bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A thematic analysis of nursing students’ end-of-life knowledge
Authors: Susanna Edwards
Published: May 2021

Background: Nursing Associations recommend that undergraduate nursing programs integrate end-of-life content throughout their nursing curricula to address the needs of those requiring such care.

Objective: To determine the extent of nursing students' knowledge about end-of-life care in the final year of an undergraduate nursing program in Ontario, Canada.

Method: The content of reflective exercises written by 24 nursing students enrolled in an end-of-life elective were thematically analyzed, both at the beginning and end of a 12 week course.

Results: Results indicate that undergraduate nursing students’ end-of-life knowledge and experiences vary greatly. The overarching theme Duty of Care indicated that the students were motivated to take the course to fulfill a sense of professional responsibility. The sub-themes Assumptions and Experience (subdivided as Limited, Personal, and Professional) depicted students' initial and variable understanding of end-of-life care. Under the theme of Transferable Skills, the students’ range of knowledge and the competencies they gained from their clinical placements and the course were illustrated.

Conclusion: The study is expected to aid in curriculum review of a university's undergraduate nursing program.
Examining the Effect of Patient-Centered Care on Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fredericks Suzanne , Lapum Jennifer L. , Hui G.
Published: May 2021

Within patient-centered care (PCC), the individual is viewed as an active member of the healthcare team. While there has been recent interest in conducting systematic reviews to examine the effectiveness of PCC interventions, various studies fall short in explaining the type of intervention most effective in producing significant changes to desired outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the characteristics of PCC interventions that have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing the quality of care and performance of self-care behaviours. A systematic review of 40 studies that addressed PCC interventions, included samples over the age of 18 years, and were published between 1995 and 2014 was performed. Descriptive statistics were used to delineate study, participant, and intervention characteristics. Results suggest PCC-based interventions are not effective when delivered to individuals living with chronic illnesses.
“Feels like you’ve hit the lottery”: Assessing the implementation of a discovery layer tool at Ryerson University
Authors: Lundrigan Courtney , Manuel Kevin , Yan May
Published: May 2021

The research study was initiated to evaluate and assess the web-scale discovery (WSD) service Summon to coincide with its launch at Ryerson University Library in September 2011. The project utilized a mixed methods sequential explanatory strategy and applied an inductive analysis. Quantitative data was gathered with two online questionannaires, followed by a series of focus groups with students for the qualitative phase. The quantitative phase of the study collected over 6,200 survey responses (21% of the university population),  with over 420 students indicating interest in participating in a qualitative follow-up (6.7% of the respondents). The survey data showed that most undergraduate students rated Summon highly in ease of use; however, there was a lower satisfaction with the large quantity of, and relevance of search results. Additionally, partiticpants indicated that they used Summon in conjunction with other research tools, such as Google Scholar. In the qualitative phase, small focus groups consisted of a total of 13 participants, allowed the students to express their experiences with Summon in depth. The study has given insight into the role of Summon in terms of undergraduate information-seeking behaviour. Participant feedback revealed potential improvements for Summon at Ryerson and will be useful to other institutions either using or considering the use of similar products. Overall, the results from the study will help to infom Ryerson Library practice surrounding future direction in reference, instruction, and service promotion.
Longing for Recognition: The Joys, Complexities, and Contradictions of Practicing Dietetics
Authors: Gingras Jacqui
Published: May 2021

Longing for Recognition offers a radical new way of understanding nutritional health practices. In contemporary food culture, the work of dietitians has accrued new and urgent meaning, and Longing for Recognition is addressed to that group of practitioners. The author, herself a dietitian, crafts an autoethnographic fiction that presents a critical and thought-provoking argument for a more self-reflexive, relational, and embodied profession. Her compelling narrative draws the reader into its timely call for rethinking what counts as knowledge in dietetic education. Longing for Recognition will be invaluable for dietitians and other health care professionals who wish to enhance their practice as one that considers first and foremost what it means to be human. 

[Abstract information retrieved on Nov. 21, 2017 from http://www.ryerson.ca/~jgingras/longingforrecognition.htm]
Canadian midwives of colour history project
Authors: Wilson-Mitchell Karline , Lyaruu Tumaini
Published: May 2021

To document and understand the history of midwives of colour in Canada’s African diasporic communities during the 19th and
early 20th centuries. Including:
● Enslaved peoples

● Fugitives/refugees of slavery

● Black pioneers/unsettlers

● Loyalists

● New immigrants
A Case Study of the Ergonomic Consequences of Engineering Decisions
Authors: Neumann Patrick , Kihlberg S. , Medbo P. , Winkel Jorgen
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a case study of the ergonomic consequences of engineering change.  Within the context of a project to re-design an electronics assembly system a decision was made to automate transportation functions.   A manual batch-cart system was changed to a line-system with automatic conveyors. 
Who Needs a 'Killer App'? Two Perspectives on Content in Residential Broadband Networks
Authors: Middleton Catherine A.
Published: May 2021

