1722 research outputs found
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The Limits of Recognition and Intellectual Freedom in Canadian Libraries
Full text linkPhD Dissertation - University of Birmingham - School of Political Science and International StudiesCurrent debates within librarianship around intellectual freedom echo debates in broader society around free speech, cancel culture, and "culture war". This thesis argues that, far from being a transcendental value or purely intellectual concept, intellectual freedom is deeply implicated in political struggles over class, race, gender, and sexuality. Taking two recent controversies over the exclusion of trans and Indigenous people from Canadian libraries, this thesis links library policy and practice with longstanding tendencies within Canadian politics itself, in particular the hegemonic use of a form of communitarianism known as the politics of recognition. Once a pragmatic strategy to manage Canadian cultural and political demands of marginalized groups, in the 1990s the politics of recognition became a sophisticated political theory, one which informs Canadian politics (including the politics of libraries) to the present day. Applying a conjunctural analysis of the media, moral panics, and hegemony drawn from the work of Stuart Hall, this thesis offers a critique of Canadian politics and libraries as political institutions that focuses on three main areas: liberal individualism, bourgeois hegemony, and the politics of recognition which liberalism developed to neutralize the threat of radical difference. These interlocking strands paint a picture of Canadian libraries not as politically neutral organizations fostering individual freedom and unconstrained intellectual development, but as playing a specific role in the construction and maintenance of liberal hegemony which demonizes particular Others - like trans and Indigenous peoples - as part of a broader political strategy: the maintenance and survival of the liberal Canadian state itself. The concept of intellectual freedom in librarianship, in particular, can then more clearly be seen as a pragmatic tool in the service of the Canadian state's hegemonic strategy, rather than as a pure, timeless, apolitical concept
The evolution of seminal fluid gene expression and postmating reproductive isolation in Drosophila
No full textSeminal fluid protein (Sfp) genes show, in general, a higher rate of sequence divergence than genes from other categories, which is often attributed to forms of postcopulatory sexual selection or sexual conflict. Recently, the relaxation of selective constraints has been proposed as an alternative explanation for the rapid sequence evolution of Sfps and other genes with sex-limited expression. The expression of Sfp genes is a likely target of selection, but the evolution of differences in their expression levels is less understood. Here, we explore both polymorphism and divergence in Sfp gene expression between Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans, how selection might have influenced their expression, and whether changes in expression might trigger the evolution of reproductive isolating barriers. In our analysis, Sfp genes showed higher divergence, but not higher polymorphism, in expression than the average male reproductive glands gene. Sfp genes with reproductive-tissue-specific expression were enriched for both directional and stabilizing selection, while relaxed selection was the predominant mode of evolution among Sfp genes with any other nonreproductive tissue-specific or nontissue-specific expression. The knockdown of single genes known to affect intraspecific sperm competition, and with patterns of expression divergence and polymorphism suggestive of directional selection, was not enough to break down postmating reproductive isolation barriers between species. Our results identify the expression of male-specific Sfp genes as an enriched target of selection and suggest a complex molecular relationship between postcopulatory sexual selection on a single gene’s expression and its effect on the onset of speciation.This work was supported by a Discovery grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC-RGPIN-2017-04599) to A.C.https://academic.oup.com/evolut/article/78/5/995/761557
Milk-derived extracellular vesicles attenuate the Nuclear Factor kappa light-chain-1 enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway
No full textPro-inflammation may influence developmental trajectories and long-term health outcomes in offspring and is closely associated with early-life stress exposures. Milk-derived extracellular vesicles (MEVs), are a group of non-nutritive bioactive components of mammalian milk that provide anti-inflammatory benefits to offspring during lactation to potentially offset altered developmental outcomes of gestational stress. Nuclear Factor Kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) is a central signal transduction cascade that regulates DNA transcription, inflammation, cytokine/chemokine production, and apoptosis. Specifically, NF-κB activation leads to the formation of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. My thesis focuses on characterizing how MEVs interacts with NF-κB pathway and mitigate NLRP3 inflammasome formation and thereby help reduce pro-inflammation at the cellular and systems level. The thesis is comprised of two main objectives. Objective 1: A single dose of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was used to induce acute polarization and pro-inflammation in human microglia clone 3 (HMC3) cells. MEVs anti-inflammatory effects were tested at 6, 12, and 24-hours post-MEV supplementation at the transcript and protein level. Objective 2: Perinatal diet stress was used to induce chronic, systemic pro-inflammation in neonatal rats. Female breeders were placed on a high-fat diet to induce an obesogenic phenotype and the neonates were treated with MEVs via oral gavage during key periods of early postnatal development. Hypothalamus and liver were assessed at the transcript and protein level. We found that MEVs attenuate NF-κB pathway activation and NLRP3 inflammasome formation at critical checkpoints in vitro and in vivo, with a more robust inhibition in response to acute stress in HMC3 cells.Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology, and Public Polic
Claws, climate change, and the Canadian Arctic: Spatiotemporal variation in ringed seal and bearded seal diet and mercury exposure
