This thesis presents the results of an exploratory study aimed at developing an understanding of Canadian Forces demographics and linking those demographics to current bodies of sociological theory. The background and literature review provide a starting point for sociological analysis; the study begins with a detailed review of existing literature in Canadian and United States military sociology, utilizing an exploratory approach that incorporates key elements from Bourdieus concepts of field and habitus, Habermass lifeworld and structure, and Giddenss notion of structuration. Once the key sociological theories are isolated, research methods and methodologies are developed. Data are collected from the 2006 Canada Census and the demographics of Canadian Forces members are explored through a logistic regression model. Data are interpreted within a sociological framework based on an integration of select theories from Bourdieu, Habermas and Giddens. This research identifies weak relationships between demographic characteristics and CF membership, along with socioeconomic factors and Canadian Forces membership. The completed research provides a starting point for future analyses in Canadian military sociology. Given that demographic and socioeconomic factors demonstrate weak correlation with Canadian Forces membership, future studies can focus on the motivations of Canadian Forces members knowing that background characteristics do not predetermine service. Although the Canadian Forces is primarily composed of Caucasian males, this accounts for only a small portion of variance in the Canadian Forces membership variable.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by chronic gastrointestinal inflammation, represents a significant childhood chronic disease. In this thesis, a case ascertainment definition of paediatric-onset IBD was validated using administrative data and developed the Ontario Crohn’s and Colitis Cohort (OCCC). The epidemiology of paediatric IBD in Ontario was described, demonstrating that Ontario has one of the highest worldwide incidence rates. Statistically significant increases in incidence were noted in 0-4 year olds (5.0%/year, p=0.03) and 5-9 year olds (7.6%/year, p<0.0001), but not in other age groups. Lower income children were more likely to be hospitalized at least once (hazard ratio (HR) 1.17, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.05-1.30) or visit the ED (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.09-1.35) and had more IBD-related physician visits (odds ratio (OR) 3.73, 95% CI 1.05-13.27). Lower income children with Crohn's disease (CD) (not ulcerative colitis [UC]) were more likely to undergo intra-abdominal surgery within 3 years of diagnosis (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.01-1.49), especially if diagnosed after 2000 (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.27-2.53). Finally, changes in health services utilization and surgical rates were described, as were changes in specialist care provision and immunomodulator use in children with IBD between 1994-2007. The changes to care included increased outpatient care provided by paediatric gastroenterologists, and increased immunomodulator use. Children diagnosed with CD, but not UC, in recent years had lower surgical rates. In CD patients, intra-abdominal surgical rates within three years of diagnosis decreased from 18.8% in children diagnosed in 1994-1997 to 13.6% in those diagnosed in 2001-2004 (P = 0.035). When stratified by age at diagnosis, this decrease was significant in children diagnosed ≥10 years old (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.48-0.93). The OCCC will continue to be used to investigate the epidemiology and burden of paediatric IBD and to improve the care received by children with IBD in Ontario.

本研究旨在以理工科系大學生為樣本，探討並建構家庭社經地位、成就抱負與預期薪資之理論模型。研究以胡悅倫（2008）建構之資料庫為樣本，抽取1,084名理工科系大學生為研究對象，以變異數分析、卡方考驗及結構方程模式建構其路徑關係模式。研究結果顯示： 一、家庭社經地位對個體的成就抱負與預期薪資有正向的影響。父母職業聲望和教育程度較高者有較高的成就抱負和預期薪資。 二、家庭社經地位會透過成就抱負為中介，間接影響個體的預期薪資。 三、男女性在成就抱負上無顯著差異，但在預期薪資中男性的預期薪資會高於女性的預期薪資。 四、男性會進入男性化職業，女性會進入女性化職業。 五、預期進入男性化職業工作者的預期薪資高於進入女性化職業的工作者，而這樣的差距是跨性別存在。 最後，研究者根據研究結果提出建議，供實務工作者與後續研究者參考。 / The purpose of this study is to investigate and build a model on how family socioeconomic status affects achievement aspiration and anticipated salary. Participants are 1,084 Science and Engineering students from the database compiled by Yueh-Luen Hu (2008). Data analysis includes one-way ANOVA, t-test, chi-square test, and structural equation modeling. Results of the study are as follows: 1. Family socioeconomic status had significant positive effects on achievement aspiration and anticipated salary. Participants who are of higher socioeconomic status also had higher achievement aspiration and anticipated salary. 2. Achievement aspiration acted as a mediator between family socioeconomic status and anticipated salary. Achievement aspiration had significant indirect effects on anticipated salary. 3. The gender differences in achievement aspiration are non-significant. However, Men’s pay expectations are higher than of the women’s. 4. Males prefer to enter male-dominated jobs, while females prefer to enter female-dominated jobs. 5. Those who hold female-dominated jobs expect to gain less pay than those pursuing male-dominated jobs. The gap exists for both men and women. Results of the study shall serve as a point of reference for future researches.

