FGS - Electronic Theses and Practica
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This collection contains University of Manitoba electronic theses and practica.
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- ItemEmbargo“We need to fight and have a battle every day!": queer perceptions of peacebuilding and activism in Bosnia and Herzegovina(2024-06-21) Yavuz, Mehmet; Senehi, Jessica (Peace and Conflict Studies); Mizzi, Robert (Education); Cooper, Robin (Conflict Resolution Studies, Nova Southeastern University); Byrne, SeanThis research uses critical qualitative methods to discuss the untold stories of LGBTQIA+ Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs in Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) after the Bosnian war in 1995. The qualitative research aims to examine the impacts of the violent conflict on queer individuals, as well as explore their experiences of peace activism and coping with homophobia in a country where queer communities face a heightened risk of homophobia. The data were analyzed using a set of procedures including description, coding, and interpretation of transcripts and field notes. Direct and indirect violence, along with discriminatory policies and practices, have led to a resurgence of conflict and violence against queer people in BiH. This study investigated queer people’s perceptions and experiences of peacebuilding in BiH and the political queer presence there after the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA). It also explored the activism strategies of queer Bosniaks/Serbs/Croats residing in BiH, which they employ as part of a collective movement to improve the conditions of community members’ conditions to help them cope with violence directed at queer people. The research findings showed that there are interrelated everyday violent acts that disrupt queer people’s way of living. The current structural issues that impact them range from the constitution, Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA), and Two Schools Under One Roof policy to intergenerational trauma that prevent people from reconciling and coexisting in an already dysfunctional system that was created by the DPA in post-accord BiH. The research findings also suggest that the political institutions supported by the international community have institutionalized ethnosectarian politics and divisions in BiH, which puts everyone, specifically queer people, in danger of everyday homophobia violence.
- ItemOpen AccessImproving protocols and miner strategies for modern cryptocurrencies(2024-04-30) Quinteiro dos Santos, Saulo; Akcora, Cuneyt (Computer Science); Arora, Sandeep (Marketing); Deters, Ralph (University of Saskatchewan); Thulasiram, Ruppa; Kamali, ShahinBitcoin, envisioned as a decentralized currency, facilitates secure micro-payments through a distributed consensus and ensures security via its widespread network. However, prioritizing security and decentralization imposes constraints on performance. My thesis explores strategies to boost the blockchain's throughput and performance alongside improving miners' financial incentives. We analyze the effects of increasing block size on throughput and security and how strategic transaction selection by miners before mining can elevate fee collection. We introduce a novel transaction-selection strategy that produces high-quality blocks more efficiently by avoiding traditional sorting and examining the benefits of regularly updating transaction sets to maximize fees. Additionally, we assess the Lightning Network's impact on reducing blockchain load and transaction costs and its potential to lower miners' fee revenues and profits. This study balances the Lightning Network's adoption and integration with third-layer applications to mitigate transaction migration from the blockchain. This thesis contributes to blockchain scalability and efficiency, presenting new transaction selection and block formation strategies that enhance network performance and miners' incentives. It also navigates the economic implications of the Lightning Network, offering a nuanced view of its effects on the blockchain ecosystem.
- ItemOpen AccessExperiences of resilience among Indigenous and newcomer students in Winnipeg high schools and CEDA(2024-06-21) Makinde, Sharifat; Migone, Javier (Community Health Sciences); Van Bewer, Vanessa (Nursing); Hatala, AndrewThere continue to be disparities in education access for Indigenous and newcomer youth across Canada. Indigenous and newcomer youth often encounter unique challenges in educational settings, including racism, bullying, cultural alienation, and inappropriate school curricula. Despite these obstacles, Indigenous and newcomer youth demonstrate resilience and thrive in academic environments. Studies examining the factors contributing to their success and resilience are limited. There is a need to understand these dynamics better to create meaningful interventions that support Indigenous and newcomer youth's experience and success in high school. The Circle of Courage® is a resilience framework rooted in Native American cultures, and experiencing its components enhances positive youth development. This project aimed to explore how the Indigenous and newcomer youth at the Community Education Development Association (CEDA) experienced the Circle of Courage® and related to youth's goals, resilience, and wellness. Nineteen youth participating in the CEDA Pathways to Education program were purposively recruited for the study. Data collection involved one sharing circle with seven participants and eighteen in-depth interviews, allowing for the collection of rich narratives. The findings indicate that Indigenous and newcomer youth experience the Circle of Courage® to varying degrees within school environments, with CEDA promoting its components to a greater extent. Particularly, the Circle of Courage® enhanced positive learning experiences and fostered wellness, resilience, and future orientation among youth. Belonging emerged as the cornerstone of the Circle of Courage®. The study underscored the pivotal role of personal connections and relationships, both within school and at CEDA, in promoting resilience and wellness among youth. It also highlighted CEDA Pathways as an afterschool program that completed learning education and offered additional support where schools may fall short. Notably, the project identified strong similarities between Indigenous and newcomer youth in their experiences related to the Circle of Courage® components, suggesting this framework's universality. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting that the Circle of Courage® may be applicable to youth of different backgrounds and can be a valuable tool for promoting positive learning experiences, resilience, and wellness among youth in academic settings.
