bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing decision making in the selection of treatment for anxiety and related disorders
Authors: Newman Leorra
Published: May 2021

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy are both effective treatments for anxiety and related disorders, with some evidence that CBT yields more durable gains and is more cost effective over the long term. Despite this, pharmacotherapy utilization rates have been on the rise in medical settings, while use of psychological treatments has declined. This bias suggests that patients may not be making informed choices about evidence based therapies, thereby increasing the suffering and economic burden associated with anxiety and related disorders. The purpose of this dissertation was to examine variables related to treatment choice in anxiety and related disorders, and to explore methods for improving the selection process to promote informed choice of therapy. The first phase of the project focused on considerations that may be unique to individuals selecting treatment for anxiety and related disorders, to examine variables that may be associated with past and present treatment choices. The second phase drew upon research on decision making and treatment selection from social psychology to formulate hypotheses about how treatment selection for anxiety and related disorders can be improved. Adults with significant anxiety symptoms (n= 105) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions in which they were presented with arguments in favour of psychological treatment and pharmacological treatment. The conditions varied on relative
strength of argument combinations for each modality. In keeping with the Elaboration Likelihood Model (Petty & Cacioppo, 1981, 1986a), it was predicted that strong arguments would only be persuasive if participants had the ability and motivation to scrutinize them. The majority of participants rated arguments for psychological treatment as stronger, regardless of condition. Participants displayed a strong preference for psychological treatment, across forced choice measures and rating scales, and tended to endorse psychological attributions for their anxiety. Findings from this study could inform efforts aimed at promoting critical and informed decision making in treatment for anxiety and related disorders. In addition, findings could be of great importance to dissemination efforts aimed
at meeting patient preferences for anxiety treatment and increasing the uptake of CBT.
Gallium containing zinc borate bioactive glasses for bone graft applications
Authors: Yazdi Alireza Rahimnejad
Published: May 2021

Zinc borate glasses with increasing gallium (Ga) content (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 wt.% Ga) were synthesized with Ga replacing boron. X-ray diffraction (XRD) verified their amorphous state. Thermal analysis recorded a steady decline in both glass transition and crystallization temperatures with the addition of Ga. 11B magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed incremental addition of Ga reduced the BO4/BO3 ratio.

Next, Bioactivity and antibacterial properties were investigated. Ion release profiles showed that increased Ga content in the glass resulted in increased Ga ion release, but decreased the release of other ions. The formation of amorphous Ca-P on the surface of all the glasses after 24 hours of incubation in simulated body fluid was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, XRD and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. Antibacterial evaluation of the glasses demonstrated that the addition of Ga increased the antibacterial potency of the glasses against P. aeruginosa (Gram-negative bacteria) while decreasing it against S. epidermidis (Gram-positive bacteria).

Finally, the effect of glass composition on the viability and proliferation of preosteoblast and osteosarcoma cancer cells was investigated. Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium (MTT) cell viability assays using glass degradation extracts revealed that the extracts from glasses with 0, 2.5 and 5 wt.% Ga did not lower the viability of preosteoblasts; however, extracts from glasses with 0 and 2.5 % Ga increased the viability of cancer cells. Therefore, glass with 5 wt.% Ga (G3) was selected for further analyses. The viability of preosteoblasts and osteosarcoma cells in contact with the G3 glass powders were also investigated using MTT assays. G3 powders could enhance the viability of preosteoblasts while decreasing the viability of osteosarcoma cells. According to Live/Dead assays, suppression of proliferation appeared to be the mechanism causing the reductions in the viability of osteosarcoma cells exposed to G3 powders.

In conclusion, the performed in vitro characterizations confirmed the bioactivity and antibacterial activity of all glasses. However, G3 was selected as the most suitable composition for osteosarcoma-related graft operations as it could improve the viability of preosteoblasts without increasing the viability of cancer cells.
The Third Skin: Transpire, Tension, Parturition: Body as Analogy
Authors: Dehnadfar Pegah Damineh
Published: May 2021

The Third Skin project is designed to challenge perception of architectural spaces. The intention of the Third Skin is to define the space as we experience it, before we outline it in a concrete form through the limits of spatial definition and dimension. Cutting through the conventional, fixed and motionless Cartesian grid, the Third Skin project articulates how the sensing of space is rooted in the way that human bodies cross and move within the space. The proposal suggests that experiencing space is fundamentally flowing and we cannot enforce fixity on it. The thesis creates a mental and physical journey of phenomenological experience. The argument is set through theoretical interpretation; it focuses on design process, identifies the journey of exploration, and proposes a new intervention for embodied experience in architectural spaces.
Diaspora knowledge networks for development
Authors: Sundaram Anusha
Published: May 2021

