bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image Processing Techniques For Improved Sun Sensor Performance
Authors: Li Christopher
Published: May 2021

The behaviour of digital sun-sensors and associated super-resolution algorithms was explored. Using calibration data, a method was proposed to model the peak width of peaks across the image array. Using this with the non-linear least square algorithm gave improved performance across the field-of-view. A test was proposed that would measure precision for small sensor motions. Also, a method of accounting for local bias error was given. The small motion test defined limits at which the sensor detects motion, and the precision test gave metrics to measure how well the sensor renders motion. Finally, an extended kalman filter was developed that used sun-vector measurements, in addition to a new relative measurement. This was tested using a well-defined sensor as well as a generic sensor for which few error data were known. Results indicate that relative measurements only improve performance if random noise is low.
Two-stream fusion edge detection network
Authors: Almawi Hasan W.
Published: May 2021

This thesis introduces a method to combine static and dynamic features in a
convolutional neural network (CNN) to produce a motion and object boundary
prediction map. This approach provides the CNN with dynamic and static
cues and information, thus improving its predictions. The spatial stream of
the CNN learns to compute an object boundary prediction map from a single
RGB frame, while the temporal stream learns to compute a motion boundary
prediction map from the corresponding optical ow map. The streams are
then combined through an encoder-decoder architecture, where the decoder
learns to fuse the features from both streams to obtain a task specific output.
The proposed method yields state-of-the-art results on a motion boundaries
benchmark, and systematic improvements in object boundaries benchmarks
over methods that solely rely on static features extracted from a single RGB
frame.
Multifactor Systematic Risk Analysis Based on Time-varying Signal Processing Models
Authors: Vo Luan
Published: May 2021

This thesis applies the time-varying signal processing models to track the multifactor systematic risk in the Fama-French model. The mean reverting, random walk and random coefficient models are used to analyze the time-varying multifactor beta based on the multivariate Kalman filter algorithm. The sudden changes in the mutifactor beta ar e captured by the piecewise constant model. Our case studies explain the impacts of economic events on the sudden changes in betas for both individual stocks and industrial portfolios.

We propose a new time-varying beta model based on a piecewise mean reverting process to express the effects of different types of events on the multifactor beta.The tracking of the piecewise mean reverting beta, using the modified multivariate Kalman filter with the maximum log likelihood estimator, outperforms the traditional piecewise constant and random walk models as demonstrated in our simulations. The empirical tests indicate that the new model effectively captures the different changes in beta depending on the type of event.
Highlights of a Trip to Hell: Contextualizing the Initial Receptions of Larry Clark's Tulsa
Authors: Green William  T.
Published: May 2021

Released in 1971, Tulsa, American artist Larry Clark's career-launching first photobook, is today remembered as marking a watershed moment in American photography. This paper travels back to the era that Tulsa was first published to examine the book's initial critical reception and significance within that specific cultural and artistic climate. It presents an abbreviated overview of Tulsa's gradual creation; illustrates the ways in which the book was both similar to and different from other commonly cited contemporaneous works; and surveys its evolving status and reputation throughout the 1970s and into the early 1980s, when its second edition was published. This paper ultimately argues that Tulsa's critical success and current iconic cultural status was neither as immediate nor as consistent as previous accounts have led us to believe, but was instead the result of both Clark's unrelenting perseverance and the exciting time period in which it came of age.
Survival and proliferation of an opportunistic pathogen in mixed species biofilms
Authors: Ghadakpour Mahtab
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction between an opportunistic pathogen and mixed community biofilms, in terms of integration, proliferation and subsequent release. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 was used as the test strain in conjuction with community biofilms obtained from sink drains. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis showed that PAO1 could successfully incorporate into the community. The relative abundance of PAO1 in the biofilms was dependant on the order of inoculation. Biofilm cell yield was studied using conventional plate counting, CLSM and flow cytometry, which revealed that PAO1 became a dominant community member. Cells were released from the biofilms in the form of single cells, duplets and aggregates of various zies. Detached aggregates were often observed to contain PAO1 and community members. It was also determined that association with communities provided PAO1 with increased protection against EDTA but not against streptomycin, when applied at planktonic minimal inhibitory concentration.
Questioning Normativity: Exploring the Experiences of Autistic Adults Who Have Undergone Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)
Authors: Freitas Brittany Garcia
Published: May 2021

In this research project I use a narrative methodology to explore the experiences of four autistic adults who have undergone applied behaviour analysis. By drawing upon the work of the neurodiversity movement and implementing a critical disability theoretical framework, I have sought to present the experiences and perspectives of participants as well as provide an analysis of the role of ableism in the systems in which they participated. Through positioning the lived experiences of this study’s participants as a credible and trustworthy source of knowledge, I have called into question the ethicality of applied behaviour analysis techniques and implementation by problematizing the way in which it positions autistic traits as deviant and limits the self-determination and autonomy of its subjects. I have subsequently provided recommendations and points for reflection to the field that may serve to decrease the harms described by the participants of this study.
Performance Driven Design Space Exploration for Multi-Objective Optimization Using Stability in Competition
Authors: Sehgal Summit
Published: May 2021

Multi Parametric Design Space Exploration (DSE) for optimal micro-architecture synthesis is an extremely complex yet crucial stage in embedded systems development. Often it is very time complex to find the best suitable configuration to map the inherently contradictory performance parameters into systems silicon real estate. Owing to its exponentially exploding design space and multi way combinatorial mapping, DSE has proven to be notoriously hard and intractable for VLSI CAD tools. The presented work introduces a highly scalable and generalized analytical approach to identify the best configuration of systems architecture while maintaining prime accuracy resolution. This DSE approach coupled with
Interactive QoS browsing for web service selection
Authors: Sambamoorthy Preethy
Published: May 2021

In most of the current research works on Quality of Service (QoS) based web service selection, searching is usually the dominant way to find the desired services. This approach comes with the potential problem of framing search queries properly due to requestor's lack of knowledge or vague requirement about QoS attribute values.

In this thesis, we propose an interactive QoS browsing mechanism that uses the concept of clustering to present the QoS value distribution to requestors followed by finer views of service quality. By analyzing various QoS attributes, we believe that the symbolic interval data is a proper type of representation, compared with the single valued numerical data. Therefore, we use interval data clustering algorithms to implement our browsing system. We conducted experiments on simulated QoS datasets to compare the performance of using different distance measures and show the effectiveness of the interval data clustering algorithm used. The result of the experiments show that the proposed approach provides an effective, user guided QoS based service selection approach that can conceivably overcome the problems with current approaches.
Appropriateness and appropriation: examining Modernist couture connections to Edwardian lingerie and boudoir clothing
Authors: Zygowski Anna K.
Published: May 2021

This research explores material artifacts of Edwardian lingerie and Modernist couture through their cultural and material connections. Material culture theories of communication and production were used to examine garment artifacts from both Eras, while a conceptual framework provided a space to develop material outcomes and knowledge based upon research. Key findings from the research show that the cultural commodification of the female body, increased female agency and the fragmentation of social structures resulted in the development of specialized garments uniquely suited to the cultural requirements of the Modernist Era. Cultural producers continually adapted design practices and transformed dress signifiers of value in a cycle of appropriation and transformation. In addition, the appropriation of labour intensive Edwardian Era Lingerie techniques by Modernist couture houses supported the development of exclusive commodities whose design process was key to preventing devaluation through counterfeiting. Ultimately, a collection of garments resulted from a design exploration of these techniques, using action and practitioner research.
Video and Audio Fusion for Streaming Applications
Authors: Lu Wei
Published: May 2021

This thesis explores a technique for the fusion of streamed audio and video services for real-time applications. It discusses certain novel techniques used to overcome the problems with video and audio synchronization over the Internet of a tele-bot. We have developed a demonstration called the WAX, at the Network-Centric Applied Research Team (N-CART) laboratory located within the School of Computer Science at Ryerson University. WAX is equipped with an onboard camera and a microphone, as well as a 2.4 GHz wireless transceiver for transmitting video and audio feeds, and at the same time receiving commands from the WAX robot server. By launching a web browser and loading the Java client applets, a user can see as well as hear what is around WAX in near real-time, while being able to move the robot around its environment.
An overview of passive optical networks and components
Authors: Bala Kanchan
Published: May 2021

Over the past few years, telecommunication networks have experienced a dramatic shift from traditional voice-dominated traffic to data-oriented, application-based traffic. The access network or the last-mile connecting households or businesses to the internet backbone, have been recognized as a major bottleneck in todays network hierarchy. The ongoing demand for new access networks that support high-speed (greater than 100 Mb/s), symmetric, and guaranteed bandwidths for future video services has been accelerated and the search for a cost-effective optical access solution has yielded a number of possible solutions. To satisfy the required bandwidth over a 20-km transmission distance, single-mode optical fiber is a natural choice. Passive Optical Networks (PONs) are promising access solutions that will open the last-mile bottleneck bringing data rates of 100 Mb/s to 1 Gb/s to the end-users.

