bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing Fourth Year Nursing Students' Assumptions, Anticipations and Realizations of Long-Term Care: Learning Through Critical Reflection
Authors: Indar Alyssa
Published: May 2021

This qualitative descriptive study explored the assumptions, anticipations and realizations of fourth year undergraduate nursing students regarding aging, gerontological nursing and LTC, as they engaged in critical reflection during their LTC placement. The use of skilled facilitation in guiding the critical reflection activities was theoretically underpinned by critical creativity (McCormack & Titchen, 2006). The key findings indicated that the nursing student understanding during their placement experience could be described by their experiences of relationships, contextual factors and feelings. These findings may inform researchers, educators and policy-makers in enhancing the nursing student experience in the LTC setting. Furthermore, the application of critical creativity (McCormack & Titchen, 2006) may be utilized in various contexts.
Media Agenda-Setting and Gatekeeping: The Twitter Takeover of Traditional Mass Media Practices Through the Use of Networked Journalism
Authors: Gene Vandon
Published: May 2021

With a growing number of people moving away from traditional sources of information providers, towards new online sources, it has become evident that the agenda setting and gatekeeping functions of the past have been altered. Due to such alteration, it can be said that the profession of information dissemination has all but evaporated into a cesspool of opinion that has been framed to uphold the viewpoints of a particular ideology. While most studies to date have been effective in highlighting the alteration of agenda-setting and gatekeeping, this paper attempts to focus on the shift in such practices, away from traditional mass media institutions, to a new form of media through the practices of networked journalism. In order to demonstrate the following, this paper uses the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election as a case study. Tweets from traditional mass media institutions, new media institutions (such as thought opinion leaders), and the public are collected and examined in relation to information dissemination, via topic coverage. An analysis of these tweets confirms such shift in agenda-setting and gatekeeping, where the powers of information dissemination move away from traditional mass media institutions, towards a model of information that is dependent upon the public and its engagement of such information. This study is part of a larger body of research on the twenty-first century phenomenon of publicly sourced information dissemination in the networked society. In focusing on the shift that is occurring within society, this study will contribute to future publications on a similar topic
An interferometric study of free convective heat transfer at an indoor glazing with an insect screen attachment
Authors: Zalcman Daniel
Published: May 2021

Free convective heat transfer from an idealized window with an insect screen attachment was studied using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. An experimental model was set up with an isothermal plate, two commercially available screens (KHP=8.74×10-9 m2, tHP=0.29 mm and KLP=3.40×10-9 m2, tLP=0.65 mm) and window to screen spacings of b=2 cm and b=1 cm. Heat transfer measurements using finite fringe interferograms were taken at a Rayleigh number of Ra=5.30×107 based on window height. Infinite fringe interferograms were taken for temperature field visualization. Screen temperature was also measured. Experimental results were compared to a preliminary CFD model developed with SolidWorks Flow Simulation and show good agreement. The results show that an insect screen produces a reduction in the convective heat transfer from the indoor glazing. The current measurements show that the effect of window to screen spacing is small. Results from this study are expected to be used for the validation of CFD models and for the development of correlations.
Threatened or threatening? The framing of asylum seekers from the United States in the Canadian newsprint media
Authors: Brdjanin Ana
Published: May 2021

Following the implementation of Donald Trump’s Executive Order Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States, Canada has seen an increase in asylum seekers irregularly entering the country from the United States. The Canada-US Safe Third Country Agreement is viewed as the main factor why asylum seekers have been crossing irregularly rather than at official border crossings. This study examines how the Canadian newsprint media has been framing these asylum seekers by analyzing 83 articles published in the National Post and The Globe and Mail between January 27, 2017 and April 27, 2017. A directed content analysis and social constructionist lens revealed seven dominant framings of asylum seekers, with the ‘victim/human rights’ framing occurring most frequently. The results of this study show that asylum seekers are more frequently being framed positively than negatively, a likely result of Canadian attempts at national self-differentiation from a negatively-perceived America.
The interaction between photovoltaic materials and building forms
Authors: Qiu Liming
Published: May 2021

There is an intrinsic relationship between photovoltaic materials and building forms; although there are numerous imaginations and concepts about buildings integrated photovoltaic materials. The relationship between these two components needed to be identified and examined in the process of architectural decision making.

