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  • Techno-economic assessment of solar assisted heat pump system retrofit in the Canadian housing stock

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    Beausoleil-Morrison, Ian, Asaee, S. Rasoul, and Ugursal, V. Ismet
    Abstract:
    The techno-economic feasibility of retrofitting existing Canadian houses with solar assisted heat pump (SAHP) is investigated. The SAHP architecture is adopted from previous studies conducted for the Canadian climate. The system utilizes two thermal storage tanks to store excess solar energy for use later in the day. The control strategy is defined in order to prioritise the use of solar energy for space and domestic hot water heating purposes. Due to economic and technical constraints a series of eligibility criteria are introduced for a house to qualify for the retrofit. A model was built in ESP-r and the retrofit was introduced into all eligible houses in the Canadian Hybrid Residential End-Use Energy and GHG Emissions model. Simulations were conducted for an entire year to estimate the annual energy savings, and GHG emission reductions. Results show that the SAHP system performance is strongly affected by climatic conditions, auxiliary energy sources and fuel mixture for electricity generation. Energy consumption and GHG emission of the Canadian housing stock can be reduced by about 20% if all eligible houses receive the SAHP system retrofit. Economic analysis indicates that the incentive measures will likely be necessary to promote the SAHP system in the Canadian residential market.
    Date Created:
    2017-01-01

  • Techno-economic feasibility evaluation of air to water heat pump retrofit in the Canadian housing stock

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    Beausoleil-Morrison, Ian, Asaee, S. Rasoul, and Ugursal, V. Ismet
    Abstract:
    This study was conducted to assess the techno-economic feasibility of converting the Canadian housing stock (CHS) into net/near zero energy buildings by introducing and integrating high efficient and renewable/alternative energy technologies in new construction and existing houses. Performance assessment of energy retrofit and renewable/alternative energy technologies in existing houses in regional and national scale is necessary to devise feasible strategies and incentive measures. The Canadian Hybrid Residential End-Use Energy and GHG Emissions model (CHREM) that utilizes a bottom-up modeling approach is used to investigate the techno-economic feasibility of air to water heat pump retrofit in the Canadian housing stock. The proposed energy retrofit includes an air to water heat pump, auxiliary boiler, thermal storage tank, hydronic heat delivery and domestic hot water (DHW) heating. Energy savings, GHG emission changes and economic feasibility of the air source heat pump retrofit are considered in this study. Results show that there is a potential to reduce 36% of energy consumption and 23% of GHG emissions of the CHS if all eligible houses undertake the retrofit. Economic analysis indicates that the feasibility of air to water heat pump systems is strongly affected by the current status of primary energy use for electricity generation and space and DHW heating as well as energy prices and economic conditions. Legislation, economic incentives and education for homeowners are necessary to enhance the penetration level of air to water heat pump retrofits in the CHS.
    Date Created:
    2017-01-25

  • Electrical-end-use data from 23 houses sampled each minute for simulating micro-generation systems

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    Beausoleil-Morrison, Ian and Johnson, Geoffrey
    Abstract:
    An improved understanding of the consumption patterns, end-uses, and temporal variations of electrical loads in houses is warranted because a significant fraction of a society's total electricity consumption occurs within residential buildings. In general, there is a lack of high-temporal-resolution data describing occupant electrical consumption that are available to researchers in this field. To address this, new measurements were performed and combined with data emanating from an earlier study to provide a database of annual measurements for 23 houses at a 1-min resolution that characterizes whole-house, non-HVAC, air conditioner, and furnace fan electrical draws, as well as the draw patterns of some major appliances. All houses were located in Ottawa, Canada. The non-HVAC measurements of this 23-house sample were shown to be in agreement with published estimates for the housing stock. The furnace fan was found to be the most significant end-use. These high-temporal-resolution data of electrical demands in houses can be used by researchers to increase the fidelity of building performance simulation analyses of different micro-generation technologies in residential buildings.
    Date Created:
    2017-03-05

  • Micro-cogeneration versus conventional technologies: Considering model uncertainties in assessing the energy benefits

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    Johnson, Geoffrey, Beausoleil-Morrison, Ian, and Wills, Adam
    Abstract:
    Fuel cells with nominal outputs of approximately 1kW AC are emerging as a prime-mover of a micro-cogeneration system potentially well-suited to compete, on an energy basis, with conventional methods for satisfying occupant electrical and thermal demands in a residential application. As the energy benefits of these systems can be incremental when compared to efficient conventional methods, it is especially important to consider the uncertainties of the models on which simulation results are based. However, researchers have yet to take this aspect into account.This article makes a contribution by demonstrating how these model uncertainties may be propagated to the simulation results of a micro-cogeneration system for comparison to a reference scenario using a case study. This case study compares the energy performance of a fuel-cell based micro-cogeneration system serving only domestic hot water demands to an efficient reference scenario where the conventional methods for providing electrical and thermal demands are considered to be a central gas-fired combined-cycle plant and a condensing tankless water heater respectively. The simulation results demonstrated that if model uncertainties were ignored, it would have been possible to demonstrate that the considered micro-cogeneration system was more efficient than the reference scenario for average consumption levels of domestic hot water. However, when model uncertainties were considered, the efficiency of the considered micro-cogeneration system could not reliably exceed that of the reference scenario by serving the domestic hot water needs of a single-family home.
    Date Created:
    2017-03-05

  • Techno-economic assessment of photovoltaic (PV) and building integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPV/T) system retrofits in the Canadian housing stock

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    Ugursal, V. Ismet, Beausoleil-Morrison, Ian, Nikoofard, Sara, and Asaee, S. Rasoul
    Abstract:
    Techno-economic impact of retrofitting houses in the Canadian housing stock with PV and BIPV/T systems is evaluated using the Canadian Hybrid End-use Energy and Emission Model. Houses with south, south-east and south-west facing roofs are considered eligible for the retrofit since solar irradiation is maximum on south facing surfaces in the northern hemisphere. The PV system is used to produce electricity and supply the electrical demand of the house, with the excess electricity sold to the grid in a net-metering arrangement. The BIPV/T system produces electricity as well as thermal energy to supply the electrical as well as the thermal demands for space and domestic hot water heating. The PV system consists of PV panels installed on the available roof surface while the BIPV/T system adds a heat pump, thermal storage tank, auxiliary heater, domestic hot water heating equipment and hydronic heat delivery system, and replaces the existing heating system in eligible houses. The study predicts the energy savings, GHG emission reductions and tolerable capital costs for regions across Canada. Results indicate that the PV system retrofit yields 3% energy savings and 5% GHG emission reduction, while the BIPV/T system yields 18% energy savings and 17% GHG emission reduction in the Canadian housing stock. While the annual electricity use slightly increases, the fossil fuel use of the eligible houses substantially decreases due to BIPV/T system retrofit.
    Date Created:
    2017-10-01

  • Adaptation and validation of an existing bottom-up model for simulating temporal and inter-dwelling variations of residential appliance and lighting demands

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    Beausoleil-Morrison, Ian, Wills, A. D., and Ugursal, V. I.
    Abstract:
    The design and analysis of community-scale energy systems and incentives is a non-trivial task. The challenge of such undertakings is the well-documented uncertainty of building occupant behaviours. This is especially true in the residential sector, where occupants are given more freedom of activity compared to work environments. Further complicating matters is the dearth of available measured data. Building performance simulation tools are one approach to community energy analysis, however such tools often lack realistic models for occupant-driven demands, such as appliance and lighting (AL) loads. For community-scale analysis, such AL models must also be able to capture the temporal and inter-dwelling variation to achieve realistic estimates of aggregate electrical demand. This work adapts the existing Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST) residential energy model to simulate Canadian residential AL demands. The focus of the analysis is to determine if the daily, seasonal, and inter-dwelling variation of AL demands estimated by the CREST model is realistic. An in-sample validation is conducted on the model using 22 high-resolution measured AL demand profiles from dwellings located in Ottawa, Canada. The adapted CREST model is shown to broadly capture the variation of AL demand variations observed in the measured data, however seasonal variation in daily AL demand behaviour was found to be under-estimated by the model. The average and variance of daily load factors was found to be similar between measured and modelled. The model was found to under-predict the daily coincidence factors of aggregated demands, although the variance of coincident factors was shown to be similar between measured and modelled. A stochastic baseload input developed for this work was found to improve estimates of the magnitude and variation of both baseload and peak demands.
    Date Created:
    2017-09-05

  • A Systematic Approach for Variable Selection With Random Forests: Achieving Stable Variable Importance Values

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    Banks, Sarah N., Millard, Koreen, Behnamian, Amir, White, Lori, Richardson, Murray, and Pasher, Jon
    Abstract:
    Random Forests variable importance measures are often used to rank variables by their relevance to a classification problem and subsequently reduce the number of model inputs in high-dimensional data sets, thus increasing computational efficiency. However, as a result of the way that training data and predictor variables are randomly selected for use in constructing each tree and splitting each node, it is also well known that if too few trees are generated, variable importance rankings tend to differ between model runs. In this letter, we characterize the effect of the number of trees (ntree) and class separability on the stability of variable importance rankings and develop a systematic approach to define the number of model runs and/or trees required to achieve stability in variable importance measures. Results demonstrate that both a large ntree for a single model run, or averaged values across multiple model runs with fewer trees, are sufficient for achieving stable mean importance values. While the latter is far more computationally efficient, both the methods tend to lead to the same ranking of variables. Moreover, the optimal number of model runs differs depending on the separability of classes. Recommendations are made to users regarding how to determine the number of model runs and/or trees that are required to achieve stable variable importance rankings.
    Date Created:
    2017-09-15

  • Capital Intraconversion' and Canadian Literary Prize Culture

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    Mason, Jody
    Abstract:
    This paper analyzes how the “particular symbolic fortunes” of Canada’s most widely recognized literary prize, the Scotiabank Giller Prize, undergo what James English calls “capital intraconversion”––how they are “culturally ‘laundered’” through their association with Frontier College, Canada’s longest-running adult literacy organization. While the Giller initially benefitted from fashioning itself as the private, industry-driven alternative to state-sponsored culture in Canada, increasing criticism of its corporate sponsorship has led, in the past decade, to a rebranding effort. This effort, I contend, seeks to benefit from two key terms––multiculturalism and literacy. Associated as the discourse of multiculturalism and the figure of the literate citizen are with the strong publics of the western, liberal-democratic nation-state, they possess a remarkable ability to accentuate the symbolic capital of Canada’s most widely recognized literary prize.
    Date Created:
    2017-01-01

  • Local routing in spanners based on WSPDs

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Dujmović, Vida, De Carufel, Jean-Lou, Bose, Prosenjit, and Paradis, Frédérik
    Abstract:
    The well-separated pair decomposition (WSPD) of the complete Euclidean graph defined on points in ℝ2 (Callahan and Kosaraju [JACM, 42 (1): 67-90, 1995]) is a technique for partitioning the edges of the complete graph based on length into a linear number of sets. Among the many different applications of WSPDs, Callahan and Kosaraju proved that the sparse subgraph that results by selecting an arbitrary edge from each set (called WSPD-spanner) is a 1 + 8/(s − 4)-spanner, where s > 4 is the separation ratio used for partitioning the edges. Although competitive local-routing strategies exist for various spanners such as Yao-graphs, Θ-graphs, and variants of Delaunay graphs, few local-routing strategies are known for any WSPD-spanner. Our main contribution is a local-routing algorithm with a near-optimal competitive routing ratio of 1 + O(1/s) on a WSPD-spanner. Specifically, we present a 2-local and a 1-local routing algorithm on a WSPD-spanner with competitive routing ratios of 1+6/(s−2)+4/s and 1+6/(s−2)+ 6/s + 4/(s2 − 2s) + 8/s2respectively.
    Date Created:
    2017-01-01