The goal of this work is to provide a cohesive overview of research done in the area of Fiber In The Loop (FITL) optical access technology. Specifically, it explores the area of Passive Optical Network (PON) : its history, variants, architecture, and standards. Various passive optical components which make a passive optical network work, are also discussed. Some laboratory emulations on RF over PON showing noise, distortion, and fading in the channels are then carried on using the Vector Signal Generator SMIQ03B (Rhode & Schwarz), and the Wireless Communication Analyzer WCA380 (SONY Tektronix).
Security-integrated nuclear process access control
Authors: Cheung Helen
Published: May 2021

The intent of this thesis research is to develop a concept/methodology to advance technologies for controls of network accesses to the industrial processes of safety/operation-critical and to contribute to the nuclear process control modernization with improved nuclear operation security and consequently increased nuclear safety and cost savings. This thesis is focused on the security-integrated nuclear process network-access controls for modernizing nuclear operations.

This thesis research commenced with assessments of the current states of nuclear processes in the live nuclear generating stations and identified improvements on the current nuclear practices and security concerns of using the network-based intelligent features of modern process controls for nuclear operations.

This thesis has created SNP - Security-integrated Nuclear Process, OBAC - Operation Based Access Control, NOAA - Nuclear Operation Access Authentication, CSM - Cost Savings Model, etc. as the fundamental developments for contributions to the nuclear operations modernization with improved operation security and subsequently increased nuclear safety and cost savings in daily nuclear operations.

The SNP is to transform the current nuclear practices into network-based nuclear operations that include equipment performance monitoring, nuclear data processing, nuclear equipment control and maintenance. The OBAC is an operation-based access control built upon the core nuclear operations and facilitates the security and quality controls of network accesses to nuclear operations. The NOAA is to provide user security authentication for access to nuclear operation network, which is composed of APP for access pre-access authentication and AQP for access qualification authentication. The CSM is designed for evaluations of the SNP and associated designs in terms of cost savings opportunity.

The feasibility and practicality of these new designs are illustrated in the thesis, by analytical and numerical methods. The significance of these new designs is tremendous, resulting in potentially significant cost savings in daily nuclear generation, in addition with increased nuclear operation network security and subsequently the nuclear safety that is priceless.
Stress: conceptualization, framing, and induction
Authors: Liu Jenny Jing Wen
Published: May 2021

Past research has often conceptualized stress from a deficit-oriented approach. This approach is unbalanced, often associating stress with negative events and outcomes. The current study examined stress from the Transactional Model, and proposed alternative ways to conceptualize stress. In addition, both psychosocial and physiological stressors were utilized to induce stress. Study aims were threefold: (1) to examine beliefs about stress and effects of framing on changes to perceptions of stress, (2) to examine the comparative effects of two different stress-induction methods, and (3) to explore the interactive effects of framing and stress-induction on subjective perceptions of stress and measures of stress reactivity. Results confirmed a deficit-orientation of stress within the sampled population. Comparative effects of both stressors highlighted differential stress responses based on task demands and appraisal. Finally, interactive effects of framing and stress-induction provided support for alternative conceptualizations of stress in adaptive coping.
A novel configuration and control of CSI wind energy system with diode rectifier and buck converter
Authors: Tan Xiatian
Published: May 2021

This thesis is dedicated to the research of a new converter configuration and control scheme development for direct drive permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) based high power wind energy conversion system (WECS). The proposed converter consists of a diode rectifier, a buck converter and a pulse-width modulated (PWM) current source inverter (CSI). Detailed feasibility study of the proposed configuration is conducted based on the theoretical analysis. A suitable control scheme is designed to optimize the system performance. The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is achieved through duty cycle adjustment of the buck converter, while the reactive power delivery and the DC current regulation are realized by the CSI controller through manipulating modulation index and delay angle. More importantly, the DC current is evaluated and controlled to the minimum value at various operating conditions.

