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"One policy would never fit all": teachers' experiences teaching students with disabilities in inclusive elementary classrooms in Nova Scotia
No full textThis thesis explores teachers' experiences teaching in inclusive classrooms in Nova Scotia, in accordance with the most recent Inclusive Education Policy. This thesis utilizes semi-structured interviews with teachers to gain insight into their experiences. This thesis uses critical disability studies, ability studies and system theory to interpret that data. The data collected from the interviews exposed the reality for teachers teaching in inclusive classrooms in Nova Scotia. The sharing of these experiences also highlighted the absences in the Inclusive Education Policy. I found that there are many common concerns among teachers in inclusive classrooms in Nova Scotia, which the policy fails to address or provide solutions for. Teachers identified that a main concern of theirs was teaching students with behavioural disabilities in their classrooms. Teachers also identified that the lack of TAs, large class sizes and lack of training were main concerns of theirs regarding enacting inclusive education in their classrooms. Teachers also reported being concerned with the lack of acknowledgement of issues affecting students outside of the classroom, in their homelife, that may affect them in the classroom in the policy. I highlight the gaps in the policy through an examination of teachers' experiences with implementing the central components of the policy. After disclosing these gaps, I provide possible policy changes to attempt to bridge the gaps in the policy that teachers had identified during this research, and in pre-existing literature such as policy regarding behavioural management, smaller class sizes, a hiring surge of TA's, more training on how to teach students with diverse learning needs, and consultation with teachers in the development of any future educational policies
Aversion or adventure: a mixed-methods examination of young adults' perceptions of risk in daily and sport activities
No full textThe purpose of this study was to determine how young adults perceive risk as reflected in extreme sports and daily/recreational activities. This was done using a multi-phased, mixed-methods approach across two separate studies. Study 1 used photovoice methodology in which participants (n=5) submitted photos of sports and daily/recreational activities that reflected scenarios they perceived to be of a high risk and a low risk activity in each category. Participants also provided a brief description of why the photos were chosen. Study 2 included two phases. In the first phase participants (n=142) were given images of extreme sport and daily/recreational activities in line with those submitted in the first study and were asked to assign a risk score for each activity and provide a one-word description to describe the image. The potential moderators of neuroticism, and physical activity level were also assessed via self-report. In the second phase the participants were randomly assigned to one of two vignettes that described either a rock climber, or a potentially impaired driver for a daily/recreational activity and asked to react to the behaviours of the individuals portrayed in the vignette. Overall, these analyses found little difference in the way in which young adults perceive risk across sports and daily activities and no moderating effects were found. There were differences noted in the way in which extreme sports athletes and the people who engaged in the daily/recreational activities were viewed. The vignette analysis showed that participants thought the rock climber had a stable personality and was in control of the situation; in contrast the potentially impaired driver was seen to have conflicting personalities and might have not been in full control of the situation. These findings reveal young adults see extreme sports and daily/recreational activities as having similar levels of risk but hold differing views regarding the people who engage with these sports and activities
Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) essential oil as a potential repellent and acaracide against ticks (Acari: ixodidae)
No full textIn North America, the threat of contracting tick-borne illnesses has risen significantly over the past few years. Climate change and rising global temperatures have caused the active tick season to increase substantially and have provided larger suitable habitats for ticks. Species such as the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) are known to vector several pathogens to humans and animals. This has led to an increased need for safe effective repellents that can help prevent tick bites. A potential solution to this issue is the implementation of natural products such as essential oils (EO), as an alternative to synthetic products. Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) has the potential to be an effective option. The essential oils from yarrow are previously reported to be acaricidal and repellent on other acarines, and therefore are expected to be effective on ticks. Yarrow was collected from Wolfville and Port Williams, Nova Scotia. The essential oil was extracted from plants via the hydro-distillation method with a Clevenger type apparatus. Oil collected from the flowers of plants collected along the Harvest Moon Trailway (HMT) in Wolfville produced the highest yield of essential oil (0.32% v/w). Samples were qualitatively analyzed using GC-MS, and components were identified both by using chemical standards and through comparison of mass spectra with NIST database library. Essential oils were tested at different concentrations on both species of ticks for acaricidal and repellent activity, using adult immersion tests and horizontal bioassays, respectively. Yarrow flower EO collected from the Harvest Moon Trail (Wolfville) was an effective repellent and acaracide against I. scapularis. At 30 minutes, 15% v/v yarrow EO repelled 88.0 % of ticks. At 168 hours (1 week), 5% v/v yarrow EO was the lowest concentration to kill 100% of I. scapularis female adults. The determined LD50 was 0.70 % v/v (95% CI 0.69-0.77). Yarrow EO did not exert significant acaricidal and repellent activities against D. variabilis. In order to protect the active ingredient and enhance repellent and acaricidal properties, a nanoemulsion with 5% v/v yarrow EO was prepared. The encapsulation of the oil in a nanoemulsion formulation improved the repellent effect on I. scapularis, compared to 5% v/v yarrow EO alone; however, the formula was not an effective acaracide. The nanoemulsion showed no increase in repellency or acaricidal activity against D. variabilis. Overall yarrow EO alone and yarrow nanoemulsions have the potential to be effective, environmentally friendly, repellents and acaricides against I. scapularis
How can we understand Donald Trump?: an analysis of the 45th U.S. President's discourse
No full textThis paper seeks to gain deeper insight on Donald Trump's political movement by analyzing five separate Trump rallies from 2019-2021, through the lens of a qualitative content analysis. I ask the questions 'How does Trump's discourse work' and 'Does Trump's discourse share similarities with fascism as the literature describes it?' Cultural sociology, theories of fascism, and theories of religion are brought together to develop a framework for analyzing Trump's movement. I determine that, through a process of binary coding and ritual, Trump's discourse is affected and shaped by the way he uses his rallies to sacralize himself and his movement, pollute opposition, designating them as profane/impure, and redraw the boundary between sacred and profane/impure in a way that casts out those who oppose him. Additionally, I determine Trump's
discourse does share similarities with fascism as the literature describes it, and that his movement can be conceptualized as an attempt to shift the American civil religion into an American political religion
Growing together: enhancing stewardship of American eel/katew in Atlantic Canada/Mi'kma'ki using diverse ways of knowing
No full textWidespread decline in American eel/katew (Anguilla rostrata) abundance has occurred in recent decades due to habitat fragmentation, changing marine conditions, and over-harvesting. American eel is a culturally and economically significant species, whose health and future in the Bay of Fundy/Pekwitapa'qek is of concern for everyone living in Atlantic Canada/Mi'kma'ki. There are few studies describing how American eel use Minas Basin, a highly productive, macrotidal area of the inner Bay of Fundy. My research, guided by Two-Eyed Seeing and in collaboration with diverse knowledge holders, explores the distribution and coastal movements of American eel in Minas Basin using acoustic telemetry. Results reveal the diverse habitats, residencies, and movement patterns of American eel in Minas Basin, with evidence of selective tidal stream transport. Network analysis indicates importance of river mouths for movement and suggests breaks in connectivity at these areas may have disproportionate impacts on local eel. This information provides knowledge for predicting impacts on local components of the eel population and provides an example of partners from diverse knowledge systems working towards co-stewardship
Geochemical and ecological controls on mercury speciation and bioaccumulation in coastal invertebrates (Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy)
No full textEstuaries are ecologically sensitive areas that are vulnerable to bioaccumulation of methylmercury (MeHg), a potent neurotoxin that readily bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in ecosystems resulting in negative impacts on organism health. Studies on MeHg bioaccumulation in coastal invertebrates in Eastern Canada are limited, and these data are necessary to determine risk for bioaccumulation in higher trophic level organisms like fish and birds. Particularly, the Minas Basin, Bay of Fundy is an important site for fish spawning and for foraging birds during migration. Fourteen species of invertebrates were collected from five intertidal sites in the Minas Basin during summer 2021 and analysed for concentrations of MeHg and total mercury (THg), and stable isotopes of 13C, 15N, and 34S. The mean concentration of MeHg of all individuals (12.78 11.23 ng/g dry weight (dw)) was approximately an order of magnitude below the Canadian tissue residue guideline for the protection of wildlife consumers like fish and birds of 157.20 ng/g dw. Species with the highest concentrations of Hg were the gastropod Ilyanassa obsoleta, and predatory polychaetes from the families Goniadidae and Maldanidae. Values were generally consistent with those found in other studies in Eastern Canada and the United States. Trophic position (15N) was strongly positively correlated with bioaccumulation of Hg (THg: r208 = 0.14, p = 0.04 and MeHg: r208 = 0.34, p < 0.0001). The Trophic Magnification Factor (TMF) and Trophic Magnification Slope (TMS) were much higher for MeHg than THg (TMF: 16.41 and 2.60, TMS: 1.21 0.30 and 0.41 0.28 respectively), and the TMF for MeHg greatly exceeded those reported in other studies of food webs containing higher trophic level organisms. Stable isotopes of sulfur (34S) (measured in three species; Corophium volutator, Ilyanassa obsoleta, and Littorina littorea) were positively related to MeHg in invertebrates, and when used in combination with 15N values improved predictions of Hg concentrations in biota. To evaluate the effects of environmental chemistry on Hg production and bioaccumulation, bulk sediments from all sites were analysed for THg, %LOI (carbon), and 34S, and concentrations of MeHg, TOC, sulfate, and sulfide were measured in porewaters. MeHg in porewater was the best predictor of invertebrate MeHg, but sediment 34S, which can be used as an indicator of sulfate reduction and thus Hg methylation, was also a relatively strong predictor and should be included in studies on Hg bioaccumulation moving forward to improve predictive models. Predictions of Hg concentrations in biota using sediment and porewater chemistry were strongest for the amphipod Corophium volutator, highlighting this species as potentially useful bioindicator of Hg contamination in the Bay of Fundy. This research was reviewed to assess the various geochemical, biological, and physical factors that impact MeHg production and bioavailability in estuaries, which will help to identify ecosystems that are at greater risk for MeHg retention and bioaccumulation
An examination of public affection sharing and its health associations in interracial and intraracial relationships
No full textResearch suggests that physical affection sharing in romantic relationships is associated with physical, psychological, and relational well-being. However, the extent to which these associations generalize to interracial relationships is unclear in existing research. Although interracial relationships are becoming increasingly common and there is some evidence to suggest that acceptance of these relationships is increasing, stigma and prejudice toward interracial couples remain. The objective of this thesis was to examine public affection sharing in interracial and intraracial mixed-sex couples. This thesis consisted of two studies. Study 1 examined interracial and intraracial experiences with public affection sharing, affection-related vigilance, and self-reported physical, psychological, and relational well-being via an online survey (n = 1386; 19% interracial). Those in interracial relationships reported higher affection-related vigilance when general vigilance was controlled. There were also disparate associations between public affection sharing and physical and psychological well-being, respectively. Whereas the association between public affection sharing and physical well-being was neutral for those in intraracial relationships, it was negative for those in interracial relationships. As for psychological well-being, the association with public affection sharing was positive for those in intraracial relationships, and marginally negative for those in interracial relationships. Additionally, the respective associations between public affection sharing and psychological and relational well-being were moderated by affection-related vigilance, with weaker or more negative associations among those with higher levels of affection-related vigilance. Study 2 further examined public affection sharing in interracial and intraracial relationships via semi-structured interviews (n = 40; 58% interracial). A thematic analysis resulted in 12 themes with considerations that were either internal to the relationship, external to the relationship, or intermediary (i.e., consisting of both internal and external considerations). Internal themes included "Personal Preference," "Relationship Dynamics," "Feasibility and Convenience." Intermediary themes included "Safety and Well-Being," "Context Matters," "Cultural Considerations," and "Racial Experience." External themes included "Relationship Optics," "Others' Attitudes," "Impact of Others' Attitudes," "Social Influences," and "Navigating Public