This thesis explores the relationship between photovoltaic materials and building forms in particular geographical and climatic environments through case studies and then proposes an architectural design project. Based on the research suggestion, the design illustrates how a recreational facility adopts an approximate building form for photovoltaic integration and how the concept is developed. Some implications and principle for solar design are summarized in the final chapter.
Probabilistic Program Execution is a Viable Way to Find Domains from Software
Authors: Sangha Jasdeep Kaur
Published: May 2021

Program domains are useful in many areas of software engineering including software reliability, testing, and program comprehension. Program paths provide understanding of program dynamic behaviour. In this work, we show that it is possible to extract domains and the paths they represent from software using program execution based algorithms.

This thesis looks at five different execution based algorithms for identifying the domains/paths. These algorithms work differently to generate the domains from a possibly infinite set of possible paths. Two of the algorithms utilize an operational profile that describes the probability distribution of possible inputs. This allows them to generate the most important paths first.

These program execution based algorithms were explored using some simple functions. The results showed that the Probabilistic Execution algorithm produces the domains in the strictly most significant order, limited only by the equality of the integration available. The Monte Carlo Execution algorithm provided almost the same accuracy but is somewhat simpler. Of the algorithms that do not utilize operational profiles, Random Execution worked the best.
Building Community in Pavão-Pavãozinho : Architecture as a Process of Urban Upgrading in Informal Settlements
Authors: Ng Krystyna
Published: May 2021

Self-built structures in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil are the primary housing reaction to the city’s increasing population, densification, and lack of affordable housing. Known as favelas, these communities are often categorized under the same impoverished conditions when in reality; each is uniquely distinct in their character and response to context. As such, architecture that seeks to create longevity and sustainable change must treat each community with distinction.

Upon recognition that favelas are a permanent condition in Rio de Janeiro, this thesis considers self-building as a socially sustainable opportunity to improve impoverished living conditions. In the specific community of Pavão-Pavãozinho, the project proposes a site-specific architecture that seeks to mend the complex relationship between the formal and informal sectors of the city. Through an understanding of existing favela patterns, the design explores how architecture can both integrate and support existing self-building processes
Fuzzy database for medical diagnosis
Authors: Parvin Rehana
Published: May 2021

A challenge of working with traditional database systems with large amounts of data is that decision making requires numerous comparisons. Health-related database systems are examples of such databases, which contain millions of data entries and require fast data processing to examine related information to make complex decisions. In this thesis, a fuzzy database system is developed by integration of fuzzy inference system (FIS) and fuzzy schema design, and implementing it by SQL in three different health-care contexts; the assessments of heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and liver disorders. The fuzzy database system is implemented with the potential of having any form of data and tested with different types of data value, including crisp, linguistic, and null (i.e., missing) data. The developed system can explore crisp and linguistic data with loosely defined boundary conditions for decision-making. FIS and neural network-based solutions are implemented in MATLAB for the mentioned contexts for the comparison and validation with the dataset used in published works.
A Discourse Analysis of Peel District School Board Documents: Situating the Realities of Black Male Students
Authors: Lettman Stacy-Ann
Published: May 2021

This paper used a methodology of Critical Discourse Analysis to examine the education of Black males in the Peel District School Board. Using a theoretical framework comprised of anti-Black racism I examined four documents published by the Peel District School Board: Safe Schools Policy, Equity and Inclusive Education Policy, We Rise Together report, and Fighting an Uphill Battle: Report on the Consultations into the Well-Being of Black Youth in Peel Region. My findings revealed three main discourses evident from the policy documents, which are the following: 1) institutional/systemic racism, and 2) discourse of fairness, objectivity, and neutrality, and 3) Whiteness. I conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for Black males and Black families.
The characterization of MCEF : an AFF transcription factor associated with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and HIV-1
Authors: Shawaf Zainab Al
Published: May 2021

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) results from environmentally-triggered in utero translocations between the Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) gene and partner genes. In the most frequent cases of ALL, this partner gene is one of the AF4 family (AFF) of transcription factors. The newest AFF member to be discovered and cloned is AFF-4/AF5q31/MCEF. MCEF interacts with a transcription factor necessary for transcription of HIV-1. In addition, evidence suggests that male knockout mice are azoospermic. Therefore, the characterization of MCEF is clinically and theoretically important. The purpose of my research was to further characterize MCEF. In this paper, I first review the AFF members, focusing on MCEF. I then show a series of experimental results addressing MCEF isoforms and HIV-1 repression domains, as well as the generation of anti-MCEF antisera. Finally, I highlight intriguing results with live virus replication assays that suggest how MCEF could be exploited as a therapeutic target for AIDS.
Statistical Model Based Digital Image Retrieval and Fragile Watermarking
Authors: Yuan Hua
Published: May 2021