This paper will consider the concept of Diaspora Knowledge Networks, (DKNs) and examine the relationship between DKNs and homeland development. Using a framework of World Systems Theory, it will lay out how skilled labour migration leads to diaspora network formation and that tactical brain circulation on the part of DKNs can provide home countries with the agency in the World System through a form of transnationalism from below. Recognizing that DKNs are socially constructed, and as a result replete with gender and power imbalances, it is posited that DKNs feed into and reproduce the global division of labour and with it all the implications for migration that go with this new global order. Finally this paper lays out the gaps within the literature on DKNs, namely in the areas of gender, race and the role of state securitization, and calls for further research so that policies harnessing DKNs for development may be more effective.
Quantification of gold nanoparticles in biological samples with total reflection x-ray fluoresence
Authors: Mankovskii Gabriella
Published: May 2021

The applications of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in biomedicine span the imaging, diagnosis and therapy domains. Current methods of nanoparticle quantification are based on inductively coupled plasmas (ICP) methods, which are heavily influenced by sample preparation. This becomes challenging when quantifying trace-level amount of AuNPs in the presence of organic
matrix. In this thesis, total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry is proposed for quantifying cellular uptake of AuNPs in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line suspensions. The most suitable internal standard and fitting approach that yield 90-110% recovery rate along with different sample preparation methods were investigated. Reference material AuNPs were used to validate the quantification capabilities of the newly developed method. Direct comparison of TXRF and ICP-AES showed ability of TXRF to accurately quantify nanoparticle uptake while further demonstrating the importance of sample preparation for ICP-AES. These results suggest that TXRF has potential for quantifying nanoparticle uptake and their kinetics.
Consuming figures: a comparative study of visual conventions in fashion, advertising, and pornography
Authors: Johnson Jennifer  L.
Published: May 2021

This thesis is concerned with the complex relations between consumerism, visual representations, and sex evident in the comparison of pornography and mainstream fashion advertising. Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Playboy are the primary materials used to identify representational tactics unique to, and common between, pornography and fashion magazines. Multiple methods are used to analyze and engage with the visual conventions found in examples of each genre's source materials. Claims of diffusion between the genres are assessed through quantitative content analysis, which is in turn examined through semiotics, and ultimately interpreted through artistic practice. This is in order to gain general insight into how desire and meaning are transmitted through the photographic imagery popularized by each genre. The purpose of this study is to illuminate how sexualized images are reproduced and manipulated to stimulate, satiate, and direct desire for divergent commercial purposes.
The Bariatric Interprofessional Psychosocial Assessment of Suitability Scale (BIPASS): Predictive Validity for Outcomes 1 and 2 Years Following Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Atwood Molly
Published: May 2021

Bariatric surgery is the most effective intervention for severe obesity; however, many patients demonstrate insufficient and/or unsustained weight loss, and unsatisfactory psychosocial functioning in the longer-term. Although it is well established that attendance at postsurgical follow-up appointments is integral to sustained weight loss, nonadherence to follow-up is common. Consequently, presurgical psychosocial evaluations are conducted in order to identify patients at high risk of poor outcomes. Yet, no consensus has been established regarding a standardized protocol for the assessment of variables relevant to surgical outcomes, and bariatric programs vary widely in their interpretation of psychosocial risk. In addition, there is a paucity of research examining the predictive utility of psychosocial evaluations. The Bariatric Interprofessional Psychosocial Assessment of Suitability Scale (BIPASSTM), a novel psychosocial evaluation tool, was developed to address these issues. The purpose of the present study was to contribute to the validation of the BIPASS tool via two aims: 1) by examining the psychometric properties of the BIPASS, and; 2) by examining the ability of the BIPASS tool to predict outcomes 1 and 2 years following bariatric surgery, including weight loss and weight regain, quality of life, psychiatric symptoms, and adherence to postsurgical follow-up appointments. The BIPASS was applied retrospectively to the charts of 200 consecutively referred patients of the Toronto Western Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program (TWH-BSP). Factor analysis of BIPASS items revealed a two-factor structure, reflecting “Mental Health” and “Patient Readiness” subscales. Internal consistency for the BIPASS Total and subscale scores ranged from poor to good, and inter-rater reliability was excellent. Higher BIPASS scores significantly predicted higher binge eating symptomatology, and lower physical and mental health-related quality of life at 1 year postsurgery. The BIPASS did not predict any outcome variables at 2 years postsurgery, or adherence to postsurgical follow-up appointments. Findings suggest that the BIPASS can be used to identify patients at increased risk of problematic eating and poor health-related quality of life early in the postsurgical course, thereby facilitating appropriate interventions.
Feasibility of CoMP usage in base station switching off during off-peak periods
Authors: Jan Abid
Published: May 2021

Existing cellular networks remain operational throughout the year irrespective of traffic. The usage of Coordinated Multipoint (CoMP) transmission to provide service in the coverage area of a switched off base station (BS) during off-peak traffic hours has been investigated in this work.