No full textClimate change is disproportionately affecting the Arctic, causing a decrease in sea ice extent and thickness, which in turn impacts interspecific interactions and food availability for marine organisms. This thesis focused on two higher trophic level predators: ringed seals (Pusa hispida, Natsiq) and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus, Ujjuk), both of which rely on sea ice and are vulnerable to environmental changes that influence the base of the food web and to bioaccumulative toxicants like mercury. Using stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) and total mercury (THg) in seal claws, this study investigated spatiotemporal variability in foraging ecology and mercury concentrations of ringed seals and bearded seals in relation to latitudinal differences and decadal changes in sea ice cover, environmental conditions, and biological factors. Samples were collected between 1990 and 2020 during Inuit subsistence harvests in Kugaaruk, Sanikiluaq, and Pangnirtung, Nunavut. Seals at lower latitudes had lower THg levels, fed more pelagically and at a lower trophic level, and showed greater individual specialization than seals at higher latitudes. Seals consumed relatively more pelagic prey in years with longer open water periods, adding to a growing body of evidence of climate-induced shifts in the foraging strategies of Arctic marine mammals towards pelagic prey. The analysis of ringed seal diets and mercury exposure from 1982 to 2018 in Cumberland Sound showed increased consumption of higher trophic level prey during years with less sea ice and longer open water periods, while δ34S and THg decreased over time, suggesting increased consumption of lower trophic level fish. The isotopic niche of ringed seals expanded from 1982 to 2018, indicating a broader resource use that may include more benthic-associated species. This study provided valuable insight into spatial and temporal variation in foraging strategies and contaminant exposure of two Arctic marine predators; information which contributes to understanding marine ecosystem health and resilience in the face of climate change.Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology, and Public Polic
Virtual Drive Thrus: Is OnlyFans the McDonalds of the Sex Industry?
No full textThis thesis explores sexual labour on the virtual platform OnlyFans to understand the labour process of sex workers within a gig work platform. This research utilizes interpretive qualitative methods such as interviews and virtual participant watching to understand the experiences of four sex workers who utilize the platform. Employing McDonaldization as a conceptual framework, my thesis argues that labour on OnlyFans is a unique intersection between gig work and voluntary sex work. This thesis addresses the following questions: 1) How has the intersection between gig work and sex work on virtual platforms attracted people to sex work as a form of labour? 2) How does this impact our way of understanding, and regulation of, online sex work? 3) How do sex workers on a gig work platform define the work they do? Three major themes emerged from the data, including an understanding of the labour process on the platform, using the voice of my participants to define the work they are engaging in, and issues experienced with platform-based work. The findings demonstrate that McDonaldized aspects of the platform, such as efficiency with distributing content and predictability through similarities with social media sites, have drawn sex workers and non-sex workers to use OnlyFans as a platform. Further, given the changing nature of societal attitudes and views towards sexual content, participants indicated that they are simply capitalizing on content they would have shared on alternate social media sites. Finally, findings suggest that many aspects of the labour are comparable to that of gig workers on platforms such as Uber, Etsy, or SkipTheDishes. I suggest that certain forms of platform-based sex work require a regulatory framework which differs from current Canadian sex work regulations which criminalize the purchase of sexual labour, and instead, one which recognizes the voluntary and gig-work aspect of the labour.Master of Arts in Criminal Justic
Downtown Winnipeg Development Map: Significant Developments & Investments, 2005-2023
No full textThis Update to our Downtown Development Mapping revisits our previous work, bringing the analysis to the end of 2023. We have re-catalogued and mapped developments with improved information, taking note of new development planned while removing a few tentative or stalled projects
Understanding opportunities for meaningful engagement in water power licensing
No full textWe examine current legislated clauses related to engagement in hydropower licensing across Canada with the intent of identifying better practices. Data collection involved a literature review to identify criteria for meaningful engagement and a legislative analysis to determine the extent to which current legislation requires these practices in hydropower licensing and renewals. We found that most licensing processes across Canada do not meaningfully engage those affected by hydroelectric projects. Legislative processes in Yukon and Northwest Territories have the highest standards of engagement, including mandatory public hearings for all license applications. None of the processes in Canada appear to include clauses directed specifically at engaging Indigenous Peoples, including relational processes and inclusion of traditional knowledge, although four include reference to upholding Section 35 of the Constitution, treaties, and land claims agreements. Legislation should be updated to provide more opportunities for public engagement and to uphold Indigenous rights and state obligations; subsequent legislative and regulatory reform must be undertaken through collaborative processes with Indigenous governments and Peoples so that those directly affected by hydro development are able to participate in future licensing processes in a meaningful way.This research was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (Grant 895-2019-1007) and the University of Winnipeg. We acknowledge the Community Appropriate Sustainable Energy Security partnership for supporting this work.https://utppublishing.com/doi/10.3138/cpp.2024-00
Brainwave-Controlled Indoor Navigation and Object Manipulation: An Integration of EEG Signal Processing and Localization Technologies
