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Title: Sigma-point Kalman filter data assimilation methods for strongly nonlinear dynamical models.
Contributors: Jaison Thomas Ambadan (Author), Youmin Tang (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Performance of an advanced derivative-less, sigma-point Kalman filter (SPKF) data assimilation scheme in a strongly nonlinear dynamical model is investigated. The SPKF data assimilation scheme is compared against standard Kalman filters such as the extended Kalman filter (EKF) and the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) schemes. Three particular cases, namely the state estimation, parameter estimation, and joint estimation of states and parameters from a set of discontinuous noisy observations are studied. The problems associated with the use of the tangent linear model (TLM) or the Jacobian when using standard Kalman filters are eliminated when using SPKF data assimilation algorithms. Further, the constraints and issues of SPKF data assimilation in real ocean or atmospheric models are emphasized. A reduced sigma-point subspace approach is proposed and investigated for higher dimensional systems. A low dimensional Lorenz '63 model and a higher dimensional Lorenz '95 model are used as the test-bed for data assimilation experiments. The results of the SPKF data assimilation schemes are compared with those of the standard EKF and EnKF where a highly nonlinear chaotic case is studied. It is shown that the SPKF is capable of estimating the model state and parameters with better accuracy than EKF and EnKF. Numerical experiments show that in all cases, the SPKF can give consistent results with better assimilation skills than EnKF and EKF, and can overcome the drawbacks associated with the use of EKF and EnKF. --P.iii-iv.
Discipline: Environmental Science
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2009

Title: Isolation and characterization of the U4 snRNP in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Contributors: Heath de la Giroday (Author), Stephen Rader (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) splicing is a cellular phenomenon common to all eukaryotes in which non-coding sequences are removed from pre-mRNA transcripts and the coding sequences spliced together yielding mRNA. The spliceosome is the entire complement of proteins and snRNAs responsible for pre-mRNA splicing and forms around a core of five small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs). There is evidence suggesting that the RNA component of the spliceosome is responsible for the two transesterification reactions that produce the spliced mRNA, highlighting the importance of understanding the behaviour of spliceosomal RNAs and the relationship between RNA and proteins in the spliceosome. With the goal of identifying the major structures of the spliceosome and their organization, there has been an effort to isolate the discrete snRNPs, identify the associated proteins and structurally characterize the particles. While the U1, U2, U4/U6, U4/U6.U5 and U2/U6 snRNPs have been isolated and studied, there are other snRNPs that have been hypothesized to exist. The U4 snRNA is believed to exist as a discrete particle prior to incorporation into the U4/U6 snRNP however, the free U4 snRNP has not been isolated as it does not accumulate in cellular lysates. This investigation utilized both genetic and biochemical means to generate U4 snRNP from Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the purposes of isolation and characterization. I identified the 1sub/4sub allele of prp24 ...as a mutation set that causes a shift to almost 100% of U4 RNA in the cell occurring in the free form. Analysis of lysates from this strain on cesium chloride gradients provided evidence that the accumulated U4 RNA is associated with a mass of protein and that it is indeed an RNP. In addition, I successfully modified Raghunathan & Guthrie's ...method of generating Brr2-released U4 snRNA species with the goal of creating a preparative system for generating U4 snRNA/P and confirmed that the released species is not composed of naked RNA and is als
Discipline: Chemistry
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2008

Title: Meeting the literacy needs of a diverse group of students in the regular classroom.
Contributors: Leah P. Moe (Author), Willow Brown (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: In this qualitative, action research study a Grade 2 and 3 teacher gathered, implemented, and assessed the effectiveness of teaching literacy strategies to address the literacy needs of a diverse group of students. An additional purpose of the study was to prompt instruction-focused dialogue with colleagues the researcher expected that teachers talking about aspects of teaching and learning could be an important first step in the development of a learning community at the school. The researcher drew on literature related to language theory and practice, current issues in ESL/D education and cultural diversity in the classroom, as well as instructional leadership and school improvement, within a social constructivist theoretical framework. The study was informed by classroom assessment of student attitudes and achievement before and after the implementation of new strategies and approaches. Reflections confirmed that building bridges between the home and school life of students through culturally responsive instruction appeared to enhance students' self-esteem, interest and engagement in learning. The researcher found support for the use of a constructivist perspective to teach literacy by accessing students' prior schema, scaffolding instruction, and providing opportunities for students to make sense of their learning through dialogue. This self-initiated inquiry led to commitment to a literacy program that is built on the principles of culturally responsive teaching and communicative language teaching. Experiences with colleagues during professional development activities on school and district based initiatives pointed out the challenges associated with school reform. Culture and communication were identified as themes that both facilitated and inhibited learning within the classroom and the school. This study may be of interest to classroom teachers, instructional leaders, administrators and school boards officials, as a demonstration of the reflective, classroom-based implementation of promising practices
Discipline: Education-Multidisciplinary Leadership
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2009

