"What They Can Teach Us": Curating Archived Oral Histories for Secondary and Postsecondary Education

We argue that a carefully curated and contextualised collection of oral histories can be an effective learning tool in secondary and post-secondary education. We present ‘What They Can Teach Us’, an online educative resource that re-uses four interviews from 1993 with German women who migrated to Canada in the 1950s. By applying source criticism to extant oral histories, we explore some of the complexities around the interpretation and multi-temporality of the interviews. Using so-called historical thinking concepts in the lesson plans, we show that even short oral history excerpts can allow students to engage deeply with processes of historical thinking. It encourages them to question the veracity of sources and analyse the retrospective and changing nature of memory and narrative."We are grateful to the Waterloo Centre for German Studies and the Research Office at the University of Winnipeg for generously funding the creation and maintenance of ‘What They Can Teach Us’ (www.whattheycanteachus.ca).

The evolution of seminal fluid gene expression and postmating reproductive isolation in Drosophila

Seminal fluid protein (Sfp) genes show, in general, a higher rate of sequence divergence than genes from other categories, which is often attributed to forms of postcopulatory sexual selection or sexual conflict. Recently, the relaxation of selective constraints has been proposed as an alternative explanation for the rapid sequence evolution of Sfps and other genes with sex-limited expression. The expression of Sfp genes is a likely target of selection, but the evolution of differences in their expression levels is less understood. Here, we explore both polymorphism and divergence in Sfp gene expression between Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans, how selection might have influenced their expression, and whether changes in expression might trigger the evolution of reproductive isolating barriers. In our analysis, Sfp genes showed higher divergence, but not higher polymorphism, in expression than the average male reproductive glands gene. Sfp genes with reproductive-tissue-specific expression were enriched for both directional and stabilizing selection, while relaxed selection was the predominant mode of evolution among Sfp genes with any other nonreproductive tissue-specific or nontissue-specific expression. The knockdown of single genes known to affect intraspecific sperm competition, and with patterns of expression divergence and polymorphism suggestive of directional selection, was not enough to break down postmating reproductive isolation barriers between species. Our results identify the expression of male-specific Sfp genes as an enriched target of selection and suggest a complex molecular relationship between postcopulatory sexual selection on a single gene’s expression and its effect on the onset of speciation.This work was supported by a Discovery grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC-RGPIN-2017-04599) to A.C.https://academic.oup.com/evolut/article/78/5/995/761557

Comparing Two Species Distribution Models Using Satellite Only and Ready-Made Environmental Variables for the Dakota Skipper (Hesperia dacotae), Interlake Region of Manitoba, Canada

The Dakota skipper, Hesperia dacotae (Skinner, 1911) [Hesperiidae, Lepidopterida] is a rare prairie obligate butterfly with an affinity for anthropogenically undisturbed, grassland habitat with diverse native flora. Persistent threats include habitat fragmentation, destruction, and degradation. These and other threats have caused precipitous population declines and local extirpation across its range. Consequentially, the Dakota skipper is currently listed as Endangered in Canada and Threatened in the United States, and the province of Manitoba. Species distribution models (SDM) are a well-known technique which attempt to predict a species distribution on a landscape. These predictions can then be used to inform conservation actions such as guiding survey effort, land acquisitions, and reintroductions. The objectives of this project were to: 1) Compare Dakota skipper models using freely available high resolution remotely sensed products to those using more traditional environmental predictors. 2) Field validate both models to identify the most accurate model using efficient and economical methods. 3) Address issues of modelling rare species to produce a robust SDM for the Dakota skipper in Manitoba. I found that SDMs built from environmental variables generated from satellite imagery performed comparably to one produced from readily available geospatial information. I also found that field validation was more accurate for evaluating SDMs than purely statistical methods. I also produced usable SDMs for the Dakota skipper in the Interlake. Implications from this study are that the advantages of satellite imagery can be leveraged to create useable SDMs to guide conservation actions. This study also further supports the need to field validate an SDM over relying on model statistical output which can be misleading.Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology, and Public Polic

Urban Design, Neoliberalism, and Social Control in the Context of Winnipeg's Canada Life Centre

