bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Next Q400: Evaluating the Evolutionary Options of a Turboprop
Authors: Dos Santos Tiago
Published: May 2021

The intent of this paper was to examine the possible future development that Bombardier Aerospace could make with regards to the DHC-8-Q400 turboprop. The venerable Q400 is a proven design that saw great success through the 2000’s and must now either be upgraded or replaced in order for Bombardier to remain competitive. Three proposals were examined from a high level perspective:

1. A shortened design of the Q400;

2. An extension of the Q400 design;

Each proposal was reviewed on the basis of its merits in development cost, infrastructure requirements, technical requirements, and market demand for the particular configuration. Further to this, a survey of media reports on the market desire for new turboprop acquisition and competitive airframe developers design forecast was carried out. Based on this evaluation, the extended design of the base Q400 was selected to be the best candidate for Bombardier to develop and therefore, remain successful in the aircraft development market.
The effect of traffic strategies on emissions
Authors: Orfi Mohammad
Published: May 2021

Air pollution and its relationship to the ecosystem and human life has always been the subject of a significant amount of study. The effect of highway air emissions on urban air quality has been studied for many years. This report contains a simulation of a single intersection in an urban area, using Arena®, a general purpose simulation program, and taking into account dynamic and stochastic considerations. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) emission factors for idling situations were used to measure the emission of carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxide (Nox) for the delay time. The simulation result predicts emission levels to be higher in a two-phase plan (unprotected left lane) with three different cycle times studied in this case (90, 120, and 140 seconds) compared to a three-phase plan (a protected left lane). However, the degree to which a two-phase plan is positively correlated with intersection cycle time suggests that a multi-faceted approach needs be taken in implementing modifications to reduce overall emissions.
Detection Strategies for High Slew Rate, Low SNR Star Tracking
Authors: Kazemi Laila
Published: May 2021

This research is aimed to improve star tracker performance in presence of dynamic conditions. It offers an assessment of various image thresholding and centroiding algorithms to improve star tracker centroiding accuracy at moderate slew rates (< 10 0=s). Star trackers generally have arc-second accuracy in stationary conditions, however their accuracy degrades as slew rate increases.
In dynamic conditions, blur effects add to the challenges of star detection. This work presents an image processing algorithm for star images that preserves star tracker detection accuracy and is able to detect dim stars up to slew rates less than 10 0=s. A number of algorithms from literature were evaluated and their performance in motion and simulations were measured. The primary performance metrics are false positive ratio, and false negative ratio of star pixels. This Work introduced a new algorithm for star acquisition in moderate slew rates that combines positive features of existing algorithms.
A Study of Certified Diabetes Educators: A Descriptive Exploration of the Delivery of Diabetes Self Management Support in Community Based Settings in Ontario
Authors: Haalstra Evelyn
Published: May 2021

There has been a recent shift in diabetes care from hospitals to community settings. This exploratory descriptive study used a convenience sample (n=33) recruited from the Canadian Diabetes Association Educator Sections, in Ontario, to examine the extent to which certified diabetes educators (CDEs) perceive the delivery of diabetes self management support (DSMS), in community settings and the supports and barriers that influence DSMS delivery. Overall, CDEs reported delivering DSMS at a level that reflected consistent implementation at the team level, but lacked system wide consistency. The patient support element most consistently delivered was patient involvement in decisions; the organizational element most frequently endorsed was multidisciplinary teams. Patient related factors were the most frequently reported barriers; the most frequently reported support was a multidisciplinary team approach. This is the first study to examine DSMS delivery in community settings, thus these findings serve as a baseline for future comparison.
Non-status workers and the official discourse in Canada : a case of convenience
Authors: Bidone-Kramer Cristina
Published: May 2021

This paper makes a critical assessment of the study conducted by the CIMM (Standing Committee on Immigration and Citizenship) on undocumented and temporary foreign workers. It examines records of three moments of the process: (i) minutes of meetings during the assessment phase; (ii) the CIMM Report; (iii) and the Government Response. The argument sustained throughout the paper is that government's negative representation of non-status workers is conveniently constructed to avoid policy changes and consequently sustains the irregular movement of migrants.
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members' experience with social services in the military: an exploratory study
Authors: Khan Felisha K.
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to critically explore the strengths, limitations, barriers and gaps in social services within the CAF in relation to delivery, access and uptake of social services while employed in the CAF. The study provided CAF members an opportunity to express their thoughts, ideas and opinions based on their lived experiences, and to explore creative responses and solutions to issues members face with social services in the CAF.

