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Title: A neural network model of the primary visual cortex.
Contributors: Alan Spara (author), Charles Brown (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Many problems in modern computing require a visual component. That is to say, it is fairly common for applications to have a need to see their environments. These applications will typically employ techniques designed specifically to solve the particular task needed for the application, and have little or no relation to the human visual system. Humans generally do not have difficulty interpreting the world around us. When traveling through known environments, we can easily recognize particular walls, doors and other objects in our view. We are not confused by the huge number factors that can complicate an image. The generalization and robustness of the human system would provide a huge benefit to any system that requires more advanced vision than is capable with the ad-hoc methods developed previously. If the underlying principles that make the human visual system so powerful can be identified and implemented programmatically, then a machine could reap the benefits obtained by humans. The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate that a visual system modeled after the human visual system will be robust and accurate enough to solve real world problems - and to be useful in a non-trivial application. By developing neural networks that directly model the most primitive image processing cells of the human visual system, a platform can be built on which advanced vision systems can be developed.
Discipline: Computer Science
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2008

Title: Ecological importance of licks to four ungulate species in north-central British Columbia.
Contributors: Jeremy B. Ayotte (author), Katherine Parker (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Natural Resources & Environmental Studies
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2005

Title: Characterizing the CRD-BP-RNA interaction in-vitro and in cells.
Contributors: Mark Barnes (author), Chow Lee (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The highly conserved family of RNA-binding proteins known as the VICKZ RNA-binding proteins play an integral role in the formation of cytoplasmic RNPs which leads to the stabilization, localization and translational control of many mRNA transcripts in the cell. The key investigation of this thesis was to analyse the binding ability of the VICKZ protein family member, the coding region determinant-binding protein (CRD-BP), both in-vitro and in cells. CRD-BP has four K-homology (KH) domains and two RNA-recognition motif (RRM) domains. Deletion studies in CRD-BP orthologs have shown that the KH domains, and not the RRM domains, are predominantly responsible for binding to RNA substrates. However, it is still unclear to what extent each of the KH domains play in their physical interaction with RNA molecules, nor is it known if each of the KH domains an play equal role in interacting with different RNA substrates. In an effort to address the above questions, we used site-directed mutagenesis to mutate the first glycine of the G-X-X-G motif in each KH domain separately, and in combinations. We mutated the glycine to an aspartate to introduce both physical and electrostatic hindrance for binding at the G-X-X-G motif. The goal was to determine if such a mutation can disrupt CRD-BP's ability to bind its RNA substrates both in-vitro and in cells. Our results showed that KG single mutants KH2, KH3 and KH4 did not disrupt the CRD-BP-c-myc CRD RNA interaction in-vitro. CRD-BP KH1 single mutant exhibited a modest reduction in binding to the c-myc CRD RNA substrate in-vitro. However, double KH domain mutations (KH1-2, KH1-3, and KH2-4) resulted in a complete abrogation of CRD-BP's ability to bind the c-myc CRD RNA substrate, suggesting these KH domains work in tandem to bind to the c-myc CRD RNA substrate in-vitro. Interestingly, the CRD-BP KH domain double mutant, KH3-4, showed only a modest reduction in the c-myc CRD RNA substrate binding, suggesting that the first glycine in the G-X-X-G motif of KH3 and KH4 doe
Discipline: Chemistry
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2013

Title: Accessing HAART in northern BC: Understanding the barriers and supports to medication adherence and engagement in HIV-related care.
Contributors: Michael David Jordan (author), Jos~e Lavoie (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has significantly improved the health and well-being of many people living with HIV. Successful treatment with HAART requires a very high level of adherence, and continued engagement with health care services. Particular challenges to successful treatment with HAART exist in northern BC, but little research has been done in this region. This study investigated the experiences of those prescribed HAART who live in northern BC in order to identify what barriers and supports exist to optimal adherence, and engagement in HIV-related care. In-depth interviews indicated the complex and intersecting factors which affect adherence and engagement in care. Proximal, intermediate and distal social determinant of health which are relevant to adherence and engagement in HIV-related care were identified. Depression and stress, prioritization, and access to medications and care were identified as mechanisms in which various factors acted as barriers to adherence and engagement in care. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Community Health
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2014