The objective of this thesis is to acquire abstract image features through statistical modelling in the wavelet domain and then based on the extracted image features, develop an effective content-based image retreival (CBIR) system and a fragile watermarking scheme. In this thesis, we first present a statistical modelling of images in the wavelet domain through a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) and a generalized Gaussian mixture model (GGMM). An Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithm is developed to help estimate the model parameters. A novel similarity measure based on the Kullback-Leibler divergence is also developed to calculate the distance of two distinct model distributions. We then apply the statistical modelling to two application areas: image retrieval and fragile watermarking. In image retrieval, the model parameters are employed as image features to compose the indexing feature space, while the feature distance of two compared images is computed using the novel similarity measure. The new image retrieval method has a better retrieval performance than most conventional methods. In fragile watermarking, the model parameters are utilized for the watermark embedding. The new watermarking scheme achieves a virtually imperceptible embedding of watermarks because it modifies only a few image data and embeds watermarks at image texture edges. A multiscale embedding of fragile watermarks is given to enhance the embeddability rate and on the other hand, to constitute a semi-fragile approach.
Examining interprofessional collaboration, patient care, student training, and the effectiveness of individual cognitive behavioural therapy provided at an urban family health team
Authors: Rouse Jennifer R.
Published: May 2021

Mental illness is highly prevalent in Canada and costs the Canadian economy and health care system billions each year. Yet, Canadians generally do not have access to evidence-based psychotherapy that is considered a frontline treatment in countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia. Family health teams (FHTs) have been proposed as a way to improve access to mental health treatment. Yet, limited research has been conducted on the inclusion of Psychology into FHTs or the training of graduate students in this emerging field. To address this research gap, the novel treatment delivery and student training model at the Ryerson University Psychology Training Clinic (PTC) and St. Michael’s Hospital’s FHTs was examined in two studies. First, a pilot study examined the effectiveness of individual CBT provided by graduate students to patients with a primary anxiety or depressive disorder. Eighty percent of participants either no longer met diagnostic criteria for their primary mental disorder or were in partial remission. They experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of overall mental health, depression, and anxiety. As well, participants expressed a high level of satisfaction with the services received and reported having a positive working alliance with their student psychotherapist. Results indicate that student-delivered psychotherapy in a FHT setting is an effective treatment delivery model. Second, a two-part mixed methods study was conducted evaluating perspectives on patient care, interprofessionalism, and student training through an online study and individual interviews with health care providers, clinical supervisors, graduate students, and patients. Results from this study indicate that the PTC was a positive addition to the FHTs that improved access and provided patients with high quality mental health services. Generally, high levels of interprofessionalism were reported, though some drawbacks and individual differences were noted. The PTC was described as a valuable training experience. The importance of supervision and specific interprofessional and FHT training was highlighted. Findings from these studies represent a worthwhile contribution to the FHT and primary care psychology literature. Furthermore, the inclusion of Psychology and student trainees into a FHT appears to be a successful, viable option to improve access to effective mental health services.
The Spectacle of Development: The Semiotics of Representations of the Global South
Authors: Seburn Ruth-Anne
Published: May 2021

The ethics of the image creation practices of modern development and humanitarian NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs) exist in a complex realm of colonial legacies and historically misguided development approaches. Through a semiotic analysis of the top images on ten Canadian NGO websites, combined with an interview with a Communications Director, this research examines the underlying messages presented about people in the Global South to audiences in the Global North. In order to present legible narratives to an audience of varying perspectives, signs, symbols and allusions which have become enregistered in the cultural lexicon are utilized to present a world that is at once the same as and yet simultaneously widely different from our own. These semiotic tools, which are often used to distract from larger socioeconomic inequalities, can be highlighted to not only analyze how people in the Global South are represented, but how they could be represented more truthfully and ethically.
A House of Three Birds*
Authors: Sabanadesan Sajith
Published: May 2021

Architecture and architectural drawings typically focus on known parameters – known programs, events, location, materials, known experiences. A House of Three Birds* grapples with how to draw the unknown, the sublime, the liminal – the ineffable experience of architecture. Normative architectural drawings rely on creating what we see using conventions that allow for a clear understanding of their desired outcome, providing little interpretation of the author’s meaning and intent. This design research focuses on providing a method of translation that engages the viewer within the space of the drawing, encouraging the drawing to become more than what is shown. No longer static, the drawing becomes a dynamic entity, generating and proliferating unexplored outcomes. This design research oscillates between the act and product of drawing to develop a series of experimental plots where one is not told how to participate, but is instead, inventing ways to participate.
Experimental determination of solvent gas dispersion in vapex process
Authors: El-Haj Randa E
Published: May 2021

