bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructed identities and appropriated spaces : an exploratory study of South Asian identity and space in Toronto
Authors: Herteis Anne Katherine
Published: May 2021

"South Asian" is a term commonly used in Canada to refer to individuals with ancestry in the Indian subcontinent and surrounding countries. The label has been created through Canada's means of statistical data collection on visible minority populations. Drawing from sociological, cultural studies, and geographic literature, this exploratory study seeks to determine the reciprocal relationship between South Asian identities as they are considered in Canada and urban space in Toronto. The research has been conducted through a critical review of literature regarding ethnic identity, hybridity, the production of urban space, and two key informant interviews. The key findings of the research suggest that South Asian identities are often multiple/situational, and that certain aesthetic aspects of South Asian identity are displayed in urban spaces in Toronto which may be labelled South Asian. These spaces may be considered hybrid spaces.
An effective shape descriptor for content based image retrieval
Authors: Li Yupeng
Published: May 2021

In this work, we present a modified version of the Generic Fourier Descriptor (GFD) that operates on edge information within natural images from the COREL image database for the purpose of shape-based image retrieval. By incorporating an edge-texture characterization (ETC) measure, we reduced the complexity inherent in oversensitive edge maps typical of most gradient-based detectors that otherwise tend to contaminate the shape feature description. We find that the proposed techniques not only improve overall retrieval in terms of shape, but more importantly, provide a more accurate similarity ranking measure of retrieved results, demonstrating the need for greater consideration for dominant internal and external shape details. A feature database combined by color moments, color histograms, Gabor wavelet and shape features is applied in our image retrieval system. Relevance feedback has also been considered, bridging the gap between the high level concepts and the low level visual features. The experimental results indicate that dynamically updating weights associated with feature compenents by users' feedback greatly improves retrieval performance.
Dress In Upper Canada 1790-1840
Authors: Milliken Hannah
Published: May 2021

This MRP aims to uncover unknown details of Canada’s early dress history in the lives of early colonial settlers in Niagara and surrounding Upper Canadian settlements between 1790 and 1840. This study explores the access they had to goods and services, their loyalty to the imperial parent nation of Great Britain, and their adaptability to the conditions of a rudimentary frontier. The central conclusion is that relationships to fashion and dress were remarkably sophisticated in early Upper Canadian societies.
Development of UAV derivative MDO methodology for flight simulation
Authors: Kwon Ohyun
Published: May 2021

An integrated methodology for the design of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) derivative has been developed. The proposed methodology utilized the Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) for the derivative optimization and utilized flight simulation for virtual flight tests. Derivative design reduced the development time and the use of flight simulator allowed quick verification of the results. In this research, Found Aircraft Expedition E350 aircraft was selected
as the baseline for the UAV derivative. Empirical equations were used for the optimization process where the results were organized for easy transformation into a flight simulation model. An in house program was developed to convert raw simulation data for flight-data analysis. The optimization result yielded an improvement on the endurance of the aircraft. The flight simulation result for the original aircraft demonstrated agreement with the chosen aircraft. The application of the process demonstrated that using MDO and flight simulation was a viable method for developing a UAV derivative.
Walking the map & tracing the territory
Authors: Davila Patricio
Published: May 2021

"Walking the Map & Tracing the Territory" is a locative media project created to investigate the relationship between the visual representation and aural/physical experience of space through the roles of mapper and walker. Both forms of knowing a space have biases that privilege certain aspects of space. While visual representation on a map totalizes space and emphasizes the spatial relationship between objects, aural/physical experience emphasizes the evanescent quality of walking and narrative. This exploration has led to the idea that space is physical but also represented, experienced and recreated constantly through its use. The project has drawn on the work of various locative artists such as Janet Cardiff and Rimini Protokoll to understand the way that story, listening and walking can inform one's perception of space. The work of Michel de Certeau has also been used to understand how one creates space through the subjective negotiation of place. Finally, the creation process ofthe installation, using consumer electronics, open-source software and programming languages has also been used as a way of looking at how space is articulated through this technology and how it mediates the mapper's and walker's perception of map and territory.
Web service replica selection analysis using a multiagent-based simulator
Authors: Habibi Khashayar
Published: May 2021