Presented are the findings from data collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with recently released CAF members. Themes that emerged from the research captured the lived experiences of the participants and were related to: differences between components (Regular Force vs. Reserve Force), perceived need and its effect on utilization of services, significant improvements in services post 9/11 and Afghanistan, organizational and systemic influence, impact of service providers, and better promotion of social services to the greater CAF community.
The Effect of Relative Porosity on the Survivability of a Powder Metallurgy Part During Ejection
Authors: Ogbuigwe Daniel
Published: May 2021

The desire to produce functional powder metallurgy (PM) components has resulted in higher compression forces during compaction. This in turn increases the ejection stresses and therefore the possibility of failure during ejection. This failure can be caused by sprig back during ejection due to frictional forces that are generated between the powder part and the die walls. In order to predict these factors a stress analysis of the powder part during ejection was done. Due to complexity, finite element analysis was used to model the powder during compaction and ejection. Since the ejection stage is the most critical stage of the PM process, it is essential to understand the factors that determine the survivability of a part during this stage. This work uses experimental data, finite element modeling and reliability analysis to determine the probability of failure of metallic powder components during the ejection phase. The results show that there is an increased possibility of failure during ejection as compaction pressure is increased. This information can be used by designers and process planners to determine the optimal process parameters that need to be adopted for optimal outcomes during powder metallurgy.
Domestic supply to global demand: reframing the challenge of Canadian English-language television drama
Authors: Berkowitz Irene
Published: May 2021

As online TV delivery disrupts conventional TV broadcasting and unbundles TV cable channels, allowing consumers to choose programs and TV brands more directly, hit content is “king” more than ever before. This dissertation offers a new analysis of Canadian English-language TV drama content’s failure to mature into a popular genre or robust economic sector since its introduction in the 1960s, and suggests ways that the Canadian English-language TV drama value chain might be strategically adjusted in response to global market disruption, by strengthening the development phase. The problem is approached with two methodologies: value chain analysis and qualitative field research. Findings identify weak links in the value chain and propose that the Canadian English-language TV drama content model is structurally flawed and has inhibited maturation of the sector. The study theorizes a TV drama value chain composed of 3 functional segments (develop, produce, distribute) and identifies the root of the Canadian drama problem as the creation phase, known in TV as development, analogous to the R&D phase in other industries. The theorization explains why decades of policy attention and subsidies targeted to the production phase have not substantially improved domestic or global market performance of Canadian English-language TV drama. Moreover, the reframing reveals that development and distribution are functionally linked, while the production phase is the most separate. Theorization and field research concur that a strong imperative for financial returns is essential for successful creative results, from the earliest moments of development. Conversely, a weak link to monetization negatively impacts asset creation, impairing the development phase and, in the case of Canadian English-language TV drama, inhibits its capability to compete effectively in a 21st-century drama attention economy that increasingly rewards creative excellence. Interviews with stakeholders occupying elite development positions in the Canadian and Hollywood TV drama industry confirm an urgency to upgrade development to foster transformation of Canada’s TV drama model, from one purposed for domestic supply to one driven by global demand, and in so doing, future-proof Canadian TV drama for the digital age. Against the backdrop of Canada’s unique geo-cultural position vis a vis the U.S., characterized by brain drain of high-performing Canadian TV drama creators to Hollywood and attempts by Canadian English-language TV drama to compete with Hollywood hits, this research contributes to debates on cluster upgrading, local-global linkages, and economic diasporas that focus on value capture of highly skilled professionals who seek career acceleration in global escalator regions. Findings are applicable to any nation upgrading domestic creative industries which, like TV drama, are characterized by an imperative for innovation excellence in R&D-intensive global value chains.
Comprehensive insomnia assessment following mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Zalai Dora M.
Published: May 2021

Background and Rationale: Insomnia symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) predict poor TBI outcomes. Insomnia symptoms may be caused by sleep disorders that can be effectively treated, which in turn, may improve mTBI outcomes. Previous studies have focused on insomnia symptom assessment in mTBI or evaluated samples with all TBI severities. To effectively manage insomnia following mTBI, it is important to understand which sleep disorders contribute to insomnia symptoms in this clinical group. Furthermore, it is important to extend research on primary insomnia to determine which variables are related to the perception of poor sleep among individuals who report new onset/worsening insomnia symptoms following mTBI. Objectives: (1) determine the prevalence of sleep disorders that contribute to chronic insomnia symptoms in patients with mTBI and (2) determine which objectively measured electroencephalographic and subjective variables are associated with subjective wake time and the perception of poor sleep among patients with chronic insomnia symptoms following mTBI.
Methods: Individuals with chronic insomnia symptoms following mTBI (N = 50; age 17-65; 64% females; 3 - 24 months post mTBI) participated in a multi-method sleep and circadian assessment. Sleep disorders were diagnosed according to ICSD-3 criteria.
Results: Insomnia disorder was the most common diagnosis (62%), followed by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) -44%; circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders (CRSWD) - 26% and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) - 8%. The overestimation of wake time was similar to what has been described in primary insomnia. In contrast to the REM instability hypothesis of primary insomnia, REM sleep duration was not related to subjective wake time. Both low sleep quality and feeling unrested in the morning had the strongest relationship to subjective wake time. Feeling unrested was also associated with anxiety.
Conclusions: OSA and CRSWD frequently occur among patients whose main presenting sleep symptom is chronic insomnia following a mTBI. Accordingly, objective sleep and circadian assessment should be part of chronic insomnia evaluation following a mTBI. The results imply that interventions reducing subjective wake time and anxiety could improve subjective sleep quality; however, these interventions should be mplemented in conjunction with the treatment for OSA, CRSWD and PLMD.
A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Ontario Government's Dissemination of the FDK Program
Authors: Willetts Alexandra
Published: May 2021

