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Leaving the harmattan: a creative exploration of diasporic experiences through short stories
No full textThis thesis is a creative project that contributes to diasporic literature by exploring themes of cross-cultural exchange, climate change, and co-existence through a collection of short stories and prose poems. Set primarily in two culturally and climatically distinct locations, the stories feature a diverse range of characters differing in age, experience, background, and mindset. Through their interactions and journeys, the work highlights the complexities of migration.
Although many writers and scholars have addressed this subject, there remains a need for continued exploration. Drawing from my lived experience of moving from Nigeria to Canada, augmented by imagination and the influence of existing scholarly and creative works, this project amplifies existing discourse, sheds new light on migration-related issues, and contributes to diasporic literature. It incorporates a range of literary techniques, including both prose and poetry devices, and presents stories through a distinct narrative voice.
In conclusion, this thesis emphasises the complexities of migration and advocates for co-existence, mutual respect, and appreciation of cultural differences as essential approaches to overcoming the challenges of cross-cultural encounters
Axial ground movement effects on buried small-diameter MDPE pipes
No full textThe widespread use of medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) pipelines for natural gas distribution
across North America necessitates a robust understanding of soil-pipeline interaction mechanisms,
particularly under conditions of ground movement caused by geohazards like landslides. This
thesis investigates the axial soil-pipeline interactions in MDPE pipelines using full-scale testing
and three-dimensional finite element modelling (FEM). The research addresses critical knowledge
gaps in how varying backfill compaction methods, soil densities, and displacement rates affect
axial forces and pipe strains, offering insights for enhancing pipeline resilience in geohazard-prone
environments. Fifteen full-scale tests were conducted on 42.2 mm and 60.3 mm diameter MDPE
pipes embedded at two depths and subjected to controlled axial displacements of soil. These tests
were performed at varying soil displacement rates and using different backfill compaction
techniques (vibratory plate compactor, hand tamper and no compaction). The influence of
compaction on pipe forces was significant with the highest forces for vibratory compaction, while
the displacement rate showed only minor effects. The findings underscore a gradual mobilization
of axial strain from the anchored end toward the free end of the pipe as soil displaces axially,
indicating the progressive mobilization of shearing resistance along the pipe length. Existing ALA
(2005) and PRCI (2017) guidelines underpredicted peak force for pipes in dense sands. Threedimensional
FEM simulations were used to explore the mechanism of soil-pipe interaction
involved during axial ground movements. While the FEM models captured peak forces effectively,
limitations were observed in pre-peak and post-peak behaviour, suggesting the need for further
refinement. The study emphasizes the significant role of compaction methods and soil parameters
in governing pipeline response to ground movement. The findings contribute essential data for
refining pipeline design guidelines and improving infrastructure resilience against geohazardinduced
soil movements.Includes bibliographical references (pages 5.5-5.28
Electrochemical investigation of Fe²⁺: trioctylphosphine oxide coordination reaction at a micro liquid|liquid interface
No full textDissolved Fe is an important micronutrient for marine biota in the worlds' oceans that
typically exists at sub-nanomolar concentrations. Many microorganisms such as phytoplankton
have evolved specialized ligands for Fe uptake. Thus, spatiotemporal oceanic mapping of
dissolved Fe and understanding Fe-ligand binding are critical areas of research. Herein, we have
employed the micro (25 μm in diameter) interface between two electrolyte solutions (ITIES) as
a platform to investigate Fe²⁺ coordination with trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) via an
electrochemically controlled facilitated ion transfer reaction. Based on established
thermodynamics and using differential pulse voltammetry, the metal ion:ligand stoichiometry
was determined to be ~15, and overall binding coefficient (β) of Fe²⁺-TOPO was calculated
4.4×10⁴⁵, respectively. It is speculated that the high stoichiometry may be owing to the
generation of pseudo-micelle since n greatly exceeds the typical Fe-ligand stoichiometry. Na⁺
and K⁺ binding towards TOPO were also examined since they are major electrolyte components
in seawater. However, they demonstrated high binding affinities through much lower Na+:
TOPO or K⁺: TOPO stoichiometries of roughly 1.18 and 2.52 as well as β9s of 3.3×10¹⁴ and
2.4×10¹⁵, respectively.Includes bibliographical reference
