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- ItemBecoming neoliberal: myths, memory and subjectivity in Los 80(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Sociology, 2025) Fruhbrodt, Ingrid O.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science; Mair, KimberlyThis thesis examines the Chilean television series Los 80 as a cultural text that negotiates the tensions of neoliberal subjectivity in Chile. Through critical discourse analysis, and a variety of qualitative approaches appropriate to the study of multimodal texts, this thesis identifies and analyzes three cultural myths articulated in the series and investigates their part in reinforcing or disrupting neoliberal values. By evaluating the interplay of material culture, dialogue and imagery, I argue that Los 80 functions as both a reflection and a critique of the enduring neoliberal framework installed during the dictatorship. I explore the ways in which nostalgia and material culture intersect to naturalize or challenge these ideologies. This work contributes to the broader ongoing discussions between memory, images and identity, which shape the collective understanding of Chile’s present, past and future through popular culture.
- ItemQuantifying vegetation structure and fire fuels in montane pine forests impacted by mountain pine beetle using remotely piloted aircraft system multi-spectral, photogrammetric and lidar technologies(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Geography and Environment, 2025) Parsian, Saeid; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science; Chasmer, Laura; Hopkinson, ChristopherJasper National Park, one of the oldest Canadian national parks, has a long history of fire suppression. This has increased the homogeneity of mature pine forests within the park over time, and in recent years has been severely affected by mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreak. Tree mortality associated with Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB), dry fuels, and the potential for fire in the Athabasca and Miette Valleys is of significant concern to the park. Measuring forest fire fuels in the field is difficult and time-consuming, and field plots do not measure all the spatial variability of fuel distribution (though field measurements are effective for measuring surface organic layers (e.g., duff layers), which are difficult to measure using remote sensing or other techniques). Remote sensing platforms, such as remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), can be used to quantify 3D structures and fuels, however, RPAS platforms and sensors have not been fully explored as a tool for identifying fuels in MPB-affected stands. Therefore, the objectives of this thesis are to: 1) quantify and compare fuel attributes using RPAS-photogrammetric, lidar point clouds and 2D multispectral imagery; and 2) examine the distribution of fire fuels based on the proportion of proportion of tree mortality, likely associated with MPB outbreak phases. To answer these objectives, geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) was employed to identify vegetation species, MPB phases and map coarse woody debris. Then, 3D fuel attributes were quantified using RPAS-photogrammetric and -lidar point clouds (a single wavelength collected using the Zenmuse L1 sensor (as a comparison). The results indicated that GEOBIA effectively identified tree species and achieved an overall accuracy of approximately 90% compared to field-based validation. Photogrammetric point clouds were accurate for quantifying tree structures, including tree height (R2= 0.96, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE)= 1.22 m, Normal Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE)= 6% and Bias=-0.34 m). Crown base height estimated using a novel region-based approach was also identified when compared with field-based validation (R2= 0.76, RMSE= 2.29 m, NRMSE=17%, Bias= 0.73 m). RPAS-lidar point clouds demonstrate higher accuracy in measuring tree height (R2= 0.99, RMSE= 0.59 m, NRMSE=3% and Bias= -0.23) and crown base height (R2= 0.91, RMSE= 1.32 m, NRMSE= 8% and Bias= 0.16 m) compared with measured, illustrating the value of using lidar, especially in dense canopies. RPAS point clouds demonstrated moderate accuracy for estimating crown fuel load (R2 = 0.38, RMSE = 1.92 kg. tree-1, NRMSE=16% and Bias= 0.30 kg. tree-1) Lastly, fuel distribution was assessed by comparing foliage volume and canopy fuel load and bulk density across 16 plots, and a downward shift was observed in canopy fuels over the progression of MPB outbreaks from green to gray phases. Unaffected plots (e.g., plot 15 (V = 2600 m3) had greater foliage volume and canopy fuel load than affected plots (e.g., plot 11 (V = 515 m3)).
- ItemHarnessing renewable resources in southern Alberta: a Homer Pro and GIS approach to energy and agriculture(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Geography and Environment, 2025) Aftab, Mohammad Adnan; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science; Johnson, Dan L.With robust and innovative federal policies and initiatives, Canada has rapidly shifted its focus from conventional fuels to renewable energy resources, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve a sustainable energy future. The Pan-Canadian policy 2030 on Clean Growth and Climate Change laid out by the Canadian Government presented a comprehensive framework to reduce carbon emissions by 30%. This policy comprises detailed measures to promote clean energy projects and build resilience to the impact of climate change by adopting renewable energy resources across the country. Alberta, the country's largest energy producer, plays a vital role in policy adoption to promote clean and environmentally friendly renewable technologies. Alberta’s Electric System Operation statistics show that the province boasted over 6 GW of Wind and 1.5 GW of Solar photovoltaic capacity in 2023. Alberta’s 2016 initiative, “Renewable Energy Program 2030,” aimed at achieving 30% of the province’s energy from renewable energy resources. These goals are driven by Alberta’s abundant renewable energy resources and a decreasing trend in PV and WT technology costs.This research redefines the integration of hybrid renewable energy systems by introducing an innovative tri-brid photovoltaic-wind turbine-battery energy storage system (PV-WT-BESS) model, strategically designed for remote communities in Alberta. Unlike Conventional approaches, this research pioneers a techno- economical, geospatial and agricultural synergy by leveraging HOMER Pro for energy optimization, Geographic Information System (GIS) based strategic land use assessment and FAO’sCROPWAT for precision irrigation planning. The first objective of the research was to conduct a detailed techno-economic analysis by considering hybrid renewable energy resources in the country, especially in remote communities that mainly rely on conventional resources such as fossil fuels, etc. Furthermore, the research was extended towards finding out the strategic land use and resource assessment process to efficiently optimize the integration of renewables such as solar and wind energy into the major sectors contributing to the economy. Agriculture is considered one of the main pillars of Canada’s economy, generating 7% of the GDP and creating substantial employment opportunities. Hence, efficient utilization of the land for renewable installation is crucial to keep the land used for agricultural purposes at its maximum. Agriculture output efficiency mainly relies on the irrigation of land. Different rivers, such as the Bow, Oldman, South Saskatchewan Rivers, etc. supply the irrigation water to fulfil the crop water requirements. However, extensive water use reduces water reservoirs, which could significantly affect the hydel energy generation in coming years, i.e., 60% of the total energy generated throughout the country.Keeping in view the sustainable development goal (SDG 7), i.e., Affordable and Clean Energy, the presented research work leverages Homer Pro energy modelling, Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, and FAO’s CROPWAT software to optimize renewable energy resources for energy generation and irrigation purposes tailored for Alberta, mainly focusing on communities such as Gleichen and irrigation districts of Lethbridge and St. Mary River. This study has been conducted to achieve the most optimized hybrid renewables combination with the lowest cost of energy (LCOE) and reduced greenhouse gas emission (GHG) compared to conventional fuel-based electricity.In the first part of the study, a tri-brid system was modelled for the Siksika Nation in Gleichen, Alberta, due to its proximity to high renewables availability. The proposed hybrid system comprises grid-tied PV-WT-BESS to compensate for the community load demand. The techno-economic analysis revealed that LCOE for the proposed system is $0.075 CAD/kWh compared to conventional energy costing $0.127 CAD/kWh. These results authenticate the cost-effectiveness and environment-friendly nature of hybrid renewables. In the second part of the research work, the scope was extended to Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District (LNID) and St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID) for strategic land use and resource assessment processes to integrate renewables such as PV and WT systems into these areas. GIS techniques were used to determine the impact of various factors, such as land use, elevation, soil morphology, water bodies, road and electric networks, etc., on the suitability of different sites. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Fuzzy Overlay Analysis were used to identify the most suitable sites. The study outcomes can prove valuable for policymakers, planners, and stakeholders in driving the region toward sustainability.In the concluding part of the research study, the importance of cost-effective and efficient irrigation has been emphasized, considering that agriculture contributes 2.8% to Alberta's economy. Due to the closure of the issuance of new water licenses for Oldman River in the area mainly used for irrigation, groundwater pumping has becomethe complementary source for irrigation purposes to fulfill the crop water requirements. The study explored the utilization of PV and WT systems to supply the required energy for the groundwater pumping mechanism. CROPWAT was used for the calculation of crop water requirements of an agricultural farm for one complete season. This requirement was further converted into energy needs. Homer Pro was used to design the most optimized hybrid renewable system to fulfill the energy needs of agriculture farms and compensate for the water requirement for a complete season. The valuable findings from the above studies signify the importance and practicality of integrating renewables into the regional economy. This research highlights renewable energy's role in boosting economic growth and mitigating environmental impacts in the region by providing the roadmap for energy independence and ensuring sustainability.
- Item"Max and her 'pard": the Rocking P gazette (1923-5) and the cultural production of settler girlhood in southern Alberta(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of History and Religion, 2025) Fantin, Hanna E.; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science; Alexander, KristinePublished between 1923-25 by teenage sisters Dorothy and Maxine Macleay, the Rocking P Gazette is a unique example of girl-made media. Comprising seventeen issues averaging eighty pages each, the Gazette documented daily life on the Macleay’s ranches, the Rocking P and Bar S. Its imaginative fiction and artwork draw inspiration from the girls’ interpersonal relationships and experiences growing up on a ranch, making it an invaluable source for the history of childhood and girlhood in early twentieth century western Canada. This thesis argues that (1) the Macleay girls engaged with, appropriated, and adapted adult-made media for their homemade magazine, which produced and reproduced settler-colonial silences and cowboy culture, and (2) that they challenged conventions of age and gender by expressing a class-based power over their audience of adult male ranch hands. Drawing examples from Dorothy and Maxine’s written and artistic work, this thesis aims to demonstrate how girls in rural 1920s Alberta could be active cultural producers.
- ItemKG4QG: combining knowledge graph with large language models for multi-hop question generation(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science, 2025) Mahamud, Al Hasib; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science; Chali, YlliasQuestion generation is a task of Natural Language Processing where the goal is to generate fluent, grammatically correct, and error-free questions based on a given input context and optionally an answer. Multi-hop question generation is a more complex task compared to traditional single-hop question generation, as it requires reasoning over multiple information from multiple input contexts in generating multi-hop questions. In our work, we have addressed the challenge of building a multi-hop question generation system by combining the knowledge graphs with Large Language Models (LLMs). We have designed a framework KG4QG(Knowledge Graph for Question Generation), where knowledge graphs are generated from the input contexts. For the knowledge graph embedding, we use a Graph Attention Network, and for input texts embedding, we leverage a Sentence Transformer. Finally, we apply the BART and T5 models as Large Language Models to generate multi-hop questions from our proposed model. Using the HotpotQA dataset to evaluate the performance of our KG4QG framework, our proposed methodology shows enhanced performance over the previous methodologies