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Flying on the Edge: Adaptive Coastal Governance and Shorebird Conservation in the Fraser River Estuary
(University of Waterloo, 2023-10-03) Kirke, Emma
In the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, the Fraser River estuary is a critical site for international biodiversity conservation, particularly that of migratory shorebirds; is also plays a vital role in the coastal resilience of urban communities where millions of people live. Significant research is taking place on the Fraser River estuary addressing biodiversity conservation and coastal resilience planning. This research is only as effective as its ability to inform decision-making governing the estuary. As such, this study sought to answer the question: in examining planning for coastal resilience and migratory shorebird conservation, are current governance arrangement adequate to meet significant threats to the Fraser River estuary and surrounding communities The analysis in this study of the Fraser River's estuary's management is rooted in an evaluation of its governance system informed by an evaluative framework based on the principles established by the adaptive governance theory. Qualitative data on the Fraser River estuary governance system and the application of the adaptive governance evaluative framework was gathered through a series of semi-structured interviews with experts. By grounding the bounded system with an evaluative framework, the case study offers a broader contribution to the body of literature in advancing the understanding of similar governance situations. Creating, testing, and assessing this framework informed by interviews, the study contributes to a better understanding of best practices in applying the adaptive governance theory to assess coastal governance case studies effectively. It also identifies opportunities and gaps in the existing Fraser River estuary governance system, particularly around social learning within institutions and between institutions. Finally, it clarifies the role of biodiversity conservation in coastal resilience planning through the focus on migratory shorebird conservation, including outlining where there is synergy between the two goals and opportunities for collaboration. This study presents a robust assessment of the need for an independent entity to facilitate meaningful, effective, and inclusive collaboration among the many actors involved in the governance of the Fraser River estuary. Where limited coordination currently occurs on specific files, broad and meaningful collaboration across sectors is necessary to allow the governance system to prepare effectively for changing context proactively. This study presents a robust assessment of the need for an independent entity to facilitate meaningful, effective, and inclusive collaboration among the many actors involved in the governance of the Fraser River estuary. While limited coordination currently takes place on specific files, broad and meaningful collaboration across sectors is necessary to allow the governance system to be proactive in preparing effectively for a changing context.
Recommendations for Bank and Bluff Erosion Monitoring Using Citizen Science in Walkerton, Ontario
(University of Waterloo, 2023-09-26) Van Caulart, Joycelin Adele
The Saugeen River flows directly through downtown Walkerton, Ontario and it is cutting into its valley across from Riverbend Park. The river has encroached into the valley walls, resulting in consistent and considerable bank and bluff erosion over the last few decades. This study explores the ways in which the erosion across from Riverbend Park could be better understood and monitored using citizen science – a suite of tools and methods that rely on non-scientists and local citizens to produce scientific data. Because bank and bluff erosion in general is complex and variable in time and space, citizen science methods could be critical for provide observation and reports for qualitative assessment of erosion. In addition, image based methods such as 3D photogrammetry have been used to produce high-resolution quantitative information that could allow for better understanding of the specific process, rates, patterns, and locations of erosion in Walkerton. The success of citizen science is often dependent on the presence of motivated citizens, which may be more likely to exist in Walkerton due to its infamous history of a water-related E. coli outbreak. The Walkerton bluff is also the location of protected bird species, with further complicates efforts to abate erosion yet could be another focus of citizen science. The results of this study are a series of discussions and recommendations for possible monitoring and erosional assessment programs using citizen science methods.
Evaluating Speech Intelligibility with Processed Sound
(University of Waterloo, 2023-09-18) Faulkner, Sam
This paper was created with the goal of researching the different impacts that background noise can have on listeners' ability to interpret speech. The brain is responsible for separating speech and noise, but this can be difficult if this organ is damaged or the noise is too overwhelming to separate out. I partnered with Augmented Heating.io to see whether their noise reduction software can do some of this processing on behalf of the brain. This would reduce cognitive effort and help make conversations more accessible in noisy environments. To research this topic, I created a study that evaluated participants' ability to understand words that have often confused sounds in them. These words were presented with different types of voices, with different kinds of background noise, and both with and without processing from AugmentedHearing's algorithms. Preliminary results indicate that intelligibility scores were not higher for the denoised speech compared to the noisy speech. This was not the expected result, however, there is still much to consider within the data. These preliminary findings are grounds for further studies and will hopefully lead to an improvement in future iterations of the speech processing software.