Title: Private rapid response fire and rescue unit RESC-U commercial viability
Contributors: Tony M. Messer (author), Raymond Cox (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Resource companies in Canada operate in remote locations, often hours away from the closest municipality where emergency services such as police, fire and emergency medical services are located. People and equipment use low grade roadways to travel in and out of these locations and deal with the risks of incidents occurring. When an incident such as a motor vehicle collision does occur, the patient can be trapped in the wreckage for hours with no protection from the elements waiting for rescuers to arrive and provide critical interventions. Similarly, tank truck leaks and wildfires that start small can grow in size and severity without quick response actions from trained responders utilizing the appropriate equipment. We will investigate the frequency and severity of these and other incidents occurring in remote locations where resource companies are expanding into and evaluate whether the risks justify the commercial viability of a new service delivery. By analyzing the costs of these incidents to the resource companies in terms of injuries to humans and wildlife, environmental impact and also company reputation, we will see if there is a need for providing a more rapid response model. If the service is indeed justified, at what price point does it become palatable to the resource companies as they weigh the pros and cons of taking on additional costs. Our research will ask the question of the companies and then see if that pricing model will provide sufficient revenue to cover the costs to provide the service and provide a reasonable return on investment for the service provider. Some of the metrics used for the financial analysis will be payback periods to recoup the capital outlay, internal rates of return on the capital investment, and the net present value of the future revenues that are projected to be generated. At the conclusion of the study we can make an informed decision as to whether this venture is truly a wise investment of time, money, and manpower or if the return on investment is not worth the
Discipline: Business Administration
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2013

Title: Susceptibility of subalpine fir to western balsam bark beetle.
Contributors: Katherine Patricia Bleiker (author), B. Staffan (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Natural Resources Management
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2001

Title: Engaging success: a qualitative analysis of the prospective benefits of implementing gainsharing in British Columbia's pulp and paper industry
Contributors: Angela Horianopoulos (author), Steven Cronshaw (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This qualitative analysis examines the effects of gainsharing on both productivity and employee engagement in the British Columbia pulp and paper industry. The pulp and paper industry plays an important role in the provincial economy by contributing four billion dollars annually and employing over 10,000 workers in high-pay unionized jobs. However, the industry has seen a significant decline in the past ten years in the number of facilities operating, which has reduced employment and ultimately tax revenue in the province. The economic importance of the pulp and paper industry highlights the need for unions and management to work together. Management must engage the human capital of its employees in order to achieve a competitive advantage in the global market. Gainsharing is a means to increase productivity more importantly, it is a method of facilitating a cooperative relationship between unions and management. This cooperative relationship not only increases productivity, but also significantly reduces labour relations costs while promoting a sense of satisfaction, loyalty and commitment within the employees. In this project, I develop a model explicitly outlining the impact of gainsharing within the pulp and paper industry. I test the model by reviewing and summarizing existing literature. The results are strongly supportive of the positive impact of gainsharing on productivity, reduced labour relations costs, employee engagement and profitability. I present recommendations for the application for government involvement, which can contribute to the success of this process, thus contributing to the success of the pulp and paper industry. --P. 2.
Discipline: Business Administration
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2010

Title: The coding region determinant binding protein shields c-myc coding region determinant and MDR-1 RNAs from endonucleolytic attack by a novel mammalian endoribonuclease in vitro.
Contributors: Dan S. Sparanese (author), Chow Lee (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Chemistry
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2007