Exploring the evolution of classical cepheids with MESA
No full textClassical Cepheid stars play an important role in the rst step of the distance ladder
determination in the Milky Way and in nearby galaxies. The period-luminosity rela-
tionship of classical Cepheid stars is used to calculate the Hubble constant which is
a measurement of the expansion of the universe. Using Modules for Experiments in
Stellar Astrophysics (MESA), new evolution models with and without convective core
overshooting are used to probe for the period rate change at the di erent crossing of
the instability strip. A population synthesis analysis shows that 63.4% of classical
Cepheids have positive period rate change while the rest have negative period rate
change. With overshooting, 91.1% of classical Cepheid stars have positive period rate
change. To account for the di erence in the number of classical Cepheid stars that are
observed versus those that are modeled with MESA, mass-loss, rotation and metallic-
ity need to be added to the models to help explain the di erence with observations
Freedom and the formalization of experience: a Hegelian critique, a Kantian answer
No full textGeorg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel’s critique of Immanuel Kant’s formalism is highly informative – it brings to light many aspects of morality and ethical decision-making that had gone entirely unnoticed by Kantians until that point, such as the importance of world history in determining our concepts of right, and that the subsumption of particulars under universals does not typically fall to individuals. Because a determination of moral concepts by history itself seems to contradict Kantian morality (in which we use the categorical imperative to determine whether a formulated maxim conforms with duty or not) by eliminating any genuine choice (as the ways in which we formulate our maxims are themselves historical products rather than free decisions), Kantians have responded to Hegel’s critique in part by trying to show that such factors can be accounted for purely within Kantian philosophy. Through examining Hegel’s critique of Kant’s formalism and Kantian philosophy, this thesis will follow this tradition. I will argue that Hegel’s critique must transform how we conceptualize Kant’s philosophy, how we should think of his doctrine of freedom in contrast to determinism, and the sense of objectivity that we can secure with his philosophy. I will argue that the best answer to Hegel’s critique of Kant’s formalism is Kant’s own theory of the end of nature and history and that his writings on history are consistent with the rest of his more speculative work.Includes bibliographical references (pages 68-69
Aspects of the phonology of Bogoŋ
No full textThis thesis presents a discussion on the phonology of Bogoŋ, an endangered language spoken by the Cala people in Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Classified within the Eastern subgroup of Gurunsi languages under the Niger-Congo family, Bogoŋ is characterized by a unique phonemic inventory and a complex system of Advanced Tongue Root (ATR) harmony. The study utilizes data collected and stored on the Endangered Language Archive by Kleinewillinghöfer (2015) in the form of audio recordings, providing a descriptive framework that addresses the phonemic inventory, syllable structure, and various phonological processes observed in the language. This thesis observed ten vowels, nine of which are phonemic, while one ([ə]) is an allophone. Twenty consonant phonemes are also observed in Bogoŋ. In this thesis, it is also proposed that there are six main types of syllable structures in Bogoŋ. These structure types are CV/CVV, CVC, CCVC/CCV, VVC, V/VV and C. This thesis observed homorganic nasal assimilation, labialization/rounding, palatalization, aspiration, and ATR harmony as phonological processes in Bogoŋ. Central to the vowel system is the ATR feature, which is identified as both contrastive and phonologically conditioned. The thesis examines how vowel sounds are organized based on tongue root position, revealing a nine-vowel system that includes both [+ATR] and [-ATR] vowels. The research situates Bogoŋ within the broader typology of ATR harmony systems, drawing on existing literature to contextualize its findings. Significantly, I propose that the allomorphy involving [i]~[ɛ] in Bogoŋ suffixes is due to the strong relationship between the features [+ATR] and [+high]. [i] is the preferred [+ATR] vowel in this allomorphy instead of [e] because of the preference for [+ATR] vowels to be [+high].Includes bibliographical references (pages 84-88
Exploring coastal and marine management, and local governance capacity in Hare Bay, the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland
No full textRural, coastal communities of the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland (GNP),
Hare Bay in particular, are constantly responding to social and ecological changes to maintain
their livelihoods as hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching remain important to the culture here.