This paper describes the deployment of a residential broadband network by relating two parallel but contrasting stories. Story 1 considers network providers' search for a killer application to drive demand for broadband networks, while Story 2 suggests that consumers have already found a killer application in e-mail and basic connectivity. It appears that residential broadband networks are currently being developed with a Story 1 perspective in mind. Story 2 should be assessed in the context of its historical persistence and significance. The implications for future development of residential broadband networks are considered when both stories are accepted as plausible.
The Canadian news directors study: demographics and political leanings of television decision makers
Authors: Barber Marsha
Published: May 2021

Abstract: This is the first academic study to attempt to understand more about the men and women who make key decisions in television newsrooms across Canada. The authors surveyed all television news directors across the country. The research reveals that, unlike in the United States, the voting patterns of news directors mirror those of the general Canadian population. It reveals that news directors are more secular than those in the general population. The research also uncovered significant demographic differences between CBC and private sector news directors. Finally, it suggests that women and ethnic minorities are dramatically underrepresented in senior positions.
Towards determining the effect of shallow depth horizontal ground loop clearance on the heat loss of a single family residential dwelling
Authors: Chen Felix
Published: May 2021

Using solar energy stored in the ground to preheat incoming fresh ventilation air with ground loops is a renewable energy system which is becoming more frequently used in new residential developments. The purpose of this research
was to examine the effect of ground loop to foundation wall clearance on building heat loss. Additionally, the thermal properties of the soil were examined to determine their impact on the ground loop’s effect on heat loss. A simulation
based research approach was conducted using HEAT3, which is a three-dimensional transient heat transfer software. This study found that ground loop clearance had a larger impact on building heat loss for areas with low thermal conductivity
soils than for areas with high thermal conductivity soils. On average, ground loop clearances of 10cm, 50cm, 100cm, and 200cm resulted in increased building heat losses of 20%-83%, 19%-55%, 16%-35%, and 12%-15% respectively.
'I am Deeply Sorry’: An Exploration of the Application of Apologetic Moves and Image Repair Strategies in the Celebrity Apology
Authors: Robibero Daniela
Published: May 2021

The apology is a component of post-crisis communication that has become a prominent subject of study (Slocum et al., 2011). Specifically, scholars agree that the proliferation of the official apology suggests that it is a genre of speech that is on the rise in the Western world (Wooten, 2009). While an extensive amount of literature on apology focuses on its use by organizations and political figures, little of it fails to address how celebrities apply the crisis response strategy to repair their reputation and/or restore relationships. For this reason, a qualitative content analysis rooted in a grounded theory approach was used to explore in what ways the celebrity apology conforms to or breaks the patterns of apology that have been established by scholars.
Fiber To The Home (FTTH) And Competition: Developments In The Netherlands & Canada
Authors: van Gorp Annemijn , Middleton Catherine A.
Published: May 2021

Fiber To The Home (FTTH) And Competition: Developments In The Netherlands & Canada
Optimizing a Test Method to Evaluate Resistance of Pervious Concrete to Cycles of Freezing and Thawing in the Presence of Different Deicing Salts
Authors: Tsang Chehong , Shehata Medhat , Lotfy Abdurrahmaan
Published: May 2021

The lack of a standard test method for evaluating the resistance of pervious concrete to cycles of freezing and thawing in the presence of deicing salts is the motive behind this study. Different sample size and geometry, cycle duration, and level of submersion in brine solutions were investigated to achieve an optimized test method. The optimized test method was able to produce different levels of damage when different types of deicing salts were used. The optimized duration of one cycle was found to be 24 h with twelve hours of freezing at −18 °C and twelve hours of thawing at +21 °C, with the bottom 10 mm of the sample submerged in the brine solution. Cylinder samples with a diameter of 100 mm and height of 150 mm were used and found to produce similar results to 150 mm-cubes. Based on the obtained results a mass loss of 3%–5% is proposed as a failure criterion of cylindrical samples. For the materials and within the cycles of freezing/thawing investigated here, the deicers that caused the most damage were NaCl, CaCl2 and urea, followed by MgCl2, potassium acetate, sodium acetate and calcium-magnesium acetate. More testing is needed to validate the effects of different deicers under long term exposures and different temperature ranges.
Photoacoustic Detection of Protein Coagulation in Albumen-based Phantoms
Authors: Castelino Robin F. , Whelan William M. , Kolios Michael
Published: May 2021