Title: Addressing the mental health of women after sexual assault: the role of follow-up care
Contributors: Lisa Creelman (author), Lela Zimmer (Thesis advisor), Tracey Day (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Sexual assault is associated with debilitating mental health consequences, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, yet a significant gap exists within the literature around the care needed to address these consequences. As a result, this project seeks to answer the question: In adult women of childbearing age who have experienced a recent sexual assault, can access to post-assault follow-up care within two weeks of the assault decrease the prevalence and severity of PTSD and depression? Eligibility criteria for this literature review included research data published in 2004 or later regarding mental health follow-up care for adult women of childbearing age who have experienced sexual assault. The majority of participants within these primary studies included adult women of childbearing age from large urbanized areas. This review utilized an ecological framework that identified individual, personal relationship, community and societal influences that impact the mental health of women after sexual assault while highlighting multi-level strategies aimed at decreasing the emotional distress experienced by women. Utilizing a trauma informed approach to care that encompasses thorough assessment and action orientated care planning, preferably within two weeks of a sexual assault, was suggested to be important for coping with emotional and psychological trauma. Limitations of this project include the retrospective nature of the studies reviewed and their reliance on participant recall or provider documentation practices. Further research is needed to develop multi-level strategies that improve the mental health of women after sexual assault. --Leaf 2.
Discipline: Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2015

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

Title: Inverse scale invariant feature transform models for object recognition and image tagging.
Contributors: Md. Kamrul Hasan (author), Liang Chen (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This thesis presents three novel image models based on Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) features and the k-Nearest Neighbors (k-NN) machine learning methodology. While SIFT features characterize an image with distinctive keypoints, the k-NN filters away and normalizes the keypoints with a two-fold goal: (i) compressing the image size, and (ii) reducing the bias that is induced by the variance of keypoint numbers among object classes. Object recognition is approached as a supervised machine learning problem, and the models have been formulated using Support Vector Machines (SVMs). These object recognition models have been tested for single and multiple object detection, and for asymmetrical rotational recognition. Finally, a hierarchical probabilistic framework with basic object classification methodology is formulated as a multi-class learning framework. This framework has been tested for automatic image annotation generation. Object recognition models were evaluated using recognition rate (rank 1) whereas the annotation task was evaluated using the well-known Information Retrieval measures: precision, recall, average precision and average recall.
Discipline: Computer Science
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2010

Title: Perceptions of the 2009 impact of curriculum implementation on teaching practices of social studies 12 teachers in Northwest Alberta.
Contributors: Susan E. Mills (author), Bruce Galenza (Thesis advisor), Peter MacMillan (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Initial teacher perceptions of the impact of the new Alberta Social Studies curriculum on teaching practices were examined. Social Studies teachers in Northwest Alberta were surveyed, quantitatively and qualitatively, about the use of critical thinking skills in their teaching practices before, and after, implementation of the Grade 12 curriculum. Quantitatively, no significant differences in teaching practices were found. Neither were there any differences in teaching practices found when teachers were differentiated by the variables of sex, total teaching experience, Social Studies teaching experience and department size. However, there were increases found in workshop attendance. Qualitatively, the results aligned with the literature related to teachers' concerns of time, resources, technology, collegial support, professional development, and classroom environment only one exception related to teacher experience was found. School administrators, professional development planners, curriculum designers, and assessors of the implementation of new curricula would find this study of interest. --P. ii.
Discipline: Education-Multidisciplinary Leadership
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2010

Title: Amplifying voices of development: Insights from Indigenous Maya leaders of El Quiche, Guatemala.
Contributors: Alexandra Pedersen (author), Catherine Nolin (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The concept of development is under immense scrutiny. By questioning what is development and development for whom?' a re-thinking of these practices is underway throughout the world. Critical development practitioners are seriously evaluating development' to better understand the divided views between the North and South from a richly interdisciplinary perspective. In my thesis, I present findings of a recent research project in which I sought the perspectives of eight Indigenous Maya leaders of El Quiché, Guatemala. Based on interviews conducted in September 2010 in the Guatemalan highland city of Santa Cruz del Quiché and surrounding area, I attempt to better understand the meaning(s) of the word development from an Indigenous perspective, and how a self-determined vision of life best suits local communities. Based on their lived experiences, the Indigenous Maya interviewees asserted that development' practices prescribed by the local government and country's elites, as well as outside non-government organizations and multinational corporations, are not in the best interests of the Indigenous population. I attempt to highlight how the imposition of the development' itself has become, to these leaders, synonymous with forms of racism, inequality, exclusion, oppression and a loss of Indigenous identity and culture. Rather, Maya leaders in El Quiché stress the right to self-determined development, cultural preservation and a more holistic vision of life for individuals and communities. --P. ii.
Discipline: International Studies
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2011

