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- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Svidler, Peter
- Abstract:
- The Canadian buildings sector is responsible for 13% of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. As such, mandatory and voluntary building codes are becoming increasingly stringent on requirements for highly insulated wall assemblies to reduce building heating loads, thereby reducing emissions. However, traditional means of insulating a wall significantly increase its thickness and in scenarios where the building's footprint is constrained this causes a decrease in indoor living space and a reduction in the home's market value. To address this, this thesis proposes thin, highly insulated wood-frame wall assemblies which incorporate highly performing insulation materials. A variety of such novel wall assembly designs are developed and modelled for thermal performance. Three of these designs are tested using the guarded hot box method described in ASTM C1363. It is found that the proposed wall assembly designs provide sufficient thermal performance with little increase in wall thickness compared to traditional wood-frame walls.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Applied Science (M.App.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Engineering, Sustainable Energy
- Date Created:
- 2022
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- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Darwazeh, Darwish
- Abstract:
- Energy submetering at the equipment level provides a tool to control energy consumption and improve equipment energy use. Virtual meters (VMs) are a cost-effective alternative to physical meters that can capture unmetered energy flows at the equipment level and provide building stakeholders with details that support their operational decisions. The virtual metered energy can be presented through interactive visualizations that allow users to interact with the graphical representations based on their operational needs to gain insights that would facilitate decision-making processes. This thesis aims to develop a suite of virtual metering algorithms to characterize unmeasured energy flows across critical heating, ventilation, and air conditioning components and present the virtual metered energy through effective visualizations that allow user interaction to gain insights into building operational decisions. To this end, the thesis structure consists of three main parts that develop equipment-level virtual meters and a standalone visualization tool to visualize the virtual metered energy. In this first part, an integrated inverse greybox AHU model is developed using data collected from a highly instrumented AHU serving an academic building in Ottawa, Canada. Optimal values of model parameters are used to create VMs that estimate the heat supplied by the heating coil, the heat extracted by the cooling coil, and the heat gains due to the supply fan. In the second part, VMs that estimate the heat added by zone-level perimeter radiant heaters are developed using steady-state, transient, and load disaggregation inverse modelling approaches. The models are trained using data collected from 18 zones in an academic building in Ottawa, Canada. The accuracy of the VMs is assessed by comparing the heat estimated by the VMs to measurements obtained from physical meters installed in the 18 zones. The modelling approaches' performance is evaluated by comparing model inputs, data processing, and the accuracy of the VMs. The third part utilizes the virtual metering algorithms presented in the first two parts in developing a standalone interactive visualization tool that illustrates equipment-level virtual metered energy trends. The potential of the visualization tool for assisting decision-making processes and improving building energy performance is demonstrated through illustrative examples.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Engineering, Environmental
- Date Created:
- 2022
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- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Cave, Diana
- Abstract:
- This thesis examines the Ottawa Public Surveillance Project announced in July 2019 as planned for the ByWard Market, but never implemented. The thesis relies on frame analysis of news articles and public documents, 11 open-focused interviews with people supporting or opposing the initiative, and social media data. The project was framed as a response to violent crime, but many Ottawa residents understood and promoted surveillance in the ByWard Market as a deterrent for the presence of marginalized people from the area more generally. Other nuances in public support for and opposition to CCTV are examined. My research unearthed that the Ottawa police quietly dropped the project, and, in an internal document, stated CCTV was not an evidence-based best practice, although the provincial government and other Ontario police forces continue to promote CCTV. Organized resistance in Ottawa likely played a role in stopping the project, and implications of this are discussed.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Sociology
- Date Created:
- 2022
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- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Nguyen, Phuoc Tyler Ton-That
- Abstract:
- Current toxicity tests have high monetary costs, efficiency issues and ethical concerns. New approach methodologies, such as transcriptomic dose response modelling (TDRM), are increasingly being used to address these issues. This thesis aimed to combine the TDRM method with an acute zebrafish embryo model exposure to determine effective concentrations for chemicals of concern (plasticizers and plastic monomers). We hypothesized that the TDRM methodology would be more sensitive and informative than traditional apical endpoints derived from acute fish exposures. We found that transcriptomic endpoints were more sensitive than apical endpoints for the majority of chemicals tested. However, several challenges related to experimental design and RNA sequencing were encountered and recommendations were given for future studies to address these challenges. Overall, the TDRM methodology, when combined with the zebrafish embryo model, shows promise as an effective tool for screening and prioritizing chemicals of concern.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Biology
- Date Created:
- 2022
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- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Wilkes, Julia Antoinette
- Abstract:
- This thesis is an examination of the relationship between journalism and social media. It begins by exploring the current landscape of journalism in the digital age and to what extent the benefits of social media are being harnessed by journalists, and what can happen when social media is misused by journalists. It continues with analyses of interviews with eight practicing journalists on their experiences working with social media and their employers' expectations of them. This thesis maintains that, despite its downfalls, social media remains a valuable tool for reporters and newsrooms. It also recognizes that there is a significant gap in communication when it comes to the expectations of how social media should be used by journalists and how they are currently using it. It concludes with a proposal of emerging best practices and potential stipulations for the future implementation of newsroom social media policies.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Journalism (M.J.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Journalism
- Date Created:
- 2022
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- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Richardson, Mitchell
- Abstract:
- Agricultural riparian zone microecosystems provide opportunity for mitigation of pollution transport and greenhouse gas emissions. In order to make recommendations to farmers as to best management practices, temporal variations in gas fluxes between the soil and atmosphere must be considered, and the controls on soil-gas behaviour must be better understood. In this study, CO2, O2, CH4, and N2O subsurface concentrations and surface fluxes were monitored with an average temporal resolution of 4 hours, along with soil temperature, soil moisture content, and barometric pressure from the beginning of May until the end of November 2021 at an active, arborous, agricultural riparian zone in St. Albert, Ontario. The results show varying control of barometric pressure, soil temperature, and moisture content on short-term changes in soil gas concentrations and emissions depending on the overall environmental conditions under which these changes in controlling parameters occur.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Earth Sciences
- Date Created:
- 2022
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- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Ibrahim, Rami F.
