Index Catalog // Carleton University Institutional Repository

Factors Affecting Axial and Lateral Load Transfer of Hollow Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Piles In Soft Clay

Resource Type:: Report
Creator:: Lowry, Kelly
Abstract:: The growing interest in the long-term performance of pile foundations and their ability to resist the negative effects of water exposure and aggressive soils has led to considering non-corrosive materials such as fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP). The most common applications are light-bearing structures in waterfront environments, while applications for larger structures have not been widely accepted in industry due to the lack of long-term records and design guidelines available. Previous research has primarily focused on the load transfer of concrete-filled FRP tubes—making it difficult to quantify the performance of FRP as a piling material on its own. In this study, a numerical model using the finite element method was developed to simulate small-scale load tests of hollow carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass-fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) piles in soft clay. Verification of the model was attained using results from axial and lateral load tests on small-scale hollow CFRP and GFRP piles and pile-soil interaction was modelled using experimental data from interface shear tests conducted at Carleton University. A parametric analysis was performed to investigate and determine the key factors that influence the axial and lateral load response of hollow FRP piles. The findings of this research indicate that the number of FRP layers impacts loading behaviour significantly, while inner tube soil height has a reasonable influence on axial load response and fibre orientation has a minor effect under lateral load conditions.
Date Created:: 2022-12-23

NAT Traversal in Peer-to-Peer Architecture

Resource Type:: Report
Creator:: Daigle, Alexandre, Poulin, Marc-André, Maldague, Lucas Rioux, and Gagnon, François
Abstract:: Peer-to-peer networks are well known for file sharing between multiple computers. They establish virtual tunnels between computers to transfer data, but NATs makes it harder. A NAT, Network Address Translation, is a process which transforms private IP addresses, such as 192.168.2.1, into public addresses, such as 203.0.113.40. The idea is that multiple private addresses can hide behind a single public address and thus virtually enlarge the number of allocable public IP addresses. When an application in the local network establishes a connection to Internet, the packet passes through the NAT which adjusts the IP header and maps an external port to the computer which sent the request. When packets are received from the Internet by the NAT, they are forwarded to the internal host which is mapped to the port on which the packet was received, or dropped if no mapping exists. In this paper, we will introduce you to NAT and P2P, we will discuss the numerous ways NATs use to translate private IP addresses into public ones, we will discuss known techniques used to fix the problem and we will also present how popular peer-to-peer programs bypass NATs. This paper is written so anybody with a reasonable knowledge of networking would grasp the essentials. It is important to keep in mind that the traversal methods presented in this document work for UDP and TCP and require no manual configuration of the Network Address Translator itself.
Date Created:: 2012-10-30

Information Management in the Canadian Federal Government: Principles, Practices and the Role of Information Professionals

Resource Type:: Report
Creator:: Stricker, Ulla de and Jordan, Isla
Abstract:: Information management (IM) in the Canadian public sector is a complex area involving many professions such as librarians, archivists, records managers and information technology professionals. This exploratory study looks at the literature and experiential (qualitative) evidence from IM professionals in order to paint a picture of information management principles and practice in the Canadian federal government. Personal interviews were conducted with 20 librarians, information managers, records managers and other information professionals. Responses indicated that although the public sector has made tremendous strides in IM, there is often a gap between IM policy and practice as shown by inconsistencies and confusion in day to day operations compounded by the decimation of federal libraries (which are repositories of external as well as government information). The study also looks at roles of librarians and other IM professionals now and in the future. These professionals are well positioned to help close the gap between information policy and practice, moving forward toward more coordinated and integrated practices in information management as well as making information accessible and usable for their clients. Such functions aid the Canadian public sector in becoming a more effective knowledge organization.
Date Created:: 2013-04-02

Personal Learning Environments (PLEs): Ecologies for building student capability for lifelong learning

Resource Type:: Report
Creator:: Renon, Flavia
Abstract:: The purpose of this working paper is to examine the role of Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) in higher education. This information will serve as a framework to inform a study of PLE use at Carleton University.
Date Created:: 2013-04-30

“Lagging Behind” : An Examination of Why Women Continue to be So Underrepresented in Canadian Federal Politics

Resource Type:: Research Paper
Creator:: Pettie, Jasmin
Abstract:: The purpose of this study was to explore the question of why women are still so underrepresented in Canadian federal politics and specifically within the Canadian House of Commons despite advances in representation in many other fields. To answer this question a study was conducted using qualitative data obtained from interviews with 17 female Members of the 42nd Parliament of Canada between October 2018 to April 2019. Data collected through these interviews was analyzed qualitatively using a combination of content and discourse analysis to summarize, categorize, and investigate the verbal, written, and behavioural data that was obtained. Findings from this study mostly confirm the findings of previous research with a few key exceptions. New findings from this study include that a more nuanced relationship exists between female MP’s and the media than previously thought; that most of the women who run for office at the federal level have very little or no knowledge of the nomination, candidate, and electoral process before they start; and that a toxic work place culture exists within the House of Commons and this negatively impacts the experience that female MP’s have and is one of the reasons women are more likely to have shorter political terms and leave politics after shorter amounts of time when compared to their male counterparts.
Date Created:: 2019-10-16

Trends in the functions and organization of departmental personnel administration.

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Dowdell, Robert Hartley
Thesis Degree:: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Public Administration
Date Created:: 1964

The use of EEG and VR in Mental State Recognition

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: El-Habrouk, Jaser
Abstract:: Mental state recognition (MSR) is important to multiple health-related fields. A virtual reality (VR) headset is used to induce mental states through both distractors and stressors. Participants solved arithmetic questions in VR, then outside of VR using a Muse S EEG device. A heart monitor was used throughout. Three research contributions followed: First, heart rate variability (HRV) data were compared between VR and non-VR sessions and correlated with established Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.) measurements used to asses participants' attention and focus. Second, a classifier was developed to differentiate between clean and noisy EEG data, with 92% accuracy. Lastly, linear regression models were developed, achieving mean squared error scores of 0.65 and 0.63 for 3-level stress and attention prediction from EEG data, respectively. In summary, this thesis explores the use of VR to induce mental states and advances the state of the art in EEG-based MSR.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Biomedical
Date Created:: 2023

Anisotropy and Non-coaxial Behaviour of Sand Along Different Strain Paths

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Selvarajah, Premnath
Abstract:: Anisotropic characteristics of granular soil, consolidated to various initial stress states, were evaluated under generalized strain paths using hollow cylinder torsional shear tests. Fraser River sand samples prepared by water pluviation were subjected to isotropic and anisotropic consolidation stresses and sheared under undrained con- ditions along specific strain paths characterized by constant intermediate principal strain parameter (𝑏𝜀) and various fixed principal strain directions (𝛼𝜀). A series of tests along different inclinations of the major principal strain with respect to the vertical depositional direction permitted an assessment of the interaction between principal strain directions and fabric. A decrease in strain hardening tendency is ob- served as the major principal strain aligned towards the bedding plane. Considering different levels of anisotropic consolidation stresses also allowed a detailed examina- tion of how initial static shear affects the responses. In particular, generated principal stresses and their direction, as well as the pore pressure responses, were closely exam- ined. Novel findings, that highlight range of intermediate principal stress parameter (𝑏𝜎) associated with the undrained plane strain condition, and the interaction be- tween 𝑏𝜎 and 𝑏𝜀 during shearing are presented. It was found that 𝑏𝜎 systematically decreases with shear strain in constant 𝑏𝜀 tests. The 𝑏𝜎 value in plane strain tests (𝑏𝜀=0.5) was found to be in the range of 0.2 to 0.4 depending on the loading path, and the stage of shearing. The relationship between principal stress directions and plastic-strain increment directions was assessed to identify the nature of plasticity in the material. In order to ensure confident assessment of non-coaxiality, total strain was decomposed into elas- tic and plastic strain. The existence of non-coaxiality in Fraser River sand (FRS) was observed when the sand was subjected to undrained shear at fixed principal strain di- rections that do not coincide with the fabric axis of symmetry. Non-coaxiality was not observed when the principal directions of stress/strain coincided with the fabric axis of symmetry. It was also noticed that irrespective of the initial condition, the degree of non-coaxiality reduces with increasing shear strain. The influence of initial fabric and principal strain direction on the degree of non-coaxiality was analyzed in detail. Test results show that irrespective of initial condition, the degree of non-coaxiality reduces as the principal strain direction aligns towards the bedding plane direction. The degree of non-coaxiality in FRS at the phase transformation (PT) state and the effect of intermediate principal stress on non-coaxiality were also examined. Different values of degree of non-coaxiality at PT state indicate that the phase transformation state can not be thought of as a good representation of the critical state even though the friction angle at phase transformation has been found to be similar to that at the critical state. The results revealed that the non-coaxial behaviour of soil is also influenced by the intermediate principal stress parameter (which could alternatively be represented by the Lode angle). The influence of non-coaxiality on stress-dilatancy of sand was investigated under generalized loading conditions, and it was found that the effect of non-coaxiality on stress-dilatancy characteristics of the sand was influenced by its initial fabric anisotropy. The effect of non-coaxiality in stress-dilatancy relationship has been investigated within the theoretical framework developed by Gutierrez and Ishihara (Gutierrez and Ishihara, 2000, Soils Found., 40(2):49–59) and Gutierrez and Wang (Gutierrez and Wang, 2009, Granul. Matter, 11(2):129–137) who extended the Rowe’s stress-dilatancy relation to the non-coaxial conditions. Our research study verifies this framework beyond its original context of 2D simple shear tests.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Civil
Date Created:: 2023

Differential Introgression Between the Northern and Southern Extents of the Lodgepole x Jack Pine Hybrid Zone Suggests Environmentally-driven Selection and Local Adaptation.

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Yaremchuk, Danya Daria
Abstract:: Lodgepole and jack pine form a mosaic hybrid zone in western Canada. Introgression occurs between lodgepole and jack pine through this hybrid zone by repeated backcrossing with advanced generation hybrid progeny. Using environmentally-associated SNPs identified by redundancy analyses, we examined patterns of introgression between the northern and southern extents of this hybrid zone to identify differential introgression. Through genomic cline analyses, we found extensive introgression of these SNPs through the hybrid zone. Twenty-eight SNPs had significantly different patterns of introgression between the northern and southern extents. Fine-scale patterns revealed several SNPs that were introgressing more frequently than expected, suggesting adaptive introgression. We found that adaptive introgression is occurring more frequently in the northern hybrid extent compared to the southern hybrid extent, suggesting different environmental pressures. Using gene annotations and major allele frequency maps, we identified evidence of differing environmental pressures resulting in putative local adaptation within this hybrid zone.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Biology
Date Created:: 2023

Toward a "Just, Peaceful and Safe Society:" How Risk Factors and Criminogenic Needs Align with Parole Decisions

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Mularczyk, Kimberly Patrycia
Abstract:: Board members (BMs), as gatekeepers between continued imprisonment and freedom, decide upon the potential release of incarcerated individuals considered for parole in Canada. Although a focal concern of BMs is community protection, annual Canadian government reports do not contain information on parole populations' criminogenic needs. Literature provides little insight into what factors might relate to parole decisions. In addition, prior research has not compared the risk profiles and release decisions of those who applied for day parole (DP) or full parole (FP) exclusively to those who applied simultaneously. The current dissertation addresses these gaps in two studies using an archival sample of federally sentenced individuals (N = 3,613). The sample includes conditional release and detention decisions made by the Parole Board of Canada between 2010 and 2017 (age at decision: M = 39 years old, SD = 12.80). Study 1 showed that risk/need scores and some institutional (e.g., CSC recommendation) and parole factors (e.g., decision type) predicted conditional release. CSC recommendations predicted release probability for DP (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 35.33), FP (AOR = 18.83), and SR (men at a detention review; AOR = 43.94). Moreover, Study 1 found that among those who reoffended on FP (10-32% at one and two-year fixed follow-up) or men who reoffended on statutory release after a detention review (44-80%; at one and two-year fixed follow-up), most revocations (72-75%) first occurred for breaches as opposed to new crimes. Study 2 showed that BMs often imposed special conditions concerning alcohol, avoiding certain persons, drugs, reporting and disclosures, and treatment. Study 2 also found that after accounting for risk/need, the number of special conditions imposed on FP did not predict revocations for any breaches or crimes on FP at one-year (AOR = 1.11) or two-year (AOR = 0.82) fixed follow-up. Future research is required to untangle the potential overlapping variance that unmeasured variables (e.g., prior conditional release successes or revocations) may share with CSC recommendations. Overall, findings support the assertion that BMs use risk/need information to inform decisions and that the number of special conditions imposed does not influence revocation rates after accounting for risk/need.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Psychology
Date Created:: 2023