This major research paper applies a critical discourse analysis (CDA) to examine the Ontario government’s rationalization of full day kindergarten to the public and the underlying discursive representation of social citizenship that the government sets forth. A content analysis of nineteen textual documents identified twelve rationales for FDK. A social investment discourse was identified as the dominant discourse underlying these rationales, while a social justice discourse and a combination of both discourses was also present. A CDA of three textual documents indicated that the Ontario government employed nominalization, modality and interdiscursivity to perpetuate the social investment discursive representation of FDK. The prevalence of social investment discourse in the Ontario government’s rationalization of FDK holds important implications for advancing just and caring early childhood policy for all children and families.
Is your marriage “legitimate?”: a critical discourse analysis of Canada's policy on marriage fraud
Authors: Dullabh Vanessa
Published: May 2021

As of 2012, Canada has implemented a “conditional probationary period” for sponsored spouses or partners through immigration, influenced by a similar policy in the United Kingdom, geared to prevent fraudulent marriage. I will present a critical discourse analysis of the current policies in both the UK and Canada by reviewing the policies, parliamentary debates, media representations, and official statistics. A major finding is that defining a “genuine” or “legitimate” relationship requires such extensive knowledge of all cultures and traditions by immigration officials, that it can become problematic. I use the theoretical frameworks of biopower by Foucault (1978) and orientalism and othering by Said (1978), to explain government control on immigration as well as the control of relationships between spouses and partners, aimed at creating a specific desired population for Canada and the UK.
Towards a “Mall-Less” Suburb
Authors: Wong Stephen
Published: May 2021

The creation of suburbs has led to segregated functional spaces that once helped nourish their growth, including the shopping mall. However, as the shopping phenomenon evolves, it is crucial to reexamine this building type to accommodate changing needs and their effect on the surrounding area. Shopping malls have been important contributors to social life and through transformation, street and square life can be recreated for suburban communities. This thesis explores the formation of a square within a mixeduse neighbourhood that intertwines public and private spaces to create opportunities for social connectivity. This enhances the existing community and strengthens the relational benefits between public and private realms, and strives to establish a balanced growth. Architecture mediates public and private spaces, and redefines boundaries so that underutilized private space can be optimized and reintegrated into the suburban environment, reestablishing the social life in the suburbs.
Development of novel polystyrene composite beads for defect-free lost foam casting
Authors: Jagoo Satiendra (Uttam)
Published: May 2021

The wider adoption of the Lost Foam Casting (LFC) process by the foundry industry has been impeded by the occurrence of fold defects. It is well known that a new foamed polymer, which degrades with less thermal energy (or less endothermic) and produces fewer gaseous pyrolysis products, may be a solution to fold defects. Hence, this pioneering research was an attempt to develop novel polystyrene composite beads for the LFC process through suspension polymerization. Low molecular weight polystyrene composite beads were initially produced, and the presence of the additives inside these beads was confirmed by Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. High molecular weight polystyrene composite beads were then produced. The thermal properties of these low and high molecular weight beads were then produced. The thermal properties of these low and high molecular weight beads were studied using advanced characterization techniques such as a thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found that these polystyrene composite beads degrade faster and at lower onset temperatures of degradation than the unmodified polystyrene beads in the LFC industry to reduce casting defects.
The role of heritage in new development: conserving city identity
Authors: Kalali Samira
Published: May 2021