A distributed system always runs on top of a computer network and cannot be separated from it. In many cases this network consists of hundreds or thousands of computers and processing nodes. An effective distributed system simulator needs to simulate the underlying network. Unfortunately a great majority of existing simulation tools are pure network simulators. Even though they are very effective for designing, and evaluating computer networks, they could not be used to simulate a distributed application like a web service based application. Many components in a distributed system are complex servers and software applications running on top of all network layers. Network simulators cannot simulate them. A higher-level simulator is required to simulate their behavior. This work introduces an agent-based simulation model that integrates the simulation of a computer network and higher-level components of a distributed application. The distributed nature of agents makes them suitable to model and simulate distributed architectures including computer networks and distributed systems. To evaluate this approach the behavior of a replicated web service application will be simulated to show how effectively multi- agent-systems could be used to simulate the behavior of a distributed system.
Feasibility Of Radiation Dose Planning Guided Surgical Resection In Spinal Tumours
Authors: Jakubovic Raphael Y.
Published: May 2021

The objective of high dose stereotactic radiotherapy regardless of application is to treat the malignancy while minimizing the radiation dose to the surrounding healthy tissue. In the context of spinal tumours this paradigm is difficult since the rigid dose tolerance of the spinal cord precludes optimal dose coverage of the epidural disease. To achieve adequate coverage spine separation surgery is performed, increasing the distance from the spinal cord to the malignancy and facilitating adequate radiation treatment planning. This approach has been validated with delivery of maximum tolerable dose and local control rates over 90%.
The objective of this dissertation is to establish the feasibility of intraoperative, dose guided, spine separation surgery. In the current clinical context, spine separation surgery is performed prior to radiation treatment planning and contours are placed based on postoperative resected tumour volumes. The extent of surgical resection is not dictated by the dosimetric constraints of the spinal cord and relies solely on the clinical expertise of the operating neurosurgeon. Further, though a skilled surgeon can perform precise tumour debulking with or without the aid of millimetre resolution neuronavigation devices, determination of surgical debulking progress with accuracy comparable to treatment delivery cannot be recognized without intraoperative imaging. To achieve this goal, we introduced pre-surgical dosimetric planning with tracked high frequency micro-ultrasound imaging into the operating theatre to inform the surgeon of the surgical progress while considering the dosimetric objectives.

In this dissertation, we assessed the dosimetric advantage of spine separation surgery on a millimetre by millimetre basis in a retrospective simulation study. Feasibility of intraoperative navigation with submillimetre resolution was established by quantifying the application accuracy of surgical navigation in the context of cranial and spinal surgery. Accuracy quantification was performed, assessing our revolutionary optical topographical imaging system and benchmarked versus existing commercially available neuronavigation systems. Finally, to establish feasibility of radiation dose planning guided surgical resection we integrated a high frequency micro-ultrasound system into the operating theater during spine separation surgery. Thus, by implementing sub-millimetre high frequency micro-ultrasound imaging and neuronavigation, incremental gains towards establishing the feasibility of in traoperative dose planning by iteratively updating the extent of tumour resection were recognized.
Adaptive Measurement Control of a Thermal Flow Sensor
Authors: Yiu Fiona Yuk-Fun
Published: May 2021

In the present work, an adaptive gain switching control strategy and a digital temperature compensation technique are integrated with a hot-thermistor anemometer to achieve sensor speed and accuracy improvement. The limitation of the Wheatstone bridge technique for temperature thermistors is compensated to achieve accuracy improvement. The feedback control gains are adapted to the particular range of airflow rates to achieve faster response. Simulation results have confirmed the response speed and accuracy improvement with the proposed digital sensor system. The proposed design has been implemented, and experiments have been conducted. Compared to an original thermal flow sensor with analog circuit, the measurement speed is significantly improved at low airflow rates with adaptive feedback control gains implemented in the prototype digital sensor system. The developed digital sensor system possesses desirable features such as a direct interface to the computer through a serial port, easy change of operational parameters and sensor configurations, and energy conservation, as well as simpler control design with the use of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to control the probe heater power.
City of Surveillance? The Implications of Sidewalk Labs’ Resolution to Build a Smart City in Toronto
Authors: Dadayan Patil
Published: May 2021