Title: Economic restructuring gender and grassroots development in Mexico
Contributors: Amy Melissa Schell (author), Fiona MacPhail (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Since 1980s, Mexico has undergone extensive economic restructuring symbolic of broader' globalization' trends. Substantial changes to Mexican economic, political and social structures have been informed by neo-liberal principles of development. Structural adjustment policies (SAPs) and the more recent phase of economic restructuring, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), are two neo-liberal economic strategies implemented in Mexico to achieve trade liberalization and deregulation. The impacts of economic restructuring on Mexicans vary depending on gender, class and geographical location (whether urban or rural). Guided by the gender and development (GAD) theoretical framework, I explore answers to the question ' what are the gendered impacts of Mexican economic restructuring and how have disadvantaged Mexican women responded to these impacts?' By using secondary research methodologies to explore feminist development literature pertaining to the gendered impacts of economic restructuring in conjunction with literature specific to Mexico, this project analyzes structural changes on a macro level while drawing out contextual examples of gender specific survival strategies. This study suggests that urban and rural disadvantaged women in Mexico have responded to negative impacts of economic restructuring in similar ways by mobilizing into grassroots organizations (GROs). Membership in a grassroots organization serves the dual purpose of meeting immediate perceived needs while containing the potential for empowering women to challenge gender ideologies confining their activities in broader contexts. Overall, this project concludes that gender must be a central element in all development efforts. The concerns of women's grassroots organizations and women's struggles against gender subordination must be fully recognized and represented in policy formation and implementation processes in order to foster greater equality in development.--Page i.
Discipline: International Studies
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2002

Title: Environmental degradation in the Russian north: a security threat to Canada?
Contributors: Natasja Treiberg (author), Greg Poelzer (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This thesis examines the expansion of the concept of security to include environmental threats. Contrary to conventional opinion the expansion of security can take place not only in terms of global security, but also national security. In order to demonstrate this, the thesis studies the threat posed to Canada from environmental degradation in the Russian North. This study includes not only an analysis of the threats that exist to Canada, but also an examination of the Canadian governments' responses to these threats. The analysis demonstrates that in most cases the Canadian government has failed to properly identify and properly address these environmental threats and thus there is a need for a re-evaluation of the scope of national security.
Discipline: Political Science
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 1998

Title: Temperature preference and distribution of juvenile Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) in the Williston watershed, British Columbia Canada.
Contributors: Sarah C. F. Hawkshaw (author), Mark Shrimpton (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The habitat requirements of juvenile Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) were assessed in the Williston watershed, British Columbia, where the population is currently red-listed (critically imperiled). Temperature preferences of juvenile Arctic grayling was assessed behaviorally using a shuttlebox system, and an information theoretic approach analysis of logistic regression models was used to evaluate the influence of environmental factors on the distribution of juvenile Arctic grayling throughout the Williston watershed. Temperature preference of juvenile Arctic grayling did not vary between the two tributaries in the watershed (p = 0.77) and the average preferred temperature was 16.84 ± 0.66 °C (n = 28). Comparisons of the preferred temperature to ambient water temperatures suggested that juvenile Arctic grayling will avoid areas where maximum water temperature is above the preferred temperature. There was a positive association between juvenile Arctic grayling occurrence and stream order (SO) and stream order multiplied by distance from the Williston reservoir (SDRxSO), as well as a negative association with the mean daily water temperature variance (varT) and average water temperature (aveT). Overall these findings suggest that large river systems are important juvenile Arctic grayling habitat and management decision should be made to ensure protection of this habitat throughout the range of this species. --P. ii.
Discipline: Biology
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2011

