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- Resource Type:
- Report
- Creator:
- Dawson, David, Adler, Andy, and Sinclair, Ian
- Description:
- This paper is provided on the terms "As Is, Where Is", and the Authors give no warranty or representation of any kind whatsoever as to the appropriate policies for the use of, nor the safety of the use of CEWs. The Authors expressly disclaim all express or implied warranties relating to the contents of the paper. The Authors give no warranty or representation of any kind whatsoever that the recommendations contained in this report are comprehensive. The Authors give no warranty or representation of any kind whatsoever that the recommendations are up to date beyond the date on which the paper is published.
- Abstract:
- Several studies including the Braidwood Commission report, the Report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security of the Conducted Energy Weapon, the report of the Commission for Public Complaints against the RCMP and other provincial reports and coroners’ recommendations have discussed the need for reliable uniform testing of Conducted Energy Weapons (CEWs) independent of the manufacturer. This version (3.0) adds an appendix which describes testing of the Taser 7 CEW. The CEW Test Procedure: - Establishes a methodology by which testing facilities and personnel across Canada will be able to test CEWs and determine whether they are operating within manufacturers’ specifications; - Defines data collection requirements so that data collected during the testing of any CEW in Canada may be used in forensic analysis of that weapon and may also be added to a central data base for future research and data mining programs.
- Date Created:
- 2021-02-17
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- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Robb, Colleen
- Abstract:
- Risk assessments are vital within the criminal justice system, yet research regarding the optimization of these instruments for women is limited. Currently, minimal research is available on the impact various statistical weighting methodologies may have on the prediction of recidivism for women. Using two-year fixed follow-up data from 656 justice-involved women from Maine United States, the current study explored the predictive validity of the Service Planning Instrument for Women (SPIn-W; Orbis Partners, 2007) at the item level and the predictive accuracy of four weighting methodologies. Results from the present study showed that 19 of the 98 items of the SPIn-W were significantly predictive of recidivism. Further, the gender-responsive Nuffield 2.0 weighting method most often evidenced the greatest levels of predictive accuracy across aggregate and domain level scores. Pending replication and cross-validation, the current study suggests that the SPIn-W be updated with the gender-responsive Nuffield 2.0 method to optimize predictive validity.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Psychology
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Mitchell-Dupuis, Andreane
- Abstract:
- Ancient mantle-derived rocks allow us to gain insights into the geochemical evolution of Earth's early mantle. We present a 176Lu-176Hf study of the Saglek-Hebron Complex (northern Labrador, Canada), which contains some of the oldest mafic and ultramafic rocks on the planet. Low-Fe ultramafic and basaltic metavolcanic rocks yield an isochron of 3934 ± 127 Ma with a suprachondritic initial epsHf=+8.9 ± 2.7. This value implies a highly incompatible-element depleted source for these rocks, which was more depleted than the Depleted Mantle estimates at the same age. Decoupled Sm-Nd and Lu-Hf systematics can be explained by ancient source depletion during a magma ocean in the garnet stability field. High-Fe ultramafic rocks yield an isochron corresponding to an age of 3405 ± 503 Ma. Mafic intrusions were age-dated at 3875 ± 454 Ma and at 2716 ± 370 Ma. The Saglek-Hebron Complex has recorded mantle-derived magmatism for over 1 billion years.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Earth Sciences
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Bishop, Gary Scott
- Abstract:
- The successful application of a structural health monitoring (SHM) system for composite aerospace structures requires a holistic approach encompassing the full life cycle of the structure. Important capabilities of an SHM system include: 1) recognition, 2) identification, 3) severity, and 4) location of a defect. This was achieved, first, by designing a novel manufacturing method to co-cure piezoelectric sensors to the surface of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) panels, allowing for in-situ cure monitoring, manufacturing inspection, and in-service monitoring. Second, numerical and experimental techniques used Lamb wave propagation to recognize and identify multiple types of manufacturing defects and determine the severity of a delamination defect. A comparison of co-cured and bonded piezoelectric sensors showed similar waveform shape, Lamb wave propagation velocity, and signal amplitude for the anti-symmetric Lamb wave mode. Performing a time-frequency domain analysis using the continuous wavelet transform demonstrated the ability to recognize and identify delamination, porosity, and foreign object defects. To determine the severity of a delamination defect, five input signals were compared and it was determined the Mexican hat excitation provided the best average main lobe width resolution and signal-to-noise ratio over a range of frequencies, particularly at lower frequencies. Finally, a multiple level discrete wavelet transform decomposition was able to provide signal compression, up to 450 times, while still maintaining the important signal features to determine the severity of a delamination defect. This allowed both the length ratio and depth sequence of multiple delamination defects to be correctly identified. The practical approach of this research to focus on the manufacturing process and manufacturing defects provided an important step towards a holistic SHM system for CFRP structures.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Engineering, Aerospace
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Miller, Grael
- Abstract:
- The knowledge of machining forces in robotic machining is of critical importance to ensure the accuracy and stability of the tool-workpiece interaction. To that end, this thesis presents a method for applying conventional mechanistic milling models to the prediction of cutting forces generated through the robotic machining of chamfers with arbitrary cross-sections. To apply the existing cutting force models, the edges of the workpiece to be machined are measured with a laser scanner. The resulting scan is discretized into rectangular segments, allowing the existing cutting force models to be applied to predict the forces generated through the machining of the scanned edge ... Abstract exceeds word limit
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Engineering, Mechanical
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Baldwin, Simon Darrell
- Abstract:
- High-stress police encounters can evoke psychological and physiological stress reactions in officers, which can result in cognitive and perceptual deficits, as well as inferior performance. These effects can be particularly detrimental during a critical incident, when officers are expected to demonstrate sound judgement and proficient performance. This dissertation reports on two studies, one drawing on data from officers during active-duty and the other using an experimental scenario, to examine the relationship between stress, training, and performance in UoF encounters. Study 1 examined autonomic stress responses experienced by 64 police officers, during general duty calls for service and interactions with the public. Officer characteristics, including years of service and training profiles, were also examined to explore whether experience and training impacted cardiovascular reactivity. Study results highlight the sorts of risks that officers are routinely exposed to in the course of their duties, as well as the nature and frequency of the stress reactions experienced by officers. Study 2 assessed the performance of 122 officers during a realistic lethal force scenario to examine whether performance was affected by the officer's level of training, years of service, and stress reactivity. Results demonstrated that the scenario produced elevated heart rates, as well as perceptual and cognitive distortions, commensurate with those observed in naturalistic settings. Elevated stress was a predictor of poorer performance and increased lethal force errors. Training and years of service had complex effects on both performance and lethal force errors. The results from these two studies provide important insights into the general relationship between stress, training, and performance in UoF encounters. The findings provide LEAs with an opportunity to critically reflect on current training practices and offer a roadmap for making evidence-based improvements to training. They also provide important evidence that may inform the reasonableness standard used in courts of law by painting a realistic picture of police performance under stress given the current training available to officers. Perhaps most importantly, the research identifies a need for a concerted effort to increase police training standards and ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to achieve them.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Psychology
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Rafeiro, Jesse Joseph Donald
- Abstract:
- Critiquing the anthropocentric dispositions of architectural education, this dissertation introduces a "de-anthropocentric" vector of ethical thinking through fiction as a form of pedagogy. The term de-anthropocentric as opposed to non-anthropocentric here posits nonhuman life as an important dimension of architectural consideration while acknowledging that there are limitations to understanding or advocating on behalf of the nonhuman other. By problematizing anthropocentrism in this way, the research participates in concurrent discourses in philosophy, education theory, anthropology, biology and literature studies that challenge the inherited biases of Western ontology and epistemology. Recognizing the predominance of education in structuring these biases, the research takes inspiration from experimental approaches in posthuman education studies that historically situate and reorient definitions of the human and disciplinarity. Toward this, the dissertation investigates three trajectories in literature studies as departure points: the weird realism of Howard Phillips Lovecraft, the multispecies worlding of Donna Haraway and the graphic portrayal of animal subjectivities in David Herman's narratology beyond the human. From these examples, the dissertation theorizes nonhuman narrative, representation and worldbuilding approaches in an architectural context. Finally, locating the early Renaissance as a period of major educational transition in architecture, the research analyzes Antonio di Pietro Averlino's Libro architettonico (1461-63) as a model of fiction-based pedagogy for the present. Written as a continuous fictional dialogue disrupted by digressions into the natural environment, animals, anecdotes, fictional buildings and social practices, the work offers a multifaceted educational model for questioning human-nonhuman relations. Between text and image, the work instructs by imagining the ideal city of Sforzinda through the narrative device of the golden book: a source of ancient literary wisdom. Following an analysis of Filarete, the dissertation presents a re-interpretation of Filarete's golden book as a pedagogical device to channel critical insight from literature and other disciplines into architectural education.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Architecture
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Ventura, Katelyn Victoria
- Abstract:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a range of motor and non-motor behavioral deficits thought to occur because of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. It has been thought that the appearance of the disorder stems from elevated alpha-synuclein (asyn) protein expression, known to form Lewy body inclusions. The overarching theme of the current series of experiments comprised the evaluation of how increased asyn expression contributes to the development of PD, and whether these actions could be attenuated by a DNA sequence designed to inhibit asyn oligomer formation. A better understanding of asyn protein accumulation and toxic aggregate formation might provide a therapeutic avenue with considerable clinical relevance, especially if tolerance does not develop as it does with other therapeutic approaches. As such, we assessed a novel asyn binding aptamer within both in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson's disease. In vitro, a single treatment with the asyn aptamer reduced levels of pAsyn, but multiple treatments unexpectedly had less noteworthy effects. Accordingly, the influence of the asyn aptamer was assessed in mice in vivo. It was demonstrated that the aptamer could be detected in several brain regions and in the liver at various times following administration. Ordinarily, in transgenic mice overexpressing the human A53T variant of asyn protein, the elevated expression of asyn protein occurs at 5 months of age. Thus, transgenic mice of this age were treated with the asyn aptamer both acutely and repeatedly to detect asyn protein level changes. The aptamer reduced pAsyn levels compared to control wildtype animals. Indeed, Western blot analyses revealed that this was evident with respect to pAsyn and oligomer asyn in response to both acute and repeated treatment conditions. These reductions in asyn conformations were evident in the more exterior and interior regions of the brain. Overall, the data have important preliminary implications for the development of asyn aptamer treatment strategies that target asyn processes in PD. To be sure, the asyn aptamer needs to be assessed in other preclinically relevant models to determine the validity of the approach to halt or slow the progression of PD.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Neuroscience
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Ring, Jessica
- Abstract:
- Hacktivism! Craftivism! DIY Feminism! The Maker Movement! In this dissertation, I unpack how certain Do-It-Yourself (DIY) practices have transformed from simple personal pastimes to meaningful sites for activism. To do so, I analyze three overlapping discursive terrains that I contend imbue DIY practices with a sense of 'meaningfulness'—which I term embodied materialism, critical making, and making as communication. I contend that all three of these terrains co-constitute making-as-activism identities, 'real-world' maker activist communities (makerspaces), and the wider making-as-activism network (Maker Culture). However, this blending of 'meaningful making' discourses is not evenly distributed, nor is it without contradictory logics and practices. Therefore, in this dissertation I analyze both mainstream (hegemonic) and counter-cultural (non-hegemonic) narratives of Maker Culture, makerspaces, maker identities, and making-as-activism. Through this multi-sided and multi-sited approach, I discovered that both hegemonic and non-hegemonic discourses co-produce the definitional boundary-work around 'what counts' as making-as-activism. Furthermore, I also contend that in using 'success narratives' and 'passionate work', the work/labour involved in producing Maker Culture are entangled in neoliberal logics—like empowerment and entrepreneurialism—which reproduces invisible structures of privilege within makerspaces. I also analyze how DIY politics and makerspace community-building have been adapted by Canadian feminist makers. Using interview data and my own experiences, I argue that feminist makers are building a non-hegemonic representation of Maker Culture by broadening what making-as-activism looks like, who does it, and how it intersects with holistic critical pedagogies. However, despite using a more reflective critical maker approach, I also discovered that feminist making and makerspaces can also re-produce many of the same contradictory logics that are found in mainstream, hegemonic Maker Culture. In concluding this work, I re-evaluate making-as-activism practices, identities, and communities within the context of the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. I conclude that collective care approaches are vital for building healthy communities—including makerspaces—and that joint responsibility can untangle some of the contradictory messiness that comes with leading an activist life in this contemporary moment.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Communication
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Adibifard, Zeynab
- Abstract:
- This research aims to increase the bandwidth of a transmission-line N-path filter around the clock frequency. The proposed filter consists of two four-path parallel stages with series inductors. The filter solves the trade-off between in-band insertion loss and out-of-band rejection of the original N-path filter. A high-frequency 4-phase non-overlapping clock generator with a 25% duty cycle is designed to drive the proposed filter. The proposed filter has a die area of 1.5 mm2 and was fabricated with CMOS 130-nm technology. The post-layout simulation results show that the filter is tunable from 0.1 to 1GHz, the bandwidth of 80 MHz can be achieved at 1 GHz and the noise figure of the filter is less than 3.2 dB over the frequency range. Unfortunately, the clock generator is not working properly,which is why measurement results show discrepancies from the simulated results. Several hypotheses are explored to explain the cause of these differences.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Engineering, Electrical and Computer
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Al Tlua, Basim
- Abstract:
- Aircraft noise is an important topic of research, as researchers have been seeking ways to reduce it. The current thesis aims to advance the state of the art of airfoil trailing edge (TE) noise reduction, by experimentally testing numerically optimized TE designs studied by the author, and obtained from semi-empirical models prediction. Deferent configurations of a non-flat plate, NACA-0012 airfoil, and flat-plate trailing-edge serrations are investigated. A wind tunnel test section that provides the required environment is designed and created. The test section walls have been acoustically treated to simulate an acoustically far-field environment with forwarding flight. The two sides of the wind tunnel test section are fitted with anechoic chambers and lined with acoustic transparency tensioned cloth screens which act as an interface between the test section and the anechoic chambers to provide a smooth flow surface while eliminating the need for a jet catcher and reducing interference effects. Its aeroacoustic performance is measured. Results show that background noise is comparable with other aeroacoustic wind tunnels worldwide. A straight TE airfoil and flat plate were tested as a benchmark, and then compared with serrated trailing-edge geometries. Results show that the serration geometry is effective in reducing noise and that noise radiated from the TE is at least 6 dB higher than the background noise, satisfying the requirements for aeroacoustic measurements. The ability of the trailing-edge serrations to reduce TE noise is examined through numerical optimization study. Three different serration geometries are optimized for the overall noise from 0.1 kHz to 10 kHz. The noise spectra was initially modeled using semi-empirical models by Howe, for a semi-infinite flat plate, at zero angle of attack and at low Mach numbers. The single-size sawtooth optimization study found the optimum performing TE sawtooth geometry (in terms of noise reduction), which was confirmed experimentally. The measurements confirmed that numerical optimization predicted a much larger noise reduction compared to measured values. Comparison of single-size sawtooth, slit and sinusoidal TE designs show that, while the three geometries reduced noise from a straight TE, sawtooth serrations result in larger noise reduction than single-size slit and sinusoidal………….