  • Faulty node repair and dynamically spawned black hole search

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Peng, Mengfei, Shi, Wei, Croft, William Lee, and Corriveau, Jean-Pierre
    Abstract:
    New threats to networks are constantly arising. This justifies protecting network assets and mitigating the risk associated with attacks. In a distributed environment, researchers aim, in particular, at eliminating faulty network entities. More specifically, much research has been conducted on locating a single static black hole, which is defined as a network site whose existence is known a priori and that disposes of any incoming data without leaving any trace of this occurrence. However, the prevalence of faulty nodes requires an algorithm able to (a) identify faulty nodes that can be repaired without human intervention and (b) locate black holes, which are taken to be faulty nodes whose repair does require human intervention. In this paper, we consider a specific attack model that involves multiple faulty nodes that can be repaired by mobile software agents, as well as a virus v that can infect a previously repaired faulty node and turn it into a black hole. We refer to the task of repairing multiple faulty nodes and pointing out the location of the black hole as the Faulty Node Repair and Dynamically Spawned Black Hole Search. Wefirst analyze the attack model we put forth. We then explain (a) how to identify whether a node is either (1) a normal node or (2) a repairable faulty node or (3) the black hole that has been infected by virus v during the search/repair process and, (b) how to perform the correct relevant actions. These two steps constitute a complex task, which, we explain, significantly differs from the traditional Black Hole Search. We continue by proposing an algorithm to solve this problem in an asynchronous ring network with only one whiteboard (which resides in a node called the homebase). We prove the correctness of our solution and analyze its complexity by both theoretical analysis and experiment evaluation. We conclude that, using our proposed algorithm, b + 4 agents can repair all faulty nodes and locate the black hole infected by a virus v within finite time. Our algorithm works even when the number of faulty nodes b is unknown a priori.
    Date Created:
    2017-01-01

  • Bachelor of Information Technology – Information Resource Management

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Cross, Emma and Merriam, Helena
    Date Created:
    2017-05-12

  • The future of information science education in Canada: issues and discussion

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Cross, Emma
    Date Created:
    2017-05-31

  • Energy Modelling Methodology for Community Masterplanning

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Bucking, Scott
    Abstract:
    Net-zero energy is an influential idea in guiding the building stock towards renewable energy resources. Increasingly, this target is scaled to entire communities which may include dozens of buildings in each new development phase. Although building energy modelling processes and codes have been well developed to guide decision making, there is a lack of methodologies for community integrated energy masterplanning. The problem is further complicated by the availability of district systems which better harvest and store on-site renewable energy. In response to these challenges, this paper contributes an energy modelling methodology which helps energy masterplanners determine trade-offs between building energy saving measures and district system design. Furthermore, this paper shows that it is possible to mitigate electrical and thermal peaks of a net-zero energy community using minimal district equipment. The methodology is demonstrated using a cold-climate case-study with both significant heating/ cooling loads and solar energy resources.
    Date Created:
    2017-07-25

  • Optimization under economic uncertainty: A methodology to determine the effects of solar variability on energy and economics

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Bucking, Scott
    Abstract:
    Energy models are commonly used to examine the multitude of pathways to improve building performance. As presently practiced, a deterministic approach is used to evaluate incremental design improvements to achieve performance targets. However, significant insight can be gained by examining the implications of modeling assumptions using a probabilistic approach. Analyzing the effect of small perturbations on the inputs of energy and economic models can improve decision making and modeler confidence in building simulation results. This paper describes a reproducible methodology which AIDS modelers in identifying energy and economic uncertainties caused by variabilities in solar exposure. Using an optimization framework, uncertainty is quantified across the entire simulation solution space. This approach improves modeling outcomes by factoring in the effect of variability in assumptions and improves confidence in simulation results. The methodology is demonstrated using a net zero energy commercial office building case study.
    Date Created:
    2017-01-01

  • Heterogeneity in Expectations, Risk Tolerance, and Household Stock Shares

    Resource Type:
    Research Paper
    Creator:
    Shapiro, Matthew D., Lee, Minjoon, Kézdi, Gábor, and Ameriks, John
    Abstract:
    This paper investigates the relationship between stock share and expectations and risk preferences using linked survey responses and administrative records from account holders. The survey allows individual-level, quantitative estimates of risk tolerance and of the perceived mean and variance of stock returns. Estimated risk tolerance, expected return, and perceived risk have economically and statistically significant explanatory power for the distribution of stock shares. Relative to each other, the magnitudes are in proportion with the predictions of benchmark theories, but they are substantially attenuated. MBA graduates have more stable beliefs, more knowledge about their account holdings, and less attenuation.
    Date Created:
    2017-06-26

  • Older Americans Would Work Longer If Jobs Were Flexible

    Resource Type:
    Research Paper
    Creator:
    Tonetti, Christopher, Caplin, Andrew, Briggs, Joseph, Lee, Minjoon, Shapiro, Matthew D., and Ameriks, John
    Abstract:
    Older Americans, even those who are long retired, have strong willingness to work, especially in jobs with flexible schedules. For many, labor force participation near or after normal retirement age is limited more by a lack of acceptable job opportunities or low expectations about finding them than by unwillingness to work longer. This paper establishes these findings using an approach to identification based on strategic survey questions (SSQs) purpose-designed to complement behavioral data. These findings suggest that demand-side factors are important in explaining late-in-life labor market behavior and may be the most appropriate target for policy aimed at promoting working longer.
    Date Created:
    2017-10-29

  • Seeing and Unmaking Civilians in Afghanistan: Visual Technologies and Contested Professional Visions

    Resource Type:
    Article
    Creator:
    Wilke, Christiane
    Abstract:
    This article examines the politics of 'seeing' civilians in Afghanistan with a focus on the 2009 Kunduz air strike. Drawing on the literature on professional vision and professional knowledges, I ask how divergences in the 'ways of seeing' between different professional communities can be explained, and how they are resolved in practice. 'Seeing,' I argue, is based on talking. The vocabularies with which we describe the world and understand our relationships shape how we 'see'. As a consequence, Afghans gathered around a truck can appear an 'immediate threat' or not -- depending on the ideological prisms at work. The article suggests that we need to treat professional vision as necessarily contested and examine how professionals are socialized into accepting one way of seeing as valid. Seeing is based on talking, and we need to talk about how we see (violence).
    Date Created:
    2017-03-28

  • CFICE Community Impact Symposium

    Resource Type:
    Report
    Creator:
    Community First: Impacts of Community Engagement (CFICE)
    Date Created:
    2017-01-19

  • Final Needs Assessment Report: Identifying barriers faced by Ottawa Somali Youth in accessing post-secondary and vocational opportunities

    Resource Type:
    Report
    Creator:
    Feder, Zoey, McWhinney, Tara, Occhiuto, Katherine, Colpitts, Jennifer, Hagi-Aden, Ismail, van de Sande, Adje, and Hussein, Ahmed
    Description:
    More about the Centre for Studies on Poverty and Social Citizenship:  https://carleton.ca/cspsc See also: Canada's First National Housing Strategy - A Panel Discussion focusing on Canada’s first National Housing Strategy at the CASWE National Conference 2018
    Abstract:
    In 2016, with funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Seed Grant program, The Somali Centre for Family Services of Ottawa (SCFS) invited Carleton University’s Centre for Studies on Poverty and Social Citizenship (CSPSC) to partner on the completion of a needs assessment focusing on the barriers faced by Somali youth in accessing post-secondary education, and employment training and opportunities. In carrying out this research, the SCFS’s main objective was to address social and economic exclusion locally by inviting Somali youth (age 19-30) from the Ottawa area to engage in the conceptualization and design of resources that could best support their participation in educational and vocational programs.
    Date Created:
    2017-05-23

  • In Defense of Majoritarianism

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Winer, Stanley L.
    Abstract:
    Few people have bothered to defend the Majoritarian, winner take all character of the current Canadian electoral system. This parliamentary system has been in existence in the same form since the founding of the modern state in 1867. In these remarks, I offer a defense of Majoritarianism in the Canadian context when the alternative is some form of Proportional Representation. These remarks were prepared as an opening statement in a debate on electoral reform at a Faculty of Public Affairs 75th Anniversary conference at Carleton University, March 3, 2017. The debate arose because of the Prime Minister's announced intention to replace the current system with some other during the election campaign that led to his victory in 2015. The debate occurred a few months after the release of a lengthy report on electoral reform by a special allparty committee of the House of Commons. A few weeks before the debate, the Prime Minister announced (independently of the debate, of course) that his government would no longer pursue electoral reform, perhaps because it looked like he would not be able to avoid a referendum, a process which is hard to control. In any event, and especially in the light of recent attempts to change the system both at the federal level and in some provinces, I think it is important for people to understand that the existing electoral system is a sensible one that likely will continue to serve us well.
    Date Created:
    2017-03-03

  • Climate Policy in Canada: Drivers, Trends and Barriers

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Papineau, Maya
    Date Created:
    2017-03-02

  • Speculative Design/Indigenous Futurisms

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Hoque, Anna Shah
    Date Created:
    2017-03-03

  • Academics in the Media Landscape: The Role of the Scholar-Columnist-Bloggers

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Saideman, Stephen M.
    Date Created:
    2017-03-03

  • A Feminist Foreign Policy for Canada by 2042?: Prospects, Possibilities and Pitfalls

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Robinson, Fiona
    Date Created:
    2017-03-02

  • Canada’s Standard of Living in 2042 : Will Policy Keep Pace with Technology?