Modelling streamflow depletion under different groundwater pumping scenarios involving the Dalmeny aquifer in Saskatchewan
(University of Waterloo, 2023-05-08) Chatham, Wesley
In the Dalmeny Basin both ecosystems and people rely on local watercourses so it is important to determine how groundwater pumping could affect streamflow. As such, simulation of how streamflow would deplete under different scenarios was done using parameters within realistic ranges present in the area. From there the upper limit to the pumping rate before significant ecological damage would occur in the North Saskatchewan River, the region's notable watercourse, was determined. The main method was the use of the R package called streamDepletr and its built in Glower, Hunt, and Hantush functions. One notable result is that a streamed with a weighted average composition resulted in the threshold before ecological damage being lower than if it were solely composed of the Upper floral unit. Additionally, the system is most sensitive to variations in storativity. In comparing the Glover, Hunt, and Hantush methods, it was also discovered that for identical scenarios, the Glover method predicts the most stream depletion white the Hantush method predicts the least. It was determined that to surpass the significant ecological damage threshold, the pumping rate from the Dalmeny Aquifer would have to surpass its recharge rate. Practically, reaching this point is unnecessary given the area's current and historical groundwater usage, as well as unsustainable for the aquifer itself.
Phosphorus Retention in an Urban Stormwater Pond
(University of Waterloo, 2021-04-07) Arvisais, Alina
Stormwater ponds are a critical piece of stormwater infrastructure which were originally developed to reduce local floods associated with the increased impervious surface area of urban environments. They are now increasingly promoted as contaminant sinks preventing downstream export of excess nutrient loads or other contaminants. However, their ability to retain phosphorus (P) and the mechanisms through which retention is achieved are not fully understood. This study investigates the ability of a stormwater pond located in Richmond Hill, Ontario to retain different forms of phosphorus. To evaluate the pond’s ability to retain P, sediment cores were collected in different zones of the pond and analyzed for total and operationally defined sediment P pools. To establish a P mass balance for the pond, inlet and outlet water samples collected from 2020-2022 were analyzed for dissolved and particulate P concentrations. The sediment core analyses showed a transition from more reactive to more stable P pools as the sediment aged. The inlet and outlet mass balance results indicate that the pond retains 72% of the inflowing dissolved reactive P (DRP) on an annual basis. This net DRP retention is matched by an increase in the sediment calcium-bound P pool, suggesting that the precipitation of calcium phosphate phases is occurring in the sediments. Because calcium phosphates are effective and stable P sinks, their potential formation in the sediment warrants further study as a P retention mechanism in this urban pond. Overall, the pond retained 70% of the inflowing P, supporting its effectiveness at retaining nutrient P and highlighting the important role of stormwater ponds in stormwater and nutrient management.
Surface solar radiation and lake productivity: Investigating a global relationship
(University of Waterloo, 2021-04-14) Ye, Jane; Homa Kheyrollah Pour; Philippe Van Cappellen
In recent decades, the intensity and frequency of lake algal blooms have been increasing worldwide. In addition to potentially toxic effects for humans and wildlife, intense algal blooms negatively impact recreation and economy. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms controlling the blooms. Most algal bloom management programs focus on limiting nutrient input; however, other controlling factors such as solar radiation are often not considered in practice. This study examined time series of surface solar radiation (SSR), chlorophyll-a, temperature and other factors controlling algal growth since the 1990’s, using a combination of in situ and satellite data. A random forest regression model was used to qualitatively investigate the importance of different controlling factors on chlorophyll-a rates of increase during algal blooms. Results of the modelling support that temperature and SSR – both during and immediately before periods of rapid growth – were important predictive factors in seasonal chlorophyll-a rates overall. This study joins recent literature in successfully demonstrating the feasibility of using satellite data for global scale lake monitoring, using a widely applicable supervised machine learning tool. The results of this study, and further research taking advantage of satellite data for lake monitoring, will increase our understanding of factors controlling algal bloom intensification and improve our ability to evaluate best management practices.