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Engineering, Mechanical
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Astles, Brittany Christian
- Abstract:
- Legacy arsenic contamination from past mining operations remains an environmental concern in lakes of Yellowknife (NWT) due to its post-depositional mobility. Warmer temperatures associated with climate change may impact arsenic diffusion from lake sediments either by direct effect on diffusion rate or indirect effects on microbial metabolism and sediment redox conditions. This thesis assessed the influence of warmer temperatures on arsenic diffusion from contaminated sediment of two lakes using an experimental incubation approach. Yellowknife Bay sediments (clay, 10 % organic matter, and arsenic = 1700 µg/g) differed from sediments of Lower Martin Lake (~70 % organic matter and arsenic = 822 µg/g). Duplicate sediment batches from each lake were incubated for four weekly temperature treatments (5 ℃ to 20 ℃ at 5 ℃ intervals) under oxygenated conditions and regularly sampled for water chemistry. Temperature had no influence on arsenic flux from either sediment type, other factors must be considered.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Geography
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Dold, Kayla Morgan
- Abstract:
- This thesis explores the relationship between philosophical content and literary form in Anglo-American political theory. The Anglo-American tradition is dominated by analytical approaches to philosophical objects that cannot adequately conceptualize ambiguous elements of lived experience. To do so, the study of political theory should include means of philosophizing that embrace ambiguity, such as Simone de Beauvoir's literature. This thesis takes Beauvoir's essay The Ethics of Ambiguity and novel All Men Are Mortal as case studies in how to theorize about ambiguous concepts. It applies a combined literary and phenomenological approach to reveal how her literary devices simulate our experience of ambiguity and freedom. It contributes to discourses on ethics and the relationship between form and content while serving as a model for research in political theory interested in alternatives to analytical approaches and the pursuit of experiential truths.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Political Science
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Jin, Jing
- Abstract:
- Microwave modeling and optimization play important roles in electromagnetic (EM)-based microwave component design. This thesis first proposes a new deep neural network technique to solve high-dimensional microwave modeling. A smooth rectified linear unit (ReLU) is proposed for the new deep neural network. The proposed deep neural network employs both sigmoid functions and smooth ReLUs as activation functions. An advanced three-stage deep learning algorithm is proposed to train the new deep neural network. This algorithm can determine the number of hidden layers with sigmoid functions and those with smooth ReLUs in the training process. It can also overcome the vanishing gradient problem for training the deep neural network. The proposed deep neural network technique can solve microwave modeling problems in higher dimension than previous shallow neural networks. This thesis further proposes an advanced cognition-driven EM optimization incorporating transfer function-based feature surrogate for EM geometry optimization of microwave filters. The proposed technique addresses situations where the response at the starting point is substantially misaligned with design specifications. We propose to extract transfer function-based feature parameters to address the challenge that features cannot be clearly identified from the filter response. Multiple transfer function-based feature parameters are extracted and used to develop the feature surrogate for the proposed cognition-driven optimization. Furthermore, we derive new objective functions directly in the feature space. The proposed cognition-driven optimization method can achieve faster convergence than existing feature-assisted EM optimization methods. Moreover, this thesis further proposes an efficient EM topology optimization technique for microwave component design. The proposed technique utilizes the finite element method (FEM) for EM simulation. We propose a new method to integrate Matrix Pade via Lanczos and Householder formula so that the effort of solving large FEM matrix equations at many frequencies is reduced to the effort of solving only a small matrix problem at a single frequency point, thereby speeding up the topology optimization process. We further propose a new method to reduce the small matrix problem into an even smaller one by exploiting the inheritance pattern of genetic algorithm. Using the proposed technique, the EM topology optimization process can be greatly accelerated.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Engineering, Electrical and Computer
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Robinson, Aisha Samara
- Abstract:
- Downlink scheduling in LTE is an open problem for which several heuristic solutions exist. Recently, there has been an increase in interest in applying machine learning to networking problems, including downlink scheduling. Improvements in Physical Layer capabilities have generated new resource-intensive use cases and continuously modifying existing heuristic solutions could result in the development of systems too complex to maintain. We propose a LSTM/Pointer Network-based downlink scheduler which aims to improve upon the current models which utilize feed forward neural networks. Our scheduler flexibly handles changing numbers of UEs via a recurrent neural network. We integrate the channel quality indicator and the buffer size of each UE as the observation of a MDP and solve it using a Deep Reinforcement Learning algorithm. Our experiments demonstrate that our approach results in a scheduler which generalised across changing number of UEs and resource blocks and performed within the range of traditional schedulers.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Engineering, Electrical and Computer
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- MacKay, Kevan Keegan
- Abstract:
- As global internet coverage continues to expand, our communication networks must continually evolve to supply the necessary traffic. To meet these demands we must develop novel ways to further multiplex optical signals into the same waveguide, through schemes such as wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) and mode-division-multiplexing (MDM). Subwavelength gratings (SWGs) have become a popular avenue of research in silicon photonics, with a variety of applications that include filtering and index engineering. We first investigate a robust form of highly narrowband SWG Bragg gratings that can be used to design arbitrary transmission spectra with a fine degree of precision, which has the potential to improve the channel-density of WDM networks. Additionally, we have developed a novel fully-etched multimode bend using radially bridged SWG strips. Multimode photonic bends are one of the critical building-blocks of MDM networks, and a high-capacity bend with a small footprint is essential for further enhancing network density.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Engineering, Electrical and Computer
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Brault, Joshua
- Abstract:
- In this thesis I study a major structural change in the US economy, namely, the consequences of the Great Moderation on the US economy and the operation of monetary policy. My first chapter explores a variety of empirical relationships on lead-lag properties of the US business cycle and how these relationships have changed since the onset of the Great Moderation. We emphasize four major changes in lead-lag properties. Since these relationships serve as a benchmark for many models of the business cycle, we examine if a variety of models can account for these changes. We find that they cannot. My second chapter provides an explanation for the first property in my first chapter, that the real interest rate switched from negatively leading the US business cycle to positively lagging. The explanation rests on the fact that uncertainty about the current state of the economy has become less severe since the onset of the Great Moderation. This allows policymakers to set monetary policy closer to their rule-based policy prescription under no uncertainty and reduce unintended monetary induced fluctuations. My third chapter explores business cycle asymmetry prior to and after the Great Moderation. I show that the business cycle has become more asymmetric since the onset of the Great Moderation with booms becoming smaller and busts staying relatively the same. I highlight that this type of asymmetry is consistent with a class of models which feature occasionally binding collateral constraints. My fourth chapter is a contribution to New Keynesian (NK) models. In a standard NK model, monetary policy operates through the real interest rate channel. This channel has recently drawn some criticism when the model is extended to include capital accumulation. In this setting it is possible for the real interest rate to fall in response to a positive monetary policy shock, contradicting the intuition of the real interest rate channel. We show that result vanishes when frictions on the flow of investment are present, as in modern NK models. Under this framework the response of the real interest rate is always the same as the monetary policy shock.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Economics
