<p>Economic inequality is increasing in Canada and throughout the world. In addition to the equity concerns of distributive justice, growing economic inequality negatively impacts poverty, social cohesion, and the stability of the economy. This master’s thesis undertakes a major literature review to explore the trends in economic inequality and the policies that influence it.</p> <p>The current increase in economic inequality has been dominated by an increase in the income and wealth of the 1% to which the Occupy movement has drawn significant attention. Policies to directly counter this rise in both before- and after-tax top incomes are critical to combatting economic inequality. In addition to highlighting policies that target the very rich, this thesis examines intersections between traditional social policy and broader public policy in the field of economic inequality. It also argues for increased consideration of economics in social work research and policy practice. Economic inequality should be a concern to social workers alongside poverty.</p> <p>Policies in four areas are considered: income taxes and transfers, public services, labour market institutions, and capital market interventions. Recommendations are made for the future. Addressing economic inequality through national policy is both possible and advantageous. A comprehensive policy package involving policies from the four areas explored has the potential to reduce economic inequality.</p> / Master of Social Work (MSW)

This literature-based thesis studies the phenomenon of the regular plural inside compounds according to Giegerich’s (1999) stratal model of English morphology. The strata of his model are defined by their bases: stratum 1 is root-based and stratum 2 is word-based. The model overcomes the failings associated with earlier stratal models defined by their affixes (e.g., Kiparsky, 1982). However, assigning compounding and the regular plural to the same word stratum following Giegerich’s (1999) model leaves an open question in terms of what restricts the interaction between both rules to prevent the generation of ill-formed compounds such as *toys box and *trucks driver. Another question emerges: Should the regular plural inflection be assigned to stratum 2? This question is important because the answer affects how we discuss the interaction between the regular plural and compounding. For example, how do we account for the interaction between a stratum-2 rule and a syntactic rule if we are not dealing with an interaction of two lexical rules at the same stratum? This thesis challenges the theory that inflectional morphology is separate from the lexicon (Anderson, 1988, 1982; Perlmutter, 1988) with supporting evidence from the properties of the possessive inflection. This research contributes significantly to the literature in its analysis of a number of compounds within texts extracted from books, which demonstrates that the internal regular plural morpheme has an evident semantic function that restricts it from appearing inside compounds (that is, on stratum 2 of the base-driven stratification model). The study thereby challenges Lieber and Štekauer’s (2009) view that the internal regular plural morpheme is purposeless and therefore should be regarded as a linking element. I also argue that the possessive inflection is assigned to stratum 2 and can interact with compounding to form possessive compounds, but is restricted by the semantic feature of the non-head element.

This thesis is a comparative study of optimal design-based univariate stratification as applied to highly skewed populations such as those observed in business and agricultural surveys. Optimal stratification is a widely used method for reducing the variance or cost of estimates, and this work considers various optimal stratification algorithms, and in particular optimal boundary algorithms, to support this objective. We first provide a background to the theory of stratification and stratified random sampling, and extend this through the derivation of optimal allocation strategies. We then examine the effect of allocation strategies on the variance and design effect of estimators, and in particular find several issues in applying optimal or Neyman allocation when there is little correlation between the survey population and auxiliary information. We present a derivation of the intractable equations for the construction of optimal stratum boundaries, based on the work of Dalenius (1950), and derive the cumulative square root of frequency approximation of Dalenius & Hodges (1957). We then note a number of issues within the implementation of the cumulative square root of frequency rule surrounding the construction of initial intervals, and find that the placement of boundaries and the variance of estimates can be affected by the number of initial intervals. This then leads us to propose two new extensions to the cumulative square root of frequency algorithm, using linear and spline interpolation, and we find that these result in some improvements in the results for this algorithm. We also present a complete derivation of the Ekman algorithm, and consider the extended approach of Hedlin (2000). We derive several new results relating to the Ekman algorithm, and propose a new kernel density based algorithm. We find all three Ekman based algorithms produce similar results for larger populations, and provide some recommendations on the use of these algorithms depending on the size of the population. We look at the derivation and implementation of the Lavallee-Hidiroglou algorithm, and find that it is often slow to converge or does not converge for Neyman allocation. We therefore adopt a random search model of Kozak (2004), and note that the Lavallee-Hidiroglou algorithm generally produces superior results across all populations used in this thesis. We briefly investigate the optimal number of strata by examining the work of Cochran (1977) and Kozak (2006), and find that there is a diminishing marginal effect from increasing the number of strata and possibly some benefit from constructing more than six strata. However we also acknowledge that the cost of constructing such strata may offset any potential gain in precision from constructing more than five or six strata. Finally we consider the how many of these problems can be developed further, and ultimately find that such problems for deciding the number of strata, construction of stratum boundaries, and the allocation of sample units among the strata may require an approach that takes account of the relationship between the auxiliary variable and the survey information. We therefore suggest investigating these algorithms further within the context of a model-assisted environment in order to help account for the relationship between the auxiliary information and survey population.