Photoacoustic tomography provides good optical contrast with high spatial resolution making it an attractive tool for noninvasive imaging. While the mechanical parameters of tissue affect the photoacoustic signal, the differences in optical absorption mainly determines the contrast between different media. In this work we investigate how the variation in optical and mechanical properties during laser-induced coagulation can be detected by changes in the amplitude and temporal characteristics of photoacoustic signals. Photoacoustic pressure profiles are investigated for tissue equivalent albumen phantoms exposed to varying thermal doses, simulating thermal coagulation. Illumination is performed using an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) fed by a Q-switched Nd:YAG pulsed laser to illuminate at multiple wavelengths. The results of the study demonstrate that photoacoustic signals are sensitive to changes in delivered thermal dose and, hence, photoacoustic imaging has potential as a non-invasive monitoring tool for thermal therapy.
Misfits, Balance, Requirements, and Systems: thoughts on Alexander's Notes on the Synthesis of Form.
Authors: Salustri Filippo A.
Published: May 2021

The author examines the notion of misfit as presented by Christopher Alexander in his book Notes on the Synthesis of Form. We argue that from the point of view of our current understanding of design, the approach is flawed, but not flawed beyond use. In fact, the core concept of misfit, and how misfits can be addressed, remain as important to design today as when Alexander wrote about them. In this paper, a number of flaws are identified and explored. Subsequently, a new approach, which the author calls a balanced systems approach, is sketched. This approach preserves the intent and core of Alexander’s work, while addressing the identified flaws. The main contribution of this paper is to indicate the shortcomings of Alexander’s approach, but only for the sake of refining it and ensuring it remains relevant and useful.
Keywords: Misfit, requirement, balance, system, Christopher Alexander, synthesis, function, form
Living with Precarious Legal Status in Canada: Implications for the Well-Being of Children and Families
Authors: Bernhard Judith K. , Goldring Luin , Young Julie , Berinstein Carolina , Wilson Beth
Published: May 2021

This study focused on the effects of precarious status on the well-being of fifteen participants with particular attention to their attempts to claim services, their feelings of be-longing and sense of social support, and the effects of parents’ status on children. It investigates ways in which the status of one family member can affect the well-being of the entire family. Those who had children reported that the family’s status disadvantaged their children, whether they were Canadian or foreign-born, as parents’ status was used to justify denying children rights to which they are entitled by international, national, and provincial laws. The paper challenges approaches to citizenship and immigration status that fail to consider the implications of legal status for a person’s primary social units and networks
What If There Is No Killer Application? An Exploration of a User-Centric Perspective on Broadband
Authors: Middleton Catherine A.
Published: May 2021

This paper explores user and provider experiences with broadband networks. Drawing on data from an early broadband trial and from recent studies of consumer broadband usage, the validity of the commonly held view that widespread adoption of broadband is dependent upon the development of a killer application is challenged. It is argued that access to broadband can be valuable for users without the provision of a killer application and that the dynamics of broadband development are shifting. As more users become content creators and distributors and as it becomes easier for consumers to establish broadband networks without help from traditional providers, the existing relationships within the broadband industry will change. Broadband researchers and stakeholders in the development of broadband networks are encouraged to explore and understand the implications of these changes, recognizing that there is much to be learned about deploying broadband in ways that will create the broad societal benefits promised by its promoters.
Quiet Racism: Examining Gendered Orientalism Within Canadian Newspaper Editorial Coverage of the 2012 New Delhi Gang Rape
Authors: Singh Ramanjeet
Published: May 2021

This study employs Edward Said’s theory of Orientalism and Norman Fairclough’s three-part model of Critical Discourse Analysis in order to analyze The Globe and Mail, The National Post and Toronto Star’s editorial coverage of the New Delhi Gang Rape that occurred on December 16, 2012 in New Delhi, India. Through a conceptual framework using Michel Foucault, Stuart Hall and Edward Said’s seminal work of Orientalism, this paper highlights the key discursive strategies through which residual elements of imperialist ideology shape Canadian editorial discourse about the Delhi Gang Rape. The purpose of this MRP is to give closer attention to the way media represent events like the rape case, and the meanings and these representations have on molding Western views on gender and gender roles in the non-Western World.
When an inefficient firm makes higher profit than its efficient rival
Authors: Sen Debapriya , Stamatopoulos Giorgos
Published: May 2021

When an inefficient firm makes higher profit than its efficient rival
Examining Twitter as a Corporate Tool for Social Engagement
Authors: Tulley Laura
Published: May 2021