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
Farmers’ Preferences for Agri-Environmental Incentive Programs, Learning from Experiences in Ontario
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Lemaitre-Curri, Elen
- Abstract:
- Based on a literature review, an international benchmark, and a case study in Ontario, the dissertation explores farmers' preferences for agri-environmental incentive programs. We use literature in agricultural, environmental and behavioural economics, and social psychology to propose an original analytical framework of farmers' preferences. This framework is tested in Ontario and helps understand farmers' motivations to participate or not to participate in environmental incentive programs. We then review the evolution of agri-environmental programs in Ontario since the 1930s. We develop original frameworks to compare programs fostering either collaboration or competition among farmers and use these frameworks to compare Ontario programs with contrasting programs in other provinces and OECD countries. Based on program design analysis and semi-structured interviews, we identify program characteristics that matter to Ontario farmers. Through a choice experiment, we then test which characteristics matter most in farmers' decisions and segment Ontario farmers into groups of heterogeneous preferences. The dissertation decisively adopts a mixed-methodology approach. Qualitative research is used to design the choice experiment (exploratory sequential design). Open-ended questions in the experiment link farmer choice-profiles with qualitative results, thus confirming, illustrating or nuancing choice experiment findings (convergent design). Finally, the participation of informal field advisors all along the research process allows for a research design targeted on current policy questions and continuous verification of intermediate findings. We find that programs designed to be the most competitive are not necessarily the most cost-efficient because medium and long-term dimensions are not considered. We identify five farmer profiles with different preferences and attitudinal traits. While 'Business Farmers' and 'Busy Farmers' have a strong preference for high incentive levels, other types of farmers either value technical assistance above the monetary incentive, are only willing to participate if their contact point is a fellow farmer, or are largely unwilling to participate. Several farmer profiles would prefer collective approaches. We also find that preferences are endogenous. They evolve as information emerges, applications succeed or fail, engagement takes place, and farmers discuss approaches and their impacts. The concluding chapter presents, on this basis, a series of research-grounded recommendations for agri-environmental policy design in Ontario.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Public Policy
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Liu, Hantao
- Abstract:
- Benefiting from the rapid development of convolutional neural networks, computer vision-based autonomous driving technologies are gradually being deployed in vehicles. However, these neural networks typically have a large number of parameters and extremely high computational costs, making them difficult to deploy in autonomous vehicles with limited storage and computational power. In this paper, we propose an innovative model compression approach to compress convolutional neural networks in autonomous driving algorithms, which we call Flexi-Compression. Flexi-Compression first modifies the model structure by replacing the traditional convolutional layers with our proposed Flexi-CP module, thus reducing the computation of the convolutional layers. Then, we leverage knowledge distillation to enable the compressed model to quickly acquire the knowledge of the original model. In addition, we use a Flexi-Batch Normalization layer to prune the model and finally further reduce the model size by model quantization. We compress an autonomous driving algorithm and achieve excellent performance.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Information Technology (M.I.T.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Network Technology
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Zalat, Mohamed Elsayed Gaber Ali
- Abstract:
- Imitation learning is a supervised learning problem that involves training a model to perform a task in a given environment using demonstrations of an expert. In this thesis, we propose 5 metrics to evaluate the performance of imitation learning agents. We compare state-of-the-art imitation learning models to deep neural networks at imitating state-based and reactive behavior. To compare the imitation learning techniques, we use two partially observable domains: the continuous RoboCup domain and the discrete Vacuum Cleaner domain. We show how our proposed metrics provide us with more qualitative information about the performance of imitation learners when imitating state-based behavior compared to state-of-the-art metrics. In addition, we show how our testing methodology provides results that resemble the eye-test that current testing methodologies fail to provide. We also show how Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks outperform state-of-the-art models at imitating state-based behavior in the RoboCup soccer domain.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Engineering, Electrical and Computer
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Bloskie, Tighe Joseph
- Abstract:
- Wood frog freeze tolerance is a classic example of metabolic rate depression (MRD), which facilitates reprioritization of minimal anaerobic resources to pro-survival pathways. Global gene expression is consequentially suppressed due, in part, to transcriptional controls, yet specific mechanisms have received little attention. Methylation of DNA and histone lysine residues are common epigenetic mechanisms associated with control of transcription and thus are implicated in MRD. However, preliminary findings appear tissue- and species-specific while research into nervous tissues is lacking. This thesis tracks the expression/activity of key methyl epigenetic modifiers and selected targets across the wood frog freeze-thaw cycle and associated sub-stresses. This thesis provides strong evidence for H3K9 and DNA hypomethylation during brain freeze recovery, largely correlated with expression of catalyzing enzymes. Non-histone roles are also suggested. Alleviation of repressive epigenetic controls likely contribute to a resumed permissive transcriptional state and may induce the activity of essential repair pathways during thawing.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Biology
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Hamp, Elyse Kathryn
- Abstract:
- Unreinforced masonry (URM) is inherently vulnerable to seismic forces due to its minimal ability to resist tensile forces. Typical structural design features in URM buildings such as torsional irregularities and re-entrant corners increase this vulnerability. This thesis seeks to address the seismic vulnerability of URM structures due to plan irregularities and to contribute to the structural engineering knowledge required to lessen the need for new construction by supporting the reuse, rehabilitation, and ongoing maintenance of existing buildings. A comparative analysis based on the results of nonlinear static and incremental dynamic analyses was carried out on numerical models representing URM structures with plan irregularities typical in Ottawa, Canada. The results from these analyses determined that damages to the structure and the probability of collapse of the structure were reduced overall with the minimization of torsion and full lateral support of the re-entrant corners in the modelled structures.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Engineering, Civil
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Hagborg Wildey, Susan R.