Addressing Systemic Barriers to Truth and Reconciliation in Canadian Higher Education Institutions
(University of Waterloo, 2022-06-24) Phillips, Jenna
Education served as a driving force for the colonization of Indigenous Peoples in what is now known as Canada. Today, education is essential for truth and reconciliation. In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada published 94 Calls to Action that demand change across the country, including in higher education. Academia's response has been slow due to systemic barriers in this inherently colonial system. The purpose of this study is to understand the systemic barriers to truth and reconciliation in Canadian higher education institutions and propose transformative solutions, in order to support the University of Waterloo's strategic response to the Calls to Action. Through a literature review, semistructured interviews (N=10), and an analysis of strategic plans for reconciliation (N=49), four thematic barriers were identified.
(In)visible Hero: Heroism as an Aid in the Extraction of Care Labour During the COVID-19 Pandemic
(University of Waterloo, 2022-06-24) Cargill, Crystal-Jade
This honours thesis examined the myriad ways in which discourse supported the extraction and overproduction of care labour through the use of heroism labels. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the label of heroism was used to describe the contributions of Healthcare Workers (HCWs) in different settings. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, care labour was largely considered an invisible occupation (Hennekam et al., 2020). However, the severe impact of the pandemic on collective health and wellbeing resulted in a drastic shift in the ways that care labour was framed and discussed. I highlight the use of heroism by policy makers, Long Term Care Homes (LTCHs) and mainstream media as a prop to meet the critical needs of heroism through HCW labour. This sudden shift in care discourse created a potentially harmful arena with limited capacity to support this heroism narrative long after the pandemic has ended.ﾠThus, questioning the motivation, validity and durability of this narrative in a post-pandemic world. One in which care labour will continue to exist and be required in large quantities to sustain the ever-changing LTCH system. This study utilized critical framing theory (Entman 1993; Fridkin et al, 2017) to further understand how heroism has been positioned and constructed to acquire, maintain, and over-ask of care workers and their labour. Critical narrative inquiries (Austin & Anderson, 2021; Tracy, 2013) were utilized to describe the lived experiences of the heroism narrative amongst HCWs employed in LTCHs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings in this research study indicated that HCWs felt as though the use of heroism discourse along with the overproduction of labour disconnected them from rest, respite, and community. Additionally, themes of sacrifice, moral injury and perceived risk in healthcare settings were identified and further discussed. Future implications including stronger pandemic preparedness policy, and interprofessional collaboration are also considered and discussed.
Coping with the Climate Crisis: Investigating the Mental Health Impacts of Climate Change on Youth
(University of Waterloo, 2021-04-01) Grant, Beth
The devastating impacts of climate change take a toll on the mental health and well-being of individuals around the world. Research suggests that young people experience compounding vulnerabilities to the mental health impacts of climate change (Clayton et al., 2017). Though severe cases can be detrimental, manageable levels of Ôpractical anxietyÕ are a natural reaction to climate change and promote sustainable behaviours (Marlon et al., 2019). Photovoice is a qualitative, participatory action research approach that is used to empower participants to Òrepresent their community and narrate their everyday experiences using their own voices to become catalysts for social changeÓ (Bulla & Steelman, 2016; Sutton-Brown, 2014, p. 170). This study examines the impacts of climate change on the mental health of young people and explores the efficacy of photovoice as an intervention for managing these impacts and empowering participants. Participants aged 16 to 23 were recruited from environmental programs and networks at the University of Waterloo. They were invited to capture and submit photographs and written descriptions reflecting on the mental health impacts of climate change they experience, as well as sources of courage. Participants then discussed their images and experiences in focus groups. Surveys were employed to capture levels of hope and climate anxiety pre- and post-intervention. Results indicate that climate anxiety and other mental health impacts are a reality for many students involved in environmental programs or networks. Although the objective impact of the photovoice intervention on participant well-being remains unclear, participants reported a subjective increase in mental health and well-being, as well as feelings of empowerment as a result of intervention participation. Additional research is required to better understand the mental health impacts of climate change on young people, to develop interventions and supports to help youth manage those impacts and to clarify the efficacy of photovoice methodology as a potential intervention.