Simulation of a 2 MW WECS is carried out in Matlab/Simulink to verity the control objectives of MPPT, power factor adjustment and DC current minimization. The simulation results prove the feasibility of the proposed system that serves as an attracting alternative for high power WECS.
The Brown Family archive : assigning intellectual order & physical arrangement to a private photographic collection
Authors: Whitney Taylor
Published: May 2021

This project focuses on the methodology of assigning intellectual and physical arrangement to private family photographic collections. I selected the Brown Family Archive as a case study, working directly with the Brown Family and Lake County Historical Museum in Crown Point, Indiana. The collection brings together photographs and related artifacts from the Civil War, the First National Bank of Crown Point, Indiana, and several interrelated families. The size and scope of the collection is analagous to many family collections. It is historically and culturally significant due to its visual documentation of a sociological milieu in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries. Equally important, the photographs offer insight ito the widespread problem of deterioration due to improper housing, mishandling, and chemical break down. Through research and best practices in photographic preservation and collections management, the project delivers a model for use by family historians, museums, historical societies and libraries.
Romanian documentary in transition : the role of documentary films in reshaping post-communist Romanian identity
Authors: Serb Petronela
Published: May 2021

Since the fall of communism in 1989, Romanian citizens have changed dramatically, along with Romanian electronic media, which have transformed themselves from a one-party-controlled institution to a plethora of commercial broadcasters. By focusing on this era of dramatic transition, this thesis argues that documentary films have provided Romanians with the tools needed to deal with the past critically. More specifically, the intent of this thesis is to analyze how documentary films do the work of selecting, recollecting, and re-presenting narratives of the past, and to demonstrate that editorial choices resonate with wider social needs. The scope is limited to a short history of the documentary genre, focusing on a detailed analysis of two post-communist documentaries: Memorial of Pain ('Memorialul durerii', 1991), by TV producer Lucia Hossu-Longin and The Great Communist Bank Robbery ("Marele jaf comunist', 2004), by Alexandru Solomon. Ultimately, the thesis traces the ways in which trauma, shame, and amnesia also influence the shaping of both documentaries and identities.
Photographic ritual: visual conditions of behaviour and definitions of self
Authors: Encheve Lyuba
Published: May 2021

The present paper studies consumer digital photography as a cultural and social phenomenon contributing to the formation of contemporary identity. By examining the processes of production, characteristic style of representation and practical uses of both digital and analogue photographs, the study attempts to establish the qualitative
distinctions between traditional and present-day photographic media and evaluate their effectiveness as modes of self-representation. Specific issues discussed include: the depreciation of the photograph as a commemorative object; intervention of digital photography into life experiences; digital photography as common behaviour or interactive ritual; and photographic theatricality as identity forming process.
CMOS active inductors and transformers for wireless applications
Authors: Tang Adrian
Published: May 2021

This thesis first reviews existing work in CMOS active inductors focusing on two implementations, Wu gyrator-C and differential floating active inductors. It then proposes a new method of quantifying the performance of active inductors by introducing a figure of merit called "mean quality factor" that is better suited to the large signal behavior of active inductors. New CMOS constant-Q active inductors are proposed that are intended specifically for applications where a large signal operation in required. The thesis then proposes CMOS active transformers that are active circuit equivalents of two magnetically coupled coils. Four applications of constant-Q active inductors and active transformers namely a 2.4 GHz voltage-controlled oscillator with -119.5dBc/Hz phase noise at 1 MHz offset, a 2.4 GHz current-mode phase-locked loop with -116dBc/Hz phase noise at 1 MHz offset and 80ns lock time, a 5 MHz 100X oversampled current-mode sigma-delta modulator with 50dB dynamic range and 65dB SNR, and a 1.6 GHz QPSK phase modulator with -101dBc/Hz phase noise at 1 MHz offset are presented.
Depicting Architecture: Houses of the Imagination
Authors: Tawfiq Mrwa
Published: May 2021

Depictions (drawings, models) play a significant role in giving architecture form through the use of various techniques and mediums of expression. These forms of depictions invite an experimental design approach and generate critical thinking in design. The aim in this thesis is to look at architecture critically and investigate design approaches to enhance architectural ideas through varying forms of depiction such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media. Experimentally driven design processes have the potential to push ideas to greater heights in the architectural discipline. Architectural depiction that pursues ideas or notions that may never be built are significant forms of production that push design thinking into other territories; they are in and of themselves architecture. Specifically, the design of a ‘House of the Imagination’ becomes a vehicle in the thesis for experimental architectural ideas and provides an alternative setting for architectural form making.
An exploration of Lara Croft: the good, the bad, and the ugly
Authors: Bacigalupo Laura
Published: May 2021

"In this paper, I explore the character Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider game and affiliated film series through the lens of several feminist theories. The interpretation of Croft by the game's player as either a positive or a negative role model is challenging and presents an opportunity to participate in a continuing debate concerning the expected social behaviours of gender. While my focus will be on feminist theories, I also include an exploration of George Herbert Mead's play stage and its relevance to the reception of video games by their audiences. I will use Laura Mulvey's concept of the male gaze, Judith Butler's thesis of gender as a performance, as well as Donna Haraway's concept of the cyborg to answer the question of whether Lara Croft is a benefit or detriment to the progression of women in the video game industry" -- From the introduction.
A fast Design Space Exploration Based on Priority Factor for a Multi Parametric Optimized High Level Synthesis Design Flow
Authors: Sengupta Anirban
Published: May 2021