- Abstract:
- The Nationalist Government of South Africa, from its first days in office in 1948, was obsessed with its poor image on the world stage. Blaming the foreign press, the Nationalists established a program of propaganda aimed at addressing the issue. Canada was one of nine countries targeted by South Africa's Information Service from 1949. This thesis illustrates the efforts of the Service, operating under the South African Department of Foreign Affairs, to change the narrative of Canadian newspapers about South Africa, and the reaction of the Canadian journalists to those efforts. It examines how the Service, from its inception until the events following Sharpeville in 1960, confronted journalists at Canada's progressive English language newspapers, and moved against Norman Phillips, a Canadian foreign correspondent reporting from South Africa.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- History
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Ewanation, Logan
- Abstract:
- In recent years, a number of highly-publicized lethal police use of force (UoF) encounters have occurred in both Canada and the United States, sparking several social movements and causing public debate about officer accountability. The primary aim of this project is to increase our understanding of jurors' legal decision-making in trials involving police UoF by exploring what jurors discuss during deliberations in simulated trials and evaluating whether the race of the victim affects individual verdicts and deliberation content. Canadian jury eligible participants (N = 78) watched and listened to a fictional trial involving a police officer charged with manslaughter. The victim's race was manipulated to be either White or Indigenous. After rendering individual pre-deliberation verdicts, participants took part in a 60-minute deliberation session, then rendered individual post-deliberation verdicts. Study 1 investigated the relationship between victim race, jurors' perceived police legitimacy, and individual verdict decisions. Although victim race did not have a statistically significant effect on pre-deliberation verdicts, the odds of jurors rendering a guilty post-deliberation verdict was more than 16 times higher when the victim was White as opposed to Indigenous. Study 2 investigated how victim race and police legitimacy relate to the deliberation content of the juries. Analyses indicated that both of these variables play a significant role in jury deliberations. Specifically, jurors were significantly more likely to provide "anti-defendant" and "pro-prosecution" utterances when the victim was White, as compared to Indigenous. Additionally, jurors with negative perceptions of police were significantly more likely to utter "anti-defendant" statements. Overall, this study suggests that, contrary to the assumption of the Canadian legal system, victim race influences legal decision-making in trials involving officer UoF.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- FLAG
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Harewood, Adrian J.
- Abstract:
- This thesis explores the interplay between the US Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War and Liberalism. It examines the positions civil rights leaders and the most significant civil rights organizations of the 1960s took on the Vietnam conflict, and tries to make sense of their connection to the liberal project. By charting the long history of African Americans' engagement in the US wars and exploring how they were influenced by anti-colonialist/anti-imperialist leaders and movements around the world, I seek to understand what ultimately informed the stances that the most prominent civil rights actors of the era assumed during the Vietnam conflict and why the war proved to be such a seminal moment for African Americans and their relationship with the state.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- History
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Cronkite, Maximilian Stewart Hawley
- Abstract:
- This thesis explores the potential of communicating complex ideas about the past through board games. The thesis will start with exploring and defining its theoretical understanding of historical narratives and procedural rhetoric. Then, the thesis will continue with how other scholars have discussed the role of and potential that games have in the imparting of historical knowledge. Using this established methodology and theory of game-based learning, this thesis will analyze three historical board games for their ability to impart historical understanding. After the analysis of the three case studies this thesis will showcase an annotated version of the rules for the historical board game: Divided Kingdom, 561 which was created for this thesis. In the annotated rulebook, and design journal that follows it, the author elaborates on the game's intention as a pedagogical tool and how it is designed to communicate historical understanding of sixth century Frankish Gaul.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- History
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Desforges, Jessica Emilie
- Abstract:
- The role of temperature in mediating the behaviour and physiology of fishes is becoming more apparent, as climate change exacerbates the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Among the many methods used to estimate upper thermal limits, the Critical Thermal Maxima method has been the dominant approach partially due to its relative simplicity in experimental design. However, several concerns have been raised about the ecological relevance of this method, particularly due to the use of rapid rates of thermal ramping. In this thesis, I begin by reviewing the ecological relevance of CTmax. I discuss methodological concerns and limitations, while outlining opportunities to address these concerns and apply CTmax in an ecologically-relevant way. I then provide an example of a field-based study that evaluates the role of CTmax estimates in accounting for variation in life-history traits and fitness in a semi-anadromous population of juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta).
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Biology
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Bobmanuel, Oprite Nimisoere-Huchinson
- Abstract:
- For non-loadbearing applications, the 15 cm blocks are usually used. They are lightweight, easy to install, and are cost-effective. The fire-resistance rating of the 15 cm block is about 1 h, while that of a 20 cm block is about 2 h. This reduced fire-resistance rating is due to smaller cells which leads to more convective and radiative heat transfer inside of the block cells, as well as the reduced face cells that cause the blocks to heat up quicker. With the use of lightweight insulation materials as cell fillers, an improvement in the fire-resistance rating was achieved for the 15 cm block. These materials were able to reduce the convective and radiative heat transfer in the cells. For the experimental and numerical analysis carried out, vermiculite, and gypsum were able to improve the fire ratings by at least 1h.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Engineering, Civil
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- El-Saadi, Mahmoud
- Abstract:
- Following prolonged low temperature exposure, chill-susceptible insects can incur chilling injuries that manifest as motor deficits and tissue damage. This is thought to be a driven by a loss of ion and water homeostasis partly resulting from gut leak of solutes. The insect gut, however, also houses an abundant microbial community. Recent studies have reported immune activation following cold stress in insects, which has yet to be fully explained. Here, I hypothesize that prolonged cold stress results in immune activation as a result of bacterial leakage across the gut and into the surrounding fluid of locusts, using fluorescent bacteria as a marker to test it. Surprisingly, no leakage of the fluorescent bacteria was observed regardless of cold exposure duration. My research suggests that gut barrier integrity is maintained after cold stresses, and this open up other possible explanations as to why cold-induced immune activation occurs in insects.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Biology
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Pehora, Bethany Mary
- Abstract:
- This research essay examines letters of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland, showing her as an accomplished rhetorician. Mary's letters have gone largely unexamined by scholars, despite the new interest in the writing of women in the early modern period. On her letters she used appeals to kinship, emphasis on rank, calls to shared religion and expressions of emotion in order to support specific objectives for her letters. The flexibility and variety of the rhetoric contained within the letters from across her life show Mary to be an accomplished and competent rhetorician. The epistolary exchanges examined in this thesis were essential in maintaining Mary's diplomatic networks both during her reign and after her abdication. The letters examined in this thesis come from both published collections of Mary's letters from the nineteenth century and from original transcriptions of archival material of letters than have not been previously published or examined.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- History
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Lin, Brian Ming-Tung
- Abstract:
