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Psychological Resilience In Student-Athletes During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Henley Lapid

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the psychological resilience process in student-athletes during the unique adverse context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study sought to answer the following research questions guided by Fisher et al.’s (2019) heuristic framework: (1) What resilience mechanisms, (2) promoting factors, and (3) resilience outcomes were experienced by participants in their resilience demonstrations? and (4) How does the resilience process unfold over time across adverse contexts including the COVID-19 pandemic? Nine student-athletes from Wilfrid Laurier University were interviewed on their experiences demonstrating resilience within and outside of the pandemic. A thematic analysis (Braun …

Femme Ex Machina: Sex Robots, Embodiment, And Posthuman Subjectivity, Julia A. Empey

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Andrea Dworkin warned in her 1974 book Woman Hating that men would soon develop the technology to “create the sex objects that will gratify them” (199). This dissertation investigates one of those technologies: sex robots, as mediated through science fiction film and literature. While the sex robot is still an emerging technology, its embodiment, particularly when female-rendered, has been imagined and negotiated for centuries. Men creating women in a specific, desired image is not new, but the sex robot is currently being transformed from imagined representation to embodied subject. This dissertation traces a pattern of representation that has allowed us …

Impact Of Inducing Self-Compassion On The Use Of Safety Behaviours In Social Situations, Kamila Szczyglowski

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Safety behaviours are commonly used in an attempt to decrease anxiety experienced in social settings. These behaviours, however, have been found to maintain anxiety. Self-compassion has shown promise for reducing anxiety and post-event rumination. The aim of the present studies was to examine the impact of a self-compassion induction on safety behaviours. It was hypothesized that inducing self-compassion would lead to lower safety behaviour use compared to control conditions. For the first two studies, participants were randomly assigned to complete self-compassion inductions or control writing prompts in relation to imagining a pre-determined social situation. Study 3 followed a similar procedure …

The Role Of Ovarian Hormones In Appetite-Regulation: Examining The Post-Exercise Appetite Response In Pre- Vs Post-Menopausal Females, Jessica A.L. Tucker

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

INTRODUCTION: Appetite fluctuates across the menstrual cycle, suggesting ovarian hormones are involved in the regulation of appetite hormones and energy intake. Exercise is another regulator of appetite with higher intensity exercise generating a greater and more consistent suppression. Considering there is limited evidence investigating the role of ovarian hormones in appetite regulation, menopause represents a stage of life where ovarian function declines, thus providing an opportunity to further explore the role of ovarian hormones in the appetite-regulatory response to exercise. PURPOSE: To examine the role of ovarian hormones on appetite-regulating hormones in pre- and post-menopausal females following a …

The Intersection Of Proactivity Behaviours And Socialization Tactics On Athletes’ Perceptions Of Group Cohesion And Role Clarity, Charlotte Revell

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Socialization is a process in which newcomers learn the behaviours and attitudes to become productive working members of a team (Van Maanen, 1978). Organizations (e.g., sports teams) can engage in socialization tactics to help newcomers onboard efficiently within the new group (Van Maanen & Schein, 1979). Furthermore, these socialization tactics influence the way athletes perceive cohesion as well as execute their roles (Leo et al., 2020). However, individuals’ proactivity behaviours can impact the effects of socialization tactics on outcomes because they play an active role in the process of socialization by influencing their interpersonal relationships and social interactions (Reichers, 1987). …

A Grounded Theory Exploration Of The Changing Dynamic In Mission Among Pentecostals In Ontario: The Emergence Of Humanitarianism., Todd Manuel

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Abstract

This dissertation explores the changing nature of mission among Pentecostal churches in Ontario. The findings of this grounded theory qualitative research project suggest that mission in those Pentecostal churches in Ontario under review have switched the priority of the juxtaposed foci of salvific and humanitarian such that the latter is now their primary means for expressing mission.

Christianity is a mission-oriented faith tradition. Throughout history, it is the case that the church’s understanding and expression of mission has adjusted and adapted according to the context and culture it has found itself in. In the ever changing religious and cultural …

The Impact Of Social Media Influencers On Emerging Adults, Avnee Sharma

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Social media influencers (SMIs) (defined as individuals who have 10,000 or more followers) are a group of people who garner attention and who seem to have an impact on thought and behaviour change on social media platforms. To date, it is unclear how much social media influencers influence emerging adults. Given that emerging adulthood is a developmental stage that includes exploration of self and offers more autonomy from one’s parents and is a time where social media is frequently used, it is important to explore how social media informs their decisions and choices. To explore this relationship, this research consists …

Exploring Climate, Wellbeing, Resilience, And Resistance In 2slgbtq+ Leisure Spaces: A Mixed Methods Study To Advance Inclusion, Tin Vo