This thesis introduces a novel approach to rapid Design Space Exploration (DSE) and presents a formalized High Level Synthesis (HLS) design flow with multi parametric optimization issues related to DSE such as the precision of evaluation, time exhausted during evaluation and also automation of the exploration process. During DSE a conflicting situation always exists for the designer to concurrently maximize the accuracy of the exploration process and minimize the time spent during DSE analysis. This technique is capable of drastically reducing the number of architectural variants to be analyzed for accurate selection of the optimal design point in a short time. The DSE results for many benchmarks are presented along with a comparison to an existing DSE approach that uses the hierarchical structure method for architecture evaluation. Results indicated significant improvement in speedup compared to the current existing approach.
A framework for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through carbon pricing for offshore outsourcing
Authors: Gurtu Amulya
Published: May 2021

Reducing supply chain costs is a primary concern of every organization. Organizations have implemented offshore outsourcing as an effective strategy towards reducing supply chain costs. However, neither government nor corporate organizations have sufficiently taken into account the effects of this strategy on global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The purpose of this research is to analyze the impact of offshore outsourcing on global GHG emissions, and the effect of changes in fuel prices in addition to a carbon price on additional emissions on supply chain costs. The purpose is supported by five key objectives. The objectives are addressed through a systematic methodology. The analysis is supported by a literature review, and the development and testing of mathematical models. Finally, a framework to reduce global GHG emissions through a carbon price on differential emissions from manufacturing and additional emissions from international transportation is proposed.

The findings suggest that offshore outsourcing has increased global emissions. The fuel prices are increasing at a rate
higher than the overall rate. A carbon price on excess emissions due to outsourcing coupled with increasing fuel prices impacts supply chain costs adversely and leads to bigger lot-sizes. As an illustration at the national level, the framework showed that emissions for the USA increased by about 20% for every year between 2007 and 2010. As another example from a corporate organization, the net profit (profit after tax) for Wal-Mart was reduced by about 19% for 2006 due to a carbon price on manufacturing emissions alone.

The suggested framework is a major contribution for quantifying the extent of changes in the emissions due to offshore outsourcing and the value of these emissions at a prevailing rate of carbon tax in North America. It is intended to provide a basis for reducing emissions and costs from global supply chains. The proposed framework provides a level playing field to manufacturers in different countries using different technologies, provides incentives to organizations for manufacturing in locations where net emissions are low, helps national governments determine how they can generate revenue for dealing with emissions, and, most importantly, aids in reducing overall global GHG emissions.
Clinging to a knife’s edge: the Live-in Caregiver Program
Authors: Canay Leona Carmelita Pagunuran
Published: May 2021

Since the 1900s, Canada has heavily relied on foreign domestic workers. This program has evolved over the years into what is currently known as the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP). It is rooted in our colonial history and has reproduced power imbalances between employers and caregivers. Challenging dominance is a difficult task given that immigration policies perpetuate inequalities through the denial of social, economic and political rights to caregivers. I selected this topic based on my experiences as a live-in caregiver with this program. This study uses anti-colonialism and feminist thought to examine the experiences of three former LCP workers. Through narrative interviewing, the findings indicate that the live-in requirement of the LCP has contributed to the abuse, exploitation and marginalization of these caregivers. The study concludes with a discussion of the ways in which the structure of the program can be modified to prevent further exploitation and human rights violations.
Aircraft repair damage tolerance analysis
Authors: Markovic Dejan
Published: May 2021

Modern air travel has become a perpetual evolution both from a practical and scientific point of view. However, it is also becoming increasingly common to fly in an airplane with little or no regard for the immense engineering involvement that goes into making air travel as safe and efficient as possible. This report considers the problems of aircraft fatigue and how it translates to inspectability for safety in order to predict problems and solve them before they actually occur. The most common aircraft repair is a crack in a pressurized skin panel. This report evaluates the structural integrity of a particular panel that is assumed to have failed in service and thus been repaired by the addition of a doubler. Damage tolerance analysis is used to evaluate a conservative crack growth scenario for a typical business jet with a structural economic life of 15,000 flight hours. The step shown follow the guidelines approved by the regulating aviation bodies of both Canada and the United States (Transport Canada and the FAA respectively). Structural inspections are a common practice for aircraft at their half lives; in this case it would be 7,500 flights. The report determines that this particular scenario defines a threshold inspection interval of 8,414 flights and a repeat of 2,944 flights thereafter. In comparison with an actual test aircraft, having experienced an almost identical failure and repair program, the test aircraft experienced failure at 9,963 flights. Therefore, the intervals presented herein provide adequate clearance for the detection and repair of such damage. The purpose of this report is to introduce the underlying principals of damage tolerance analysis to the reader and illustrate the analytical process with a real world example. Such is the job of an aerospace stress engineer.
Plasmid transfer in planktonically-grown cultures and biofilms
Authors: Shamsad Farhana
Published: May 2021

