University of Lethbridge Theses
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- ItemFraming the feminist protests in Mexico: an analysis of the polarized discursive dynamics and gender power relations on social media(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Sociology, 2024) Tejeda Torres, Arturo; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science; Mair, KimberlyThis portfolio-style thesis presents central components in the development and consolidation of my doctoral research project. Through four different pieces—a teaching dossier, two academic articles, and an Op-Ed— this portfolio aims to contribute to contemporary debates in the fields of social theory, poststructuralist studies and digital communication by engaging with themes around polarization, discourse, ideology and power dynamics in the context of social media. The research presented in this portfolio examines the polarized discursive dynamics surrounding the feminist protests in Mexico on March 8th and 9th, 2020, which emerged in response to increasing femicides in the country. Through an analysis of social media interactions, it explores how dominant narratives—those aligned with the Mexican government's "Fourth Transformation" and its conservative opposition—shape public discourse and reproduce gender-based power relations. This portfolio format intends to bridge theoretical insights and analyses on a concrete scenario while facilitating communication with both academic and non-academic audiences, demonstrating the broader relevance and applicability of the research.
- ItemMonitoring vegetation regeneration using multiple remotely piloted aircraft system sensors and methodologies(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Geography and Environment, 2024) Pearse, Ben; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science; Hopkinson, Christopher; Chasmer, LauraEffective restoration of vegetation following mining or other anthropogenic disturbances requires the ability to accurately measure indicators of progress towards benchmarks and the desired restoration end points. In this thesis, remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) were used to collect data for estimating ecosystem proxies for productivity and measures of vegetation diversity at reference and reclamation sites in the Yukon and Alberta, with a focus on developing or confirming existing methods and testing their use on an operational level. In the first case study, the ability to estimate Leaf Area Index (LAI) and classify plant functional type using Object-Based Image Analysis in mixed species communities was evaluated. It was found that both conceptual and regression models were robust enough after two years of data collection to estimate LAI across the range of sites sampled (r2 ranging from 0.73 - 0.86 and RMSE from 0.29 - 0.38 m2/m2), showing spatiotemporal transferability of the models. Plant functional types (shrub, herbaceous, grass, and moss) were classified with high accuracy (F-scores ranging from 0.95 - 1.0). The second case study assessed the potential for lidar to be used as a stand-alone sensor to monitor vegetation regeneration of a post-wildfire study site by estimating biomass and LAI and classifying woody and herbaceous vegetation. Furthermore, the ability to classify vegetation species was evaluated using object-based image analysis, multi-temporal data, and a fusion of multiple sensor types. The results show that average height was best for estimating biomass (R2 = 0.76, RMSE = 254 g/m2) at 1m2 plots. Woody and herbaceous vegetation were poorly classified using the lidar point clouds, however, the addition of spectral (NDVI) and moisture information (distance to a stream) improved the classifications. Object-based image analysis using a single data acquisition during a period of maximum foliage was unable to comprehensively classify species. However, the addition of a second data acquisition during the fall capitalized on spectral diversity of different species during different phenophases and improved the classification. This research demonstrates the unique potential of RPAS to be used in restoration monitoring with its ability to utilize different sensors and collect datasets dependent on user needs. The methods developed here for estimating productivity and species diversity can potentially be incorporated into long-term industry-based monitoring programs and can help decision-makers learn from current restoration efforts and apply successes to new areas.
- ItemFactors affecting interprovincial migration of university-bound students in Canada: evidence from the Postsecondary Student Information System (PSIS)(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Economics, 2024) Aduloju, Busayo; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science; Mueller, Richard E.This thesis explores the factors influencing interprovincial migration of university-bound students in Canada between 2017 and 2021 using data from the Postsecondary Student Information System (PSIS). Employing both log-log and Poisson gravity models, the study examines geographic, economic, and institutional variables, along with the novel inclusion of cannabis regulation leniency, as a potential social determinant of migration. The analysis confirms that geographic distance remains a significant deterrent to student migration, with the probability of migration diminishing sharply as the distance between provinces increases. Economic variables reveal counterintuitive patterns. Interestingly, higher GDP per capita in origin provinces correlates with greater out-migration, suggesting wealthier students are more mobile. A particularly novel aspect of this study is its inclusion of cannabis policy as a factor influencing student migration. Provinces with a higher density of cannabis retail stores per capita demonstrate a marked increase in student migration, suggesting possible lifestyle preferences; however, the minimum legal age for cannabis consumption appears to have a negligible effect. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of student migration, combining traditional economic and geographic factors with emerging social dynamics. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers and university administrators, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions that enhance interprovincial mobility, improve institutional competitiveness, and consider the broader social and regulatory landscapes in which students make their decisions.
- ItemStudying the efficiency of the Frobenius primality test(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Health, Dept. of Mathematics and Computer Science, 2024) Gheisari, Hiva; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science; Fiori, Andrew; Kadiri, HabibaIn mathematics, especially number theory, prime numbers are essential concepts. Prime numbers are used in cryptography as one application. Finding large prime numbers is crucial for cryptographic protocols; to do this, we must be able to tell whether a given number is prime or not. To test whether a number is a prime number, we require a computationally efficient primality testing algorithm. The primary objective of my research is to evaluate how well the tests work. Especially, in my research our main focus is on Grantham’s primality test. Grantham’s test is probabilistic and fast, but it comes with the risk of false positives. To determine how ‘good’ a test is, one must be aware of the possibility of false positives because in our development, deterministic tests are slower than false positive ones. In this thesis, we will explain the definitions of ‘probable prime numbers’, such as ‘Frobenius pseudoprime’, as given by Jon Grantham. Our research goal is to find upper and lower bounds for the number of probable prime numbers by generalizing the work of Paul Erdös and Carl Pomerance on Fermat pseudoprimes, and Jon Grantham on Frobenius pseudoprimes.
- ItemFeelGrove: a concept for a discursive smartphone application for the visualization of affective states positioned against the neoliberal paradigm(Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of New Media, 2024) Sijacic, Lidija; University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Fine Arts; Clark, ChristineFeelGrove is a concept for a discursive smartphone application with game elements that acts as a response to the neoliberal framework and the values it propagates, such as competition, self-tracking and self-optimization. The app constitutes a tool meant to enable its users to visualize their emotions through the creation and keeping of digital fantastical plants which act as emotional representations. Aside from the concept for the app, the project includes interface design and accompanying artwork, including four distinct 3D plants depicting different emotional categories and 3D representations of physical settings related to these particular emotions. Additionally, this paper examines the roles that information technology, design and play assume in propagating neoliberal values.