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Participating in queer sports groups, rainbow choirs, trans virtual discussion groups and other Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQ+) leisure activities can offer participants safety from societal heterosexism and cisgenderism and opportunities for community connection and peer support, as well as foster their overall wellbeing. Yet, transgender/gender nonconforming (TGNC), racialized, and/or disabled individuals, and those with other diverse identities are often marginalized in these spaces. Though researchers have studied exclusion within 2SLGBTQ+ leisure spaces, relatively little is known about how the climate of these spaces shapes social and mental health outcomes. Connected to …

An Exploration On The Barriers To Accessing Mental Health Services Among South Asian Youth, Oeishi Faruquzzaman

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Research in Canada and the United States has found that South Asians routinely underutilize mental health services, however research on the barriers experienced by South Asians is limited, especially research regarding the experiences of South Asian youth (Inman et al., 2014; Islam et al., 2017; Karasz et al., 2016). Through a series of semi-structured interviews (N=20) with South Asian youth between the ages 16 to 27 in the Greater Toronto Area, the present study explores South Asian youths’ experiences accessing mental health services and the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and service use. Thematic analysis of interview data reveal …

“What If This Happiness Doesn’T Last Forever?”: Stressors Faced By Racialized Sogie Refugees, Moni Sadri-Gerrior

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Racialized refugees with diverse SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression) experience the unique intersection of racism, homo- and/or transphobia, and anti-refugee sentiments. As a result, this group (herein: racialized SOGIE refugees) often face poor mental health and well-being. The purpose of this study is to identify stressors faced by racialized SOGIE refugees in Ontario through the lens of Meyer’s Minority Stress Theory and Crenshaw’s intersectionality theory. The interviews from ten racialized SOGIE refugees and two service providers living in Ontario were taken from a larger study looking at the life trajectories of SOGIE refugees. Participants identified both explicit and …

Diversity And Evolution Of Inflorescences In Cuscuta, Morgan Glofcheskie

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Cuscuta (dodder) includes ca. 200 species of plant obligate stem parasites with both ecological and economical significance. Inflorescences have been historically used in Cuscuta for species descriptions and identification keys, but no comprehensive study exists to date. The main objective of this study was to survey the diversity of inflorescences, and to understand their evolution and possible form-function relationships. The inflorescence architecture of 132 Cuscuta taxa was analyzed using herbarium specimens, and eight species were grown to study their inflorescence development. Inflorescence traits were mapped into a genus phylogeny obtained from a combined analysis of nuclear ITS and plastid trnL-F …

B-Sure (Bereavement Support Research): The Differential Experiences Of Peer And Professional Support In Grief, Andrea Crowley

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Abstract

The project aimed to investigate the differential experiences of those who have received peer or professional support for grief and bereavement. Although much is known with regards to the perceived impacts of peer and professional support in general, there is little research surrounding these support types in the context of grief and bereavement, the potential for these support types to be complementary, and how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the experiences of those receiving these forms of support. The main goal of this project was to address a significant gap in the literature by investigating the following questions: …

Agent-Based Modelling And Big Data: Applications For Maritime Traffic Analysis, Marc Sirizzotti

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Agent based modeling (ABM) is a powerful tool for examining complex systems in many scientific applications, including maritime transport systems. Growing demands for freight transport and increased industry emphasis on reducing environmental impacts have heightened the focus on vessel and port efficiency. This research aimed to create a maritime route planning model to simulate vessel movement in all waterways. The goal of the ship routing model developed in this research was to develop a simulation tool capable of reproducing real world shipping routes useful for navigation planning, with emphasis on port scheduling and potential application for further use and exploration. …

Air Quality: Assessment Of Pollutant Levels And Chemistry In Kitchener, On Using Multisensor Pods, Wisam Mohammed

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Air quality is a growing concern amongst governmental bodies worldwide. A large number of scientific studies accumulated over the past 25 years suggest that poor ambient air quality is attributed to adverse health effects, especially in vulnerable communities that exhibit pre-existing conditions. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported around 600 000 deaths globally in children under the age of 5 as a result of acute lower respiratory infections caused by poor air quality. With the current statistics on air quality impacts, it is clear that more needs to be done. This MSc work aims to put into perspective the …

"If We're Not Loud, We're Not Cared For": Empowerment In Transgender Peoples' Healthcare Experiences, Chase Valiant

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Healthcare plays a crucial role in the health and quality of life of transgender (herein trans) people. The experiences people have when accessing healthcare, can have significant effects on future interactions with the healthcare system as well as individual health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to gather insights into trans peoples’ positive healthcare experiences and health outcomes through the lens of empowerment. Fifteen interviews with trans men and trans women were drawn from a larger study of trans peoples’ experiences of discrimination. Thematic analysis was undertaken to identify key themes in the data. Experiences of empowerment were facilitated …