Google’s sister company Sidewalk Labs has proposed to build a smart city on the Eastern end of Toronto’s waterfront. This initiative is the first of its scale in North America. With the creation of a smart city come implications for the technological, political and cultural life of a city, that give Sidewalk Labs unprecedented power in the realm of urban governance. This study aims to examine whether or not Sidewalk Labs is offering a city of surveillance. Building on existing work on the influence of data, big tech and governance, as well as the cultural importance of neighborhoods, it aims to explain the possible outcomes of the decision to adopt such an initiative in a multicultural urban environment. Alongside a review of the literature on surveillance capitalism, governance and modern urban theory, discourse analysis of the recent Master Innovation and Development Plan (MIDP) released was conducted. Analysis of the material demonstrated a possible desire to control and lead, with data as the key instrument granting the tech company power of uncompetitive nature. The results indicate that there could be negative implications associated with the creation of a smart city in Toronto, but are not of unruly scale. On this basis, it is recommended that Canada update its privacy protection laws to include technological advancements of this scale, and require government involvement in the project at every stage.
A computational study of surface-directed phase separation in polymer blends under temperature gradient
Authors: Tabatabaieyazdi Mohammad
Published: May 2021

To apprehend the real industrial behavior of polymeric materials phase separation phenomenon, the nonlinear Cahn-Hilliard theory incorporating the Flory-Huggins-de
Gennes free energy theory was used to study the non-uniform thermal-induced phase
separation phenomenon in a symmetric binary polymer blend in which surface(s) with short- and long-range attraction to one polymer component compete with temperature gradient effects. The numerical results indicate that an increase of diffusion coefficient value will increase the rate of phase separation in the bulk but will decrease the growth rate of the wetting layer on the surface regardless of the surface potential strength. Also, the morphology transition from complete to partial wetting of the surface with short range surface attraction is successfully demonstrated. However, no partial wetting is observed for the surface with long-range potential. For shallow quenches, first, a growth rate of t 0.5 is observed in the early stage of spinodal decomposition phase separation at the surface and then a decline in the growth rate to t 0.13 in the intermediate stage occurred. For short- and long-range surface potential, the growth rate value of t 0.33 obtained in the bulk. The morphology results of temperature gradient effect on surface directed spinodal decomposition in short-range, long- range and multiple-surface attraction cases have been presented for the first time.

It is realized that regardless of surface potential magnitude, surface enrichment is increased by higher temperature gradient (deep quenches on the side with no surface attraction). The studied models would provide more in depth understanding of polymer
blendiprocesses.
Reducing the Energy Consumption of New Construction Residential Buildings in Ontario: The Development of Prescriptive Compliance Packages 20% Below Ontario Building Code Requirements
Authors: Nieto Alejandra
Published: May 2021

To address energy concerns in new home construction in Ontario, advanced compliance packages have been developed that meet an energy reduction of 20% compared to SB-12 standards. The prescriptions are based on measures identified by homebuilders in the Savings by Design program. Energy simulations using HOT2000 have been conducted to establish the optimum combination of measures that will enable builders to meet the target, for 3 different house archetypes. Additional analysis was conducted to determine the effect of building orientation; climate; thermal bridging; air conditioning; and the SHGC of windows. A total of 9 advanced packages were developed. The findings from this study indicate that builders are more comfortable upgrading the systems components of a house as opposed to the building envelope components; different archetypes can reach the reduction target using different measures; and the other design factors must be considered in order to ensure the reduction target is achieved.
Issues in deafness: an analysis of the existing literature pertaining to issues of the cultural-linguistic definition of deaf culture.
Authors: Polano Lorelle
Published: May 2021

"Ask yourself, "What would it be like to be deaf?" When hearing people are asked to consider deafness, they most likely try to imagine themselves in a world of silence. As a first-year undergraduate, I was part of a discussion with several of my friends in which we were asked to decide, given only the options of being deaf or being blind, which we found to be the lesser tragedy. I announced that given only those two fates, I would choose blindness for myself. To never hearing music, the voices of my loved ones, to be deprived of the ability to speak, to carry on a simple discussion as we were having then, was simply unbearable to me. Such a decision was made based on my limited capacity to conceive and imagine such an existence as a world of silence.