Comparing Paleohydrograph Reconstructions from Subsurface Stratigraphy and Topography at the Sault Ste. Marie Strandplain
(University of Waterloo, 2021-05-01) Heather, Marcel
The Great Lakes are currently at high water levels, which are negatively impacting coastal infrastructure, coastal ecosystems, and stakeholders that rely on the lakes. To better understand natural fluctuations, which includes high lake levels, geoscientists study ancient shorelines to reconstruct paleohydrographs. Reconstructing past lake level elevations from a specific subsurface sedimentary contact or foreshore base (FSB) contact is the most accurate way to gain insight into ancient lake levels. The objective of this thesis is to establish an alternative method to use topographic elevations as a proxy for the FSB in the reconstruction of inferred paleohydrographs from the Sault Ste. Marie (SSM) strandplain. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data was used to obtain topographic elevations for this topographic reconstruction. Topographic elevations measured in the field were compared to LiDAR data and these topographic elevations were also compared to FSB elevations measured in cores. Elevation trends and patterns were statistically analyzed and visually analyzed in graph to justify that topographic elevations from LiDAR could be used as a proxy for the FSB or past lake level elevation, but so far this only applies to the SSM strandplain deposited during the Nipissing phase. The field measured topographic swale elevations could be used as an alternative to FSB elevations when a correction factor of 1.49 m was subtracted from each individual swale elevation. LiDAR data was then used to obtain one swale elevation for every beach ridge in the SSM strandplain and then a correction factor of 1.49 m was applied to the LiDAR swale elevations. Results from this thesis found that an inferred paleohydrograph reconstructed from LiDAR swale elevations was an appropriate alternative to infer ancient lake level elevations and trends. However, this has only been shown to apply for the SSM strandplain deposited during the Nipissing phase. Further comparisons at different sites and for different ages of strandplains need to be investigated. In summary, this thesis determined that LiDAR swale elevations can potentially provide an alternative method to reconstruct paleohydrographs, and thus gain valuable insight into natural lake-level trends and patterns to help place current high levels and potential future lake-level fluctuations into context for stakeholders.
Remote Paleohydrograph Reconstruction of the Stockton Island Tombolo
(University of Waterloo, 2021-05-01) Opersko, Dayna
Rising lake levels have become a concern for the coasts of Lake Superior and one such coastline is the Stockton Island Tombolo (SIT) that protects the Pine Barrens Habitat (PBH) in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (AINL), Wisconsin, United States of America. If the SIT is lost, the threatened and endangered species that live within the PBH will disappear. For the AINL managers to make an informed decision on how to protect this unique and sensitive area, they need to understand how lake level and coastal sediments will change. Lake level trends and patterns for Lake Superior have been reconstructed from ancient, preserved shorelines, creating paleohydrographs that help to understand how lake level has changed in the past by comparing age and elevation (Johnston et al., 2012). Though fieldwork has been postponed due to COVID-19, there is an opportunity here to develop ideas mentioned in Johnston et al. (2012) and Heather (2021) using topographic elevations and a correction factor to reconstruct a paleohydrograph from the ancient shorelines at AINL. Elevations were retrieved from light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data, afterwards a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was created. The DEM was divided into the East and West strandplains and one transect from each was chosen then the two were combined to represent one SIT pattern. Then elevations were adjusted to estimate the base of the foreshore contact, normally obtained from coring shorelines to interpret past lake level elevations. Trends and patterns in the representative paleohydrograph are then compared to paleohydrographs from Johnston et al. (2012) to determine approximate ages for the ridges in the SIT. The more landward ridges, are determined to be from the Nipissing phase while the lakeward ridges, are from the Sub-Sault phase. This new remote paleohydrograph reconstruction for SIT helps to preliminarily interpret strandplain sequences on the SIT and will potentially help guide future fieldwork and better understand the context for managing the SIT and PBH in AINL.