Athletes’ Perceptions Of Role Significance In An Interdependent Sport Context, Madeline Smith-Ackerl

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Roles are integral structural components of interdependent sport teams. The perceptions athletes hold about their role responsibilities influence several individual and team outcomes (Eys et al., 2020). Of specific interest to the current study are athletes’ perceptions of role significance. Two theoretical perspectives dominate research relative to the significance of one’s tasks within organizational psychology: (a) the job characteristic model (JCM; Hackman & Oldham, 1976) and (b) the social information processing model (SIP; Salancik & Pfeffer, 1978). Within the former, task significance (akin to role significance) was conceptualized as the degree to which an employee’s work affects others within or …

Angler’S Sense Of Place As An Indicator For Perceptions Of Vulnerability And Life Satisfaction Relative To Shifting Stock Distributions, Elizabeth Conley

Open Access Master's Theses

Geographic locations are a fundamental aspect to human life, but their impact on well-being is seldom accounted for and often not formally considered within assessment frameworks to monitor at-risk coastal communities. Climate change continues to warm ocean waters and cause fish stocks to redistribute to untraditional locations, prompting changes in angler behavior and destabilizing the connection they have built with particular places in order to fish successfully. This research evaluates recreational angler’s sense of place in NY, CT, and RI, as an indicator to assess perceptions of vulnerability and life satisfaction in relation to shifting fish stock distributions through a …

Opinions On The Halfshell: Examining Public Perceptions Of Southern New England Aquaculture Development, Callan J. Yanoff

Open Access Master's Theses

With the recent expansion of aquaculture in New England, it has become increasingly difficult for aquaculture growers with farm proposals to advance past the permitting process due to public opposition. The substantial lack of innovative strategies for understanding and addressing the public’s perceptions of aquaculture development in the Northeast has created conflict in expanding sustainable farming. Through 15 focus group discussions during the summer of 2021, this study assesses how people who live in Rhode Island and Massachusetts think about farm design and examines their attitudes towards aquaculture impacts and governance. By identifying the general public’s preferences and perceptions, findings …

Care-Portal: A Clinician-Centered Digital Health Portal For Wearable Data Analytics, Shejar Sadhu

Open Access Master's Theses

Growth of “e-health” (electronic health) is unprecedented especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearable technology such as smartwatches and smart finger rings have the capability to remotely monitor and quantify biometric and daily life activity parameters such as heart rate, body temperature, sleep, exercise, sedentary periods, and others from patients when they are in naturalistic environments such as home, school, work, and sports. This wearable technology can also be used to remotely monitor longitudinal symptomatic changes in chronic and acute conditions such as neurological and psychiatric disorders that may require some indicators of psychological stress in daily life settings. Wearable technology …

Rapid Automatized Naming (Ran) And Real Word Reading Fluency: An Eye-Tracking Study, Alexia Martins

Open Access Master's Theses

Although literacy skills, as typically measured by reading accuracy and fluency, are known to greatly influence a child’s later academic and social success, national literacy rates continue to decrease across grade levels. Research has shown that serial rapid automatized naming (RAN) is one of the best predictors of reading fluency; however, there is significant variability regarding the specific relationship between RAN and reading as noted between meta-analyses, age groups, RAN stimuli, and measures of socioeconomic status (SES). This study aims to investigate the relationship between serial RAN and 1) real word reading fluency and 2) socioeconomic status (SES) across thirty-three …

A Spatio-Temporal Analysis Of The American Woodcock, Anna R. Fateiger

Open Access Master's Theses

The decline in young forests has caused almost 70% of the birds that flourish in such habitats to experience a severe population decline over the past 60 years. The American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) is no exception to this population reduction due to its heavy reliance on such habitats, making them a key indicator species for young forest management. Conservationists rely on information received from tracking woodcock for details about the young forest vegetation in hopes of preserving the habitat and protecting the wildlife that flourishes in such areas. This paper expands on previous research that focused heavily on …

Phytochemical Analysis And Biological Evaluation Of Maple (Acer Saccharum) Sap Water, Kara Torrey

Open Access Master's Theses

Our laboratory initiated a comprehensive research program to investigate the phytochemical composition and biological effects of an ethyl acetate maple water extract (MWX), in comparison to other maple food extracts. Created by boiling and evaporating maple sap (Acer saccharum), maple syrup has become a popular alternative sweetener. The raw sap of the maple tree has been consumed by indigenous cultures for centuries, but recently, maple water products have gained the interest of consumers seeking plant derived functional beverages with added health benefits. Based on previous studies by our group, we hypothesize that maple water (and MWX) contains many …

Predicting Pain Presence In Icu Patients Using Physiological Signals, Derek Jacobs