Role of TrkB.T1 in Glial Inflammatory Response Elicited by MHV

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Heiratifar, Noora Donna
Abstract:: In the present thesis, we used a rodent analogous coronavirus, murine hepatitis virus (MHV), in culture to directly assess its impact on astrocytic and microglial cells. Given the increasing importance of the brain neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-TrkB signaling system in glial functioning, we also assessed whether the unique TrkB.T1 truncated isoform (the only BDNF receptor on astrocytes) would modulate glial reactivity to MHV viral infection. Our results largely support the notion that MHV readily infects astrocytes and caused a degree of toxicity of these cells. The addition of microglia to the astrocytic culture modulated the magnitude of this effect and greatly increased pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Furthermore, TrkB.T1 deficiency appeared to greatly reduce astrocyte viability and microglial morphology. These data may have useful implications for better understanding the nature of glial responses to coronaviral infection and the importance of TrkB in such responses.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Neuroscience
Date Created:: 2023

Towards a critique of state secrecy: Uncovering the rhetorical practices of secret keepers and their legitimization by the discourse of law

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Lefebvre, Stephane
Abstract:: This thesis examines the rhetorical devices that secret keepers in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States use to justify the non-disclosure of state secrets. It also examines the manner in which judges in these three countries write and speak about state secrets. By embracing the rhetorical devices used by secret keepers and materializing them in reported decisions, judges add legitimacy to the discourse of secret keepers and directly assist in its reproduction and distribution. Taken together, the discourse of the state and the discourse of law on state secrecy sets up the dominant interpretive frames with which any public engagement, whether supportive or critical, must engage. While the persuasive social effect and perceived legitimacy of this combined discourse may ebb and flow, it appears enduring and difficult to challenge despite the existence of counter-discourses and concessions such as the adoption of access to information legislation. This thesis seeks to understand how state secrecy discourse becomes or appears preeminent, and how it reproduces itself, as a first step in formulating a fuller critique of this discourse.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Legal Studies
Date Created:: 2023

Modular Verification of Hierarchical Component-Based Software Systems

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Baak, James Alec William
Abstract:: Using Component-based Software Engineering approaches with Formal Methods has seen an influx of interest in the recent decades. The joining of these two disciplines have been stifled though due to unclear component specifications and expensive formal verification techniques, which hurt the reusability and scalability of complex software systems. In this work, we expand on current component-port-connector metamodels for formally specifying a system's architectural and behavioural requirements into a hierarchical component system structure by using abstract Composite Components. The Composite Components of a system model can then utilize modular verification for isolating the verification process into modules surrounding Composite Components and generating higher level properties. We formalize our metamodel in Alloy 6 and present a template for specifying system properties for modular verification which enables the reuse of previous verification efforts on satisfied modules. We conclude with an example case study system and analysis of the modular verification strategy.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Date Created:: 2023

Analysis of Open-Source Data in Wind Power Prediction Modeling

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: von Zuben, Elizabeth Lynn
Abstract:: As identified in the 2021 IPCC AR6 WGIII report, wind energy has a high potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The deployment of wind energy, however, has fallen behind its potential in part because of the need for improved wind power predictions. This thesis combines historical power production data, meteorological station data, reanalysis data, and numerical weather prediction output data (WRF model) to determine the optimal combination of data sources and variables for wind power prediction using a random forests model. A study then further evaluates reanalysis data and methods of bias correction for this type of data, to improve power predictions at 52 wind farms across Canada using power curve and machine learning methods. Recommendations are proposed for: the use of data sources and important input variables; the utility of global reanalysis data sources by terrain features; and the utility of bias correction methods for downstream wind power prediction.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Mechanical
Date Created:: 2022

A NUMERICAL STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF MAKE-UP AIR VELOCITY ON THE SMOKE CONDITIONS IN AN ATRIUM

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Boakyewah, Barbara
Abstract:: This research numerically investigates the effect of make-up air on the smoke conditions in an atrium under different make-up air velocities and fire sizes. A total of twenty-four (24) simulations were conducted using the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) to consider different scenarios of fire located at the center (axisymmetric), northwest corner and southeast corner of the atrium. Fire sizes of 1 MW, 3 MW and 5 MW along with different make-up air velocities of 1 m/s, 1.5 m/s, 2.5 m/s and 3.5 m/s were simulated to investigate their effect on smoke conditions the atrium. The results showed that the simulation predicted slightly higher temperatures and lower smoke layer heights when compared to the experimental tests. The position of the fire source at different locations showed different and increasing temperatures when the velocity changes from 1 m/s to 3.5 m/s, however the effects of make-up air velocities were minor.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Civil
Date Created:: 2023

A Web Based Architecture to Operationalize Geospatial Simulation Environments

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: St-Aubin, Bruno
Abstract:: Simulation is inherently multi-disciplinary. It requires knowledge about the system under study, expertise in simulation theory to define models and programming skills to implement models. Geospatial simulation requires an additional layer of expertise in topology, geospatial data structures, spatial analysis, computational geometry, and other related topics. Commercial modeling and simulation software can be used to provide an environment to facilitate simulation studies for users. However, these software tend to be narrowly scoped to specific business applications and tightly couple model and simulator. As such, it is difficult to expand their usage and reuse them outside of the application domain they were intended for. The Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) is a modular and hierarchical simulation formalism that clearly separates the model, simulator and experiments. It can be used break down the disciplinary silos within which single-use simulators are built and allow users to study real-world systems from a broad range of application domains. In this research, we present an architecture that facilitates the operationalization of DEVS based, geospatial simulation environments in multidisciplinary projects. The architecture relies on a clear definition of roles and responsibilities to leverage the different skillsets in an organization. It considers a series of business processes for modelers, subject matter experts, web developers and end users. It relies on a web-based architecture to provide simulation as a service capability and support users across the entire simulation lifecycle. It seeks to democratize DEVS simulation by making use of the strengths and skills available in larger organizations and by providing the necessary tools for collaboration. Importantly, it preserves key features of DEVS (genericity, modularity, flexibility, etc.) and encourages users to follow best practices in model documentation to foster model reusability and improve model discoverability. It relies on modeling and simulation as a service to overcome technological barriers of entry for DEVS simulation and provide a set of reusable tools to design simulation-based, web applications for end users.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Date Created:: 2023

QoS Performance Measurement Through SRv6 Network Programming for Smart City IoT Traffic

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Kuri, Sajib Kumar
Abstract:: Segment Routing over IPv6, also known as SRv6, is a modern networking solution that aims to improve the current Internet of Things (IoT) network's reliability, availability, and scalability. Performance measures are required to evaluate SRv6 behaviors or functions. The proposed work aims to provide real IoT traffic profiles to assess the performance of SRv6 behaviors. In particular, a three-module SRv6 programming model is proposed to measure the performance of SRv6 policy headend and endpoint behavior and ensure reliability and quality of service (QoS). Moreover, a novel finder algorithm for maximum receive rate (MRR) benchmarking is proposed, which can outperform existing techniques in terms of throughput/bandwidth performance while maintaining the same computational resources. Finally, implementation results provide insights into forwarding different IoT use-cases traffic based on the functional service requirements. That also ensures a higher usage level of existing IoT networks, minimizing the need for additional capacity and lowering network costs.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Date Created:: 2022

Constrained Geometric Optimization Problems

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: D'Angelo, Anthony Mark
Abstract:: In this thesis we consider constrained geometric optimization problems. The first is a constrained version of the k-Steiner tree problem restricting the Steiner points to lie on a restricted set of curves. We solve the 1-Steiner tree problem in the Euclidean plane in optimal asymptotic time and space bounds when the Steiner point is constrained to lie on an input line. We then show how existing results can be used to generalize the result. The second problem is the smallest k-enclosing disc problem for a point set S contained in a simple polygon. In this problem we work with geodesic discs, meaning we use the geodesic distance function (i.e., the length of the shortest path). We present both a 2-approximation algorithm and an algorithm that finds the optimal radius for the smallest k-enclosing geodesic disc of a set of points inside a simple polygon. The last problem we consider is the smallest k-enclosing geodesic disc problem for a set of points in a simple polygon when the computed disc must be centred on an input chord of the polygon.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Computer Science
Date Created:: 2023

Assessing the Beclin-1 Knockout: Autophagy, Neurogenesis, and the TUNL Task

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Bornheimer, Jacob
Abstract:: Autophagy is the intracellular process of isolating, enveloping, and recycling cell matter. Beclin-1 is a protein that acts as a lynchpin in the autophagic process. Animals lacking Beclin-1 are embryonically lethal, and knockout of Beclin-1 causes a reduction in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. The dentate gyrus (DG) is normally home to ongoing neurogenesis, which is thought to mediate pattern separation and memory encoding. First, I test a new protocol for the TUNL task. To assess whether a behavioural phenotype of Beclin-1 nKO is apparent, on the second experiment I compare TUNL performance between WT and KO mice. The new protocol for the TUNL task produces a reliable measure of pattern separation. Beclin-1 nKO reduced DG neurogenesis by 40% compared to WT. No difference between the WT and KO mice in TUNL task performance (pattern separation ability) was found but KO mice had lower activity in the CA1 during the task.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Neuroscience
Date Created:: 2023

Optimal Selection of IPsec-Based Security Mechanisms in Resource Constrained IoT Environment

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Mahmoud, Abdullah Fahmi Mustafa
Abstract:: Internet of Things (IoT) is a modern-day technology that supports many different applications such as smart cities, e-health, and smart homes. However, the specific IoT nature of connecting various heterogeneous devices complicates the implementation of conventional security mechanisms. In this work, a device-based security approach has been proposed to assign optimal security mechanisms to the set of heterogeneous IoT devices based on their available resources and the system requirements. To achieve the proposed approach, the security overhead equation was formulated to include 3 parameters: RAM usage, energy consumption and throughput. A hardware implementation was used to measure these parameters and to calculate the security overhead for the tested security mechanisms. The Pareto frontline was used to select the optimal security mechanism that minimizes the security overhead per device while maximizing the system requirement. The selection algorithm was tested in a simulation of 50 heterogeneous devices that ran 30 security mechanisms.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Date Created:: 2023

MAWT: Multi-Attention-Weight Transformers

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Askin, Enver Deniz
Abstract:: Transformers are machine learning models designed to learn and predict sequential and structured data, which are crucial to tasks such as neural machine translation and semantic parsing. They have become state-of-the-art engines for both of these tasks and much research in natural language processing is devoted to increasing their performance by introducing modifications to their architectures. In light of this trend, this thesis introduces a new Transformer architecture called MAWT: Multi-Attention-Weight Transformers in an attempt to increase the accuracy and variety of the acceptable predictions of a Transformer. It attempts to achieve this by training multiple weights per each Transformer attention head, which then are used to test the accuracy of the engine. This creates a new architecture under which the system produces a candidate set of outputs (instead of a singly output), along with a method for selecting from the candidate set. My proposal rests on the assumption -- motivated by statistical considerations -- that having a candidate set increases the probability of finding an exact match within the set. Upon testing, I observed that my system outperforms the regular transformer on 5/6 benchmark neural machine translation and semantic parsing datasets, where engine performance is measured by exact match accuracy. Exact match accuracy demands syntactic identity between the output and the target. In order to investigate how well my new architecture generalizes to measures of semantic equivalence that don't also demand syntactic identity, I also recorded the BLEU scores on these datasets. The BLEU score is a measure of performance based on n-grams rather than exact symbolic match (i.e., how many contiguous sequence of n-many strings from the predicted output match the desired output). The results I report on the BLEU scores are more mixed, raising important questions that I highlight about the role of syntax in measures of semantic equivalence.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Cognitive Science
Date Created:: 2023

Trimethylation Enhancement using Diazomethane (TrEnDi) Enhances Mass Spectrometry-Based Analysis of Glufosinate and 3-(Methylphosphinico)propionic Acid in Complex Matrices

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Sheedy, Krysten Lynn
Abstract:: Glufosinate is the second most commonly used herbicide worldwide; it inhibits glutamine synthetase, which results in increased ammonia levels in plants and mammals. Due to their high polarity, low volatility, small size and lack of chromophores and fluorophores, glufosinate and its breakdown product 3-(methylphosphinico) propionic acid (3-MPPA) are difficult to detect at trace levels. Using the chemical derivatization strategy trimethylation enhancement using diazomethane (TrEnDi), glufosinate and 3-MPPA react with diazomethane and tetrafluoroboric acid to become permethylated, thus reducing their polarity and forming a fixed permanent positive charge on the amine group of glufosinate. When using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), analyte retention and sensitivity are increased after derivatization, 6.7-fold for glufosinate and 6.3-fold for 3-MPPA. TrEnDi methodology was applied to canola samples from two separate fields sprayed with Liberty®. Prior to derivatization, the analysis showed no signal associated with unmodified glufosinate or 3- MPPA; however, TrEnDi modification resulted in quantifiable signals for both permethylated species.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Chemistry
Date Created:: 2023

