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  • Dark Matter Phenomenology in the (g − 2)μ Motivated U(1)Lμ−Lτ Model Under a General Treatment of Kinetic Mixing

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Hapitas, Timothy Alexander
    Abstract:
    The gauged U(1)Lμ−Lτ extension of the Standard Model is a very simple framework that can alleviate the discrepancy in the anomalous magnetic dipole moment of the muon, reinforced by the recent Fermilab measurement. In this thesis, we introduce a dark matter (DM) candidate to the theory and proceed to study experimental probes of the model's parameter space with a general treatment of kinetic mixing between the Z′ gauge boson of the U(1)Lμ−Lτ symmetry and the Standard Model photon. The physical value of the total kinetic mixing depends on a free parameter of the model and the energy scale of a given process.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Physics
    Date Created:
    2023

  • A Theoretical Analysis of the COVID-19 Pandemic using a Public Database

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Paul, Subhendu
    Abstract:
    This thesis investigates several issues (incubation and recovery periods, effect of lockdown, digital prognosis, prediction of new cases) of the pandemic COVID-19 based on mathematical models, computational methods and a publicly available database. Traditional compartment-based models have various partitions such as lockdown, susceptible, infected, confirmed cases, recovered, deaths, etc., with the inclusion of several model parameters. The first model is based on a set of coupled delay differential equations with fourteen delays to estimate the incubation period. The estimated mean incubation period we obtain is 6.74 days (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 6.35 to 7.13), and the 90th percentile is 11.64 days (95% CI: 11.22 to 12.17), which is a good agreement with statistical supported studies. The second model is a large-scale extension of the first model, including several hundred groups for recovered individuals and the death toll. This proposed model generates a new refined database of recovery as well as the death toll, the key source for studying recovery and decease periods. The estimated mean recovery period we obtain is 22.14 days (95% CI: 22.00 to 22.27), and the 90th percentile is 28.91 days (95% CI: 28.71 to 29.13), which is in agreement with statistical-supported studies. The third model is an extended SIRS model that includes lockdown as a model compartment. In addition, an electronic application has been developed that allows for a rapid digital prognosis of COVID-19 patients using the information, extracted from the publicly available database of Canadian patients. This tool aims to assist health specialists in their decision regarding COVID-19 patients, based on symptoms and age. Finally, a hybrid approach, a combination of neural networks, inverse problem and Taylor series expansion, based on a second order nonlinear differential equation for the total cases has been derived to forecast COVID-19 cases. The test results show that the proposed prediction model can forecast a range of 55 days.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Applied Mathematics
    Date Created:
    2022

  • Computing the Zeta Function of the Integral Quaternions

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Chassin, Nicole Beatrice
    Abstract:
    In rings with a reasonable arrangement of left ideals, the finite-index left ideal structure can be partially captured by the Solomon zeta function. The integral quaternions are such a ring, and serve as a beneficial example. To find the zeta function of the integral quaternions, we first describe its local structure at each prime, and then the local structure of its finite-index left ideals. When doing this for odd primes, we make use of the p-adic integers.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Mathematics
    Date Created:
    2023

  • Examining the Relationship Between Personality and Perceived Vulnerability: Unpacking Self and Observer Perceptions

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Smodis McCune, Audrey
    Abstract:
    Research examining victimization risk has demonstrated that personality variables like psychopathy may be advantageous in accurately predicting vulnerability from behaviour (Book et al., 2013). There is evidence suggesting certain behaviours and personality traits may be associated with vulnerability to victimization (Ellrich & Baier, 2016; Hall et al., 2006). The current studies aimed to assess differences in behaviours (verbal/nonverbal) in relation to perceptions of vulnerability (Study 1). Additionally, it examined the role of psychopathy and gender in accurately predicting perceived future vulnerability, and the use of behavioural cues in making vulnerability predictions (Study 2). Results from Study 1 suggest people with neurotic traits view themselves as more vulnerability to future sexual victimization, and women (vs. men) feel more vulnerable to victimization. Study 2 indicates those scoring higher on psychopathy make less accurate vulnerability predictions, and use more behavioural cues to predict vulnerability. Implications and future research avenues examining vulnerability are discussed.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Psychology
    Date Created:
    2023

  • Design, Manufacturing, and Characterization of a Novel Ceramic Matrix Composite