- Abstract:
- Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) outperformed machine learning in image classification. Their human-brain alike structure enabled them to learn sophisticated features while passing images through their layers. However, their lack of explainability led to the demand for interpretations to justify their prediction. Explainable AI (XAI) proposed collaboration between technology and humans to provide more insights into CNNs. This study presents a novel explainable model called Augmented Score-CAM, built on top of the existing Score-CAM and the existing image augmentation techniques. This model adopts the image augmentation approach by producing augmented class activation maps and merging them into one activation map. In addition, we introduce a novel taxonomy analysis for XAI models that interpret CNNs. The taxonomy categorizes the models into architecture modification, architecture simplification, feature relevance, and visual interpretations. After that, we review XAI evaluation metrics, application areas, and tasks. In the end, we discuss XAI challenges and address some concerns, and provide suggestions to improve their performance. This study improves AI systems interpretation by adding Augmented Score-CAM visual explanations. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of incorporating visual explanations in AI systems to improve user trust in decision-making.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Information Technology
- Date Created:
- 2022
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- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Larose, Meghan Beth
- Abstract:
- Through my subjectivity as a non-binary, trans* vocalist, I am acutely aware of the sounds I have been enculturated to produce. Drawing on theories of vocality (Eidsheim 2019; Azul 2015), transition (Constansis 2013; Constansis and Foteinou 2017), and improvisation (Caines 2021), I analyze the relationship between voice and perceptions of gender by exploring the concept of transition as it is performed by my voice during the first seven and a half months of testosterone treatment (mid-June 2021 - January 2022). I contextualize my experience within historical and medical notions of gender and examine it through autoethnographic methods and creating an experimental music video, Trans*Vocal. I open up and make myself vulnerable in the hope that greater knowledge of trans* experience will bring appreciation for "non-normal" vocalizations. I aim to problematize our current language surrounding gender, voice, and transition and depict transition as a natural part of anyone's vocal journey.
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Music and Culture
- Date Created:
- 2022
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Investigating the Utility of self-Explanation for Learning to Program through Translation Activities
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Caughey, Michael James
- Abstract:
- Programming is challenging for novices to learn. Code tracing is a foundational programming skill that involves simulating a program's execution. Translating lines of code into plain English explanations of what it does should allow students to better understand a program while code tracing. Translations is similar to self-explanation, a general mechanism that helps learning by making inferences beyond the instructional materials. This thesis investigates whether self-explanation via translation of programming syntax to plain English helps students learn to code trace, in a between-subjects study (\emph{N} = 44). We created two versions of a computer tutor that guides novice programmers through code-tracing problems. In the experimental condition, students were asked to translate lines of code during code-tracing activities, while in the control condition students were only asked to code trace. The experimental group performed significantly better on translation and code-generation questions, but the control group performed significantly better on code-tracing questions
- Thesis Degree:
- Master of Cognitive Science (M.Cog.Sc.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Cognitive Science
- Date Created:
- 2022
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- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Creator:
- Bron, Ian G.
- Abstract:
- Whistleblowing is an important prosocial activity, one which facilitates the early detection and correction of misconduct and deters future misconduct. Recognizing this, many governments have signalled its legitimation by enacting legal protections for public sector whistleblowers, including in the Westminster governments of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The success of whistleblowing regimes in these jurisdictions is contested, however, as mismanaged programs and retaliation against whistleblowers continue to make headlines. This presents a conundrum. Previous studies have established that if failures accumulate and visible successes are few, employees will lose trust in the regime and use it less, if at all. This would constitute a public policy failure and undermine the implicit long-term goal of improved governance. Departing from previous research approaches, this dissertation uses historical and rational choice institutional theory to test the hypothesis that whistleblowing regimes are born of crisis, but the extent to which they are effectively implemented is dependent on ongoing bureaucratic and political support. This support is contingent upon the regime being consistent with existing institutional arrangements and incentives. When it is not, dysfunctional responses to whistleblowing will continue. Three case studies are presented in order of regime enactment, with the United Kingdom in 1998, Canada in 2005, and Australia in 2013. Process tracing was used to examine three embedded units of analysis: pre-regime institutional development, whistleblowing regime implementation, and the factors effecting regime performance. The findings partially confirm the hypothesis. The whistleblowing regimes followed a similar pattern, but there were two triggers for whistleblowing legislation - punctuated equilibrium after a crisis, or isomorphism to boost legitimacy, driven by political exigencies. Support is fleeting, moreover, as political actors quickly shift their attention to different priorities. Administrative actors adopt several strategies to resist the regimes, including shaping them to be less threatening, unenthusiastic enforcement, and continued reprisals. Although the regimes do conform to Westminster conventions and norms, these have been eroded as political actors have intruded into administration and taken control of incentives. These favour responsiveness to political direction and the suppression of bad news, undermining the intent and performance of the whistleblowing regimes.
- Thesis Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Thesis Degree Discipline:
- Public Policy
- Date Created:
- 2022