Inference on autoregressive moving average models for count data

In the analysis of count time series at equally spaced intervals with covariate information, Poisson Autoregressive (AR) or Integer-Valued Autoregressive (INAR) models have been widely discussed in the literature, with their fundamental properties and estimation methods thoroughly explored. However, when time series data exhibits both long-term dependencies (autocorrelation) and moving average effects, capturing both of these elements is essential for more effective modeling and forecasting. To address this, we introduce autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models of order (1,1) for count time series. We first consider the case where the offspring random variable follows a Bernoulli distribution, meaning that each individual in the population at time t - 1 can produce only one or zero offspring at time t. Additionally, we extend this model to incorporate the possibility of any individual producing multiple offspring at a given time point, resulting in a binomial offspring random variable. We derive the key properties of these models, present methods for parameter estimation and forecasting function. The performance of the proposed methods are assessed through simulation studies

Playing in the hero's shadow: patriarchal and neoliberal complicity in video game hero narratives

In contemporary society, many of our daily lives are strained by patriarchal oppression and neoliberal precarity. When we are disempowered like this in real life, we often turn in our leisure to entertainment that feels empowering instead. Video games regularly offer consumers such revitalizing play. However, different types of player-avatars offer different types of empowerment. The hero archetype specifically is a popular avatar type, often used in game design to inspire players. Yet the type of power play the hero offers can reinforce rather than disrupt patriarchal and neoliberal capitalist power dynamics. My research questions how the hero archetype in video games bolsters us through, rather than against, marginalizing social hierarchies. Patriarchal and neoliberal capitalist ideology proliferate through the hero archetype’s reliance on social dualisms, which infer that one person or group (represented by the hero) is inherently superior to another person or group (represented by non-heroic entities) and so justifies the hero’s domination of these lesser “Others.” Such binary social structures perpetuate damaging concepts such as male superiority (over people who are not biologically male), white superiority (over people of colour), and elite superiority (over lower classes/the poor). While extensive scholarship has been conducted on the presence of neoliberal and patriarchal ideology in video games, my research highlights how the hero narrative itself functions in video games to support oppressive ideologies. I argue that equality cannot exist in the hero narrative; everyone else can be equal, but the hero can only be venerated as “hero” if it stands above the rest, alone. I make this argument through an examination of hero avatar subcategories that regularly appear across video games (e.g., the epic fantasy hero in God of War and The Elder Scrolls; the war hero in Call of Duty and Battlefield; the female action-adventure hero in Tomb Raider and The Last of Us). In targeting the hero archetype and its narrative operations in video games, I establish a model for heroic gameplay critique, which will aid future analysis of power dynamics in games as well as assist game developers and players in confronting issues of in-game marginalization

From form to flow: reconstructing the life posture and hydrodynamics of iconic Ediacaran taxa

The Ediacaran successions of Newfoundland include some of the oldest macroscopic candidate metazoans. These fossils are preserved as two-dimensional near-census assemblages on deep-marine volcaniclastic sediments beneath tuffites. The communities, dominated by the frondose morphogroups Rangeomorpha and Arboreomorpha, were traditionally interpreted as consisting primarily of erect taxa that had been felled and aligned by paleocurrents, alongside some randomly oriented reclining forms. However, in the absence of sedimentological evidence, paleocurrent direction has been inferred from fossil orientation, despite the unresolved posture of many of these organisms in life. This PhD focuses on the Melrose Surface near the Catalina Dome of the Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark, which provides sedimentological evidence for current direction in the form of current ripples and cross-lamination. This site offers a unique opportunity to reconstruct the life position and orientation of Ediacaran taxa relative to sedimentologically-determined paleocurrents. An integrative approach has been employed herein, combining different strategies detailed in three papers: 1. Taphonomic reinterpretation of the genus Charniodiscus: by examining the taphonomic clues of the type material C. concentricus, this taxon was reconstructed as a conical bifoliate erect/recumbent frond, distinguishing it from reclining arboreomorphs such as C. procerus (present in the surface), which shows consistently extraordinary stem preservation across stratigraphic units. 2. Clustering algorithms on Fractofusus misrai orientations: using novel statistics based on modified polythetic and monothetic clustering techniques adapted to circular variables, preferential orientation trends oblique to the paleocurrent were identified in the population of F. misrai from the Melrose Surface. 3. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) over Fractofusus misrai: turbulent flows were modeled to understand the hydrodynamic phenomena associated with highly detailed reconstructions F. misrai. The preferential orientations found on the Melrose Surface result from a balance between maximizing aspect ratio for feeding efficiency and reducing current-induced drag. This work presents an integrative approach based on taphonomy, statistics, and CFD to reconstruct the position of Ediacaran taxa and the currents they lived in. The papers challenge the assumed erect position for all arboreomorphs and the random orientation for reclining rangeomorph taxa. This thesis advocates for interpreting fossils as reclining flat, responding rheotropically to paleocurrents, unless evidence supports otherwise