Title: Assessing Rattus norvegicus recombinant syntaxin 18 for endonucleolytic function.
Contributors: Dani Michael-Didier (Author), Chow Lee (Thesis advisor), Andrea Gorrell (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Recently a native endonuclease, purified from Rattus norvegicus liver, having the ability to cleave c-myc mRNA within the coding region, was tentatively identified as syntaxin 18. The objective of this research was to generate, purify and test recombinant R. norvegicus syntaxin 18 for endonucleolytic activity. To further investigate the role of syntaxin 18, homologs to R. norvegicus syntaxin 18 in a range of eukaryotes were selected for endonucleolytic testing: Mus musculus, Xenopus laevis, Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Arabidopsis thaliana and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. M. musculus, X. laevis, D. melanogaster and A. thaliana were expressed but not tested for endonucleolytic activity. C. elegans and S. cerevisiae were not expressed. R. norvegicus syntaxin 18 cDNA was amplified and subcloned into protein expression vector pHTT7K. E. coli BL21 were transformed with the modified vector and induced. R. norvegicus recombinant protein did express. However purification of recombinant protein was unobtainable in the pHTT7K vector. A Western blot analysis revealed that the recombinant protein was missing the 6X His-tag at the amino terminus. R. norvegicus was subcloned into new protein expression vector pET28a where the recombinant protein expressed with an attached 6X His-tag. Upon removal of the trans membrane domain, the recombinant protein was expressed, purified and tested for endonucleolytic activity against a portion of c-myc mRNA using an endonuclease assay. In contrast to the original report, a R. norvegicus recombinant syntaxin 18 preparation demonstrated only weak endonucleolytic activity. Analysis of the preparation showed although the vast majority of the yield was recombinant syntaxin 18, a number of undetermined proteins co-purified. The results shed doubt on R. norvegicus recombinant syntaxin 18 protein's function as an endoribonuclease. --P.ii.
Discipline: Chemistry
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2009

Title: Assessing Pro-Poor Tourism principles in practice: Ethnic tourism in northern Thailand and Lao PDR.
Contributors: Pearl Wierenga (Author), Kenneth Wilkening (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Pro-Poor Tourism (PPT) is promoted by certain international organizations as an approach to tourism that benefits poor people and contributes to the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals for global poverty eradication. It is premised on a set of principles that have yet to be adequately tested on the ground for their attainability. Emerging critiques suggest that PPT is based more on rhetoric than reality. In a case study of ethnic tourism in northern Thailand and Lao PDR, I assessed the feasibility of putting PPT principles into practice. Assessment was defined as identifying, primarily through interviews, challenges to achieving the principles in the study region. I documented 13 major challenges and extrapolated implications for PPT as a global strategy. My results indicate that PPT is more of a livelihood supplement than a poverty solution, and that significant hurdles must be overcome before large-scale poverty elimination through ethnic tourism can be realized.--P.ii.
Discipline: International Studies
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2009

Title: Maintenance of endemic Dendroctonus ponderosae populations through interactions with a secondary bark beetle, Pseudips mexicanus.
Contributors: Gregory David Smith (Author), Staffan Lindgren (Thesis advisor), Allan Carroll (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Endemic Dendroctonus ponderosae are often found inhabiting weakened lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) in western Canada previously attacked by the little known bark beetle Pseudips mexicanus. Interactions between the two species have not been elucidated, so three studies were conducted. The first examined the life history of P. mexicanus, describing developmental characteristics. The second explored the interaction between the two species and found the D. ponderosae attacking ephemeral hosts previously occupied by P. mexicanus do so in greater densities with earlier offspring emergence when compared to hosts D. ponderosae attacked alone. P. mexicanus may alter host chemistry, allowing D. ponderosae to be more successful when compared to trees D. ponderosae attacked alone. The third study investigated the attraction of D. ponderosae to P. mexicanus-produced volatiles, revealing no response by D. ponderosae. The scope of this work contributes to the understanding of bark beetle ecology in the lodgepole pine ecosystem.--P.ii
Discipline: Biology
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2009

Title: Toward a deeper understanding of text: Students controlling and developing inquiry skills through small-group discussion.
Contributors: Julie Krall (Author), Colin Chasteauneuf (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Education-Curriculum and Instruction
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2006

Title: Spirituality in helping others: Learning from First Nations elders and counselors' alcohol related experience.
Contributors: Maki Umeda (Author), Antonia Mills (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: First Nations Studies
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2006

Title: "Anarchy sounds good to me/then someone asks, who'd fix the sewers?": The dialectic relationship between punk rock and the mainstream*.
Contributors: Andrea Palmer (Author), Stan Beeler (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Interdisciplinary Studies
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2006