Garrison Commons, known today as Liberty Village, can be identified as one of the most important historic industrial districts in the west end of Toronto, due to high density and strong character of a great number of manufacturing buildings from late 19th and early 20th centuries. The purpose of this thesis is to focus on heritage value of the industrial character of Liberty Village in Toronto and, by proposing and re-programming and new sensitive re-development for the historic site, to introduce a way for a rapid growing contemporary city to develop its fast changing identity without losing the historical and cultural past. The second objective of this thesis (that may have become the primary focus of the design exploration) is to revitalize and enhance public life in the somewhat forgotten neighborhood of South Parkdale. Adjacent to industrial in its character Liberty Village, lays one of the oldest Toronto neighborhoods - South Parkdale - and underprivileged residential community of low socio-economic status, presently lacking public amenities, the community that lost its pride and is missing an identity.
Evaluating the Effects of the Physical Environment on Occupants using Post-Occupancy Building Evaluation Data
Authors: Liu Junmeng
Published: May 2021

The physical built environment has long been an area of interest for researchers and can have large impacts on occupants in terms of their satisfaction and productivity. This research thesis utilizes post-occupancy data in occupied buildings to examine the effects of the physical workstation environment and the broader building amenities on occupants. Multi-variate regression models were used to analyze the data, taking into account demographic and workstation factors, the physical workstation environment, and satisfaction with amenity features. While the explained variance in the regression models were generally small, the results showed significant effects of various demographic factors, workstation characteristics, and physical workstation parameters on components of occupant satisfaction. Analyses of satisfaction with the broader building amenities further illustrated that elements outside of the immediate workstation can influence occupant satisfaction, well-being, and organizational productivity.
Thermal Analysis of a Double Glazed Window with a Between-Panes Pleated Blind
Authors: Dalal Rasesh
Published: May 2021

A simplified two-dimensional numerical model of a window with a between-panes pleated blind has been developed using commercial computational fluid dynamics software. Knowledge of the effect of blinds on the free convection is important for understanding and predicting the impact of shading devices on the overall thermal performance of a window. Numerical results have been obtained for three fill gases (air, argon and krypton) and several blind geometries over the Rayleigh number range 10³ [less than or equal to]Ra[less than or equal to]10[to the exponent of 5]. The results show that pleated blinds can have a strong effect on window thermal performance. In addition, it has been shown that the data from a convection-only model can be combined with a simplified one-dimensional model to estimate the overall U-value of the enclosure. Using this procedure, the convection data can be applied to a window/blind assembly with arbitrary radiation parameters.
Remaining Competitive in the Global Economy Through Temporary Migrant Labour? One "Short-term" Step Forward and two "Long-term" Steps Backward in Canadian Immigration
Authors: Sullivan Patrick M.
Published: May 2021

In the last 10 years, the creation and expansion of the Low Skill Pilot Project (LSPP) has substantially increased the scope of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, ultimately eclipsing permanent immigration into Canada. The consequences, while positive for employers in the short-term, are perverse for Canada’s principles of social justice and equity in the long-term. It is also not clear whether the Project serves Canada’s immigration goals and national interests in the long term. This paper examines the LSPP’s creation and development, and analyzes short and long-term implications for Canadian society and the “Canada brand” of immigration, which refers to Canada’s image as a “destination of choice” for would-be immigrants the world over. This paper draws attention to the dichotomy of labour rights, wages and benefits of skilled and unskilled temporary foreign workers. A juxtaposition of two foreign worker categories within a dual labour segmentation framework illustrates this phenomenon.
Study of impact of sonic energy waves on the rate of precipitation of particles in liquid
Authors: Sheik-Qasim Abdisamed
Published: May 2021

The effects of sonic energy waves on the settling velocity of small particles in water were studied. A design of experiment (DOE) with five variables (frequency, amplitude, particle diameter, particle density and fluid viscosity) at two or three levels was conducted to obtain the particle settling velocity as the response. The DOE data were analyzed both experimentally and by a statistical multiple regression software. It was concluded that when sound frequency and amplitude in the range of 0 to 500 Hz and 2 to 3 Vrms (root mean square) respectively were applied to plastic particles of three different diameters (2,381 μm, 3,175 μm, and 4,763 μm) and two different densities ... their effects on the particle settling velocity in hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) solutions of three different viscosities ... were insignificant. The regression analysis gave an equation that is in good agreement with the experimental data.
OSPF for Wireless Mesh Backbone Network
Authors: Alwan Ali Mohsen
Published: May 2021

Wireless mesh network (WMN) is popular for providing decentralized and relatively inexpensive Internet access, especially in Community network and geographically challenged areas of deployment. In this thesis, we proposed using OSPF as the underlying routing protocol in the Wireless Mesh Backbone (WMB) network. We investigated the convergence and configuration issues of OSPF in WMB network. We evaluated the performance of OSPF and compared with AODV (reactive ad hoc protocol) and OLSR (proactive ad hoc protocol). We proposed using multiple subinterfaces under a single physical wireless interface in configuring multiple subnets to deal with the hidden nodes problem in WMB networks. We also proposed using the BGP protocol to interconnect multiple OSPF areas for the sub-urban topology. The performance of this approach in terms of convergence time was studied. 
Parametric design methodology for manufacturing of metallic and composite structures
Authors: Datta Saptarshi
Published: May 2021