It is people such as this, who little consider deafness and only then in the intermittent moments when it is absolutely necessary, who are bestowed the power to enact policy and decide practice for the deaf. It is not in fact the deaf themselves who, though infinitely better suited to understand and interpret their own experiences and needs into policy and practice, are permitted to do so. As will be explained throughout this essay, there are specific reasons for the position of deaf people in Western society which manifest themselves politically, economically, and culturally."--Page 1.
Impact of Protozoan Grazing on Nitrification and the Ammonia-And-Nitrite-Oxidizing Bacterial Communities in Activated Sludge
Authors: Pogue Amy Jean
Published: May 2021

The effect of protozoan grazing on nitrification rates under different conditions was examined. The spatial distribution of ammonia -and nitrite- oxidizing bacteria (AOB and NOB) in activated sludge was also examined using FISH/CSLM. Batch reactors were monitored for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and total nitrogen concentrations and bacterial numbers in the presence and absence of cycloheximide, a protozoan inhibitor. In the absence of protozoan grazing, rates of nitrification were lower than in batches with protozoa. Spatially, both AOB and NOB were found clustered within the floc and neither inhibiting the protozoa or inhibiting ammonia oxidation appeared to lower the amount of AOB and NOB present or their position. These results suggest that a reduction in protozoan grazing pressure allowed the heterotrophic bacteria to proliferate which caused a corresponding decrease in the rate of nitrification. These results suggest that AOB and NOB are less active in the absence of protozoa and indicates the role of protozoa in the cycling of nitrogen.
Phosphorus Speciation in Surface Waters by Ion Chromatography With High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Detection
Authors: Packa Vlastimil
Published: May 2021

Phosphorus (P) containing compounds, depending on their origin, can enter freshwater systems in variety of forms. Utilization of bioavailable P, a key nutrient in living organisms, is a crucial factor in biological productivity in aquatic environment¹. An increase in the P concentration in water, resulting from both natural and anthropogenic processes, can lead to eutrophication and an excessive growth of vegetative biomass. Determination of organic and inorganic P species in ground, surface and waster is an important part of water quality control and monitoring². Analytical determination of P compounds, quantification, identification (Chapter 2) and P speciation process can be problematic due to P adsorption on storage containers, sulfate interference, presence of acid hydrolysable P species and colloidal matter, association of both inorganic and organic phosphates with iron, manganese and aluminum, biological uptake of P. Such processes have to be considered when designing an analytical procedure for analysis of P species. Analytical P compound separation by ion chromatography with mass spectrometry/Orbitrap technology for compound detection (Chapter 3) is a powerful technology with highly sensitive and selective properties capable of performing P speciation in one analytical run. Selectivity of the Orbitrap detector also allows for utilization of isotope dilution technique which can compensate for loss of P compounds during storage and transportation and thus increase accuracy of measurements and holding time of sample matrices. Analytical techniques used in the past were able to determine broad P-fractions, such as total P, total P or functional groups of inorganic and organic P compounds. Identification of variety of specific P-containing compounds of inorganic and organic origin by the methodology used in this thesis in combination with multivariate statistical analysis can be used to explain the large sets of intercorrelated analytical variables with a smaller set of independent variables (Chapter 4) and help in source identification in water pollution studies³.
Dynamics of a rotating beam with intermittent contact
Authors: Ieropoli Mary Ann
Published: May 2021