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Robertson, Taylor
    Abstract:
    A novel ceramic matrix composite (CMC) system consisting of a commercially available SiC fibre, variations of electrophoretically deposited (EPD) fibre-matrix interphases, and a liquid metal melt infiltrated matrix was designed and characterised. A factorial design of experiments approach was undertaken to evaluate the deposition variables which would result in a functioning fibre-matrix interphase. A 25-2 partial factorial design matrix was selected with factors: electric potential, deposition time, surfactant, binder, and solids loading. The design matrix was replicated for four different EPD fibre-matrix interphase coating combinations: Al2O3/SiC, BN/PSZ, ZrC/ZTA, and SiC/Si3N4/SiC. Microcomposites were evaluated for tensile properties using a standard displacement controlled tensile test program. Microcomposites were tested at room temperature immediately following fabrication and following exposure to a standard atmosphere at 1000 °C for 1 h. Samples with ZrC/ZTA and SiC/Si3N4/SiC coatings demonstrated the best tensile properties in room temperature tests while samples with BN/PSZ and SiC/Si3N4/SiC coatings demonstrated the best retention of tensile properties following high temperature exposure. Subsequent SEM analysis revealed that coatings with smaller particle diameters as the inner layer of the fibre-matrix interphase coating produced more uniform coatings and the less fibre degradation due to oxidation following high temperature exposure. Additional microcomposites were fabricated for high temperature tensile testing; however, these samples were unable to bear recordable loads, an SEM examination revealed significant degradation of the matrix phase beneath the high temperature adhesive. Optical microscopy was used to evaluate coating thicknesses of coated fibre bundles prior to heat treatments. Measured coating thickness indicated that generally higher deposition times resulted in thicker coatings; however, coatings produced using 25 V electric potential were thicker than coatings produced using 12.5 V and 50 V electric potentials. This is likely due to a greater deposition efficiency factor at 25 V. FEA analysis was used to evaluate the electrical properties of an idealized version of the stationary EPD cell. This analysis showed a significant variation in the electric field along the fibre axis as well as a significant variation in electrical field between fibres in the centre of the fibre bundle and on the outer edge of the fibre bundle.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Mechanical
    Date Created:
    2022

  • Effects of Anaerobic and Aerobic Digestion at Mesophilic and Thermophilic Temperatures on the Quantity of Carbapenem Resistance Genes in Wastewater Sludge

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Poorasgari, Eskandar
    Abstract:
    Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) encode resistance against antibiotic drugs in bacteria. Carbapenem antibiotics are one of the last lines of defence against bacterial infections and carbapenem resistance genes (CRGs) accumulate in sludge during wastewater treatment. Anaerobic and aerobic digestions are commonly used for sludge treatment. Due to the public health relevance of the land application of digested sludge, this research aimed to investigate the effects of the digestion on the abundance and removal of CRGs. To reach the aim, sludge samples were obtained from mesophilic and thermophilic digesters, sludge DNA was isolated and purified, and target genes were quantified. The target genes included CRGs (blaGES, blaOXA-48 and blaIMP-27), 16S rRNA and Int1. Sharp declines of up to 96.9% in DNA extraction yields were observed during biological digestion. As well, the purity of the DNA isolates declined up to 79.5% in 10 days. These observations indicate that the change in DNA extraction yield was at least partly due to the change in DNA extraction efficiency. Therefore, the absolute quantity of the target genes of each sludge sample was defined as copy number of the gene per unit mass of DNA. The absolute quantity declined during the process, and it was analyzed by kinetic models. The absolute value of the first-order kinetic rate constants followed the order blaOXA-48 > blaGES > Int 1 > 16S rRNA during batch anaerobic digestion. Because gene quantification is time-consuming, costly and sensitive to contamination, multiple regression models were proposed to estimate the abundance of target genes from sludge parameters that are routinely measured for monitoring and design of biological sludge digesters. The multiple regression models were constructed in linear (LM) and non-linear (NLM) fashions. Adjusted R2 ranged 0.352-0.988 and 0.916-0.996 for the LM and NLM models, respectively. Overall, the NLM models predicted the abundance more accurately than the LM models. This research proposed the first NLM models to simulate the abundance of target genes during aerobic digestion of sludge. The NLM models may be useful tools for researchers and practitioners of biological sludge digestion to estimate the removal rate of target genes under different conditions.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Environmental
    Date Created:
    2023

  • Knowledge Graph Generation for Unstructured Data Using Data Processing Pipeline

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Sukumar, Sushmi Thushara
    Abstract:
    Research on effective usage of Machine Learning (ML) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques are taken up to mitigate the problem of extracting information from huge volumes of unstructured data available on the Internet without losing valuable information. Constructing Knowledge Graph is one such application to query and extract unstructured data. The data is passed through a coreference resolution module using Neuralcoref, a named entity linking module using Wikifier API, and a relationship extraction module using two models, namely, OpenNRE and REBEL, and stores the results as a KG in Neo4j with its corresponding entities and relationships. Experiments were conducted on an unstructured dataset (BBC news dataset) containing text data to analyze the results obtained from the pipeline. The results obtained in the relationship extraction stage were analyzed for evaluation purposes and achieved 61.4% and 87% accuracy through the OpenNRE and REBEL models, respectively.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2023

  • E-textile Learning Scaffolds: Supports for Novices Learning E-textile Concepts and Techniques

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Jones, Lee
    Abstract:
    Electronic textiles (e-textiles) combine the conductive properties of metallic threads with increasingly small computers and microcontrollers to create textiles that are interactive. E-textiles enable new opportunities such as devices that are strong yet flexible, and the ability to use more accessible crafting tools and materials. They also allow technology to blend into the textiles we have in our lives, such as those on our bodies and in our homes. In education, e-textiles are incorporated into curriculums for how they can increase participation in physical computing, while also enabling new creative and expressive applications. Yet blending the fields of physical computing and textiles is not simple, since each has its own culture of terminology, design and prototyping practices, tools, techniques, and methods of documentation. The goal of this thesis is to support beginners in learning the hybrid craft of e-textiles with e-textile learning scaffolds. Rather than building e-textiles from scratch, e-textile learning scaffolds are activities for supporting novices as they learn e-textile concepts and practice the tacit aspects of the craft. One central research question runs throughout the projects in this thesis: "How can we scaffold e-textile ideation and experiential learning with tangible objects and activities?" This thesis contributes five studies, each providing a tangible scaffold or activity, or scaffolding recommendations, for teaching e-textiles in courses or workshops. The design of these learning scaffolds focused on how they could be accessible to educators by prioritizing reproducibility, re-use, and low-cost.
    Thesis Degree:
    Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Information Technology (Digital Media)
    Date Created:
    2022

  • Tilted Fibre Bragg Grating Based Encoder System for Rapid Temperature Measurements

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Smith, Eric William
    Abstract:
    This master's thesis presents a tilted fibre Bragg grating (TFBG) as a form of optical encoder system to measure temperature through single wavelength interrogation. The TFBG is interrogated with a single wavelength source that is positioned over a cladding mode resonance, when the temperature shift occurs, the shift temperature modulates the transmission of the device as the TFBG spectrum shifts and the comb-like structure of the cladding mode resonances pass over the interrogation wavelength. Through this modulation of the transmission, the speed and magnitude of the temperature shift can be obtained. The presented TFBG encoder system demonstrates a higher sensitivity to temperature relative to thermocoules and rise times as low as 500μs.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Engineering, Electrical and Computer
    Date Created:
    2023

  • Documenting and Interpreting Lexical Items of a Religious Nature in Plains Cree and Woodland Cree

    Resource Type:
    Thesis
    Creator:
    Charlette, Colleen
    Abstract:
    This study examines lexical items of a religious nature in the Plains Cree Y-dialect and Woodland Cree TH-dialect, spoken by fluent Plains Cree and Woodland Cree speakers. It pursues several interrelated goals: to understand how Christian religious vocabulary is formed using the linguistic resources of Cree, how the vocabulary differs across Plains and Woodland varieties, and what it reveals about the Cree and Christian worldviews. Four consultants, all originally from northern and central Saskatchewan, participated. Thirty lexical items in Plains Cree were sent to the consultants who were then asked to give their Woodland Cree equivalents, and supply one or two example sentences in Woodland Cree to provide context. A follow-up semi-structured interview was held shortly thereafter via the video-conferencing platform Zoom. The results reveal a variety of lexical and morphological strategies used to express religious meanings in Cree, and a richly layered interaction between traditional and Christian worldviews.
    Thesis Degree:
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
    Thesis Degree Discipline:
    Linguistics
    Date Created:
    2023