English

Struggling for a New Left: The New Tendency, Autonomist Marxism, and Rank-and-File Organizing in Windsor, Ontario during the 1970s

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Creator (cre): Antaya, Sean, Thesis advisor (ths): Palmer, Bryan D, Degree committee member (dgc): Anastakis, Dimitry, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

This study examines the emergence of the New Left organization, The New Tendency, in Windsor, Ontario during the 1970s. The New Tendency, which developed in a number of Ontario cities, represents one articulation of the Canadian New Left's turn towards working-class organizing in the early 1970s after the student movement's dissolution in the late 1960s. Influenced by dissident Marxist theorists associated with the Johnson-Forest Tendency and Italian workerism, The New Tendency sought to create alternative forms of working-class organizing that existed outside of, and often in direct opposition to, both the mainstream labour movement and Old Left organizations such as the Communist Party and the New Democratic Party. After examining the roots of the organization and the important legacies of class struggle in Windsor, the thesis explores how The New Tendency contributed to working-class self activity on the shop-floor of Windsor's auto factories and in the community more broadly. However, this New Left mobilization was also hampered by inner-group sectarianism and a rapidly changing economic context. Ultimately, the challenges that coincided with The New Tendency's emergence in the 1970s led to its dissolution.

While short-lived, the history of the Windsor branch of The New Tendency helps provide valuable insight into the trajectory of the Canadian New Left and working-class struggle in the 1970s, highlighting experiences that have too often been overlooked in previous scholarship. Furthermore, this study illustrates the transnational development of New Left ideas and organizations by examining The New Tendency's close connections to comparable groups active in manufacturing cities in Europe and the United States; such international relationships and exchanges were vital to the evolution of autonomist Marxism around the world. Finally, the Windsor New Tendency's history is an important case study of the New Left's attempts to reckon with a transitional moment for global capitalism, as the group's experiences coincided with the Fordist accord's death throes and the beginning of neoliberalism's ascendancy.

Author Keywords: Autonomist Marxism, Canada, Labour, New Left, Rank-and-file Organizing, Working-Class History

2018

Asserting sexual (dis)interest: How do women's capabilities differ?

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Creator (cre): Bouchard, Laura Eileen, Thesis advisor (ths): Humphreys, Terry P, Degree committee member (dgc): Kennett, Deborah J, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

Sexual assertiveness encompasses skills in refusing unwanted sexual situations and bringing about wanted sexual situations. Measures of sexual assertiveness typically assess both refusal and initiation aspects, yet there is a dearth of research examining these skills in relation to one another. The present study examined the relationship between these skillsets in women, exploring predictors of each. Initiation and refusal assertiveness were moderately correlated. Additionally, the relationship between them was not entirely explained by general assertiveness, indicating that there is something unique to assertiveness in the sexual context. Committed relationship context and erotophilic disposition specifically predicted initiation assertiveness. Less endorsement of the sexual double standard and fewer approach motivations for engaging in unwanted sex specifically predicted refusal assertiveness. Few differences emerged in predictors of assertiveness types when comparing sexual orientation groups, yet non-heterosexual women reported slightly lower levels of refusal assertiveness. Implications for sexual education, therapy, and future research are discussed.

Author Keywords: sexual assertiveness, sexual autonomy, sexual compliance, sexual double standard, sexual satisfaction, sexual self-disclosure

2017

Emotional Intelligence and Bullying Victimization: An Exploration of Gender, Age, and Sub-Types of Bullying Activities

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Creator (cre): Ha, Alexandra, Thesis advisor (ths): Parker, James D.A., Degree committee member (dgc): Summerfeldt, Laura J., Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

Previous research has found that bullying and victimization is related to poor socioemotional competencies. The present study examined the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and bullying and victimization in a large community-based sample of adolescents. Specifically, we explored the EI of bullies, victims, bully-victims, and those uninvolved. We also examined whether the relationship between EI and types of bullying and victimization activities were consistent across age and gender. We found that stress management and interpersonal skills are important EI dimensions to predicting both bullying and victimization. Moreover, intrapersonal skills were predictive of boys' bullying behaviours and adaptability was the strongest EI dimension in bullies and victims. Age did not contribute much to the overall prediction of bullying and victimization in either gender. Results are discussed in terms of future implications regarding anti-bullying interventions.

Author Keywords: Adolescents, age, Bullying, Emotional Intelligence, gender, social emotional competencies

2017

Exploring reproduction in wild blue lupine (Lupinus perennis) in comparison to L. polyphyllus and L. albus

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Creator (cre): Francis, Heathyr E., Thesis advisor (ths): Emery, Neil R.J., Degree committee member (dgc): Sager, Eric, Degree committee member (dgc): Dorkin, Marcel, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) restoration efforts seek to increase and connect populations, using seeds, to facilitate the recovery of endangered butterflys in Ontario. This study observed plant growth and phytohormone levels of L. albus, L. polyphyllus, and L. perennis through stages of seed development, each with varying strategies in growth and reproductive investment. L. polyphyllus is similar to L. perennis in morphology, acting as similar comparable with L. albus, a well-studied annual, as an outgroup comparator.