- The purpose of this thesis is to prove that countable finitely-generated hyperbolic groups are weakly amenable. Precisely, the definition of weak amenability is as follows: Let \Gamma be a countable discrete group. We say \Gamma is weakly amenable with constant C if there exist a sequence of finitely supported functions from \Gamma to the complex numbers which converge pointwise to 1, and the CB-norms are uniformly bounded above by C. We interpret weak amenability as there exists an approximate identity whose CB-norm is uniformly bounded by C. The proof of the statement actually draws on many areas of mathematics. In this thesis, we give a quick treatment of the necessary background information before moving onto the associated propositions, lemmas, and theorems used in the proof.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Mathematics
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Efseaff, Matthew
- Abstract:
- For many years cavity ionization chambers have been the preferred detectors for measuring absorbed dose from ionizing radiation. Cavity theory formalisms relate the detector signal to a dose in the surrounding medium. Common cavity theories are straightforward to calculate but make limiting assumptions about charged particle fluences in the chamber and the medium. The choices that make them accurate are conceptually ambiguous and unrelated to physics fifirst principles. This prohibits their general application across a wide range of physical conditions. A novel general cavity theory is introduced which addresses some of the previous limiting assumptions of existing formalisms by explicitly determining the perturbation of charged particles in the medium due to the chamber cavity. This cavity theory removes the ambiguity and derives from fifirst principles at the expense of increased complexity. The formalism converges to the Spencer-Attix cavity theory in the limit of Bragg-Gray conditions and to the ratio of mass-energy absorption coeffcients in the large cavity limit. The EGSnrc Monte Carlo simulation software is used to determine the expected dose ratios from full chamber dose calculations and to generate the input quantities to the novel formalism with regard to the air kerma formalism under Fano conditions. For 1.25 MeV incident photons the formalism is within 0.1% of full chamber calculated dose ratios for materials with atomic numbers 4 < Z < 29, between 0.2-0.7% at 300 keV, and between 0.8-5.3% at 50 keV. Formalism dose ratios calculated from cobalt-60, and 120 kVp x-ray, spectra showed similar agreement with full chamber calculated dose ratios as the mono-energetic cases. This new cavity theory is shown to be fifive times more accurate, on average, than Spencer-Attix for cavity heights of 1.39 mm, and 2.3 times more accurate, on average, for cavity heights of 0.15 mm in 24 comparisons. Over all materials and incident energies investigated the new cavity theory tracks the trend of dose ratios as cavity size changes from 0.1 mm to 10 mm in height. Restrictions imposed by previous cavity theories are removed by this novel formalism derivation and it shows promise as a confirmation of modern Monte Carlo dose calculation methods.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Physics
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Grenon, Ryan
- Abstract:
- We identify some of the underlying processes that support decision-making activities undertaken by three public transit stakeholders in Ottawa, and evaluate perceived usability of the proposed technological component of a novel public transit decision-making information system: a database query and results visualization tool (i.e., a cybercartographic atlas prototype). We highlight significant vulnerabilities in existing public transit decision-making processes, including the presence of common biases and heuristics, wherever human judgment is exercised. Our prototype is designed to handle the collection, organization, and visualization of public sentiment (i.e., Twitter data), and [theoretically] uses the Nunaliit Cybercartographic Atlas Framework as the underlying database. In remote usability-testing sessions, we diagnose two system-wide user interface issues that require immediate design solutions and report a mean system usability score of 90.4 with five participants. We discuss the notions of choice architecture and nudging as important design considerations that can improve precision in predictive judgments.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Zarate, Maria Lorena
- Abstract:
- As contested spaces, urban settings express the complex dynamics of exploitation, oppression, and emancipation. Building on long-standing struggles, the right to the city and the new municipalist movements have been creating new imaginaries and material realities that foster the commons and confront privatization, gentrification, and exclusion. From Mexico City to Barcelona and beyond, this thesis analyzes the transformative agendas that multi-sectorial and multi-scalar alliances are putting forward as part of pedagogical-political processes of articulation and differentiation. Within a framework that combines the rights in the city, the rights of the city and the right to the city, I propose to conceptualize the right to (transform) the city as a tridimensional narrative-in-practice. Explicit feminist and decolonial lenses help me to identify some of the most salient limitations and potentials of these initiatives, opening up questions and paths for further dialogue and collaboration across academic fields and social action.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Political Economy
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Khiabani, Hasti
- Abstract:
- People with mobility-related disabilities can observe improvements in their quality of life by incorporating rehabilitation and assistive devices. To be compliant to users' needs, such robots should be intelligent to the users' intention to be able to adapt to their needs. A surface Electromyography (sEMG)-based lower limb intention-detection model is studied to augment human-robot interaction by detecting subjects' walking direction prior-to or during walking. Ten Classical Machine Learning-based models with Subject-Exclusive/Generalized strategies and a Deep Learning-based Convolutional Neural Network with an advanced transfer learning methodology (Subject-Adaptive), are employed to detect direction intentions and evaluate inter-subject robustness in one knee/foot-gesture and three walking-related scenarios. In each, sEMG signals are collected from eight muscles of nine subjects during five trials of at least nine distinct gestures/activities. The proper augmentation method of the model in an HRI controller is studied in a computer-simulated environment with IMU and sEMG data collected from subjects.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Engineering, Mechanical
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Tiukuvaara, Ville Tuovi
- Abstract:
- Electromagnetic metasurfaces (MSs) present a challenge for modelling and numerical simulations, as they are inherently "multi-scale". Thus, equivalent models—namely zero-thickness sheets described by surface susceptibilities—are usually employed for numerical simulations. At the same time, space-time varying media have received interest in the past years due to the exciting phenomena they facilitate (e.g. non-reciprocity). This thesis primarily considers the intersection of these two research directions: the modelling of MSs with periodic variation in space and/or time, allowing a Floquet expansion to be used to calculate scattered fields in an efficient way. This thesis also presents susceptibility extractions for some canonical structures, including a ground plane with a dielectric cover layer. Finally, experimental results are shown for MSs which were fabricated, operating in the Ka-band, as a demonstration of the developed Floquet method. These were measured using a near-field (NF) system developed at Carleton University, as a contribution of this thesis.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Engineering, Electrical and Computer
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Rodriguez, Federman
- Abstract:
- Over twenty years passed since American and Canadian forces arrived in Afghanistan to start the War on Terrorism as a response to 9/11, and during this period, there has been an enormous controversy about the nature and the scope of the Afghanistan intervention. Amidst this controversy, this dissertation aims to unravel a strategic puzzle: why and how the United States and Canada adopted similar engagement levels, especially similar counterinsurgency (COIN) strategies between 2005/2006 and 2011. During this time, the United States and Canada fought against insurgent groups, sought to maintain stabilized areas by mentoring Afghan forces, and invested in infrastructure and governance. These goals, which corresponded to the 'clear,' 'hold,' and 'build' COIN components, entailed sending troops and civilian officials to a war zone and committing financial resources. According to structural realism as a dominant IR theory, the similarity of American and Canadian engagements constitutes a puzzle because this theory would expect that countries with different relative standings in the international system are meant to adopt different foreign and security policies. To unravel this puzzle, this dissertation uses neoclassical realism. Like a realist theory, it examines the effects of relative material capabilities on foreign policy, which is an essential factor in comparing American and Canadian foreign and security policies. Yet, unlike structural realism, it considers dimensions other than states' relative standing, such as perceptions and domestic politics, which, along with the relative standing, help to unpack the puzzle above. Based on this theory, the central argument of this dissertation is that the similarity of American and Canadian engagements resulted from similar systemic stimuli from the post-9/11 strategic environment, foreign policy executives' (FPE) similar strategic beliefs, and comparable abilities to mobilize domestic resources. By showing the occurrence of factors on both American and Canadian sides bringing about the outcome above, this dissertation seeks to undermine the ideas of the "Americanization" of Canadian foreign and security policy and the syndrome of "parochialism" of the United States regarding its Northern neighbour.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Political Science