Enhancing local governance can build adaptive capacity to remain resilient in a changing socialecological
system. This research uses a governance analysis to determine the structures,
institutions, processes, and procedures related to coastal and marine management, and the role
that actors have at different scales. The emergence of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) as a
process is explored in addition to ways it can be integrated with conservation, social
development goals, and local benefit sharing. Furthermore, this analysis uncovers the elements
of capacity development that can lead to collective action for marine conservation. Through this
analysis, a framework for assessing local governance capacity was developed from the literature
and used to determine gaps and opportunities for coastal and marine management within Hare
Bay. This framework was used to guide interviews conducted with local stakeholders. In
addition, document analysis and participant observation occurred to identify cultural and
ecological values throughout Hare Bay. Local capacity development and incorporating spatial
and non-spatial tools into existing conservation measures (i.e. existing ecological reserve) were
found to bring social-ecological benefits. It is recommended that appointing local people to take
on roles in marine governance, embracing partnerships, expanding research and education,
initiating a community-based monitoring program, learning from other jurisdictions, and zoning,
are all mechanisms that could support conservation planning in Hare Bay and provide
opportunities for the coastal communities here.Includes bibliographical references (pages 186-230
Effects of integrating a Logo program into elementary fourth-grade mathematics
No full textDespite the growing importance of computational thinking (CT) in modern education, it remains
underemphasized in elementary mathematics, where traditional teaching methods can be
ineffective for teaching abstract geometric concepts. This study investigated the effectiveness of
Logo programming in enhancing fourth-grade students' geometric understanding and
computational thinking abilities. A quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test control group design
was employed with a sample of 39 fourth-grade students from an urban public school in Iran; the
experimental group (n=20) participated in a nine-session LogoLogo intervention, while the
control group (n=19) followed the standard curriculum. Paired-sample t-tests on pre- and posttest
data revealed that the experimental group made statistically significant improvements across
a majority of the measured tasks (p < .05). Furthermore, an Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA)
showed no significant gender-based differences in learning outcomes. The findings indicate
Logo is an effective tool for improving students' geometric reasoning and problem-solving skills.
However, the study9s limitations include a small sample from a single school and a short-term
intervention, which impact the generalizability of the results. Nevertheless, this study provides
empirical support for the broader adoption of constructivist programming environments in early
education
The role of female social entrepreneurs in advancing environmental sustainability and community empowerment in organic agriculture: a case study of California's Central Coast
No full textThis thesis investigates the role of female social entrepreneurs in advancing sustainability and community development through organic agriculture on California’s Central Coast. In particular, it explores how these women navigate institutional, economic, and cultural barriers while contributing to environmental stewardship, local empowerment, and policy advocacy.
Social entrepreneurship offers an alternative model to traditional business by prioritizing social and environmental goals alongside economic viability. Within this framework, female social entrepreneurs play a critical but under-recognized role, often innovating in sectors that intersect with community welfare, sustainability, and inclusive development.
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Yet, their contributions remain insufficiently explored in academic literature—particularly in agriculture, a sector often dominated by male narratives and market-driven analysis.
This study uses a feminist and ecological lens to analyze seventeen oral history interviews with women who helped shape California’s organic agriculture movement. These narratives, drawn from the University of California, Santa Cruz’s “Cultivating a Movement” project, offer rich insights into how gender, activism, and entrepreneurship intersect in practice. The findings highlight the ways in which these women fostered resilient local food systems, advocated for more equitable policies, and redefined leadership within their communities.
By centering the lived experiences of female social entrepreneurs, this research contributes to scholarly debates in feminist entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and institutional theory. It also provides practical insights into how gender-informed entrepreneurship can serve as a catalyst for systemic change in environmentally and socially complex sectors.
Ultimately, this thesis argues that female-led social enterprises are instrumental in creating inclusive, sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges. Their work not only transforms local ecosystems and economies but also challenges dominant models of entrepreneurship that prioritize scale over social value
Towards the development of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for elective spine surgery
No full textPatients who receive spine surgery are subject to significant pain and disability following surgery. Following surgery, length of stay (LoS) is mutually problematic for patients and healthcare systems alike, as each day in hospital increases a patient’s risk for adverse events and also represents significant financial burden for healthcare systems. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been shown to be able to reduce LoS without increasing patient risk for re-admission to hospital. While ERAS protocols are well established in many surgical fields, ERAS is relatively novel in spine.
This dissertation used a mixed methods approach to develop an ERAS protocol for elective spine surgery at the QEII hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A protocol was developed alongside an expert in enhanced recovery and stakeholders who provide care for spine surgery patients. Following this, a systematic review was performed to examine the efficacy of ERAS in spine, observing a reduction in LoS by 1 day after implementing an ERAS protocol. However, most studies included were subject to serious risk of bias due to confounding.
Locally, we wanted to identify what factors most frequently prevent spine surgery patients from being discharged from hospital. Issues related to mobilization, urinary retention and pain management were the most common reasons patients remained in hospital. By targeting these issues through an ERAS protocol, LoS could be reduced.
Lastly, patient education was studied through both a qualitative approach with patients with lived experience with surgery, as well as through a review of the literature and throughout Canada to identify how other surgical sites provide spine ERAS education. A
series of discussion groups covered how education could optimally be provided. Patients reported a strong preference for personalized education, however, were open to a multimodal approach to education delivery due to the difficulty of providing personalized education. In the literature, few studies elucidated what ERAS education entailed, or how it was even provided. In Canada, only the Vancouver General Hospital was identified to have a spine ERAS program and used a multimodal approach to education. They provided education via online booklets and in person classroom-style sessions.Includes bibliographical references (pages 152-181