<p>Subjective cultural meanings were once central to occupational stratification research. However, attempts to operationalize cultural meanings associated with occupations have been widely criticized, leading contemporary stratification scholars to largely abandon subjective measures in favor of objective characteristics. This leaves a gap in our understanding of how inequality is generated and maintained because Weber ([1958]) theorized that status, a form of social symbolic power based on cultural beliefs, represents one of the fundamental bases of inequality. Without an adequate method of operationalizing occupational symbolic meanings, the extent to which cultural beliefs influence stratified life outcomes remains largely unknown.</p><p>To address this, I used affect control theory, a quantitative general theory of</p><p>social action, and its measurement model, the semantic differential scale, to examine three issues regarding the relationship between cultural beliefs and stratified outcomes. Symbolic meaning was quantified into EPA ratings that measure three universal, affective dimensions: evaluation (good versus bad), potency (powerful versus weak), and activity (lively versus quiescent). Despite extensive support within structural social psychology, this approach has not been widely used in the field of stratification. In addition to providing a quantitative framework, because symbolic meanings are comprised of multiple dimensions, affect control theory's multidimensional construction allows for novel approaches not possible using unidimensional measures. The three chapters that follow use affect control theory and ratings of occupational meanings from a newly collected dictionary of affective meaning to address the occupational gender wage gap, the effect of occupational status on life chance outcomes, and the development and testing of a new measure of occupational status.</p> / Dissertation

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

Cette thèse s'attache à analyser les dynamiques suscitées par l'avènement de la décentralisation dans ces territoires. Il s'agit de réfléchir, à travers une analyse croisée des réalités du Congo et du Sénégal. / This thesis seeks to analyze the dynamics generated by the decentralization in Congo and Senegal. Consideration should be given, through a cross analysis of Congo and Senegal facts, on how some politicians are positioned to have control of their territory.

Following colonoscopic polypectomy, US Multisociety Task Force (USMSTF) guidelines stratify patients based on risk of subsequent advanced neoplasia (AN) using number, size, and histology of resected polyps, but have only moderate sensitivity and specificity. We hypothesized that a state-of-the-art statistical prediction model might improve identification of patients at high risk of future AN and address these challenges. Data were pooled from seven prospective studies which had follow-up ascertainment of metachronous AN within 3-5 years of baseline polypectomy (combined n = 8,228). Pooled data were randomly split into training (n = 5,483) and validation (n = 2,745) sets. A prognostic model was developed using best practices. Two risk cut-points were identified in the training data which achieved a 10 percentage point improvement in sensitivity and specificity, respectively, over current USMSTF guidelines. Clinical benefit of USMSTF versus model-based risk stratification was then estimated using validation data. The final model included polyp location, prior polyp history, patient age, and number, size and histology of resected polyps. The first risk cut-point improved sensitivity but with loss of specificity. The second risk cut-point improved specificity without loss of sensitivity (specificity 46.2 % model vs. 42.1 % guidelines, p < 0.001; sensitivity 75.8 % model vs. 74.0 % guidelines, p = 0.64). Estimated AUC was 65 % (95 % CI: 62-69 %). This model-based approach allows flexibility in trading sensitivity and specificity, which can optimize colonoscopy over- versus underuse rates. Only modest improvements in prognostic power are possible using currently available clinical data. Research considering additional factors such as adenoma detection rate for risk prediction appears warranted.

Le rôle central du phytoplancton à la base de la chaîne trophique aquatique motive une compréhension étayée des facteurs pouvant faire varier les populations et la composition des populations de phytoplancton. Cette compréhension est d'autant plus importante dans le contexte actuel, puisque nous savons que l'humain influence le climat et les milieux aquatiques par sa présence et ses activités. Nous tentons donc, dans notre étude, de déterminer les variables environnementales importantes qui dictent les changements de taille et de composition de la communauté de phytoplancton à l'échelle d'un lac et d'en déduire les niches réalisées des différentes espèces du lac. L'utilisation d'une station mobile de manière verticale dans le lac Montjoie (Saint-Denis-de-Brompton) a permis de collecter des données in situ à haute fréquence et résolution temporelle caractérisant la colonne d'eau. Combinée à ces mesures, une banque de données sur l'abondance de différentes catégories de phytoplancton a été créée à l'aide d'un cytomètre en flux imageur (IFCB) et d'un programme de reconnaissance d'images qui lui est associé. En combinant ces données nous avons déterminé que la température moyenne au-dessus de la thermocline et que la profondeur limite de chlorophylle (2 écarts-types sous le maximum de chlorophylle) étaient les 2 variables (parmi les variables mesurées) les plus appropriées pour déterminer les niches réalisées de nos catégories de phytoplancton. À l'aide de ces 2 variables, nous avons pu déterminer les niches réalisées d'une trentaine de catégories présentes dans notre lac. Les niches ont été déterminées à la fois sur les données d'abondance et sur les données de taux de croissance nette à l'aide de deux méthodes différentes, soit l'analyse canonique des correspondances (CCA) et la maximisation de l'entropie d'information (MaxEnt). Ce sont finalement les niches déterminées avec les taux de croissance nette qui sont les plus pertinentes. Les deux méthodes ont donné des résultats semblables, mais c'est MaxEnt qui est la plus versatile pour l'ajout de nouvelles variables explicatives et c'est donc celle-ci que nous privilégierons dans le futur.