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Fardfini, Kimia
- Abstract:
- Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) can result in complications, including kidney problems or cardiovascular disease. Intrapersonal risk factors such as body mass index (BMI) and stress have been associated with increased odds of developing T2DM complications. However, little is known about interpersonal risk factors. The present study aimed to test associations among partner's BMI, partner's stress and T2DM complications development among married couples in which one partner has diabetes and if negative marital quality moderates these associations. Data (n=274) came from the Health and Retirement Study. BMI, stress, diabetes status and complications were self-reported at baseline (2006). Complications were assessed every two years from 2008-2016. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models. Unadjusted and adjusted models revealed no associations among partner BMI, partner stress, and incident T2DM complications, p>0.05. Furthermore, marital quality did not moderate these associations, p>0.05. Future research should consider other interpersonal risk factors onto intrapersonal health outcomes.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Psychology
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Parsons, William Paul
- Abstract:
- This thesis proposes a framework for the design optimization of geometric nonlinearities developed by active elements embedded in truss-like aerospace structures for the purpose of attenuating their dynamic aeroelastic response under turbulent aerodynamic gust conditions. Dynamic aeroelastic responses are analyzed considering random Power Spectral Density (PSD) and Tuned Discrete Gust (TDG) excitation profiles. MSC NASTRAN is employed for the development of the dynamic aeroelastic models where the random PSD gust with a continuous Davenport spectrum (DS) and the TDG with a One-minus cosine (OMC) wind excitation profiles are developed. A multi-objective genetic optimization algorithm (MOGA) is utilized to determine optimal prestress values through active element actuations for the purpose of tuning the geometric stiffness and therefore modal response of the structure when exposed to gust excitations. Two case studies are presented to minimize the pointing error of both a simplified and high-fidelity Earth-based very-long baseline interferometry antenna structure.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Engineering, Aerospace
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Chimhanda, Rumbidzai
- Abstract:
- Abstract This thesis examines how everyday multiculturalism and the African diaspora mutually interact to shape racialization processes in multiple spaces, both public and private, through an exploration of African women's beauty practices. Five main social spaces relevant to African women's diasporic experiences of everyday multiculturalism are analysed throughout the thesis including the self, the home, the church, social media, and the workplace. Blending analytic categories of everyday multiculturalism with the African diaspora while incorporating concepts from critical race theory, the public-private dichotomy, the women-as-nation premise, and feminist insights on agency, this thesis makes three central arguments. Firstly, I argue the dynamic interplay between everyday multiculturalism and the African diaspora simultaneously reconstitutes social spaces by creating rich combinations of complex experiences that challenge and redefine what the "public" and "private" mean in various spaces through new meanings of race, beauty, class, pan-African nationalism, multiculturalism, sexuality, and gender. Secondly, I argue everyday multiculturalism and the African diaspora simultaneously structure racialization processes so that African women's racialized identities are layered, formed, and informed by a new African diaspora community within Canada, local nationalist and postcolonial racial formations, Canadian discourses of multiculturalism, and globalized meanings of Blackness. Furthermore, racialization processes are constantly shifting across social spaces so that women creatively juggle different racialized identities by creating hybrid iterations, of being African and Black, that are complex and multilayered. Lastly, I argue everyday multiculturalism and the African diaspora interact in paradoxical fashion to produce a conception of agency reflective of simultaneous articulations including accommodation and resistance. The ways women use their beauty practices to navigate race and space thus reveal the context dependent manifestations of different expressions of agency in the public and private. This complex dynamic makes it difficult to neatly generalize African women as either completely agentive or completely oppressed in any given space. Keywords: African Diaspora, Agency, Beauty, Canadian Society, Everyday Multiculturalism, Race, Social Spaces
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Political Science
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Sutherland, Gabrielle
- Abstract:
- This dissertation examines the issue of societal change due to semi-peripheral action, and asks why it is that some societies managed to avoid colonization at the hand of the western powers during the colonial period. The issues at hand include the question of how to bound world-systems in order to determine when a society fully enters the modern world-system which Immanuel Wallerstein describes as a bounded entity that constitutes a social system based on capitalism. In addition, the issues include the question of core/periphery structure - that is the position of a given society in the modern world-system, and the question of agency that a given society is able to exercise when being incorporated into the modern world-system. This dissertation uses the empirical case studies of Japan and Tonga in order to propose an explanatory framework of semi-peripheral change that explains why some societies were colonized and others were not. This dissertation argues that each society was semi-peripheral at the point in which they were incorporated into the modern system, and because adaptability is a key feature of semi-peripheral action, these two societies were able to avoid colonization. This dissertation argues that societies that transform their dominant mode of production by creating a developmental state while also transforming their political systems in order to conform to Westphalian notions of the nation-state were able to adapt to the modern world-system, and were able to not only avoid colonization, but were able to set themselves on the path to eventual core status. Those societies that only opted for political change but did not transform their mode of production avoided colonization, but were relegated to the extreme periphery of the modern world-system. Societies that did neither were colonized and became peripheralized. This dissertation aims to be a contribution to world-systems theory that examines change in the world-system.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Political Science
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Wang, Dengpan
- Abstract:
- With the development of hardware technologies, computing devices are becoming increasingly varied and result in the heterogeneity of hardware, so SYCL has gained popularity on incorporating parallel computing frameworks. Although many computing frameworks, such as OpenCL and CUDA, can benefit to heterogeneous computing, they increase the complexity of cross-platform deployment and reduce productivity due to low portability. By comparison, SYCL allows programmers to write parallel applications in the standard C++ syntax across vendor-specific hardware. However, despite the popularity of SYCL on Windows and Linux, there is little research on porting SYCL to QNX, a real-time operating system (RTOS). Therefore, we choose two SYCL implementations in our experiments and also build a new path of calling OpenCL APIs in SYCL-GTX and significantly improve kernel compilation in SYCL-GTX. Although the overall performance of SYCL-GTX on QNX is evaluated on Linux, our experiments demonstrate that many possible optimizations can improve SYCL-GTX on QNX.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Information Technology (M.I.T.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Network Technology
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Gunpat Motayne, Sasha Veronica
- Abstract:
- Positive psychological well-being (PPWB) is associated with physical activity above and beyond psychological distress among adults. The purpose of this study was to determine if this association holds among people with diabetes. Data came from a subset of participants in the Whitehall 2 study who participated in an accelerometer sub-study and self reported having diabetes (n = 112). Baseline data (2007-2009) of PPWB, psychological distress, and diabetes status were self-reported; physical activity was directly measured via accelerometer at follow-up (2012-2013). In adjusted models, PPWB was not associated with physical activity among people with diabetes, β = 1.73, p = .098. Exploratory analyses indicated that diabetes status did not moderate associations between PPWB and physical activity. Results suggest that PPWB may not play a role in physical activity among adults with diabetes. Future research should test other positive psychological factors that are associated with physical activity among adults with diabetes.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Psychology