Open Access Master's Theses

Physiological data can be used to detect the presence of pain, a problem that up to this point has entirely subjective solutions. While there are general indicators of pain, physiological signals have been shown to alter as a response to painful stimuli. Prior work has primarily focused on predicting a level of pain reported by a patient based on the assumption that pain is present. In this work, we present a means of using machine learning to identify the presence of pain using data collected from a freely available database MIMIC-III. Our methodology involves constructing an image reconstruction based classifier …

Under Guard: A Case Study Of The S.S. Black Point And U-853 For The Production Of More Comprehensive War Memorials And Public Exhibits, Rebecca Sobus

Open Access Master's Theses

The following project addresses how the preservation of memory is affected when memorials and public exhibits develop within a dispersed material cultural landscape. To address this problem, the Battle of Point Judith in May 1945 is used a case study. The Battle of Point Judith and its associated wrecks, the German U-853 and the American SS Black Point, display the positives and negatives of memorialization and public exhibition for historical artifacts across a decentralized material cultural landscape. After analyzing the characteristics of memorials, museums, and memorial-museums through additional examples like Auschwitz-Birkenau and Hiroshima, it may be seen that the Battle …

The Alice Atom Compendium, Nick Mendillo

Open Access Master's Theses

Using an original work of fiction, a novel I had written titled The Alice Atom, I have created multiple levels of media that encompass several aspects of said novel’s central theme – the desire to find meaning in not only products we create but the act of ‘following one’s dream.’ To achieve a personal goal is to follow, chase, or accomplish their ‘dreams,’ but I intended to explore the question of what that pursuit can tangibly look like. The action of the novel involves the protagonist literally searching for a woman he has imbued with deep philosophical meaning. I, …

Developing A Novel Small-Scale Test To Predict Large-Scale Explosivity, Justin C. Hunter

Open Access Master's Theses

An accurate small-scale (gram) test that predicts large-scale (kg) explosivity is crucial for organizations to make accurate informed decisions when creating regulations, safety, and transportation guidelines. There have been several lab-based tests developed to provide information on whether a new substance has explosive potential, but they fail to consider how energetic materials behave on the large-scale. The concern is many non-ideal explosives, such as fuel oxidizer mixtures, have failure radii that are larger than the 48 mm diameter tube used in the United Nation (UN) test series. In addition, the UN test series uses at least 1.3 kgs of material, …

Sedimentary Accumulation Of Black Carbon On The East Coast Of The United States, Ita Wulandari

Open Access Master's Theses

Sedimentary black carbon (BC) accumulation in shelf sediment along the US East Coast reflected incomplete combustion from natural and human activities. One of the BC materials is soot, a light-absorbing particulate matter, deposited and incorporated with the sediment consisting of various materials, including inorganic and organic carbon. We collected sediment core from two stations in North Carolina (ST02) and Florida (ST12) in the spring of 2017. We analyzed soot BC using the chemo-thermal oxidation method at 375 C (CTO- 375), total organic carbon (TOC) from inorganic carbon removal, stable carbon isotope δ13C from each BC and TOC sample, Polycyclic aromatic …

Diving In: Learning Best Practices From Belize’S Managed Access Program Fisheries Policy, Mary Carper

Open Access Master's Theses

Belize has recently transitioned from an open access fisheries management regime to a program called Managed Access, based on a form of spatial management known as Territorial User Rights for Fishers (TURFs). Coastal communities rely on fishing activity for a variety of reasons including food and job security. Community well-being refers to the holistic definition of the human state, indicated by a variety of socioeconomic factors. This multi-strategy research with a concurrent nested design looks at a combination of interview and archival document data, along with demographics from the Statistical Institute of Belize in order to understand the impacts of …

Do Environmentally Relevant Concentrations Of Microplastics Pose A Threat To The Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea Virginica?, Hannah Haskell

Open Access Master's Theses

It is well known that microplastics are ubiquitous within the marine environment and that organisms are interacting with them. However, information on the potential impacts this pollutant may have on an organism are less well understood, especially in response to environmentally relevant microplastic concentrations The aim of this study was to determine if environmentally relevant microplastic exposure has any physiological impact on the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. We exposed C. virginica to daily doses of polyester microfibers based on concentrations reported from the field (0, 2, & 95 fibers L-1) as well as a higher concentration similar to those …

The 1697 Project: Unraveling A Mystery Surrounding A Set Of Patchwork Blocks, Katherine E. Williams-O'Donnell

Open Access Master's Theses

The University of Rhode Island’s Historic Textile and Costume Collection (HTCC) recently accessioned a grouping of disarticulated patchwork blocks that once belonged to a coverlet. The coverlet was assumed to have been created in 1697 in British North America, making it the oldest firmly dated patchwork currently known to exist and placing this art form in the European colonies fifty years earlier than previously documented. However, because the blocks were disarticulated with companion pieces spread between numerous collections, it was crucial to analyze the blocks in depth to understand if this origin story was correct or had been manufactured later …