A parametric, concurrent design methodology for manufacturing of metallic and composite structures is established. Often, during a new product development, designs prepared using the “Sequential” or “Waterfall” approach are rejected or require significant rework during manufacturing, as designers are not always versed with manufacturing principles. Similarly, manufacturers are not always versed in design principles resulting in designs that do not cater to the functional requirements. The goal of this study is to establish a methodology right from the scope to the detailed design for developing manufacturable structures using the “Concurrent Engineering” approach.
Existing literature on “Design Optimization for Manufacturing” predominantly focus on single variable optimization problems geared towards conceptual designs. The designs developed through such optimization cater towards functional performance within a “Fixed Design Space” while not accounting for manufacturing or operational challenges. The methodology developed in this study enables “Design for Manufacturing” for “Detailed Designs” through selection of a conceptual design and subsequently optimizing the selected conceptual design for a set of functional parameters. An “Integrated Product Development” approach is used, whereby, the functional requirements are linked to both design and manufacturing variables and optimization is conducted in an “Augmented Design Space” which is not available when only considering design or manufacturing variables.
Three case studies involving both “Conceptual” and “Detailed” designs have been used to illustrate the methodology presented. Case I documents the design of a Flight Control System Bracket. Case II illustrates the use of “2D” composite structures to fabricate a roll frame. Case III involves the development of a “3D” composite door for a light unpressurized aircraft. For each of the three case studies a separate development approach has been employed. Case I uses an analytical approach, Case II uses FEM while CASE III employs a hybrid approach comprising of both FEM and analytical techniques.
Development Of Dynamic Light Scattering Optical Coherence Tomography Methods For Detecting Cell Death
Authors: Arezza Nico
Published: May 2021

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques can provide information about the quantity, size, and motion of light scatterers within a volume based on temporal fluctuations in its light scattering profile. In DLS, autocorrelation functions (ACFs) are computed from light intensity vs time signals acquired from optical imaging setups. A parameter known as the decorrelation time is computed from each ACF and is inversely related to the average motion speed of scatterers within the imaging volume. Optical coherence tomography is an imaging modality that generates 2D cross-sectional images based on light backscattered from a sample, and the combination of DLS with OCT is known as dynamic light scattering optical coherence tomography (DLS-OCT).
Previously, DLS-OCT has been used to detect apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, in non-adherent leukemia cells. Cells undergoing apoptosis experience predictable morphological changes that results in an increase in intracellular motion, and therefore a decrease in decorrelation time. We applied DLS-OCT methods to quantify the decorrelation times in adherent breast cancer cell pellets that were either untreated, treated with 20 ng/mL paclitaxel for 24 or 48 hours, or deprived of media for 24 or 48 hours. The mean decorrelation times in the paclitaxel-treated and nutrient deprived groups were significantly lower than in the untreated cells (p<0.05), suggestive of increased intracellular motion due to morphological cellular changes associated with cell death.
We also investigated a new model to fit to ACFs generated by DLS-OCT of cell pellets. Typically, ACFs are fit to single exponential decay curves. We developed a model that expresses the ACFs from in vitro experiments as a sum of multiple exponential decay curves using an algorithm known as CONTIN. The curves produced by CONTIN fitted the experimental data much better than the single exponential decay fits. We speculate that the CONTIN fits, each of which resembled a superposition of three exponential decay functions, may result from light scattered from three different types of scatterers within cells, such as lysosomes, mitochondria, and nuclei.
Social media and democracy: How the Facebook usage patterns of Toronto city councilors influence political engagement
Authors: Campbell Christian
Published: May 2021