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Khan, Hashmat U. and Gunn, Christopher M.
    Date Created:
    2017-03-02

  • FPA Roundtable – Speaking Notes

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Bivens, Rena
    Date Created:
    2017-03-03

  • There’s an App for that? : Imagining a Canadian future free from sexual and racial violence through speculative design

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Rajani, Nasreen, Hoque, Anna Shah, Bivens, Rena, and Farrall, Joanne
    Date Created:
    2017-03-02

  • There’s an App for That? : The Unicorns of Speculative Design

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Farrall, Joanne
    Date Created:
    2017-03-03

  • Visions for Canada, 2042 – Final Program

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Schwartz, Karen and Robinson, Fiona
    Date Created:
    2017-03-04

  • Dean’s Message

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Plourde, André
    Date Created:
    2017-03-03

  • Thinking with trans- masculinities in times of crises

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Irving, Dan
    Date Created:
    2017-03-02

  • On the Record, Off-Script: Exit Interviews with Former MLAs in Nova Scotia

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Cockram, Louise
    Date Created:
    2017-03-02

  • Shaping Canada: Students as Activists

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Przednowek, Anna, Montgomery, Lauren, Khan, Ridhwan, Orr, Steven, Bueckert, Michael, and FitzGerald Murphy, Maggie
    Date Created:
    2017-03-04

  • Building the Parliament of 2042: Fostering cross-party cooperation

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Thomas, Paul E.J.
    Date Created:
    2017-03-02

  • Canada’s International Trade Policies in 2042: Balancing Resources, Sustainability and Employment

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Heidrich, Pablo
    Date Created:
    2017-03-04

  • The role of multilingual radio stations in the development of Canadian society

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Kaliberda, Elena
    Date Created:
    2017-03-04

  • Reimagining Government with the Ethics of Care: A Department of Care

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    FitzGerald Murphy, Maggie
    Date Created:
    2017-03-02

  • The Future of Journalism in Canada

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Aske, Sherry
    Date Created:
    2017-03-04

  • Intersectionality as a Politics of Caring Attention

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Ghandeharian, Sacha
    Date Created:
    2017-03-02

  • Mapping the Borderland of the Knowledge Society: International Portfolios and Global Partnerships of Universities in Transition

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Szyszlo, Peter
    Date Created:
    2017-03-04

  • Pathways : Managing the complexity and uncertainty of low-carbon transitions

    Resource Type:
    Conference Proceeding
    Creator:
    Rosenbloom, Daniel
    Date Created:
    2017-03-02

  • Computational Aeroacoustic Prediction of Propeller Noise Using Grid-Based and Grid-Free CFD Methods

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Hambrey, Jason
    Abstract:
    Two CFD codes are used to simulate noise data for a tandem cylinder experiment and two scaled NASA SR-2 propeller tests. The first code, STAR CCM+, is a grid-based commercial CFD code while the second code, SmartRotor, is an in-house grid-free CFD code which uses a panel method coupled with a discrete vortex method. Good comparison to experiment is achieved, with STAR CCM+ predicting the vortex shedding of the tandem cylinder case within 3 Hz and 10 dB while also predicting first propeller harmonics within 20 and 11 dB for the first and second propeller simulations, respectively. SmartRotor predicted first propeller harmonics within 6 and 37 dB for the first and second experiments, respectively. A parametic study on the influence of blade count on propeller noise was then performed using both codes to simulating the noise of 7-, 8-, and 10-bladed propellers finding quieter operation with increasing blade count.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Aerospace
    Date Created:
    2017

  • From Protection to Policing: Military Air Power and the Governance of Humanitarian Crises, 1992-2011

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    MacLennan, Jack Adam
    Abstract:
    International military intervention undertaken to protect civilians victimised by civil conflict became increasingly common following the Cold War. Within the increasingly developed liberal global order, the use of force has become a humanitarian tool. The specific politics created by using force in this way, however, have not been systematically studied by either the literature on “humanitarian intervention” or the Responsibility to Protect. This project problematizes the United States and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s reliance on a particular kind of technology, air power, by asking what humanitarian politics result from this approach. Rather than simply an instrument of global policy, air power transformed how these two actors understood ethnic conflict through the political affordances it does, and does not, allow. In keeping with the technical and doctrinal context provided by air power, such conflict is reconfigured from a practice of directly protecting bodies to managing the circulation of objects as a means of policing conflict spaces. What results s a depoliticisation of conflict and a disjoint between the humanitarian ethos and physical effect of such interventions. In this way, human protection becomes a second order effect of ordering conflict spaces. The precise political effect of this was a depoliticisation of both civilians, and their politics, because they were indiscernible to this model. As a result, the impact of these interventions was problematic in humanitarian terms. This was obscured and the model allowed to persist because popular, professional, political, and academic discourses all assume the use of military power is purely technical, rather than political in its own right. This dissertation unpacks this dynamic by providing a historical, multi-case study analysis of how the relationship between humanitarianism and air power emerged, what tactics and strategies result, and how the deployment of these means affects the ongoing politics of global humanitarianism and the Responsibility to Protect.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Political Science
    Date Created:
    2017

  • The Multi-Objective Design of Flatback Wind Turbine Airfoils

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Miller, Michael
    Abstract:
    With the ever increasing lengths of today's wind turbine rotor blades, there is a need for airfoils which are both aerodynamically, and structurally efficient. In this work, a multi-objective genetic algorithm was developed to design flatback wind turbine airfoils. The effect of the aerodynamic evaluator, specifically lift-to-drag ratio, torque, and torque-to-thrust ratio, on the airfoil shape and performance was examined. Notable differences, particularly in the levels of lift and roughness insensitivity, were observed. Upon further analysis of the effect of other design parameters, an airfoil family which has a high level of structural and aerodynamic performance was designed. An experimental set-up was developed at the Carleton University Low Speed Wind Tunnel for the 2D testing of airfoils. Two airfoils are tested and show differences between predictions and reality, particularly in the stall and post-stall regions, thereby highlighting the importance of wind tunnel testing as part of the design process.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Mechanical
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Canada's Disarmers: The Complicated Struggle Against Nuclear Weapons, 1959-1963

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Marion, Nicole Teresa
    Abstract:
    This dissertation investigates the motivations, messages, and methods of Canadians who organized in opposition to nuclear weapons between 1959 and 1963. The efforts of Canadian anti-nuclear movements have been undervalued in histories of disarmament activism. Canadian disarmers have been dismissed as quiet in comparison to better-known movements in the United States and in Great Britain. This dissertation demonstrates that there were in fact complex and vigorous expressions of anti-nuclear sentiment in Cold War Canada. Canadian disarmers may have been few in number, and may have been conservative in their protest methods, but they were committed participants in an international struggle to protect humanity from the threat of nuclear war. There were many Canadian movements in opposition to the Bomb, both organized and disorganized, which were shaped by the diverse relationships that disarmers had to the world around them. Disarmers’ endeavours were informed by engagements with feminisms, Western ideals of masculinity, parents’ desires to protect their children, young people’s hopes to inherit a world of peace and prosperity, longstanding ideas about social protest, concerns over domestic politics, and enthusiasm for international cooperation. Focusing on the various ways in which Canadians worked for disarmament in the early 1960s, this study demonstrates how much often divided and sometimes isolated disarmament organizations shared. This dissertation is the first extended historical analysis of anti-nuclear efforts in Canada in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It is also a necessary revision of the existing historiography on disarmament activism. This dissertation brings together diverse literatures on Canada’s Sixties; American, British, and Western European disarmament and peace movements; connected social movements such as the New Left, feminist movements, and environmental movements; and histories of children and childhood. The thesis offers a reassessment of these movements and their importance to an understanding of Cold War social and political dynamics.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    History
    Date Created:
    2017

  • The role of fluctuating selection in the maintenance of genetic variation in Lobelia inflata

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Cote, Kristen
    Abstract:
    Understanding the mechanisms that are responsible for maintaining genetic variation continues to be the focus of much research in evolutionary ecology. It has been suggested that the abundant genetic variation found in Lobelia inflata is maintained by fluctuating selection coupled with temporal genotype-environment interaction. I begin by asking whether microsatellite genotypes exhibit variation in key life-history traits including timing of germination, bolting, flowering and maturation. I used a common garden experiment to show that phenotypic variation exists, that this variation occurs in life-history traits, and that this variation has a genetic basis. Next, I looked at how the microsatellite genotypes that differed in life-history traits expressed differential fitness across environments in a “space-for-time” experiment: I grew multiple lineages under varying conditions to simulate differing natural conditions. Results offer tentative support for the hypothesis that fluctuating selection is responsible for maintaining variation in this system.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Biology
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Primordial Identities, Bounded Territories, and Contemporary Violence?: American Geopolitical Perspectives on the Middle East's Cultural Landscapes

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Struckman, Luke
    Abstract:
    American perspectives on the Middle East often contend that the region's nation-states are comprised of clearly demarcated ethnic and religious groups whose identities remain static over time. Cultural features of the region are seen to be as durable as its physical features. These perspectives further maintain that when nation-state boundaries are incongruent with the boundaries of ethno-sectarian groups, civil unrest or violent conflict is inevitable. These assumptions are inaccurate because they employ outmoded colonial and Wilsonian views on social organization and can essentialize and/or depoliticize conflict. However, representations based on the assumptions of clearly bounded and static ethno-sectarian groups carry the advantages of making cultural landscapes legible, and thus amenable to geopolitical management. The goal of this project is to understand how ethno-sectarian territorial assumptions are employed in contemporary American views on the Middle East. To do this, I analyze three important sets of maps and texts which encapsulate contemporary American views on the region. The set of maps consists of easily accessible ethnographic maps of the Middle East. These maps are drafted, published, and made available by U.S.-based cartographers, journalists, government agencies, media outlets, and universities. The first set of texts focuses on the U.S. military's Iraq Troop Surge and are made up of American media coverage along with government, military, and think tank documents. The second set of texts focuses on the Arab Spring and are comprised of American media coverage, think tank reports, and academic commentary. My findings show that in most of these materials, it is assumed that the ethno-sectarian characteristics of the region can be depicted accurately, objectively, and completely in cartographic and textual representations. I conclude by asserting that problematic ethno-sectarian depictions are reinforced by the writing of prominent American foreign policy intellectuals. These depictions are important because they play roles in framing American geopolitical strategy and action in the region.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Geography
    Date Created:
    2017

  • A Simulation Model of the Detection Patterns of Birds Using Marine Radars

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Souliere, Christopher Michael
    Abstract:
    Many bird radar studies provide estimates of the number of birds flying past a given area, but very few of these actually estimate detectability. One of the challenges in radar ornithology is estimating the probability of detection of flying targets with altitude and distance. I estimated the detection patterns associated with three marine radars by using a combination of field trials and simulation modelling, and estimated the probabilities of correctly and incorrectly detecting birds in relation to altitude. The results indicate considerable variation in power among radar units. The nominal beam width was 4 degrees and effective beam width was 7 degrees. The results from the simulation indicate detectability varies with altitude, with few birds detected in the lower altitude bands. Many simulated birds were classified as two different birds when crossing the beam twice and there were many false detections, especially in the lowest altitude bands near the radar.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Biology
    Date Created:
    2017

  • An Adaptive and Diversity-Based Ensemble Method for Binary Classification

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Fan, Xing
    Abstract:
    In recent years, machine learning techniques have been rapidly developed and widely applied to many industrial and academic fields. Moreover, as an important part of machine learning, ensemble techniques have drawn significant attention in both academic researches and practical applications, which make use of multiple single models to construct a hybrid model. Usually, compared to each individual model, a better performance can be achieved by ensemble methods. In this thesis, a novel ensemble method is proposed to improve the performance for binary classification. The proposed method can non-linearly combine the base models by adaptively selecting the most suitable one for each data instance. The new approach has been validated on two datasets, and the experiments results show an up to 18.5% improvement on F1 score compared to the best individual model. In addition, the proposed method outperforms two other commonly used ensemble methods (Averaging and Stacking) in improving F1 score.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2017

  • SpokenText Reader: Testing a Study Support Mobile Application for Visually and Learning Impaired University Students

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    McKay, Mark Stephen
    Abstract:
    This study evaluated SpokenText Reader, a smartphone application to aid the print disabled who study from audio recordings. Based on a literature review and usability test, conducted with print disabled university students. These students indicated that they can be better accommodated using it while studying. Additionally, a model emerged for a hybrid design, which blends features offered by SpokenText Reader with those offered by current smartphone e-text readers designed for the print disabled. The new model proposes a design, which has e-text under the hood but offers two interfaces: one with a user experience biased to interacting with the e-text and the second with a user experience biased to audio generated from the e-text in real-time.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Human-Computer Interaction
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Retrospective Analysis of Permanent Prostate Implants Based on Patient-Specific Monte Carlo Dose Calculations