Cette thèse s'attache à analyser les dynamiques suscitées par l'avènement de la décentralisation dans ces territoires. Il s'agit de réfléchir, à travers une analyse croisée des réalités du Congo et du Sénégal. / This thesis seeks to analyze the dynamics generated by the decentralization in Congo and Senegal. Consideration should be given, through a cross analysis of Congo and Senegal facts, on how some politicians are positioned to have control of their territory.

Incluído no grupo informal \"Clado Novo Mundo\" sensu Huber (2000), o gênero Mesabolivar apresenta distribuição restrita a região neotropical e inclui atualmente 45 espécies válidas. Este gênero e é composto por algumas espécies que habitam a vegetação, troncos e rochas (hábito parietal) e outras que habitam a serapilheira. Foi proposto testar o monofiletismo de Mesabolivar e estudar a evolução do habitat de vida no gênero. Foram realizadas duas análises. A primeira, em escala genérica, objetivou avaliar as relações do \"Clado Novo Mundo\" e o monofiletismo de Mesabolivar. Usando parcimônia Foram encontradas 200 árvores com 498 passos. Não foi encontrada resolução suficiente para encontrar o grupo-irmão de Mesabolivar. O gênero não é monofilético, com três espécies (M. luteus, M. levii e M. cambridgei) relacionadas a outros gêneros. As demais espécies de Mesabolivar formam um grupo monofilético, suportado pelo procurso curvado e presença de cavidade epiginal. A segunda análise, que incluiu 36 espécies descritas e 29 não descritas de Mesabolivar, encontrou 74 mais parcimoniosas com 256 passos. Foram testadas as relações entre medidas morfométricas, para que estas possam ser relacionadas com o habitat. Foi encontrado há uma correlação entre o habitat, tamanho das pernas e formato do abdomem, onde aranhas com abdomem esférico (fiandeiras quase ventrais) e pernas curtas habitam o solo e aranhas com abdomem alongado (fiandeiras subterminais) e pernas longas vivem em vegetação, troncos e rocha (habito parietal). Para realizar inferências em espécies com história natural desconhecida, foi observado que o fêmur, tíbia e metatarso representam bem o tamanho total das pernas, sendo que o metatarso é o mais adequado. Otimizando o habito de vida (com dados diretos ou inferidos pelas medidas/formato do abdomem) foi otimizado no cladograma. A condição plesiomórfica baseada no grupo externo é o habitat parietal. Entretanto, o hábito plesiomórfico para Mesabolivar é ambíguo. O clado mais basal de Mesabolivar é composto por habitantes do solo. O hábito de vida no solo é reconquistado pelo menos duas vezes. São apresentadas descrições resumidas das 29 espécies incluídas nas análises, e duas relacionadas a M. luteus / Belonging to the informal group \"New World Clade\" sensu Huber (2000), Mesabolivar has a Neotropical distribution. Includes nowadays 45 valid species. This genus comprises parietal species (shrubs, logs, trunks and rocks inhabitants) and litter inhabitant species. The Mesabolivar monophyletism was tested, and the evolution of habitat choice was studied. The phylogenetic analysis was conducted in two phases. The first one, at generic scale, tried to reevaluate the \"New World Clade\" internal relationships and verify the monophyly of Mesabolivar. The analysis using parsimony found 200 tree with 498 steps. The resolution did not allow identify the sister group of Mesabolivar. The genus Mesabolivar was found polyphyletic, with three species related to other genera (M. luteus, M. levii and M. cambridgei). All other Mesabolivar species form a monophyletic group. The second analysis included 96 known and 29 unknown Mesabolivar species. Found 74 more parsimonious trees with 256 steps. The relationship between the morfometrical traits and habitat was tested. There is a correlation between habitat, leg length and abdomen shape. Spiders with spherical abdomen (ventral spinnerets) and relatively short legs are litter inhabitants. Spiders with elongated abdomen (subterminal spinnerets) and long legs have parietal habitat. The statistical inference found the metatarsus as the best representative of leg length. Using observation and inference, the habitat was optimized. The plesiomorphic condition in Mesabolivar was ambiguous. The basal clade was composed by litter inhabitants. The litter living habitat was conquered at least two times indenpendently. Was presented 29 reduced descriptions of unprescribed species included in the phylogenetic analysis