This thesis presents the results of an exploratory study aimed at developing an understanding of Canadian Forces demographics and linking those demographics to current bodies of sociological theory. The background and literature review provide a starting point for sociological analysis; the study begins with a detailed review of existing literature in Canadian and United States military sociology, utilizing an exploratory approach that incorporates key elements from Bourdieus concepts of field and habitus, Habermass lifeworld and structure, and Giddenss notion of structuration. Once the key sociological theories are isolated, research methods and methodologies are developed. Data are collected from the 2006 Canada Census and the demographics of Canadian Forces members are explored through a logistic regression model. Data are interpreted within a sociological framework based on an integration of select theories from Bourdieu, Habermas and Giddens. This research identifies weak relationships between demographic characteristics and CF membership, along with socioeconomic factors and Canadian Forces membership. The completed research provides a starting point for future analyses in Canadian military sociology. Given that demographic and socioeconomic factors demonstrate weak correlation with Canadian Forces membership, future studies can focus on the motivations of Canadian Forces members knowing that background characteristics do not predetermine service. Although the Canadian Forces is primarily composed of Caucasian males, this accounts for only a small portion of variance in the Canadian Forces membership variable.

No description available.

In recent years the composition of urban vegetation has become far more complex than that of the surrounding natural vegetation. This is mainly due to the influence that humans have on the creation of new plant communities and the management of urban green spaces. Green spaces are fundamental to the restoration and maintenance of biodiversity in areas that have been severely impacted by urban development. Green spaces provide various ecosystem services and benefits for the health and well-being of urban residents, and can help to reduce the effects of global climate change. The most understudied green space in the entire urban green infrastructure is homegardens. Homegardens contribute greatly to the species composition of urban and rural settlements and are important in situ conservation sites that help to protect rare and endemic species. They are essential agricultural systems, especially in rural settlements, that provide both sources of additional income generation and food supply. In developing countries such as South Africa, very few studies have been done on homegardens and the benefits they provide to homeowners and to urban ecosystems in general. However, since South Africa become committed to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals in 2000, more research has been done on the potential of homegardens for poverty alleviation. The aim of this study was to determine the patterns of plant diversity in a rural settlement and to determine to what extent the socioeconomic status of the inhabitants influences the plant species composition of the settlement. The settlement of Ganyesa, situated in the Bophirima district in the North-West Province, was chosen for the study. Using GIS techniques, a grid was placed over the settlement and plant surveys were done every 500 m. Different land-use types were identified during the completion of the survey, namely natural areas, fragmented natural areas, fallow fields, road verges, wetlands, home gardens and institutional gardens. The national South African census data from 2001 proved to be too unreliable to accurately determine the SES of the residents in Ganyesa. Consequently, a social survey was completed by means of a questionnaire to determine the socioeconomic status of the owners of the homegardens under study. Clear differences could be observed between the land-use types and the indigenous and alien species composition, which were indicated in kriging maps. In comparison with the natural areas, homegardens contained more alien species than the surrounding natural areas. The vegetation composition for all the homegardens were correlated with the residents socioeconomic status along a socioeconomic gradient, ranging from low, to medium to high. ANCOVA, multiple regressions and basic statistical analyses were performed using all the vegetation and socioeconomic data. Meaningful correlations occur between the socioeconomic status of the homeowners and the plant diversity of their gardens. / Thesis (M. Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

In recent years the composition of urban vegetation has become far more complex than that of the surrounding natural vegetation. This is mainly due to the influence that humans have on the creation of new plant communities and the management of urban green spaces. Green spaces are fundamental to the restoration and maintenance of biodiversity in areas that have been severely impacted by urban development. Green spaces provide various ecosystem services and benefits for the health and well-being of urban residents, and can help to reduce the effects of global climate change. The most understudied green space in the entire urban green infrastructure is homegardens. Homegardens contribute greatly to the species composition of urban and rural settlements and are important in situ conservation sites that help to protect rare and endemic species. They are essential agricultural systems, especially in rural settlements, that provide both sources of additional income generation and food supply. In developing countries such as South Africa, very few studies have been done on homegardens and the benefits they provide to homeowners and to urban ecosystems in general. However, since South Africa become committed to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals in 2000, more research has been done on the potential of homegardens for poverty alleviation. The aim of this study was to determine the patterns of plant diversity in a rural settlement and to determine to what extent the socioeconomic status of the inhabitants influences the plant species composition of the settlement. The settlement of Ganyesa, situated in the Bophirima district in the North-West Province, was chosen for the study. Using GIS techniques, a grid was placed over the settlement and plant surveys were done every 500 m. Different land-use types were identified during the completion of the survey, namely natural areas, fragmented natural areas, fallow fields, road verges, wetlands, home gardens and institutional gardens. The national South African census data from 2001 proved to be too unreliable to accurately determine the SES of the residents in Ganyesa. Consequently, a social survey was completed by means of a questionnaire to determine the socioeconomic status of the owners of the homegardens under study. Clear differences could be observed between the land-use types and the indigenous and alien species composition, which were indicated in kriging maps. In comparison with the natural areas, homegardens contained more alien species than the surrounding natural areas. The vegetation composition for all the homegardens were correlated with the residents socioeconomic status along a socioeconomic gradient, ranging from low, to medium to high. ANCOVA, multiple regressions and basic statistical analyses were performed using all the vegetation and socioeconomic data. Meaningful correlations occur between the socioeconomic status of the homeowners and the plant diversity of their gardens. / Thesis (M. Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

The factors related to mathematics and geometry achievement were modeled in this study. It was based on the data obtained from the Student Assessment Program carried out by Ministry of National Education. Mathematics achievement tests and student questionnaires of each grade were analyzed by using principal component analysis to obtain different dimensions that are expected to be related with student achievement. Before the principal component analysis, a content based evaluation of the content of the mathematics achievement tests was actualized and the items were grouped as mathematics and geometry. Regarding the student questionnaire socio-economic status, perception of success and interest toward mathematics and science, student-centered activities and teacher-centered activities in the classroom were identified as factors through the principal component analysis. Thereafter, three models were designed and tested by structural equation modeling technique (SEM) using LISREL 8.54. Path analysis with latent variables was used for testing the models. The following results were obtained in the study. In all of the models, socioeconomic status had a positive impact on the mathematics and geometry achievement of the students for all the grade levels examined. Teacher centered activities were found to be positively related with the students&rsquo / success of mathematics and geometry. On the other hand, student centered activities intended to have a negative relation with mathematics and geometry achievement. As the other variables were considered, an increase on the mathematics and geometry scores of the students&rsquo / was observed in all grade levels with the increase in the perception of success and interest toward mathematics and science.

Bakgrund: Statistik och forskningsrapporter från bland annat Världshälsoorganisationen visar att hälsan världen över är ojämlikt fördelad och att socioekonomisk status, socialt kapital och health literacy är bidragande faktorer. Föräldrars utbildningsnivå och inkomst kan påverka barns hälsa och uppväxtvillkor och barn tillhörande riskgrupper har sämre förutsättningar till hälsa. Samhället har möjlighet att genom politiska insatser på olika nivåer och i olika sektorer påverka individers möjligheter att i sin tur vidta hälsofrämjande åtgärder. Syfte: Syftet med studien var att undersöka föräldrars syn på kopplingen mellan ekonomi och hälsa, och hur det påverkar familjen att leva ett gott liv. Metod: En kvalitativ ansats valdes och sju föräldrar från tre olika kommuner i Värmland intervjuades i enskilda semistrukturerade intervjuer. Samtliga intervjuer spelades in, transkriberades och analyserades därefter enligt kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat: Analysen resulterade i två kategorier: ”Hinder och möjligheter” som består av subkategorierna: Socialt kapital och Tid och utrymme, och vidare av ”Prioritering och investering” som består av subkategorierna: Samhällets roll, Levnadsvanor och livsstil och Uppväxtvillkor. Slutsats: Det framkom att hälsa är ett komplext begrepp som handlar om både fysiskt och psykiskt välbefinnande. Enligt informanterna har individer möjlighet att påverka sin hälsa genom prioriteringar och investeringar. Vidare beskrevs att förutsättningarna för hälsa är ojämlikt fördelade i samhället och de ekonomiskt svagare kan ha svårare att vidta hälsofrämjande åtgärder. Informanterna ansåg att det finns en koppling mellan ekonomi och hälsa och att god ekonomi förbättrar individers möjligheter till hälsa och ett gott liv. Individers kunskap, intressen och vilja styr individers val i livet. Tidsbrist och för lite utrymme för återhämtning och tid med familjen har beskrivits kunna utgöra en begränsande faktor för bättre hälsa. Hälsa beskrevs också vara en resurs för ett produktivt liv. Barns hälsa påverkas bara till viss del av familjens ekonomi samtidigt som en trygg miljö och god föräldrarelation ansågs vara betydelsefulla. / Background: Statistics and reports from among others the World Health Organization show that inequity in health exists all over the world and that socioeconomic status, social capital and health literacy are contributing factors. Parental education and income have an effect on children’s health and development and children in risk groups have lower chances to develop good health. The society has the opportunity to affect individuals to take actions to promote their own health by political actions on different levels and in different sectors. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine parental view on the connection between economics and health, and its effects on living a good family life. Method: A qualitative approach was used to collect data. Seven parents from three different municipalities in Wermland were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The analysis of the material resulted in two categories: ”Obstacles and opportunities” which further consists of two subcategories: Social capital and Time and capacity. The other category “Priority and investment” consists of three subcategories: Society’s role, Lifestyle factors and Childhood conditions. Conclusion: This study showed that health is a complex concept about physical and psychological well-being. According to the informants individuals have the opportunity to affect their health by their priorities and investments. Furthermore, the opportunities for reaching good health are being described as unequal throughout the society and it seems to be harder to take health promoting actions for those who are economically weaker. The informants felt that there is a connection between economics and health and that good economy improves individuals’ possibilities to be healthy and live a good life. Individuals’ interests, knowledge and will affect their choices in life. Lack of time and capacity for recovery and to spent time with their families is thought to be a limiting factor for better health. Health is also being described as a resource for a productive life. Children’s health is only partly being affected by families’ economy. A safe environment and good parental relationship seems to be important.

There is often an assumption that there is a right and a wrong way for consumers to behave. For example, with regard to eating, people should make food choices based on maximizing vitamins and minerals and not consuming more calories than one expends in a day. Likewise, it is assumed that buying products to conspicuously signal a message to another is wasteful and maladaptive. The research in this thesis challenges these assumptions and argues that these behaviours can be both adaptive and maladaptive depending on one’s environmental conditions. In this thesis, I describe three experiments that examine how perception of environmental harshness affects appetite for different types of foods. The data shows that food desirability in adulthood varies depending on early childhood socio-economic status, the type of environmental stressor (harsh social, harsh economic and harsh physical safety) and the intensity of the stressors within each of these environments. It was also found that different types of environmental harshness differentially affects food desire based on energy density and food category type. In addition to the experiments on harshness and food desirability, I have examined how environmental harshness affects desire for products that are used to conspicuously signal information to others. For example, under conditions of environmental stress, products may be used to advertise that a male possesses financial or physical power which is desirable to a potential mate. Likewise, a women may buy products to display she possess financial power or she may purchase products that augment her beauty and sexual attractiveness. These studies reveal that product desire is also affected by different types of environmental harshness and the intensity of the stress generated by these environmental conditions. Through the research described in this thesis, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of the proximate variables that influence two subsets of consumer behaviour, namely food desire and product signalling, and how these behaviours may have been selected for due to their adaptive value.