Developing Virtual Field Experiences to Promote Student Learning and Bridge Knowledge Gaps between the Classroom and the Field
(University of Waterloo, 2021-05-01) Visneskie, Henry
In 2020, a specific type of Virtual Reality (VR), Virtual Field Experiences (VFE), was identified as a proof-of-concept for positively contributing to student learning by the University of Waterloo's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (UW-EES). A pilot VFE was created and implemented in Earth 121 in the spring term of 2020. This successful implementation and constructive feedback from students and professionals established the basis for this thesis - improving the Earth 121 VFE for the following Fall 2020 term, in addition to creating another unique VFE for the Fall 2020 Earth 231 course. It was hypothesized that VFEs could be used to improve geoscience thinking of students and help students meet learning objectives during times when fieldwork was not feasible (as during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the case of Earth 231). The VFE implemented into Earth 121 was about salt and was designed to facilitate studentsÕ geoscience thinking, divided into four categories or ways of thinking: spatial, temporal, systems, and field (a foundational aspect of Earth 121). The VFE was a virtual tour, immersing students in 360¡ photospheres of specific environments related to the formation and use of salt. In Earth 231, a VFE was created using high-definition panoramic images of outcrops that were normally visited and mapped in previous terms in-person by students before the pandemic. In Earth 121, after having viewed the VFE, students were then asked to complete a salt quiz evaluating student knowledge and how students perceived their ability to think like geoscientists. In Earth 231, students in groups of five created a map and geologic interpretation of their assigned outcrop. This assignment and rubric remained mostly the same compared to previous terms, the only difference being the way in which students were able to gather information about their outcrop. Student performance data was analysed and revealed that, in Earth 121, 91% of students felt they were able to think like geoscientists after viewing the VFE. The difference reported for each of the four ways of thinking was small, ranging between 42% and 49%. These results suggest that intentionally designed VFEs can help improve learning and specifically help students think like geoscientists, equally among the four ways of geoscience thinking in this case. In Earth 231, student overall marks were statistically similar to those from the fall term of 2019. Student marks in one specific area of the assignment, Map Elements, were statistically greater in the Fall 2020 term than the Fall 2019 Term. This suggests that students were able to meet the learning outcomes of the assignment, despite not being able to visit the field. Greater marks in the Map Elements section are likely due to an added lab exercise in the Fall 2020 term, where students were able to practise creating map elements before the outcrop assignment, something not done in the Fall 2019 term. This thesis has demonstrated that intentionally designed VFEs contribute positively to students learning in undergraduate courses at the University of Waterloo. VFEs help students develop their geoscience thinking and can be used to support assignments with field components that are temporarily not feasible. VFEs are an emerging technology that can be further used to help bridge the gap between the class/lab and the field and educate students to become more competent geoscientists.
Impactus Finiens Orbem Terrarum: An Updated Risk Assessment of World Ending Asteroid Impacts
(University of Waterloo, 2011-12-01) Salman, Max
As technology develops, the rate of discovering and observing space tends to relatively increase. Our understanding of how the Universe works, and how the planets interact with one another make us weary of what is to come. Technological advancements have led to observational improvements especially in the realm of extraterrestrial bodies, whether they be planets, or asteroids. The importance of some observations are various, and relative to the amount of an effect the potential damage the related body can have on the population. Relationship of the stars, planets, and asteroidal bodies may be the leading concept of astrology, however it is in a sense an important factor when studying the paths of significant bodies, as these bodies move due to gravitational pull, and may either experience an increase in velocity, or decrease in velocity, either situation is relative to a certain degree. Sociologically, it is almost fair to state that imperatively, there will have to be some sort of preparation for an end-of-world scenario due to such an impact. The inevitability of such a thing to happen, and the damage that would ensue post-impact, leaves a question open to the reaction of the global population, since it would be no longer a question of whether or not it will affect a certain part of the world, but would induce instantaneous destruction, and post-impact strains on the environment, thus potentially leading to the inevitable end of, at least, human life. This work will discuss briefly the prior works of notable scientists and researchers, and critically analyze them. A followup will be presented to update the information from these prior works, and a detailed discussion on the new information gathered, with a description of technologies involved.
Planning for Skén:nen: Conceptualizing a Haudenosaunee Culture of Planning
(University of Waterloo, 2020-04-13) Turriff, Katie
This work is a response to Western planning cultures and Canadian planning cultures in particular which have been complicit in genocidal efforts against Indigenous Peoples. I engage with Indigenous research methodologies and Indigenist planning theory to conceptualize a Haudenosaunee culture of planning. I consult the Haudenosaunee Great Law, Two Row Wampum Belt, and Thanksgiving Address to find elements of peace, rationality, thankfulness, and priority of future generations. I analyze these elements against a framework originally for interpreting Indigenous law, which I reshape to match the context of Indigenous planning. Through this, I interpret Haudenosaunee values as elements of a theory and culture of planning. Finally, I summarize what Haudenosaunee planning theory and practice looks like, ultimately working towards goals of decolonization, emancipation, and spatial justice.