Title: Cultural competency in clinical consultation at the Alberta Children's Hospital: how to deliver equitable, effective, and adequate health care to minority people
Contributors: Johnson Opoku (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The need to provide culturally competent health care and social service has become a major concern for social workers, health professionals, and researchers. Many researchers suggest ways to implement culturally competent programs and services, such as diversity training for staff, the building of cordial relations with the communities around the service centers, implementing culturally responsive service policies, and hiring from the communities to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of service users. Others advocate the need to introduce programs such as interpretation service to eliminate language barriers. They also emphasize the development of practice guidelines which should include self-assessment, enquiry about a client's cultural background, and the need to acquire cultural knowledge. Although, the above suggestions see the need for changes in the traditional way of providing health care and social service, there has been little examination of the link between culture, illness, and healing. It shows that many practitioners do not see the importance of implementing culturally competent services and programs within the health care and social service settings. Further, much of the current debates on cultural competence focus on services and programs provided by mental health practitioners and nurses, but very little research has been conducted from a social work perspective. The Child and Women's Diversity Program at the Alberta Children's Hospital tries to correct these deficiencies in cultural competence by providing a cultural based consultation to social workers, physicians, and psychologists. --P. i.
Discipline: Social Work
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2009

Title: The BEAT: a youth gang prevention program
Contributors: Jennifer C. Povoledo (author), Linda O'Neill (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The purpose of this project was to develop an effective gang prevention program. A literature review on effective programs for vulnerable youth was used to design an after school gang prevention program. The program, named The BEAT, provides a flexible, youth-centred curriculum with the goal of reducing anti-social behaviours and building healthy relationships. The BEAT teaches interpersonal skills through discussions, activities, mentoring, life skill development and recreational opportunities. The program is designed to partner with family support programs and community agencies to create a wraparound approach to support vulnerable adolescent males, ages 11 to 14. The BEAT provides 11 group sessions with two follow up sessions and contains resource links and activities for group facilitators. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Education-Counselling
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2014

Title: The Salmon Disturbance Regime: Effects on Biofilm, Sediment and Water.
Contributors: Sam J. Albers (author), Ellen Petticrew (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Recent work in salmon spawning streams has shown that sediment resuspended during nest construction aggregates with salmon organic matter to form suspended particles called flocs. These nutrient-rich flocs interact with streambed biofilms suggesting a potential floc trapping mechanism that drives biofilm growth. Using the Horsefly spawning channel, the role of biofilms in trapping fine sediment was evaluated as a mechanism of salmon-derived nutrient processing. In the active spawn period, biofilm was reduced in abundance while the streambed sediment infiltration was at its highest level. During salmon die-off, downstream biofilm abundance recovered to pre-spawn values indicating a nutrient pulse over a small scale. With the re-established biofilm layer, sediment was increasingly trapped at the streambed surface by biofilms. This increase in biofilm abundance will likely influence the nutrient dynamics at all levels of the stream foodweb. Biofilms transfer increases in productivity to higher trophic levels. This transfer has a positive effect on the next generation of juvenile salmon growth and survivorship. --P.ii.
Discipline: Environmental Science
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2011

Title: Living in colliding worlds: Exploring cultural tensions in "Three Day Road" and "Monkey Beach".
Contributors: Crystal Dawn Smith (author), Maryna Romanets (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The most dramatic effect of the colonization process is that the colonized are forced to occupy multiple conflicting spaces. Since Aboriginal peoples are caught between traditional viewpoints and mainstream European thought, they struggle to find a space where they can negotiate their identity. Both Three Day Road and Monkey Beach depict the windigo and sasquatch / b'gwus living in what Homi K. Bhabha refers to as a liminal space' ..., and illustrate how both the windigo and sasquatch / b'gwus are caught between the cultural understandings of both European descendants and Aboriginal peoples. By illuminating the roles of windigo and sasquatch/b'gwus in both contemporary literature by Aboriginal writers and Aboriginal oral tradition, my thesis reflects my struggles with the tensions between Eurocentric concepts of knowledge, culture, and values of spirituality and diverse Aboriginal worldviews. --P. iii.
Discipline: English
Content Model: info:fedora/ir:thesisCModel
Date added: 2011