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Haidari, Ali-Reza Mehan
    Abstract:
    Current dose calculations for permanent prostate implant brachytherapy are performed using the American Association of Physicists in Medicine TG-43 formalism, where dose distributions are derived for a homogeneous water phantom in the absence of inter-seed effects. Using a model-based approach, this study investigates differences in dosimetry, radiobiological endpoints, and clinical outcomes, compared to the clinical TG-43 formalism. Post-implant CT images are used to derive unique virtual patient phantoms (water- and tissue-based) for a cohort of patients. With the use of the Monte Carlo (MC) approach to dose calculations, radiation transport and dose deposition is simulated in these virtual phantoms. Dose and volume metrics are extracted for all the patients and comparisons between the tissue- and water-based approaches are made. Dosimetric quantities are shown to vary between the tissue- and water-based approaches for the prostate and organs-at-risk, with dose overestimation of up to 9.12% in the prostate using the water-based approach.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Physics
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Matchings in Geometric Graphs

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Biniaz, Ahmad
    Abstract:
    A geometric graph is a graph whose vertex set is a set of points in the plane and whose edge set contains straight-line segments. A matching in a graph is a subset of edges of the graph with no shared vertices. A matching is called perfect if it matches all the vertices of the underling graph. A geometric matching is a matching in a geometric graph. In this thesis, we study matching problems in various geometric graphs. Among the family of geometric graphs we look at complete graphs, complete bipartite graphs, complete multipartite graphs, Delaunay graphs, Gabriel graphs, and Θ-graphs. The classical matching problem is to find a matching of maximum size in a given graph. We study this problem as well as some of its variants on geometric graphs. The bottleneck matching problem is to find a maximum matching that minimizes the length of the longest edge. The plane matching problem is to find a maximum matching so that the edges in the matching are pairwise non-crossing. A geometric matching is strong with respect to a given shape S if we can assign to each edge in the matching a scaled version of S such that the shapes representing the edges are pairwise disjoint. The strong matching problem is to find the maximum strong matching with respect to a given shape. The matching packing problem is to pack as many edge-disjoint perfect matchings as possible into a geometric graph. We study these problems and establish lower and upper bounds on the size of different kinds of matchings in various geometric graphs. We also present algorithms for computing such matchings. Some of the presented bounds are tight, while the others need to be sharpened.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Computer Science
    Date Created:
    2017

  • The Discriminant and Conductor of Bicyclic Quartic Fields

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Turner, Graeme
    Abstract:
    Let K be a bicyclic field of degree 4 over Q given in the form K = Q(θ) where θ^4 + Aθ^2 + Bθ + C = 0 for integers A, B and C. The discriminant d(K) and the conductor f(K) are explicitly determined in terms of A, B and C.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Mathematics
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Toxic Work Environments

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    McCulloch, Ashley
    Abstract:
    The notion of a toxic work environment was explored as a systemic organizational issue. Structural equation modeling of survey data from 501 participants revealed that workers’ toxicity appraisals were associated with a variety of sources of workplace toxicity, including leaders, coworkers, and aspects of one’ job and organization. Qualitative analyses of participants’ open-ended comments depicted a range from very nontoxic work environments, wherein there was respect, constructive communication between management and employees, and issues were dealt with quickly, to very toxic work environments, wherein there was abuse, difficult conditions of work, and issues were left to fester. Although management-related sources of toxicity most strongly predicted toxicity appraisals, management’s lack of involvement of workers in matters that affect them had a stronger influence on toxicity appraisals than did abusive supervision. The findings highlight the importance of taking a broad view of the workplace toxicity phenomenon, and suggest a need to shift the leadership focus in toxicity research from that of a ‘toxic leader’ to leadership that enables toxicity. To remedy a toxic work environment, interventions could involve changes to the ways in which management designs and monitors conditions of work, as well as how they react to workers’ distress. Ultimately, given the complex dynamics involved, it is more effective to prevent workplace toxicity than to remediate it; recent trends in the promotion of workplace psychological health and safety provide direction for such prevention.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Psychology
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Determination of Bioimpedance Using Multi-Frequency Bio-electrical Impedance Analysis

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Brahmandlapalli, Satyanarayana Shashank
    Abstract:
    Using 130nm CMOS technology, an eight metal layer process, this thesis is aimed at developing an integrated circuit to find bioimpedance using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis technique. By injecting current at multiple frequencies into a biological subject and measuring the voltage response of the subject, and the ratio of the response to excitation would aid in finding the bioimpedance of the biological subject. A low power, high differential gain operational amplifier with high CMRR is designed to develop current sources, voltage measuring circuits and post-processing circuits. Transient and DC simulations have been done to validate the concept of determination of bioimpedance. Layouts have been designed and the chip is fabricated and tested for results.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Design of GaN-based Microwave Components and Application to Novel High Power Reconfigurable Antennas

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Hamdoun, Abdelaziz
    Abstract:
    This thesis demonstrates the feasibility of using gallium nitride (GaN) technology in reconfigurable RF systems. GaN-based varactor diodes and switch circuits are pursued as promising candidates for high-power/high-frequency applications. The first part is devoted to active GaN device development. Active components were realized using the Canadian National Research Council (NRC) GaN HEMTs process. Based on three process, such as, GaN150v0 (gate length of 0.15um), GaN500v1 and GaN500v2 (both with gate length of 0.5um), many varactor diodes with size different have been manufactured and characterized via DC and RF small-signal and large-signal measurements. Then, the varactor diodes were modeled by analytic equations containing empirical coefficients. These expressions have been introduced for the first time for the voltage dependency of equivalent capacitance (CEq) and series resistance (REq) and can be used as a general model to represent the nonlinear behavior of GaN based varactors. For small-signal operation, all of the developed equations describing REq and CEq are only bias voltage and device geometry dependent, while for large-signal operation, the influence of RF-power must be taken into account. In addition, different size single stand-alone switches were fabricated using GaN500v2. By analyzing the small-signal measurements, it was observed that the isolation is high at low frequencies but quickly drops with increasing frequency. Also, it was observed that the larger the device the lower the insertion loss and the poorer the isolation will be. Moreover, based on these small-signal measurements, a model was introduced. The second part addresses the integration and design aspects of the reconfigurable proposed circuits, such as tunable phase shifter, reconfigurable 3-dB 90° hybrid coupler, tunable frequency oscillator, beam switching antenna array and matching reconfigurable patch antenna operating below 10 GHz. Here the developed GaN varactors and switches are used for achieving the tenability purpose.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Sinusoidal Noise Reduction from Eddy Current Data of Steam Generator Tubes Using Iterative Weighted Multipoint Interpolated DFT (WMIpDFT) Approach

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Kazemi Kamyab, Reza
    Abstract:
    Eddy current testing is a non-destructive technique, which is widely utilized to detect and monitor degradation and flaws such as cracks in the steam generator tubes located in nuclear power plants. Typically, the analysis of eddy current testing data of steam generator tubes is complex due to the presence of noise sources in the data. These noise sources decrease the signal to noise ratio, and therefore, the detection of flaw signals becomes a difficult task. A signal processing technique has been proposed in this study, which utilizes the Weighted Multipoint Interpolated Discrete Fourier Transform algorithm iteratively, to reduce low frequency sinusoidal noise as a noise source. The performance of the proposed algorithm was assessed based on the noise level, and the flaw signal power. It has been shown that the algorithm effectively estimates the parameters of sinusoidal noise, and improves the signal to noise ratio of the flaw signals.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2017

  • A Cognitive Dimensions of Notations Evaluation of the Gwich'in Place Names Atlas Interface

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Mott, Troy
    Abstract:
    The cognitive dimensions of notations framework evaluation of the Gwich’in place names atlas interface utilized a modified version of Green & Blackwell’s (2000) cognitive dimensions evaluation to evaluate the Gwich’in Place Names atlas’ ( http://atlas.gwichin.ca/index.html) interface usability. A use-case scenario was used to guide participants through the interface. Following the guided exploration researchers conducted a self -assessment survey and semi-structured interview. All guided explorations were video recorded and coded in order to analyze participants’ actions within the interface. These two approaches combined provide qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the Gwich’in place names atlas. The results of both evaluations outlined many usability issues related to the visibility, role expressiveness and viscosity of the interface. Usability tradeoffs were explored based on potential design maneuvers. We found that the cognitive dimensions of notations evaluation and lexicon are an appropriate low-cost, broad-brush evaluation method for online interactive cartographic interfaces.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Human-Computer Interaction
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Uncertainty Quantification in non-linear seismic wave propagation

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Goyal, Chaitanya Raj
    Abstract:
    FEM has been used to model the seismic wave equation in a 2-D linear elastic and an elasto-plastic framework. The computational model has been validated by comparing the response with that from a published code. Parallel processing capability of the model has been exhibited by using a mesh with over 100 million dof on 1040 cores. For seismic wave propagation defined by stochastic physical parameters, the effectiveness of polynomial chaos expansion is investigated as a way to characterise the stochastic aspects of wave propagation. The methodology is illustrated with three numerical examples, namely (a) a linear elastic 2-D homogeneous medium, (b) a linear elastic 2-D layered homogeneous profile, (c) a non-linear elasto-plastic 2-D homogeneous medium. The results show a considerable difference in the deterministic and estimated mean response along with major scatter manifested through standard deviation, which proves why uncertainty-quantification is important in the analysis of seismic wave propagation.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Civil
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Fracture and Fatigue Analysis of Welded Structures Using Finite Element Analysis

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Vodzyk, Denys
    Abstract:
    Current thesis work focuses on an automated fracture and fatigue analysis of welded components. Fracture and fatigue analysis in this research starts with a computation of the transient temperature, microstructure, stress and displacement in welds. The set of the Gauss points that have the largest tensile principal stresses are determined for the purpose of locating candidate sites of cracks. Material force, J-integral, stress intensity factor and CTOA are computed from the results of the stress analysis. Result of the SIF can be compared to the fracture toughness. The rate of the crack growth per load cycle in this work is calculated by solving the Paris-Erdogan equation, based on the increment in the stress intensity factor. Verification of the VrWeld is done by comparing the stress results with an analytical solution. Recommendations are made based on the obtained results and the directions of future work are suggested.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Mechanical
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Developing a Methodology for Assessing the Energy Potential of Residential Micro-Cogeneration Systems

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Johnson, Geoffrey Louis
    Abstract:
    Currently, there is no generally-accepted defensible methodology that can be used to compare the energy performance of micro-cogeneration systems against reference conventional methods for providing residential thermal and electrical demands. In particular, the mathematical models of micro-cogeneration systems being used in this field have uncertainties associated with their predictions. However, these uncertainties have yet to be given serious attention by researchers in this field. This research makes a contribution by developing a more defensible methodology where these model uncertainties are considered. This methodology is demonstrated with a case study where the energy performance of a fuel-cell based micro-cogeneration system serving only domestic hot water demands is compared to the energy performance of reference conventional methods. A condensing tankless water heater and a central gas-fired combined-cycle plant are considered as these reference conventional methods for providing domestic hot water demands and electrical demands respectively. The simulation results demonstrated that if model uncertainties were ignored, it would have been possible to demonstrate that the considered micro-cogeneration system was more efficient than the reference conventional methods by serving only average consumption levels of domestic hot water. However, if model uncertainties were considered, the micro-cogeneration system could not reliably be shown to be more efficient than the reference conventional methods by serving the domestic hot water needs of a single house.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Mechanical
    Date Created:
    2017