Using The New 3D Digital Model Of Ontario’s Paleozoic Geology To Bridge Gaps In The Traditional Education Framework
(University of Waterloo, 2020-04-13) Kamutzki, Jeremy
The demand for competent geoscientists and engineers is high, and the development of a new resource has addressed a gap in the traditional education framework. Spatial understanding is a key component of geoscience competency, but it has proven to be difficult for students to grasp 3D concepts using 2D teaching media. A new 3D digital model of Ontario’s Paleozoic Geology created in partnership by the Geological Survey of Canada, Ontario Geological Survey, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Oil Gas and Salt Resources Library, and Carter Geologic (Carter et al., 2019) has the potential to effectively compliment the existing teaching resources and vastly improve an education framework for geoscientists and engineers. The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Waterloo has been developing a teaching framework for this revolutionary new resource in undergraduate theses. Applying this new 3D digital geological model in the class called ‘Earth 235: Stratigraphic approaches to understanding Earth History’ has helped bridge the dimensional and interactive gaps that exist with the traditional education framework. To interpret the detail shown in the 3D geological model, the new Paleozoic lithostratigraphic chart for southern Ontario was used in conjunction with the 3D model. By examining the 3D model and lithostratigraphic chart as well as enlisting the help of students and professionals, a list of the ‘Top 10 Important Aspects of Ontario’s Paleozoic Geology’ is being compiled to help guide development of a new education framework. This list is helping to define educational learning objectives that connect to professional competencies, provide a focus on certain features and resources that are hidden in the wealth of information in the 3D model, and link key features to core geologic concepts that could be transferred to other sedimentary basins.
Leveraging Transmedia Communication Strategies to Improve Engagement and Foster Collaboration in Citizen-Science Projects
(University of Waterloo, 2017) Zoll, Charmian L.
Citizen science is the term used for the practice of harnessing non-expert, volunteer efforts to further scientific research using a crowdsourcing approach to collect, record, and analyze data and to fulfill other task work related to research. Maintaining enough interest and motivation to sustain participant engagement and involvement presents a challenge for project organizers. Current research indicates that a large percentage of participants contribute enthusiastically to citizen-science projects for a short period of time, only to lose interest, disengage from the project, and stop contributing. However, communication strategies can counteract some volunteer attrition by continually underscoring the importance and value of their contributions, and by raising a project's profile to keep it top-of-mind, relevant, and interesting to participants. This thesis explores how citizen-science projects could apply or adapt transmedia storytelling, communication and engagement techniques - particularly in a context similar to documentary filmmaking - in order to reward contributors with a positive, integrated media experience to bolster engagement with the subject matters and the goals of long-term research projects. It will examine the history of public participation in science, the history of modern participatory culture, and how new media strategies can by applied toward a top-down, novice-level, biological - and environmental - monitoring project (the most abundant type of project in citizen science.)
Linking Moral Renewal and Sustainable Development through Social Enterprises in the Philippines
(University of Waterloo, 2017-09-19) Madamba, Elvin Anthony M.
Considering the current socio-political atmosphere in the Philippines that arguably cultivates moral ambiguity, ambivalence, and apathy vis-à-vis human rights and development issues, this thesis investigates the relationship between moral renewal and sustainability. It aims to narrow the literature gap between these two concepts by investigating the potential of a moral renewal framework (based on the government-proclaimed Moral Recovery Program) in social enterprises in the Philippines. This study advances the understanding of sustainable development as a moral imperative. Qualitative research methods, semi-structured interviews (12 participants) and surveys (10 participants), were employed to gather key insights on moral renewal, social enterprises, and sustainability in the context of the Philippines. The findings from the research reveal that: (1) there is a need for moral renewal; (2) social enterprises implicitly implement moral renewal; and (3) there are implicit linkages between moral renewal, social enterprises, and sustainable development. The research concludes that the Moral Recovery Program must be updated and be clear in its sustainability goals, and social enterprises have intrinsic moral goodness and must be seen in a complementary role to the overall effort of sustainability.