Conjugation of plasmids is widespread among bacteria and contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance. In the natural environment, microorganisms predominantly exist in the form of biofilms or other bioaggregates, where they may be exposed to contaminants such as antibiotics, at subinhibitory concentrations. Bacterial cells in older biofilms have lower growth activity due to oxygen and nutrient limitation in the deeper layers of the biofilms. In batch culture, population growth eventually ceases during the stationary phase. Thus, the steady state of biofilms may resemble stationary growth phase cultures. Our objectives were to study (i) the effect of cell growth phases and (ii) subinhibitory and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of antibiotics on transconjugant formation in both batch cultures and biofilms. Additionally, (iii) the effect of variable nutrient concentrations on MIC was investigated and (iv) an optimization of RT-PCR method for the detection of traA gene (which encodes pilus biosynthesis) expression was carried out. To study the effect of cell growth phases on transconjugant formation, plate matings were carried out utilizing planktonic cultures grown to exponential or stationary phase of donor and recipient strains. The results showed that transconjugant abundance was the highest (20± 0.08%) when both plasmid donor and recipient cells were grown to the stationary phase. However, the growth phase of the donor did not seem to play a role in biofilms. When donor cells were harvested from either the exponential or stationary phase of growth, and inoculated into 24 h old recipient biofilms, there was no statistically significant difference between transconjugant abundance. A higher percentage of transconjugants was detected in plate matings when the donor was exposed to 0.5× minimum inhibitory concentration of gentamicin and additionally challenged with gentamicin at MIC. In biofilms, transconjugant formation was not enhanced when the donor cells were grown with 0.5× MIC gentamicin, and 0.5× MIC gentamicin was added to the biofilms. A decrease in nutrient concentration was associated with a decrease in the MIC. traA expression, detected using RT-PCR in plasmid donor cells grown to early exponential and late exponential phases did not coincide with an increase in transconjugants.
Applying the principles of Six sigma to environmental management systems : lessons learned from a case study
Authors: Asadolahniajami Anahita
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the thesis was to explore the potential benefits of applying the key principles of Six sigma to Environmental Management Systems (EMSs). A survey of peer-reviewed literature on Six sigma and EMSs was developed. The application of the conceptual framework is demonstrated in a case study. The case study focused on a major Middle Eastern manufacturing company. The case study showed that there were numerous benefits to applying the principles of Six sigma to EMSs. An approach based on the conceptual framework was successful in reducing waste in the case company's paint shop by 80%. Other benefits of applying the conceptual framework included cost reduction, decreased consumption of raw materials, decreased amount of waste water, longer resource life through reduced usage, reduced materials, decreased amount of waste water, longer resource life through reduced usage, reduced emissions, reduced energy consumption, and improved employee health and safety due to less exposure to harmful chemicals. The conceptual framework provides a basis for applying the principles of Six sigma to EMSs. While there is a significant amount of research focusing on the integration of quality and environmental management, the application of Six sigma in the context of environmental management has not been widely discussed. It is anticipated that the results will be of interest to practitioners and researchers in quality and environmental management.
The complete works and digitizing bpNichol: staging the written word in digital moving pictures.
Authors: Stephenson Justin
Published: May 2021

Through a digital cinema project based on the work of Canadian author bpNichol, this paper explores how contemporary poetry provides methods to create, investigate and critique digital images. By examining the way in which digital technology divides images into discrete elements, this report makes the claim that the methods of avant-garde and contemporary poetry align with the methods of digital image making. Using an active
documentation methodology in which the working process of the project is documented and reflected upon, this discussion uses sequences from the project to explore how Nichol's writings and poetic methods provide ways to make and examine digital images.
Fatigue damage modeling based on cracking progress in unidirectional and cross-ply FRP composites
Authors: Shirazi Alireza
Published: May 2021

The present study intends to investigate the fatigue damage response of various off-axis unidirectional and cross-ply fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite laminates. A fatigue damage analysis for these composites has been developed based on (i) a cracking mechanism and damage progress in the matrix (Region I), the matrix-fiber interface (Region II) and the fiber (Region III) and (ii) the corresponding stiffness reduction of the composite laminate as the number of ccles progresses. The characteristics of damage growth in unidirectional and cross-ply GRP and CFRP composites materials have been studied and compared with those of available experimental data for the respective materials. Experimentally obtained data versus stress cycles was found to be in good agreement with the predicted values.