Canada has about one-third of the world's known petroleum reserves in the form of heavy oil and bitumen, which can meet our energy needs for the next two centuries. In this context, the vapor extraction (Vapex) of heavy oil and bitumen has drawn considerable attention in recent years. Not only this process has the potential to sequester greehouse gases besides requireing low energy costs and capital investment, but also the capability of in situ upgrading of heavy oil. At present, there is a significant interest in the determination of the dispersion of solvent gases during Valex in order to predict the amount and time scale of oil recovery as well to optimize the field operations. Not much research has been done so far to investigate dispersion in presence of fluid flow that is transverse to gravity such as in Vapex. In this work, the dispersion of butane solvent gas is determined as a linear function of its concentration in heavy oil and bitumen based on Vapex experiments carried out in the Transport Modeling Laboratory at Ryerson University. A cylindrical wire mesh, which had a cavity of 21 cm high and 6 cm diameter, packed with homogenous porous media satursated with Athabasca heavy oil was used as a physical model for heavy oil vapor interface. The physical model was packed with three different sizes of glass beads. The permeanbilites of the different homogenous glass beads packing were tested. For each model, an experiment was conducted at a room temperature with ± 0.5oC variation, and pressure close to butane dew point with variation ± 0.007 MPa. Under these conditions, the physical model was expose to a butane solvent gas, which  diffuses into physical model, and gets absorbed in Athabasca bitumen. As a result of the gas absorption, a significant reduction in viscosity was experienced. The diluted live oil was drained along the solvent vapro/oil interface under the action of gravity. The decrease in mass of the physical model was measured and recorded every 1 minute. Average live oil viscosity, average density, and average dissolved butane mass fraction in Athabasca bitumen sample were determined to be 2.742 cP, 0.86 g/cm3, and 0.48 respectively.

These experiments were simulated by a mathematical model, which was used to determined the dispersion coefficient of butane gas into Athabasca bitumen. The dispersion coefficient of butane gas was considered as a linear function of its concentration in the porous media. The mathematical model was numerically solved using finite difference method. Different values for dispersion coefficient and butane saturation mass fraction were used in the simulation. Steepest decent method was used to iteratively evaluate dispersion coefficient and minimize the error. The optimum values of dispersion coefficient and butane gas saturation solubility in Athabasca bitumen were determined by matching the calculated and experiemental values of live oil production.
Investigating the effectiveness of Blue Flag as a tool for environmental protection
Authors: Klein Laura Marie
Published: May 2021

Beach certification schemes, such as Blue Flag, have become prevalent in the current literature as a beach management tool that is said to bridge the gap between recreation and conservation. There has been limited research done to determine if Blue Flag is actually being successfully used as a tool for environmental protection. This study investigates the effectiveness of Blue Flag as a management tool for environmental protection in Ontario. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with beach managers along the shoreline of the Great Lakes who represent a municipality involved in the Blue Flag program. The key findings of this research reveal that currently Blue Flag is not being used as an effective beach management tool for environmental protection. This study provides indication that beach managers do not think that municipalities adopting Blue Flag will have a direct impact on improving the health and protection of the Great Lakes.
The Pedagogy of Participatory Video
Authors: D'Alimonte Stephen
Published: May 2021

The primary objective of my MA thesis project is to examine the possibilities of fostering a critical sensibility amongst Toronto urban youth by use of popular education activities and then to put these critical skills to work in the form of documentary production. I was able to perform this practical aspect of my project as part of a field placement in the Spring and Summer of 2009. During this placement I was able to provide youth (aged 14-19) in the Lawrence Heights community of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (colloquially known as "Jungle") with both the critical and technical skills necessary to create a documentary about their community and the issues that exist therein. Having these videos in hand, I am now able to reflect on both the process and the theoretical grounding of my fieldwork (which is done in this paper) as well as create an interactive and virtual home for the videos created last summer and any more that, in the future, might come ·out of the model that I implemented (www.whatisjungle.org).

With my primary objective in mind, the greater, long-term, goal of my project is to help youth become more engaged with their community and begin to ask questions about their, and other, so-called "at-risk communities". I do not intend on this project '· being the final say on such an objective. Rather, it is only the beginning of a larger objective to help foster a positive sense of community in neighbourhoods negatively portrayed in the media and to help these residents become more civically engaged in order to create social change.
Applying supervised learning algorithms on information derived from Social Network to enhance recommender systems
Authors: Behzadfar Hesaneh
Published: May 2021

The aim of this research is to show how social networks can be used for marketing purposes. This is implemented with the assistance of learning algorithms. The method proposed in this research is based on the analysis of “Support Vector Machines”, which facilitates analysis of all information gathered from the social websites. It differs from other methods currently being used by social networking websites, which do not take advantage of classification.