The switching off of a BS reduces its energy consumption to zero, however to cover the switched off BS coverage area by neighbouring BS’s, CoMP transmission causes an increase in energy consumption of the neighbouring BS’s. With increasing the number of base stations taking part in CoMP transmission the power consumption of CoMP base stations and site air conditioning unit increases. Results show that the aggressive usage of CoMP is not feasible in most of the twelve switching modes investigated. From the Energy Efficiency Ratio the most energy efficient switching mode is identified. It is then applied to part of a cellular network and the amount of power saving and Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) is determined. It is found that within a network of 42 cells 7.26% power can be saved by switching off seven base stations during off-peak traffic hours.
Measurement of the properties of MetalMUMPS® thin films
Authors: Chang John Shih-Hua
Published: May 2021

The metal multi-user micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) processes (MetalMUMPs®) micro-machining process includes two silicon nitride films, one polysilicon film, and one nickel film for constructing various MEMS devices. This thesis presents property measurements of the metalMUMPs® silicon nitride and nickel films. Fabricated MetalMUMPs® silicon nutride prototypes were used to experimentally determine a Young’s modulus of 209 GPa and a residual stress difference of 169 MPa for the silicon nitride films. A method, which uses the deformations along the width of bi-layered cantilever beams, was proposed to determine the residual stress difference of the two silicon nitride films. Fabricated MetalMUMPs® nickel prototypes were used to experimentally extract a Young’s modulus of 159 GPa and a residual stress gradient of -4.72 MPa/m for the nickel film. A micro bridge mechanism was developed to lift long silicon nitride beams for the determination of the residual stress difference of the two silicon nitride films.
Fetishizing the Fembot: Sex, Technology and the Perfect Woman
Authors: Chou Emily C.
Published: May 2021

This thesis examines the fembot, or female robot, as a cultural site of complex signification in Western society. As a combination of woman and machine, the fembot functions as a metaphor for male desire and fear. I will explore the fembot archetype through film and advertising, analyze the relationship between women and machines, and attempt to understand the common themes that have become tied to the fembot: sex, technology, fetishism, death, dismemberment, and comedy.
Biosorption of nickel and zinc ions on wheat straw
Authors: Baig Khurram Shahzad
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the potential use of wheat straw (Tritium sativum) which is an agricultural by-product for the removal of Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺ from the waste water discharges. Scanning Electron Microscope was used to obtain images of the surface of wheat straw (WS) and Electron Disperive Spectroscopy was employed in elemental analysis of wheat straw, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy was used to get informations about the chemcial interaction of the wheat straw surface with the sorbed metallic ions. Simulated wastewater containing Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺ was subjected to biosorption by WS. The effect of initial concentration, pH and temperature on the removal of metal ions on WS was investigated. For varied initial metal concentrations from 5 to 150 ppm the biosorption equilibrium was achieved between 2.5 to 5 hours. The percentage removal of sorption decreases with increasing concentration.

The experimental data were fitted to Langmuir, Freudlich and Temkin isotherms model fits better than the other two of single ionic system. For binary ionic system IAS-Freudndlich model served best. In addition the sorption by wheat straw conformed to pseudo second order kinetics with a good value of coefficient of determination (r² > 0.99). Free energy of biosorption ΔG°, enthalpy ΔH° and entropy ΔS° changes were also estimated and used to predict the nature of biosorption. The capacity of the sorption of wheat straw was compared with other common available sorbent.

On the basis of sorption capacity, regenerate ability and the cost analysis we can conclude that WS could be used as a sorbent material for removal N²⁺ and Zn²⁺ from an aqueous solution.
Conceptual Framework for Enhancing Energy Disaggregation Using Crowd and Context
Authors: Sagarwala Ahmed Raza
Published: May 2021

This paper explores existing electrical disaggregation workflows and how they can be augmented with context awareness through datasets. The goal of energy disaggregation is to educate consumers on their energy usage. Additional benefits in automation, security, and energy auditing can be realized through disaggregation. The use of statistical analysis provides specific device consumption information that can be actioned to conserve energy in a directed and methodical manner. The current landscape of disaggregation is a complex workflow involving algorithms that detect, analyze and reveal consumption patterns. Disaggregation workflows involve the acquisition of energy signals for an entire building, refining readings, detecting events, extracting features, and classification. Each step in the workflow impacts the accuracy in which individual devices are detected. Disaggregation workflows may incorporate device usage and weather patterns to improve accuracy, but crowdsourcing signatures and the incorporation of datasets that allow for context awareness are strategies yet to be adopted.
The propelling monument : latent architecture within the existing urban fabric
Authors: Cheong Li Richard  Yiu
Published: May 2021

An increased awareness of the existing urban fabric has led to a return of interest of the built environment in architecture. Can architecture emerge from within built buildings at different moments after construction, or does architecture occur only within the design of new buildings, as commonly assumed? This thesis examines the theories in adapting existing urban fabric as a key urbanistic strategy: to enrich cities with a layering characteristic of time. It encourages a perception of the latent architectural potential within built buildings, that architecture is a temporal state rather than a finished artefact. Most importantly, it fosters an experiment of the counterpoint of different interventions with the layers of the existing building to sensitively establish a new form of architecture. An abandoned Generating Station in Toronto is used as a testing ground to demonstrate how to re-think architecture as emerging from within built buildings at different moments of time.
Connecting the Uprooted: Parents' use of Bi-Cultural Socialization in Facilitating Transnationalism Among Chinese Adoptees
Authors: Symington Meaghan
Published: May 2021

This Major Research Paper explores the distinct form of transnationalism experienced by Chinese adoptees in Canada by examining adoptive parents‟ use of bi-cultural socialization mechanisms. In doing so, this paper addresses the ways in which parents utilize cultural exposure to facilitate internal community ties and transnational connections between their children and China. The researcher attempts to present a link between parents‟ fostering of cultural knowledge and a resulting unique form of transnationalism that is not initially established or maintained through the efforts of the immigrant population (Chinese adoptee community). A qualitative research approach was undertaken through a purposive sampling technique, self-selection and elite interview data. Data was collected through in-depth one-on-one interviews with eight parents of adopted daughters from China. Through analysis of this empirical interview data and a theoretical reliance on the post-colonial paradigm of intercountry adoption, it was determined that Chinese adoptees in Canada experience and are attached to two or more places simultaneously.
Feeling the beat: an investigation into the neural correlates of vibrotactile beat perception
Authors: Gilmore Sean A.
Published: May 2021

The current study investigates our ability to perceive and synchronize movements to the beat of rhythms presented through vibrations to the skin. I compared EEG recordings and tapping accuracy to rhythms that varied in modality: auditory-only, vibrotactile, multimodal (vibrotactile and auditory) and complexity: metronome and simple rhythms. The neural data showed that signals localized to the primary auditory cortex showed a larger spike in power at beat frequencies presentation of auditory compared to vibrotactile rhythms. Tapping ability was found to be lowest in vibrotactile compared to auditory and multimodal rhythms. Auditory only and multimodal rhythms did not show a statistical difference in the neural or tapping data. Tapping variability predicted neural entrainment, such that more variable tapping elicited a more entrained neural signal in primary auditory cortex, and less in pre-motor regions. In conclusion, these results show how the temporal processing of rhythm is superior in auditory modalities.
Access to professions : the experience of Japanese immigrants in Canada
Authors: Hayakawa Yukari
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates employment experiences faced by 8 Japanese immigrant professionals in the Greater Toronto Area, including 3 Japanese-educated professionals, 3 both Japanese and Canadian-educated professionals, and 2 exclusively Canadian-educated professionals. This study attempts to examine whether Japanese credentials are recognized in licensing and hiring processes, and whether Canadian education improves the employment experience among Japanese immigrant professionals. In the case of the Japanese immigrant professionals in this study, barriers to licensing they experienced differ from profession to profession. Despite licenses, participants also experienced barriers to employment in their professions even if they were Canadian-educated, Japanese professionals. Except in one case, it appears that obtaining Canadian degrees in their professions facilitated practicing their professions in the mainstream labour market. Most of the participants were also benefited by some form of Canadian education in addition to their professional knowledge.
A life-cycle based decision-making framework for electricity generation system planning
Authors: Norrie Steven James
Published: May 2021

This thesis proposed a decision-making framework to consider multiple objectives in long-term planning situations, and asserts that planning for power generation systems should consider relevant environmental and/or social objectives at the same decision level as traditional economic or reliability objectives. The framework was applied to the case study of long-term planning for Ontario's power generation system. The framework integrates life-cycle based information and decision-maker preferences toward multiple objectives in the context of sustainable development. Six decision criteria evaluated as measures of the objectives include life-cycle cost of electricity, a system flexibility indicator, demand reduction, land use requirements, greenhouse gas emissions, and air emissions. Stakeholder values were derived through questionnaires. Three hypothetical electricity generation scenarios were compared to test the decision-making framework. The results of the application indicated that the scenario which included aggressive renewable energy development and demand reduction was favourable, even given the tradeoffs of reliability and costs.
Recreational Trail Impacts and their Spatial Influence on Species Diversity and Composition
Authors: Pankiw Nicholas Alexander
Published: May 2021

This thesis quantifies the differences observed in floral communities exposed to varying degrees of long-term recreational trail use. The study was undertaken in a temperate deciduous forest located in Uxbridge, ON, Canada, which permits hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trail users. Vegetation exposed to trail impacts was sampled using transects which extended from the trail edge to 25m into the forest interior. The results demonstrated that trail-influenced environments experienced significant shifts in composition and reductions in species richness at distances beyond the influence of an edge effect. It was also established that types of recreational trail use do not disproportionately cause greater disturbance or result in greater exotic and invasive species coverage. Multiple regression analysis revealed that when choosing new trail routes, managers can mitigate changes to species composition by selecting areas with steep side-slopes and by avoiding areas with a south facing aspect.
Inventory control in a two-level supply chain with learning, quality and inspection errors
Authors: Khan Mehmood
Published: May 2021

A common measure of quality for a buyer or a vendor is the defect rate. Defects may represent an attribute, a dimension or a quantity. They may be classified as product quality defects or process quality defects. Product quality defects may be caused by human error which can de due to fatigue, lack of proper training, or other reasons. For example, an inspector may misclassify a defective fuel tank of a car as good. On the other hand, process quality defects maybe caused by a machine going out-of-control. While many researchers assume that the screening processes which separate the defective items are error-free, it would be realistic to consider misclassification errors in this process. Beside inspection errors, learning is another human factor that brings in enhancement in the overall performance of a supply chain. Learning is inherent when there are workers involved in a repetitive type of production process. Learning and forgetting are even more important in manufacturing environments that emphasize on flexibility where workers are cross-trained to do different tasks and where products have a short life cycle. Inventory management with learning in quality, inspection and processing time will be the focus of this thesis. A number of models will be developed for a buyer and/or a two level supply chain to incorporate these human factors. The key findings of this work may be summarized as 1. Inspection errors significantly affect the annual profit. 2. An increase in the unit screening cost reduces the annual profit to a great extent at slower rates of learning. 3. For the two-level supply chain we investigated, learning in production drops the annual cost significantly while the learning in supplier's quality results in a situation where there are no defectives from the suppliers. 4. Type II error may seem to be beneficial for a two level supply chain as the order/lot size goes down and thus affects the costs of ordering, production and screening. 5. Consignment stocking policy performs better than conventional stocking when holding costs go higher than a threshold value.
Effect of grain refinement on the microstructure, dendrite coherency and porosity of AZ91E magnesium alloy
Authors: Vlasceanu Mihai
Published: May 2021

Magnesium (Mg) alloys present a promising alternative to aluminum (Al) alloys in lightweight applications. However, relative to Al alloys, Mg alloys have poor castability. Castability is influenced significantly by the dendrite coherency point (DCP), which represents the temperature, time, and solid fraction at which an interlocking solid network forms during solidification. An increase in the solid fraction at coherency may improve the castability of the alloy and reduce casting defects such as porosity, hot tears and misruns. A successful method for increasing the solid fraction at the DCP in Al alloys involves the use of grain refiners such as titanium (Ti). However, the influence of Ti refiners on the DCP in Mg alloys has not been thoroughly investigated. The objective of this research was to study the effect of Al-5Ti-1B refiner on the dendrite growth mechanism, DCP and porosity of AZ91E magnesium alloy. This thesis is a pioneering effort in relating the grain refinement effect of Ti on the DCP, coherency solid fraction, and porosity development during the solidification of Mg alloy, AZ91E. It represents an important step in improving the castability of Mg alloys. Varying levels of Al-5Ti1B grain refiner (0.005, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 wt.% Ti) were added to AZ91E. The effect of Al-5Ti-1B grain refiner on the microstructure and dendrite growth mechanism of AZ91E was investigated. Quench experiments were performed to observe transformations in the dendritic morphology that resulted from the refiner additions. The growth rate and DCP were determined using the rheological method. The changes in porosity levels were determined for the grain refiner additions.
Path computation enhancement in SDN networks
Authors: Huang Tim
Published: May 2021

Path computation is always the core topic in networking. The target of the path computation is to choose an appropriate path for the traffic flow. With the emergence of Software-defined networking (SDN), path computation moves from the distributed network nodes to a centralized controller. In this thesis, we will present a load balancing algorithm in SDN framework for popular data center networks and a fault management approach for hybrid SDN networks. The proposed load balancing algorithm computes and selects appropriate paths based on characteristics of data center networks and congestion status. In addition, a solution that supports proper operations of a hybrid SDN network will also be proposed. The evaluation shows the proposed load balancing algorithm performs better than classic shortest path algorithms. We also demonstrated that the proposed solution for hybrid SDN networks can support proper operations in complicated hybrid SDN networks.
Blogging in a Virtual Learning Community: How does it support continuous professional learning for Ontario registered Early Childhood Educators?
Authors: Sveda Shannon
Published: May 2021

This research study examined the use of blogging as a medium for professional learning for registered early childhood educators (RECEs) in Ontario. Although educators are more frequently turning to blogs, social media, and virtual learning communities for their professional learning, there is a limited amount of previous research which has examined the use and efficacy of these mediums for that purpose. Using grounded theory, and guided by a social constructivist framework, I gathered data from blog posts and comments written by a small group of RECEs practicing in Ontario, and conducted interviews at two intervals to gather their perceptions of the blogging experience. While further study is needed to address potential barriers which may hinder RECEs from using blogging, I found that there were benefits in the use of blogging as a medium for reflection, building a professional community, and professional learning.
The problematization of asylum seekers a critical discourse analysis of Canadian national news media coverage
Authors: Yu Vanti Melissa
Published: May 2021

Using the methodology of critical discourse analysis, this research project analysed 70 news media articles from the Globe and Mail and the National Post on the topic of asylum seekers who crossed into Canada from the U.S. between ports of entry in 2017 and 2018. Analysis revealed that asylum seekers were largely depicted, portrayed, and framed in problematizing ways, leading to their dehumanization and a decontextualization of the larger issues. Keywords: Asylum seekers; refugees; news media coverage; critical discourse analysis
Indexing of American Football Video Using MPEG-7 Descriptors And MFCC Features
Authors: Quadri Syed G
Published: May 2021

In this work, an application system is proposed to classify American Football Video shots. The application uses MPEG-7 motion and audio descriptors along with MEL Frequency Cepstrum coefficient features to classify the video shots into 4 categories, namely: Pass plays, Run plays, Field Goal/Extra Point plays and Kickoff/Punt plays.

Fisher's Linear Discriminant Analysis is used to classify the 4 events, using a leave-one-out classification technique in order to minimize the sample set bias. For a database of 200 video shots taken from four different games, an overall system performance of 92.5% was recorded. In comparison to other American Football indexing systems, the proposed system performs 8% to 12% better.

We have also proposed an algorithm that uses MPEG-7 motion activity descriptors and mean of the motion vector magnitudes, in a collaborative manner to detect the starting point of play events within video shots. The algorithm can detect starting points of the play with 83% accuracy.
Development of a micromirror based laster vector scanning automotive HUD
Authors: Chao Fan
Published: May 2021

Head-Up-Display (HUD) for automobiles is a system that displays the driving information such as the speed, fuel level, turning signal, GPS, etc on the windshield or on the road through a virtual image. With HUD, the driver does not need to lower his head to check the front panel for driving information and thus the driver can have a longer eyes-on-road time to improve the driving safety and comfort. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) based HUDs dominate today's automotive HUD market. In this thesis, a novel micromirror laser vector scanning HUD is developed for automobiles, which has the advantages over existing technologies including: 1) Higher brightness and contrast; 2) Wider angle of view; 3) Smaller size; and 4) Lower cost.
Now accepting new patients: Health professionals’ use of social media for health promotion
Authors: Howard Philip
Published: May 2021

This Major Research Paper will examine health professionals’ interpretation of social media and their motivation for using it in health promotion. Four health professionals’ were interviewed in order to better understand their unique perspective on the use of social media within health promotion. The analysis was grounded in the theories of technological affordances and social learning theory. It was found that while health professionals’ had a variety of reasons for using social media in their professional practice, the prospect of engaging with the public regarding health topics was a main motivation for using social media. As the use of social media within the field of health promotion is an important topic and will likely continue to be in the future, it is critical to gain a more complete understanding of how health professionals’ interpret social media and what motivates them to use social media to promote health.
Giving voice to the street: a case study of Toronto’s Street Voices magazine
Authors: Feasey Miranda
Published: May 2021

This Major Research Paper investigates Street Voices Magazine as an instrument and communications tool to engage and empower street youth in Toronto. The following questions guided my study: What are the ways in which Street Voices Magazine gives voice to the marginalized and silenced? Why is Street Voices Magazine an appropriate medium for connecting with street youth? A mixed-method approach was used to analyze the texts and images in three issues of the magazine to determine the effectiveness of the print medium, what these texts and images suggest about the motivations of the contributors, and whether the magazine meets its objective of serving street youth. The study suggests that the transformative potential of the arts, the role of the magazine in fostering in the contributors the identity of an artist, and the lack of other spaces for expression are significant themes that underpin Street Voices Magazine’s appeal and effectiveness. The study also leads to suggestions for further research, which could improve an understanding of this diverse demographic and confirm the impact of Street Voices Magazine.
Power-Rate-Distortion Analysis Of Wireless Visual Sensor Network
Authors: Shaw William
Published: May 2021

The emergence of low-cost and mature technologies in wireless communication, visual sensor devices, and digtial signal processing, facilitates the potential of wirelss sensor networks (WSN). Like sensor networks which respond to sensory information such as temerpature and humidity, WSN interconnects autonomous devices for capturing and processing video and audio sensory information. This thesis highlights the following topics: (1) a summary of applications and challenges of WVSN; (2) the performance analysis of a wireless sensor network and wireless multimedia sensor network. To extend the system performance, two methods are provided in this thesis. First, mobile sink with node scheduling in multiple tracking targets is proposed. Second, a layered clustering model in sparing communication energy consumption in wirelsess visual sensor network is proposed. The experimental results validate our correlated approaches extend the system lifetime; (3) direction for Future Research are given.
Implementation of SLAM, Navigation, Obstacle Avoidance, and Path Planning of a Robust Mobile Robot Using 2D Laser Scanner
Authors: Karimpour Omid
Published: May 2021

Over the last decade, navigation and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) have become key players in developing robust mobile robots. Several SLAM approaches utilizing camera, laser scan, sonar and fusion of sensors were developed and improved by a number of researchers. In this thesis, comparisons of these methods were evaluated, especially those offering low cost benefits, and low computation and memory consumption. The aim of this thesis was to select the most reliable and cost-efficient approach for indoor autonomous robotic applications. Currently, there are numerous studies that have optimized these SLAM methods; however, they still suffer from various complications such as scale drifting and excessive computation. This study performed different experiments to observe these challenges in realworld environments. A modified Pioneer robot was used to implement the selected SLAM system and furthermore, perform obstacle avoidance and path planning in indoor office environments. The results and tests show the reliable performance of Gmapping after tuning its parameter and set right configurations.
A Durational Performance Using Visualized, Sonified, and Other Data Translation from Portable EEG Technologies in Mental and Physical Training
Authors: Brode Nene
Published: May 2021

In the moment of complete engagement in any activity, we function without conscious thought—referred to as ‘the zone.’ Digital technologies, from mobile devices to the Internet, can be a constant source of diversion; however, can digital tools help us get into the zone more quickly rather than simply distract us? Using open-source software and hardware, I have developed a real-time data visualization and sonification that have been recorded as performances on the website Mind & Matter, the project accompanying this paper. The performances are filmed in different locations and the visualization geolocates these locations, comparing them to the cell towers within the area. The project seeks to show waves within and around our body that are normally invisible. Each performance seeks to train both my brain and body to find stillness within. The paper is informed by the communications theorists and artists studied throughout the Communications and Culture program. I seek to answer Catherine Malabou’s question of “What We Should Do with Our Brains,” and how we might find agency in our brain plasticity though technological extension.
Inventory management in reverse logistics with imperfect production, learning, lost sales, subassemblies, and price/quality considerations
Authors: El Saadany Ahmed MA
Published: May 2021