The predicted fatigue damage results based on the proposed damage model for FRP composites were also found to be in good agreement with experimentally obtained values of fatigue damage at various cyclic stress levels, stress ratios, and off-axis angles for this material reported in the literature. In the cross-ply (0/90) system, the damage function is found to be dependent on the mechanical properties of the fiber and the matrix in Oo and 90o plies.

The proposed dramage analysis also puts forward the effect of matrix-fiber interface bonding by introducing the parameter "f". This parameter varies between zero and unity. As f approaches zero, the interface strength drops and the load transfer from the matrix to the fiber decreases, while for f approaching unity, the bonding gets stronger and the load from matrix to the fiber is transferred efficiently. A finite element model (FEM) has been developed to estimate the efficiency parameter by using the displacement method in the concentric cylinders model. A comparison between f values obtained from FEM and the experimental data is also carried out. The predicted parameter agrees well with the experimental data.
Nigerian Children's Stories: A Cultural Perspective
Authors: Santyr Jenna
Published: May 2021

This paper explores the narrative construction of experience of Nigerian children through the stories they told while participating in a variation of Vivian Gussin Paley’s story-telling/storyacting exercise. Two theoretical approaches guided this research; narrative theory and the strength of children’s perspectives. Bruner’s theory of narrative construction is used as a theoretical framework for understanding children’s cultural participation. A sociology of childhood perspective is used to ground the research method and prioritize the child’s voice. Stories were collected from 3-5-year-old children attending a private school in Abuja, Nigeria. From the stories collected 6 story types were identified and 10 themes emerged within and between each story type. Of the 10 themes 4 of the themes were analyzed for cultural relevance and examples of cultural reproduction. The results of this study contribute to the ongoing research in children’s cultural participation and narrative construction of experience broadly, and to Nigerian children’s storytelling and perspectives, specifically.
The Greening of the warehousing industry in Ontario : an analytical study of the extent of present day environmental sustainability programs
Authors: Wycher Anna Patricia
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the paper is to explore the extent to which the Ontario warehousing industry has embraced environmental sustainability within its business strategy. This will provide a needed baseline on the current state of practice in the Province. This could also lay the foundation for future work in Ontario, particularly with respect to where improvements can be made. Data was collected through a review of Leonard’s Guide, a content analysis of publicly available information, and a survey of warehousing companies in Ontario. Multiple methods of collecting
data were utilized for triangulation and to protect against the possibility not enough data would be available by one alone. The findings indicate that there have been some inroads made in implementing environmental sustainability programs within the warehousing industry of Ontario, but there is still room for improvement. The findings also indicate that third-party logistics (3PL) are more likely than warehousing/distribution companies to implement environmental sustainability programs, as are companies which had their trade areas beyond the borders of Canada.
In-Touch digital platform for unconventional learners
Authors: Paul Angelique Patrice
Published: May 2021

In-Touch is an adaptive learning technology, which extends the learning experience beyond the classroom hours and environment for unconventional learners. It serves as a safe online space for students to receive customized help from their teachers. It also mediates and promotes conversation between parents and teachers. In-Touch integrates three elements crucial to promoting success of unconventional learners: on demand help, student-centered approach, and confidence-building. For the purpose of the study, unconventional learners were defined as someone who does not learn in the methods that are currently offered in traditional classrooms. The design of In-Touch is based on a pilot study that considered the needs of parents and teachers who are raising and teaching unconventional learners
Implementation of Edge & Shape Detection Techniques and their Performance Evaluation
Authors: Khan Mohammad Shahnoor Islam
Published: May 2021

In this thesis, we develop an industrial image processing application for baked goods. Images of baked objects on a conveyor belt are taken by high resolution cameras batch wise throughout the baking period. The network is designed with high performance equipments and the application is fast enough to complete all the steps within the allowed time window. The application uses Canny edge detection method [6] which optimizes the performance compared to other applications used in the industry. We have analyzed the performance of different key properties; such as processing time of an image, dimensions of an object shape, average color value to detect if an object is properly burned or damaged. Performance in detecting shapes shows higher accuracy for the developed application against other applications used in the baking industry.
Making the invisible visible: visualization of music and lyrics for deaf and hard of hearing audiences
Authors: Fourney David W.
Published: May 2021

Music is a major art form present in all cultures. It is nearly ubiquitous in Western culture. As a shared social experience, music is a shared knowledge space. Some music is so well recognized that people may refer to it by name (e.g., Beethoven’s 5th symphony, the Star Wars theme). Signing Deaf communities have indigenous forms of lyrical music. While these may not be melodic in the Western expectation, they still conform to the idea of music as metrical lyrics accompanied by instrumentation.