Title: The generalized tutor-student learning algorithm for autonomous mobile robots.
Contributors: Kevin Brammer (Author), Charles Brown (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Computer Science
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2006

Title: Habitat selection and behavioural strategies of Stone's sheep in northern British Columbia.
Contributors: Andrew B. D. Walker (Author), Katherine Parker (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Biology
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2006

Title: From the land to the Supreme Court, and back again: Defining meaningful consultation with First Nations in northern British Columbia.
Contributors: Tara Marsden (Author), Tracy Summerville (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Political Science
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2006

Title: Effects of host quality parameters on fitness of the mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae).
Contributors: Marnie Graf (Author), Staffan Lindgren (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), is a destructive forest pest endemic to western North America. It breeds in the phloem of Pinus species, and during epidemic population levels, healthy trees are killed. The objective of this study was to determine how the quality of brood trees affects the fitness of mountain pine beetle offspring. The lipid content of offspring was measured relative to brood tree quality. Maternal effects were tested by rearing beetles of different sizes in hosts of constant quality and measuring brood characteristics. The population characteristics of beetles responding to aggregation pheromones were compared to that of beetles emerging from infested trees. The largest offspring were found to emerge first, but did not have the highest lipid contents. Large and small beetles were found to have similar absolute fat contents. Females were not affected by their mother's condition, but males were marginally affected.
Discipline: Biology
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2009

Title: People with disabilities: Employment and assistive technology in northern British Columbia.
Contributors: Kari Harder (Author), Cindy Hardy (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: With the advances in assistive technology, it was anticipated that people with disabilities would be able to participate in the workforce at a greater rate however, people with disabilities are still underrepresented in the workforce in Canada. In addition, little research has been conducted on the desire of people with disabilities to be self-employed. To explore the desire for self-employment and why the advances in assistive technology have not increased the number of people with disabilities in the workforce, a mixed methods sequential exploratory study was used. The respondents said that their disability was the main factor that prevented them from working, not the lack of assistive technology, although most were not aware of the various assistive devices that were available to them. In addition, the majority of respondents wanted to be self-employed. The results suggest that more education about assistive technology is needed.
Discipline: Community Health
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2009

Title: Singing to remember, singing to heal: Ts'msyen music in public schools.
Contributors: Anne B. Hill (Author), Judith Lapadat (Thesis advisor), Margaret Anderson (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The Ts'msyen Nation of the Terrace area of northern British Columbia has a rich cultural tradition that is not adequately represented in local public school music curricula, despite the support of government policy documents and First Nations organizations for such representation, and despite the significant proportion of First Nations students in the school district. This study seeks to develop resources for music teaching that reflect local Ts'msyen culture, heritage and language, in a manner consistent with Ts'msyen culture and protocol. The study consists of interviews with six Ts'msyen elders to determine their views about (1) the advisability of including Ts'msyen music in public schools (2) protocol for the use of Ts'msyen music in schools (3) ideas and material for presenting Ts'msyen music in schools. Finally, I examine other cultural information provided in the interviews and present teaching material that conforms to the guidelines that emerged from the study.
Discipline: Interdisciplinary Studies
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2009

$Source apportionment of fine and coarse fraction particulate matter in Prince George and Kelowna, British Columbia.$

Title: Source apportionment of fine and coarse fraction particulate matter in Prince George and Kelowna, British Columbia.
Contributors: Janice Allen (Author), Peter Jackson (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This study examined ambient airborne fine and coarse fraction particulate matter collected from sampling locations in Prince George and Kelowna, BC, during the period October 2005 to September, 2006. The samples were analyzed for endotoxin concentration, and a chemical analysis was performed to determine elements present. Endotoxin concentration were found to be greatest at high temperatures and moderate values of relative humidity. Positive matrix factorization was performed on the Kelowna sample set. Six sources were identified for the fine fractions: wood burning, which contributed 38% to total modeled concentration, residential wood burning (27%), vehicle emissions (19%), soil (12%), agricultural dust (3.5%), and secondary particles (0.5%). Five coarse fraction sources were isolated: soil (representing 32% of modeled concentration), agricultural dust (29%), road salt (15%), residential wood burning (13%), and secondary particles (11%). --P. ii.
Discipline: Environmental Science
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2009