Membership Retention in Scout Troops
(University of Waterloo, 2001-08-16) Morland, Liam
Factors affecting membership retention in Scout troops were examined. Scout meetings were unobtrusively observed and program information questionnaires were completed for 17 urban Scouts Canada Scout troops (age range 11–14) in Waterloo Region, Ontario. Thirty Scouters (adult leaders) completed written questionnaires. The study found that many Scouts remain in the program for only one year. Scouts who achieved badges are more likely to stay and continue to the Venturer program (ages 14–17). Troops with more outdoor activities and which give more autonomy to the Scouts have higher rates of membership retention. The Scout uniform is examined from a symbolic interactionist perspective. Scout culture is discussed. Includes description of Scouting with brief history. 23 tables.
Quantum Indefinite Spacetime
(University of Waterloo, 2017) Jia, Ding
We combine the principle of superposition from quantum theory and the principle of dynamical causal structure from general relativity to attack fundamental questions in quantum gravity. We generalize the concept of entanglement to parties whose causal relation is quantum indefinite. The generalized notion of entanglement gives meaning to timelike and more generally spacetime entanglement in quantum theory both with and without indefinite causal structure. Using this generalization, we identify quantum gravitational uctuations of causal structure as a possible mechanism that regularizes the otherwise divergent entanglement. We give the name "quantum indefinite spacetime" to the model of spacetime incorporating quantum gravitational causal uctuations. Quantum indefinite spacetime sheds new light on black hole information problem as we argue that quantum gravitational causal uctuations allow positive information communication capacity to the outside of the black holes. The new generalized notion of entanglement offers additional support from the black hole thermodynamics perspective. Towards the end of the thesis we make a preliminary proposal that the quantum uctuating entanglement regularization may explain the apparent accelerated expansion of the universe without introducing dark energy or cosmological constant. All these results and proposals are obtained on the basis of jointly applying quantum and general relativistic principles, but without making tentative postulates about the microscopic degrees of freedom of quantum spacetime. We hope to convey the message that this more conservative approach can offer firrm answers to several questions in quantum gravity. Moreover, other approaches to quantum gravity should incorporate features of quantum indefinite spacetime if they assume the same principles.
Understanding Developer’s Decision Making in the Region of Waterloo
(University of Waterloo, 2017-01-12) Tran, Jinny
Land development--the conversion of lands to occupiable structures--represents the collective activities of key agents, including: regulators (governing bodies), land developers, real estate agents, and consumers in the market. Individual agents have different roles in the land development process. In the past, there have been many attempts to model their complex interactions (e.g. Schaeffer and Hopkins, 1987; Lai, 2001); however, these models inadequately account for factors that influence the behaviours of key agents (Gore & Nicholson, 1991; Coiacetto, 2001). More specifically, there needs to be further research and understanding of the key agent in the model: land developers. Land developers are the primary drivers of change in the development process; they propose what to build, where to build, when to build, and how much to sell it for (Bourne, 1976; Coiacetto, 2001; Morgan, 2010). Different from other agents in the development process, land developers are involved for the entire duration, from acquiring land to selling the final product (Miles et al., 2000). As noted in a literature review conducted by Antanaitis (2015), there are limited empirical studies available that target individual developers using key informant interviews. Many existing models use assumptions about developer behaviour that are often overly simplistic and are unable to account for the complex decision-making strategies of developers and other agents (Knapp et al., 1998). Key informant interviews are useful in providing an in-depth understanding of how and why certain factors affect developer’s decision making, as well as revealing potential patterns in their behaviours. This richer information could in principle lead to improved models of developer behavior. Furthermore, developer behavior can be highly location-specific. For instance, studies of developer typologies (e.g. Bourne, 1976; Fainstein, 1994; Kenney, 1972; Winarso, 2000) discovered that heuristic learning (an approach to problem solving by using general knowledge and experience, also known as using a rule-of-thumb) of land developers varies between geographic areas. Developers’ strategies are affected by local community characteristics such as demographic trends and political structure. Our study focuses on the behaviours and decisionmaking of developers in the Region of Waterloo, one of the fastest growing regions in Ontario, Canada. In addition to building a better understanding of the behavior of local developers, we intend to use the results of the research to build a location-specific model of developer behaviour. The study will also lay the groundwork to compare developers’ behaviour pre-andpost implementation of a planned light rail transit (LRT) system in future research

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