UVicSpace | Institutional Repository
UVicSpace is the University of Victoria’s open access scholarship and learning repository. It preserves and provides access to the digital scholarly works of UVic faculty, students, staff, and partners. Items in UVicSpace are organized into collections, each belonging to a community.
For more information about depositing items, see the Submission Guidelines.
Recent Submissions
The integration index: using GIS to interpret the residential structure of Vancouver, British Columbia
(2001) Buck, Ian David; McCann, L. D.
The study of residential differentiation in Canadian cities since the Second World War has relied on the use of the Segregation Index and the Dissimilarity Index to measure the degree of residential differentiation in a city. The calculation of these indices relies on the aggregation of data by a pre-defined areal unit, most typically city wards or census traces. Much scholarly work has questioned the ability of these indices to adequately interpret spatial patterns, particularly because of the impact of the size of areal units on results. This thesis considers residential differentiation based on point data, that is, the precise residential location of people. These data are drawn from the manuscript records of the 1901 Census of Canada. Vancouver, British Columbia, is the case study. The analysis found chat in certain situations the Segregation and Dissimilarity indices were indeed difficult to interpret; and chat contrary to findings reported in the residential differentiation literature, there was much social integration in Vancouver when occupational class, ethnic group, and family type variables were examined. To better understand this mixing or intermingling in residential neighbourhoods, a new index - called the Integration Index - was devised. This index measures the average minimum distance between individuals in two groups of people, employing ArcView GIS software. When used in combination with the Segregation and Dissimilarity indices, the Integration Index furthers our comprehensive analysis of the spatial arrangement of people.
Adherence to a mental skill training program through self monitoring and contractual agreement
(1993) Bock, Susan; Howe, Bruce L.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of self monitoring plus contractual agreement. upon the adherence to a relaxation training program. Data were collected from 32 students (13 male: 19 female) who were assigned to either a control or a treatment condition. which combined a self monitoring and contractual agreement intervention. Before implementing the training program. all subjects completed baseline measures of the Relaxation lnventory. and the biofeedback test of forearm flexor tension. All subjects attended a three week supervised relaxation training program. and were then retested on the baseline measures. This was followed by a six week unsupervised phase. during which the intervention was implemented among the treatment group. At the end of the program. final measures of the Relaxation lnventory and forearm flexor tension levels were recorded to attain confirmation of the self-reported adherence rates. Analysis of the data was conducted using a series of repeated measures MANOVAs for the subjects involved in all treatment and testing conditions. In addition. a series of one-way ANOVAs with repeated measures. and paired t-tests were conducted using the data for all subjects. Significant between group differences were found for the variables of adherence frequency and duration. F(1.30) = 6.04. p<.05. and F(1.30) = 6.14. p<.05 respectively. and significant time effects within the groups for the variables of adherence fre4uency and duration. F(1.30) = 4.88. p<.05, and F(1.30) = 4.04. p<.05 respectively. No significant between group differences were found for the Relaxation Inventory subscale scores. across all stages of testing. However. significant within group differences were found between various testing stages. The treatment group differed significantly on the Relaxation Inventory subscale of physical tension between tests 1 and 2 (t(15) = 1.71, p<.05), and test 1 and 3 (t(15) = 1.85. p<.05). and for the subscale physical assessment between tests 1 and 2 (t(15) = 1.92, p<.05). and tests 1 and 3 (t(15) = 2.02. p<.05). The control group differed significantly on the subscale of physical assessment between tests 1 and 2 (t(15) = 2.11. p<.05). and for the subscale of cognitive tension. between tests I and 2 (t(15) = 2.49. p<.05). o significance between group differences were found for the muscular tension stores at any of the testing stages. However. significant within group differences were demonstrated for the treatment group between tests 1 and 2: tests 2 and 3. and tests 1 and 3 (t(15) = -2.98. p<.01: t(15) = -2.25.
p<.02. and t(15) = -3.17. p<.01 respectively), and for the control group between rests 1 and 2. and tests 1 and 3 (t(15) = -3.70. p<.01: t(15) = -3033. p<.01 respectively). Finally, a significant between group difference was found for the variable of dropout rate, t(10) = 3.13. p<.01, with the control group demonstrating a significantly higher dropout total. It was concluded that self monitoring and contractual agreement were effective in enhancing adherence to the stipulated training program. but were ineffective 111 achieving desired performance outcome improvements as a result of the program.
Scuba diving tourism in Phuket, Thailand: pursuing sustainablility
(2002) Bennett, Michelle; Dearden, Philip
Marine tourism constitutes an increasingly significant component of the global tourism industry and one sector in particular, recreational scuba diving, is experiencing rapid growth. Much of the diving activity is concentrated around coral reefs, which has raised questions about the ability of some coral environments to sustain desired levels of biophysical and social quality.
This study set out to make a contribution to the sustainability of the dive tourism industry in Phuket, Thailand, by focusing on the experiences of the dive tourists. To determine if the rapid growth of dive tourism and the resulting concentration of divers in the region is negatively impacting the visitor experience, pre-and-post dive surveys were completed by 632 divers. The visitor survey provides insight into the demographics, motivations and satisfactions of dive
tourists, highlights the level of diver and ecotourist specialization, and examines the awareness of marine conservation issues among the divers who visit Phuket.