Evaluation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)-based Structure-fromMotion (SfM) photogrammetry for characterizing microtopography and vegetation structure in a southeastern Ontario peatland

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Bernyk, Kimberly Ellen
Abstract:: Remotely piloted aircraft systems are a remote sensing platform for peatland researchers to monitor changes in vegetation height/composition/structure. In this work, an RPAS was flown to collect aerial images over Alfred Bog, a domed peatland complex located in Eastern Ontario. The images were processed with a photogrammetry technique called Structure-from-Motion, which can be used to create 3D point clouds of an x by y transect. The point cloud results were used to assess the utility of extracting ground terrain and vegetation height as compared to a transect field survey. This field survey was completed with a Trimble Catalyst RTK GNSS to record ground elevation and maximum vegetation height of the canopy top. The results from this research suggest that terrain information could not be extracted at all from the generated point clouds. Although, a digital surface model can be generated to model the canopy top and crown area.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Geography
Date Created:: 2023

Histone Arginine Methylation in the Freeze-tolerant Wood Frog, Rana sylvatica

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Naranjo Vera, Mairelys
Abstract:: The wood frog, Rana sylvatica, is well known for its freeze tolerance ability. To endure winter, frozen frogs switch to a hypometabolic state via transcriptional regulation. Histone methylation is known to play a crucial role in regulating gene transcription. However, histone arginine methylation or demethylation has not previously been studied in the context of freeze tolerance. This thesis presents the first characterization of arginine methylation in a freeze tolerant vertebrate. Overall, levels of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) and methylated histone residues showed differential regulation over the freeze/thaw-cycle in wood frog liver. All PRMTs and downstream targets showed no changes during freezing, but protein levels of targets associated with transcription activation were elevated during thaw in skeletal muscle. Differential levels of histone demethylases were found in both tissues among the experimental conditions. These results indicate a role for histone methylation in supporting metabolic rate depression and tissue homeostasis during freezing.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Biology
Date Created:: 2022

Simulating 3D Tailings Dam Breach With Thixotropic Bifurcation Rheology using the Material Point Method

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Xia, Xuexin
Abstract:: Mining is a booming industry and it indirectly involves everyone living in modern society. Tailings, the primary solid waste generated as the side effect of extracting valuable minerals, often require vast facilities to store the large quantity of waste. Failure of tailings storage facilities often causes significant damage both environmentally and economically, and frequently results in fatalities. Nowadays numerical simulation of tailings flows resulting from potential failures has become widespread in practice to assist the design of tailings storage facilities. In this thesis, tailings runout simulations are attempted using a numerical method suitable for large deformation analysis (Material Points Method) employing an advanced rheological model. This study aims to simulate the runout of tailings dam breach incident such as Merriespruit in South Africa using realistic geotechnical properties and producing results that fulfill the expectations from both geo-mechanical and hydrodynamical requirements.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Environmental
Date Created:: 2023

When a Pandemic Meets an Epidemic: How COVID-19 has Affected Treatment Access Among Individuals with Problematic Opioid Use

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Polakova, Laura
Abstract:: The study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on treatment access among individuals (n=225) presenting with problematic opioid use to the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic at The Royal in Ottawa, Ontario. The COVID-19 pandemic led to government-imposed restrictions and service limitations. The RAAM clinic underwent two primary changes: (1) delivering services virtually rather than in-person appointments and (2) shifting from walk-in services to appointment-based services. The study was a retrospective chart review and data were extracted from an electronic health record, Meditech. Participants were patients who had an initial presentation to the RAAM clinic between March 16th, 2019, and March 15th, 2021, and had used opioids within the 30 days prior to their visit. Results indicated that RAAM changes decreased some groups' access to care such that fewer patients experiencing precarious housing and mental health comorbidities presented to the RAAM clinic after the onset of the pandemic.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Psychology
Date Created:: 2023

Petrogenesis of Mafic-Ultramafic Intrusions in the Southern Goiás Magmatic Arc, Central Brazil

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Augustin, Claudia Tharis
Abstract:: The Americano do Brasil and Mangabal Complexes belong to a cluster of Neoproterozoic mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the southern Goiás Magmatic Arc in Brazil that lies within the Brasília Belt, a complex, long-lived Neoproterozoic Orogen that formed during the amalgamation of the São Francisco/Congo, Amazonian, and Paranapanema Cratons in western Gondwana. Although deformed and partially recrystallized by a regional metamorphic overprint, the rocks of both complexes still preserve igneous textures. The rocks in both complexes show cumulate textures that range from adcumulate to orthocumulate. Petrography, geochemistry, geochronology, and petrological modeling were carried out to constrain the petrogenesis of the complexes. Modeling indicates that the parental magma for the Americano do Brasil Complex had an OIB-like Fe-rich picrite composition, while the parental magma of the Mangabal Complex could have been a tholeiitic basalt. Considering the temporal and spatial correlations, decompression melting of upwelling asthenosphere triggered by rollback subduction and/or influence of a mantle plume are plausible mechanisms to explain the petrogenesis of these mafic-ultramafic intrusions in the vicinities of the eastern Arenópolis arc and westernmost Anápolis-Itauçu belt. The complexes have experienced a protracted metamorphic evolution with peaks indicating amphibolite facies. The rock from both complexes shows late-stage alteration associated with metasomatism by CO2-Ca-S-rich fluids.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Earth Sciences
Date Created:: 2022

Safety Evaluation of Red-Light Cameras and Dynamic Speed Display Signs Within the City of Ottawa

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Saffarzadeh Parizi, Sorousha
Abstract:: This thesis evaluates the safety impacts of red-light cameras (RLCs) and Dynamic Speed Display Signs (DSDSs) in Ottawa, Canada. The study examines the safety impacts of RLCs on safety performance, using collision records, and driver behaviour using surrogate safety measures. The safety impacts of DSDSs on driver behaviour are evaluated using speed analysis. An empirical Bayes method for RLCs showed a significant impact, where total and PDO collisions increased while injury and fatal collisions decreased. The impact of RLCs also depended on the collision types, where sideswipe, rear-end, and SMV collisions increased, but the angle and turning collisions decreased. The increase in rear-end collisions was also examined through an analysis of traffic conflicts. The results indicated that treated sites had significantly more severe rear-end conflicts that had likely resulted from harder deceleration rates. Speed analysis for DSDSs indicated drivers reduced their speed when they saw their actual speed on DSDSs.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Civil
Date Created:: 2023

Deep Learning and Synthetic Imagery for Migratory Bird Species Identification Using Drones

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Costa, Alexsander Cassio Aguiar Antunes
Abstract:: In this thesis work, the use of UAS in the study of migratory shorebird species in Canada is explored with the development of computer vision applications. A deep learning classification model is trained to identify the presence of birds of a given species in an image. Images were collected from UAS for the development of the vision models, and realistic models of the species of interest were used. To address a data scarcity issue, the datasets used were augmented with synthetic data with realistic models of the birds. For evaluation of the quality of the artificially generated images, a novel measure is developed. The synthetic image quality measure showed better results in controlled environments when compared to a popular alternative in the literature. The classifiers trained with the augmented dataset showed appropriate performance, with mean accuracy and standard deviation of 94% +- 0.04 in the test set.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Mechanical
Date Created:: 2023

A Retrospective Longitudinal Study of Federally Incarcerated Men Eligible for Intermediate Mental Health Care: A Description of Services and Short-Term Outcomes

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Petropoulos, Amanda
Abstract:: Intermediate care units have been proposed to meet the needs of incarcerated individuals with moderate mental health needs. Few studies have examined their profiles, and nature and effectiveness of interventions received. In the current study, the profiles of 295 incarcerated men in Canadian federal institutions were examined. File reviews were conducted over a 12 month period to extract treatment information as well as assess changes in number of incidents of self-harm, attempted suicide, overdose, and violence, and mental health needs. Coarsened exact matching and descriptive analyses revealed differences in the profiles across three treatment levels (mental health care delivered in: intermediate care units, treatment centres or mainstream institutions); roughly 30% improvement on all outcomes was observed across the groups. Overall findings highlight the need to further explore how best to meet the needs of incarcerated individuals assessed with moderate mental health needs, as this remains important for future management.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Psychology
Date Created:: 2023

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

Understanding the Experience of Advance Care Planning for Older Adults Transitioning into Long-Term Care Homes

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Thomas, Madeline Campbell
Abstract:: During the transition to long-term care (LTC), conversations that prepare individuals and their families for the possibility that the individual may be unable to make healthcare decisions in the future are often overlooked. This research uses a service design approach to understand the LTC transition experience in Ontario with attention to advance care planning. This case study involved qualitative methods to document the perspectives of LTC and advance care planning subject matter experts; and care partners of older adults who transitioned into LTC. This included unstructured interviews with experts; semi-structured interviews with care partners; and follow-up sessions with participants. Results showcased the complicated LTC journey in Ontario and the lack of an integrated approach to advance care planning. Despite the efforts of healthcare workers, many Ontarians have an incomplete understanding, even after transitioning to LTC. Applying service design within this context demonstrated strengths and limitations of the current approach.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Design (M.Des.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Industrial Design
Date Created:: 2023

Valuable Materials, Invaluable Relationships: Exploring Indigenous Culture and Sovereignty Through Moose and Caribou Hair Tufting in the NWT

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Wenzel, Abra
Abstract:: Moose and caribou hair tufting is an important Subarctic women's artform in the Mackenzie Valley, Northwest Territories. However, tuftings and tufters have historically been identified following non-Indigenous ideologies rooted in colonialism and capitalist values, resulting in labels such as "craft", and "artisan", that are difficult to change. This practice has undervalued, if not dismissed, Indigenous artists, their artistry and by and large their art. This dissertation takes a multi-sited approach using archival records, museum objects, and interviews with tourism shop employees, and especially with tufting artists to elucidate the complex ways artists have employed their art to traverse cultural borders. In tracing the history of tufting, I discuss how women have used their artistry as acts of agential resistance to re-assert their own cultural and place-rooted relationships and meanings in the face of centuries of colonial violations. The central objective of my research is to make clear the dimensions of significance engaged with in hair tuftings by Dene, Métis, and Inuvialuit artists. I show how important values such as skill, landscape, and culture are a connected whole that is embodied within each tufting. A second objective is to uncover how important Indigenous values were and continue to be impacted by colonization. In my early chapters, I explain how Western values were imposed on Indigenous peoples and livelihoods. Thus, the Indigenous values attached to artistic making were regarded as inferior as viewed through Western critics' lenses. Third, I discuss the ways tufters have used their creations as sites of sovereignty to continuously negotiate and challenge colonial endeavors and carry these vital knowledges and values into the future. A critical outcome of this research has been the deconstruction of the colonial spaces that have silenced Indigenous peoples and their textile creations. Here I have offered a revisionist narrative that is informed by artists, Elders, and community members to provide a critical understanding of the multiplicity of values that are essential to Indigenous societies. Finally, this dissertation reflects on my positionality as an anthropologist and highlights to importance of "listening" as a methodology.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Anthropology
Date Created:: 2023

Ontario youth workers' discourses on overrepresentation of Indigenous youth in the criminal legal system

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Venczel, Elizabeth
Abstract:: In an age of reconciliation, following the TRC's recommendations and the work of activists, the issue of Indigenous youth overrepresentation in the criminal legal system is being problematized more than ever. Although the use of incarceration towards criminalized youth has decreased since the adoption of the YCJA which emphasizes diversion, the overrepresentation of Indigenous youth has increased. This thesis explores the discourses and experiences of youth workers in Ontario in order to understand their perspectives on the problem of overrepresentation, focusing particularly on the critical role of the police in filtering in or out criminalizable youth. Although the youth workers interviewed in this project identify many contemporary issues in the policing of Indigenous youth, their discourses reveal the limits of attempts to tackle the problem of overrepresentation through reforms of criminal legal frameworks and institutions.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Legal Studies
Date Created:: 2023

Application of Genomics-Based Methodologies in Genetic Toxicology to Advance In Vitro Chemical Assessment