Twitter is an increasingly popular and widely used microblogging tool that limits messages to 140 characters for the purpose of information sharing with a group of voluntary followers. This research paper examines Twitter through a corporate communication lens to better understand how one company adapted Twitter as a means of engaging stakeholders and creating a community of shared knowledge. Using genre analysis as a theoretical frame, Twitter is investigated as a communicative strategy that encompasses a highly recognizable structure and style of text to serve a distinct purpose. Principles of corporate communication strategy that aim to motivate and inform a target audience were found to be reflected in the way Twitter was utilized to connect with stakeholders using calls to action, a consistent textual strategy using Twitterʼs unique language that is used to engage with followers. This research study finds and discusses Twitterʼs function as a useful means for engaging stakeholders and disseminating corporate information that encourages social action and participation. Information sharing is Twitterʼs primary purpose, allowing a company to improve public perception and the growth and maintenance of relationships with the public.
The attribution of meaning and emotion to song lyrics
Authors: Russo Frank , Thompson William F
Published: May 2021

We examined the effect of music on the interpretation of song lyrics. Listeners were presented with sung lyrics, spoken lyrics, or written poetry, and judged the text for emotional valence and meaningfulness. Experiment 1 revealed that for some songs music influenced whether lyrics were interpreted as conveying a positive or negative message. Experiment 2 showed that for familiar music, sung lyrics were judged as more meaningful than the same lyrics presented as spoken text, suggesting that personal associations or other significance implied by familiar music are attributed to the accompanying lyrics. In Experiment 3, repeated exposure to unfamiliar songs led to an increase in the perceived meaningfulness of the lyrics. We raise the possibility that music and lyrics become represented in an increasingly integrated manner with increased exposure and familiarity, allowing greater cross-talk between the two media.
Exploring the synergistic relationship between research and teaching
Authors: Fredericks Suzanne
Published: May 2021

Even though the relationship between teaching and research has been examined extensively over the past decade, and a number of published articles and seminar based workshops exist (Hattie and Marsh, 1996) ; there continues to be a disconnect in the application and integration of these two concepts in the academic setting. This difficulty may be due to the perception that teaching and research are two separate entities that need to be fitted together
(Boyer 1990). An alternative approach to understanding these two concepts is to envision them as one entity consisting of two components that feed off of each other. That is, as academics, our goal is to engage in a single entity identified as scholarly activities. These activities should present themselves as an amalgamation of teaching
and research. To have a scholarly presence, an academic must not only be competent in both areas, but must consistently demonstrate the relationship between their teaching and research throughout their tenure. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of strategies academics can consider as they continue to refine and develop their program of scholarship. A summary of the relationship between teaching and research will be provided, followed by a presentation of various methods that can enhance the teaching and research
relationship both within and outside of the classroom environment.
Socio-demographics and health profile: Influence on self-care.
Authors: Fredericks Suzanne , Sidani Souraya
Published: May 2021

Variability in the performance of self-care behaviours have been reported in the cardiovascular surgical population. Theoretical evidence suggest that demographic characteristics and health profile influence patients’ engagement in self-care behaviours. However, the influence of these variables on performance of self-care has not been examined. The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental study was to determine how much variance in performance of self-care behaviours is accounted for by demographic characteristics, as well as the health profile of patients who underwent heart surgery. Data from a sample of 248 study participants, recruited from two cardiovascular surgical units, were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample on demographics and health profile, while multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between variables. Findings suggest these factors have a minimal influence on self-care behaviour performance. Alternative factors influencing self-care behaviour performance were identified along with implications for future nursing practice.
Spatial Correlation of Flow Induced Temperature Gradients During Tissue Heating with Vascular Geometry using CT Angiography: Implications for Thermal Therapy
Authors: Kolios Michael C. , Sherar Michael D. , Worthington A. E. , Holdsworth D. W. , Hunt J. W.
Published: May 2021

Spatial Correlation of Flow Induced Temperature Gradients During Tissue Heating with Vascular Geometry using CT Angiography: Implications for Thermal Therapy
The Other Mobile TV: ATSC MDTV Broadcasting In Canada
Authors: May Steven James , Middleton Catherine A.
Published: May 2021

This commentary describes an approach for delivering television content to mobile phones in Canada using over-the-air broadcast signals. Over-the-air television broadcasting to mobile phones is available to our American neighbours but has not been implemented in Canada. We report on a test of mobile TV services, demonstrating access to U.S. signals from Canada. While it is technically feasible to deliver over-the-air mobile broadcasting in Canada, it is likely that vertical integration in the broadcasting and communications sectors is creating barriers to the development of this service. The commentary concludes with some thoughts on how mobile digital television services could be developed for Canadian viewers.
Equality, Justice and the Problem of International Borders
Authors: Bauder Harald
Published: May 2021

