FGS - Electronic Theses and Practica
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This collection contains University of Manitoba electronic theses and practica.
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- ItemOpen AccessUnderstanding the right to education under the Hukou system in China: from a human rights perspective(2024-08-26) Li, Xiaoxia; Muller, Adam (Peace and Conflict Studies); Anderson, KjellThis paper critically examines the Chinese Hukou system’s impact on children’s right to education within the framework of international human rights law. Despite reforms, the Hukou system continues to create significant disparities in educational opportunities among children with different Hukou status, leading to widespread socio-economic inequalities. From a human rights perspective, this study explores how the right to education is violated through an analysis of the interconnectedness of education, housing, and family rights within the Hukou system, and proposes policy recommendations to enhance educational access for all children in China.
- ItemOpen AccessThe international right to health and Jordan's Principle: a comparative analysis of the substantive and procedural differences to Indigenous children’s right to health in Canada(2024-09-11) Martin, Ana; Fontaine, Lorena (Indigenous Studies); Baskatawang, LeoThe Jordan's Principle plays a significant role in facilitating Indigenous children's access to healthcare services, resources, and support in Canada. It is designed to prevent delays in federal-provincial jurisdiction disputes, ensuring that Indigenous children receive the care they need. The Principle has evolved from its strict restrictive eligibility criteria towards more open criteria, guided by the concept of substantial equality regarding Indigenous children's health. However, Canada's repeated failure to uphold its duty towards Indigenous children within the domestic legal framework of Jordan's Principle is a matter of urgent concern. This failure extends to the Medicine Chest clause of Treaty 6 and Canada's observance of international human rights treaties, particularly in protecting the right to health. Canada's international obligations to the right to health fall under several ratified treaties. This paper however, focuses on the following three: the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Despite being bound to international human rights mechanisms that mandate Canada to protect, respect, and fulfill the right to health, Canada has yet to guarantee such a right within its domestic legal system. This research will delve into Jordan's Principle to identify the substantive and procedural differences in addressing the right to health for Indigenous children through its legal scope and compare this with Canadian constitutional obligations and Canada's obligations through International Human Rights Law.
- ItemOpen AccessEnhancing physical activity: autistic perspectives on co-designing applications(0024-08-27) Kalala, Jedidah; Martin, Toby (Psychology); Glazebrook, Cheryl (Kinesiology and Recreation Management); Montgomery, JaninePeople with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often do not engage in the recommended levels of physical activity compared to their neurotypical peers. Although these patterns are more pronounced in adolescence and adulthood most of the research has focused on the experiences of children. Using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis and co-design methodology, the current study explored the experiences of adolescents and adults (N = 4) by conducting a series of workshops and asking participants about their physical activity engagement. It also introduced two physical activity applications, Move Improve and Exercise Buddy and asked participants to provide feedback and general guidance about what app features they found useful. Participants were also asked to share their experiences being part of a co-design study. The primary goals of this research were to elucidate the experiences of individuals on the spectrum when using apps designed to improve physical activity. Given the unique methodology employed, it also aimed to understand autistic perspectives on codesign research methods. Finally, the research intended to explore barriers and facilitators of physical activity from those on the spectrum. Findings from the current study highlighted the need for app customization features and detailed research outlines to facilitate both app engagement and research participation.
- ItemOpen AccessEmploying qualitative methods for assessing impacts of major projects in Canada(2024-06-17) Middel, Brendan; Spaling, Harry (Natural Resources Institute); Pope, Jenny (Integral Sustainability); Sinclair, JohnThe need for broader consideration of sustainability outcomes has been leading the discourse in the field of impact assessment during the twenty-first century. The ability of qualitative methods from the social sciences are being proposed as having the potential to integrate different types of knowledge in order to identify, explore, and assess impact pathways that address more social sustainability concerns around development such as values, culture, well-being, psychosocial impacts, rights, and cumulative effects. The purpose of this research was to explore how qualitative methods in the Canadian assessment context can contribute to this next generation of impact assessment. As such, my thesis undertakes to identify examples of qualitative methods being used in Canada and to explore how some of them are being applied in a case study context. It also identifies broad challenges and barriers to using qualitative methods and explores how these might be addressed using good practice. I employed semi-structured interviews with practitioners and document review from three proposed projects, the Teck Frontier Mine, BC Hydro’s Site C Clean Energy Project, and Benga’s Grassy Mountain Mine. I found that key qualitative methods being used in the Canadian context included interviews and focus groups. I found that there were important design considerations in IA for using qualitative methods, particularly in community-based research contexts, such as sampling, methods protocols, interpreting human experiences reflected in data, and qualitative data analysis. Key institutional challenges that limited the application of qualitative methods into assessment included formal institutional processes that struggled with integrating qualitative data, guidance on implementing, decision-making using qualitative data as evidence, and other logistical and political challenges. In conclusion, careful design, good guidance, and collaborative process are key to grounding qualitative methods to assessment and decision-making outcomes.
- ItemOpen AccessOptimization of mycelium bio-foam packaging design through drop test simulations and environmental impact assessment(2024-08-14) Zoungrana, Ali; Hausner, Georg (Microbiology); Lozecznik, Stanislaw (Civil Engineering); Yuan, QiuyanThe escalating demand for packaging materials, driven by the changes in consumptions patterns and e-commerce, has placed immense pressure on the environment. Traditionally dominated by plastic materials, the packaging industry is struggling with the material's detrimental environmental impacts, including resource depletion and persistent waste. This research explores the potential of mycelium-based bio-foam (MBF) as a promising eco-friendly substitute of foam packaging such as expanded polystyrene (EPS). A comprehensive market analysis revealed a growing public consciousness regarding plastic pollution and a corresponding desire for sustainable packaging solutions. While the potential of MBF was recognized, concerns about weight, cost, and environmental performance emerged as key barriers to widespread adoption. To address these challenges, this study focused on optimizing MBF design and assessing its overall environmental profile. Through finite element analysis (FEA) simulations of drop tests on a 32-inch flat-screen TV and a porcelain vase, the study evaluated the impact of MBF properties and design configurations on shock absorption performance. Results demonstrated MBF's ability to protect both products from damage under various impact scenarios. Optimization of MBF design parameters, such as thickness and configuration, proved crucial in achieving optimal protection while minimizing material usage. To comprehensively assess the environmental implications, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted comparing MBF to EPS foam packaging. While MBF exhibited higher transportation emissions due to its greater weight, the overall environmental impact was notably lower across the product lifecycle compared EPS. Factors such as biodegradability and reduced energy consumption during production contributed to MBF's superior environmental performance. This research highlights the potential of MBF as an alternative to traditional polystyrene packaging. However, to fully realize its commercial viability, continued research and development are essential to address challenges related to weight optimization, cost reduction, and large-scale production. By investing in these areas, the packaging industry can accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable future.