In the early days of the Internet, many political communication theorists held the utopian belief that political actors would use online tools to communicate directly with members of the public, and thereby bolster political engagement and enrich democracy. Unfortunately, studies over the past two decades found that political websites were not usually used to interact directly with the public, but instead were used to simply disseminate information in a one-way information-sharing model. However, the emergence of social media sites presents political actors with the opportunity to interact with the public far more easily than websites had previously allowed. Given the widespread adoption and high usage rates of social media sites, these online resources could potentially open up a space for public discussion about politics and allow political actors to interact directly with members of the public. Literature indicates that this type of shared space is conducive to the kind of civic mindset that leads to higher rates of political engagement. Research on political uses of social media tends to focus on the use of social media engagement. Research on political uses of social media tends to focus on the use of social media within elections, such as the 2008 U.S presidential election, and on the use of social media by national governments. I have chosen instead to examine how a group of municipal councilors in Toronto, Ontario uses social media. These politicians have the greatest need to interact directly with individuals throughout their term of service because municipal councilors are expected to know the members of their ward far more intimately than federal, or even provincial, politicians. My study focuses on the use of Facebook because literature indicates that it is the most political
social media platform and that it presents politicians with the greatest opportunity to foster political engagement online. Through analysis of the Facebook pages of Toronto city councilors this study examines the degree to which councilors use Facebook to engage their followers, whether certain citizens are consistently engaged in ongoing political discussions, and whether small communities of politically engaged citizens develop around the Facebook profiles of councilors.
What Not To Wear : Policing the Body Through Fashion Criticism
Authors: Rothschild Kate
Published: May 2021

Earlier studies investigating reality fashion television revealed that while participants and audiences are aware of mechanisms of surveillance and shame; scholarship also documented that critical distance from the program’s methods are not necessarily ideologically liberating for participants or audience. Indeed, as I argue and document in this current study, participants in reality fashion television shows remain caught in a pernicious power dynamic that is part and parcel of these shows. Specifically, by exploring examples from three popular fashion reality television programs—America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway, and Fashion Police—and by considering theories of fashion, gender, and power, I question the problematic ways in which popular media talk about fashion and clothing choices. Further, by drawing on Michel Foucault’s concepts of disciplinary power, I critically examine the judgments and assumptions that fashion critics impose on participants whose sartorial appearance they may find wanting. More generally, my study investigates the limitations of the widely accepted belief that fashion is a form of self- expression while I end with some more positive examples of fashion advocacy.
A 10 Gbps 4-PAM CMOS serial link transmitter with pre-emphasis
Authors: Li Minghai
Published: May 2021

This thesis presents the design of 10 Gbps 4-PAM CMOS serial link transmitters. A new area-power efficient fully differential CMOS current-mode serial link transmitter with a proposed 2/4-PAM signaling configuration and a new pre-emphasis scheme is presented. The pre-emphasis inthe analog domain and the use of de-emphasis approach decres pre-emphasis power and chip area. The high-speed operation of the transmitter is achieved from the small voltage swing of critical nodes of the transmitter, shunt peaking with active inductors, multiplexing-at-input approach, the distributed multiplexing nodes, and the low characteristic impedance of the channels.

The fully differential and bidirectional current-mode signaling minimizes the noise injected to the power and ground rails and the electromagnetic interference exerted from the channels to neighboring devices. A PLL containing a proposed five-stage VCO is implemented to generate multi-phase on -chip clocks. The proposed VCO minimized the phase noise by keeping a constant rising and falling time. Simulation results demonstrate that the current received at the far end of a 10 cm FR-4 microstriop has a 4-PAM current eye width of 185 ps and eye hight of 1.21 mA. It consumes 57.6 mW power with differnetial delay block, or 19.2 mW power with inverter buffer chain. The total transistor area of the transmitter is 26.845 ....excluding the delay block.
Child life specialists' perspectives on collaboration with schools
Authors: Pershick Sarah
Published: May 2021

As paediatric patients transition from the hospital environment, there is a lack to programs and supports to assist in this transitional phase. The child life specialist plays a unique role within the interprofessional team of professionals in the hospital. They provide paediatric patients and their families with psychosocial services such as age and developmentally appropriate coping mechanisms. A mixed-method study was conducted through qualitative semi-structured interviews, and a survey to explore how child life managers and frontline child life specialists perceived their role expanding outside of the hospital. five themes emerged from questions asked in the interviews and surveys. These themes include: role perceptions, collaboration with health care professionals, collaboration with school professionals, challenges to collaboration and recommendations for the role expansion. From these five themes, thirteen sub-themes emerged spontaneously. The findings of this research study indicate that there is a consensus from both child life managers and specialists on the value of expanding their role beyond the hospital. although considered an essential service in some hospitals, further steps need to be taken to ensure child life specialists feel that their services are validated in the hospitals.
A DAM Alternative : Increasing Access To The Image Permanence Institute's Photograph Collection Using Adobe Bridge
Authors: Reamer Melissa C.
Published: May 2021