Wild lupines showed a lack of sexual reproductive effort as they did not put as much effort into above ground growth, and few in the population reproduces. They also showed cis-zeatin, a weaker cytokinin, throughout development and had higher amounts of abscisic acid at the end of seed maturity, impacting their ability to develop and germinate. These factors contribute to why wild lupines are difficult to restore using seeds, limiting expansion and challenging restoration.

Author Keywords: L. albus, L. perennis, L. polyphyllus, plant physiology, seed development, Wild blue lupine

2017

Are We All on the Spectrum? Assessing Autistic Traits in the HEXACO Personality Framework

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Creator (cre): Stiner, Emily Robyn, Thesis advisor (ths): Bauer, Ben, Thesis advisor (ths): Visser, Beth, Degree committee member (dgc): Smith-Chant, Brenda, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

Autistic traits are characterized by difficulties with socialization, preference for order, and rigid and repetitive behaviour patterns. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of two measures of autistic traits, the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the Sub-threshold Autistic Trait Questionnaire (SATQ), and their associations with the HEXACO personality framework. The relationships between self-objectification, Need for Cognition (NFC), and autistic traits were also examined. In a student sample (N = 294), autistic traits were found to be negatively related to eXtraversion, but unrelated to self-objectification and NFC. However, individual subscales of the SATQ and AQ revealed different personality profiles, suggesting a non-unitary composition of the autistic trait measures. The AQ's subscales failed to be represented in its factor structure. Intercorrelations between SATQ and AQ subscales showed that some subscales were uncorrelated with others. These concerns challenge whether autistic traits should be considered as a downwards extrapolation of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Author Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autistic Traits, HEXACO, Need for Cognition, Self-Objectification

2017

Island Syndrome and Stress Physiology of Mice in the Genus Peromyscus

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Creator (cre): Stewart, Nathan, Thesis advisor (ths): Burness, Gary, Degree committee member (dgc): Bowman, Jeff, Degree committee member (dgc): Schaefer, James, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

Biological differences between island and mainland conspecifics have been well studied, but few studies have addressed differences in stress physiology. Stressors, such as predation and competition for resources, cause the release of glucocorticoids (GCs). Characteristics of island wildlife, called "island syndrome", are attributed to low levels of predators and competitors. I tested the hypothesis that island syndrome includes differences in GC levels between island and mainland rodents using two approaches; first, using white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) from a near-shore archipelago (Thousand Islands, Ontario) and the nearby mainland; second, using study-skins of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) from two archipelagos offshore of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. White-footed mice in the near-shore archipelago did not show characteristics of island syndrome, or changes in GC levels (feces and hair); however deer mice from both archipelagos in British Columbia were heavier and had lower hair GCs for their size than Vancouver Island mice.

Author Keywords: Glucocorticoids, Island rule, Island syndrome, Peromyscus, Stress physiology

2017

Fostering sustainable development through cross-sector collaboration in university innovation initiatives: A Case Study of the Trent Research & Innovation Park

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Creator (cre): Campos Navarrete, Marisol, Thesis advisor (ths): Zohar, Asaf, Degree committee member (dgc): Newhouse, David R, Degree committee member (dgc): Knight, John, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

This research explores cross-sector collaboration in universities' innovation initiatives. To understand the current roles of the higher education sector and the influences shaping innovation initiatives through cross-sector collaborative projects, this study is focused on a case study of the Trent University Research & Innovation Park (TRIP) project. The following three central issues emerged from the thematic analysis performed through the case study: the roles played by universities in creating a context for successful innovation ventures; the construct of culture as a dominant driver in such ventures; and the implications of collective learning in cross-sector collaborations as an enabler of successful innovation projects.

Based on the findings of this study, it is argued that the opportunities and potential of Universities' cross-sectoral innovation projects rely on three crucial factors: the local culture, the individuals involved, and their specialized skills such as those involved in the 'High Ductility' skill set.