This research analyzes modes of urban social control through conventional and non-conventional policing practices in Winnipeg’s “Sports, Hospitality and Entertainment District” (SHED), and the area surrounding Winnipeg’s National Hockey League arena. This research explores the relationship between neoliberal mechanisms that drive business improvement districts (BIDs) and policing practices during events in this space. Bourdieu’s “cultural capital”, and the concept of “space and place” with an emphasis on “urban branding” give insight into cultural, social, and economic differences and contextualize how the SHED is governed to promote consumption and reduce anti-social behaviours. Using a methodology of observation and a semiotic visual analysis, the findings suggest there is an increase in police and security presences in the times leading up to, during, and after NHL games in the SHED. It is argued that policing presences contribute to a securitization of capital through assisting in upholding ‘clean and safe’ logics that typically underpin the operation of BIDs, ultimately to encourage and maintain an environment that is welcoming to consumption by the middle- to upper-class.Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) funded MAMaster of Arts in Criminal Justic

Claws, climate change, and the Canadian Arctic: Spatiotemporal variation in ringed seal and bearded seal diet and mercury exposure

Climate change is disproportionately affecting the Arctic, causing a decrease in sea ice extent and thickness, which in turn impacts interspecific interactions and food availability for marine organisms. This thesis focused on two higher trophic level predators: ringed seals (Pusa hispida, Natsiq) and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus, Ujjuk), both of which rely on sea ice and are vulnerable to environmental changes that influence the base of the food web and to bioaccumulative toxicants like mercury. Using stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) and total mercury (THg) in seal claws, this study investigated spatiotemporal variability in foraging ecology and mercury concentrations of ringed seals and bearded seals in relation to latitudinal differences and decadal changes in sea ice cover, environmental conditions, and biological factors. Samples were collected between 1990 and 2020 during Inuit subsistence harvests in Kugaaruk, Sanikiluaq, and Pangnirtung, Nunavut. Seals at lower latitudes had lower THg levels, fed more pelagically and at a lower trophic level, and showed greater individual specialization than seals at higher latitudes. Seals consumed relatively more pelagic prey in years with longer open water periods, adding to a growing body of evidence of climate-induced shifts in the foraging strategies of Arctic marine mammals towards pelagic prey. The analysis of ringed seal diets and mercury exposure from 1982 to 2018 in Cumberland Sound showed increased consumption of higher trophic level prey during years with less sea ice and longer open water periods, while δ34S and THg decreased over time, suggesting increased consumption of lower trophic level fish. The isotopic niche of ringed seals expanded from 1982 to 2018, indicating a broader resource use that may include more benthic-associated species. This study provided valuable insight into spatial and temporal variation in foraging strategies and contaminant exposure of two Arctic marine predators; information which contributes to understanding marine ecosystem health and resilience in the face of climate change.Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology, and Public Polic

Indigenous Knowledge and Tourism on Protected Areas Under Constitutional Sumak Kawsai in Ecuador: Policies and Legislation

This thesis aims to expose the deficiencies in Ecuadorian legislation in protecting Indigenous culture and Indigenous knowledge within the tourism economy located within Indigenous traditional lands and protected areas of Ecuador. It delves into the vulnerabilities linked to Indigenous intangible cultural heritage within the tourism industry. The goal is to highlight the differences between Indigenous community tourist centres and tourist operators. These inequities extend beyond financial aspects; they also involve more general issues regarding the expression and conservation of Indigenous intangible cultural heritage. In addition to illuminating these challenges, this research offers potential mechanisms that the Ecuadorian State could adopt to safeguard Indigenous knowledge and promote responsible utilization of it by tourism operators.Master of Arts in Indigenous Governanc

Examining the effects of elevated carbon dioxide on Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) behaviour and the use of alarm cue responses for ecologically relevant behavioural studies