Implementing a digital asset management (DAM) system can be an expensive and complicated endeavor, especially for non-profit organizations with limited budgets and technical staff. This applied thesis project presents an alternative to tradition DAM systems by utilizing the browsing and searching capabilities of Adobe Photoshop Bridge. For this project, hundreds of photographs were digitized and assigned keywords. By applying descriptive keywords to the digital images and using a file naming structure that references the physical location of the original objects, the objects in the Image Permanence Institute's photograph collection become more accessible to researchers and staff. In addition to providing a workflow, this thesis provided information of digitization techniques and standards.
Smartlife: A Point of Intelligence for Wireless Sensor Networks in Ubiquitous Environment
Authors: Haq Anwar
Published: May 2021

As home becomes more technologically advanced nowadays people not only need to protect their homes and families from theft or fire, but from carbon monoxide, excessive heat or low temperatures, flooding as well as monitoring their loved ones while they are away. In this research Project, we present the design case for an intelligent embedded system (Hardware and Software) called "SmartLife". We build a working prototype for SmartLife which is made up of tiny sensors, mobile devices, appliances and personal computers from diverse sources. Considering diversity in smart home environment the architecture must be open and flexible to embrace a variety of entities without any special favor towards particular participants or target domains. SmartLife will be the point of intelligence in the smart home environment (complete pervasive environment) which not only communicates with wireless sensors network (monitor & control) but also provides a secure state of mind to elderly homeowners. The work introduces the basics of uClinux kernel as well as the differences between uClinux and the general purpose operating system Linux. It also introduces FPGA based softcore CPU NIOS-II as an embedded platform for our research project. Our uClinux based architecture provides an integrated and comprehensive framework for building pervasive applications. We describe the design and implementation of our architecture as well as building SmartLife application within it.
FPGA-Based Stereo-Vision System Mimicking Human Binocular Vision
Authors: Labartkava Gvarami
Published: May 2021

Human vision is a complex system which involves processing frames and retrieving information in a real-time with optimization of the memory, energy and computational resources usage. It can be widely utilized in many real-world applications from security systems to space missions. The research investigates fundamental principles of human vision and accordingly develops a FPGA-based video processing system with binocular vision, capable of high performance and real-time tracking of moving objects in 3D space. The undertaken research and implementation consist of: 1. Analysis of concepts and methods of human vision system; 2. Development stereo and peripheral vision prototype of a system-on-programmable chip (SoPC) for multi-object motion detection and tracking; 3. Verification, test run and analysis of the experimental results gained on the prototype and associated with the performance constraints; The implemented system proposes a platform for real-time applications which are limited in current approaches.
System-Wide Enhancement Of Distribution System Voltage Stability Operations
Authors: Hamlyn Alexander
Published: May 2021

To take on the challenge for improving the distribution system voltage stability, this thesis research carried out an extensive study of the stability issues and available technology dealing with the stability problems. Load shedding, Load reduction through transformer tap changing, reactive power compensation, and DG control are investigated in detail.

The new strategies proposed, and formulations presented, in this thesis research, are designed for carrying out the corrective actions against voltage instability with a great degree of feasability to achieve optimal operations. A new concept of composite power was developed in this thesis research, for prediction of the trend of voltage stability, and a novel prediction of voltage stability and consequently determination of corrective actions was formulated.

A detailed hardware/software based development of the algorithm and strategy for voltage stability enhancement was presented. A detailed set of case studies for verification of the voltage stability enhancement was developed.
An investigation into a small wind turbine blade design
Authors: Zafar Sayem
Published: May 2021

The objective of the project was to design a small wind turbine blade which is aerodynamically efficient and easy to manufacture. Preliminary aerodynamic analysis concluded NACA 63-425 to be the most efficient airfoil. Blade geometry was determined after calculating baseline geometric values for low drag which was then used to calculate power. Blade's structural integrity was studied using ANSYS® software. Tested results yielded that a single layer of E-fibreglass-epoxy is good enough to sustain the prescribed loads. The results were used to calculate the total weight of the blade which was then used to determine the start-up speed.
Overall the project was successful in designing a wind turbine blade that produced 450 [W] of electrical power at 4[m/s] wind speed with the start-up speed of around 2[m/d]. The project fulfilled its objective which was to design a more effective wind turbine blade with manufacturability in mind.
A Study on Radial and Axial Temperature Effects on the Growth of Bulk Single Crystal of SixGe1-x in Bridgman Setting
Authors: Shemirani Mehdi Mohammadi
Published: May 2021