By using public information from social networks, a dataset was formed. It comprised of a thousand users and seven features. The examined features were location, age, gender, occupation, relationship status, and average travel time/year. In this research, the dataset will be examined twice: first using a regular SVM; and next by using “Weighted Feature Support Vector Machines”. For the latter, to assign weights, a method called “Pairwise Comparison” will be used to rank the importance of features.
What drives meme virality? A quantitative study of meme shareability over social media
Authors: Cohen Jonas
Published: May 2021

The internet meme is a recent phenomenon in the mass media industry, but its etymological route can be traced back over 4 decades, when evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins decided to coin a “monosyllable that sounds a bit like ‘gene’”. Memes carry the prolific characteristics of a parasite, and can be as common as a catchphrase. This aspect of memes has revolutionized the way content is consumed on digital platforms, and therefore the advertising of content on such platforms This research examined how recognizability, humour and shareability each impact meme virality. This research found positive correlations between recognizability and virality, humour and virality; and shareability and virality.
Thermal and Optical Performance of Granular Aerogel Glazing After Accelerated Ageing
Authors: Novik VAdim
Published: May 2021

The glazing portion of a window has dual but conflicting functions where it is required to provide views to the outside, but also have good thermal resistance. Glazing is usually one of the weak points in the thermal envelope and tends to age quicker and to a higher severity. The combination of granular aerogel inside a glazing cavity is still relatively new product, but could offer both great thermal and optical performance. Currently available durability data for granular aerogel glazing is scarce. Accelerated ageing was used to generate real life equivalent stresses of 13.5‐74 years by exposing a set of samples to several climatic conditions. The center of glass U‐value increased by a maximum of 4% after accelerated ageing in the oven and the temperature cycling machine. A maximum reduction of 211% was measured in the visible transmittance after accelerated ageing climatic and humidity chambers.
Strategies and scripts: an investigation of masculine identity and casual sex
Authors: Cosma Stephanie
Published: May 2021

This study analyzed men’s lifestyle websites within the Pick-Up Artist (PUA) community. Employing a feminist post-structural framework, this analysis investigates how heterosexual masculinity is constructed online and aims to examine how sexual activity with multiple women is positioned as valuable to men. Four interpretive repertoires emerged: uncovering the natural —mental and physical work were required to access an authentic, natural maleness; militarization — men were rallied to defend male privilege; feminine commodities for building masculinity — women’s bodies were situated as commodities used to demonstrate achievement of masculinity; and pressured pursuit — men were urged to be the directors of sex and to overcome the obstacle of female consent. PUA authors disavowed the importance of women, though sex from women operated as a central requisite for convincingly achieving masculinity. Key tenets of neoliberalism were regularly present, where male readers were urged to decide to improve and cultivate their outward appearance, behaviours, and subjectivity.
Exploring the lived experience of the Social ABCs parent-mediated intervention study
Authors: Fenwick Melanie Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

In light of the paucity of research investigating the impact on the family of parent-inclusive
models of intervention for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), this
study explored the lived experience of families involved in the Social ABCs parent-mediated
intervention for toddlers with ASD. Influenced by phenomenological inquiry, semi-structured
interviews were conducted with seven parents from six families. Parents were asked a range of
broad open-ended questions, some of which were guided by the literature on family outcomes of
early intervention for children with disabilities. Using thematic analysis, the findings revealed
several themes that highlighted the impact of the Social ABCs intervention on the child, the
parent, and the family as a system. Five themes are discussed as they provide insight into the
lived experience of families involved in the intervention: impact on child, impact on parents,
impact on the family system, feasibility of implementation, and reflections on the Social ABCs
experience. These findings may be useful for informing practice, policy and program
development related to early intervention for young children with ASD and their families.
Barriers to Under-Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening Services and Practices Among Asian Immigrant Women in Canada : A Review of Literature
Authors: Chung Karen Kieu Giang
Published: May 2021

This paper was among the first to critically examine literature on factors that impede Southeast Asian immigrant women's access and utilization of cervical cancer screening services. 46 articles examining Southeast Asian women and their utilization of Pap testing were analyzed using the core concepts of the Health Belief Model. Individual perceptions, (i.e. Asian cultural beliefs and traditions), and cues to action (i.e. physician recommendations) were most influencing on Southeast Asian immigrant women's participation of cervical cancer screening services. Proposed recommendations from reviewed literature were examined, addressing solutions that can potentially minimize these factors. Providing Asian immigrant women with culturally and linguistically appropriate education materials, and increased physician education were the most frequent recommendations proposed in the literature. More field research is needed in this area, including the development of culturally-sensitive interventions and strategies for enhancing Southeast Asian women's participation in cervical cancer screening.
The application of an early-warning biomonitoring system (EWBS) in a Canadian context
Authors: Dort Andrea
Published: May 2021

