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- Title
- Homophone Effects in Visual Word Recognition Depend on Homophone Type and Task Demands
- Contributors
- Linda Kerswell (author), Paul D Siakaluk (author), Penny M Pexman (author), Christopher R Sears (author), William J Owen (author)
- Abstract
- This experiment examined, how the characteristics of homophones and their males influence homophone effects, as a function of task demands. Two types of homophones were presented: 1) low-frequency homophones with higher-frequency mates that are not animal names (e.g., maid--made), and 2) low-frequency homophones with mates that are on average, of equivalent frequency and are animal names (e.g., foul--fowl). We observed a double dissociation: In the lexical decision task (LDT), there was a homophone effect for the first type of homophones but not for the second, whereas in the semantic categorization task (SCT) the opposite was true. These results suggest that in these tasks the effects of homophony arise when the homophone's mate creates competition in terms of the type of processing emphasized in the task, namely, orthographic processing in the LDT and semantic processing in the SCT. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.
- Title
- Cleaning up: The social organization of women and drug use.
- Contributors
- Barbara Lee Maria Emilia Keith (author), Barbara Isaac (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- No abstract available.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Trauma counselling: a comprehensive overview for undergraduate and graduate students
- Contributors
- Sonia Isabelle Thibeault (author), Linda O'Neill (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Throughout the literature on trauma, various researchers have pointed out the necessity of incorporating trauma education into academic settings. The purpose of this project is to present a comprehensive overview of trauma counselling to undergraduate and graduate students. The twelve sections encompassing this project are the following: (1) What is trauma? (2) Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and symptomatology (3) Complex Trauma in adults and symptomatology (4) Complex Trauma in adolescents and children (5) Assessment of PTSD and Complex Trauma in adults, adolescents, and children (6) PTSD modes of treatments (7) Phases of treatment for PTSD and Complex Trauma (8) Culture and trauma (9) Historical Trauma (10) Intergenerational Trauma (11) Secondary Traumatic Stress, Vicarious Traumatization, and clinician self-care and (12) Coping strategies and Posttraumatic Growth. This project ideally will prepare future clinicians to effectively deal with trauma issues in their clinical work and, ultimately, to provide quality services to trauma survivors. --P.ii.
- Discipline
- Education-Counselling
- Title
- The effects of organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer on the morphology and anatomy of industrial fibre hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) grown in northern British Columbia, Canada.
- Contributors
- Charlene Forrest (author), Jane Young (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- The effect of organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer on the morphology and anatomy of 'Cannabis sativa' var. 'f~rina ' was investigated in both a greenhouse and field setting in Northern British Columbia. Plots (90 stems/m2) treated with 0, 75, 150 or 300 kg N/ha of inorganic nitrogen or fishmeal, bloodmeal or sea star organic fertilizer were also replicated with 90 kg inorganic P2 O5/ha application. The application of 150 and/or 300 kg N/ha of any nitrogen fertilizer type benefited field-grown plant morphology, secondary phloem fibre and xylem development, while greenhouse-grown plant morphology, secondary phloem fibre and xylem were positively influenced by 90 kg P 2O5/ha. Primary phloem fibre characteristics of both greenhouse and field-grown plants were benefited by the absence of either nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer. This study determined that organic can be used in place of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer for the production of a majority of fibre characteristics of 'C. sativa' var. f~rina.
- Discipline
- Natural Resources & Environmental Studies
- Title
- Social constructivism in public alternative education
- Contributors
- Larry Johannesen (author), Colleen Haney (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- The central idea of social constructivist thought is that knowledge is not objective but characterized by interpretation. Because knowledge is seen as deriving from individual interpretations of reality, knowledge is subject to change. This understanding contrasts with the present transmission approach taught in public schools. If knowledge is individual and socially constructed, then teachers employing the social constructivist approach in the classroom may be able to move education toward a more pluralistic and inclusive model. Interestingly, it seems that in public alternate education classrooms, many teachers may have avoided the traditional model of school, in which rewards and penalties dominate student-teacher relationships. A focus group research design was used to explore teacher-student relationships in public alternate schools, focusing on the use of social constructivist principles and practices. Data were collected through five focus groups, four groups of students and one group of teachers. All participants were drawn from public alternate schools in northern British Columbia. The results of the focus group study indicated that public alternate teachers rely on some components of a social constructivist approach to teaching and learning. For example, students have been provided with a student-centered learning environment. Findings also reveal that a strong relationship has developed between the teachers and the students in these alternate schools. It seems important for alternate school teachers to become aware that they are exercising some social constructivist learning practices so that a common approach and purpose can be employed in all alternate settings. The implications for counsellors using a social constructivist approach to counselling is discussed.