No full textThis thesis presents a novel integration of Electroencephalography (EEG) signal processing with advanced localization techniques to develop a brain-computer interface (BCI) that enables users to control physical objects within an indoor environment, specifically the opening and closing of a door. The research is structured into two primary phases: the first phase involves the processing of an existing EEG dataset derived from motor imagery tasks related to hand movements, while the second focuses on implementing localization technologies to enhance user interaction with the environment. In the initial phase, the study leverages a publicly available EEG dataset from PhysioNet, specifically the EEG Motor Movement/Imagery Dataset, which includes recordings from many subjects performing various tasks, including real and imagined opening and closing of both fists. This data, originally in EDF format, was converted to CSV for better usability. A subset of the data relevant to the desired motor tasks was extracted and labeled for effective classification, applying several feature extraction techniques to distinguish between imaginary and real movements. This refined dataset serves as the foundation for developing algorithms capable of classifying these movements, intended to be deployed in real-time using a Ganglion Board and Raspberry Pi in the subsequent phase of the project to interpret user intentions regarding door control commands. The second phase focuses on integrating Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) localization technologies with a specific localization algorithm to precisely determine the user’s position within an indoor setting. This capability is crucial for interaction between the user’s EEG-based commands and a fixed-point device installed on a door to enable the system to respond to the user and control opening or closing the door based on the user’s location and command. The system’s efficacy is evaluated based on its accuracy in classifying EEG signals and the precision of the localization method. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using EEG signals combined with localization technologies to interact with and control elements in a physical space, paving the way for broader applications in smart home systems and assistive technologies for individuals with mobility impairments. This thesis not only advances the field of BCIs but also contributes to the interdisciplinary applications of neuroscience and engineering.Master of Science in Applied Computer Scienc
Physiological and Behavioural Responses of Lake Trout to Catch-And-Release Angling
Full text linkLake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), like many other native fishes in North America are a popular species typically targeted for recreational angling. Catch-and-release angling (C&R) relies on the assumption of high fish survival following release and is considered an effective way to preserve wild stocks of fish. Salmonids and other related species are susceptible to recreational angling, which can induce stress during different parts of the process (e.g., line fighting and air exposure). Other factors can impact fish health (e.g., water temperature and hooking location) and potentially lead to delayed mortality. In this thesis, I present empirical research where I used reflex impairment, physiology, and overall activity to assess the robustness of lake trout to C&R across seasons and time scales. During ice angling, lake trout experienced signs of reflex and physiological impairment up to 6 h and a high mortality rate. A key finding was that lake trout may exhibit pressure-related injuries in cooler water temperatures despite being physostomous. During open water angling, lake trout experienced barotrauma, reflex impairment, and physiological impairment immediately upon capture and 0.5 h post-angling. The addition of post-release activity monitoring via tri-axial accelerometry showed that lake trout rapidly swim to depth and exhibit reduced activity for the first 14 min after release. Collectively, I demonstrate that using multiple metrics of assessing angling-related impairment (i.e., both external and internal metrics) is necessary and future studies should not rely on one or few indices. The work presented here provides new information regarding context-specific aspects of C&R and is useful for recreational fisheries management.Manitoba Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund (#FES20-006), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Alliance Grant (ALLRP 562034-21), Canadian Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP), The University of Winnipeg.Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology, and Public Polic
Spectroscopic Analysis of Ca-Carbonates from Utah Crystal Geyser to Support Carbonate Detection within our Solar System
Full text linkThis study investigated the Utah Crystal Geyser, a unique low-temperature, CO2-rich geyser relevant to Mars, icy moons, and asteroids. Samples from the site had a range of textural and color differences; however, they contained similar mineral assemblages dominated by carbonates (calcite and aragonite). The identification of calcite and aragonite is important as they can be biogenically produced and possess the ability to preserve biogenic fingerprints and entomb microbial fossils. This analysis confirmed that the most effective method for identifying and distinguishing calcite and aragonite is through a combination of several techniques. Specifically, reflectance spectroscopy was able to determine the presence of calcite-aragonite mixtures. However, it could not effectively differentiate between the two since the band positions and shapes change subtly with varying abundances of the two carbonates. Thus, it can only be stated that a mixture is present, and the degree to which transformation from aragonite to calcite has proceeded is poorly constrained. Raman spectroscopy was able to identify both calcite and aragonite and could differentiate between the two through diagnostic peaks in the low Raman-shift region of the spectrum. Scanning electron microscopy imaging provided sub-micrometer images of textures and sedimentary fabric, such as laminations, crystal structures, and entombed microbial fossils. X-ray diffractometry and X-ray fluorescence were used to determine and verify the mineralogy of the samples. The low-temperature origin of these carbonates is likely the factor responsible for the lack of homogeneity within the samples. Carbon dioxide degassing is likely the primary factor supporting the precipitation of aragonite at the geyser, despite the low temperature. The results have implications for carbonate detection and characterization on Mars and the recognition of low-temperature carbonate precipitates on a number of planetary bodies."This study was supported by the Canadian Space Agency (grant 22 EXPCO14), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (grants RGPIN-2021-02995 and RTI-2020-00157), the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the Manitoba Research Innovation Fund (grant #CFI 1504), and the University of Winnipeg."Master of Science in Environmental Science and Social Chang