Firang, David

Understanding the attitudes and perceptions of students on the adoption of electric vehicles

Type:
Names:
Creator (cre): Yakubu, Godwin, Thesis advisor (ths): Firang, David, Degree committee member (dgc): Hill, Stephen, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is crucial for reducing transportation-related emissions and achieving sustainability goals. However, a significant research gap exists regarding specific consumer groups, such as university students, and their attitudes toward EV adoption, as they represent a demographic influential in shaping future adoption patterns. This research uses a quantitative approach to explore Trent University students' attitudes and perceptions toward EV adoption.A survey of 154 students examined the factors influencing their willingness to adopt EVs. Various quantitative data analyses, including cross-tabulation tables and chi-square tests, were employed to investigate the relationships between socio-demographic, social, environmental, and economic factors and students' willingness to adopt EVs. The findings indicate that while socio-demographic factors do not significantly influence willingness to adopt EVs, factors such as first-hand experience, knowledge about EVs, social influence, upfront costs, charging infrastructure, and government incentives significantly impact students' willingness to adopt EVs. The study revealed that although students recognize the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs), such as reduced emissions, lower operating costs, enhanced energy efficiency and health advantages, key barriers to student EV adoption include high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, concerns about driving range and charging time, and a need for more knowledge and awareness. The findings of this study fill a significant research gap and add to the existing literature on EV adoption. The insights generated can inform targeted strategies by policymakers, educational institutions, and EV manufacturers to promote widespread EV adoption among students. Keywords: Electric Vehicles, Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles, Zero-emission vehicles, sustainable transportation, attitudes, perceptions, University students, consumer behaviour.

Author Keywords: Consumer behaviour, Electric Vehicles, Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles, sustainable transportation, University students, Zero-emission vehicles

2024

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Black People in Toronto: Informing Public Health Nurses on what they can do: A Scoping Review

Type:
Names:
Creator (cre): Thompson, Fitzroy Hugh, Thesis advisor (ths): Gilmer, Cyndi, Degree committee member (dgc): Firang, David, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Black People in Toronto: Informing Public Health Nurses on What They Can Do: A Scoping Review by Fitzroy H. Thompson MScN, explores Black people in low-income neighbourhoods being at increased risk of COVID-19 infection and death due to longstanding health inequity. The research consisted of white and grey literature from Canada between March 2020 and November 2022 using the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) framework. Falk-Rafael's Critical Caring Theory (CCT) guides the critical review of the research collected from the systematic search (Butcher, 2022). The SDH plays a vital role in health outcomes for Black people's access to optimal health services. Community nursing practice can optimize COVID-19 research to advocate for structural interventions tailored to improve SDH access and develop solutions to address needs for policy evolution. The findings act as the foundation for a systematic review and a scholarly synthesis of the evidence on the research question, which would further contribute to the enhancement of nursing care for Black people in low-income neighbourhoods.

Author Keywords: Black people, COVID-19, public health, race, racism, social determinants of health

2024

Transnationalism and Newcomers' Settlement Process in Canada: A Case Study of African International Students in Peterborough.

Type:
Names:
Creator (cre): Owusu, Samuel Okyere, Thesis advisor (ths): Firang, David, Degree committee member (dgc): Sethi, Bharati, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

The successful settlement of international students is important to their academic success as well as their integration into the host community. This thesis attempts to investigate the settlement needs and experiences of African international students in Peterborough, Canada, from a transnationalism perspective. Surveys were used to collect data from 351 students. A chi-square tests and multivariate ordinal logistic regression were used for the data analysis.The findings reveal that African International Students engage in a variety of transnational activities including, contacting family and friends at home, attending religious and cultural events, and eating traditional food which contribute to the settlement of African International Students. On the other hand, sending money and investing in one's home country were found to hinder the settlement of African International Students in Canada. This study contributes to the existing literature on international education and transnationalism and makes recommendations for policy makers and educational institutions.