A flexible beam that is attached to a rotating hub, and whose tip encounters intermittent contact with a flat rigid surface is modelled. The beam is modelled using Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. Lagrange Equations are used to develop the system governing equations of motion, impact is modelled using the momentum balance method and contact is represented via a Lagrange multiplier and Coulomb friction. The model does not allow penetration of the surface to occur by enforcing a geometric constraint throughout contact. Both flexible and rigid initial beam assumptions before impact were analyzed. The effects of angular velocity, depth of penetration and the friction coefficient were examined. A numerical algorithm is outlined and Matlab software is used to implement the procedure. The results show compliance with expected trends and they show smoother transition from unconstrained to constrained motion for the flexible initial beam configuration compared to the rigid configuration.
Modeling of PVA Degradation in a Continuous Photochemical Reactor using Experimental Step Testing and Process Identification
Authors: Shahwan Mustafa Mohamed
Published: May 2021

In AOP processes, the flow of oxidant must be controlled to minimize the oxidant residuals in a post biological treatment and to maximize the total organic carbon (TOC) removal and degradation. Designing a controller to regulate the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) begins with a dynamic model determination of a chemical process. Therefore, a step testing technique is employed to construct a dynamic model of the UV/H2O2 degradation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) process based on pH and TOC responses to H2O2 step change. The experimental design consists of three different initial PVA concentrations, of 60.0, 280.0, and 500.0 mg PVA/L. Eight experimental tests were conducted for different hydrogen peroxide mass flowrates ranging from 0.336 to 125 mg H2O2/min. For every test, a transfer function was experimentally determined to describe the dynamics of the UV/H2O2 photochemical reactor for the degradation of PVA. System identification toolbox in Matlab software was used to determine first order plus time delay (FOPTD), second order plus time delay (SOPTD) and ARX polynomial models. The transfer functions and ARX models are a good model representation of the pH response data of a specific step change of H2O2 concentration. For example, the standard deviation of the process gain of test # 1 and its replicate was calculated to be 1.18 and standard deviation of the time constant was calculated to be 1.27. The pH response of the first test was fitted with a FOPTD model with a data fitting score of 88.8%. Test # 2 pH response data was fitted with a SOPTD transfer function with data fitting score of 83.6%. Tests # 6 and 7’s pH response was fitted with a FOPTD model with a data fitting score of 94.3 and 87.7 % respectively. The different transfer functions obtained for the low, average, and high PVA concentrations indicate the nonlinearity aspect of polymer systems. All quality models are quite reliable estimations of the pH and TOC response data, since they were developed from experimental tests and parameter estimation techniques based on nonlinear regression approach.
Nurse practitioners and eMedRec: a phenomenological exploration
Authors: Medley Nadine
Published: May 2021

The impact of technology on patient safety has been inconclusive. A qualitative approach informed by Van Manen (1990; 2014) has the potential to reveal nuances inherent in the process of technology use in healthcare; therefore, this study’s purpose was to understand and assign meaning to the lived experience of Nurse Practitioners’ (NP) eMedRec use. Data were collected via two interviews per participant with a total sample of six NPs. A layered approach was used for data analysis including epoche-reduction, thematic analysis and cognitive mapping. The major themes identified were: 1) Caring for the patient and family, 2) Enacting patient safety, 3) Practicing within the professional role and scope, 4) Wading through the system and working through the process, and 5) Learning and unlearning overtime. Key recommendations are that eMedRec systems could better prioritize patients and be designed in consultation with the NPs, patients and their families.
Multiculturalism in Canada : Symbolic Boundaries and the Institutionalization of Difference
Authors: Fraser Ashley
Published: May 2021

This paper explores how people are constructed into groups, and how these constructions are reinforced by the ideology of multiculturalism in Canada. I am primarily concerned with the metaphorical use of the border concept in the context of Multicultural Canada, and if and how the current ideology of multiculturalism reifies cultural distinctions and, in complex ways, contributes to divisiveness and disunity within Canada. The goal of Canada's Multicultural policy is integration via acceptance of difference. Yet, the principle or logic underlying the policy rests on the premise that cultural variation is discontinuous. Thus, Canadian multiculturalism's undue emphasis on cultural differences means that such differences, whether superficial or substantive, are abstracted into meaningful difference through the metaphorical extension of border concepts. As such, multiculturalism has left unchanged the structural organization of power in the cultural and political landscape of Canada.
Traversing the Lane Space
Authors: Crofts Ashleigh Reagan
Published: May 2021