- Discipline
- Education-Counselling
- Title
- From pillar to post: Transitioning from child and youth mental health services to adult mental health services in Prince George, British Columbia.
- Contributors
- Lynne Boutcher (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- This study explored the transition process from Child and Youth Mental Health, (under the Ministry of Children and Family Development) to Adult Mental Health (under the Ministry of Health) in Prince George, British Columbia, as experienced by clients, service providers, and administrators. --P.ii.
- Discipline
- Social Work
- Title
- Fungal community assessment in Canadian arctic soils from Alexandra Fiord, Ellesmere Island, Nunavut.
- Contributors
- Young Joo Jenny Lee (author), Keith Egger (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Fungal communities in arctic soils tend to be less diverse compared to the communities in temperate forest soils due to the harsher environmental conditions. Even in a single arctic site such as Alexandra Fiord, considered a terrestrial arctic oasis, fungal diversity is expected to be lower compared to soils in less extreme environments. We hypothesized that variations in environmental factors would play an important role in determining fungal community structure, as the Alexandra Fiord soils exhibits considerable environmental variation in a small geographic area. To test this hypothesis, we collected soil samples from three sites across the landscape and performed length-heterogeneity polymerase chain reaction (LH-PCR) analyses using ITS3 and NLB4 primers, which have been used successfully to characterize complex communities. Our results showed that there were large relative differences in fungal community structure between the sites. At the Alexandra Fiord Highland Dolomitic site diversity was low with genotypes relatively evenly distributed, whereas Alexandra Fiord Highland Granitic and Alexandra Fiord Lowland sites had higher diversity and a less even distribution of genotypes with a few occurring at a high frequency and many rare species. Among environmental variables, soil moisture, temperature, DOC, DON, C:N ratio and soil pH were significant influential factors in determining fungal community structure. Among these environmental factors, pH showed the strongest correlation with the fungal community data. --P. ii.
- Discipline
- Biology
- Title
- Fostering a culture of inquiry through professional learning communities: one district's journey
- Contributors
- Erin A. Hay (author), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- This case study of a school district change initiative, the implementation of professional learning communities (PLCs), is a narrative reflection from the perspective of a district leader in the role of Learning Communities Coordinator. The district's goal was to build teacher capacity to improve student achievement by establishing a PLC framework and a culture of inquiry to support teachers' professional learning. Sources of data include the researcher's personal narrative with input from the district Superintendent and Director of Instruction. The author describes the steps, missteps, and leadership learning gained from the first two years of a five year initiative. Fullan's (2007) stages of innovation and recommended components for district-wide reform as well as Kaser and Halbert's (2009) leadership mindsets contribute to the analysis of the narrative. New understandings generated from this study may inform other school district leaders as they embark upon similar initiatives. --Leaf ii.
- Discipline
- Education
- Title
- Is there an Effect of Print Exposure on the Word Frequency Effect and the Neighborhood Size Effect?
- Contributors
- Christopher R Sears (author), Paul D Siakaluk (author), Verna C Chow (author), Lori Buchanan (author)
- Abstract
- Orthographic and phonological processing skills have been shown to vary as a function of reader skill (Stanovich & West, Reading Research Quarterly, 24, 402-433, 1989; Unsworth & Pexman, Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 56A, 63-81, 2003). One variable known to contribute to differences between readers of higher and lower skill is amount of print exposure: higher skilled readers read more often than lower skilled readers, and their increased print exposure is associated with faster responding to words and nonwords in lexical decision tasks. The present experiments examined the effect of print exposure on the word frequency effect and neighborhood size effect. We conclude that the different outcomes reported in previous studies (Chateau & Jared, Memory and Cognition, 28, 143-153, 2000; Lewellen, Goldinger, Pisoni, & Greene, Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 122, 316-330, 1993) were due to the type of nonwords used in the lexical decision task (regular nonwords versus pseudohomophones). Our results are explained in terms of differences in the reliance on orthographic and phonological information between readers of higher and lower print exposure.; Orthographic and phonological processing skills have been shown to vary as a function of reader skill (Stanovich & West, Reading Research Quarterly, 24, 402–433, 1989; Unsworth & Pexman, Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 56A, 63–81, 2003). One variable known to contribute to differences between readers of higher and lower skill is amount of print exposure: higher skilled readers read more often than lower skilled readers, and their increased print exposure is associated with faster responding to words and nonwords in lexical decision tasks. The present experiments examined the effect of print exposure on the word frequency effect and neighborhood size effect. We conclude that the different outcomes reported in previous studies (Chateau & Jared, Memory and Cognition, 28, 143–153, 2000; Lewellen, Goldinger, Pisoni, & Greene, Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 122, 316–330, 1993) were due to the type of nonwords used in the lexical decision task (regular nonwords versus pseudohomophones). Our results are explained in terms of differences in the reliance on orthographic and phonological information between readers of higher and lower print exposure.; Orthographic and phonological processing skills have been shown to vary as a function of reader skill (Stanovich & West, Reading Research Quarterly, 24, 402-433, 1989; Unsworth & Pexman, Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 56A, 63-81, 2003). One variable known to contribute to differences between readers of higher and lower skill is amount of print exposure: higher skilled readers read more often than lower skilled readers, and their increased print exposure is associated with faster responding to words and nonwords in lexical decision tasks. The present experiments examined the effect of print exposure on the word frequency effect and neighborhood size effect. We conclude that the different outcomes reported in previous studies (Chateau & Jared, Memory and Cognition, 28, 143-153, 2000; Lewellen, Goldinger, Pisoni, & Greene, Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 122, 316-330, 1993) were due to the type of nonwords used in the lexical decision task (regular nonwords versus pseudohomophones). Our results are explained in terms of differences in the reliance on orthographic and phonological information between readers of higher and lower print exposure.
- Title
- What actions can novice nurse practitioners take to develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with adult patients in primary care?
- Contributors
- Tasenka Kushner (author), Erin Wilson (thesis advisor), Martha MacLeod (thesis advisor)
- Abstract
- Therapeutic relationships between health care providers and patients can have wide effects on patients’ health outcomes. There is a significant body of literature that has investigated therapeutic relationships in nursing and medicine. However, there is a lack of literature investigating therapeutic relationships between nurse practitioners and patients in primary care. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to identify actions that novice nurse practitioners can take to develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with adult patients in primary care. Using an integrative literature review approach, actions related to competence and knowledge, valuing and affirming exchanges, patient engagement and reciprocity, and appreciating context were identified. Engaging in these actions may help novice nurse practitioners develop and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients in primary care. Focusing on the British Columbian practice environment, this review makes recommendations related to professional identity, solidarity, role ambiguity, patient empanelment, complex patients, and transitions in care.
- Discipline
- Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- Title
- Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia During Episodes of Relived Sadness: The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Affect Intensity.
- Contributors
- Joshua A. Rash (author), Kenneth Prkachin (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- The study investigated respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) during relived episodes of sadness as a function of emotional intelligence (EI) and affect intensity. RSA was hypothesized: 1) to be reduced during experienced sadness evidencing vagal withdrawal, 2) to show an inverse association with EI, particularly the managing emotions dimension, affect intensity, and depressive symptomatology. Fifty-six participants were recruited to fill out questionnaires and undergo three phases of psychophysiological recording (baseline, experiential sadness, recovery). Consistent with hypotheses, RSA amplitude was reduced during experiential sadness and magnitude of RSA reduction was inversely associated with both EI and affect intensity. However, magnitude of RSA response was not associated with the emotion management dimension of EI but rather the perceiving emotions dimension and was not associated with depressive symptomatology. Overall, the findings suggest that RSA (cardiac vagal tone) is more indicative of flexible responding to environmental demands rather than explicitly indexing emotion regulation. --P.ii.
- Discipline
- Psychology
- Title
- The ecology of food and medicine plants and their gathering sites as defined by Tl'azt'en Nation.