  • It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times: Assessing the Buffering Effect of a Realistic Orientation on Relationship Satisfaction in Newly Cohabitating Couples

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Frank, Christine
    Abstract:
    People spend a considerable amount of time thinking about their future. When doing so they likely anticipate a wide variety of outcomes; some positive, some negative. Past research suggests anticipating both positive and negative outcomes (termed a ‘realistic orientation’) is more adaptive than simply considering positive outcomes (termed a ‘positive orientation’) as the individual should be less blindsided if setbacks occur. This thesis examined whether a realistic orientation would be protective against unexpected challenges and unmet expectations during a time of transition for romantic partners (i.e., cohabitation). In Studies 1 (n = 86) and 2 (n = 79), individuals who were in a romantic relationship were invited to complete an orientation to cohabitation scale as well as scales measuring defensive pessimism, hope, and optimism (in Study II only). Results showed that the orientation to cohabitation scale had good reliability and discriminant validity. In Study 3, individuals who were in a romantic relationship and planning on moving in with their partner for the first time were invited to participate. Study III had three waves of data collection: four to eight weeks prior to moving in together (n = 290); 12 weeks after moving in together (n = 176); and 24 weeks after moving in together (n = 171). The data were analyzed using hierarchical linear modelling. The results showed that (a) orientation did not buffer the negative effects of unmet expectations. When expectations were unmet relationship satisfaction decreased over time for both positively and realistically oriented participants; (b) when expectations were met realistically oriented participants reported an increase in commitment where positively oriented participants did not; (c) unexpected challenges did not influence relationship satisfaction or commitment. The findings suggest unmet expectations can negatively influence relationship satisfaction over time, regardless of orientation. Additionally, the findings suggest that a realistic orientation is as adaptive as a positive orientation. It appears that considering negative possibilities is not necessarily harmful for one’s relationship.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Psychology
    Date Created:
    2017

  • A Completely Generalized and Algorithmic Approach to Identifying the Maximum Area Inscribing Ellipse of an Asymmetric Convex Quadrangle

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Copeland, Zachary Alexander
    Abstract:
    An algorithm is developed herein using the projective extension of the Euclidean plane which will always generate the entire one-parameter family of inscribing ellipses, and directly identify the area maximizing one of any given convex quadrangle, within a metric space. Given four bounding points, no three of which are collinear, four line equations are generated which describe a convex quadrangle. Alongside the definition of a specific polar point, these five constraints identify a pencil of inscribing line conics, which is then transformed into its point conic dual for visualisation and plotting. The pencil of point conics then has its area optimised with respect to the value of its polar point, at which juncture the maximum area inscribing ellipse may be identified from the pencil of inscribing conics.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Mechanical
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Securitization of Mental Health: An Analysis of Ellen Richardson and the ‘Indiscriminate Disclosure’ of Mental Health Records

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Martin, William
    Abstract:
    This thesis applies theoretical contributions of Michel Foucault and Giorgio Agamben to provide a framework for understanding the disclosure of mental health information to U.S. authorities for the purpose of traveller screening at preclearance locations. Exploring the implications of biopolitics and governmentality, I investigate the case of Ellen Richardson, a Toronto woman who was denied entry to the U.S. for having a failed suicide attempt on her Special Interest to Police record. Beginning with Foucault’s (1995) work in Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison, this thesis explores the depths of governmental control and regulation as they pertain to the collection and disclosure of sensitive mental health information. This thesis examines how mental health has become a ‘risk’ metric to determine a person’s inadmissibility and points to the growing reliance on police intelligence on attempted suicide to infer a history of mental illness as the source of contention.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Legal Studies
    Date Created:
    2017

  • A Hybrid Approach for Nonlinear Soil-Structure Interaction Analysis of Pile- Supported Bridges

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Torabi, Hooman
    Abstract:
    The large-diameter reinforced concrete pile shafts are commonly designed as an economical solution for foundation of highway bridges in soft soils. The substructure method is a widely used technique for seismic SSI analysis of pile-supported bridges due to its remarkable computational efficiency. In the substructure modelling, complex-valued impedance functions are used to represent stiffness and energy dissipation characteristics of soil-pile interaction system. While characteristics of the pile head impedance functions have been decently determined for linear soil-pile interaction, the effects of inelastic interaction on the impedance function still remain unclear. In fact, this study is an attempt to overcome the limitations of linear elastic soil and rigid soil-pile interface bonding assumptions that have been used in substructure analysis. This thesis aims to develop numerical and analytical frameworks to (i) investigate seismic response of a representative bridge superstructure supported by a large-diameter pile shaft under fully coupled inelastic soil-pile-structure interaction, and (ii) compute the equivalent-linear (EL) pile head impedance functions under the controlled dynamic and earthquake loading modes. Hence, a three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of the soil-pile system, as a rigorous direct method of SSI analysis is developed. Pile shaft lateral capacity is designed following to the AASHTO LRFD guidelines. The developed model is verified using data from centrifuge tests. In order to compute EL impedance functions from the continuum FE model, an algebraic solution is derived for the system of dynamic equilibrium equations in substructure analysis. In this frequency-domain solution, Fourier transform of force and displacement values obtained from the time-domain FE analysis are inserted, while closed-form solutions for the pile head impedance matrix is derived in terms of infinite series. Results of parametric FE analyses indicate that except for the extreme near-fault motions, the residual structural drift and the pile bending moment of the system would hardly exceed the design limits. The computed EL impedances provide insight into the damping evolution and stiffness reduction due to inelastic interaction over a frequency range of interest. As a key conclusion, it is shown that soil and interface inelasticity can drastically alter the impedance values compared to their fully elastic counterpart.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Civil
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Aligned Design: Exploring Strategic Alignment of Design in Large Firms

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Payette, Jay
    Abstract:
    The alignment between design and business strategy in large firms is important because it enables designers to work more effectively with employees from various disciplines on sustainable opportunities, prioritize available resources to achieve objectives, and support distinctive value propositions. The results of a literature review and responses to 11 questions provided by eight employees of four large firms (two retailers and two technology vendors) were used to: produce an alignment capability inventory – list of resources, processes and priorities that large firms employ to align design and business strategy, identify configurations of design and business strategy, and develop a model and propositions of the factors that affect design and business strategy alignment. This research will be of interest to top management teams of large firms where the alignment between designers and strategists is low as well as researchers studying strategic alignment in large firms.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Design (M.Des.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Industrial Design
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Joining of Powder Metallurgy Beta Gamma Titanium Aluminide Through Diffusion Brazing

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Sawatzky, Trevor
    Abstract:
    This thesis presents an experimental study of diffusion brazing powder metallurgy beta gamma titanium aluminide, along with a methodology utilizing pentenary equivalent beta forming effectiveness for the design of post bond heat treatments. Beta gamma titanium aluminides are attractive high temperature materials with low density and high specific strength. Adequate joining and repair methods, and the resultant high temperature creep performance, are fundamental requirements for the adoption of beta gamma titanium aluminides in the aerospace, automotive, and land based gas turbine industries. The developed beta forming effectiveness methodology was utilized to target composition and post bond heat treatment parameters to achieve a fully lamellar microstructure. Experimental results indicate that diffusion brazing beta gamma alloy below the eutectoid temperature of the substrate results in an α2 reaction layer at the solid/liquid interface that retards diffusion of the melting point depressant. When the brazing temperature is raised above the eutectoid temperature, the kinetics are enhanced due to the formation of a disordered α phase at the solid/liquid interface resulting in complete solidification at low holding times. A step cooled post bond solutionizing heat treatment produces a fine near fully lamellar microstructure within the bond zone. Aging of the solutionized microstructure manifests interfacial β0,sec precipitates within the bond zone and parent material lamellar colonies. Intercolony β0 phase regions experience the precipitation of two previously unreported phases which do not significantly alter the microhardness across the bond zone. Creep tests conducted on the parent material reveal improved primary creep resistance and reduced rupture time with aging. Creep tests conducted on the post bond heat treated specimens reveal that high stress levels result in premature rupture due to bond-line porosity acting as sites for void coalescence. Decomposition of the intercolony β0 phase occurred during creep due to the altered composition and hence ω solvus temperature within the bond zone. With proper management of bond-line porosity, diffusion brazing meets or exceeds the performance of the parent material in the primary creep regime at low stress levels.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Aerospace
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Experimental Validation of a Time to Instability Theory for Viscoelastic Rings

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Lee, Eugene
    Abstract:
    A novel method of viscoelastic stability estimation has been developed by Dr. C. G. Merrett and has been applied to rings. This theory has applications to the nuclear industry as once viscoelastic rings are understood, the theory can be expanded to predict the life of viscoelastic helical coils, which are found in the CANDU nuclear reactor as tight fitting spacers. The tests showed a decrease in life time of the rings as the load was increased. The trend of the decreasing life with increasing load over the load range is clear in the experiments, and the lack of a similar trend in the theory does not appear to be correct. Further refinement of the theory to reflect this trend should be made, but more testing over a greater range of materials, loads and geometries should be performed to better confirm or disprove the theory.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Mechanical
    Date Created:
    2017

  • The ground thermal regime of the Peel Plateau, Northwest Territories, Canada

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    O'Neill, Hugh Brendan
    Abstract:
    The ground thermal regime of continuous permafrost was investigated on Peel Plateau, Northwest Territories, Canada. Extensive road maintenance has been necessary on the Plateau due to the thaw of ground ice near the Dempster Highway road embankment. This thesis examines permafrost conditions in undisturbed terrain and in disturbed ground at the road embankment. Field data from 2010-15 provided a systematic examination of permafrost temperatures in forest and tundra vegetation on Peel Plateau and of the thermal disturbance from snow accumulation at the highway. Ground temperatures and measurements of associated controlling factors were used to characterize permafrost conditions across an elevational treeline in undisturbed settings. Permafrost conditions were also examined at the embankment toe and at a snow fence near the road to characterize disturbed ground thermal regimes in the region. Numerical simulations were calibrated with field measurements to assess the influence of varying snow accumulation characteristics (depth, density, rate, timing) on the evolution of ground temperatures at disturbed sites. Annual mean permafrost temperatures increased across treeline from about -2.5 ◦C in lowland forest to about -1.5 ◦C in tundra, coinciding with higher air temperatures due to winter inversions, and earlier snow accumulation at tundra sites. Rapid and deep snow accumulation at the road embankment toe has resulted in annual mean ground temperatures typically just below 0 ◦C, thaw depths in excess of 5 m, and the development of perennially unfrozen zones (taliks). Numerical simulations of the ground thermal regime closely reproduced measured temperatures near the road. This enabled the effect of limiting snow depth and increasing density to be investigated as a potential method to mitigate permafrost thaw. The simulations indicated that ground temperatures and thaw depths may thereby be significantly reduced at the embankment toe. The long-term disturbance to permafrost was then investigated in the field and simulated numerically in two dimensions at a snow fence near the road embankment. A talik developed under the fence after 25 years in the simulation. Permafrost thaw in the simulation continued for several decades without reaching equilibrium, demonstrating the sensitivity of warm permafrost to changes in surface conditions that initiate thermokarst.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Geography
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Response of adult dragonflies to prey of different size and colour in the context of anti-predator defences

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Duong, Minh Tam
    Abstract:
    Warning coloration is used by many prey species to advertise their unpalatability to potential predators and the evolution of such signals is strongly influenced by predator behaviour. I begin by reviewing the past literature on the potential role of invertebrates in shaping the evolution of warning signals in aposematism and mimicry. I then describe an investigation of the behaviour adult dragonflies in response to artificial prey of varying shape and colour, to determine the role of these traits in influencing foraging decisions. In two experiments, dragonfly species and sex, and prey size, influenced prey selection. However, neither prey colour, nor its interaction with prey size, affected the rate of attack of dragonflies. Through a feeding experiment, I also found that dragonflies preferred to feed on insects with softer exoskeletons. The implications of these findings for the evolution of warning signals and mimicry in small aerial insects are discussed.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Biology
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Oxidative Ecology of Wild Fish: Investigating the Effects of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors on Oxidative Stress and Its Link to Life-Histories

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Birnie-Gauvin, Kim
    Abstract:
    Fish display a wide range of life history strategies, for which resources must be allocated delicately, providing the perfect opportunity to investigate the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on oxidative stress. In Chapter 2, I found that oxidative ecology in fish is largely understudied. In Chapter 3, I demonstrated that cortisol caused an increase in glutathione in the short-term, and that oxidative stress levels as well as low molecular weight antioxidants decreased in the short-term in all treatments. Interestingly, I show that overwinter survival may be associated with low total glutathione and low oxidative stress levels. In Chapter 4, I demonstrated that migratory individuals have a higher antioxidant capacity than their resident counterparts. Continuing studies on the oxidative ecology of fish may help to uncover the physiological mechanisms that influence behavior in relation to ecological phenomena.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Biology
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Growth aspirations of young informal micro-entrepreneurs in Nairobi, Kenya: A case study of the jua kali manufacturing sector

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Kalbfleisch, Rachel Lynn
    Abstract:
    Entrepreneurship in the jua kali sector presents a potential solution to the unemployment crisis in Kenya by creating opportunities for self-employed youth and other young people they hire. This study examines the growth aspirations of young jua kali entrepreneurs and identifies the underlying reasons why some are more growth-oriented than others. The study is based on primary data collected through interviews with 58 young jua kali entrepreneurs in Nairobi’s manufacturing sector. The results indicate that the vast majority of jua kali youths aspire to expand their firms and employ additional workers in the next five years. Entrepreneurs in the garment sub-sector have the highest growth aspirations. Higher aspirations are also more prevalent among those with family support, those with relevant employment and business experience, those who are older, and those with a secondary education.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    International Affairs
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Development of Raman Micro-Spectroscopy to Characterize Human Ovarian Cancer Cells

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Moradi, Hamid
    Abstract:
    Raman spectroscopy is a vibrational spectroscopy technique and has demonstrated highly desirable unique analytical capabilities throughout the field of biomedical optics. It has the ability to obtain sensitive measurements of molecular composition and structure from small sample volume in non-destructive, non-invasive and label free manner. This makes it useful in study of the cells and tissues. In this work a Raman micro-spectrometer system was developed and applied in vitro to discriminate between the chemically fixed cisplatin-resistant (A2780cp) and cisplatin-sensitive (A2780s) human ovarian carcinoma cells. Raman spectra collected from individual cells were pre-processed and subsequently analyzed with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) to yield a strong separation between the cell lines. The objective of this work was to characterize the spectral differences between the two cell types in order to determine the underlying biochemical basis for this separation.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Biomedical
    Date Created:
    2017

  • An Investigation on the Influence of Stumbling Loads on Femoral Fracture Risk, Using a Novel Gradient Enhanced Quasi-Brittle Finite Element Model

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Haider, Ifaz
    Abstract:
    Stumbling is associated with large hip contact forces, but it remains unclear whether these events contribute to osteoporotic hip fracture risk. We hypothesized that stumbling may increase risk, either causing fracture directly, or damaging the femur leaving it susceptible to future loading. This hypothesis can be tested in-silico, but previously published finite element (FE) models are susceptible to large errors in predicted fracture load and pattern. We developed and validated a novel gradient enhanced quasi-brittle damage model, for improved fracture prediction, and used the model to assess the influence of stumbling on fracture risk. Preliminary FE models were used to explore relevant physics and boundary conditions (BC’s) needed to accurately model the femur in fall and stumbling configurations. The study investigated the influence of different BCs, viscoelasticity, inertial dynamics, and biphasic (pore fluid) effects; the potential importance of these phenomenon had been discussed, but not well-explored, in literature. After implementation, the gradient enhanced quasi-brittle damage model was validated through experimental testing. Average fracture load prediction error was 9.6%, compared to 10%-20% errors reported in previous models and fracture pattern was correctly predicted for all cases, compared to the 60-80% accuracy of previous models. This validated model predicted that four of six specimens had a moderate risk of fracture due to stumbling alone, and risk increased significantly with simulated advanced osteoporosis. The model also predicted compaction of the subcapital region, a pattern consistent with impacted fractures observed in clinical settings. Finally, we investigated if progressive damage accumulation from combinations of stumble and fall could increase fracture risk. Most specimens were resilient to accumulated damage and only one experienced reductions in strength (5-15%) from repeat loading. However, two specimens experienced moderate (20-30%) increase in fracture load, for some load cases; this was a novel finding. In these cases, initial damage accumulation caused the load to be more evenly distributed upon subsequent loading events. These results suggest that stumbling alone can result in hip fracture and therefore future preventative intervention strategies may be more effective if they target both fall and stumbling induced fractures.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Mechanical
    Date Created:
    2017

  • A Matter of Principle or Self-Interest? Examining Support for Affirmative Action

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Merrells, Kristofer
    Abstract:
    Recent polls have found that support for affirmative action in the United States is divided largely along political lines, with liberals generally supporting it, and conservatives generally opposing it. However, with conservatives being overwhelmingly White, and affirmative action policies generally designed to benefit racial and ethnic minorities, it is unknown how much of peoples’ support is motivated by political principle, or group-level self-interest. I attempted to empirically test this question by subjecting participants to one of four affirmative action policies, differing only on the proposed beneficiary (viz. liberal, conservative, Black, White), and measuring the influence of both principle (via political affiliation) and self-interest (via group congruence). I hypothesized that people would reveal themselves to be motivated by self-interest, with potential moderators (viz. threat and strength of group identification). I found that both principle and self-interest predict support for affirmative action. Implications for affirmative action policies are discussed.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Psychology
    Date Created:
    2017

  • "A war for a foreign woman" Gender, Power and Economic Tension in Negril

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Thompson, Kayleigh Emma Michelle
    Abstract:
    This thesis investigates intimate relationships between foreign women and Jamaican men in Negril. Some female sex tourism scholars recognize foreign women as exerting their racial and economic power over local men in the destination towns they visit, whereas other scholars suggest that local men exert their gender power over foreign women in their relationships. Upon closer examination of the negotiations of power that take place within relationships between foreign women and Jamaican men in Negril, it became clear that the power that operates within the relationships is not straightforward. Both foreign women and Jamaican men exercise different forms of power in order to get what they desire from their relationships. This complicates common misconceptions of foreign women as either wealthy and all powerful or as naïve victims of sexually aggressive Jamaican men, and calls for a more nuanced reading of the negotiations of power in the local contexts of Negril.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Political Economy
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Exploring the Behaviour and Physiology of Juvenile Bonefish (Albula vulpes): Fundamental and Applied Perspectives

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Szekeres, Petra
    Abstract:
    Coastal ecosystems, despite recent degradation, are home to many fish species, some of which are juveniles of economically important fish in recreational fisheries. Bonefish (Albula vulpes) are one such example of a recreationally important sport fish throughout the Caribbean; to date, most research has focused on adult bonefish, leaving the juvenile life stage poorly understood. Bonefish are currently listed as ‘near-threatened’ by the IUCN, calling for a shift in research priorities to consider more than adults. In Chapter 2, I experimentally assessed juvenile bonefish shoaling preference when given the opportunity to shoal with conspecifics and other nearshore juvenile fish. In Chapter 3, I analyzed the consequences of light pollution on the behaviour and physiology of juvenile bonefish. This research generated novel understanding on the basic ecology of juvenile bonefish, and information on potential impacts caused by a prevalent nearshore anthropogenic disturbance, thus providing a foundational basis for future work.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Biology
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Multi-Port Receivers System Analysis and Modeling

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Lima, Jose Augusto
    Abstract:
    Wireless communications has grown exponentially in the last few decades. Hence, the demand for more throughput and diverse communication standards (such as GSM, Bluetooth, WiFi, LTE), have increased over time. To increase the throughput and keep hardware costs low is necessary to allow for users keep up with new applications without affecting the business model for service providers (Carriers). Software-defined radio (SDR), which aims to be easily programmable, is a good candidate to meet current market demands. However, a number of technical challenges make a SDR receiver more practical than the architecture proposed by [1] - [8]. In this work, contrasted to other results published in the literature, we not only provide a controlled continuous bias to the diodes, we also propose a novel algorithm that reduces the Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) by adaptively controlling the diode bias point. Another key feature of optimum diode bias control is the Local Oscillator (LO) power requirements decrease and the EVM which is not sensitive to LO power variation. Results presented show that a LO power variation of more than 10dB produces no EVM variation. In continuation to the blind algorithm presented, we also developed a novel methodology for estimating the initial diode bias voltage. Although we tested the methodology for four different Schottky diodes from different vendors (Win Corp, HP, Hitachi and Siemens) the process can be applied to any diode. The initial value is located at the inflection point of the first derivative of the I-V curve that fits polynomial obtained in Matlab and assures that the optimizer will not be trapped into local minima. To verify the results of this research we used a Simulink model that emulates the radio frequency (RF) and digital base band parts of a Six-Port receiver. This work also provides the behavior of the variation of the initial estimates of the diode voltage with the polynomial degree. Hence, the necessary degree for the fitting polynomial can be determined based on the initial point variation analysis.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Somatic Marker Functioning During Recovery From a Romantic Relationship with a Psychopathic Abuser: An Examination of Mental Health, Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth in Social Decision Making

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Humeny, Courtney Meagan
    Abstract:
    Damasio’s (1994) Somatic Marker Hypothesis (SMH) proposes a system in the brain that creates somatic markers, a mechanism which assists in integrating emotional information to aid in everyday functioning, including social decision making. Survivors of domestic abuse commonly experience mental health impairments that are associated with abnormalities in the somatic marker circuitry. These abnormalities are made apparent in deficits in facial affect processing and social impairments that contribute to the maintenance of these disorders. Whiffen and MacIntosh (2005) propose that the strategies survivors use to cope with distress can perpetuate and extend impairments to mental health by diminishing their ability to maintain supportive relationships. However, some survivors demonstrate growth or resilience despite their experiences, and utilize social support relatively well. The purpose of my research is to provide a conceptual investigation of the neuropsychological underpinnings of Whiffen and MacIntosh’s pathway by utilizing Damasio’s SMH. I examine survivors of a romantic relationship with a psychopathic abuser. Survivors of psychopathic abusers have received limited attention from researchers, but suggestions have been made regarding profound emotional and interpersonal outcomes (Pagliaro, 2009). Two studies were conducted to examine the extent that abusers’ level of psychopathic traits influenced survivors’ abuse experiences and recovery outcomes (e.g., mental health impairments, resilience). Participants (N = 105 and N = 392) were recruited from domestic abuse support websites and completed a series of close and open-ended questionnaires, the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), and a facial affect recognition task. A series of correlation and regression analyses revealed that abusers’ ascribed level of psychopathic traits were predicted by survivors’ experiences of abuse that was frequent, physically harmful, and versatile (i.e., physical, financial, sexual, and property abuse), and survivors’ diminished intensity of positive emotional experiences and elevated post-traumatic stress symptoms (Study 1a and 2). While both Factor 1 and Factor 2 psychopathy were predictive of frequent and physically harmful abuse, Factor 1 psychopathy was also predictive of survivors’ levels of anxiety (Study 1a).
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Cognitive Science
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Young Women’s Perceptions and Experiences of Skinny and Fat Shaming