A nationwide jurisdictional analysis of drinking water frameworks was conducted to identify the political backdrop for the integration of the EWBS. Canada demonstrates no consistency in drinking water regulations and policies for EWBS application. While it is not possible for all specific contaminants to be monitored, the EWBS has the potential to effectively detect classes of contaminants applicable nationwide. A case study site was investigated for potential use of the EWBS. The general finding indicated that, despite having an advanced plant, unpredicted spills from upstream industries will continue to represent potential hazards for Walpole Island First Nation. Copper was identified as a contaminant of concern for the study site and was applied in behavioural bioassays using Daphnia magna. Three responses were examined upon exposure to varying concentrations of copper and results indicated change in swimming height as the most sensitive response for utility in an EWBS, followed by immobility.
A study to assess the content validity of the modified engulfment scale-family version
Authors: Aiello Andria
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted to assess the content validity of the Modified Engulfment Scale - Family Version (MES-FV) which measures the impact of schizophrenia on a family member’s self-concept and on the identity of the family as a whole. The concept of family engulfment offers a perspective for understanding how a family member’s self-concept and a family’s identity might incorporate the experience of mental illness. Evidence of content validity was sought by computing a content validity index (CVI), based on ratings of item relevance by seven experts. Case studies, and domain and item matching were also used to obtain evidence pertaining to the content validity of the scale. The study results show strong evidence for the content validity of the MES-FV. The results of the case studies, and domain and item matching were particularly useful in extending the understanding of the relevance ratings (CVIs) which were given for certain MES-FV items.
Implementing an inclusive policy in an early childhood education setting : a case study
Authors: Nishimura Haruko
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perspectives and ongoing experiences of a transdisciplinary team responsible for the implementation of an existing policy on the inclusion of children with special needs within a community-based childcare centre. Four factors were identified as impacting the team’s ability to effectively implement and sustain the use of the policy over time; 1) understanding about inclusive practices, 2) collaborative team meetings, 3) mutual respect for expertise and 4) resources and supports. The findings assist in developing an understanding of the sustainability of inclusion policies within the context of a specific childcare centre housed in a university campus of a large Canadian metropolis.
Subcarrier availability in OFDM systems with imperfect carrier synchronization in deep fading noisy doppler channels
Authors: Noor Litifa S
Published: May 2021

In this thesis, we investigate the performance of a multi-user OFDM system under imperfect synchronization which is caused due to noise, Doppler shift and frequency selective fades in the channel. Analytical result indicates that the SNR degrades as the average power of the channel impairments such as AWGN, carrier frequency offset due to Doppler frequency and fading gain is increased.The SNR degradation leads to imperfect synchronization and hence decreases the total number of subcarriers available for allocation. Based on Monte Carlo analysis, 22% loss in the number of allocatable subcarriers is noticed under imperfect synchronization as compared to perfect synchronization. We utilize empirical modelling to characterize the available number of subcarriers as a Poisson random variable. In addition, we determine the percentage decrease in the total number of allocatable subcarriers under varying channel parameters such as AWGN, Doppler frequency and fading gain. The results indicate 19% decrease in the number of available subcarriers as average AWGN power is increased by 10dB; 44% decrease as the Doppler frequency is varied between 10Hz to 100Hz; and 56% decrease as the fading gain is varied between 0dB to -30dB. Furthermore, the evaluation of an adaptive subcarrier allocation algorithm under imperfect synchronization. Hence, radio resource allocation for multicarrier systems should consider the percentage loss in the available subcarriers under imperfcet synchronization.
Exploring dominant child protection discourses: new possibilities for practice
Authors: Samater Nimo
Published: May 2021

This research study focuses on attachment theory as a dominant discourse in child protection and the experiences of child protection workers. The literature on attachment theory and its influence on Eurocentric/Western knowledge is reviewed. As well, the use of reflective practice in child protection practice is discussed. This study includes qualitative interviews with three child protection workers in Southern Ontario who discuss their practice. Four emerging themes were derived from the narratives of the participants: recognition of attachment theory as being the pinnacle of child protection practice, use of observation as a tool to assess attachment, use of reflective practice and lastly, the stigma of Children’s Aid Society and impacts on practice. The findings in this study suggest how practice is led by policies and standards of the child welfare system and is rarely challenged. The need for the child welfare system to validate parent/child beliefs, values and practices from various ethnicities is discussed.
Time-Frequency Signal Synthesis and Its Application in Multimedia Watermark Detection
Authors: Le Lam
Published: May 2021