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Li, Zheren
- Abstract:
- The transition from university to the workforce can be a daunting experience for many university graduates, due, at least in part, to an increasingly competitive, and often unstable labour market. Using a retrospective recall design, the current study tested some of the key theoretical assumptions of the career construction model of adaptation in the context of the school-to-work transition with a sample of 303 recent university graduates. The results showed that career adaptability resources mediated the relationship between adaptivity and adapting responses. Career adaptability was also positively related to perceived career success and person-job fit perceptions; this positive relationship was partially mediated by proactive career behaviours. Overall, these findings support the career construction model of adaptation and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of career construction theory and the school-to-work transition process. Keywords: Career construction model of adaptation; Career adaptability; Career construction theory; school-to-work transition.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Psychology
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Dunham, Mackenzie David
- Abstract:
- Dynamic risk and protective factors refer to a collection of psychosocial variables that have been empirically linked to an increased or decreased likelihood of engaging in future criminal behaviour. Monitoring such factors is, therefore, a vital task in the post-incarceration community reintegration process. The current study examined whether weighting could augment the discrimination of the Dynamic Risk Assessment for Offender Re-entry (DRAOR; Serin, 2007, 2015, 2017), a promising case management instrument composed of dynamic risk and protective factors, in two samples of general justice involved individuals drawn from New Zealand (n = 3,648) and Iowa (n = 510). Two weighting approaches were investigated across subscales, outcomes, assessment periods, and samples. Although weighting did not significantly improve discrimination in either sample, the present research provides further support of the DRAOR's utility as a risk prediction and case management tool.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Psychology
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Laing, Michelle Gyamsewa
- Abstract:
- This thesis is comprised of three essays that examine factors influencing labour market experiences and the impact of diversity for firm performance. Chapter 1 explores whether corporate boardroom gender diversity deters opportunistic behaviour in financial reporting in periods of uncertainty. Earnings management arises because the accrual accounting method leads to earnings potentially being presented in a way which gives an excessively positive view of a firm's financial position. Using a firm fixed effects model, I find that having two female directors is associated with lower discretionary accruals and, thus, greater corporate income. Yet, gender diversity does not always deter opportunistic behaviour in financial reporting during periods of uncertainty when CEO / CFO wealth is tied to the value of a firm's shares. Chapter 2 contributes to the literature by using data from the Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics (SLID) to explore public-private sector wage differentials in Canada in the period from 1993 to 2010. I find strong evidence for the existence of a public sector wage premium and show that controlling for union coverage or firm size can reduce the estimated public sector wage premium. Additionally, the public sector pays some workers who are likely to experience discrimination based on their race or sex relatively more than they would have earned if they had worked in the private sector. Chapter 3 uses data from the Canadian Employer-Employee Dynamics Database (CEEDD) to analyze the earnings returns immigrants obtain from investments in post-secondary education (PSE) after their arrival in Canada. PSE enrollment is found to increase the annual earnings of both men and women. Earnings returns are larger for immigrants admitted in the Skilled Worker category relative to Family Class immigrants and Refugees and increase with the level of education at landing. Immigrants from non-traditional source countries generally have larger earnings returns than immigrants from English language source countries. Further, earnings returns are higher when immigrants build human capital through both PSE and work experience; returns from PSE rise with time since the most recent study period; and earnings growth from PSE is not biased by out-migration.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Economics
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Croke, Alison Maureen
- Abstract:
- It is well-documented in theory and in research that evaluative attitudes predict subsequent behaviour, however the association of evaluative attitudes and sexually aggressive behaviour have been scarcely researched. The given research investigated the association of evaluative attitudes of sexual aggression towards women and the perpetration of sexual aggression towards women using a newer version of an evaluative attitudes of sexual aggression towards women measure (the EASAW). EASAW mean scores of those with a history of sexual violence towards women and those without a history of sexual violence towards women were compared, with no significant differences and small effect sizes found. Future research should continue to investigate this relationship that address shortcomings of this study, such as: more diverse samples and experimental manipulation.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Psychology
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Amezaga Hechavarria, Alexis Adolfo
- Abstract:
- In this research, a hybrid approach combining a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) with a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network (RNN) is introduced to model real-time online feedback to students when completing academic activities using online Learning Management Systems (LMS). The solution provided is a Smart Classifier which unravels, and processes hidden patterns in the data to train appropriate metrics to raise flags indicating outlier student behavior based on historical data from previous and ongoing sessions. This work introduces an approach that facilitates modifications of the attention mechanism in Transformer models. Using this approach, the predictor module of the proposed solution is improved. The key element of this improvement is to use a Bayesian Graph Network (BGN) coupled to a Transformer. As a novelty, this method provides a systematic customization of the attention mechanism in Transformer models that can be applied to a range of problems involving clickstream data.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Information Technology (M.I.T.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Digital Media
- Date Created:
- 2021
-
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Debney, Kayden Oliver
- Abstract:
- What does it mean to be trans? What brings some of us to medically transition? This thesis contributes to a better understanding of trans lives. More specifically, my work attends to how we situate ourselves within others' stories to determine validity and humanity. Motivated by my own experiences of making sense of gender and medically transitioning in my youth, my research considers how the dominant stories of gender inform how trans adults in North America make sense of their own genders and transition. These stories and orientations are enmeshed with relationships and relationships vary. This variation is not because of any one identifiable thing. These variations tell us things about the way we see and think about gender, as well as our orientations to it. This thesis is a call for research on transition to return to considering what gender means, starting from the perspective of trans lives and voices.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Social Work
- Date Created:
- 2021
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- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Markova, Nadia
- Abstract:
- Abstract concepts are difficult because students cannot connect them to prior knowledge. The pedagogical approach concreteness fading introduces abstract concepts through a concrete representation grounded in students' real-world knowledge. As instruction progresses, perceptual information is removed until the abstract representation is reached. This thesis investigates concreteness fading in the programming domain with university-level students (N = 50). We created a lesson to teach the concept of 'for-loops', in the Python language. The study used a between-subject design with two conditions. The experimental condition included a lesson starting with a concrete representation of the concept depicted as an animation, that gradually faded into its abstract representation, namely the Python code. The control condition included a traditional lesson with only the abstract code. The intervention was implemented with an online computer tutor built using the Cognitive Tutor Authoring Tools (CTAT) package. While learning increased overall, there was no significant effect of condition.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Cognitive Science (M.Cog.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Cognitive Science
- Date Created:
- 2021