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Carpino, Tia Louanna
    Abstract:
    This research compares women’s perceptions of the hurtfulness and social acceptability of fat and skinny shaming and their experiences as perpetrators and victims of both types of body shaming. In total, 500 female students (M age = 20.0 years, SD = 4.7 years) read a vignette depicting an instance of skinny shaming and a vignette depicting an instance of fat shaming. Subsequently, they completed measures of their perceptions of the body shaming depicted in the vignettes, as well as their own experiences, their body satisfaction, attitudes toward skinny and fat women, and demographic characteristics. Participants viewed fat shaming as more hurtful and unacceptable than skinny shaming. These perceptions varied according to participants’ body satisfaction and attitudes toward skinny women. Participants also reported perpetrating and experiencing skinny shaming more frequently than fat shaming. The limitations and implications of these findings are discussed.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Psychology
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Neuromusculoskeletal Dynamic Modelling of Human Movement in Motion Environments

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Terai, Burhanuddin
    Abstract:
    Personnel onboard high-speed marine craft are exposed to eccentric slam impacts of up to 20 g due to hull separation from water during operation. To maintain postural stability, occupants adopt a semi-squatted position to attenuate the high-acceleration loading, which causes severe acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries, and hinders post-transit performance. The harsh environment warrants a thorough understanding of human-body behaviour to predict responses and quantify energy expenditure in maintaining postural stability. A comprehensive, three degree-of-freedom sagittal-plane musculoskeletal dynamic model was developed to estimate musculotendon forces from neuromuscular stimuli and joint kinematics to provide estimates of joint torques and muscle energetics. The model was validated through experimental trials with seven participants and indicates good agreement with torque profiles obtained through inverse dynamics. The framework provides general applicability to postural stability in a wide range of motion environments and supports future investigation of injury criteria and occupant-seat interaction on high-speed craft.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Mechanical
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Novel Miniaturized Tunable Filters With Optical Control

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Leshauris, Paul
    Abstract:
    Researchers have demonstrated over the last decade the importance of tunability to reduce the complexity and the cost of telecommunication systems operating at multiple frequency bands and standards. This work focuses on novel optically tunable filters for microwave applications and therefore proposes alternative solution to commonly used tuning methods such as MEMS or diodes. The thesis has investigated different resonators for having good candidates for the novel optically tunable system developed throughout this manuscript. Different technologies are used to design such components, namely: Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) technology combined with metamaterial effect and cavity loading. All manufactured resonators are designed to be balanced between three features: the unloaded quality factor (Q0), the tuning range (TR) and the size. The last part deals with the tuning system based on SMT capacitance and optically controlled RF switches based on Si CMOS technology. Several methods have been used to improve the insertion loss of manufactured switches and therefore the performance of the whole system, demonstrating the feasibility of this novel optically based tunable concept.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Functionality of Jerusalem Artichoke Derived Inulin in Vietnamese Coffee and Developing a Novel Food Grade Microemulsion System

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Zhao, Xuhao
    Abstract:
    Jerusalem artichoke (JA) is an important source of inulin, a dietary fiber with many health benefits. To investigate the potential of JA on antioxidant activity of coffee, JA coffee was made by adding roasted JA tuber to Vietnamese coffee at a ratio 1:1 (w/w). The TPC increased by 13.6% in JA-coffee affecting higher antioxidant activity by 48.0% and 26.9% in ORAC and DPPH assays, respectively. Additionally, JA improved such coffee characteristics as flavor and foam. Mass spectrometric analysis showed that the majority of inulin contents were DP 3 and DP 4. Furthermore, a food-grade microemulsion system which was composed of grape seed oil, soya lecithin, ethanol, and water was developed and applied to phenolic compounds extracted from spent coffee. Finally, the uniformity of microemulsions was improved by the LiposoFast which confirmed by Cryo-SEM.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Chemistry
    Date Created:
    2017

  • An Integrated Approach for Episodic Cognition Assessment

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Wallace, Raymond Bruce
    Abstract:
    Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are significant health issues and a rising cost to society. They are monitored with cognitive tests during clinical appointments that are limited healthcare system capacity and patient’s ability/willingness to attend. Current cognitive tests use behavioural measures and not direct measures of cellular change enabling a patient’s ability to compensate (reminder note) to delay identification. This work presents measurement methods for cognition between clinical appointments using an integrated approach for episodic cognition assessment. Methods assess the patient during Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) within an episodic measurement framework. Electroencephalogram (EEG) / Event Related Potential (ERP) methods are presented as an emerging alternative means to detect changes in the brain. Recent consumer EEG devices make at home use a future possibility. ERP features for healthy and MCI volunteers are defined, analyzed and machine learning identified two features to distinguish the two groups with 1 False Positive and 1 False Negative error. The measurement of two IADLs is presented: Computer game play and Driving. Two games were developed and piloted with MCI volunteers showing they could indicate cognitive change. The work presents game design needs including hint and measurement subsystems. Driving is a complex task that combines executive cognitive tasks (navigation) with over-learned cognitive tasks (turn signal use). The work presents measures of driving behavior creating a driver unique signature. Machine learning techniques show that the features will allow two drivers of a shared vehicle to be distinguished from each other with an error rate as low as 1.5%. Navigational performance measures are presented for driver trip planning to indicate executive function showing a Google maps derived reference provides best performance. Turn signal use is an over learned action that is measured through detection of turn signal use from dashboard video along with GPS and map methods to determine when signals were required. The work presents big data analytics and methods to ensure the anonymity of volunteers is preserved through presentation of a k-anonymity and differential privacy methods within the data sets. The measures are combined through the episodic measurement framework for a more holistic view of the patient.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Out of Sight, Out of Mind? The Effect of Visual Field of View Restrictions on Working Memory

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Pasma, Derek
    Abstract:
    Visual field of view (FoV) restrictions have been found to impair performance on a variety of tasks, including estimating distances, locomotion, target tracking, and the developing spatial representations, as well as in specific domains such as aviation. Explanations for these impairments have largely focused on the restrictions to the physical environment and lack of peripheral information available to the user. The goal of this thesis was to provide a more complete account of these performance impairments by examining whether restrictions to the visual field affected working memory; a cognitive component responsible for the maintenance, integration, and retrieval of visual information. Three experiments were conducted in which the impact of restricted FoV on memory for simple geons was examined. In Experiment 1, restricting FoV was shown to decrease performance on a Geon Memory Task (GMT). Experiment 2 established the relative difficulties of four secondary tasks commonly used in dual-task paradigms (counting, counting/tapping, spatial tapping, and random tapping) to tax individual working memory components and used as secondary working memory tasks in Experiment 3. Experiment 3 examined the relationship between FoV, working memory, and performance on the GMT using a dual-task paradigm. Results from Experiment 3 were consistent with those of Experiment 1 and further supported the hypothesis that FoV negatively affects phonological and visuo-spatial working memory. The central executive was not negatively affected by FoV restrictions. The present findings suggest a more complete account of the impact of FoV restrictions than the lack of peripheral information alone and offer important contributions to the working memory literature.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Psychology
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Numerical modelling of seismic wave propagation through a soft-sediment filled basin near Kinburn, ON.

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Crane, Stephen
    Abstract:
    The unique geological conditions present around the Ottawa region provide the framework for strong amplifications of earthquake ground motions in areas with deep soil, and a basin structure of the bedrock surrounding the soil. Previous techniques used to identify the amplifications at a soil site compared to a rock site have been unable to account for the large amplifications recorded under these conditions. A soft-sediment filled basin was identified near Kinburn, Ontario and was instrumented with several seismometers to record the motions throughout the basin. The basin was explored through several geophysical methods to determine the impedance boundary between the soft sediments and bedrock. A model was created from these measurements in order to complete numerical simulations of the basin. Several 2D profiles were derived from this model along the short and long axes of the basin. Numerical modelling was performed on the model of the basin using a spectral element method and varying physical properties for the material within the basin and for the rock surrounding the basin. These simulations delineate the amplifications within the basin which were caused by the transfer of energy from rock to soil, and those which were caused due to the shape and structure of the basin. The numerical modelling was performed on both a 2D and 3D homogenous model of the region to recreate the ground motions recorded at a seismic recording station located close to the basin, but placed on a rock outcrop. The soft-sediment basin was added to the model and both the rock station and soil station at the centre of the basin were simulated for the 2013 Ladysmith earthquake. These motions show similar properties for the first arrivals to the recorded motions at the same location as a result of this earthquake. The simulations were also used to identify different wave types and arrival times within the basin along with the expected motions at other locations within the basin.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Earth Sciences
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Technology and the Architect: Empowering the Contemporary Design Process with Digitally Semantic Information

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Beange, Megan Elizabeth
    Abstract:
    The research presented in this paper takes a stance amidst two fields of study: that of Architecture and that of Computer Science/Information Technology. Beginning with a brief positioning of this dichotomous work in philosophy, this paper goes on to hypothesize that, for the purposes of efficient digital workflows and collaboration, Architecture must develop an ontology capturing the developed semantic knowledge of the discipline. Without delving into the technical details too deeply, this thesis analyzes several ontological examples, both offline and published online, in order to address the current state of affairs pertaining to questions of efficient information-sharing in the AEC industry. Focusing on the proposal of a network of semantic web technologies to support knowledge-based interoperability solutions, the question remains; what should an architectural discipline ontology meant to facilitate data-sharing, but developed on the premise of knowledge-sharing, look like?
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Architecture
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Effects of Bend Gesture Training on Learnability and Memorability in a Mobile Game

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Fares, Elias
    Abstract:
    Flexible displays are making their way into handheld devices. Users can benefit from ways of interacting with these devices using bends to activate a command. However, these devices may have a higher learning curve due to their complex degree of interaction. We developed a deformable device that detects bend gestures, and created a mobile game that is played using bends. We compared the effect of training on learnability and memorability through three conditions and attempted to validate the Guidance Hypothesis. Participants played the mobile game in two sessions and received one of the following: 1) training on how to perform bend gestures, 2) bend gesture training as well as what action mapped to the gesture, 3) no training. We found that mapping training produced similar outcome to no training, while gesture training led to a negative outcome. Our findings suggest training is not essential and learning by discovery is feasible.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Human-Computer Interaction
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Nonlinear Aeroelastic Modeling of a Flexible Wing and Comparison with Experiments

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Rocha Da Costa, Leandro Jose
    Abstract:
    A wind tunnel experimental investigation of limit cycle oscillations (LCO) of a uniform flexible airfoil with root pitch motion occurring at transitional Reynold number regime is presented. Two stable limit cycle regimes are observed: small and large amplitude LCO. The origin of the large amplitude LCO is determined to be coalescence flutter. Whereas, the small amplitude LCO are attributed to laminar boundary layer separation related to transitional Reynold number aerodynamics. In addition, the nonlinear equations of motion for the system are developed. Furthermore, a linear inviscid aerodynamic model is considered using. Despite the linear aerodynamics approximations, a parallel to the experiments can be drawn with the numerical simulations presented for small and large amplitude LCO at the vicinity of the linear flutter speed, with a dominant cause factor being a coalescence flutter. Overall, the structural nonlinearities play a significant role in LCO for both the experimental and numerical investigations.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Civil
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Energy Aware Resource Management for MapReduce Jobs