Author Keywords: African International Students in Canada, International Student Migration, Settlement Process, Transnationalism

2025

Understanding Poverty Among Black Immigrants in Toronto, Canada

Type:
Names:
Creator (cre): Larbi, Albert, Thesis advisor (ths): Firang, David, Thesis advisor (ths): Sethi, Bharati, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

This research explored how systemic barriers contribute to poverty among Black immigrants in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). Using a qualitative approach, I explored how factors like race, immigration status, and other identity factors shape Black immigrants' experiences in the employment and housing markets and healthcare system, consequently predisposing them to experience poverty. A key driver of poverty is the non-recognition of foreign credentials, which pushes highly qualified Black immigrants into low-wage jobs, exacerbated by employers' demand for "Canadian experience." This marginalization severely limits their access to higher-paying opportunities, trapping them in cycles of poverty. Housing discrimination also causes poverty, as racial bias from landlords forces Black immigrants into overpriced or substandard housing conditions, worsened by Toronto's housing crisis. Participants generally reported satisfaction with healthcare. To cope, Black immigrants rely on support from religious institutions and social networks through material and non-material resources. The study concludes with policy recommendations to address these systemic barriers, aiming to reduce poverty and improve integration.

2025

Understanding the attitudes and perceptions of students on the adoption of electric vehicles

Type:
Names:
Creator (cre): Yakubu, Godwin, Thesis advisor (ths): Firang, David, Degree committee member (dgc): Hill, Stephen, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is crucial for reducing transportation-related emissions and achieving sustainability goals. However, a significant research gap exists regarding specific consumer groups, such as university students, and their attitudes toward EV adoption, as they represent a demographic influential in shaping future adoption patterns. This research uses a quantitative approach to explore Trent University students' attitudes and perceptions toward EV adoption.A survey of 154 students examined the factors influencing their willingness to adopt EVs. Various quantitative data analyses, including cross-tabulation tables and chi-square tests, were employed to investigate the relationships between socio-demographic, social, environmental, and economic factors and students' willingness to adopt EVs. The findings indicate that while socio-demographic factors do not significantly influence willingness to adopt EVs, factors such as first-hand experience, knowledge about EVs, social influence, upfront costs, charging infrastructure, and government incentives significantly impact students' willingness to adopt EVs. The study revealed that although students recognize the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs), such as reduced emissions, lower operating costs, enhanced energy efficiency and health advantages, key barriers to student EV adoption include high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, concerns about driving range and charging time, and a need for more knowledge and awareness. The findings of this study fill a significant research gap and add to the existing literature on EV adoption. The insights generated can inform targeted strategies by policymakers, educational institutions, and EV manufacturers to promote widespread EV adoption among students. Keywords: Electric Vehicles, Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles, Zero-emission vehicles, sustainable transportation, attitudes, perceptions, University students, consumer behaviour.

Author Keywords: Consumer behaviour, Electric Vehicles, Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles, sustainable transportation, University students, Zero-emission vehicles

2024

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Black People in Toronto: Informing Public Health Nurses on what they can do: A Scoping Review

Type:
Names:
Creator (cre): Thompson, Fitzroy Hugh, Thesis advisor (ths): Gilmer, Cyndi, Degree committee member (dgc): Firang, David, Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
Abstract:

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Black People in Toronto: Informing Public Health Nurses on What They Can Do: A Scoping Review by Fitzroy H. Thompson MScN, explores Black people in low-income neighbourhoods being at increased risk of COVID-19 infection and death due to longstanding health inequity. The research consisted of white and grey literature from Canada between March 2020 and November 2022 using the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) framework. Falk-Rafael's Critical Caring Theory (CCT) guides the critical review of the research collected from the systematic search (Butcher, 2022). The SDH plays a vital role in health outcomes for Black people's access to optimal health services. Community nursing practice can optimize COVID-19 research to advocate for structural interventions tailored to improve SDH access and develop solutions to address needs for policy evolution. The findings act as the foundation for a systematic review and a scholarly synthesis of the evidence on the research question, which would further contribute to the enhancement of nursing care for Black people in low-income neighbourhoods.

Author Keywords: Black people, COVID-19, public health, race, racism, social determinants of health

2024