The results suggest that the divers in Phuket have typical demographic profiles when compared to other studies on scuba divers. The features most valued by divers in Phuket relate to the marine environment, which supports previous studies on divers and dive tourism. Divers rated the variety and amount of marine life, the presence of clear, unpolluted, undamaged dive sites, good underwater visibility and large creatures such as whale sharks and manta rays among
the most important dive trip features.
Overall, divers were generally satisfied with their Phuket dive experience; however, the degree of satisfaction varies among dive trip features. The divers were generally satisfied with the service features provided on their dive trip, however, features related to the quality and condition of the marine environment were less satisfying. Many of these less satisfying features are those that attracted divers to the region, and are among the most valued aspects of the diving
experience.
The results highlighted that divers are not a homogeneous group, and the degree of diver satisfactions varied accordingly. This variability is explained in part by the recreation specialization concept, and two specialization indices were used. The 'diver specialization index' considered the amount and type of diving experience that each individual had. Specialized divers were less satisfied with the Phuket experience than were unspecialized divers. This concurs with
previous studies that suggest as specialization increases, individuals develop more specific and demanding expectations for their leisure experience. The 'ecotourist specialization index' considered the divers' environmental attitudes and the importance of various conservation-related initiatives and features. The results showed that specialized ecotourists were more satisfied than unspecialized ecotourists. This finding was somewhat surprising as it contradicts previous
studies that suggest more specialized ecotourists require a higher level of resource quality to be satisfied. However, possible explanations are discussed.
Divers were asked on both the pre and post dive survey about their perception of the impact of diving on the reef. The pre and post dive results were then compared to determine how the divers' perception of impact changed over the course of the dive trip. After the dive, divers were less concerned about the negative impacts of diving on the reef, yet were also less convinced that diving has positive impacts. Overall, diver were more 'unsure' of the impacts of diving following their dive trip than before. The results indicated that almost thirty percent of the divers surveyed witnessed a member of their dive group causing damage to the reef. Divers who personally viewed reef damage were more likely than other divers to express willingness to become involved in marine conservation efforts.
Overall, the results indicate that the Phuket dive industry is currently not sustainable, and will continue to evolve over time in ways that will further contribute to a lack of sustainability. Improved management of the coral reefs and the dive industry from both a social and an environmental perspective is required to ensure the sustainability of dive tourism activities. Recommendations that will contribute to the on-going success of the industry are provided.
Improving equity in Canada’s low-carbon energy workforce: Report for the Trellis Fund
(2026) Landers, Stephanie; Black, Rebecca
Contributions & Implications: This research project offers actionable insights for policymakers, educators, employers, and industry associations seeking to design inclusive workforce strategies. The findings demonstrate that equity-deserving groups are not disengaged from Canada’s low-carbon energy transition; they are actively seeking to lead it. However, without intentional reforms in funding models, education pathways, hiring practices, and workplace cultures, the sector risks reproducing historical inequities—undermining both social legitimacy and labour-force resilience.
Low-cost sensor networks for indoor wildfire smoke exposure: Design lessons and fine particulate (PM2.5) monitoring across residential buildings in Victoria, BC and Edmonton, AB
(2026) Saira, Tanatswa; Minet, Laura
Indoor air quality during wildfire smoke is an emerging public-health concern, yet there is limited data on how homes perform during smoke episodes and on how to design such large campaigns. This thesis addresses both gaps using a network of low-cost Scentroid CTmini sensors deployed across residential and infrastructure buildings in Victoria, BC and Edmonton, AB. Chapter 2 documents the design, calibration, and deployment of a network of low-cost Scentroid CTmini sensors and reference instruments across residential and infrastructure buildings. The design work covers sensor selection, laboratory and field collocation with regulatory monitors, data-logging and networking strategies, participant recruitment, and quality-control procedures, highlighting the importance of calibration, clear file-naming and close coordination with building operators and participants.
Chapter 3 uses calibrated CTmini PM2.5 data from a subset of residential homes to quantify how indoor concentrations respond to outdoor levels during the 2024 wildfire season. Minute-level data are aggregated, distinguishing between “typical” conditions and smoke-impacted hours (outdoor PM2.5 ≥ 35 µg/m3). In Edmonton, homes show diverse behaviour under typical conditions but more consistent attenuation during smoke events and bedrooms tend to act as the most protective rooms. In Victoria, a relatively low-smoke year, most homes already maintain indoor PM2.5 at or below outdoor levels, and the impact of portable air purifiers is difficult to separate from mild variations in outdoor smoke. Chapter 4 extends this framework to infrastructure buildings, comparing building types and room uses as potential cleaner-air spaces.
Overall, the thesis demonstrates how building characteristics and occupant activities jointly shape indoor exposure during wildfire smoke season and provides practical guidance for future large-scale indoor air-quality monitoring and cleaner-air interventions.