Author Keywords: Collective learning, Cross-sectoral collaboration, Higher Education sector, Innovation models, Organizational culture, Sustainable Development

2017

Predicting the Pursuit of Post-Secondary Education: Role of Trait Emotional Intelligence in a Longitudinal Study

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Creator (cre): Dave, Hiten, Thesis advisor (ths): Parker, James D. A., Degree committee member (dgc): Keefer, Kateryna V., Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
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Trait Emotional Intelligence (EI) includes competencies and dispositions related to identifying, understanding, using and managing emotions. Higher trait EI has been implicated in post-secondary success, and better career-related decision-making. However, there is no evidence for whether it predicts the pursuit of post-secondary education (PSE) in emerging adulthood. This study investigated the role of trait EI in PSE pursuit using a large, nationally-representative sample of Canadian young adults who participated in the National Longitudinal Survey for Children and Youth (NLSCY). Participants in this dataset reported on their PSE status at three biennial waves (age 20-21, 22-23, and 24-25), and completed a four-factor self-report scale for trait EI (Emotional Quotient Inventory: Mini) at ages 20-21 and 24-25. Higher trait EI subscale scores were significantly associated with greater likelihood of PSE participation both concurrently, and at 2- and 4-year follow-ups. Overall, these associations were larger for men than women. Trait EI scores also showed moderate levels of temporal stability over four years, including full configural and at least partial metric invariance between time points. This suggests that the measure stays conceptually consistent over the four years of emerging adulthood, and that trait EI is a relatively malleable attribute, susceptible to change with interventions during this age period.

Author Keywords: Emerging Adulthood, Longitudinal, Post-Secondary Pursuit, Trait Emotional Intelligence

2017

Temperature effects on the routine metabolic rates of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) eggs, alevin and fry: implications for climate change

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Creator (cre): Cook, Catharine Jean, Thesis advisor (ths): Wilson, Chris, Thesis advisor (ths): Burness, Gary, Degree committee member (dgc): Ridgway, Mark, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

Early developmental stages of cold-adapted ectotherms such as brook trout

(Salvelinus fontinalis) are at risk of mortality with increasing water temperatures because

of their sensitivity to changes in their environment. I studied the mass and routine

metabolic rate (RMR) of wild-origin brook trout eggs, alevin and young fry reared at

normal (5°C) and elevated (9°C) temperatures for the duration of the study or at

mismatched temperatures. This setup determined if preconditioning acclimation for one

temperature benefits or hinders the organism later in life. Three levels of biological

organization (ancestry, population, family) were studied using Akaike's Information

Criterion (AIC) to identify models that best accounted for variation in the data. Family,

mass and temperature were most important in predicting body mass and mass-adjusted

RMR, although population and ancestral-level differences were also detected at some life

stages. Strong variation in body mass and mass-adjusted RMR among families may

indicate adaptive potential within brook trout populations to respond to increases in water

temperature with climate change.

Author Keywords: Acclimation, AIC, Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), Environmental matching, Routine metabolic rate, Temperature

2017

Elders And Indigenous Healing in The Correctional Service Of Canada: A Story of Relational Dissonance, Sacred Doughnuts, And Drive-Thru Expectations

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Creator (cre): Quantick, Robin, Thesis advisor (ths): Berrill, Deborah P., Degree committee member (dgc): Furgal, Chris, Degree committee member (dgc): Bell, Nicole, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

In our communities, we are continually challenged to reflect on effective responses to the people and events that put us at risk. This study is an examination of two distinctly different world-view responses: the colonial, dominant culture and the Indigenous world-view. The retributive understanding of the dominant culture applies assumptions about the nature of the world that are vested in colonial, paternal, and punitive processes aimed to extract compliance as a means of deterrence. Conversely, the consensual precepts of Indigenous world-view are rooted in community-based practices that require a process of collaboration and cooperation to create integrated relationships that glean responsibility.

This study brings light to bear on the ongoing relational dissonance that exists between the following: the disproportionate representation of men and women of Aboriginal descent held under federal warrant in Canada; the legislated mandate contained within the Canadian Corrections and Conditional Release Act that places successful community reintegration as a primary objective for the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC); and the role, place, and function of Elders who work in CSC reception centres, healing programs, and Pathways Initiatives.

This study explores the variables, assumptions, and differing world-views that contribute to the disproportionate representation of incarcerated adults of Aboriginal descent and the challenges that impede successful community reintegration. In order to effectively examine and make sense of the relational dissonance that exists between correctional theory and institutional practice, the research is driven by a central question: What is the role, place, and function of Elders in the delivery of Indigenous healing programs within Canadian federal prisons?

The outcome of this work reveals practices of decolonizing justice and healing that can move assumptions and challenge paternal understanding. It is an approach that has the capacity to peel away relational dissonance, thus allowing space for public policy that sustains consensual understandings of community.

Key Words: Indigenous, settler colonial, dominant culture, retributive justice, restorative justice, indigenous justice, Elder, healing, healing program, disproportionate representation, successful community reintegration, relational dissonance.

Author Keywords: Elder, healing program, indigenous justice, relational dissonance, retributive justice, successful community reintegration

2017