I examine the legitimacy of immigration controls in the context of Canada and this country’s restrictive immigration policies. Despite the fundamental, philosophical arguments against immigration restrictions, the necessity of immigration controls is rarely questioned in Canadian politics. In this paper I suggest that there is an incredible cynicism of Canadian immigration policies with respect to this country’s own political principles. The idea of international migration controls is neither sustainable from a larger liberal-theory perspective nor a political-economy viewpoint. I suggest that geographers should imagine alternatives to the current systems of immigration control and the regulation of the international movement of people.
Virtual identity: applying narrative theory to online character development
Authors: Yumansky Stephanie
Published: May 2021

This paper will explore the realm of virtual identity within the context of the online virtual world, Second Life. The creation of virtual identities involves the complex process of constructing an online self-presentation. With the prevalence of online forums and virtual reality, ordinary people are crafting identities online and digressing from their actual identities in real life. In order to explain this phenomenon, I draw on narrative theory’s conceptualization of character in order to understand how people craft online identities.
Green roofs in building retrofits: outdoor microclimate benefits and energy savings
Authors: Furukawa Melissa Ann
Published: May 2021

The impact of green roof retrofits on the local microclimate and energy consumption of a building is investigated. This research is based on a case study of Kerr Hall located on the Ryerson University campus in Toronto. The software ENVI-met is used to simulate the microclimate while EnergyPlus is used for the building energy analysis. Results indicate that increasing the leaf area index (LAI) of the green roof leads to increased cooling effect up to 0.4 degrees C during the day at pedestrian-level; however, more significant cooling is attained at the rooftop-level. The addition of the green roof reduced both the heating and cooling demands and improved indoor comfort levels. Energy demand reductions up to 3% were obtained with the green roof retrofits with the biggest contribution form from reduction in heating on the top floor. Increasing the soil depth had a larger impact on the energy consumption compared to increasing the LAI.
Understanding Internet Usage Among Broadband Households: A Study of Household Internet Use Survey Data
Authors: Middleton Catherine A. , Ellison Jonathan
Published: May 2021

For more than a decade, the Government of Canada promoted strategies to enable Canadians to become participants in the information society (Government of Canada 1999, Government On-Line Advisory Panel 2003, Industry Canada 1994). As part of these strategies, it was recommended that broadband1 Internet access be made available to all Canadian households (National Broadband Task Force 2001), but there are still many unserved and underserved areas in the country (CRACIN 2005). Although many provincial initiatives are making progress in extending broadband coverage (e.g. Alberta SuperNet 2005; CommunityNet 2006; Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs 2007), and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has ordered an expansion of broadband services in regional areas (CRTC 2008) broadband services are still not yet available to all Canadians.
Can Broadband Support Environmental Sustainability? An Exploration of Claims at the Household Level
Authors: Middleton Catherine A.
Published: May 2021

This paper looks at the ways in which broadband networks can support sustainability, focusing on the actions of individual consumers in Australia. It centres on the arguments that broadband can be used to substitute physical products with digital ones, and to substitute physical activities (like travel) with digital ones (like videoconferencing and telework). Data on current broadband availability, uptake and usage in Australia are presented. The idea that broadband technologies are currently taken up in ways that encourage sustainable action is challenged, noting that average users are not yet sufficiently interested in, or comfortable with broadband technologies to act in ways that enable sustainability. Recognising that broadband networks do have the potential to encourage sustainability at the household level, the paper identifies current constraints and offers some suggestions on mitigating them.
The Impact of Changes to the CEC Program on International Students
Authors: Bauder Harald
Published: May 2021

Acknowledgements
This study, produced on behalf of Global Orient Vision, would not have been possible without the support and guidance of Harald Bauder, Howard Lin, and Hannah Kovacs from Ryerson University, Robert Vineberg, and all those who have offered us a helping hand.

Introduction
Canada has long been known for its openness and diversity. Throughout history, immigration has been a key part of Canada’s growth and development. Globalization has enabled Canada to attract the best and brightest in an effort to diversify and improve the workforce and society as a whole. This trend precipitated the introduction of the “Canadian Experience Class” (CEC) in 2008. The CEC allows applicants with sufficient language skills, a Canadian post-secondary degree, and one year of Canadian work experience to access a relatively straightforward route to permanent residency (Citizenship and Immigration Canada, 2008).
“The Ayn Rand School for Tots”: John Dewey, Maria Montessori, and Objectivist Educational Philosophy during the Postwar Years
Authors: Reid Jason
Published: May 2021