This research explores simulation of the growth of large diameter single bulk crystals of silicon and germanium alloy from its melt utilizing Bridgman method. Producing homogeneous single bulk crystals requires a good understanding of the thermo-solutal behavior in the solvent region. This study also suggests certain fundamental scientific aspects of this alloy system which are not well considered to date, and which underlie both the homogeneity and obtaining relatively flat solid liquid interface of the SixGe1-x alloy. These aspects are the diffusion and transport of silicon and germanium in the molten alloy. Both three and two dimensional numerical simulations of thermo-solutal convection in solvent region were examined. The whole simulation scheme was applied to a cylindrical model representing the sample to investigate the aforementioned phenomena in the entire process. It was found that the application of axial magnetic field had no significant effect on the buoyancy driven convection in the solvent region. However, conducting the microgravity environment simulation has shown that the removal of the gravitational force on the solvent region would result in a homogeneous solidification. As an alternative, this study has found that both axial and radial temperature gradients play a role in the solidification process. Controlling this phenomenon, along with two other factors such as applied uniform temperature and reduced pulling rate, would help achieve a homogeneous single bulk crystal with more uniform silicon distribution in the solvent region, more specifically near the solid liquid interface and produce a flat shape interface which is most desired shape in industry.
In-Situ Analysis of Incipient Melting and Characterization of a Novel Al-Cu Alloy for Cylinder Head Applications
Authors: Andilab Bernoulli
Published: May 2021

Incipient melting of secondary phases during solution heat treatment of Al alloys is detrimental to their mechanical properties. In this research, incipient melting was analyzed in-situ using a high temperature Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope (LSCM) in a novel Al-Cu alloy. Thermal analysis and microstructural analysis were carried out on the alloy cast at fast and slow cooling rates to examine the resulting solidification and microstructural characteristics. The results showed that incipient melting was accompanied by a clustering liquid droplets followed by a complete melting of Al2Cu which occurred at approximately 548 ℃. Additionally, the use of LSCM enabled an understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind incipient melting. It was also found that incipient melting led to microstructure that consisted of a higher presence of ultra-fine eutectic clusters, needle-like Al2Cu and porosity along the grain boundaries. Lastly, the solution heat treatment temperature was optimized for the Al-Cu alloy using the data from LSCM, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and solution heat treatment experiments.
Defeating the Purpose of Multiculturalism: a Case of Hate on Campus
Authors: Bettencourt Laura
Published: May 2021

This paper examines the student newspaper at two Toronto universities: Ryerson university and York university to uncover the manifestation of hate motivated activity on campus. The findings capture a striking contradiction between an articulated understanding of official multiculturalism in Canada and the reality of persistent and pervasive hate activity on campus. I argue that hate motivated activity impacts the social processes of exclusion for racialized students in Toronto universities. Using a social exclusion framework I examine how the nature and extent of hate motivated activity materialize as a means of constructing the ‘Other’ within university spaces. Moreover, these systems of meaning support patterns of domination and exclusion, all the while exposing the fallacy multiculturalism in Canada. In order to bring this to light, this study re-conceptualizes, contextualized and problematizes hate activity in the Canadian context, specifically in relation to the university.
Professional glamour and feminine mystique: Barbara Moon's Style in words and wardrobe
Authors: Couturier Myriam
Published: May 2021

‘Glamour’ is a term usually reserved to describe celebrities and fashion personalities. This research project proposes that glamour can also be performed by highly skilled professional women to assert themselves in the workplace and challenge gender expectations. Years before the publication of the Dress for Success books in the 1970s, women were already entering typically masculine environments and negotiating their professional identities through fashion and personal appearance. This paper provides a case study of one woman’s wardrobe, donated to the Ryerson University Fashion Research Collection in 1997. Its owner, Barbara Moon, was a highly respected journalist and magazine editor who worked in Toronto from the 1950s to 1990s. Through material culture approaches, as well as textual and discursive analyses, Moon’s wardrobe was examined and situated within the social and professional contexts in which it was worn. Connections were drawn between the themes she explored in her writing, and her elegant self-presentation.
Content-independent orientation detection with histogram of optimized local binary pattern
Authors: Dong Nan
Published: May 2021

This thesis is primarily concerned with the introduction of a new approach to the general problem of automatic image orientation detection. Inspired by the local binary pattern (LBP), a luminance, rotation and scale invariant and content-independent algorithm is proposed, namely: Histogram of Optimized Local Binary Pattern (HOOPLBP).

Whilst the proposed approach is essentially generic, the core application considered in this study is human face orientation detection. To detect the face orientation, a general face model is trained using the HOOPLBP feature. The experiment show a very impressive result. Integrating this result with other face related techniques will facilitate some applications. To this end, this thesis propose a hybrid face detection system. Specifically, the new system aims to detect both upright and tilted human face in digital images. In the scheme, several face related algorithms are integrated to achieve difference tasks in different stages. In addition, two modified systems are used in this thesis to detect faces in both grayscale images and color images. The HOOPLBP is a new and robust method in automatic image orientation detection. It can be improved by other techniques and also can be used in many other fields. The future work is also included in the thesis.