Detouring between buildings subverts well-worn paths and reveals untapped space designated to Toronto’s extensive laneway network. Exploratory walks followed by creative transcription of the findings capture fragments that would otherwise go unnoticed. By harnessing new ways of reading the lane space, the proposed project envisions a lane-building-street hybrid, rich with urban retreats and alternate pedestrian paths. Through the reinterpretation of an existing laneway block as a catalyst, the scheme explores strategies that grant this hybrid space to curious strollers, challenging highly-regulated and standardized street space as the primary means of moving through the contemporary city. These strategies invigorate the role of architecture in enhancing the quality of urban life, rewarding pedestrians with access to the city through new routes, expanded public realm, and countless discoveries.
Two 19th Century Japanese Souvenir Travel Albums At The Art Gallery Of Ontario
Authors: Li Jenny
Published: May 2021

This paper analyzes two nineteenth-century Japanese souvenir travel albums from the Art Gallery of Ontario's collection of photography. The project includes: a literature survey discussing sources and researchers of early photography in Japan; contextual research on the introduction of photographic technology in nineteenth-century Japan and the influence that traditional woodblock prints may have had on the genre of commercial souvenir photographs of Japan; and a detailed description of both album with a potential attribution. Furthermore, the applied component of the project, which entailed documentation of both albums in the form of a catalogue of their 100 tinted albumen prints, is included as an appendix. The paper also provides recommendations for the optimal storage and preservation of both albums, as well as a housing solution. The cataloguing and housing of the two albums will enhance accessibility and facilitate future research of these albums.
Fatigue damage assessment of unidirectional GRP and CFRP composites
Authors: Panbechi Morteza
Published: May 2021

The present thesis has developed an energy-based critical plane fatigue damage parameter to assess the fatigue damage of unidirectional GRP and CFRP composites. The proposed model is based on the physics and the mechanism of fatigue cracking within three damage regions of the matrix (I), the fiber-matrix interface (II), and the fiber (III) in unidirectional GRP and CFRP composites as the number of cycles progresses. The model involved the shear and normal energies calculated from stress and strain components acting on (i) a relatively ductile matrix, (ii) the matrix-fiber interface, and (iii) the unidrectional brittle fibers. For the regions III, and I the cracking is dominantly based on the maximum shear stress and the maximum normal principal stress, respectively and the fatigure damage was assessed based on the Varvani-Farahani damage approach. For region II, the damage process along the matrix-fiber interface was evaluated based on the Plumtree-Cheng approach.

The proposed fatigue damage analysis has addressed the cracking and damage progress within three regions over the life of unidirectional GRP and CFRP composites and showed a good capability in unifying the experimentally obtained fatigue lives with various off-axis angles and stress ratios as compared with other well-known damage criteria available in the literature.
Housing Without Rooms: An Architecture of Objects
Authors: Goldstein Arthur
Published: May 2021

Today’s housing models suffocate their inhabitants. While the free plan has reduced architecture to its bare essence, its logic has been undermined by utilizing free space to fit a maximum number of rooms possible. This has come at a great cost to people – socially, architecturally, psychologically. Each housing unit is an individualized cell, completely severed from any other through walls. Consequently, neighbouring units rarely interact. Communality, once an integral part of inhabiting almost any space, is now vainly achieved in the limited offerings of circulation and amenity spaces, carefully entwined within the optimized stacking of units. Occupants and visitors must navigate these cavernous mazes through a series of secured checkpoints – concierges, security, elevators, card-accessed areas – reinforcing isolationism. A new way is possible: a move away from the enclosure and containment of rooms to the freedom of transient objects that can accompany and enrich us.
Circuit Complexity Of Constraint Satisfaction Problems With Few Subpowers
Authors: El-Aooiti Amir
Published: May 2021