Objectivism, the libertarian philosophy established by Ayn Rand during the postwar years, has attracted a great deal of attention from philosophers, political scientists, economists, and English professors alike in recent years, but it hasn’t received much notice from historians with an interest in education. This article will address that problem by discussing how Rand and her followers established a philosophy of education during the 1960s and 1970s that was based, in part, on vilifying the so-called collectivist ideas of John Dewey and lionizing the so-called individualist ideas of Maria Montessori. Unfortunately, the narrative that emerged during this time seriously misrepresented the ideas of both Dewey and Montessori, resulting in a somewhat distorted view of both educators
Water-in-water droplets by passive microfluidic flow focusing
Authors: Moon Byeong-Ui , Abbasi Niki , Jones Steven G. , Hwang Dae Kun , Tsai Scott
Published: May 2021

We present a simple microfluidic system that generates water-in-water, aqueous two phase system (ATPS) droplets, by passive flow focusing. ATPS droplet formation is achieved by applying weak hydrostatic pressures, with liquid-filled pipette tips as fluid columns at the inlets, to introduce low speed flows to the flow focusing junction.
To control the size of the droplets, we systematically vary the interfacial tension and viscosity of the ATPS fluids, and adjust the fluid column height at the fluid inlets. The size of the droplets scales with a power-law of the ratio of viscous stresses in the two ATPS phases. Overall, we find a drop size coefficient of variation (CV; i.e. polydispersity) of about 10 %. We also find that when drops form very close to the flow focusing junction, the drops have CV of less than 1 %. Our droplet generation method is easily scalable: we demonstrate a parallel system that generates droplets simultaneously, and improves the droplet production rate by up to one order-of-magnitude. Finally, we
show the potential application of our system for encapsulating cells in water-in-water emulsions, by encapsulating microparticles and cells. To the best of our knowledge, our microfluidic technique is the first that forms low interfacial tension ATPS droplets without applying external perturbations. We anticipate that this simple approach
will find utility in drug and cell delivery applications because of the all-biocompatible nature of the water-in-water ATPS environment.
The New Regulatory Regime for Social Enterprises in Canada: Potential Impacts on Nonprofit Growth and Sustainability
Authors: Pauline O'Connor
Published: May 2021

Social enterprises are organizations that operate in the marketplace as a business, but pursue social, cultural, environmental or societal goals. Since the concept of ‘social enterprise’ first emerged 30 years ago (DeFourny & Nyssens 2010), the term has come to be applied to a group of widely hetero0genous organizations. However, they all sit at the junction of the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Some of the types of organizations now called social enterprises existed well before the term ‘social enterprise’ was conceived – Canada’s Canadian Goodwill Industries, for example. Increasingly, however, the group of new and old organizations that blend business with social goals is being seen as a distinct new “identifiable and viable organizational form” (Elson & Hall 2010).

Keywords: CVSS, Centre for Voluntary Sector Studies, Working Paper Series,TRSM, Ted Rogers School of Management

Citation:
Converging on an NBN future: Content, connectivity, and control – a symposium overview
Authors: Middleton Catherine A. , Allen Matthew
Published: May 2021

In October 2012 the University of Canberra’s Faculty of Arts and Design hosted a public symposium on the topic of “Converging on an NBN Future: Content, Connectivity, and Control.” Featuring thirteen speakers from industry, government and academia, with input from an engaged audience, the symposium raised and discussed a variety of critical questions relating to the National Broadband Network (NBN) as it commences widespread operations in Australia. This paper provides an overview of symposium presentations, organised around common themes, and concludes with a summary of recommendations that emerged from the insights of presenters and the audience. While the symposium participants recognise the potential for change in the scope and scale of the NBN2 once the next federal parliamentary election has been concluded, discussion at the symposium focused on the current vision for the network, as a wholesale-only, open-access network providing fibre-optic cable connectivity to 93% of Australian premises, with the remaining 7% to be served by fixed wireless or satellite connectivity (Wong and Conroy 2010). At the time of the symposium the reference document guiding the development of the NBN was the 2012-2015 Corporate Plan (NBN Co Limited 2012). The government’s vision for realising the benefits of the National Broadband Network is set out in the 2011 National Digital Economy Strategy (Australian Government 2011).
Argumentation Mapping in Collaborative Spatial Decision Making
Authors: Rinner Claus
Published: May 2021

Collaboration and decision-making of humans usually entails logical reasoning that is expressed through discussions and individual arguments. Where collaborative work uses geo-spatial information and where decision-making has a spatial connotation, argumentation will include geographical references. Argumentation maps have been developed to support geographically referenced discussions and provide a visual access to debates in domains such as urban planning. The concept of argumentation maps provides for explicit links between arguments and the geographic objects they refer to. These geo-argumentative relations do not only allow for cartographic representation of arguments, but also support the querying of both, space and discussion. Combinations of spatial queries and retrieval of linked arguments provide a powerful way of analyzing and summarizing the current state of a debate. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the original argumentation model and we discuss related research and application development. We also link argumentation mapping to related concepts in geographic visualization, spatial decision support systems, and public participation GIS under the umbrella of collaborative GIS.
 Geographic Information Systems, Public Participation GIS, Collaborative GIS, Spatial
Decision Support Systems, Argumentation Maps, Spatial Planning, User Interface.
Inclusive City Building: Public Engagement Processes in the GTA
Authors: Grewal Taranjeet Kaur
Published: May 2021