Title: Determination of the origin of birefringence in wood at terahertz frequencies.
Contributors: Tara Marie Todoruk (Author), Matthew Reid (Thesis advisor), Ian Hartley (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: In the wood products industry, terahertz (THz) radiation is an emerging technology that is showing promise for new types of monitoring. These applications are dependent on the ability of THz radiation to probe the gross fibre structure of wood. The sensitivity to this gross fibre structure results from strong birefringence at THz frequencies. Prior to this thesis work, the nature of the birefringence exhibited in wood was an open question. Based on the physical structure of wood, the large birefringence observed can be due to intrinsic birefringence, resulting from the dielectric properties of the wood material present in the cell walls, or form birefringence, resulting from the repetitive array of cylindrical cells present in the wood structure. This thesis determines for the first time the origin of birefringence at THz frequencies in wood. This question is important to potential applications in the wood products industries because if the birefringence has a large contribution from form birefringence, then it is the gross fibre structure of wood products that is being probed by THz radiation, which opens the door to applications in non-contact, non-destructing strength testing for example. This thesis outlines a number of systematic studies that will address the relative contributions of form and intrinsic birefringence to the large birefringence seen in wood at THz frequencies, and demonstrate, for the first time, what the source of this large birefringence is in several different species of wood. --P. ii.
Discipline: Physics
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2009

Title: The role of weather and topography in the development of Dothistroma septosporum.
Contributors: Crystal Braun (Author), Kathy Lewis (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Dothistroma septosporum (Dorog.) Morelet is recognized worldwide as a foliar disease of pine trees, infecting needles and causing premature defoliation. This results in reduced growth of the tree and, in severe cases, death. Red banding, caused by the mycotoxin dothistromin, along needles where infection has been successful characterizes this fungal pathogen. Symptoms develop sooner with higher temperatures and longer wetness periods. In a severe outbreak of Dothistroma needle blight in the Skeena Stikine Forest District in northwestern British Columbia (BC), damage has ranged from low levels of infection to nearly 100% mortality. A high concentration of young susceptible hosts and warm, moist summers and cool, wet falls in this area are thought to be contributing to the outbreak. Heavy fogs that persist in plantations close to rivers, lakes, or streams may also facilitate D. septosporum development. The purpose of this research is to identify climatic and site conditions contributing to the development of Dothistroma needle blight with respect to the severe outbreak happening in northwestern BC. The main objectives are to monitor the variation in disease expression, identify the ranges of temperature and humidity conducive to disease development, and identify site factors associated with disease. In the Skeena Stikine Forest District four sites were selected according to signs of Dothistroma infection, accessibility, and the presence of trees within 10-25 years of age. Within each site, three plots were established for weekly monitoring. In each of the twelve plots, weather stations were set up and six trees were selected. Six plots also had leaf wetness sensors. On each tree, four cohorts of ten needles were marked. These needles were examined weekly for the development of red bands, fruiting bodies, and spore production. When fruiting bodies were detected, needles were extracted from the tree for dissection to determine their reproductive state. Survey data of lodgepole pine plantations in the Skeena Stikine
Discipline: Biology
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2009

Title: Bear viewing in the K'tzim-a-deen inlet: Effects on grizzly bear behaviour and visitor perceptions of impact.
Contributors: Sarah Elmeligi (Author), John Shultis (Thesis advisor), Pamela Wright (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Wildlife viewing has positive economic impacts for communities, but potentially negative impacts for wildlife. I researched boat-based, bear-viewing tourism in the K'tzim-a-deen Inlet by: 1) investigating grizzly bear behavioural reactions to boats, and 2) assessing visitor satisfaction and perceptions of impact. I observed a high degree of variation within and among bears in response to vessels. Paired t-tests and Kruskal-Wallis analyses revealed increases in vigilance and traveling for some individual bears while other bears showed no significant behavioural changes. Visitor satisfaction with bear viewing was high and attributable to bear related aspects of the tour. Visitors perceived mainly positive impacts of tourism related to increased knowledge and awareness, which would lead to support of bear conservation efforts. Based on data from bear behaviour and visitor surveys, I provide 13 recommendations for area management. Management plans should prioritize grizzly bear conservation and minimize potential habitat displacement events, while maintaining visitor satisfaction.
Discipline: Natural Resources & Environmental Studies
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2008

Title: Settler mythology and the construction of the historical memory of the Indian Wars of the Pacific Northwest.
Contributors: Gregory Earl Sell (Author), Theodore Binnema (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The 1850s in the Pacific Northwest were marked by conflict between the territorial officials of Oregon and Washington and an apparent majority of the settlers of those two territories, on the one hand, and a small number of federal officials and a very few settlers, on the other. Thus, the historical memory of the Indian Wars of the Pacific Northwest was complicated by controversy almost immediately upon the commencement of hostilities. The struggle to construct and maintain the historical memory of the conflicts of 1855-56 in a way that would support the quest for Congressional funding continued throughout most of the nineteenth century. This struggle resulted in two vastly different accounts of the war, one account very supportive of the war, the other highly critical. The critical, minority, account was excluded from the developing historical memory of the conflict in the Pacific Northwest. This exclusion led to a fundamental lack of honesty in the mainstream historical memory, which shifted the responsibility for the Indian wars away from the settlers.
Discipline: History
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2008

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