A novel approach is proposed in this thesis to synthesize the time domain chirp signal from the joint time-frequency distribution (TFD). The objective is to reconstruct the original signal from its corrupted version. The new signal synthesis technique is based on the Discrete Polynomial Phase Transform (DPPT) and the TFD of the signal to be synthesized. The TFD is used to separate the mono-component signals from a multi-component signal. The DPPT is then applied on the estimated mono-components to have a final synthesized version of the individual time domain signals. The candidate TFD to be used in the synthesis technique is chosen from a group of common TFDs based on their performance with different types of signals. The criteria for the comparison are joint time-frequency localization, low susceptibility to noise, cross-term suppression and the precision of the instantaneous frequency estimated from these distributions. Smoothed Psuedo Wigner-Ville Distribution is chosen as the processing TDFD in the proposed signal synthesis technique. The proposed chirp synthesis technique is applied to detect the presence of the chirp signal embedded as a watermark message in multimedia security applications. The technique can detect the presence of chirp signals from a corrupted chirp with a bit error rate up to signal synthesis is proved to be less than that of the detection method based on the Hough Radon Transform and the proposed signal synthesis technique may also be used as an error correction tool in other applications.
Genetic and Proteomic Analysis of RNA Polymerase Ii-Interacting Complexes Mediator and Integrator in the Ciliated Protozoan Tetrahymena Thermophila
Authors: Cadorin Matthew D. R.
Published: May 2021

In most eukaryotes, the largest subunit of RNAPII, Rpb1, contains a conserved carboxyterminal domain (CTD) containing a canonical structure of heptapeptide repeats. Two protein complexes of interest, Mediator and Integrator, are known to interact with this CTD in all eukaryotic models they have been described in to date. Recently, orthologs of Mediator and Integrator subunits have been identified within the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila; one of the few eukaryotic lineages to lack a canonically organized CTD. To begin to characterize putative Mediator and Integrator complexes within T. thermophila, I engineered appropriate macronuclear tagging and knockout cassettes. Although the Tetrahymena MED31 ortholog was unable to rescue the slow growth phenotype of a yeast MED31 knockout, or co-purify with yeast Med8-TAP, I identified subunit Med3 as a member of the Med31 interactome in T. thermophila through tandem affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry. I also targeted the Tetrahymena INTS6 locus for knockout as determined by colony PCR. If Mediator and Integrator exist in Tetrahymena despite its divergent CTD of Rpb1, perhaps these complexes have CTD-independent functions beyond what can be effectively studied using conventional model systems.
The application of best available technology in dealing with Ontario's waste electric and electronic equipment : a case study
Authors: Pryshlakivsky Jonathan
Published: May 2021

This study seeks to inquire into the impacts of pursuing a comprehensive Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) program similar to the system in the European Union in the Province of Ontario. O. Reg. 393/04 WEEE seeks to establish a weight-based system of recycling end-of-life (EOL) electronics. BAT revenue projections would make for a profitable endeavour across the first five years of the program, with reductions in pollution and operating costs from primary ore refinement. Sensitivity analysis reveals that the BAT scheme profitability exceeds the "do nothing" option across all price ranges (including worst case scenarios), while, at the same time, results in increased susceptibility to market volatility. A cost-effectiveness study showed that the investment in a new integrated smelting operation would still be more cost-effective than the "do nothing" option. This study points to the need for further research into market incentives regarding the amount of collected electronic waste.
Development of signal processing for the broadband near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Schelkanova Irina
Published: May 2021

Development of signal processing for the broadband near infrared spectroscopy
A theoretical and methodological foundation for In My Mother's Kitchen
Authors: Quintana Javiera
Published: May 2021

"My project is an exploration of family history, cultural identity, the immigrant experience, and autobiography, presented in the form of a cookbook. This collection of recipes is centred on my mother, Margarita Quintana and the recipes acquired and developed during her life. I use the backdrop of the kitchen as a setting to connect the many stages of her life both in Chile and in Canada and also to explore how the kitchen connects my mother, my grandmother, and me. While Margarita's experience is unique, it helps provide much needed insight into the lives and processes of migrant women on a larger scale. Using this recipe book, I tell the story of Margarita Quintana, and how she fits into a larger cultural, political, and genealogical context. Margarita Quintana is a Chilean immigrant and a Canadian with a history of social and political activism. She is also a mother, a social worker, a university graduate, a host parent for international students and a psychotherapist in training. Her life is heavily shaped by her upbringing in a working class family in Chile, in a domestically abusive household, and as a surrogate caregiver to her four siblings. Margarita's experiences connect the stories of three generations of women in our family across two continents.