Cities are changing yet planning policies are not keeping up with these changes. The migration of diverse individuals is a reality, yet planners are not considering how city building can be made more inclusive for these groups. This paper aims to answer the question, how can public engagement processes be more inclusive for immigrant and racialized communities? A literature review and analysis of policies for selected municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area is conducted and it is determined most policies and vision statements are too broad. The policies in place do not cater to immigrant and racialized groups however this can be rectified through creating engagement master plans and empowering the public to take part in the public planning process.
Key Words: public engagement, diversity, immigration, racialized groups, GTA
Support during pregnancy for women at increased risk of low birthweight babies
Authors: Fredericks Suzanne
Published: May 2021

Background: Studies consistently show a relationship between social disadvantage and low birthweight. Many countries have programs offering special assistance to women thought to be at risk for giving birth to a low birthweight infant. These programs may include advice and counseling (about nutrition, rest, stress management, alcohol and recreational drug use), tangible assistance (e.g., transportation to clinic appointments, help with household responsibilities), and emotional support. The programs may be delivered by multidisciplinary teams of health professionals, by specially trained lay workers, or by a combination of lay and professional workers.
Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of programs offering additional social support for pregnant women who are believed to be at risk for giving birth to preterm or low birthweight babies.
Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (March 2009).
Selection criteria: Randomized trials of additional support during at-risk pregnancy by either a professional (social worker, midwife, or nurse) or specially trained lay person, compared to routine care. Additional support was defined as some form of emotional support (e.g., counseling, reassurance, sympathetic listening) and information or advice or both, either in home visits or during clinic appointments, and could include tangible assistance (e.g., transportation to clinic appointments, assistance with the care of other children at home).
Data collection and analysis: We independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Double data entry was performed. We contacted study authors to request additional information.
Results: Eighteen trials, involving 12,658 women, were included. The trials were generally of good to excellent quality, although three used an allocation method likely to introduce bias. Programs offering additional social support for at-risk pregnant women were not associated with improvements in any perinatal outcomes, but there was a reduction in the likelihood of caesarean birth and an increased likelihood of elective termination of pregnancy. Some improvements in immediate maternal psychosocial outcomes were found in individual trials.
Authors' conclusions: Pregnant women need the support of caring family members, friends, and health professionals. While programs which offer additional support during pregnancy are unlikely to prevent the pregnancy from resulting in a low birthweight or preterm baby, they may be helpful in reducing the likelihood of caesarean birth.
Foreign Direct Investment and the Choice of Environmental Policy
Authors: Missios Paul , Yildiz Halis , Ferrara Ida
Published: May 2021

We use a simple two-country oligopoly model of intra-industry trade to examine the implications of foreign direct investment for the pollution haven hypothesis and environmental policy. Countries which lower environmental standards to be more competitive in world markets generate pollution havens if environmental policy is exogenous. However, if FDI is a viable option as a mode of entry, profit-shifting considerations weaken in favour of environmental considerations and FDI recipients tighten environmental policy, reducing incentives to relocate production. Interestingly, when countries are sufficiently similar in their environmental awareness, "grey" countries can become greener than originally "green" countries but firms in the latter still engage in FDI in the former, in spite of the stricter standard they face, in order to level the playing field. We derive conditions under which FDI-receiving countries have incentives to manipulate their environmental standards to prevent or attract FDI, potentially eliminating or creating pollution havens.
Cross-Coupled Contouring Control of Multi-DOF Robotic Manipulator
Authors: Ouyang Puren , Hu Yuqi , Yue Wenhui , Liu Deshun
Published: May 2021

Reduction of contour error is a very important issue for high precise contour tracking applications, and many control systems were proposed to deal with contour tracking problems for two/three axial translational motion systems. However, there is no research on cross-coupled contour tracking control for serial multi-DOF robot manipulators. In this paper, the contouring control of multi-DOF serial manipulators is developed for the first time and a new cross-coupled PD (CC-PD) control law is proposed, based on contour errors of the end-effector and tracking errors of the joints. It is a combination of PD control for trajectory tracking at joint level and PD control for contour tracking at the end-effector level. The contour error of the end-effector is transformed to the equivalent tracking errors of the joints using the Jacobian regulation, and the CC-PD control law is implemented in the joint level. Stability analysis of the proposed CC-PD control system is conducted using the Lyapunov method, followed by some simulation studies for linear and nonlinear contour tracking to verify the effectiveness of the proposed CC-PD control system.
Fiber to the home unbundling and retail competition: developments in the Netherlands
Authors: van Gorp Annemijn , Middleton Catherine A.
Published: May 2021