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Cho, Eunnara
Abstract:: The current standard regulatory tests in genetic toxicology are inadequate for effectively addressing the growing number of chemicals needing assessment. Specifically, the standard in vitro assays do not provide sufficient mechanistic information to inform relevance to in vivo toxicity. The resulting reliance on in vivo models in regulatory toxicology has hindered efficient chemical assessment. Thus, international efforts are underway to reduce animal testing and modernize toxicity assessment by developing and promoting non-animal alternatives, or new approach methodologies (NAMs). The goal of my thesis was to develop and demonstrate the application of genomics NAMs for quantifying genotoxic hazards and obtaining information on mechanism of action to advance in vitro chemical assessment. First, the inter-platform transferability of the TGx-DDI biomarker of DNA damage-induction was investigated. TGx-DDI is a 64-gene biomarker developed using DNA microarrays in human TK6 cells that provides mechanistic support to conventional genotoxicity assays. The biomarker demonstrated a conserved performance when measured by qPCR, demonstrating that transcriptomic biomarkers can be adapted to this widely available platform. Additional chemical testing methods were explored using two next-generation sequencing-based technologies: TempO-Seq, a targeted gene expression platform, and Duplex Sequencing (DuplexSeq), an emerging technology that enables direct and accurate detection of mutations in cells. A transcriptomic biomarker of histone deacetylase inhibition, TGx-HDACi, was developed from TempO-Seq whole transcriptome profiles to address the limited assays available for detecting epigenetic mechanisms of toxicity. The availability of TGx-HDACi contributes to diversifying the transcriptomic biomarkers that can be applied in high-throughput screening of transcriptomic profiles of chemicals. Next, a comparative, inter-laboratory study in TK6 cells identified an optimal experimental design for applying DuplexSeq as a mutagenicity assay. DuplexSeq detected a robust concentration-response in cells exposed to an alkylating agent, with high sensitivity. The results also revealed strong inter-laboratory reproducibility and the power of DuplexSeq in providing a comprehensive view of chemical-induced mutagenesis. Lastly, an Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) describing oxidative DNA damage leading to chromosomal aberrations and mutations was developed to provide a mechanistic framework for combining NAMs in integrated testing. Collectively, my thesis lays the foundation for development and advancement of NAMs and AOPs in genetic toxicology.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Biology
Date Created:: 2023

Survey on the Irreducible Representations of Lie Algebras and Lie Groups

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Zhou, Yuanxiang
Abstract:: Lie groups and Lie algebras are central objects in differential geometry and physics. Representing Lie groups and algebras as spaces of linear operators is one of the most powerful tools to understand their structures. In our thesis, we introduce the class of matrix Lie groups and algebras with focus on simply connected Lie groups and semisimple Lie algebras. To obtain the irreducible representation for semisimple Lie algebras, we construct the Verma module and obtain a finite-dimensional irreducible quotient space based on the Verma module. The Weyl's character formula, whose consequences include Weyl's dimension formula and Kostant's multiplicity formula, gives informative data to the irreducible representations. Lastly, nested special orthogonal algebras are investigated to obtain a generalization of Weyl's character formula together with a demonstrative application of Weyl's dimension formula and Kostant's multiplicity formula.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: FLAG
Date Created:: 2023

Studying the Generation of Hot Electrons in Plasmonic Nanoparticle Monolayers

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Baril, Jimmy Milton
Abstract:: Hot electrons are generated from the decay of LSPR modes. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is used to monitor hot electron generation using a dehalogenation reaction. In this thesis, Ag, Au, and AuAg nanoparticle substrates were produced and coated with halogenated thiophenols. The dipole and coupled LSPR modes associated with the nanoparticle substrate both generate hot electrons under illumination. The hot electron yield was determined for each LSPR modes. It was found that the dipole LSPR mode produced a larger yield of hot electrons than the coupled LSPR mode. The enhanced hot electron yield for the dipole mode was reported for both Ag-slides and AuAg-slides; additionally, the same result was obtained for both halogenated thiophenols. This work shows that the dipole LSPR mode is more suitable for the generation of hot electron than the coupled mode. Additional work is required to make the coupled LSPR mode an efficient hot electron generator.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Chemistry
Date Created:: 2023

System Analysis for Satellite Networks with Free-Space Optical Links

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Liang, Jintao
Abstract:: In this thesis, we analyze several system parameters and performances for free-space optical satellite networks (FSOSNs), including phasing parameter, optical satellite link budget, tradeoff between network latency and satellite transmission power, and network latency minimization based on satellite transmission power constraints. We investigate the phasing parameter for Starlink Phase 1 Version 3 and Kuiper Shell 2 constellations. We find the best value of the phasing parameter. We investigate the link budget for laser inter-satellite link (LISL) and uplink/downlink and the effect of many constellation parameters on the satellite transmission power. We examine the tradeoff between network latency and satellite transmission power in FSOSNs from Starlink Phase 1 Version 3 and Kuiper Shell 2 constellations for different LISL ranges and inter-continental connections. We investigate the minimization of total network latency in the FSOSN resulting from Starlink Phase 1 Version 3 constellation for different LISL ranges and satellite transmission power constraints.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Date Created:: 2023

Aptamer Technology for Diabetes and Co-Morbidities

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Ferguson, Madison Quinn
Abstract:: Given that the number of people who are diagnosed with diabetes continues to rise at an alarming rate, there is a pressing need for therapeutic interventions that are either more efficient or potentially curative. Furthermore, comorbidities such as kidney failure, thrombosis, thyroid dysfunction, Alzheimer's disease, and an increased risk of severe illness from common viral and bacterial infections are more likely to occur in people who have type 2 diabetes. The advancement of nanotechnology may lead to the diagnostics and therapies that could improve the survival and quality of life of patients with diabetes. Aptamers are oligonucleotides that have the ability to bind to a particular target with a high degree of specificity as well as affinity. Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) is an in vitro evolution method that is responsible for the generation of aptamers. It has been shown that aptamers may function as medicines, diagnostics, theragnostics, targeted delivery vehicles, responsive materials and more. This work examines the application of aptamers to diabetes and related comorbidities. The selection and preliminary characterization of aptamers able to interact with Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), a potential causative factor in the development of type II diabetes, are described. An aptamer-based diagnostic for the acute kidney failure biomarker neutrophil gelatinase lipocalin protein is also developed. An aptamer-modified janus nanoparticle system is investigated as a potential theragnostic for thrombosis that could combine photothermal therapy and magnetic resonance imaging. Finally, aptamers for the spike protein component 2 of SARS-CoV2 and a database for aptamer selection experiments are briefly described.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Chemistry
Date Created:: 2022

Behavioural and Neurological Effects of Fructose Cessation and Reexposure

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Sankhe, Aditi Sajjala
Abstract:: Fructose is a monosaccharide present in food items consumed, and its increased consumption over time has increased development of metabolic diseases, such as obesity. Findings from our lab showed that fructose consumption increased excitatory tone onto orexigenic neuropeptide Y (NPY)/agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons of the arcuate nucleus (ARC). This tone is reversible with cessation after one week of fructose consumption, but it is not known if the increased excitatory tone is reversible with cessation from chronic fructose consumption. We used whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and a fructose choice test to assess if fructose cessation could revert excitatory tone at NPY/AgRP neurons or enhance fructose preference upon re-exposure. We have found that fructose abstinence reverted increased excitatory tone at NPY/AgRP neurons in males. Continuous fructose consumption reduced preference for fructose, but fructose cessation enhanced it. These findings suggest that fructose cessation reverts increased excitatory tone but can also increase future fructose intake.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Neuroscience
Date Created:: 2022

Assessment of Solar Assisted Heat Pump Configurations in Canada

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Beauchamp, Benjamin
Abstract:: This thesis discusses the energy savings, performance, and cost savings of various SAHP typologies in Canada, focusing on parallel systems. Typologies are evaluated for two detached housing archetypes, across a variety of Canadian climates. Modelling takes place in two stages. A first stage using a spreadsheet tool to determine which typology holds the most potential followed by a more detailed second stage in TRNSYS to investigate it. The first stage found that parallel SAHPs hold the most potential. The second stage found that parallel systems provided significant savings across all cities and housing archetypes. A combination of SDHW and ASHP outperformed the parallel system at low collector areas. However, no predicted savings were high enough to payback the predicted installation costs. This document explains the models, assumptions, and results. Recommendations are discussed for future research on system sizing, typologies of interest, heat pump modelling, and component costing.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Mechanical
Date Created:: 2023

A Comprehensive Solution to Predict Short-term and Long-term user Intention with Environmental Context

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Zhang, Hang
Abstract:: Prediction of user intention is an important task in business intelligence and analysis. Our research divides user intention into short-term and long-term, corresponding to the first purchase and repurchase scenarios respectively. To model short-term user consumption intention prediction, we present a comprehensive solution based on extracting user sequence behavior features and computing user different types of interest scores. At the same time, we take environmental context into consideration to explore the occurrence environment of user behavior. To detect long-term intention, we use a combined topic modeling method to extract aspects from user reviews with an unsupervised method. Our research builds a HGNN and RGCN using sentiment polarity, aspects, and items as nodes and edges of the graph neural network. This method entirely considers the close relation between user sentiment polarity change and item features, and the solution shows good performance when compared with the baseline model in the experiments.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Information Technology (M.I.T.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Digital Media
Date Created:: 2023

Impact of Low-Levels of Silver, Zinc and Copper Nanoparticles on Bacterial Removal and Potential Synergy for Point-of-Use Water Treatment Solutions

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Alherek, May
Abstract:: While Silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) are incorporated into multiple Point-of-Use drinking water solutions, silver is expensive and its disinfection performance over typical storage periods is understudied. Drawing on findings in the medical field of synergy when co-applying Ag with copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) NPs, this research project investigates the potential for co-applying these NPs for water disinfection. The methodology consisted of using batch-test experiments to assess E. coli disinfection by combinations of Ag-Cu, Ag-Zn and Cu-Zn NPs, at different ratios. The impact of pH and natural water use on disinfection performance were also studied. Results were analyzed using Bliss model and revealed synergy. Synergy degree was: Ag-Zn>Cu-Zn>Ag-Cu, and lower Ag:Zn/Cu ratios yielded higher synergy. pH had insignificant impact on Ag, Ag-Zn and Ag-Cu's disinfection and negatively correlated with Zn-Cu disinfection, and natural water suppressed disinfection. Together results highlight synergy between combinations which can be utilized to optimize CWFs' performance.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Environmental
Date Created:: 2023

“Loitering” with Unconcerned Clicks: Class Nature and Social Exclusion of Sina Weibo Users in Representing Chinese Migrant Workers

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Wang, Siyu
Abstract:: Sina Weibo has a long history as an event-oriented social media platform that promotes public discussion on significant social affairs and gives voice to the bottom-class Chinese people who are usually ignored in mainstream media. However, such democratic potential of Sina Weibo has also inherited huge limitations and resulted in new conflicts and controversies with the rapid evolution of social media ecology and transformation in social structure and power relations during the past two decades in China. Taking what I propose as the "U.A.D.&S. Mutual Shaping" approach, and centering on a "Class as Root" concept, the dissertation examines user's deployment of the single platform Chinese Sina Weibo and the specific factors and conditions that affect Sina Weibo activism in representing the voice of the lower-income working class Chinese people, based on the exclusive and (or) inclusive nature of Sina Weibo and the class limitations of major and the lower-income working class Sina Weibo users. Through discourse analysis of Sina Weibo controversies following two latest Chinese migrant worker related incidents, as well as interviews with 12 migrant worker Sina Weibo posters, the dissertation demonstrates that the democratic effectiveness of Sina Weibo activism in representing the Chinese migrant workers is highly dependent on the class nature and limitations of major Weibo users, the migrant worker Weibo users, as well as various Weibo publics, communities, and spaces. Such class nature and class limitation are based on users' socio-economic status and identity consciousness that shape their online discourse and behavior, as well as the commercial companies' and users' deployment of the increasingly unbalanced commercial and entertaining incentives and affordances applied to Sina Weibo features. The exclusionary class nature of Sina Weibo users and the increasingly profit-driven and pro-capitalist nature of various Sina Weibo spheres are among the most significant challenges for the lower-income working class to gain traction in discourse that represents their interests, which may hinder Sina Weibo's democratic effectiveness in this aspect.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Communication
Date Created:: 2023

Supporting End Users in Securing IoT-Enabled Smart Home Devices.

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Sereda, Bohdana
Abstract:: Smart home devices have gained popularity among users and become a usual thing found in one's home. While they provide comfort and automation, they also pose various security risks, which can be addressed in up-to-date security documentation. Besides, it is important to acknowledge users' responsibility for their device's security and to provide them with helpful resources. In this thesis, we overview several Internet of Things (IoT) security documents and analyze their content to understand the role of users in each of them. Having a trustworthy resource on smart home security for the users is essential to providing security on their end. Therefore, based on our findings from the analysis, we present a prototype tool that provides security recommendations to smart home users. After that, we evaluate the tool during a user study, which suggests that our target audience would, in fact, benefit from having accessible security recommendations and tools.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Date Created:: 2022

Impacts of Gender and COVID-19 on the Division of Labour

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Gravel, Noémie
Abstract:: This study examines the gendered division of labour (paid and unpaid work) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Literature emerging during the pandemic, especially in early 2020, indicated a fear of the pandemic's potential negative impact on gender equality. Many feared a resurgence of the male-breadwinner family and what it might mean for women. I use quantitative data from the Labour Force Surveys of May 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022; the Impacts of COVID-19 on Canadians - Parenting during the pandemic, 2020 survey; and the Canadian Perspective Survey Series 3, 2020. I also use qualitative data from the subreddits r/Parenting, r/AmItheAsshole, and r/Relationship_advice. Results indicate that change related to the pandemic in 2020 was temporary. However, I find a large gap between the housework and childcare women and men do. The pandemic does not show permanent change to the gendered division of work.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Sociology
Date Created:: 2023

Space Architecture and the Development of a Martian Habitat using Computational Design

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Zerrad, Yakine
Abstract:: Living in space is a subject that attracts the attention of many researchers, astronomers, entrepreneurs, and engineers because it allows the development of new technologies that will be available to humanity in the future. The idea of living beyond the earth is now connected to the planet of Mars, reaching which has become possible, and according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, humans can make the journey to Mars; the problem is related to money. The aim of my thesis is to enable students and other interested parties to acknowledge the three points of computational design, space architecture, and the planet Mars to help them to better understand the subject before moving to the design of the Mars habitat, called Z habitat. Moreover, through a series of workshops, I have created a framework that use Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper to design a habitat for Mars.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Architecture
Date Created:: 2023

Silicon-Based Polarization-Insensitive Optical Antenna Design and Experimental Characterization of Optical Phased Arrays

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Xin, Xiaochen
Abstract:: Optical Phased Array (OPA) has emerged as one of the most popular technologies in recent years. The integration of optoelectronics components on-chip allows the OPA to steer the beam to achieve ranging, detection, and free-space communication without having any moving parts. The thesis includes two parts. Firstly, a polarization-independent optical surface grating antenna designed for OPA is presented. The designed antenna emits both quasi-transverse electric (TE) and quasi-transverse magnetic (TM) modes towards the same angle with similar beamwidth. With the increasing demanding for mode-division multiplexing systems, the incorporation of such antenna in an OPA system allows an additional channel of data transmission while preserving the steerability of the array. In the second part of the thesis, the optical testing setup for a fabricated on-chip OPA system is designed and presented. With the testing setup designed and assembled, a comparison between the observed and simulated far-field images is also presented.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Date Created:: 2023

TC-GVF: Tensor Core GPU Based Vector Fitting Via Accelerated Tall-Skinny QR Solvers

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Kukutla, Vinay Ven
Abstract:: In this MASc thesis work, the widely used system identification method, Vector Fitting (VF), is advanced for adoption in the emerging GPU architectures with Tensor Cores. Since the VF algorithm is iterative in nature, improving its computational cost and parallel efficiency on mixed CPU and GPU environments is critical in reducing the overall time needed for convergence. Algorithmic advancements are introduced to provide significant speedups to the most computationally expensive steps in the VF process, QR factorization and the solution to a set of linear equations. Furthermore, Nvidia's new Tensor Core architecture is leveraged to provide further performance improvements. The application examples for modeling of large multiport models with high-speed modules demonstrated orders of magnitude speed-up compared to the existing work in the literature.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Date Created:: 2023

Safety Evaluation of Roundabouts and Speed Cameras Within the City of Ottawa

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Abolhassani Hastiani, Milad
Abstract:: To improve traffic safety, governments must efficiently utilize funds by selecting the most effective treatments in specific local conditions. This thesis provides a framework to evaluate the safety effectiveness of roundabouts and speed cameras as two new safety treatments in the City of Ottawa. The study uses collision history and driving behaviour analysis to capture the impacts of different safety improvement tools. The roundabouts collision history-based results revealed a slight increase in total, rear-end, SMV and PDO collisions, a substantial increase in sideswipe collisions, and a reduction in angle and injury-fatal collisions. The driving behaviour at the roundabouts merging zone showed the average post-encroachment above 2 seconds which is more than saturation headway and it is an acceptable value. The speed cameras driving behaviour analysis indicated a reduction in speed and a number of vehicles exceeding the speed limit from downstream of speed cameras to upstream.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Civil
Date Created:: 2023

Comprehensive Simulation-based Workflow to Assess the Performance of Occupancy-based Controls and Operations in Office Buildings

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Azimi, Sara
Abstract:: Most building services provided, from ventilation to cleaning, should be a function of occupancy. Yet occupancy is seldom measured in a comprehensive way such that the data can be widely used to improve building operations. The proposed research seeks to develop a workflow whereby long-term occupancy data is measured in office buildings, a range of advanced technologies and operating strategies are modelled, then those are simulated to inform operators of the optimal approach for building services. A selection tool is developed to aid building practitioners to choose the most appropriate occupancy sensing technologies for a given set of applications. The selection process begins by identifying data requirements for the selection of applications and defining characteristics of occupancy sensing technologies, then analyzing their alignment for optimal occupancy sensing technology selection. Later, a methodology is introduced to quantify the cost, energy, and GHG emission savings for optimizing building management using occupancy data.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Building
Date Created:: 2023

Eco-Anxiety in Daily Life: Relationships with Well-Being and Pro-Environmental Behaviour

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Lutz, Paul Kocourek
Abstract:: Little is known about how eco-anxiety, or feelings of anxiety and worry about mounting environmental issues, relates to well-being and pro-environmental behaviour in daily life. To help address this issue, I conducted a preregistered daily diary study, wherein Carleton University undergraduates (N = 132) provided trait reports and two weeks of daily reports (n = 1439) on eco-anxiety, positive and negative affect, meaning in life, and pro-environmental behaviour. At the trait level, average scores on eco-anxiety were fairly low; yet, higher scores were associated with less positive affect and more negative affect and pro-environmental behaviour. Daily average scores on eco-anxiety were even lower at the state level, but on days people did feel greater eco-anxiety, they also reported greater negative affect and pro-environmental behaviour. Lagged analyses provided some evidence that eco-anxiety increases future negative affect. No significant relationships between eco-anxiety and meaning in life emerged at both levels of analysis.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Psychology
Date Created:: 2023

Exploring Accessibility and Companionship in Boardgames via Alexa

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Karim, Saman
Abstract:: The inaccessibility of rulebooks hinders the rule learning experience of boardgame players who are blind or low vision (BLV). We explore the design of conversational agents (CAs) to support players' learning needs and provide companionship by conducting two qualitative studies. In study 1, 14 boardgame players who are BLV first identified their rule learning challenges and co-designed desired social and functional characteristics of CAs to combat these challenges. Based on these findings, we developed a CA using Amazon Alexa and 9 players who are BLV evaluated our CA in study 2. Our findings generated five design principles for CAs to support boardgame rule learning: conciseness, ease of navigation, customization, supplementary features, and social characteristics. These principles guide designers and researchers in exploring the novel design space. Our research also demonstrates the feasibility of our method for conducting accessible remote co-design and evaluation with participants who are BLV.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Computer Science
Date Created:: 2023

Empirical Study on Improving Hate Speech Detection: Novel BERT based One-Versus-All Classification Approach (BOVAC) with a Novel Performance Metric: Global Performance (GP)

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Al Assafin, Samer
Abstract:: Text classification is an application of natural language processing (NLP) which involves the automated processing of text data for the purpose of extracting features, classifying opinions or performing sentiment analysis. Attempting to improve the task of automated detection of hate speech and the understanding of the framework upon which it operates, I present my thesis in which: I explore an approach I call BERT-based one-versus-all text classification (BOVAC) for improving the task of hate speech detection. The performance of the proposed approach is assessed based on an empirical study on a dataset which was previously constructed, cleaned and manually labeled by Davidson and colleagues (Davidson et al., 2017). In addition to presenting an approach to improve hate speech detection, I propose the use of a new performance metric I call global performance (GP) to improve the process of assessing the performance of hate speech detection and text classification models.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Cognitive Science (M.Cog.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Cognitive Science
Date Created:: 2023

The Role of Terraces in the Inca Empire

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Jensen, Philip D.
Abstract:: This thesis assesses the theoretical and empirical evidence that would support the proposition that terraces played a number of important roles in the Inca empire. The Incas borrowed and developed much more extensively, practices and statecraft from earlier Andean civilizations. Although the Incas relied on their predecessors, they also advanced their own distinctive statecraft which tied together ideology and practical means to grow and manage the empire. Terrace use and construction by the Incas were both more sophisticated and served several purposes beyond those in earlier civilizations. This paper finds little evidence that Wittfogel's hydraulic society theory was applicable to the Inca empire but is more persuaded that Andean spirituality, ideology and terrace use had natural links to aspects of Actor Network Theory. Important roles terraces played in the Inca empire included: economic, political, scientific, architectural, support to the military and state administration, aesthetic/ornamental, ecological, and spiritual.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Anthropology
Date Created:: 2023

New Market Information Applications in East Africa: Three Essays on Mapping Trade Flows, Identifying Vulnerability in Food Commodity Networks, and Nowcasting Agricultural Prices in East Africa

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Hadley, Lance James Howard
Abstract:: Agricultural commodity market systems in East Africa are characterized by significant spatial heterogeneity. Many competing actors engage in small-volume transfers through marketplaces with complex and overlapping feedback mechanisms. For development policy practitioners working in economic measurement at the subnational level, these characteristics - among others - frustrate the accuracy and relevance of typical market systems analyses. Recently however, sources of local market information are rapidly proliferating throughout the region. This new trend raises new opportunities for researchers to develop practitioner-oriented monitoring and assessment tools for East Africa's agricultural market systems. The first two papers in this dissertation focus on generating data-driven economic measures to assist policy targeting: The first paper presents a novel combination of network analysis and price transmission analysis to open the 'black-box' of subnational trade. By decomposing cointegration measures correlated with market access and trade efficiency, this paper presents an empirical method for identifying, mapping, and evaluating subregional trade corridors in East Africa. While the first paper applies network analysis to explore the dynamics of trade between marketplaces, the second paper extends the network approach to explore how individual marketplaces transmit or react to the price shocks. This paper proposes a measure of economic vulnerability for maize marketplaces in Uganda to identify which marketplaces along the supply chain are vulnerable to price shocks from connected marketplaces. Despite the proliferation of local market information, however, analysts still face challenges when contexts are limited by data quality, timeliness, and precision. The third paper proposes a novel empirical method based in machine-learning and big-data feature management, which algorithmically adjusts the feature selection to the available data. By optimizing the feature selection with known market structures and the available data, analysts can meaningfully overcome the data challenges for estimating near-real-time food prices. Moreover, the proposed method can facilitate more timely assessments of current food security in contexts challenged by inconsistent data collection and poor data coverage. Ultimately, this thesis demonstrates the analytical benefits of combining aspects of network analysis, price transmission theory, and big data management strategies to support new tools and promote more effective and inclusive development across East Africa.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: International Affairs
Date Created:: 2023

Early life programming of neurodevelopment and growth: understanding nutritional, inflammatory, and placental contributions in complex pregnancies

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: White, Marina
Abstract:: There is substantial evidence to show that inadequate nutrition in the periconceptional, pre- and post-natal periods can profoundly influence developmental and health trajectories of the embryo, fetus, and infant. However, improved knowledge on how nutritional factors may exacerbate, or lessen, suboptimal fetal and infant outcomes in pregnancies complicated by additional adversities is needed. To help address this knowledge gap, two core projects were undertaken to investigate relationships between perinatal nutritional factors (at the molecular, individual, and household levels), the placenta, and fetal or infant neurodevelopment and growth in: 1. pregnancies carrying a fetus with a neural tube defect (NTD), and 2. pregnancies affected by maternal HIV infection. In the first population, we show for the first time that fetal NTDs associate with placental maldevelopment and dysfunction, evidenced by an increased risk of placental pathologies and dysregulation in fundamental placental gene networks, including nutrient transport. Several dysregulated placental gene networks in fetuses with NTDs were sensitive to multiple nutrients, emphasizing the need for research to expand beyond a folic acid-centric view to identify new targets for NTD prevention and improve outcomes in fetuses with NTDs. In the second population, we found that infants who were exposed to maternal HIV infection and antiretroviral therapies in early life are susceptible to the adverse effects of suboptimal nutritional exposures both pre- and postnatally, evidenced by poorer growth outcomes in infants exposed to HIV and household food insecurity. We also found that there is potential for early life nutritional factors to be leveraged to improve outcomes in these infants. An integrated understanding of how nutritional exposures at the molecular, individual, and household/community levels contribute to fetal and infant programming in children exposed to suboptimal prenatal environments is key for developing interventions to improve developmental trajectories and lifecycle health globally.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Health Sciences
Date Created:: 2022

Toward an Automated Real-Time Anomaly Detection Engine in Microservice Architectures

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Khan, Md Rezwan Hassan
Abstract:: With the growing demand for micro-service applications and cloud-based software, service providers like Amazon, Netflix, and eBay, are finding it difficult to detect the failures in their increasing number of interlinked services of applications. Various machine-learning techniques have been proposed to detect these failures. However, one of the significant challenges anomaly detectors face is model performance decay over time due to data pattern changes in time series data. Another significant issue is detecting a high number of false positives( false anomalies), creating false alerts that question the credibility of the detector's performance. This thesis attempts to tackle these issues mentioned above by building a dynamic automated pipeline for an unsupervised anomaly detection engine for a micro-services application to predict anomalies in the system's behaviour. The proposed model outperforms the baseline model's performance. Regarding computational costs, LSTM is three times faster than the statistical approach.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Computer Science
Date Created:: 2023

Using Virtual Reality to Improve STEM Education

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Samar Qorbani, Hossain
Abstract:: The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the effect of using Virtual Reality (VR) technology on the students' experience in science education, particularly for interaction, learning, and accessibility. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education has special requirements such as lab-based activities and abstract concepts that complicate setting up the environment and learning process. These complications are increased due to the pandemic and other remote access requirements. VR has unique affordances that make it a promising solution but its use in this regard has not been properly investigated and there are many open research questions related to its effect on interaction, learning, and accessibility in STEM education. Focusing on these three aspects, we ran a series of quantitative and qualitative studies to find out if the use of VR in science labs leads to an increased level of learning, efficiency, and accuracy of the tasks (measured by pre-post knowledge tests and the in-app data collection system). The Immersive/head-mounted VR (IVR) was compared to Desktop VR (DVR) and 2D/text-based conditions. Results indicated a significant difference in some areas particularly related to post-knowledge score, spatial skills, and learnability between 2D and VR conditions. Task completion rate, efficiency, and accuracy also indicated a significant difference between IVR and DVR groups, showing IVR performing better. The qualitative evaluation included an analysis of students' experiences with the use of VR and their perspective on its application for education. The result indicated that in areas such as ease of use, learnability, engagement, and overall satisfaction they preferred VR treatment better compared to 2D/ Text as they found the use of VR to be beneficial to their learning. Our studies also showed the efficacy of software-based accessibility features that improved interaction and learning for wheelchair users. We concluded that the implementation of a virtual environment for STEM education requires careful considerations in the design and implementation to make it technically practical to run on mobile Head Mounted Displays (HMD), be relevant based on established learning theories, minimize the effect of cybersickness, and be accessible for a wider range of audience.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Information Technology
Date Created:: 2023

GENETIC DIVERSITY PREDICTS POPULATION FITNESS AND PERSISTENCE: THE VALUE OF GENETIC RESCUE INCONSERVATION

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Clarke, Julia
Abstract:: Genetic rescue is a conservation tool that uses translocations to restore gene flow in isolated populations. Despite successes, this tool remains relatively underused, likely due to lack of understanding and long term data. Here, we review all genetic rescue attempts to date to promote a better understanding of the method. We found that the increase in genetic diversity conferred from genetic rescue was the strongest predictor of population fitness in the short-term. Further, we found no evidence for outbreeding depression among studies. To learn more about long-term effects of genetic rescue, we conducted a case study using a small, isolated, population simulating genetic rescue using a population viability analysis. We found that translocations resulted in long lasting increases in genetic diversity, however, find that increased likelihood of persistence was only evident after repeated translocations. Further, we find that without addressing underlying stressors, genetic rescue along is insufficient in the long-term.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Biology
Date Created:: 2023

Mapping Our Return: Glacier Stories and Knowledge Production in Climate Change

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Gray, Sonya
Abstract:: Over 250 years ago, a young Tlingit woman called to a glacier that displaced the Xunaa Tlingit and beckoned to the U.S. National Park Service. Today, in the midst of climate change, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is once again undergoing a huge transformation; glaciers are disappearing and the Xunaa Tlingit are back. In a historic collaboration, a tribal house, Xunaa Shuka Hit, was built in 2016 and has the potential to transform people, place and thought, that inform climate change solutions. Based on my positionality as Tlingit interpreter of Xunaa Shuka Hit and park ranger, my research aims to analyze the collaboration from my perspective in terms science and Tlingit art, stories, and names that reveal emergent knowledges and blur lines of division.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Anthropology
Date Created:: 2023

Human Rights as Property Rights

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Lunianga, Allison
Abstract:: As Europeans colonized the Americas, human rights and property rights became unprecedently tangible and divisive. These two legal concepts became conflating as they relied on race to be actualized, and they provided (or at the very least supported) the definition of race as a distinguishing factor between different classes of humans. The human that informs human rights was always meant to be European, male, Christian, and white. The property that informs property rights was meant to be everyone else who existed within that space and could be exploited to benefit those who can claim human rights (those who can be grouped with the humans who inform human rights). They did not mean the same thing, but they did the same thing by actualizing racial segregation in the Americas.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Legal Studies
Date Created:: 2023

Time-course proteomic study of Acinetobacter baumannii after exposure to oxidative stress

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Gallo, Vanessa Giovannna
Abstract:: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic nosocomial Gram-negative bacterium responsible for infectious diseases. Due to its rapidly growing multidrug resistance (MDR), there is a need to improve understanding of host-pathogen interactions to identify targets for the development of novel therapeutics. Characterizing bacterial responses to a stress condition representative of a host environment was hypothesized to provide improved understanding of A. baumannii pathogenesis. To this end, an in vitro time-course proteomic study evaluating the impact of oxidative stress on two clinical strains exhibiting different levels of virulence was performed using mass spectrometry. After exposure to hydrogen peroxide, 38 proteins and 181 proteins were observed to have different abundance levels in strain Lac-4 and Lac-5, respectively. The putative localization, pathway and molecular function of these proteins were assessed. Proteins that changed abundance levels were of interest as they indicate potential response to stress and could lead to targets for future therapeutic development.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Biology
Date Created:: 2023

Wind Tunnel Testing to Evaluate Noise Emissions from a Small Wind Turbine

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Asi, Victoria Usang
Abstract:: The wind power industry has experienced fast and tremendous growth, globally, in recent years. Consequently, there is a growing interest in investigating aerodynamics and aeroacoustics characteristics of wind turbines and developing environmental standards aimed at decreasing noise levels in the design and manufacture of these machines. This study was carried out in the Carleton University Wind Induced Dynamic Laboratory (WInDLab) that was designed to evaluate and quantify noise levels emitted by a small horizontal axis wind turbine. This investigation provided the first-ever set of measurements carried out in the WInDLab following the successful installation of the wind turbine. The background acoustic data obtained for the wind tunnel showed that the wind tunnel is not quiet enough for measurements of the type undertaken. The wind tunnel would need to be silenced and acoustically treated to capture noise with low frequencies. Recommendations for further work have been provided.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Sustainable Energy
Date Created:: 2023

An Examination of Social Capital and Communications in Municipal Emergency Management

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Donaldson, Jeffery Ernest
Abstract:: Despite decades of preparedness messaging from all levels of government, Canadians remain unprepared for emergencies and disasters. This multi-site case study examines the relationship between municipal emergency managers and community groups across Ontario to understand the role of social capital in the delivery and acceptance of emergency preparedness communications. From chambers of commerce to charities and non-profits, the cross- community group relationships examined here are strong; there are committed departments dedicated to emergency management within municipal governments, and community groups are ready and willing partners in the emergency management field. Communities are geographically, spatially and temporally bounded, supported by an array of trusted relationships, between members, groups, associations and extra-local connections. Accessing these pathways for building trust and communicating emergency preparedness information represents a significant opportunity for resource constrained municipal emergency managers. Emergency managers from upper, lower and single tier municipalities in Ontario were interviewed, along with several community groups providing services within the same municipalities. Research participants talked at length about their roles, strengths, and the knowledge they have of each other and other partners. In addition, these interviews explored the extent of any existing relationships, emergency preparedness involvement and how they see a future involvement in emergency management at the municipal level. The SARS-COVID-2 pandemic complicated these relationships, but also provided a unique opportunity to engage and navigate the largest society-level disruption in a century. Conflicting communications, regulations and frameworks created barriers to collaboration between municipal emergency managers and community groups. With nominal preparedness communications prior to the pandemic, the public health messages all but replaced any effort on preparedness messaging. Three themes emerge from this study: 1/ community groups can and are willing to act as trusted source pathways for municipal emergency preparedness communication; 2/ the pandemic demonstrated an opportunity to grow cooperation and collaboration between municipalities and community groups; 3/ that municipal governance in the pandemic was confused and uncoordinated leading to a crisis in public confidence.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Public Policy
Date Created:: 2023

Particle Swarm Optimization with Enhanced Neighborhood Search Algorithm and Probabilistic Crossover Genetic Algorithm for Task Scheduling in Cloud Computing

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Al Shamaa, Mhd Saleh
Abstract:: Considering the dynamic and elastic nature of cloud computing services, service providers must provide efficient task-scheduling solutions to accommodate the increasing demands in cloud services while satisfying Service Level Agreements (SLA) cost-effectively. In this thesis, we present two novel task scheduling algorithms in cloud computing: ENS-PSO and PxGA, to minimize the makespan. ENS-PSO improves Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) by introducing an effective neighborhood search technique. Also, we introduce static and dynamic methods to select ENS-PSO neighborhood search size. PxGA enhances the Genetic Algorithm (GA) by applying a weighted probabilistic approach to the crossover operation. CloudSim toolkit is utilized to evaluate the algorithms in terms of makespan, computational time, degree of imbalance, and energy consumption. The simulation results prove that ENS-PSO and PxGA outperform other classic and recent algorithms. Moreover, at the expense of higher computational time, ENS-PSO outperforms PxGA on the overall makespan by 3-4%.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Information Technology (M.I.T.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Network Technology
Date Created:: 2023

Arch-Lang : A DSE Tool for Flexible Hardware/Software Co-Design

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Fryer, Joshua Stewart
Abstract:: Multicore architectures have emerged as an avenue to continue the improvement of software performance even as growth in single-core performance has struggled over the past two decades. However, designing for such systems is a more complex task than for single-core, sequential computing. To effectively utilize multicore systems, designers must devise communication strategies, coordinate dataflow between processing elements in a way that avoids erroneous behaviour such as race conditions, and the software's general architecture must be designed in a way that takes advantage of advancements in hardware architecture. In this thesis, we present an architecture and domain-specific language that allows software developers to rapidly prototype hardware architectures, software partitioning, and inter-core communication strategies at design time. We demonstrate an interpreter for this domain-specific language, and use it to illustrate a process of experimenting with inter-core communication and software partitioning strategies.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Date Created:: 2023

Quantitative Assessment of Teleworking on Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Simon, Sharane
Abstract:: Teleworking offers various socioeconomic benefits to society, but its environmental impact remains poorly understood. Using eleven participants from Ottawa, Canada, a year-long pilot study was designed and implemented to quantify energy usage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in three domains: home office, transportation, and information and communications technology (ICT). The results show that transportation and home heating and cooling account for >94% of the energy associated with teleworking. Home office equipment, lighting, and ICT account for the remaining 6%, with an insignificant impact on GHG emissions (<2%) due to the low-carbon electricity grid. The results indicate teleworking will likely result in a net reduction in energy use and GHG emissions compared to conventional working arrangements due to reduced daily commute, especially when employees travel long distances to their company offices via personal vehicles. However, teleworking's net impact is highly variable, dependent on personal choices, routines, purchasing decisions, and household structure.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Building
Date Created:: 2022

A Robust Discrete Event Method for the Design of Cyber-Physical Systems

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Boi-Ukeme, Joseph Osedome
Abstract:: The technological advancement in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) has seen more sophisticated hardware, leading to systems that are complex, interconnected, and require automation. This trend has made modern CPS fragile and susceptible to faults. Traditional methods for fault detection and diagnosis are unable to adequately scale up to handle the faults that occur in CPS because of the tight interconnectivity between the physical and cyber parts of CPS. Also, real-time requirements present new challenges that are not sufficiently addressed by traditional fault-tolerant design approaches, therefore more intelligent methods are now needed to deal with these faults. To address these issues, we propose an approach to formally define faults, detect, and diagnose faults, and accommodate faults for fault tolerance. For fault detection and diagnosis, we propose a generic fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) scheme capable of diagnosing CPS faults in real-time. The scheme is developed to accommodate different modeling methods but for clarity of explanation, we adapt it to the DEVS formalism. To test the scheme, we implemented a library to store fault codes in a data structure and developed intelligent logic to ensure faults are correctly detected and isolated. We also propose a purely data-driven approach to detect faults in CPS where we have no control over the design of the control system. Our data-driven methods thrive on setting rigorous processes and workflows to ensure that representative data is collected for CPS to ensure that FDD techniques perform optimally. For fault tolerance, a fault-tolerant logic is included as part of the FDD scheme for the control system, and for sensing, we propose a sensor fusion framework developed not just to facilitate the implementation of sensor fusion algorithms in DEVS. It also provides a method for checking failures using data obtained from sensor outputs. This improves the reliability of the sensing system. Finally, we evaluate the applicability of the various methods proposed through case studies.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Date Created:: 2023

Bring on the Apocalypse: Nostalgia and Tragedy in Hugo Santiago's Aquilea

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Rojas Anaya, Daniel
Abstract:: Hugo Santiago's films about the apocalypse of the fictional city of Aquilea work as an allegory to Argentina's blood bath during General Onganía's and General Videla's dictatorships (1966-1983). Invasion (1969) and The Sidewalks of Saturn (1985) portray an obsessive nostalgia that motivates the character's ideological performance of memento mori and pro patria mori. These tropes perpetuate a tradition that I have coined as the defeated defender myth, which expresses the glorification of the willingness to self-sacrifice as a heroic act and is reminiscent of the Argentine emblematic gaucho-martyrs tradition. Thus, philosopher Steve Rose's model of suicide (2015) contributes to understanding the influence of nostalgia and future nostalgia in enforcing the major and minor phenomenological forces that shape these tragic identities. Ultimately, this thesis finds that this romanticization of self-sacrifice illustrates Hugo Santiago's project of constructing an insurrectionary national identity that conversely practices a murderous cult of memory.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Film Studies
Date Created:: 2023

Educators' Perspectives on Cybersecurity Educational Resources

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Smith, Jennifer Joy
Abstract:: While a growing number and variety of cybersecurity educational resources exist, there is a lack of teacher perspective on how the resources are used in practice and how they serve teaching and learning needs. This thesis aims to understand teachers' and creators' perspectives about what makes cybersecurity educational material effective and engaging for their students. We conducted two studies with 15 Canadian teachers and 8 creators of educational resources. We found that both creators and teachers shared similar preferences about what makes educational resources effective and engaging. In general, both groups agreed on what types of resources teachers need to teach cybersecurity to tweens in the classroom. However, we identified several gaps and constraints for both parties that hindered the effectiveness and dissemination of available resources. We make specific design recommendations and best practices to help optimize the effectiveness and adoption of resources for teachers.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Human-Computer Interaction
Date Created:: 2023

Competitive Pleasure: Sexuality, Media and Belonging in a Reunifying Germany (1989-1995)

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Carron, Danielle Lyn
Abstract:: After the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9th, 1989, the process towards the Reunification of East and West Germany became referred to as a matter of "political orgasm," "German-German copulation" or "an orgiastic party." Behind these colourful metaphors, residents of the two states (in particular, those of East Germany) contended with momentous shifts in identity, mobility and political ideology that interacted with public sexual values and culture. This thesis analyzes media-based primary sources, including magazines, newspapers, and tabloids as well as memoirs and televised broadcasts, to argue that sex and sexuality became a significant public matrix for complex processes of inclusion, exclusion and meaning making during the transition to a reunified Germany and beyond. In doing so, this thesis engages with relationships between consumerism and public space, memory politics, and the sexual/racial "Other".
Thesis Degree:: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: History
Date Created:: 2023

Learnings from collaborative monitoring of remote wildlife populations: factors affecting changes in number and distribution of nesting Hudson Bay eiders ducks in the Belcher Islands

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Richard, Samuel
Abstract:: Anthropogenic pressures are causing a global decline in biodiversity that, in turn, impacts the human communities depending on it. In the conservation effort, efficient management requires up-to-date and accurate information about the population dynamics, habitat requirements, and distribution of organisms. There is an increasing appreciation of the benefits of coproduction and the combination of multiple knowledge systems to increase our understanding of the rapidly changing ecosystems. In this thesis, I used data from a long-term collaborative monitoring program involving Inuit and federal government researchers to study the factors affecting changes in population size and nesting distribution of a harvested sea duck in south-eastern Hudson Bay, the common eider (Somateria mollissima). I also highlight practical challenges and propose solutions related to cultural and institutional barriers that impede the delivery of respectful approaches and best practices in collaborative research programs involving large and regulated institutions and remote Indigenous communities.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Biology
Date Created:: 2023

Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Using Genetic Algorithm Based Nonlinear Autoregressive Exogenous Network

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Shen, Yitong
Abstract:: The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is one of the most promising clean energy sources with high energy conversion, no electrolyte leakage and low operating temperature. However, it faces a limited lifetime due to degradation under normal operating conditions, and uncontrolled excessive degradation may even lead to catastrophic failures, such as explosions. Therefore, the importance of accurate estimation of the remaining useful life (RUL) cannot be overemphasized. A joint prediction method based on a genetic algorithm (GA) and a nonlinear autoregressive neural network (NARX) with external inputs is proposed. The proposed method is trained and validated with the 2014 IEEE PHM Data Challenge dataset, and compared with two common artificial neural network algorithms: genetic algorithm-based backpropagation neural network (GA-BPNN) and genetic algorithm-based time delay neural network (GA-TDNN). The results show that the proposed method has better prediction accuracy compared with the other two artificial neural network algorithms.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Date Created:: 2023

Forest Amount, Not Fragmentation or Connectivity, Increases Bird Species Richness

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Hajdasz, Adrianne Carla
Abstract:: Though habitat amount, fragmentation and connectivity are considered important for biodiversity, it is unclear whether fragmentation or connectivity have strong effects on biodiversity independent of habitat amount. We aimed to determine the independent effects of these variables on species richness and presence of forest birds in Eastern Ontario, Canada. We selected 70 sites where landscape habitat amount, fragmentation and structural connectivity were uncorrelated with each other. We determined bird species richness and presence by deploying autonomous recording units at each site. Only habitat amount had a significant relationship with species richness; species richness increased until forest covered ~45% of the landscape. Both habitat amount and connectivity had significant effects on the presence of some individual species, but the direction of effect (positive or negative) varied by species. We suggest that increasing habitat amount and managing connectivity for certain species may be an effective conservation strategy for birds
Thesis Degree:: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Biology
Date Created:: 2023

Novel Low-complexity Neural Network Aided Detection for Faster-than-Nyquist (FTN) Signalling in ISI Channel

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Abdelsamie, Ammar Sayed Mahmoud
Abstract:: This thesis studies the application of NN's to Viterbi-detection of FTN-signals in ISI-channel. We propose a novel low-complexity neural-network for calculating branch metrics, and we explore its suitability for FTN-signalling with channel-uncertainty. We compare the proposed-network, called the-MetricNet (MetNet), to a benchmark neural-network-based-technique for metric calculation, the ViterbiNet, originally designed for ISI-channels. The results confirm that the-MetNet outperforms ViterbiNet, with two-orders-of magnitude lower-complexity, and is more-resilient to channel-uncertainty than traditional-Viterbi-detector, which uses Euclidean-distance for metric-calculations. We show that the-MetNet exhibits robustness to being trained at mismatched SNR-values and FTN-pulse-acceleration-factors, meaning that the number of trained-models required can be significantly-reduced. Additionally, the-results show that the-proposed-MetNet remains a favorable-alternative at higher-levels of channel uncertainties. The-results reflect that we can generalize the-MetNet to work with different channel-models defined by different decaying-factors. Finally, we show-that we succeed in achieving a bandwidth-efficiency gain of 33% due to FTN by using the-MetNet in presence of channel-uncertainty.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Date Created:: 2023

Unveiling Macrophage-Biofilm Interactions: Implications for Cellular Metabolism and Wound Healing

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Versey, Zoya
Abstract:: Chronic wounds are challenging to treat, prolong hospitalization, and may lead to infection and/or amputations. Bacterial biofilms impair wound healing and promote a low-grade inflammatory response. Macrophages are chronically activated in a pro-inflammatory state and are unable to promote tissue repair. It is unclear the macrophage-biofilm interactions that drive this persistent pro-inflammatory activation. In this study, we found that treatment of bone marrow-derived macrophages with conditioned medium from single-species biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa resulted in different patterns of mitochondrial reprogramming and inflammatory responses. S. aureus induced a low-grade inflammatory response, associated with a transient reprogramming of the mitochondria. Alternatively, P. aeruginosa induced a hyperinflammatory response associated with sustained mitochondrial reprogramming. Both SA and PA treatments induced terminal reprogramming towards sustained inflammation in macrophages. Our findings imply that secreted factors from biofilms of different species alter mitochondrial function to rewire macrophages to promote prolonged inflammation in chronic wounds.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Health Sciences
Date Created:: 2023

Trajectory Planning for Contour Following and Robotic Deburring

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Macmillan, Wade Richard
Abstract:: The work of this thesis is part of the RoboDeb project, aimed at investigating the application of industrial robots on deburring sheet metal parts. This thesis presents investigations, developments, and implementations of trajectory planning algorithms to automate trajectory design. This thesis first develops custom CAD/CAM software called the Planar Computer Automated Trajectory (PCAT) planning algorithm to establish baseline performance. Trajectory planning is next automated using the novel Planar Image-Space Trajectory (PIST) planning algorithm, which uses computer vision alone to generate machining trajectories. The PIST algorithm is completely automated, with no required CAD data of the workpiece, adapting to new workpieces or manufacturing imperfections. The feasibility of the PIST algorithm is investigated through robotic deburring experimentation, where it successfully deburred the sheet metal parts. The PIST algorithm proved to be the preferred candidate over the PCAT algorithm, as it provided an indistinguishable resulting surface finish while reducing the setup time.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Aerospace
Date Created:: 2022

Towards a More Inclusive Museum: Developing Multi-Sensory Approaches to the Visual Arts for Visually Impaired Audiences

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Berube, Patricia
Abstract:: This thesis investigates the contribution of multi-sensoriality to the understanding and appreciation of two-dimensional artworks, such as drawings or paintings, by people with visual impairments. This exploratory study was conducted from a disability studies perspective, in which the researcher's role was that of a facilitator and the participants were experts of their own experience. This participatory action project draws on interdisciplinary research practices in several interrelated fields, including accessibility and disability studies, blindness studies, anthropology of the senses, tactile perception and haptics, and translation studies. Previous research focused primarily on initiatives to translate visual arts into tactile content to make them accessible to people with visual impairments. The present study contributes to multi-sensory initiatives for the low-vision and blind community, drawing on research findings of sensory museology and cognitive psychology to deepen our knowledge about multi-sensory translation. Data collected from three rounds of individual interviews and one co-design session with visually impaired participants was examined using a qualitative methodology. A thematic analysis was developed to inform design decisions and identify barriers to inclusion in art museums. The study also included the co-creation of multi-sensory translations of Franklin Carmichael's painting In the Nickel Belt (1928) and Outport Icon #2 (2001-2002) by Duncan de Kergommeaux. The broader findings of this study provide evidence to support the notion that touch and hearing can play a valuable role in conveying the nature of art to visually impaired visitors, giving them greater autonomy in their interpretation. This study challenges the long-standing tradition of museums relying on vision as the only acceptable sense through which visitors can access visual arts. While further work may be needed to assess the degree of equivalence between experiencing a painting through sight and accessing it through touch and hearing, this project establishes a foundation for further research and initiatives pertaining to the implementation of anti-ocularcentric approaches in museums. Keywords: Accessibility, Anti-ocularcentrism, Blindness, Co-design, Mediation, Multi-sensory, Museums, Museology, Painting, Visual arts, Visual impairments, 3D printing.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Cultural Mediations
Date Created:: 2023

Techno-Economic and Environmental Performance of Two Distinct State-of-the-Art Solar-Assisted District Energy System Topologies

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Brunt, Nicholas Alec
Abstract:: This thesis introduces a novel, ambient-temperature district energy system topology that enables bi-directional mass flow to booster heat pumps and includes distributed solar-thermal generation. A detailed model of this system is developed in MATLAB-Simulink, and an equivalent model is developed for a conventional, supply-return district system. The systems are compared—with and without solar-thermal integration—in technical, environmental, and economic analyses. Annual simulations are conducted for the case study: a district energy system in Ottawa with 12 building clusters. The ambient system achieves an annual coefficient of performance of 1.40 without solar and 1.43 with solar. The conventional system achieves annual coefficients of performance of 1.26 and 1.28, respectively. The solar fractions of the ambient and conventional systems are 5.5 and 4.0% for heating and 9.3 and 10.0% for cooling, respectively. The ambient system (without solar) decreased annual carbon emissions by 32.16% relative to the conventional system, a significant improvement.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Sustainable Energy
Date Created:: 2023