Reverse Logistics is the flow and management of products, packaging, components, and information from the point of consumption (i.e., the market) to the point of origin (i.e., manufacturers and suppliers). It is a collection of practices similar to those of supply chain management, but in the opposite direction, from downstream to upstream. Reverse logistics is a valuable solution to the hazards jeopardizing the environment, and it involves activities such as reuse, repair, remanufacture, refurbish, reclaim and recycle.Reverse logistics became an established line of research, covering several areas, including inventory control; though, several research gaps still exist, such as: ignoring switching costs between production and remanufacturing processes and learning effects, the assumption that production and remanufacturing processes are of perfect quality, remanufactured products are assumed to be as-good-as new, the assumption that returned products are treated as whole products while ignoring disassembly, collection rate of used items is independent of price and quality, and the assumption that pure remanufacturing and production policies are optimal. These research gaps are addressed in mathematical models to bring reverse logistics optimization closer to reality. Deterministic and stochastic components are considered here with numerical examples and results discussed. The key conclusions are as follows:The inclusion of the first time interval where no remanufacturing/repair exists, results in preventing the overestimation of inventory holding costs in the repairable stock. Assuming production and remanufacturing processes to be perfect, or ignoring learning effects in these processes, might not capture the benefits that product recovery programs are supposed to bring. Although works in the literature assumed pure remanufacturing is mathematically attainable but not feasible, this study shows that the pure remanufacturing case is not valid mathematically, which proves it to be infeasible. It is favourable to compensate customers to settle for remanufactured products instead of new ones. Considering disassembly of returns in the modelling of reverse logistics is proven beneficial. Finally, mixed production and remanufacturing policies are optimal rather than pure ones; and the inclusion of price and quality to determine return and collection rates is crucial.
Progressive change-makers or agents of Colonialism? Taking another look at the CASWE’s Standards for curriculum accreditation
Authors: Ali Ameena Ashley
Published: May 2021

This major research paper (MRP) examines how Schools of Social Work (SSW) in Canada reproduce social workers who participate in and perpetuate existing systems of oppression. Social workers either end up continuing to contribute to existing oppressive structures in society or working towards breaking down those structures; and an integral part in making that distinction is the education that they receive. This MRP focuses on critically analyzing the Canadian Association of Social Work Education (CASWE) standards for Masters of Social Work (MSW) curriculum accreditation through an anti-colonial and post colonialism framework with an understanding of the effects of neoliberalism. This critical analysis was conducted through critical discourse analysis to reveal how colonialism and neoliberalism permeate curriculum standards which ultimately shape social work practice today. Main findings indicate that the curriculum accreditation standards have underlying discourses related to professionalism, social justice, surveillance, institutionalization and the absence of race.
QoS-based semantic web service selection
Authors: Chen Yijun
Published: May 2021

This thesis discusses the dynamic web service selection in the semantic context with QoS constraints. The goal of this work is to investigate the mechanism of automated QoS-based semantic web service selection. Semantic Web Service (SWS) aims to achieve the automation of web service tasks, such as service discover, selection, composition and invocation. The task of semantic web service selection is further investigated through this thesis. An architecture is proposed to achieve this task by considering QoS parameters. The QoS parameters are classified into dynamic and static attributes in the architecture. The dynamic attributes are evaluated and measured as an overall value by applying utility functions. This overall value can be modeled in the semantic context for the purpose of service selection. Furthermore, the architecture directly models the static QoS attributes in the semantic context for service selection. Finally, an open SWS challenge scenario named hardware purchasing is used in several experiments in order to evaluate the proposed architecture.
Towards measuring real-time occupant levels to reduce ventilation fan energy consumption in existing institutional gathering spaces - a field study using thermal sensors
Authors: Churchill Danielle
Published: May 2021

Ventilation systems in buildings have been traditionally designed for the maximum projected number of occupants; while buildings often have fewer occupants than the maximum and in some cases can be unoccupied for extended periods. Changing the rate of outdoor air to reflect changes in the number of occupants in a space is referred to as demand control ventilation (DCV). A field study was performed using thermal sensors to determine the number of occupants using lecture rooms of an institutional building. The occupant data was used to calculate minimum ventilation for the lecture rooms using current ventilation standards from ASHRAE Standard 62.1. It was found that by current standards, the required ventilation is considerably less than the original design ventilation. Based on occupant data and variables specific to the lecture rooms, it was found that the ventilation can be reduced by at least 40% creating a potential for significant energy savings.
Aerodynamic analysis for module discretization and consolidation of a morphing wing
Authors: Perera Ryan
Published: May 2021

Module discretization and consolidation was performed on morphing wing profiles optimized for climb, cruise, and descent flight regimes. Wing profiles were created using an optimization algorithm based on their aerodynamic performance for the three flight regimes. A module discretization method was applied for the three cases and the minimum number of modules were found for each case without significantly sacrificing performance. The three wing profiles were then consolidated into a single final wing using a newly proposed method for combining closely aligned joints based on a weighting scale for each flight regime. When the final wing’s performance was compared to the original wing profiles a reduction of 5% and 2% was observed for climb and descent configurations, respectively. The cruise configuration was found have a 3% increase when compare to the original profile. The final wing was found to successfully maintain aerodynamic performance during module discretization and consolidation process.