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Rebellious Creative Making: A Meme-Making Studio Pedagogy
No full textRebellious Creative Making: A Meme-Making Studio Pedagogy explores the potential for meme-making to function as a heightened form of studio pedagogy in design education. It investigates how meme-making can effectively critique and challenge conventional design methods, inspiring students to be bold and take risks by considering non-conventional design processes and outputs. This dissertation begins with a brief introduction to the contemporary social and political impact of memes, linking them to art and design history to speculate on their potential in creative making. It then details a meme-themed workshop that was conducted to directly observe participants’ meme-making processes. Participants’ meme work, presentations, and interviews were closely analyzed to achieve an understanding of how their learning through meme-making differed from their previous experiences in design school. Participants’ meme works reflected a variety of design styles and topics pertaining to political, social, and personal issues. These works and the participants’ own responses suggest that the workshop functioned as a stress-free design-making process in which makers felt sufficiently relaxed to comfortably explore their desired topics and styles. As participants expressed themselves and their viewpoints through meme-making, they also felt healed from both their negative thoughts and experiences in life and, more specifically, their previous oppressed experiences with design education. The results of the meme workshop provide valuable insight into current issues of studio pedagogy in commercialized education institutions; these insights give way to potential improvements aimed at valuing the benefits of creative education beyond its practical purposes in pursuit of self-growth among learners
The Effects of Age and Bilingualism on Memory Retrieval
No full textIt is often argued that older adults show memory decline because they have fewer attentional resources which impedes the explicit retrieval of information. The present study aimed to assess the role of attentional control as a second factor that could influence memory in older adulthood. We recruited participants presumed to have different levels of attentional resources, younger and older adults, as well as participants presumed to have differences in attentional control, monolinguals and bilinguals. Testing consisted of verbal and non-verbal tasks that included both implicit and explicit retrieval conditions. We examined the influence of age (older, younger), language group (bilingual, monolingual) and condition (explicit, implicit) on memory performance and found different patterns of results for the verbal and non-verbal tasks. We also found correlations between bilingual experience (measured continuously) and explicit condition memory performance. Findings suggest that bilingual experience could be a potent factor in mitigating memory decline
Employees' Reactions To Coworker's Pro-Environmental Behaviour: Insights From Social Cognitive Theory And Social Comparison Theory
No full textEnvironmental issues are severe worldwide concerns that threaten ecosystems and humanity. The increased demand for pro-environmental behavior (PEB) has drawn attention to the environmental impact of organizations (Ones & Dilchert, 2012a). Employee PEB is essential for improving organizational environmental performance and sustainability (Boiral, 2009). Despite frequent peer interactions at work, little research has examined whether coworkers’ PEB positively influences focal employees’ PEB. Integrating social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) with social comparison theory (Festinger, 1954), this dissertation examines the focal employee’s differential responses toward various types of coworkers’ PEB. Using Boiral and Paillé’s (2012) widely recognized categorization, I propose that a coworker’s eco-civic engagement, eco-initiatives, and eco-helping can have both positive and negative impacts on the focal employee. Specifically, I document three psychological mechanisms—integrity-based trust toward the coworker, the focal employee’s green self-efficacy, and the focal employee’s moral inferiority—that mediate the effects of a coworker’s PEB on the focal employee’s subsequent behaviors, including PEB at work and in life, collaboration with the coworker, and ostracism toward the coworker. Task interdependence and performance inferiority are proposed to moderate these mediated relationships. Four scenario-based experiments (Studies 1a–d) and a survey with dyadic data (Study 2) were used to test hypotheses. Studies 1a–d found that coworkers’ eco-civic engagement and eco-initiatives increased focal employees’ integrity-based trust toward coworkers, especially under higher task interdependence. Coworkers’ eco-initiatives and eco-helping positively impacted focal employees’ green self-efficacy, with the relationship between eco-helping and green self-efficacy being more pronounced under higher (vs. lower) task interdependence. Additionally, coworkers’ eco-helping increased focal employees’ moral inferiority, which was strengthened by performance inferiority. Study 2 replicated most findings from Studies 1a–d except for the relationship between coworkers’ eco-initiatives and focal employees’ green self-efficacy. Study 2 further found that coworkers’ eco-civic engagement and eco-initiatives increased collaboration via focal employees’ integrity-based trust and was amplified by task interdependence. Coworkers’ eco-helping increased focal employees’ personal PEB via focal employees’ green self-efficacy, which was strengthened by task interdependence. Eco-helping increased focal employees’ ostracism toward coworkers through focal employees’ moral inferiority, with performance inferiority exacerbating this relationship. Implications and future directions were also discussed
Platform Labour, Migration, And Resistance: Organizing Against Hyper-Exploitation In Paris And Toronto's Food Delivery Industries
No full textThis doctoral thesis combines empirical research and theoretical innovations aimed at comprehending the dynamics of platform labour within advanced-capitalist economies. Through case studies in Paris, France, and Toronto, Canada, the thesis contributes to the evolving landscape of platform labour studies, migration studies, and labour geography. The over-representation of racialized immigrants engaged in platform food delivery has attracted significant attention from both academia and mainstream media, notably in Toronto with international students from India and in Paris with sans-papiers from Africa. Focusing specifically on migration and working conditions, this study unveils hyper-precarity in Euro-American cities. The primary objective of the thesis is to provide a new perspective that includes immigration and citizenship within current discourse on platform labour. Drawing inspiration from critical urban studies, migration studies, and science and technology studies, the research introduces two conceptual propositions: i) “citizen-rentier-ship”, designed to elucidate how various stakeholders benefit from precarious citizenship status, and ii) a “relational comparison” of platform labour resistance, offering insights into the evolution of the unrest against platform labour exploitation—a crucial facet of urban development. The thesis is based on extensive interviews with food riders, workers, spokespersons, and other key actors, shedding light on their capacity for self-organization within advanced capitalist societies. By exploring strategies, limitations, and the dimensions of resistance—both digital and physical—through interactions with riders and individuals who resisted deactivation, low wages, and algorithmic management, the research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by these workers. The case studies place emphasis on migrant workers’ perspectives. They reshape ongoing debates about global platforms by centering attention on the bottom ends of labour markets. In conclusion, the study contends that the struggles of migrant workers are deeply entwined with labour laws, immigration policies, misclassification practices, and urban policies in France and Canada
Mitochondrial Relationships and Contributions to Muscle Weakness and Wasting during Cancer Cachexia
No full textCancer-induced cachexia is the on-going loss of skeletal muscle mass and function throughout cancer progression. 20%-80% of cancer patients are predicted to develop cachexia depending on the type and stage of cancer, of which, there is currently no treatment. Current literature on the mechanisms of muscle loss and weakness in cancer have been limiting, especially as it relates to mitochondrial function. Moreover, several experts have suggested the use of cancer cachexia models which replicate the human disease more accurately would be of large utility towards mechanism elucidation and therapy development within this disease.
The focus of this dissertation was to first determine the precise muscle-specific and time-dependent cancer-induced muscle myopathy through two different preclinical models of cancer cachexia. We first used the well-established Colon-26 (C26)-ectopic model of cancer cachexia to characterize skeletal muscle weakness, atrophy and mitochondrial function across time and muscle types. We then used a novel metastatic and orthotopic model of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cachexia to further identify precise cancer-induced skeletal muscle myopathy, once again across time and different muscle types. Finally, to both establish the efficacy of a novel treatment and establish a direct link between cancer-induced skeletal muscle myopathy and mitochondrial function, we administered the mitochondrial-targeted therapeutic SkQ1 to EOC tumour bearing mice.
Our findings reveal that cancer-induced skeletal muscle weakness precedes the development of skeletal muscle atrophy in both the C26-ectopic and EOC-orthotopic models of cancer cachexia. Thus, this dissertation identifies muscle atrophy-independent contributions to skeletal muscle weakness exist in cancer-induced myopathy, a phenomenon yet to be explored. Our findings also demonstrate decreases in mitochondrial respiration and increases in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species are associated with skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy across two preclinical models. Last, treatment with SkQ1 establishes a direct link between mitochondrial function and skeletal muscle weakness independent of atrophy as this mitochondrial-enhancing drug improved force production across various muscles and time. In conclusion, this dissertation identifies a direct relationship between mitochondrial function and cancer-induced weakness. This work supports the future investigation of mitochondrial targeted therapy in cancer cachexia
In the Circle of Fire: Gendered Barriers in Fire Services in Ontario
No full textThe firefighting profession is described as inherently dangerous, rich in pride, honour and tradition. Firefighters are held in high regard, as they are known for their involvement in, and commitment to the community. Firefighting is a ‘public safety’ service, with a labour force that is predominantly white males. The public expect firefighters to fight fires and rescue those in distress, displaying heroism, strength and embodying masculinity (Yarnal et al., 2016). Although described as a masculine profession, the role of the firefighter is changing, and the composition of the service is beginning to evolve to reflect the community that it serves. This phenomenological study, guided by the principles of standpoint theory, investigates gender-based workplace dynamics within firefighting, uncovering ways in which nuanced stereotypes, bias and discriminatory practices contribute to a less inclusive and sometimes unsupportive environment for women in the Fire Services in Ontario. Thirty-two firefighters participated in semi-structured interviews. The themes presented are generalized to both genders, as well as themes unique to either male or female firefighters. This study’s findings reveal that while some themes are found to apply to both genders, others are distinct to women firefighters. This dissertation highlights the negative impacts the workplace has on women firefighters
Black Movement and Freedom: Questions of Cyclescapes, Cycling Planning, and Minstrelsy
No full textThis paper investigates the following central question: What are the outcomes of the historical and ongoing restrictions placed upon the Black diaspora's physical movement? Related to my research question, I consider what the literature and archives have to say about Black experiences with movement and I engage with cycling-related scholarship on class and race, particularly as it relates to Black communities. I explore this in this paper to sufficiently contextualize the subject-matter I am engaging with. I argue that the historical and ongoing restrictions of the movement of the Black diaspora is subjectivity-producing and provides an alternative lens to better understanding anti-Blackness, and liberatory ways of understanding and engaging with movement. Additionally, to contribute to advancing an underexplored research topic in Black Geographies and further the growing scholarship on cycling and racism. Additionally, I explore the experiences of cycling and Black communities and conduct a research analysis on late nineteenth-century minstrel and other anti-Black imagery featuring bicycles. This paper focuses on Canada and the United States, bringing cycling and transportation research into conversation with Black studies and Black geographies. I draw on archival materials from the late 1800s to early 1900s, alongside a counter-archival and discourse analysis. My sources include journalism, transportation planning data, and academic literature in social geography, anthropology, and history—all centred on cycling in North America
An Evaluation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workshops for Parents of Autistic Children
No full textEmerging research shows that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may improve mental health for caregivers. This dissertation sought to understand outcomes and experiences for parents of autistic individuals following participating in a 3-day ACT group workshop. Workshops were co-led by other trained parents of autistic people and professional clinicians.
In Study 1, parents (N=54) were randomly assigned to either complete a brief group- based ACT intervention or remain on the waitlist. Participants completed surveys immediately prior to randomization, and 3-, 7-, and 17-weeks post-randomization. Mixed effects linear models testing group x time interaction indicated the Treatment group demonstrated greater post- intervention improvements than the Waitlist group in parent depression and family distress. Treatment group parents also reported greater short-term gains in positive affect and personal goal attainment, compared to the Waitlist group. Although there was no significant group x time interaction for other outcomes, stress, defusion, and experiential avoidance showed improvement for the Treatment group, but not the Waitlist group, at post-intervention. All Treatment group improvements were maintained at follow-up. Results suggested that a brief ACT group intervention is efficacious for improving some aspects of mental health for parents of autistic children.
In Study 2, 15 parents who had previously attended the ACT workshop participated in individual interviews, focusing on parents’ experiences in a group with a co-facilitation model, and their perspectives about who should facilitate interventions for parents of autistic people. Using a qualitative thematic analysis approach, overall themes identified included the importance of a group environment in which trust is created through establishing credibility of the program and ensuring emotional safety. This environment allowed for parents to be able to fully participate in the workshop by sharing experiences, feeling open minded and hopeful, and focusing on what is important to them. Participants discussed behaviours, knowledge, and skills that they value in facilitators, that both parent leaders and professional clinicians can contribute, as well as emphasizing the unique value that the parent leader brought to the group. Findings lend themselves to developing best practices around creating effective and supportive interventions for parents of autistic people
Love as a Remedy to the Malaise of the Soul in Modernity
No full textThe purpose of this thesis project is to both diagnose the current malaise of the soul, and offer a potential remedy to this malaise. By attending to Hannah Arendt’s notion of “worldlessness” drawn from her book The Human Condition, I will argue that the condition of worldlessness and subsequent feelings of loneliness result in a “malaise of the soul”. The remedy to this malaise may be found, I will argue, in the proper type of love. When viewed within the canon of literature on philosophy of education, this project addresses a significant lack of philosophical depth when considering love as central to education and pedagogies of love. While numerous scholars have argued for the importance of love in education, these works fall short in offering a complete philosophical understanding of love itself. This project draws on ancient philosophy, specifically Socrates’ arguments as presented by Plato in Phaedrus and Symposium, to address this lacuna. By bringing a robust understanding of love to Arendt’s work, it aims to offer love as a remedy to the current malaise of the soul
Image Processing for Stratospheric Based Space Situtational Awareness (SSA)
No full textThis research explores the use of a stratospheric platform imager for advancing Space Situational Awareness (SSA). The primary goal was to develop and validate Resident Space Objects (RSO) detection algorithms using the RSONAR dataset, consisting of wide field-of-view imagery. RSO Detection methods were tested on 429 images, achieving F1 scores between 68% and 88%. Additionally, the potential of a dual-purpose star tracker for SSA was validated, analyzing over 27,000 images to assess astrometric and photometric properties of RSOs. Further, 544 RSO streaks were characterized based on parameters such as length, signal-to-noise ratio, and orientation. The development of RSONAR II, a next-generation camera system, allowed for capturing over 65,000 images at varying resolutions, and its optical performance was compared across two imaging systems. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of wide field-of-view imagery for SSA and presents advancements in dual-purpose star tracker systems for future missions