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  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Research Publications

    Digital Collection
    Description:
    Articles, book chapters, working papers, reports, and other research works by members of the Carleton University academic community.
    0Collections
    421Works

  • Ice Island and Iceberg Fluxes from Canadian High Arctic Sources

    Resource Type:
    Report
    Creator:
    Crawford, Anna, Copland, Luke, Mueller, Derek, and Van Wychen, Wesley
    Date Created:
    2023-02-22

  • The emerging technology collection at Carleton University Library: supporting experiential learning in the university curriculum

    Resource Type:
    Poster
    Creator:
    Cross, Emma
    Abstract:
    The emerging technology collection at Carleton University is a successful collaboration between the Library, Discovery Centre for Undergraduate Research & Engagement and Information Technology Services. Starting with a pilot project in Jan. 2015, the collection now provides access to over 40 pieces of technology equipment for loan. The poster will discuss benefits and challenges associated with this project and the value of shared Library space for the development and delivery of an innovative new service. Conference poster presented at the Ontario Library Association SuperConference on Friday February 3, 2017.
    Date Created:
    2017-02-03

  • Threshold Concepts for Teaching Information Literacy in the Classroom

    Resource Type:
    Poster
    Creator:
    Tudin, Susan
    Abstract:
    Poster presented at the Teaching & Learning Symposium, Carleton University, May 11, 2016
    Date Created:
    2016-05-11

  • Research can be fun!: Recruiting future students by showcasing Library resources at Carleton

    Resource Type:
    Poster
    Creator:
    Tudin, Susan and McLeod, Margaret
    Abstract:
    A 9 person team of library specialists taught 10 half-day mini sessions to 15 students during the week of May 3-7, 2010 and explored different areas of the MacOdrum Library’s collection that incorporated innovative, academic research techniques. Poster presented at the Canadian Library Association National Conference. Ottawa: May 30-June 2, 2012.
    Date Created:
    2015-05-30

  • Report on the State of Alternative Energy in the Arctic

    Resource Type:
    Report
    Creator:
    Keyte, Lawrence, Dufresne, Vincent, Mallett, Alexandra, Cherniak, David, and Schott, Stephan
    Abstract:
    This report provides a contemporary snapshot of domestic energy usage in Canada’s Arctic (spanning Yukon in the west to Nunatsiavut in the east) with a focus on how Northern jurisdictions meet their electricity and space heating needs. Specifically, the research team investigated the role of alternative energy options, including the governance, policies and financial analysis of these sectors. The team also examined the emerging field of energy conservation and efficiency measures, which have featured prominently in recent years. The report also examines eight case studies from across Canada’s Arctic regions, which represent a cross-section of northern alternative energy and energy efficiency technologies, including both public and privately-driven projects. Each case study includes a project description, objectives and drivers, the role of policy, and a description of barriers, outcomes, success factors and lessons learned. The case studies are divided into five operational case studies, describing projects already constructed and producing renewable heat or power, or reducing demand-side energy loss, and three forward-looking case studies, representing projects still under active development. The report concludes with suggested areas for research and policy recommendations regarding energy system planning, financial policy, and education, engagement and collaboration, in the Canadian Arctic context.
    Date Created:
    2015-09-21