This study provides preliminary insights into how fiber to the home (FTTH) networks affect competition in the broadband Internet access market, and how, and if, competition on FTTH networks can be sustained. This study focuses on the Netherlands, a fast growing FTTH market with regulation mandating unbundling. Even though it is too early to paint a full picture of developments in the competitive landscape, initial findings suggest that rollout of FTTH has positive short-term effects on facilities-based competition.
However, the extent to which competition on FTTH networks will develop at both the active operator and retail level remains unclear at this point. Additional uncertainties regarding the future of facilities-based competition suggest continued close monitoring of the market is necessary. Future research should address the extent to which competition
at the active and retail level affect innovation.
Are Users Up to Speed? The Demand Side of Sustainable Broadband
Authors: Middleton Catherine A.
Published: May 2021

Presentation to the Green ICT: Learning to be Sustainable with Computers and Broadband Workshop, Canberra, November 2008.
Philo’s Argument for Divine Amorality Reconsidered
Authors: Kraay Klaas
Published: May 2021

A central tactic in Philo’s criticism of the design argument is the introduction of several alternative hypotheses, each of which is alleged to explain apparent design at least as well as Cleanthes’ analogical inference to an intelligent designer. In Part VI, Philo proposes that the world “…is an animal, and the Deity is the soul of the world, actuating it, and actuated by it” (DNR 6.3; 171); in Part VII, he suggests that “…it is a palpable and egregious partiality” to favour reason as a probable cause of apparent design over other principles such as instinct, generation, vegetation, and “…a hundred others which lie open to our conjecture” (DNR 7.11; 178); and in Part VIII, he offers an ‘Epicurean’ hypothesis according to which the appearance of design is due to matter itself. It is widely agreed that by the end of Part VIII, Philo has convincingly shown that the empirical evidence considerably underdetermines the conclusion Cleanthes purported it to establish. Philo, at any rate, declares a sceptical triumph: “A total suspense of judgement is here our only reasonable resource” (DNR 8.12; 186-7). Philo’s swift argument for divine amorality at the end of Part XI contrasts markedly with this scepticism. Here, Philo reasons with great confidence concerning what he takes to be the (only) four hypotheses concerning the morality of the first cause(s) of the universe: divine benevolence, divine malevolence, Manicheeism, and divine amorality. He argues briefly against the first, summarily rejects the second and third, and declares with apparent sincerity that “[t]he true conclusion is, that the original source of all things is entirely indifferent to all these principles, and has no more regard to good above ill than to heat above cold, or to drought above moisture, or to light above heavy” (DNR 11.15; 212). I first discuss Philo’s argument for divine amorality, and I distinguish it from his earlier criticisms of any inference from mundane data to divine benevolence. In Section 2, I diagnose deficiencies in two contrary interpretations of the argument for divine amorality. In Section 3, I offer three reasons for rejecting the surface meaning of this argument. In Section 4, I reveal Philo’s argument to be a sophisticated parody of both Cleanthes’ natural theology and his appeal to the passional influence of the design hypothesis. Philo, I argue, does not intend to show that the Deity is probably amoral; rather, he intends to show Cleanthes – by literally arguing with him “in his own way” (DNR 2.11; 145) – that the tools of Cleanthes’ ‘experimental theism’ can equally be wielded in service of a wholly incompatible view.
Questions About 'Next Gen' Broadband Inspired by Australia's NBN
Authors: Middleton Catherine A.
Published: May 2021

Questions About 'Next Gen' Broadband Inspired by Australia's NBN
Women's voluntary organizations are different: their response to shifts in Canadian policy
Authors: Meinhard Agnes G. , Foster Mary K.
Published: May 2021

[Paragraph 1 of Introduction]: Although women make up more then half of Canada’s volunteers, and a large number of voluntary organizations are exclusively female, there has been little research focussing on women’s voluntary organizations. The purpose of this study is to correct this neglect by surveying 351 women’s voluntary organizations (as defined in the Methods section), and comparing them to 294 voluntary organizations that do not fall into the category of women’s organizations. Specifically, we investigate the responses of these voluntary organizations to the changes wrought by the neo-conservative political philosophy that has replaced the social democratic liberalism of the post-war era (see McBride and Shields, 1997).

Keywords: CVSS, Centre for Voluntary Sector Studies, Working Paper Series,TRSM, Ted Rogers School of Management

Citation: