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  • Research can be fun!: Recruiting future students by showcasing Library resources at Carleton

    Resource Type:
    Poster
    Creator:
    Tudin, Susan and McLeod, Margaret
    Abstract:
    A 9 person team of library specialists taught 10 half-day mini sessions to 15 students during the week of May 3-7, 2010 and explored different areas of the MacOdrum Library’s collection that incorporated innovative, academic research techniques. Poster presented at the Canadian Library Association National Conference. Ottawa: May 30-June 2, 2012.
    Date Created:
    2015-05-30

  • Report on the State of Alternative Energy in the Arctic

    Resource Type:
    Report
    Creator:
    Keyte, Lawrence, Dufresne, Vincent, Mallett, Alexandra, Cherniak, David, and Schott, Stephan
    Abstract:
    This report provides a contemporary snapshot of domestic energy usage in Canada’s Arctic (spanning Yukon in the west to Nunatsiavut in the east) with a focus on how Northern jurisdictions meet their electricity and space heating needs. Specifically, the research team investigated the role of alternative energy options, including the governance, policies and financial analysis of these sectors. The team also examined the emerging field of energy conservation and efficiency measures, which have featured prominently in recent years. The report also examines eight case studies from across Canada’s Arctic regions, which represent a cross-section of northern alternative energy and energy efficiency technologies, including both public and privately-driven projects. Each case study includes a project description, objectives and drivers, the role of policy, and a description of barriers, outcomes, success factors and lessons learned. The case studies are divided into five operational case studies, describing projects already constructed and producing renewable heat or power, or reducing demand-side energy loss, and three forward-looking case studies, representing projects still under active development. The report concludes with suggested areas for research and policy recommendations regarding energy system planning, financial policy, and education, engagement and collaboration, in the Canadian Arctic context.
    Date Created:
    2015-09-21

  • Exhibits and Events at MacOdrum Library: A Practical Guide

    Resource Type:
    Other
    Creator:
    Draayer, Ingrid
    Abstract:
    This guide combines the knowledge gathered during my long career coordinating the Carleton University Library exhibits program and my recent sabbatical research on exhibits and events in academic libraries. Between 1983, when I was hired as Exhibits Librarian at Carleton University Library, and 2002, when the Library had little space available for exhibits and I became Head of Access Services, I was responsible for running the Library’s exhibits program. After the latest renovation to MacOdrum Library was completed in the Fall of 2013 and included dedicated space for exhibits, I was once again asked to coordinate and produce exhibits for the Library. During my 2014/2015 sabbatical I investigated the current state of exhibits and events in academic libraries through literature and Web searches and site visits to a number of universities. The end result is this guide, which I hope is both practical and inspirational.
    Date Created:
    2015-09-10

  • Branding History at the Canadian Museum of Civilization

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    Aronczyk, Melissa and Brady, Miranda J.
    Abstract:
    In October 2012, the Canadian Heritage Minister announced that the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the country’s largest and most popular museum, would be renamed the Canadian Museum of History. In addition to the new name, three strategies—a strategy of engagement, a strategy of authority, and a strategy of expansion—were elaborated by museum and government officials as part of the transformation. We examine these three strategies as an example of the Harper government’s attempt to “brand” Canadian identity and history in its own image, arguing that the strategies were designed expressly to paper over near-unilateral changes in the museum’s mandate and transformation. Ultimately, these changes have problematic implications for the democratic management of cultural production in Canada.
    Date Created:
    2015-09-01

  • Explicit and implicit issues in the developmental cognitive neuroscience of social inequality

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    D'Angiulli, Amedeo, Lipina, Sebastian J., and Olesinska, Alice
    Abstract:
    The appearance of developmental cognitive neuroscience (DCN) in the socioeconomic status (SES) research arena is hugely transformative, but challenging. We review challenges rooted in the implicit and explicit assumptions informing this newborn field. We provide balanced theoretical alternatives on how hypothesized psychological processes map onto the brain (e.g., problem of localization) and how experimental phenomena at multiple levels of analysis (e.g., behavior, cognition and the brain) could be related. We therefore examine unclear issues regarding the existing perspectives on poverty and their relationships with low SES, the evidence of low-SES adaptive functioning, historical precedents of the “alternate pathways” (neuroplasticity) interpretation of learning disabilities related to low-SES and the notion of deficit, issues of “normativity” and validity in findings of neurocognitive differences between children from different SES, and finally alternative interpretations of the complex relationship between IQ and SES. Particularly, we examine the extent to which the available laboratory results may be interpreted as showing that cognitive performance in low-SES children reflects cognitive and behavioral deficits as a result of growing up in specific environmental or cultural contexts, and how the experimental findings should be interpreted for the design of different types of interventions—particularly those related to educational practices—or translated to the public—especially the media. Although a cautionary tone permeates many studies, still, a potential deficit attribution—i.e., low-SES is associated with cognitive and behavioral developmental deficits—seems almost an inevitable implicit issue with ethical implications. Finally, we sketch the agenda for an ecological DCN, suggesting recommendations to advance the field, specifically, to minimize equivocal divulgation and maximize ethically responsible translation.
    Date Created:
    2015-08-21

  • Anisotropic effective permittivity of an ultrathin gold coating on optical fiber in air, water and saline solutions

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    Zhou, Wenjun, Barry, Seán T., Mandia, David J., and Albert, Jacques
    Abstract:
    The optical properties of an ultrathin discontinuous gold film in different dielectric surroundings are investigated experimentally by measuring the polarization-dependent wavelength shifts and amplitudes of the cladding mode resonances of a tilted fiber Bragg grating. The gold film was prepared by electron-beam evaporation and had an average thickness of 5.5 nm ( ± 1 nm). Scanning electron imaging was used to determine that the film is actually formed of individual particles with average lateral dimensions of 28 nm ( ± 8 nm). The complex refractive indices of the equivalent uniform film in air at a wavelength of 1570 nm were calculated from the measurements to be 4.84−i0.74 and 3.97−i0.85 for TM and TE polarizations respectively (compared to the value for bulk gold: 0.54-i10.9). Additionally, changes in the birefringence and dichroism of the films were measured as a function of the surrounding medium, in air, water and a saturated NaCl (salt) solution. These results show that the film has stronger dielectric behavior for TM light than for TE, a trend that increases with increasing surrounding index. Finally, the experimental results are compared to predictions from two widely used effective medium approximations, the generalized Maxwell-Garnett and Bruggeman theories for gold particles in a surrounding matrix. It is found that both of these methods fail to predict the observed behavior for the film considered.
    Date Created:
    2015-05-21

  • “The Nothingness of Fame, At Least to Woman”: Felicia Hemans and the Price of Celebrity

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    Grammatikos, Alex
    Date Created:
    2015-05-21

  • Mean Annual Precipitation Explains Spatiotemporal Patterns of Cenozoic Mammal Beta Diversity and Latitudinal Diversity Gradients in North America

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    Gorelick, Root, Hassal, Christopher, Fraser, Danielle, and Rybczynski, Natalia
    Abstract:
    Spatial diversity patterns are thought to be driven by climate-mediated processes. However, temporal patterns of community composition remain poorly studied. We provide two complementary analyses of North American mammal diversity, using (i) a paleontological dataset (2077 localities with 2493 taxon occurrences) spanning 21 discrete subdivisions of the Cenozoic based on North American Land Mammal Ages (36 Ma – present), and (ii) climate space model predictions for 744 extant mammals under eight scenarios of future climate change. Spatial variation in fossil mammal community structure (b diversity) is highest at intermediate values of continental mean annual precipitation (MAP) estimated from paleosols (,450 mm/year) and declines under both wetter and drier conditions, reflecting diversity patterns of modern mammals. Latitudinal gradients in community change (latitudinal turnover gradients, aka LTGs) increase in strength through the Cenozoic, but also show a cyclical pattern that is significantly explained by MAP. In general, LTGs are weakest when continental MAP is highest, similar to modern tropical ecosystems in which latitudinal diversity gradients are weak or undetectable. Projections under modeled climate change show no substantial change in b diversity or LTG strength for North American mammals. Our results suggest that similar climate-mediated mechanisms might drive spatial and temporal patterns of community composition in both fossil and extant mammals. We also provide empirical evidence that the ecological processes on which climate space models are based are insufficient for accurately forecasting long-term mammalian response to anthropogenic climate change and inclusion of historical parameters may be essential.
    Date Created:
    2015-05-21

  • On the number of channels required for interference-free wireless mesh networks

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    Chaudhry, Aizaz, Hafez, Roshdy HM, and Chinneck, John W
    Abstract:
    We study the problem of achieving maximum network throughput with fairness among the flows at the nodes in a wireless mesh network, given their location and the number of their half-duplex radio interfaces. Our goal is to find the minimum number of non-overlapping frequency channels required to achieve interference-free communication. We use our existing Select x for less than x topology control algorithm (TCA) to build the connectivity graph (CG), which enhances spatial channel reuse to help minimize the number of channels required. We show that the TCA-based CG approach requires fewer channels than the classical approach of building the CG based on the maximum power. We use multi-path routing to achieve the maximum network throughput and show that it provides better network throughput than the classical minimum power-based shortest path routing. We also develop an effective heuristic method to determine the minimum number of channels required for interference-free channel assignment.
    Date Created:
    2015-05-21

  • Democratization in Serbia: An Analysis of Rational Choice and Structuralist Explanations

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    Apostolov-Dimitrijevic, Dunja
    Abstract:
    This paper explains political democratization in Post-Milosevic Serbia utilizing two different accounts of the democratization process: one rooted in the rational choice framework and the other in structuralism. While rational choice explains the decisive role of political leadership in overcoming path dependence, the structuralist explanations show the transnational linkages that encourage democratization in the face of domestic setbacks. This particular debate between the two types of explanations represents the larger debate concerning the role of internal factors and external linkages in propelling democratization in transitional societies. The paper concludes by integrating the two sets of explanations offered by each theoretical perspective, in order to develop a coherent understanding of Serbia's democratization.
    Date Created:
    2015-05-21

  • Selection of DNA Aptamers for Mycotoxins

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Ruscito, Annamaria
    Abstract:
    Mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and patulin (PAT) are toxic fungal metabolites that contaminate food commodities worldwide. They pose health risks for humans and animals, and have a negative impact on the economy. Mycotoxin detection is vital to ensure public safety. Although traditional detection techniques for mycotoxin detection (e.g. LC-MS) have proven to be highly selective and sensitive, simpler, more rapid, and more cost-effective approaches are required. Aptamer-based techniques are a possible solution. Aptamers are oligonucleotides that can bind to molecules with high affinity and specificity, generated via an in vitro process known as SELEX. We attempted to generate aptamers for DON and PAT. The selection process for DON was challenging and it would be beneficial to continue SELEX, whereas the process for PAT was simpler thus sequences for potential aptamers were obtained. This work has contributed to the production of aptamer-based assays and biosensors for mycotoxin detection.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Chemical and Environmental Toxicology
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Controlling Secondary Flows in Highly-Loaded Compressor Cascades

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Prevost, Jean-Michel
    Abstract:
    This thesis documents the experimental results of a research program investigating the effect of non-axisymmetric endwall contouring on the secondary flows and loss generation in a highly-loaded compressor cascade. The results are compared with the losses for the baseline flat endwall in order to evaluate the potential benefits.The research showed that the application of non-axisymmetric endwall contouring at design incidence modified the secondary flows near the endwall, mitigating the corner stall. The benefits from contouring were observed in terms of reductions in the secondary losses and in the underturning of the secondary flows compared to the flat endwall test case. However, these benefits were not observed at the off-design incidence studied. The application of endwall contouring generated higher secondary kinetic energy near the endwall, which penetrated deeper along the span and occupied a larger area, resulting in higher secondary and total losses as it dissipated moving downstream of the cascade.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Aerospace
    Date Created:
    2015

  • A Novel Technique for Addition of Hydrogen to Zirconium Alloys: Mechanical Hydrogen Ingress and Its Applications

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    St. Louis, Curtis John
    Abstract:
    This thesis outlines the development of the Mechanical Hydrogen Ingress (MHI) technique, which is a novel method of adding hydrogen to zirconium. The method was shown to have an uncertainty of 2% of the predicted hydrogen concentration plus 1.4 ppm (i.e. a sample with 50 ppm would have an uncertainty of 0.02(50) + 1.4 = 2.4 ppm). The MHI technique was used to add a known amount of hydrogen to a low-hydrogen zirconium sample in order to determine the initial hydrogen concentration using the differential scanning calorimetry technique, to determine the hydrogen solubility in copper, and to add hydrogen to zirconium at temperatures below 350 °C to support life-extension experiments on irradiated ex-service CANDU pressure tubes.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Mechanical
    Date Created:
    2015

  • The Russian-Soviet Resettlement Policies and Their Implications for Ethno-Territorial Conflicts in the South Caucasus

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Shafiyev, Farid
    Abstract:
    This dissertation investigates the Imperial Russian and Soviet resettlement policies in the South Caucasus with a focus on Azerbaijan, and their implications for the ethno-territorial conflicts in the region. The periods of 1817-1840 as well as from 1878- 1914 during Russian Imperial rule are juxtaposed to the period of 1941-1953 of the Soviet administration in the South Caucasus. The selection of this time frame is based on the most active phases of the resettlement practices carried out by respective empires in the South Caucasian borderland. According to this time period, the most affected ethnic groups involved in the Russian-Soviet resettlement policies were Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Germans and Russians.As a contribution to transhistorical studies, this dissertation seeks to find not only parallels and continuity between the resettlement policies of Imperial Russia and the Soviet Union, but also aims at analyzing the modalities and complexities of empire-building in the borderlands under investigation. Thus, the dissertation will focus on differences in methods and approaches employed by the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union as they had different ideologies in empire- and state-building, which subsequently affected their resettlement practices. The research examines the imperial tools employed for refashioning the population in the borderland, such as Christianization and the “civilizing mission” and their connection to resettlement practices. I argue that one overarching theme of the resettlement policies was consistent throughout the Tsarist and Soviet administrations – the extension of imperial power in the borderland despite declared goals of economic development or religious refashioning of the region.The study advances a thesis that the Russian and Soviet resettlement policies emanated from similar geopolitical and security considerations in the South Caucasian borderland, and were aimed at changing the demographic composition of the region. In doing so, the Russian-Soviet administrations unevenly treated the ethnic groups involved in the resettlement projects and the local population which had inhabited the region prior to the Russian conquest in the beginning of the 19th century. The result of resettlement policies – coupled with Russian-Soviet rule – was one of the major factors causing the ethno-territorial conflict between Azerbaijanis and Armenians.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    History
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Child Soldier Stories and the American Marketplace

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Mastey, David
    Abstract:
    This project offers an analysis of the child soldier story genre of literary writing in the context of Africanist discourse in the U.S. It defines the genre as encompassing fictional and non-fiction narratives that depict child soldier protagonists in Africa as written by African authors. It examines nine of the most popular and critically-acclaimed works through their predominant themes and concludes that the genre ultimately makes a harmful contribution to how the African continent is popularly understood in the U.S.The first chapter defines the genre as it has been constructed by the American publishing industry. It places child soldier stories within a larger marketing category known as misery literature and explains how they are taken to inappropriately represent everyday life in Africa.The second chapter examines their representations of childhood on the continent. They convey the idea that it is not possible for children to experience what readers are likely to understand as a normative childhood and that recovery is only possible when these characters relocate in the West. China Keitetsi’s 2005 memoir Child Soldier is the main focus for this analysis.The third chapter concerns how they address organized violence in Africa and causes for child soldiering. While some reject the view that ‘tribalism’ is to blame for recurring conflicts, all appear to endorse the Afro-pessimistic conclusion that terrible conditions in Africa are not likely to improve. Ahmadou Kourouma’s 2007 novel Allah is Not Obliged is the main focus for this analysis.The fourth chapter considers whether a more critical view of the humanitarian industry that is exhibited in many child soldier stories can be considered a redeeming feature of the genre. It also concentrates on efforts by former child soldiers to change their public identities through their embrace of humanitarian advocacy. Emmanuel Dongala’s 2005 novel Johnny Mad Dog is the main focus for this analysis.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    English
    Date Created:
    2015

  • A Self-Contained Roadway Kinetic Energy Harvesting System for Energy Recovery

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Wang, Xinghe
    Abstract:
    Kinetic Energy Harvesting (KEH) systems have been applied to various maintenance-free electronic devices. One of the potential applications is harvesting a decent amount of kinetic energy generated by the road vehicles. Although researches have been conducted on the roadway KEH system, it is worthwhile to improve the system in order to convert more energy without worsening the driving experience. This work consists of design of the piezoelectric KEH transducer (Cymbal transducer), and improvement of the KEH circuit. The optimal geometry of each Cymbal unit is determined by the utilization of Finite Element Analysis. After studying several recently introduced piezoelectric KEH circuit topologies, a preferred topology has been adopted for a novel KEH circuit design. A voltage peak detection function and an energy storage unit voltage hysteresis function have been included in the circuit. The circuit has demonstrated a higher energy harvesting efficiency compared to competitors during tests.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Mechanical
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Novel Structural Design of a Piezo Transducer for Roadway Power Harvesting Applications

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Louter, Matteo James
    Abstract:
    The roadway power harvesting project was started to design and produce a working prototype of a piezoelectric based power harvesting aimed at harvesting power from vehicles. The system is composed of a rubber speed bump with arrays of piezoelectric transducers. The transducers are connected to power harvesting circuitry that can capture and store energy generated by the transducers and then deliver it at a specific voltage to a generic load application. This thesis focuses on the hardware aspect of the project, more specifically the design and fabrication and experimental validation of a novel piezoelectric transducer that incorporates both radial slits with circumferential preloading of each transducer in order to maximize power generation per transducer. The designs undergo finite element analysis for appropriate parameter determination. Finally the fully constructed system is tested both on a hydraulic loading machine and with a road vehicle and determined to be a 113 % improvement over a conventional cymbal transducer design.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Mechanical
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Mass Spectrometry-Based Analysis to Investigate the Physiochemical and Proteomic Properties of Viral Sensitizers

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Macklin, Andrew Mackendrick
    Abstract:
    Attenuated viruses hold great potential in viral-based therapies including vaccine production and oncolytic virotherapy. Both applications are hindered by poor intercellular infection propagation due to genetic heterogeneity amongst target cells in regard to antiviral response functionality. Our collaborative research group has developed a novel solution to address this problem: first-in-class small molecules termed viral sensitizers (VSes) that potentiate attenuated viral infection in resistant cells. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods using various scanning modes were developed to characterize the poor physiochemical properties of the first lead compound. Furthermore, LC-MS methods were applied in a VSe library screen and quality assurance experiments. New lead compounds were identified with improved plasma stability and retained activity. Pharmacokinetic and metabolomic studies using lead VSes revealed that glutathione stability and tumour penetrance are important considerations for future experiments. MS-based and gel-based proteomic experiments used target identification techniques to elucidate the VSe mechanism of action.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Chemistry
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Towards a Theory of Democratic Global Economic Governance: Hybridization of Soft and Hard Law in the Case of Gender within the World Trade Organization

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Fabian, Judit
    Abstract:
    The study is about democracy. It asks whether global economic governance (GEG) can take a democratic turn by testing whether the representation of women and women’s interests can be accomplished within the World Trade Organization (WTO). The test answers the question because the representation of women and women’s interests is a sine qua non of democracy in the 21st century, and because the WTO is the hardest case amongst institutions of GEG for the representation of women and women’s interests. This produces two corollaries: if the WTO cannot incorporate a sine qua non of democracy, then GEG cannot become democratic without significant institutional restructuring; if the representation of women and women’s interests can be accomplished in the ‘hardest case,’ it should be possible within GEG generally. So proceeding, the study builds a framework for democratic GEG called Inclusive Global Institutionalism (IGI), comprising the principles inclusion, caution, simplicity, legitimacy and flexibility. IGI, balancing juridification, hybridization and path-dependency, is preferred over three ideas of democratic global governance: a global democratic state, ‘multitude,’ and ‘a new world order of networks.’ The study validates its test by showing that the representation of women and women’s interests can stand proxy for democratization, while the WTO can stand proxy for GEG. The former is accomplished by critiquing Pitkin’s ‘substantive representation’ and ‘potentiality,’ advancing a more expansive concept of representation. The latter is accomplished by developing seven ‘Moments of Juridification’ showing that the WTO represents the post-WWII juridification of GEG, and nine ‘Reasons’ why the WTO is the ‘hardest case.’ The study determines that the representation of women and women’s interests is made possible by hybridizing soft and hard law in the Enhanced Integrated Framework and Aid-for-Trade, which require WTO interaction with other IOs, but are brought within the WTO’s Committee for Trade and Development in Aid-for-Trade session. This allows the conclusion that democratization of GEG is not impossible, and that representation of women and women’s interests is possible within the WTO without fundamental structural reform. The study finally concludes that to balance juridification, hybridization and path-dependency is necessary to any stable democracy or sustained democratization.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Political Science
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Automatic Derivation of Dependability and Fault Tolerance Analysis Models from Software Architecture

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Alzahrani, Naif Abdullah M.
    Abstract:
    The goal of this thesis is to develop a framework for integrating model-based dependability assessment techniques in the early stages of the software development process. This will support designers in taking the right design decisions and avoiding costly corrective actions later on, after the implementation and deployment have been completed.The first objective of the thesis is to introduce an aspect-based modeling approach for representing the erroneous behavior of UML components and for capturing failure propagation between connected components. This approach, called Component Erroneous Behavior Aspect Modeling approach (CeBAM), supports the definition of aspects representing component erroneous behavior and composes the aspects automatically with the normal component behavior represented as a state-machine. It also enables the compatibility verification between interacting components and conformance verification of their internal behavior with the corresponding ports protocol behavior.The next objective is to provide an automated transformation chain for deriving a Stochastic Reward Net (SRN) reliability analysis model from the software model in four phases: a) In-Place transformation to automate CeBAM approach, b) model-to-model transformation from UML software model extended with dependability annotations to SRN model, c) intermediate model-to-model transformation to build a CSPL model, and d) model-to-text transformation from the generated CSPL model to a C-based SRN Programming Language (CSPL) specification. The derived SRN model is used first to verify the conformance and compatibility of the involved components in the selected scenario. Once it passes the verification, the CSPL code is generated and used to obtain the required reliability analysis results. These results are fed back to the designer, to support the selection of proper software fault tolerance mechanisms for the software. Moreover, we developed the Single Version Fault Tolerance Aspect Modeling approach (SvFTAM), which captures architectural and behavioral models of single version fault tolerance tactics into a generic reusable aspect model.The state space explosion is a well-known problem of state-based analysis models such as SRN. To address this problem, we use decomposition and reduction techniques of the derived SRN model to compute approximate system reliability measures.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Variable Length Windowing to Improve Non-Negative Matrix Factorization of Music Signals

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Pentyala, Revanth
    Abstract:
    Non-negative matrix factorization(NMF) has shown positive results in learning musical notes in the last decade. The magnitude short time Fourier transform (STFT) is typically fed for learning to the NMF algorithm. Fixed length windowing might not be effective in capturing the stationarity within a note. Improving the stationarity characteristics of the signal within the STFT is expected to improve the qualitative performance of note extraction by the NMF algorithm. To this extent, we propose a signal dependent variable length window based STFT to effectively capture the stationarity of the signal within each frame of the magnitude STFT. We also explore automatic detection of note onsets in music signals. Many reduction techniques have been developed in literature for reducing the time-frequency representation of the signal to a one dimension detection function to detect note onsets. We propose using the Itakura-Satio divergence for estimating the location of note onsets.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Increasing the Sensitivity of Phospholipid Analyses from Biological Extracts via Trimethylation Enhancement using Diazomethane (TrEnDi) and Tandem Mass Spectrometry

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Canez Quijada, Carlos Ramon
    Abstract:
    TrEnDi is a novel rapid in-solution technique for quaternization of phospholipid amino groups and methylation of phosphate groups via reaction with diazomethane and tetrafluoroboric acid. TrEnDi significantly enhanced the sensitivity of mass spectrometry and tandem MS studies of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin standards. Use of 13C-diazomethane enabled creation of independent precursor ion scans (PIS) for modified PE and modified PC species which would otherwise can produce undistinguishable isobaric species. The efficacy of the technique was tested on a complex biological sample. 13C-TrEndi provided a drastic sensitivity enhancement for PE and PS species enabling the identification and quantitation of several species which were below the limit of detection and quantitation prior to modification. Derivatization provided a modest sensitivity enhancement for PC species and allowed quantitation of several PC species that were below the limit of quantitation prior to modification. SM species exhibited neither sensitivity increase nor hindrance after modification.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Chemistry
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Evolution and Diversity of Ornithomimid Dinosaurs in the Upper Cretaceous Belly River Group of Alberta

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    McFeeters, Bradley
    Abstract:
    Ornithomimids from the Upper Cretaceous Belly River Group are among the best known theropods from these deposits, but questions remain concerning the oldest definitive occurrence of these dinosaurs in Alberta, as well as the taxonomic diversity of the articulated material. A partial skeleton is described and removed from Struthiomimus altus as the holotype of a new taxon. At least three ornithomimid taxa were roughly contemporaneous in the lower Dinosaur Park Formation. A reevaluation of isolated elements rejects reports of this clade from the Santonian Milk River Formation. The oldest Albertan material definitively referable to Ornithomimidae is from the lower Oldman Formation, and it is proposed that derived ornithomimids migrated into Laramidia during the Campanian. Characters considered diagnostic of the Chinese taxon Qiupalong are reported in material from the Belly River Group, supporting a close relationship between Asian and Albertan ornithomimids, and possibly a more complex palaeobiogeographic history than previously hypothesized.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Earth Sciences
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Multiculturalism in Western Europe: From Implementation to Failure

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Manyakin, Konstantin
    Abstract:
    The thesis is focused on the implementation of multiculturalist policies in Europe in the second half of the 20th century until the present period. It takes as its starting point statements by prominent European politicians that multiculturalism has failed and seeks to explain why these statements were made and what their implications are for immigrants to Europe from non-EU countries, with a particular focus on the United Kingdom, French Republic and the Kingdom of Belgium. The thesis first addresses how and why non-EU migrants moved to and settled in Western Europe. Then it examines how and to what extent these Western European governments implemented multiculturalist policies, including analysis of obstacles to their success and examination of available empirical evidence on outcomes for these groups. Finally, the study asks whether declarations about the failure of multiculturalism were followed by a toughening of policies that affect immigrants.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    European, Russian and Eurasian Studies
    Date Created:
    2015

  • An Eye-Tracking Evaluation of Driver Distraction and Road Signs

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Hurtado, Stephanie
    Abstract:
    Driving is a complex task that requires auditory, visual, and tactile attention. It is difficult enough for drivers to handle the increasing number of distractions when they are in a familiar environment, but what happens when drivers are placed in a new environment? If we understood this issue, we could design tools to reduce driving hazards and minimize distractions.We address this gap by exploring drivers' behaviour when they encounter road signs from different countries. We conducted two eye-tracking studies with 50 participants. Participants' spent increased time looking at unfamiliar road signs. Misinterpretation occurred due to the influence of previous experience and many drivers drove at reduced speeds throughout to compensate for the anticipated cognitive load. We suggest developing context-aware in-vehicle systems that use web mapping services to present drivers with road signage information. Based on our results, we also provide four recommendations to improve driver safety.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Computer Science
    Date Created:
    2015

  • A Comparison of Password Authentication Between Children and Adults

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Imran, Ahsan
    Abstract:
    According to a large MediaSmarts survey, 99 percent of Canadian children aged 8-15 are online. We already have a good number of security measures for adults but can those measures keep children secure as well? As a starting point, we explore the subject of user authentication for children.We conducted two studies on three graphical password schemes (Objects, Image and Words PassTiles), one with adults and one with children. We analyse the data collected from these 50 participants to compare their performance and preferences. Although outperformed by the adults, children performed best with Objects PassTiles where they recognized images of distinct objects from among decoys. Adults and children both have similar opinions, including a preference for graphical passwords over their existing password schemes. We conclude the thesis with four recommendations based on our experiences.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Computer Science
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Antioxidant Activity Of Oat Peptides In Hepatic HepG2 cells

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Du, Yichen
    Abstract:
    Many studies have been performed to demonstrate the antioxidant activities of hydrolyzed proteins and peptides from cereals such as corn, wheat, and barley using in vitro chemical assays. Studies have demonstrated the antioxidant properties of hydrolyzed oat proteins, and seven peptides have been identified including FNDRLRQGQLL (P1), GLVYIL (P2), GQTV (P3), GQTVFNDRLRQGQLL (P4), YHNAP (P5), YHNAPGLVYIL (P6), and DVNNNANQLEPR (P7). The purpose of the current study was to establish the antioxidant activities of these peptides using chemical and cell culture based assays. The current research found that all seven peptides exhibited radical scavenging activity in ORAC assay. Moreover, cytoprotective activities of the P1, P2, P6, and P7 against oxidative stress induced by 2,2′-Azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) have been studied, including alteration of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), change in total glutathione and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Chemistry
    Date Created:
    2015

  • The Voice of the People: Can Gladue Offer a Meaningful Source of Healing to its Clients?

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Boudakian, Taleen M.
    Abstract:
    Aboriginal people who have been through the criminal justice system are a vulnerable population who often carry significant burdens of historic and personal trauma, including intergenerational effects, addiction, and exposure to violence. For many Aboriginal offenders, the Gladue report constitutes the first opportunity to tell their story. As such, many defendants view the Gladue process to be part of their healing process. There is question to whether the process can, in fact, assist in meaningful healing. Especially given the documented racism implicit in the court process and the lack of understanding many court actors have about Gladue. The purpose of this research project is to explore whether or not Gladue reports are able to offer a meaningful source of healing for its clients by interviewing a Gladue Report recipient and Gladue interviewer/writer.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Legal Studies
    Date Created:
    2015

  • The English Resultative

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Christie, Elizabeth Jannett
    Abstract:
    The purpose of this thesis is to augment our empirical knowledge of the English resultative and to provide a theoretical treatment of the syntax and semantics of the resultative using current linguistic tools. This involves using both theoretical and experimental methods to ensure that the model reflects human usage of natural language and follows the principles required for formal language modelling.The main questions addressed are 1) Is the result phrase an argument, an adjunct, or something else (an added/derived argument, sometimes called an argument-adjunct)? 2) How do we best capture the properties of the resultative in a formal model? In order to address these questions, it must be determined what falls into the overall category of the resultative and how the resultative can be sub-classified into further sub-categories to best reflect the potentially distinctive properties of related resultative constructions. These divisions are then tested for fit with the theoretical categories of argument, adjunct and added/derived argument. Lastly, an analysis is provided using Lexical-Functional Grammar and Glue Semantics.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Cognitive Science
    Date Created:
    2015

  • The Development of a Diesel Injector Experiment to Study the Combined Effects of Oxidation and Shear on Lubricating Oil Viscosity

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Laforge, Frederic
    Abstract:
    An experimental test rig was needed to apply high rates of shear strain on lubricating oil molecules and study the effects these may have on the degradation of the lubricant. The result was the development of a diesel injection device where the oil could be stressed and cycled effectively. Viscosity measurements were used to determine whether or not the oil had degraded. A change in viscosity in high molecular weight compounds is evidence of chain scission. The results show that cycling a 128 ml volume of oil 12 times has no effect on fresh, unaltered lubricating oils, even at low oxidation times up until 48 hours. However, the results show that heavily degraded lubricating oils near and beyond their usability limit, do exhibit a viscosity loss of up to 0.043 Pa·s; a 19% change.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Aerospace
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Toward a political economy of on-reserve Indigenous education in Canada: Problematizing Bill C-33

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Koller, Katalin
    Abstract:
    In 2008, the federal government began a reform process for on-reserve Indigenous education that culminated in approximately ten months of consultation with Indigenous and public stakeholders and the drafting of federal legislation. Bill C-33 was placed on hold in 2014 after opposition from Indigenous groups across Canada. This thesis examines the consultation process and the corresponding government discourse for evidence of the reproduction of colonial power relations and the subjectification of Indigenous rationalities to free-market ideology. Analysis is informed by a conceptual framework linking David Harvey’s accumulation by dispossession, Wendy Larner’s neoliberalism as policy, ideology, and governmentality, and an original interpretation of the logics of settler-colonialism operating in Canada based upon Andrea Smith’s logics of White supremacy. Through a Foucauldian discourse analysis of consultation documents and government public relations messaging, the ways in which Indigenous sovereignty is suppressed by state paternalism and Indigenous Peoples commodified by economic rhetoric are revealed.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Political Economy
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Grounding Condoland: Counteracting Future Deline

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Graci, Ema
    Abstract:
    A complex array of factors has facilitated a recent influx of condominiums in Toronto. Many of these high-density residential developments appear to have affected the human scale and integrative sense of community. Concord CityPlace will serve as a site for analysis. The question asked is whether speculation about CityPlace is correct that the development will ultimately deteriorate into slums. Solutions will be provided in regards to site isolation and pedestrian accessibility and the use of outdoor urban spaces within and directly around the site. This thesis will respond through urban design and architectural interventions, situated along three site borders. We will adapt ideas from Jane Jacobs’ critique of the modern city and her theory of border vacuums. A debate with Jan Gehl’s concept of spaces for moving and places for staying and Richard Sennett’s notion of the open system will then serve to enhance Jacob’s outlined themes.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Architecture
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Bending Blindly: Exploring the Learnability and Usability of Bend Gestures for the Visually Impaired

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Ernst, Matthew
    Abstract:
    This thesis explored the application of bend gestures as a primary method of interaction for the visually impaired and the use of haptic stimulus as non-visual affordances to assist in the teaching and prompting of bend gestures.The first study explored this use of haptic stimulus and presented 48 tactons to participants who were asked to select one of three bend gesture locations and two directions they felt it represented. The second study compared the interaction experience of bend gestures in a visually impaired environment to touch.We identify results from both studies that can help shape future research in this area of accessibility and potentially increase the overall interaction experience for screen reader based smartphones. The promising results around the pairing of the motor combination and intensity parameters in tacton design, in conjunction with preference for certain bend gestures, lays the foundation for future work in this area.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Human-Computer Interaction
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Lightweight Robust Optimizer for Distributed Application Deployment in Multi-Clouds

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Kaur, Ravneet
    Abstract:
    This thesis creates a new approach for task assignment in an edge-core multi-cloud architecture to reduce power consumption in service centers using multilevel graph partitioning technique. Multilevel graph partitioning has three phases of coarsening, refinement and uncoarsening. For the refinement phase, a new algorithm based on a modified Kernighan–Lin algorithm is proposed which takes into account multiple constraints, and that mitigates the problem of stopping at a local minimum. Once tasks are assigned to the edge and core, multidimensional bin-packing is used to deploy tasks to individual hosts so that power consumption can be calculated. The approach is validated by comparing it to extended simulated annealing and an extended modified Kernighan–Lin algorithm. The experiments show that our approach is fast and produces better results. It is also less prone to failure in finding a feasible deployment for given constraints.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2015

  • The Casbah: Reimagining the Counter-Space

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Faidi, Meria
    Abstract:
    Inspired by the inherent character of agency in the spatial configuration of the Casbah of Algiers, an urban and architectural strategy in the form of a counter-space is presented, aimed to extract agency from the youth that were terrorized by the Algerian Civil War.The urban intervention is situated in an interstitial spatio-temporal context- scaffolding and abandoned plots- within the present state of interregnum. A binary counter-space consisting of pathways and a fragmented anthology of temporary towers is developed.The temporary structures will reinject the youth into the heart of the city by physically situating them within and compelling them to confront their context. These structures will impose the youth upon the context; in turn, the context will impose itself upon the youth; with this confrontation between them, a contemporary counter-space is created and as a result the youth is presented with a platform for expression and action towards self-determination.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Architecture
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Understanding the Factors that affect Motivation of Local Students to Interact with International Students in Online Social Communities

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Elrayes, Doaa
    Abstract:
    International students face social and educational challenges in host countries. Local students’ interaction with international students can help overcome those challenges. However, existing research finds that this level of interaction is generally low. While factors affecting motivation to participate in online communities has been heavily studied, understanding the factors that motivate local students to interact with international students in online communities remain a gap in the literature. This thesis investigates such factors. Understanding those factors can enable the design of human computer interaction artifacts that enhance their interaction. This thesis is an exploratory study that develops a survey instrument and evaluates its quality. The data attests to the high quality of the survey questionnaire; shows that local students have low levels of interaction with international students in online communities; and shows that seven motivation factors can motivate local students to different degrees to interact with international students in online communities.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Human-Computer Interaction
    Date Created:
    2015

  • The Bangladeshi Perspective: The Case of Married Academic Women Pursuing Foreign Degrees

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Anwar, Tahmina
    Abstract:
    Since there is a dearth of research on Bangladeshi married academic women's participation in higher studies abroad, this study endeavours to explore their motives and experiences in pursuing foreign degrees, the barriers encountered, and their strategies for overcoming them. This case study (Yin, 1994) investigates the phenomenon of study abroad through the narrative accounts of five married academic women from Bangladesh at different stages of study abroad (pre-departure and planning; in progress; and completed). Within the framework of the discursive construction of identity (e.g., Ivanic, 1998; Lakoff, 1973; Tannen 1994), accounts of four participants were elicited through semi-structured interviews. The study suggests that academic women's participation in a foreign degree program depends to a great extent on how they construct the meaning of identity-shaping discourses in their "private" and "public" lives.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Struggling for the 'right to the city': In situ informal settlement upgrading in Kibera, Nairobi

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Stenton, Christine
    Abstract:
    The government of Kenya has implemented a ‘slum upgrading’ pilot project in the informal settlement of Kibera through the Kenyan Slum Upgrading Programme (KENSUP) with the aim of improving the livelihoods of residents through upgrading housing structures, securing tenure, and providing infrastructure to increase access for service delivery. However, KENSUP’s project provides an altered version of in situ informal settlement upgrading that involves ‘replacing’ housing structures by building new apartment complexes instead of upgrading existing structures. This fails to address the limited employment opportunities available, access to capital, or social mobility of residents. Using data acquired through policy analysis and interviews with people connected to the project, this paper analyzes the impact of the project on factors important to residents’ struggle for a right to the city so that lessons can be learned about what strategies are harmful or successful towards achieving the goal of in situ upgrading initiatives.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Political Economy
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Finding a Middle Ground: Advancing the Feminist Pathways Paradigm Through Intergration with "What Works" with Adolescent Offenders

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Greiner, Leigh Erin
    Abstract:
    The purpose of this dissertation was to advance the feminist pathways paradigm by integrating theory and methods from a mainstream correctional perspective to enhance our understanding of serious adolescent offenders. This dissertation used archival data provided by the Pathways to Desistance project (Mulvey, 2012), a longitudinal study of 1354 serious adjudicated adolescent offenders (1170 male, 184 female), recruited from Philadelphia and Phoenix, designed to examine persistence and desistance from criminal behaviour over time. Study 1 generated a theoretically-integrated typology and tested the stability of this typology over time using a series of latent profile analyses (LPA) generated at baseline, and at 12, 24, and 36-month follow-ups. Subsequently, using latent difference score (LDS) modeling within a structural equation modelling (SEM) framework, Study 2 examined the relationship between victimization and offending across three time-points, and further examined whether changes in internalizing mental health deficits and substance abuse mediated this relationship. Results of Study 1 suggest that youth can be classified into three groups: a minimal-needs class with negligible needs in all domains, a comprehensive-needs class with high-needs in all domains with the exception of internalizing mental health deficits, and a complex-comprehensive-needs class scoring high on all domains in addition to elevated internalizing mental health disorders. Similar profiles emerged at each time-point examined. However, an additional class, characterized by elevated alcohol use and moderate antisocial personality, emerged at the 36-month follow-up. Overall, results of Study 1 suggest that the heterogeneity of the treatment profiles of adolescent offenders increases over time, and there are more similarities than differences between males and females in their treatment profiles. Results of Study 2 revealed a significant relationship between victimization and subsequent offending; however, neither changes in substance abuse nor changes in internalizing mental health deficits mediated this relationship. As such, these results suggest that this causal sequence of events detailed by feminist pathways proponents may not hold up with longitudinal data. In light of these findings, it is recommended that future research continues to leverage the feminist pathways paradigm with “what works” to gain a better understanding of gender similarities and differences in adolescents’ pathways to crime.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Psychology
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Novelty vs. Predictability: Relationship Tensions in Close Relationships

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Lebreton, Janelle
    Abstract:
    The goal of this research is to examine relationship challenges and outcomes to experiences of both internal and between-person relationship tensions in novelty and predictability. Consistent with the dialectical model, I predicted that internal and between-partner tensions would be associated: a) more with the challenge of boredom than conflict, b) more with trying novel activities than familiar ones, and c) with reduced relationship quality. These hypotheses were assessed in two studies. In Study 1, a correlational design was employed where participants in long-term close relationships completed questionnaires related to personal relationship tensions, challenges, activity engagement, and relationship quality. In Study 2, I extended my analysis by using an experimental design to examine the effects of perceived tensions between partners in participants own relationships on challenges, activities, and relationship quality. Additionally, in Study 2, I examined the effect of goal orientation (approach, avoidance) in shaping these associations.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Psychology
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Perceived Realism and the CSI-Effect

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Monnink, Jordan
    Abstract:
    Anecdotal claims made by lawyers, judges, and legal scholars state that jurors are increasingly expecting the presence of DNA and other forensic evidence in criminal trials (Cole & Dioso-Villa, 2007, Tyler, 2006). This research extends what is known about what has been aptly termed the “CSI-Effect.” Utilizing Cultivation Theory (Gerbner, 1976), this research examined whether juror ratings of guilt in a criminal trial are impacted by a relationship between perceived realism and the presentation of different types of evidence. Overall, those high in perceived realism were more likely to convict than those low in perceived realism. Additionally, eyewitness testimony significantly decreased jurors’ likelihood of voting guilty. Finally, evidence strength only had an impact on verdict in the eyewitness condition. The results here suggest that perceived realism does not increase a jurors’ expectation that DNA evidence be presented in court and thus does not support the CSI-effect.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Psychology
    Date Created:
    2015

  • De-Medicalizing Architecture: Humanizing Design and Intervention for Elderly Care

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Consales, Veronica
    Abstract:
    The role of architecture in the design of elderly centered health spaces is becoming increasingly more important as the baby boomer generation, now comprising nearly 23% of the Canadian population (Statistics Canada) approaches retirement. This group is advancing rapidly into old age, and will require facilities that are able to provide both individual and collective comfort and health. If this is accurate, we are led to ask how architecture can act as the environment and vehicle for providing quality care for the elderly population. This could also oppose the cure mentality central to conventional hospital design. The thesis will seek to answer: how can the design of humanized healthcare facilities for the elderly, focusing on quality architectural interventions that promote the notion of ‘care’, improve health indicators and promote community interaction. In other words: can architecture be de-medicalized.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Architecture
    Date Created:
    2015

  • An Evaluation of Model Predictive Control of Automated Shading to Optimize Passive Solar Gains

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Lawal, Nuriat Tiwatayo
    Abstract:
    Passive houses are prone to overheating, even sometimes in the winter. Model predictive control (MPC) of automated window blinds has proved to be effective at managing solar gains to reduce the thermal loads in buildings. MPC involves predicting a system's future response to several control inputs to determine the best current control decision. This is beneficial in buildings, which experience a delayed thermal response to solar gains.This thesis details a framework for MPC of automated blinds to optimize passive solar gains in a single-family home. Building performance simulations (BPS) were used to predict the interactions between the blind positions and the heating and cooling loads. Optimizations were performed to minimize the combined heating and cooling loads. The MPC's performance was simulated and compared to a rule-based controller (RBC), which is the standard practice in blind automation. Energy savings of up to 36% were recorded in comparison to the RBC.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Sustainable Energy
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Organizing for Social Policy Change: Child Care Policy Advocacy in Canada

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Cornelisse, Lesley Christine
    Abstract:
    Taking up the campaigns for a federal child care program as an example of social movement advocacy for policy change, this thesis examines how social actors have understood the need for better federal social policy related to child care in Canada. I develop a policy and advocacy history to preface a theorization of child care advocacy according to Tronto’s (2011) four phases of care. My method of inquiry is grounded in the voices of the advocacy movement; I rely on interviews conducted with advocates, researchers, and a Member of Parliament who are organizing to achieve a national child care system grounded in the QUAD principles: quality, universality, accessibility, and developmentally appropriate child care. This project contributes to literature which develops the history, approaches, and goals of the child care movement as a ‘usable past’ to both strengthen the cognitive praxis of the movement and inform its pursuit of policy change.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Political Economy
    Date Created:
    2015

  • A User-Centred Design Approach to Ubiquitous Computing and Framing Communication in Football

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Lourenço Levin, Maya
    Abstract:
    The purpose of this interdisciplinary design research study is to explore the nature of communication during a football game, to identify the needs of athletes and coaches based on their specific contexts, and to uncover opportunities relating to ubiquitous computing for improving their performance. The research is approached through mixed design research methods including a survey, field observations and interviews. The data is analyzed using a graphical approach to representing the findings. The key insights from this research include validating a user need by identifying the problem space of communication errors during a game, a user want by acknowledging motivation and acceptance of emerging technology, and investigating the opportunity for wearable technology to enhance performance in football.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Design (M.Des.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Industrial Design
    Date Created:
    2015

  • A Scheduling Algorithm for Hadoop MapReduce Workflows with Budget Constraints in the Heterogeneous Cloud

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Wylie, Andrew
    Abstract:
    In recent years cloud services have gained much attention as a result of their availability, scalability, and low cost. One use of these services has been for the execution of scientific workflows, which are employed in a diverse range of fields including astronomy, physics, seismology, and bioinformatics. There has been much research on heuristic scheduling algorithms for these workflows due to the problem's inherent complexity, however existing work has mainly considered execution on a generic distributed framework. For our research, we consider the popular Apache Hadoop framework for scheduling workflows onto resources rented from cloud service providers. Investigated in our work is budget-constrained workflow scheduling on the Hadoop MapReduce platform, wherein we devise both an optimal and a heuristic approach to minimize workflow makespan while satisfying a given budget constraint.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Computer Science
    Date Created:
    2015

  • "It’s Happening Here!” Anti-Trafficking Policy in the City of Ottawa – A Critical Analysis

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Lockhart, Courtney
    Abstract:
    Over the last several years human trafficking has been in the political spotlight, and anti-trafficking has become a political arena on its own. “Anti” projects are useful in understanding how law and policies are made. What does it mean to be against human trafficking? Using governmentality and genealogy methods, I focus on one anti-sex trafficking campaign located in Ottawa to examine how trafficking has been constructed as a coherent social problem. How does one NGO add or shape the anti-trafficking narrative in the community? I consider anti-sex trafficking as an evolving phenomenon that is constantly being produced through discourse, and practices. The empirical focus helps determine how power is established and controlled related to anti-trafficking, the conflation with sex work and the broader trafficking debates. In this way, government is not only policy or laws itself, but also the spaces in between and the personal lived experience of anti-trafficking.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Political Science
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Jurors' Perceptions of an Elderly Eyewitness: Effects of Geriatric Diagnosis, Level of Care and Age

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Schultheis, Elizabeth
    Abstract:
    Mock jurors’ perceptions of older adult eyewitnesses was assessed by testing how age, geriatric diagnosis, and level of care influences decision making. Mock jurors (N=355) were asked to read a trial transcript that varied age of eyewitness: 45 years, vs. 65 years, vs. 85 years; Level of care: home vs. long-term care facility; and Geriatric disease: none, vs. early stage dementia. Mock jurors then rendered a verdict, provided ratings of the eyewitness, and completed a measure of stereotypes. Although no direct effect on verdict was found, verdict confidence was influenced in a statistically significant way by the presence of a geriatric diagnosis. Subscribing to negative stereotypes of older adults was found to be related to higher ratings of senility. The findings indicated that mock jurors are influenced by geriatric diagnosis, as it negatively impacts their confidence in their verdict. Limitations and future directions will be discussed.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Psychology
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Molybdenum-100 Targets for Cyclotron Production of Technetium-99m

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Surette, Gabriel Joseph
    Abstract:
    A process for manufacturing targets for technetium-99m production, via 100Mo(p, 2n)99mTc, is presented. Targets consist of a thin layer of molybdenum-100 pressed into a copper heat sink complete with water cooling channels and O-rings. These targets are designed to be irradiated in cyclotrons at hospitals and regional pharmacies around the world to replace fission produced 99Mo.The iterations and tests leading to the final target design and processing procedures are presented. Physical descriptions of the targets are given, followed by the procedure for manufacture, and process improvements for large-scale production.The importance of 99mTc as a diagnostic imaging tool is presented, with references to instability of current sources and recent shortages, which have had led to world-wide efforts to develop non-reactor produced isotopes.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Mechanical
    Date Created:
    2015

  • Get a Social Life: Predictors and Outcomes of Maternal Beliefs About Young Children's Peer Relations

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Kirkpatrick, Alison Laurie Elizabeth
    Abstract:
    The goals of this thesis were to: (1) provide additional validation of the Revised Social Goals Inventory; (2) examine predictors of maternal social beliefs; (3) test a conceptually-derived model linking maternal social beliefs, maternal behaviours promoting children's peer relations, and indices of children's peer engagement. Participants were N=262 mothers and children (aged 4-7), recruited from schools in south-eastern Ontario. Mothers reported on their own social beliefs, behaviours, and personality, and their children's temperament and peer activities. Additional measures were obtained from children and teachers. Results indicated the RSGI demonstrated good psychometric properties. Both maternal personality and child temperament predicted social beliefs. Maternal behaviours were found to mediate the link between social beliefs and children's peer engagement. Mediation effects differed as a function of type of maternal behaviour, child gender, and domain of children's peer activity. Results are discussed in terms of the role social beliefs play in children's social development.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Psychology
    Date Created:
    2015