- Contributors
- Leona R. Shaw (author), Jane Young (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Aboriginal people, including Tl'azt'en Nation, have close and long-standing relationships with the environment. Plants were, and still are, important for food, medicine, and cultural purposes. Western societies have had a negative impact on many Aboriginal communities which can be seen in the loss of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). An examples of this is with TEK regarding food and medicine plant use of Tl'azt'en Nation. This research was a collaborative project between Tl'azt'en Nation and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). Tl'azt'en community members participated in every stage of the research and assisted in the determination of the research goals and objectives. This ensured that the appropriate knowledge was being documented and it was in a form that was presentable and acceptable to all involved. The study was conducted to collect TEK about the ecology of food and medicine plant gathering sites, to gain an understanding of the criteria for gathering individual plants for food or medicine use, to understand why traditional food and medicine plant gathering sites may fall out of use, and to provide information for a frame work for the protection measure that will be necessary for the continuation of plant gathering activities and sites. In order to gather TEK, fifteen plants were selected to focus on and a total of ten Tl'azt'enne, considered to be knowledgeable about food and medicine plants, participated in various meetings, focus groups, interviews, and field sessions and shared their knowledge about the fifteen plants and their gathering sites. Tl'azt'enne who use plants for food and medicine purposes do not seem to have specific sites where plants must be collected for these purposes, as long as the plant is available in an undisturbed area, away from people and in Tl'azt'en Territory, it can be gathered. Tl'azt'enne community members possess a deep understanding of plants and their gathering sites and have many concerns including the loss of TEK, changing landscapes, and ecolo
- Discipline
- Natural Resources & Environmental Studies
- Title
- Collaborative processes in teacher teams
- Contributors
- Joel Taylor (author), Catherine Whalen (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Peter MacMillan (Committee member), Deborah Koehn (Committee member)
- Abstract
- In this project, I explored how school leaders can support and promote collaborative processes in teacher teams. The completed project provides a comprehensive literature review on various aspects of collaboration in teacher teams and leadership process and structure behind them. This study did not create new knowledge through academic research, but rather took existing research to synthesis into a manageable Professional Development template to be used in the future to inform and support the learning of practicing professionals in the field of K-12 education. I am a practicing secondary school teacher who has witnessed the benefits of collaboration first hand. My experiences in education have led to my desire to explore various issues surrounding collaboration on the K-12 education context through this project.
- Discipline
- Education-Multidisciplinary Leadership
- Title
- Ectomycorrhizal fungal communities of Douglas-fir on diverse soil lithologies of central British Columbia.
- Contributors
- Kirsten M. Thompson (author), Huques B. Massicotte (Thesis advisor), Paul T. Sanborn (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are symbiotic partners of most conifers and improve host health by increasing access to nutrients and water in return for photosynthates. ECM fungi have been demonstrated to ameliorate the effects of some harsh soil chemical conditions on plants. Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) is found on and off extreme bedrock-derived soils in central British Columbia The objectives of this study were to describe the soils and Douglas-fir forests found on the diverse lithologies of the Fort St. James area and to assess seedling health and ECM fungal communities of Douglas-fir grown on these soils by morphological and molecular means. Fifteen ECM morphotypes, 12 basidiomycetes and 3 ascomycetes were identified with Tuber anniae (Ascomycota) unique to ultramafic soils. Three morphotypes (E-strain, Cenococcum geophilum, and Rhizopogon cf. villosulus) were ubiquitous on all sites and no connection between parent material and ECM communities was established. --Leaf ii.
- Discipline
- Biology
- Title
- Sentence encoders for semantic textual similarity
- Contributors
- Aarthi Babu (author), Ian Hartley (thesis advisor), David Casperson (committee member), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- The last decade has witnessed many accomplishments in the field of Natural Language Processing, especially in understanding the language semantics. Well-established machine learning models for generating word representation are available and has been proven useful. However, the existing techniques proposed for learning sentence level representations do not adequately capture the complexity of compositional semantics. Finding semantic similarity between sentences is a fundamental language understanding problem. In this project, we compare various machine learning models on their ability to capture the semantics of a sentence using Semantic Textual Similarity (STS) Task. We focus on models that exhibit state-of-the-art performance in Sem-Eval(2017) STS shared task. Also, we analyse the impact of models’ internal architectures on STS task performance. Out of all the models the we compared, Bi-LSTM RNN with max-pooling layer achieves the best performance in extracting a generic semantic representation and aids in better transfer learning when compared to hierarchical CNN.
- Discipline
- Computer Science
- Title
- Embedding programming languages: Prolog in Haskell
- Contributors
- Mehul Chandrakant Solanki (author), David Casperson (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- This thesis focuses on combining the two most important and wide spread declarative programming paradigms, functional and logic programming. The proposed approach aims at adding logic programming features which are native to Prolog onto Haskell. We develop extensions which replicate the target language by utilizing advanced features of the host language for an efficient implementation. The thesis aims to provide insights into merging two declarative languages namely, Haskell and Prolog by embedding the latter into the former and analyzing the results of doing so as the two languages have conflicting characteristics. The finished products will be something similar to a haskellised Prolog which has logic programming-like capabilities. --Leaf ii.
- Discipline
- Computer Science
- Title
- Morphological and molecular assessment of ectomycorrhizal communities associating with black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) in wetland and upland forests in central British Columbia.
- Contributors
- Susan Janet Robertson (author), Hugues Massicotte (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
- Abstract
- No abstract available.
- Discipline
- Natural Resources & Environmental Studies