My paper provides a methodological and theoretical framework for the project. In the first section, I explain my epistemology, methodology, and research methods. In the second section, I provide an extensive review of the literature surrounding food in relation to identity, culture, gender, and memory. These readings span across disciplinary boundaries including anthropology, Sociology, cultural studies, and gender studies"--From Introduction, pages 1-2.
An examination of responses to laboratory stressors in individuals with bulimia nervosa compared to those without a history of eating disorders
Authors: Linett Andrea
Published: May 2021

The association between perceived interpersonal stress and symptoms of bulimia nervosa (BN) has been well documented. In line with this association, recent research is focused on better understanding common factors of BN and social anxiety (SA; e.g., fear of negative evaluation, perfectionism) that might contribute to the maintenance of BN symptomatology. Thus far, the extent to which stress affects individuals with BN and co-occurring SA has not been extensively studied, despite the high comorbidity of these two disorders. Using an experimental paradigm, the present study explored the effects of different stressor-types on individuals with BN, as well as the potential impact of SA symptoms and related factors on stress response in this population. A total of 56 females participated in this study: 28 diagnosed with BN, and 28 controls without a history of eating disorders. All participants completed self-report measures and underwent three laboratory stressors: a modified version of the Trier Social Stress Test (a psychosocial stressor), a carbon dioxide challenge (a physiological stressor), and a body image stressor (an eating disorder specific stressor developed for use in this study). Subjective and cardiovascular responses were measured. Contrary to hypotheses, significant between-group differences in stressor response were not consistently revealed. An examination of Cohen’s d values, however, suggested that the magnitude of group differences represented practically significant effects. Notably, participants within both groups reported decreased levels of hunger and desire to eat in response to each stressor. Also inconsistent with hypotheses was that neither SA symptoms nor associated factors consistently predicted stress reactivity in either group. Moreover, in the BN group, similar magnitudes of response were revealed across the three stressors. Implications and suggestions for further research are discussed. Although binge eating was not behaviourally measured, the finding that different stressor-types did not lead directly to increased hunger and desire to eat is notable and consistent with the cognitive behavioural theory of BN. With continued study of SA-related factors in association with BN symptomatology-- particularly in the context of stressful events-- further insight into the maintenance of this disorder might be revealed for a subset of individuals with comorbid BN and SAD.
Mechanical properties of ZEK100 Mg alloy
Authors: Li Yuntao
Published: May 2021

Low rare-earth containing magnesium (Mg) alloys are considered lightweight structure materials and are wildly used in automotive and aerospace industry. Tensile and fatigue behaviors are two important mechanical properties of metallic alloys. This research focused on the tensile and fatigue properties of ZEK100 Mg alloys. Microstructure of ZEK100 alloy contained equiaxed grains and exhibited relatively weaker texture compared with other RE-free Mg alloys. During tensile test, as the strain rate increased, yield stress, ultimate tensile strength and hardening capacity increased, but the elongation decreased. Strain rate was found to influence tensile properties of ZEK100 Mg alloy. The stress controlled fatigue test showed that as the stress ratio increased, the stress amplitude and the fatigue life both decreased. Fatigue crack was observed to initiate from specimen surface, and crack propagation was characterized by fatigue striations.
Development of a fiber optic torque sensor and a single channel, high precision optical strain measurement platform
Authors: Burgwin Nicholas
Published: May 2021

Fiber optic sensors based on Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) technology have been successfully adopted for sensor measurements for almost two decades. The advantages offered by FBG sensors, such as Electro-Magnetic Interference immunity and inherent intrinsic safety, provide motivation for the development of a commercial measurement platform. With the development of an FBG Fabry-Perot cavity, a sensor with sub-picometer spectral width allows for a factor of 1000 times improvement in strain measurement.

This thesis presents the development of a highly-accurate optical measurement platform based on the FBG Fabry-Perot cavity and Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) laser locking technique that is demonstrated through the development of an optical torque sensor. With the fiber optic sensor designed as per the PDH requirements, the platform achieved a measurement accuracy of +/-0.015% of the full-scale torque value of 188N∙m. With the platform at ~$2,000, a successful
demonstration of the platform and a fiber optic torque sensor is presented.