season and larvae in the control had comparable DDs. Larvae in both treatments that eclosed after overwintering had substantially higher DDs at eclosure than the control group. Photoperiod may provide cues to prepare for hibernation, and/or when to eclose, thus may be responsible for the similar eclosure dates of larvae that overwintered in all treatments. However, its role was not estimable because photoperiod was matched in the treatments and control. Poweshiek and Garita skipperlings currently have similar ontogenies in Manitoba, but the greater variability in the development of Garita skipperling seen in this study, and their longer wild flight period, suggests an increased resilience to climate change. My temperature manipulation experiments provide evidence that high static temperatures will accelerate most larvae exposed within several weeks of hatching, causing them to eclose before overwintering, and suggests that rapid climate change could be a factor in loss of Poweshiek skipperling populations as they have lower variability in their developmental rates. My results also suggest that overwintering may act to “reset” development so that individuals emerge in synchrony with conspecifics, also suggesting added resilience in Garita skipperling. Further research on the precise DD accumulation thresholds throughout development for both species is needed to determine the risk and severity of climate change induced phenological shifts in Poweshiek and Garita skipperlings.MITACS; Assiniboine Park ZooMaster of Science in Bioscience, Technology, and Public Polic
The Long and Winding Road to Meaningful Public Participation in Impact Assessment: A Review of Key Issues in the Brazilian and Canadian Federal Assessments
No full text"Alberto Fonseca’s current research is funded by CNPq [grant number 311990/2021-5]
and FAPEMIG [grant number PPM-00722-18]."https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/oa-edit/10.4324/9781003388227-9/long-winding-road-meaningful-public-participation-impact-assessment-alberto-fonseca-patricia-fitzpatric
Taxonomic diversity, Pest Vulnerability, and Carbon Storage of the Urban Forest in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Full text linkCanadian prairie cities face a number of challenges when managing urban forests, one of which is reduced tree diversity due to more severe climate constraints to tree survival. This thesis reports on diversity and carbon storage for the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Approximately 24,500 trees were surveyed and measured across 77 Winnipeg neighborhoods, including trees on private lots, which had not been previously reported for the city. Using these data, I evaluated tree species diversity measures for city neighborhoods and compared diversity measures between trees on public and private property. Private properties exhibited higher tree diversity and better health status across all metrics. I also adapted the Pest Vulnerability Matrix (Lacan & McBride, 2008) to environmental conditions found in the city of Winnipeg to identify pests with the most potential to impact city forests and neighborhoods as well as areas most at risk of new pest invasion. Exploring carbon storage in the city, I used methods developed by Wayson et al. (2015) to create prediction intervals (a measure of reliability for the prediction of an observation) around biomass equations used by city foresters. I then estimated carbon storage in residential areas across the city. I found 58% of carbon stored in trees surveyed was in American elm (Ulmus americana), and no other tree species in the survey had an equivalent amount of stored carbon (based on mean DBH). This research incorporates the first large scale private tree inventory within Winnipeg, providing a more comprehensive assessment of tree species diversity and carbon storage values across the city. This study will allow urban forest managers to have a clearer understanding of the existing tree inventory and implications for future urban forest management activities to protect and increase the city’s urban forest resource.City of Winnipeg, Urban Forestry BranchMaster of Science in Bioscience, Technology, and Public Polic
A Human Rights-Based Perspective on Dried Fish Value Chains in Gujarat, India
Full text linkGlobally, small-scale fisheries provide livelihood and food security to some of the most marginalised and vulnerable populations. Recognising the importance of small-scale fisheries, there is an increasing policy focus on the opportunities and challenges in the sector. The dried fish economy in India is one such sub-sector of small-scale fisheries where women form a significant part of the workforce. Literature on dried fish is limited, and because the economy is informal, human rights challenges often remain invisible. This research focused on the dried fish value chain in Valsad District of India's Gujarat state. The purpose of the research was to map the dried fish value chain in Valsad District and assess human rights issues in this localised economy. Drawing on ethnographic data collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and a review of secondary sources, this research described the dried fish value chain in Valsad District. It assessed the procedural and substantive human rights of actors involved in dried fish processing and trade. Key findings from the research include the presence of a vibrant local dried fish value chain connecting coastal areas to the hinterland. Additionally, the research uncovered human rights challenges faced by actors in their daily struggles. The thesis concludes with recommendations for policymakers to integrate a human-rights-based approach in developing this crucial economy.Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of CanadaMaster of Arts in Environmental and Social Chang
Métis Knowledges and Climate Change: Towards Adaptation in Southeastern Manitoba Michif Communities
Full text linkClimate change poses a global existential threat, with Indigenous knowledges gaining momentous recognition for their critical role in addressing this challenge. Manitoba, experiencing rapid warming, faces ecological, social, and economic challenges, particularly negatively impacting Indigenous communities. This research, guided by my epistemological position as a Red River Métis woman, explores the contribution of Métis knowledges for climate change adaptation in the Homeland of the Red River Métis. The main objective of this thesis is to characterize Métis knowledges in Michif communities in Southeastern Manitoba to understand the linkages between colonization, land use, and climate change risks to develop adaptation approaches based on Métis knowledges. Crucially, this thesis will also aid in advocating for the inclusion of Métis ways of knowing in climate change adaptation policies. Grounded in relationships, experiential knowledge, and kinship, this research follows Indigenous Research Methodologies, fostering respect, relevance, responsibility, and reciprocity. This research is also based on Farrell Racette's Métis Kitchen Table Theory (Farrell Racette, 2004) a community-centred, anti-patriarchal, and anti-colonial approach that aligns with a more holistic approach to information exchange based on Métis culture and traditions. This research has the potential to foster effective climate adaptation planning and policy recommendations for Indigenous communities, with a specific focus on Métis knowledges and Métis communities. It addresses the challenges and opportunities faced by these communities to respond to climate change while fore fronting reconciliation and returning sovereignty to these communities. By bringing Métis knowledges into the climate change adaptation policy discourse, this research aims to increase Métis-led cultural and environmental security and sustainability in so-called Canada, initiating a crucial dialogue around including Métis knowledges at policy tables.University of Winnipeg; Research Manitoba; Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada; Manitoba Métis FederationMaster of Arts in Environmental and Social Chang
Review of The Undead Archive: 100 Years of Photographing Ghosts, curated by Serena Keshavjee
Full text linkThe Undead Archive: 100 Years of Photographing Ghosts. Gallery 1C03, Winnipeg, Manitoba, September 7 – November 10, 2023; University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections, Winnipeg, Manitoba, September 21, 2023 – April 21, 2024; School of Art Gallery, Winnipeg, Manitoba, September 21 – November 10, 2023. Curated by Dr. Serena Keshavjee.https://archivaria.ca/index.php/archivaria/article/view/1396
Nii Ndahlohke
No full textThis catalogue of the Nii Ndahlohke exhibition at Art Windsor Essex (September 26, 2023 – June 25, 2024) features work by First Nations artists exploring the history of forced labour of students at Mount Elgin Industrial School (1851-1946).This project was supported in part by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada