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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: 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: 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

Title: The cross-cultural collaboration of the Community Forest.
Contributors: Erin L. Robinson (author), Jim McDonald (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Cross-cultural collaboration between First Nations and non-First Nations people in the context of local resource management has not been comprehensively documented in Canada. This thesis will explore how two cultures are collectively managing local land as equal partners. My research has been guided by the question: How can First Nations and non-First Nations communities work together to manage local land in a way that fosters meaningful cross-cultural partnerships and builds sustainable communities? Data about the case study, the Likely-Xats'ull Community Forest, was obtained through ethnography, participant observation and semi-structured interviews. I will discuss the strategies and policies that have been created by citizens at the local level to make this project a success. First Nation citizens from the Xats'ull Nation are collaborating with the non-First Nation community of Likely to create a new social reality by collectively participating to manage a community forest. Local people are exemplifying what can be accomplished when decision-making over land management is carried out at the grassroots level. By working together, local citizens are focusing on similarities as well as common goals and interests that can be improved through cross-cultural work stabilizing local control of the forest with all of its inherent values.
Discipline: Interdisciplinary Studies

Title: NP-led obesity clinics: a NP guided primary care approach for managing obesity in low income preschool-age children in Canada
Contributors: Echo Heighes (author), Susan Johnson (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Childhood obesity continues to increase at alarming rates despite health prevention efforts to date. New innovative approaches are needed to help address this public health concern. Moreover, current literature confirms that early childhood is a fundamental time for establishing life behaviors that will follow into adulthood thus, the early years are considered to be an essential stage for developing both an unhealthy weight and its precursor behaviors. Social circumstances including socioeconomic status greatly impact health and are notable risk factors for the development of obesity. Acknowledging sociological influences and working within these constructs helps to create programs and care plans that are contextual. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of nurse practitioners when working with low income families to address childhood obesity in the preschool-aged population in Canada, specifically within the setting of a NP-led obesity clinic. Literature to date does not exist for NP-led obesity clinics as this is a proposed approach to helping combat pediatric obesity. Existing literature regarding nurse-managed health centers and pediatric weight management programs were utilized to support the creation of a NP-led obesity clinic. Nurse-managed health centers have established that NPs are capable of providing appropriate medical treatment with positive health outcomes. Further, level of patient satisfaction and quality of care provided at nurse-managed health centers either met or exceeded national benchmarks for care. Pediatric weight management programs are in the infancy phase in Canada but have demonstrated positive weight management outcomes. Existing Canadian programs are informally evaluated to provide further support for the use of NP-led obesity clinics within the current Canadian health care system. This paper proposes that NP-led obesity clinics are a novel approach to help address childhood obesity within the primary care environment. --Leaf 2.
Discipline: Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner

Title: Unlocking the garden: motherhood in Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden
Contributors: Deborah S. Nielsen (author), Kristen Guest (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This thesis explores the representation of motherhood in Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel, The Secret Garden, and seeks to complicate our understanding of motherhood by moving from the static, binary notions central to Victorian culture to motherhood as a form of positive agency. Previous scholarship centers on the debate about Mary's agency and whether this reads as either reinforcing or subverting the patriarchal norms of the Victorian period this work seeks to link questions about Mary's agency to the text's representation of motherhood as a diverse, politically-inflicted, and fluid subject position. Burnett's secret garden is the centre of the book's tensions either as a site of exclusion or as a source of power. Reading the garden as a metaphor for motherhood and drawing upon the unique associations of the garden and the role of Victorian gardening literature, I suggest that Burnett offers a model of female agency that subtly challenges patriarchal norms. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: English

Title: Minimizing oppression and discrimination faced by gay and lesbian youth in Northern British Columbia.
Contributors: Julius Okpodi (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender questioning (LGBTQ) youth are at high risk of not receiving necessary care as a function of marginalization anti-LGBTQ violence and abuse and, social exclusion. This study explores the subjective experiences of gay men and lesbians in Northern British Columbia (B.C.) who self-identified as having difficulties in accessing health care services. An in-depth face to face interview and a critical hermeneutic phenomenological approach were used to share their subjective experience of oppression, and recommendations for future improvements of health-care services delivered to LGBTQ youth in Northern B.C. five main themes emerged from these interviews: no support for LGBTQ youth, lack of a desire to access health-care services, professional skills, challenges, and services delivery. While these themes overlap and reinforce each other, lack of respect from health care professionals was an overwhelming and ongoing concern presented by participants. In addition, I examined thirteen sub-themes in the daily experience of LGBTQ youth: not enough health-care professionals, nowhere to socialize, discrimination and denial of health-care services, fear and internalized homophobia, lack of education on LGBTQ issues, not enough services, no need to access healthcare services, lack of psycho-education program for health-care professionals, equal treatment for everyone, questions and harassment, isolation and depression, lack of support and advocacy services for LGBTQ. These themes offer insight into the everyday effects of multiple forms of oppression and marginalization, and the possibilities for innovative forms of health-care services that could be delivered to LGBTQ youth. The findings from this research can increase understanding for health-care professionals in servicing LGBTQ youth. The findings can also be applied to enhance community outreach, develop services for LGBTQ youth, and improve relationships within and among marginalized communities. --P. i.
Discipline: Social Work

Title: The market is the medium: the political economy of the mass media
Contributors: Steven J. Anderson (author), Erwin R. Black (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This thesis examines how market forces influence the political roles of mass media.
Discipline: Political Science

Title: Category management: theory and implementation in an organization
Contributors: Daniel Christian Hansen (author), Elizabeth Croft (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The Category Management process has assisted retailers with achieving sales and profitability growth during advantageous economic periods while maintaining profitability during economic declines. Through a comprehensive literature review of the Category Manager position as prescribed by AC Neilson compared with practical training of the Customer Product Manager position from within the Overwaitea Food Group the author will review the Eight Steps of Category Management to find parallels and deviations between the two roles. Through analysis of the two positions strategies that are aligned will receive minor review while those strategies that have belong to only one party will be revisited in an attempt to achieve consistency between the two very similar roles and responsibilities. It is observed that the Customer Product Manager position is imitative of the fundamental Category Manager position with minor alterations. The fundamental findings of this research will be designed is such a way as to assist future Customer Product Managers with an additional tool to further understand the roles and responsibilities of a new career path. The study will clearly address the relevance of such a role in the industry, while exposing areas for further development. Recommendations will include methods to educate all facets of the Overwaitea Food group retail operators about the Customer Product Manager duties and responsibilities in an attempt to align the two separate entities to share one common goal. Through research, key areas of inadequacy will be addressed such as the elimination of any education by AC Neilson pertaining to Vendor meetings, merchandising contribution fund attainment and SKU rationalization for the category review chapter. Recommendations of key findings will not be limited to either party, as the purpose is to find the most practical business solutions to accommodate future growth. --Leaf i.
Discipline: Business Administration

Title: Business planning for a small firm's success: Northern Catski adventures
Contributors: Leigh Clasby (author), Elizabeth Croft (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This paper sets out to survey a substantial amount of research on the importance of business planning for small business success. Two areas of interest are examined. The first looks at how and why different types of planning contribute to the success of a small business. The second examines variables found outside of planning such as decision making propensities and characteristics of an entrepreneur. The principles in the planning section will be applied to a specific business idea. Northern Catski Adventures (NCA) is a developing small business idea. Various researchers would contest that planning for a small firm is a poor use of company resources however the majority of research suggests otherwise. --P. ii.
Discipline: Business Administration

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