- ItemOpen AccessThe International Joint Commission (IJC): an exploration of its fit as a binational commission(2024-06-24) Dion, Jay; Rounce, Andrea (Political Studies); Fergusson, James (Political Studies); Charron , AndreaThe signing of the Boundary Waters Treaty (BWT) in 1909 between Canada and the United States established the International Joint Commission (IJC). The main responsibilities of the IJC are to evaluate projects that affect water level and flows across the borders, and to investigate transboundary issues and provide possible solutions. One of the main attributes of the IJC is that, in theory, it is binational. A binational agreement means that Canada and the United States work together on common issues rather than on separate problems along national preferences. The IJC has been studied by many scholars, however, they mainly focus on its history, functions, and activities. A weakness in the literature is the lack of attention to the commission and binational nature of IJC. It is generally assumed that the IJC is a binational commission without evaluating whether or not it meets the requirements of a binational commission. To investigate this gap in the literature, this thesis asks: is the IJC truly a binational joint commission? To assess the question, this thesis draws on existing literature to analyze the characteristics of the IJC and employs two case studies: the Zosel Dam applications and the Garrison Diversion Unit (GDU) reference which provides a good test of the IJC’s commission and binational status. Ultimately, this thesis concludes that the IJC is indeed a binational commission. Given that environmental and economic uncertainties are growing in the world and even allies, American and Canadian policy analysts and decision-makers should look to the IJC’s binational mechanisms to develop mutually acceptable solutions to water border issues.
- ItemOpen AccessPerspectives on HIV care and support services for African, Caribbean, and Black women living with HIV in Winnipeg, Manitoba(2024-06-13) Njeze, Chinyere; Mignone, Javier (Community Health Sciences); Woodgate, Roberta (Nursing); Logie, Carmen (University of Toronto); Hatala, AndrewAbstract: Introduction: African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) women in Manitoba are overrepresented in HIV infections relative to other racial groups. Yet, there are no community-based or participatory studies that have explored the stories of these women. The goal of this study was to explore how ACB women living with HIV in Winnipeg experience care and support to call attention to their lived realities, including highlighting the historical and cultural oppressions. Methods: Study participants were ACB women living with HIV (n=10) in Winnipeg, as well as healthcare staff (n=12). The qualitative research design was informed by critical race and feminist theoretical frameworks, incorporating intersectionality and constructivist grounded theory methodology for data generation, organization, and analysis. This study was also community-based and collaborated with several HIV-focused clinics in Winnipeg. The study focused on providing insight and developing a theoretical lens into the experiences of HIV care and support by HIV-positive ACB women through in-depth, semi-structured face-to-face and phone interviews. Results: Study findings revealed the specific life histories and themes of ACB women in Winnipeg, particularly highlighting trauma that informs and shapes their experiences. ACB women with HIV in Winnipeg and their care staff also expressed a lack of cultural care and support, how ACB women bear multiple loads, face language problems, experience long waiting times, and do not feel welcomed, including dealing with the cost of HIV medication. Findings show that the difficulties ACB women face involve multiple intersecting forms of oppression within social and health services and are at various levels. At the same time, ACB women commit to using HIV care, self-accepting their HIV-positive identity, connecting with religion and spirituality, and creating a stronger sense of themselves in order to live well with their condition. Implications: This study generates new knowledge and understanding of the experiences of ACB women living with HIV in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Study participants indicated a demand for consideration of the holistic needs of ACB women, which may include their cultural, linguistic, religious, and racial or ethnic characteristics. Stories from these women can inform future public health practices and interventions regarding HIV care and support in Winnipeg and across Canada.