Music is a system made up of several elements and attributes containing discrete information chunks that can be perceived by a human listener. Music communicates complex emotional signals and, in some cultures, has specific conventions designed to manipulate emotions. However, deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing people are unable to fully access the richness of the aural musical experience.

This dissertation explores ways to make information that is presented in an auditory modality accessible to those who cannot fully perceive it due to hearing loss or environmental barriers; making the invisible visible. A multi-disciplinary, multi-method project, this research examines the design of visualizations intended to present different kinds of otherwise invisible music information in a visible, entertaining form.

Ninety-four people, 66 women and 28 men, who identified themselves as Hard of Hearing (46), Deaf (38), Cochlear Implantees (8), or Deafened (2), participated in one of four experiments. Eight of the 94 participated in a fifth experiment. Research questions included determining the fundamental properties of music that visualizations must present, determining what emotional responses users might have to visualizations of music information, and determining whether a music experience similar to that of hearing audiences can be experienced via visualizations of music information.

Among several findings, this project learned that many deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people are active consumers of music; lyrics represent a key piece of music information hard of hearing people require of any visualization; different visualizations might be better suited to different musical genres or emotional moods; and the set of music visualizations tested convey some types of emotional information but do not obviously communicate the emotional component of the music.
Skin colour dissatisfaction in South Asian-Canadian women
Authors: Kumbhare Shaila
Published: May 2021

The intent of this qualitative research study is to highlight the experiences of second-generation South Asian-Canadians with skin colour dissatisfaction and shadeism. Using a narrative approach of inquiry interviews were conducted with 2 South Asian-Canadian women to better understand the effects of colonial beauty standards and whiteness on their satisfaction with the colour of their skin. Findings were that participants felt very negatively toward their skin and often felt inferior to white women. They disclose that skin dissatisfaction has a discernible impact on their everyday lives and decisions. Data analysis draws critical race feminism and post-colonial theory.

Keywords: South Asian, Canadian, women, skin-colour, shadeism, colourism, beauty, colonization, self-esteem, whiteness
Branding in Sustainable Apparel Companies: A Study on the Branding Strategies Adopted by Small-Business Apparel Companies That Practice Sustainability in Canada
Authors: Thomas Elsa Mary
Published: May 2021

The impact of environmental and social issues on today's global fashion industry has made some small apparel companies and big retailers realize their responsibility in setting it right. This qualitative research investigated the branding practices of small-business sustainable apparel companies in Canada. The theoretical framework guiding this research coalesced McDonough and Braungart's concept of cradle-to-cradle (sustainability) and identity-branding approaches, using a case-study methodology. A combination of literature review, web-based data and semi-structured interviews of nine participants was intended to shed light on the research questions. Key findings included more focus in branding a label with the product's aesthetics and other features compared to branding the products “sustainable,” even when the companies are not compromising their sustainability practices. In addition, there is a realization among small-business entrepreneurs who practice sustainability in rebranding to focus more on customer based branding (keeping the customer in the center of the brand).
“It’s a struggle but it’s also a strength”: Embodied declarations of resistance, resilience, and strength amongst survivors of gendered violence
Authors: Fontyn Nicole
Published: May 2021

This study explores women’s representations and declarations of resilience, resistance, and strength within the context of gender-based violence through photography. A visual-narrative methodology is used to answer the following research question: In what ways do survivors resist gender-based violence at both individual and systemic levels? Photo-elicitation interviews were conducted with a total of three female survivors between the ages of 27 and 35 living in the GTA. The benefits of this study involve reconceptualizing women’s experiences of gender-based violence through creative expression, as well as disrupting dominant ideas of female survivors as “vulnerable victims” by constructing new accounts that depict strong, resilient women. The hopeful outcome of this study is that it informs current and future policy and practice. I hope that scholars, practitioners, and legislators will critically reflect on how their current and past research and practice may fall short of the rights and needs of women they work alongside.