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Gregory, Adam Steven
    Abstract:
    Clouds which continue to garner interest from practitioners in industry and academia require effective energy aware resource managers to leverage processing power of underlying resources while minimizing energy consumption in global data centers. This thesis proposes several energy aware resource management techniques that can effectively perform matchmaking and scheduling of MapReduce jobs each of which is characterized by a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that includes a client specified earliest start time, execution time and a deadline with the objective of minimizing energy consumption. Techniques are proposed for both batch workloads and open systems subject to continuous job arrivals. Simulation based experimental results presented in this thesis demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed energy aware resource management techniques compared to alternative resource management techniques that do not consider energy consumption in task allocation and scheduling decisions.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Mimicry in the ultraviolet: A predator perspective

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Peet-Pare, Casey Anne
    Abstract:
    The ubiquity of ultraviolet (UV) vision in animals means UV colour is as important to consider as visible colours when studying animal colouration. I first undertook a survey of recent animal behaviour research and determined that many studies still fail to account for UV vision and colour. Next I measured the visible and UV colour of hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) months and decades since pinning to determine whether colour changed over time. I found no significant change in colour, supporting the use of preserved insects in colour research. Lastly, I tested whether hoverfly mimics resemble their hymenopteran models in the UV by scoring the strength of their UV reflection in photographs and obtaining spectral curves of hoverfly colours. I determined that there is a significant relationship between mimic and model thorax and abdomen UV colour and that mimics are significantly more similar to their potential hymenopteran models than to non-models in the UV.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Biology
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Priority-Based Scheduling Techniques for a Multitenant Stream Processing Platform

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Chakraborty, Rudraneel
    Abstract:
    Apache Storm is a distributed stream processing system which is heavily used by the key players in the industry including YAHOO and Twitter. An application running in Storm is called a topology that is characterized by a Directed Acyclic Graph. Isolation Scheduler, the default scheduler for a multitenant storm platform running multiple topologies assigns resources to topologies based on static resource configuration information and does not provide any means to prioritize topologies based on their business significances. One of the problems with this scheduler is that performance degradation, even complete starvation of topologies is possible on a resource constrained cluster. Two priority based resource scheduling strategies are proposed in this thesis to overcome these problems. A performance analysis based on prototyping and measurements is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques. A comprehensive analysis of the results leading to key insights into system behavior and performance is presented.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Fabrication and Characterization of Hybrid Photosensitive Protein/Conducting Polymer Devices for Optical Sensing

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Lichtenstein, Harel
    Abstract:
    The DC, light intensity and frequency response of a bR/PEDOT:PSS interfaced organic optoelectronic lateral device was studied. The processing steps required for the formation of such device, as well as alternative processing methods for PEDOT:PSS were presented as well. A measurable output of the device when irradiated with light of different wavelengths was obtained, as well as relationships between light intensity and photoresponse of the device via resistance measurements. Finally, the indirect measurement of resistance change due to modulation frequency of the incident light was obtained.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Sense of Purpose in Life and Risk for Onset of Chronic Illness

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Lewis, Nathan Alexander
    Abstract:
    Having a sense of purpose in life has been linked to a reduced risk for several chronic health conditions, though the mechanisms behind this relationship remain underexplored. The present research explored whether purpose in life predicted risk for onset of seven common chronic ailments over an eight year period using data from the Health and Retirement Study. The PROCESS procedure for testing mediation was used to analyse the direct association between purpose and onset of each of the seven chronic conditions, as well as testing whether vigorous and moderate physical activity, sleep quality, and health self-efficacy mediate these relationships. A greater sense of purpose in life was directly associated with a reduced risk for onset of stroke and indirectly associated with a decreased risk for arthritis, heart disease, lung disease, and hypertension onset through its effects on sleep quality.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Psychology
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Self-Interacting Fermionic Dark Matter with a Scalar Mediator

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Scott, William
    Abstract:
    Recent observations of galaxy cluster Abell 3827 reveal a spatial offset between the galaxies and their associated dark matter haloes. It has been suggested that dark matter self-interactions of strength 1.0cm^2 /g<~σ/m<~1.5cm^2 /g could be responsible for the observed discrepancies. We propose a simple model for the dark sector consisting of a Dirac fermion and a scalar mediator. This dark sector is allowed to communicate with the Standard Model through mixing of the scalar mediator with the Higgs. Examination of the dark matter’s thermal freeze-out from p-wave annihilation, in combination with a theoretical upper bound placed on the mediator-fermion coupling strength, indicates that in order to satisfy the observations of Abell 3827, the mediator must be extremely light—between 0.69MeV and 100MeV—whereas the dark matter fermion could have a mass from 0.35GeV to 8200GeV. Analysis of the Higgs-mediator mixing reveals an allowed range of mediator lifetimes, from 3.2×10^(-10)s to 10^(-2)s.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Physics
    Date Created:
    2017

  • An Optical Diagnostic for Instantaneous Measurements of Soot Volume Fraction, Primary Particle Diameter and Mean Aggregate Radius of Gyration in Large Turbulent Flames

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Sawires, David
    Abstract:
    This thesis details the development of an optical diagnostic capable of making simultaneous, instantaneous measurements of the soot volume fraction, soot primary particle diameter, and soot mean aggregate radius of gyration in large, turbulent, non-premixed flames. A combination of auto compensating laser induced incandescence and elastic light scattering was used to make the measurements. The produced optical measurement system was validated by quantifying soot within a reference co-annular laminar diffusion flame. Results agreed with the published data at the same flame conditions within precisely calculated measurements uncertainties obtained with Monte Carlo analysis. This analysis revealed that with larger optical measurement volumes the overall uncertainties are dominated by uncertainty in the optical and fractal properties of soot which are common to all optical diagnostics. The results demonstrate that the developed soot measurement system is ready to be used to make measurements on large turbulent flames.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Mechanical
    Date Created:
    2017

  • On Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning in Matrix, Stochastic and Differential Games

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Awheda, Mostafa Daee
    Abstract:
    In this thesis, we investigate how reinforcement learning algorithms can be applied to two different types of games. The first type of games are matrix and stochastic games, where the states and actions are represented in discrete domains. In this type of games, we propose two multi-agent reinforcement learning algorithms to solve the problem of learning when each learning agent has only minimum knowledge about the underlying game and the other learning agents. We mathematically show that the proposed CLR-EMAQL algorithm converges to Nash equilibrium in games with pure Nash equilibrium. We introduce the concept of Win-or-Learn-Slow (WoLS) mechanism for the proposed EMAQL algorithm so that the proposed algorithm learns slowly when it is losing. We also provide a theoretical proof of convergence to Nash equilibrium for the proposed EMAQL algorithm in games with pure Nash equilibrium. In games with mixed Nash equilibrium, our mathematical analysis shows that the proposed EMAQL algorithm converges to an equilibrium. Although our mathematical analysis does not explicitly show that the proposed EMAQL algorithm converges to Nash equilibrium, our simulation results indicate that the proposed EMAQL algorithm does converge to Nash equilibrium. The second type of games are differential games, where the states and actions are represented in continuous domains. We provide four main contributions. First, we propose a new fuzzy reinforcement learning algorithm for differential games that have continuous state and action spaces. Second, we propose a new fuzzy reinforcement learning algorithm for pursuit-evasion games so that the pursuer trained by the proposed algorithm can capture the evader even when the environment of the game is different from the training environment. Third, we propose a new decentralized fuzzy reinforcement learning algorithm for multi-pursuer pursuit-evasion differential games with a single-superior evader that has a speed similar to the speed of the pursuers. Fourth, we propose a new decentralized fuzzy reinforcement learning algorithm for multi-pursuer pursuit-evasion differential games with a single-superior evader that has a speed that is similar to or higher than the speed of each pursuer. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2017

  • The New Governance of Sustainable Food Systems: Shared Insights from Four Rural Communities in Canada and the EU

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Clement, Chantal Wei-Ying
    Abstract:
    For over half a century, industrial agricultural and food systems have developed to the detriment of rural spaces. Alongside modernization and growth, many local communities have experienced not only economic loss, but a loss of purpose and identity as well. As one response to these changes, sustainable local food systems (SLFS) initiatives are being pursued by a growing number of communities. Their belief is that an alternative paradigm based on SLFSs is needed to support vibrant rural livelihoods: by challenging unequal power relationships between food system actors, by repairing the rift between human and natural environments, or simply by breathing new socio-economic life into their declining communities. This dissertation explores the governance mechanisms being developed between civil society, the state, and private sector actors to support SLFS initiatives. It aims to show not only what initiatives are developed, but how these alternatives are introduced and sustained. Building on governance theory and drawing from critical political economy approaches, this work argues that collaborative and reflexive governance approaches are best positioned to enable SLFS development. To support this claim, I describe and analyze cases of SLFS initiatives pursued within four rural communities: North Saanich, British Columbia and Wolfville, Nova Scotia in Canada, Correns, France, and Todmorden, UK. These case studies highlight six categories of governance that ultimately demonstrate low to highly collaborative and reflexive SLFS initiatives. Outlining types of governance and how they play out in practice allows us to better understand the opportunities and challenges inherent to different governance strategies and their ability to support SLFSs. Grounded in both field observations and in-depth and semi-structured interviews with community members, this work also aims to give voice to actors often marginalized in dominant food system processes. An analysis of the case studies highlights the need for 1) strong social capital within a community; 2) a whole community approach to socio-economic development; 3) a strong role for the state; and 4) genuine multi-actor collaboration, as the foundation for SLFS growth. I conclude by considering sustainable food system research’s lingering question on growth and scalability to generate meaningful food system change.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Political Science
    Date Created:
    2017

  • On the Kinship of Shakespeare and Plato

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Kaytor, Daryl
    Abstract:
    Did Shakespeare read Plato? The evidence suggests that Shakespeare not only read Plato, but also consulted him as though he possessed wisdom of the highest sort. With a focus on comparing the demands on poetry set out in the Republic with both comic and tragic plays, I show that Shakespeare’s genius is at least in part due to his uncanny ability to transform Platonic wisdom into fully realized dramatic action. While Shakespeare and Plato may not ultimately agree as to the highest art accessible to man, they importantly agree as to the constitutive elements of the soul that make such arguments both possible and useful for reflection on the biggest issues of political philosophy. Shakespeare is the only sort of poet that would be welcomed back into the city in speech.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Political Science
    Date Created:
    2017

  • Lake Sediment Geochemistry in Northeastern Ontario: the geologic controls on natural background variation and investigating lakes contaminated with arsenic-rich mine tailings in Cobalt, ON.

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Sprague, Dale Douglas
    Abstract:
    This thesis investigates lake sediment geochemistry from regions in Northeastern Ontario from the areas around Gowganda, Temagami and Cobalt. The environmental legacy of the Cobalt mining camp represents an area that has been extremely impacted by arsenic-rich mine waste. The primary objectives of this thesis were to determine the magnitude and spatial extent of arsenic contamination in Cobalt, ON, and to investigate realistic background concentrations of arsenic for the region.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Earth Sciences
    Date Created:
    2017