Colonial encounters: Inuit agency and colonial narratives in the Eastern Arctic

This dissertation examines the cultural encounters, colonial disruptions, and Indigenous agency in Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) and Nunatsiavut (Labrador) during the 18th and 19th centuries. The point of departure is the Moravian mission at Noorliit (Neu Herrnhut) and its interactions with Kalaallit Inuit and the Danish colony. This research demonstrates how cross-cultural engagements produced nuanced power dynamics, negotiating traditions, religious conversion, and economic exchange by framing the Nuuk peninsula as a colonial contact zone. Through an interdisciplinary approach integrating archaeology, historical analysis, and Indigenous methodologies, this research reassesses the impact of colonial structures while centring Kalaallit perspectives. The Noorliit Archaeological Field School prioritised ethical, community-based methodologies, ensuring Kalaallit students actively shaped the excavation process. Emphasising relational accountability and decolonial praxis, the fieldwork fostered the co-production of knowledge rather than extractive research. Discussions on site selection, excavation strategies, and interpretations were conducted collaboratively, reinforcing the principle that archaeology should serve the descendant community. Beyond excavation, the field school integrated museum days to reconnect with historical material culture, using archival research and tactile engagement with cultural belongings to deepen an Indigenous-centred understanding of the past. This approach underscored the role of museums as sites of colonial memory while simultaneously reclaiming them as spaces of cultural resurgence and critical reflection. The excavation at Noorliit revealed material evidence of structural transformation and Indigenous resilience, shedding light on shifting household arrangements, architectural modifications, and the selective adaptation of European culture. The theoretical framework incorporates postcolonial theory, transculturation, and the concept of contact zones to explore how cultural entanglements in Kalaallit Nunaat were multidirectional rather than unilaterally imposed. The study critiques the historiography of Arctic colonialism, highlighting the role of colonial amnesia in erasing Indigenous contributions from historical narratives. By recovering some of these suppressed histories, the dissertation underscores the importance of ethical, collaborative research approaches in historical archaeology. Ultimately, this dissertation challenges conventional understandings of colonial encounters in the Arctic, demonstrating that Kalaallit Inuit actively engaged in resistance and adaptation, strategically integrating and reinterpreting colonial influences to sustain their cultural identity. The findings contribute to broader discussions on Indigenous agency within colonial contexts and call for an inclusive, decolonial approach to Arctic history and archaeology

Effect of crude oil on defence-relevant biomarker gene expression in early-life stage lumpfish

This thesis investigated the response of early-life stage lumpfish (i.e., larval and juvenile) to crude oil at the mRNA level. A pilot study was conducted on juvenile lumpfish, which were exposed to five chemically-enhanced water-accommodated fraction (CEWAF) treatments for 24 h in a static system. Through multiple sequence alignment (MSA), phylogenetic and synteny analyses, five lumpfish aryl hydrocarbon receptor genes were studied and named following those in Japanese pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes). The results of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) showed significant induction for ahr1a, ahr2a and cyp1a1 in the liver of oil-exposed juvenile lumpfish. Based on these results, another exposure experiment was done on 50 days post-hatch lumpfish larvae in a similar exposure set-up, with two additional CEWAF treatments. The qPCR results indicated that the 24-h CEWAF exposure might modulate immune and redox function in larval lumpfish. Moreover, a Spearman correlation analysis and principal component analysis suggested that Ahr may affect the expression of genes involved in cardiovascular development and immune response. Collectively, these results provide new insight into the influence of acute crude oil exposure on the transcript levels of targeted genes in larval and juvenile lumpfish

Approaches to establishing meaningful partnerships with Indigenous groups: an examination of protocol from eight museums

Museums are often regarded as respected places of learning; however, they have played a significant role creating and disseminating stereotypes about Indigenous People by misrepresenting them and their cultures. This, coupled with the often violent way that material culture has been collected, has left museums with legacies that can be harmful and unwelcoming to Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous activism both within and outside heritage spheres has led to documents such as UNDRIP, which affirm Indigenous sovereignties and rights to their culture and heritage, and have set a new precedent for how museums should operate and represent Indigenous cultures. This thesis examines eight museums from across Canada, the USA, and Germany to understand how they are engaging with the Indigenous Nations they represent, and further, how they are counteracting their legacies. This is coupled with the observation of the first stage of Creating Context, a community-project that brought Nunatsiavummiut to Germany to reconnect with material culture in two museum’s care. It was found that the establishment of meaningful relationships is based in trust, and brought to action with three guiding principles (1) ontological empathy; (2) power-shifting and (3) culturally specific care protocol. These themes are foundational in guiding museums toward a better museum practice

An investigation of instructional rounds and novice teacher self-efficacy: an evaluative case study