Spaces." The qualitative data provided further context for understanding Study 1 results, as there were more prominent differences between the two relationship types among some intermediary (i.e., Safety and Well-Being and Racial Experience) and all the external themes. Thus, Study 2 results suggest that the health disparities found in Study 1 are likely driven by a higher potential for those in interracial relationships to experience adverse reactions or views toward their public affection, or their relationship more generally, in some cases impeding on people's sense of safety in public contexts. Although there were some differences observed, most participants in both relationship types expressed the subjective view that their racial make-up did not impact their public affection sharing in a meaningful way. Overall, these studies expand on theoretical models linking affection sharing to well-being and highlight the value of examining theories in diverse populations while gaining subjective views related to the research questions
On having low self-esteem and being torn about wanting a more positive self-view: a goal regulation perspective on the puzzle of low self-esteem
No full textDespite the mental and physical health benefits associated with having high self-esteem, individuals with low self-esteem show resistance to increasing their self-view. A possible explanation for this resistance to pursue high self-esteem may involve goal regulation, in which activating approach towards a goal of self-esteem lowers depression associated with low self-esteem, but elicits anxiety. However, withdrawing from the goal of self-esteem would alleviate the anxiety, but elicit depression. In two studies (N = 1,139), I test this hypothesis of motivational conflict within individuals with low self-esteem, in which increased desire for self-
esteem relates to elevated anxiety and reduced depression, and vice versa for those with lower desire to pursue self-esteem. Though motivational conflict was observed, the pattern of results through the anticipated process (i.e., by virtue of increasing desire for self-esteem) was contrary to the hypothesis. Additionally, individuals with low self-esteem were shown to resist engaging in the manipulation intended to activate goal approach. Thus, though motivational conflict was observed in the current research, further exploration is required to determine the underlying mechanism of low self-esteem maintenance
Greek sovereignty and the right to the polis: active & activist citizenship in Athens, 2008-2016
No full textThis thesis explores activism in Athens, Greece, between 2008 and 2016, in relation to prominent conceptions of civil society and national citizenship. In doing so, it puts into question notions of civil society activism as merely an agitating component within a 'premature' sphere of political citizenship. To view relationships between rights, responsibility, and belonging outside these latter perceptions of state citizenship, I turn to practices of interdependencies and reproductions of social bonds within the city's urban social movements. Reflecting upon how these practices inform conceptualizations and performances of citizenship in Athens, I conclude that understanding contemporary struggles for rights, responsibilities, and belonging more adequately requires an appreciation of activist citizenship that emphasizes its networks of care over familiar analytical frames of state and civil society
The Sound of Middle-earth: music and song among races in J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings
No full textJ. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings has garnered cultural and academic interest since it first came into print in 1954. Tolkien scholarship has developed into a burgeoning area of study in English literature, pioneered by the likes of Flieger and Shippey. The scholarly work of these two has provided the base for Tolkien studies that has been continued by Cawsey and Eden to name just two. From politics and ecology to gender studies, The Lord of the Rings has sparked discussion about every facet of Middle-earth's legendarium and modern critical approaches to Tolkien's work. In this work, I offer an in-depth analysis of the meaning and function of music among various races in The Lord of the Rings and seek to demonstrate that the centrality of music in this story, while often overlooked, is of overwhelming importance. An underdeveloped area of this connection is the reason why music plays a critical role in the development of race relations, access to memory, and knowledge transmission in Middle-earth. I demonstrate that music – not just verse, but music – is built into the very fabric of the Middle-earth cosmos. In seeking to further my claim, I look to Boethius, whose treatise on music, De Institutione Musica, places music at the harmonious centre of the universe. Building on Shippey's analysis of philology, Eden's brief remarks on music, and Boethius' accounts of music centring the cosmos, I demonstrate that the music, songs, lyric poetry, and vocal manifestations used by Hobbits, Elves, Men, Ents, and Wizards create an encompassing racial commonality that unites the races of Middle-earth in understanding and expressing memory, history, and knowledge transmission