Elevations in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) have been measured by experts for decades. These atmospheric elevations cause changes in aquatic environments as increased CO2 reduces pH. Acidification has been shown to cause changes to the behaviour of many fish species including reducing homing behaviour, foraging behaviour, and predator avoidance. Many studies have analyzed the effects of CO2 on fish behaviour, however, wide variation in responses between species is known. Moreover, not many studies have analyzed potential acclimation to CO2. The aim of chapter 2 was to identify whether elevated levels of CO2 affect behaviours of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) and whether they acclimate over time to these elevated levels. To test this, I exposed a total of 300 fish to varying levels of CO2 (2500 µatm, 5500 µatm, 8500 µatm) with different exposure times (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 d). After each exposure period, I performed two behavioural tests, the first, where I placed individual fish into circular arenas, measured cumulative distance moved, immobility duration, and percent of time spent in the outer zone. For the second test, I placed 6 fish at a time into a small tank where half of the tank was marked with a black line. I then measured the amount of time spent over the line and the number of crosses above the line for individual fish. I also performed another behavioural test only at the highest CO2 treatment where I placed 3 fish into one circular arena and measured the same parameters to identify whether solitude influenced behaviour. My results showed that CO2 at 8500 µatm affects behaviour of Japanese medaka only in a group setting. There was also evidence of acclimation around day 10 to 20; however, increased individual variation was seen. My study suggests that CO2 changes behaviours of Japanese medaka under certain conditions, and thus Japanese medaka may be affected by rising atmospheric CO2. Although it is important to analyze basic behaviours of fish to determine baselines, it is also important to study ecologically relevant behaviours to understand what is going on in the environment. Alarm cue behaviours act as a good way to analyze predator avoidance behaviours of prey fish. Although a lot of work has been done in this area, not a lot of studies have analyzed these behaviours in Japanese medaka and new methods for using synthetic cues are still being studied. The aim of chapter 3 was to investigate whether Japanese medaka respond behaviourally and neurophysiologically to both synthetic alarm cues and skin extracts. To quantify behavioural responses, I exposed lab-reared Japanese medaka to three different concentrations of both a synthetic cue (hypoxanthine-3-N oxide) and a prepared natural skin extract and then monitored fish for cumulative distance moved, immobility duration, and the percent of time spent in the outer zone of the arena. To quantify neurophysiological responses, I exposed Japanese medaka to three concentrations of the synthetic cue or natural skin extracts for 5 d and then removed the brains and measured acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. There were no changes in behaviour or AChE activity for fish exposed to either cue, which suggest two things: one, Japanese medaka lack the ability to sense the cues; or two, the cues were not appropriate for Japanese medaka. Identifying differences in the structure and function of olfactory systems of Japanese medaka and their putative alarm cue chemical structure may help to explain my results.Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology, and Public Polic

Nii Ndahlohke

This catalogue of the Nii Ndahlohke exhibition at Art Windsor Essex (September 26, 2023 – June 25, 2024) features work by First Nations artists exploring the history of forced labour of students at Mount Elgin Industrial School (1851-1946).This project was supported in part by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

Brainwave-Controlled Indoor Navigation and Object Manipulation: An Integration of EEG Signal Processing and Localization Technologies

This thesis presents a novel integration of Electroencephalography (EEG) signal processing with advanced localization techniques to develop a brain-computer interface (BCI) that enables users to control physical objects within an indoor environment, specifically the opening and closing of a door. The research is structured into two primary phases: the first phase involves the processing of an existing EEG dataset derived from motor imagery tasks related to hand movements, while the second focuses on implementing localization technologies to enhance user interaction with the environment. In the initial phase, the study leverages a publicly available EEG dataset from PhysioNet, specifically the EEG Motor Movement/Imagery Dataset, which includes recordings from many subjects performing various tasks, including real and imagined opening and closing of both fists. This data, originally in EDF format, was converted to CSV for better usability. A subset of the data relevant to the desired motor tasks was extracted and labeled for effective classification, applying several feature extraction techniques to distinguish between imaginary and real movements. This refined dataset serves as the foundation for developing algorithms capable of classifying these movements, intended to be deployed in real-time using a Ganglion Board and Raspberry Pi in the subsequent phase of the project to interpret user intentions regarding door control commands. The second phase focuses on integrating Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) localization technologies with a specific localization algorithm to precisely determine the user’s position within an indoor setting. This capability is crucial for interaction between the user’s EEG-based commands and a fixed-point device installed on a door to enable the system to respond to the user and control opening or closing the door based on the user’s location and command. The system’s efficacy is evaluated based on its accuracy in classifying EEG signals and the precision of the localization method. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using EEG signals combined with localization technologies to interact with and control elements in a physical space, paving the way for broader applications in smart home systems and assistive technologies for individuals with mobility impairments. This thesis not only advances the field of BCIs but also contributes to the interdisciplinary applications of neuroscience and engineering.Master of Science in Applied Computer Scienc