The purpose of this qualitative study, situated at an independent Vancouver school, was to investigate the use of instructional rounds as a collaborative professional learning tool in promoting novice teacher self-efficacy. The study utilized an evaluative case study approach to explore the experiences of four novice teachers as they engaged in several rounds of classroom observation, group debrief, and self-reflection. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, document reviews, and research field notes. Findings from the research suggest that instructional rounds provide an effective vehicle for professional learning and for building educators’ self-efficacy beliefs. Participants attributed heightened impressions of self-efficacy to several elements of the instructional rounds process, including (1) creating a shared vision and goals, (2) engaging in non-evaluative classroom observations, (3) collaborating in a safe and supportive learning environment, and (4) critically reflecting on their own teaching practices. The study provides useful insight for administrators and policy makers as they plan high-quality professional learning aimed toward continuous school improvement. It also underscores the complexity of implementing robust professional learning initiatives that are designed to foster greater teacher professionalism. Suggestions are made to help schools renew their focus on professionalism and teacher self-efficacy, which may help retain a growing number of early career teachers who choose to leave the profession. Recommendations are also made for further research

The ethics of (intersex) avoidance

This thesis critically examines the ethical implications of using Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) to avoid the birth of intersex children, challenging the arguments presented by Robert Sparrow in "Gender Eugenics? The Ethics of PGD for Intersex Conditions" (2013). Sparrow defends the use of PGD for intersex avoidance to promote the future child's well-being. Still, this work contends that such practices are ethically indefensible and perpetuate harmful societal narratives. First, it employs the Expressivist Critique to illustrate how reproductive decisions in the context of intersex avoidance perpetuate the devaluation of intersex lives, challenging the notion of ethical neutrality in such practices. Second, exploring intersex avoidance through the lens of Donna Haraway's Cyborg Feminism, the thesis highlights the cultural and psychological implications of rejecting intersex identities and reinforcing binary gender norms. Third, it examines parental ethics, advocating for an approach to parenting that embraces openness while emphasizing the ethical dimensions of reproductive decisions. The thesis ultimately calls for a more inclusive understanding of intersex variations, urging a re-evaluation of societal and ethical frameworks to foster a diverse and accepting community

Architects of chaos: Hashemites and the British: the quagmire of establishing order, 1915-1925

This study examines British foreign policy in the Fertile Crescent (Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Israel) between 1915-1925 as a case study highlighting the hidden influence of middle management. The unassuming but profound impact of middle management in the realm of government and foreign affairs is due to charisma. Utilizing Max Weber’s definition of power (legitimate, legal, charismatic) this study argues that legal authority and charismatic authority have an inverse relationship. As a result, charismatic authorities can attain positions of middle authority where the anonymity of their position plus their persuasion allows them disproportionate influence over events relatively free of accountability. Lacking the burden of responsibility that comes with legal authority, but possessing an abundance of charismatic power the middle management becomes a hidden eminence grise exercising more influence than the highest levels of legal authority (i.e. Prime ministers, presidents). During and after the First World War, the Allied powers had an interest in gaining administrative control over the Fertile Crescent after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Hence, wise and delicate foreign policy and administration was needed to establish a footing in the wake of the Ottoman withdrawal. This work examines the role of British middle management, specifically the Arab Bureau which mismanaged this assignment. It consisted of individuals with significant charisma but lacking relevant skills and experience, hence resulting in a political blunder in the aftermath of military victories. The first chapter serves as a backdrop and roadmap to contextualize this work. The second chapter will examine the McMahon-Hussein correspondence, which was a collaboration between Henry McMahon, the head of the Arab Bureau and Sharif Hussein, leader of the Hashemites who informally agreed to work together to incite an Arab revolt against Ottoman rule, and for Britian to assist and subsequently recognize Arab sovereignty. Chapter 3 examines the Sykes-Picot Agreement which was a secret treaty between Britain and France (along with Russia and later Italy) to divide administrative control amongst themselves, which was in contradiction to the McMahon-Hussein correspondence and not public knowledge. Both events were critically important milestones but ultimately failures, and the underlying element was the role of the Arab Bureau. The fourth chapter is a conclusion serving as an epilogue, summarizing the case study and analyzing universal lessons we can learn from it

Unlocking the narrative of grief and hope in international students in the Faculty of Education, MUN, NL, Canada

Canada has become a prominent destination for international students from all over the world. This qualitative research aimed to explore the experience of grief and hope in international students in the Canadian academic context. Previous research on international students in the Canadian academic sector has addressed various challenges that international students face; however, little is known about grief and hope among international students in Canadian educational institutions. The study fills a gap in the literature on the Canadian academic context, examining how international master’s students navigate grief during their study period and move toward hope by exploring relationships, listening, and the unknown aspects of their lives. This qualitative research adheres to the narrative approach as a method of inquiry and implements thematic analysis. To gain in-depth knowledge, open-ended semi-structured interviews, observations, and documentation from social media have been collected from three former international master’s students of the Faculty of Education (2021-2023) at MUN, NL, Canada, who experienced grief while pursuing their degree. The results of this research discovered that grieving international students face isolation, academic discrepancy, homesickness, biases, financial problems, accommodation crises and cultural insensitivity, which impact them physically, mentally, and relationally. This research recommended that institutions and counsellors implement a more culturally sensitive approach to support grieving multicultural international students