Reshaping Memory: Counter-Narratives in Kindertransport Literature

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Allard, Marie-Catherine
Abstract:: This study examines the literary narratives (both non-fictional and fictional) of child Holocaust survivors who were evacuated on one of the Kindertransports to Britain focusing in particular on the writing of Karen Gershon, Ruth Barnett, and Josef Eisinger. My focus is on the Kinder's numerous retellings of their experience across different genres. I demonstrate that by transposing their story from one genre to the next the Kinder's narratives make observable the constructive process of memory and its mediated character. I argue that by continuously rewriting their Kindertransport experience, Gershon, Barnett, and Eisinger shed light on generally silenced elements of their evacuation. Their retellings challenge the British celebratory narrative, and reshape discourses around the history and memory of this rescue operation. Together, Gershon, Barnett, and Eisinger's accounts provide alternative perspectives on the Kindertransport based on their age, gender, emigration, and postwar relationships with surviving parents and relatives. Each of their corpuses encourages new dialogues in Kindertransport studies and introduces different literary genres to Kindertransport literature. Gershon's publications, ranging from her poems on the Jewish condition to her novels on the estrangement of German Jewish refugees in Britain, complicates perceptions of the redemptive celebratory narrative by complicating Britain's hospitable image. Barnett's corpus, which began with her academic publications in the field of psychology and eventually came to include an autobiography and a play, challenges the selective celebratory narrative around the Kinder's survival and adaptation in Britain by describing the after-effects of the partitioning of families on the Kinder. Eisinger's memoir, Flight and Refuge, composed of his wartime diary entries and retrospective commentary on these entries, exposes the power dynamics at stake in the deportation of older male Kinder from Britain to Canada. His narrative addresses the transnational character of this operation and the Kindertransport memory of Britain's former colonies, despite the centrality of Britain in the memorialization of the Kindertransport. In addition to introducing new paradigms in Kindertransport studies, my analysis of Gershon, Barnett, and Eisinger's respective corpuses confirms the importance of literary representations of the Kindertransport in preventing its narrative from remaining an oversimplified and solely celebratory one.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Cultural Mediations
Date Created:: 2023

Marketing Architecture in Canada: Exploring the Architecture Profession's Understanding and Use of Marketing: 1955 - 1985 to Present

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Campbell, Brynne Hope Ulluriak
Abstract:: Marketing, which includes the process of communicating and delivering value to its target audience, has struggled to find its footing within the architecture profession. Researchers have suggested that architects believe it is unprofessional to be associated with business and marketing. The term 'marketing' has often been used pejoratively in the books, professional journals, and documents written for and by architects. Professional architectural associations and advocacy organizations have perpetuated an urgency to properly communicate the value of architecture and the architect's role. However, the ethical guidelines have made promoting architecture and architects' roles challenging to implement. The shifting rules imposed by associations regarding marketing have contributed to the profession's persistent disassociation with marketing. This dissertation looks at the historical conversations regarding marketing within the context of contemporary questions raised through the 'project of architecture' - POP // CAN // CRIT 2017: Marketing and Promotion of Architecture in Canada, which took place on October 27, 2017, in Toronto, Canada. This national symposium brought together professionals in the architecture industry to discuss the role of marketing within the Canadian architecture industry. It sought to open the conversation on marketing for the profession and serves as a resource for the dissertation research. Building on this event, this dissertation analyses professional journals, resources, and documents written for and by architects between 1955 - 1985 to see how the profession's relationship with business and marketing has evolved. Emphasis is placed on The Canadian Architect magazine. This publication has served as a critical voice for the profession in Canada since its establishment in 1955. The research explores moments in architectural history that may have contributed to the profession's ongoing struggle with marketing. Finally, using two case studies, this dissertation looks at how architecture firms have historically used marketing in their practice and communicated their firm value to clients and the public.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Architecture
Date Created:: 2022

The Development of Students' Assessment Literacies as They Transition to University: An Exploratory Case Study

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Beynen, Tina
Abstract:: Changes in academic demands, expectations, and ways of demonstrating knowledge through assessments are among the challenges faced by students transitioning to university. There is transition research in the Canadian context, but little documenting students' experiences with assessment, or how they develop their assessment literacies (e.g., understanding assessment in the course context and how assessment information is used to monitor and improve learning). This research examined how first-year university students' experiences with, knowledge of, and expectations about assessment impacted the development of their assessment literacies as they transitioned to university. The exploratory case study was theoretically framed by social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1977a, 1986) and reflexivity (e.g., Ryan, 2015; Schön, 1983, 1987). Three data sources were collected from ten first-year student participants: course assessment documents that triangulated students' responses from two semi-structured interviews and students' assessment journal entries. These data were coded using Saldaña's (2016) structural, emotion, and values coding. Course assessment documents were compared and categorized (Maxwell & Miller, 2008), noting the social setting and social actors (stakeholders) involved (Coffey, 2014). The findings illuminated four primary impacts on students' development of assessment literacies: 1) multiple interacting literacies needed to facilitate success; 2) social (i.e., personal and academic) supports; 3) variability in teaching staff; and 4) assumptions made by institutional stakeholders about what students know and can do. These impacts resulted in navigational work (extra work beyond typical class and assessment preparation), but also the development and implementation of navigational strategies used to cope with the new academic expectations and demands of university. The findings led to a working model that characterizes how students learn and are empowered by collaborating with teachers and acting reflexively and autonomously within a cycle of teaching, assessment, and learning that is facilitated by formative feedback. This dissertation research adds to the literature on the development of students' assessment literacies, and highlights the navigational strategies that facilitated student participants' development of assessment and other literacies as they met the academic demands of university. Increased understanding of such development and what promotes it may facilitate greater student success in the first year of university and beyond.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies
Date Created:: 2023

A System for Bounding the Execution Cost of Web Assembly Functions

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Shortt, John
Abstract:: WebAssembly is a programming language and virtual machine architecture that allows code to be executed in any environment that implements a WebAssembly runtime. WebAssembly has been formally specified using an abstract syntax, and a soundness proof of this specification has been written and mechanized. We build on this to create a system that determines a bound on the runtime cost of a WebAssembly function. We show that for a broad class of real-world programs this cost can be computed efficiently and we develop a software tool called WANALYZE that does so. The software tool is comprised of a set of algorithms that perform a series of transformations on the raw WebAssembly bytecode into forms that are more suitable for analysis. We test WANALYZE against a suite of programs of varying size and complexity and find that WANALYZE is able to successfully analyze over 99.9% of the functions in these programs.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Computer Science
Date Created:: 2023

Depth-based Patient Monitoring in the NICU with Non-Ideal Camera Placement

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Hajj-Ali, Zein
Abstract:: Depth cameras can improve the performance of patient monitoring systems without the introduction of multiple sensors in the NICU. A method was developed to correct non-ideal camera placement. The mean absolute percentage error of the method tested on 28 patients was 5.58 for camera angles up to 38.58° away from the optimal camera placement. An ROI selection method was developed and tested for the use of extracting a respiratory rate signal. The ROI selection method was found to have an average Sørensen-Dice coefficient of 0.62 and Jaccard index of 0.46. The signal was compared to a simpler method resulting in an improvement to the percentage of acceptable estimates. An intervention detection method was developed using a vision transformer model, and the performance was compared to the state-of-the-art in the field. The best model was found to achieve a sensitivity of 85.6%, precision of 89.8%, and F1-Score of 87.6%.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Date Created:: 2023

Using Bipartite Matching and Detection Transformers for Document Layout Analysis Transfer Learning

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Wilson, Joshua Randy
Abstract:: Business documents represent useful information which could benefit from automatic interpretation. The task of document layout analysis seeks to identify and localize semantic structures in documents. Contemporary techniques approach this as a strictly visual task. However, recent progress in Natural Language Processing (NLP) has enabled the incorporation of language information. Multimodal techniques have been proposed for the task of document layout analysis. These models make use of region based object detection techniques which require defining surrogate tasks such as region proposals and non-max suppression. This thesis presents LayoutLMDet, a multimodal layout analysis model. LayoutLMDet approaches object detection as a direct set prediction task as described in "End-to-End Object Detection with Transformers". Using bipartite matching, LayoutLMDet removes the need for surrogate tasks, simplifying implementation. Leveraging a pretrained transformer encoder, LayoutLMDet is able to achieve a mean average precision of 49.5 on the DocLayNet test dataset. A qualitative comparison of LayoutLMDets performance on the DocBank dataset highlights the impact of data selection.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Electrical and Computer
Date Created:: 2023

Design and Characterization of a Flame Spray Pyrolysis Apparatus to Compare Soot Emissions from Liquid Fuels

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Scott, Jason
Abstract:: This study investigates flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) as a simple bench-top tool for comparison of soot emissions from different liquid jet fuels. A sampling assembly is designed for soot collection and particle property analysis. Soot agglomerate size distributions and elemental to total carbon ratios (EC/TC) are measured for three liquid fuels and flame conditions with Reynold's numbers and burner equivalence ratios ranging from 6000 to 9100 and 6.7 to 13.1. Day-to-day variations in the dilution ratio resulted in up to 20% variability in the measured total agglomerate number density and mobility diameters. Geometric mean primary particle and mobility diameter values are below 21 and 113 nm, in excellent agreement with those emitted from jet engines and earlier works using FSP. EC/TC is higher than 0.8 for all flames burning Jet A1, but values as low as 0.55 are measured for soot emitted from SAF burning flames.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Engineering, Aerospace
Date Created:: 2023

Cobalt and Ruthenium Complexes for Vapor Phase Deposition Processes of Metallic Thin Films: Precursor Design, Surface Reaction Chemistry and Thin Film Applications

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Zanders, David
Abstract:: Atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are key techniques in the industrially highly relevant microelectronics sector. The quality of deposited thin films is strongly dependent on the precursors that are employed and the film-forming surface chemistries that they facilitate. Recently, cobalt (Co) and ruthenium (Ru) ALD and CVD processes for the deposition of thinnest metallic layers are garnering significant interest. For these materials, alternative film-forming surface chemistries other than the established ones are rarely studied. Herein, a novel ALD approach for Co is presented in which an intramolecularily stabilized reduction inducing zinc alkyl co-reagent is employed. Likewise a novel CVD route for Ru thin films using a divalent Ru precursor is presented. The resulting Co and Ru thin films are thoroughly characterized in terms of suitability for microelectronics manufacturing. Additionally, alternative Co precursor candidates are systematically synthesized, chemically characterized and their thermal properties evaluated.
Thesis Degree:: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Chemistry
Date Created:: 2023

Routing Ratio of the Directed Yao-6 Graphs

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Kalnay, William Michael Zoltan
Abstract:: Given a set of points in the plane, a directed Yao-6 graph partitions the plane around each point into six disjoint cones. Each cone has an aperture of pi /3. The cones are oriented around each point in the same manner. Then, for each point in the graph, a directed edge is added to the closest point in each of its six cones if the cone contains a point. In this thesis we present a local routing algorithm with an upper bound on the routing ratio of 1+ (38 /√3) ≈ 23 when applied to the directed Yao-6 graph. In the context of this thesis, a local routing algorithm will use only the location of the destination and the location of the points connected to the current point by an outgoing edge.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Computer Science
Date Created:: 2023

Contribution of Ionophores to Clinical Antimicrobial Resistance

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Abdelgany, Amer
Abstract:: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) contributes to approximately 700,000 deaths worldwide each year, and this number increases annually. The use of antimicrobials in animals is an increasing concern in the spread of AMR. Ionophores are a class of antibiotic widely used in veterinary medicine for growth promotion and disease prevention, but they are not seen as a contributor to clinical AMR. Nonetheless, mechanisms of resistance to ionophores and their relation to clinical AMR are not well understood. To address these questions, we evolved the opportunistic pathogens Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus in the presence or absence of ionophores in the lab. We then assayed resistance to ionophores and to conventional medically important antimicrobials (MIAs). Ionophore resistance was found in S.epidermidis, but not in S.aureus. Collateral sensitivity and cross-resistance were also found in S.epidermidis, while S.aureus showed only a decrease in sensitivity toward some MIAs.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Biology
Date Created:: 2023

Green Space, Physical Activity, and Complete Mental Health: Evidence from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Resource Type:: Thesis
Creator:: Forget, Genevieve
Abstract:: Bioecological theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1979) suggests that local green space and physical activity may be associated with complete mental health; however, evidence is mixed. Mixed findings may be attributable to the different operationalizations of variables and/or covariates that have been used. The current study used specification curve analysis to assess the robustness of associations between green space, physical activity, and complete mental health among middle-aged and older adults. Data came from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging and the Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium (n = 28,635). Green space and physical activity did not interact in most instances. Main effects of green space were mixed (49.71 - 75.26%), and median effect sizes were small (β = -0.016, 0.025). Main effects of physical activity were robust (89.47 - 97.22%), and median effect sizes were small (β = -0.036, 0.036). Results highlight that specification decisions influence the strength of associations between variables.
Thesis Degree:: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Thesis Degree Discipline:: Psychology
Date Created:: 2023

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