Although Constraint Satisfaction Problems (CSPs) are generally known to be NP-complete, placing restrictions on the constraint template can yield tractable subclasses. By studying the operations in the polymorphism of the constraint language, we can construct algorithms which solve our CSP in polynomial time. Previous results for CSPs with Mal’tsev [7] and generalized majority-minority operations [10] were improved to include CSPs with k-edge operations [15]. We present an alternative method to solve k-edge CSPs by utilizing Boolean trees placing the problem in the class NC2 . We do this by arranging the logical formulas describing the CSP into a Boolean tree where each leaf represents a constraint in the CSP. We take the conjunction of the constraint formulas yielding partial solutions at every step until we are left with a solution set at the root of the tree which satisfies all of the constraints.
Three-dimensional numerical simulation of crystal growth using TSM under g-jitter conditions
Authors: Asmae Elalami
Published: May 2021

The goal of this thesis is to study the effect of residual gravity on crystal growth of Silicon Germanium GE0.98 Si0.02 using the Traveling Heater Method (THM). This method has proven to be one of the most efficient techniques to grow high-quality crystals because it can be grown at relatively low temperatures compared to existing crystal growth techniques. Yet, because of natural convection due to earth's gravity, imperfection in terms of silicon distribution along the growth interface occurs. By growing crystals in a space environment, residual gravity represented by a static microgravity component and a sinusoidal component would decrease the intensity of the convective flow, which in return would lead to a more uniform silicon distribution. However, g-jitter fluctuation has proven to have a noticeable effect on the silicon distribution. Therefore, as an initial step to understand the behavior of crystal growth in space, each component of the g-jitter force will be studied thoroughly. The momentum, mass and energy equations, representing the 3D TSM model, were solved using finite element means. The preliminary results indicate that the complexity and the intensity of the silicon distribution along the growth interface are proportional to the convective flow, that partially controls the migration of silicon. Therefore, the quality of the crystal growth is assessed based on the behavior of the flow along the solvent regime. Based on the imposed static gravity in the range of 10-6 go to 10-3 go, the flow was determined to be in a diffusion mode with a velocity ranging from 10-6 cm/sec to 10-3 cm/sec. As a matter of fact, the flow intensity was noted to be positively proportional to the dominant component of both the static and the amplitude of the imposed g-jitter and negatively proportional to the frequency of the sinusoidal g-jitter. Consequently, realistic space growth conditions have proven to be an effective way of producing a homogeneous crystal since a flawless crystal silicon distribution is obtained at the growth interface.
Resource allocation for energy harvesting assisted D2D communications underlaying OFDMA cellular networks
Authors: Yu Shuo
Published: May 2021

D2D communications underlaying cellular networks has become very popular recently. Inter-
ference between cellular users and D2D users is one of the tricky issues we need to solve. Another
challenging issue is limited battery lives. In this thesis, we address these two issues together by
introducing an energy harvesting (EH) assisted D2D model where the whole transmission process
is divided into multiple time slots. At the beginning of every time slot, each D2D user will update
the remaining energy level to the base station (BS) and the BS will then decide whether the D2D
user should harvest energy or transmit data. The objective is to maximize sum throughput for all
D2D users. To solve the problem, we first adopt the NOMAD algorithm, then propose a heuristic
algorithm as sub-optimal solution. Numerical results show that our proposed algorithm can achieve
almost the same sum throughput at a significantly smaller time cost.
Development of a Grey Box Thermal Dynamic Model without Building Construction Knowledge
Authors: LeRiche Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

Model Predictive Controllers (MPC) in building Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems have demonstrated significant energy savings when compared to typical on/off controllers. MPCs require information about the building’s thermal dynamics which is challenging to model, especially for older structures without buildings specifications. This research investigates the ability to develop a grey box thermal dynamic model that can determine the net thermal dynamics, without any building construction information. Sensors were installed within a test cell to monitor the building automation system (BAS) points, and collect building element surface temperature data. The simulation program Simulink was used to develop and test iterations of grey box models. The final model, that relies solely on BAS points, is able to predict the ambient temperature for a 3-hour Prediction Window to within 1.7% accuracy. This model demonstrates the potential for more buildings to implement HVAC MPC systems with grey box thermal dynamic modeling
A comparative study of GT27 Family N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases
Authors: Sanyal Biprajit
Published: May 2021

Therapeutic proteins face short half lives in vivo. Their high costs and associated toxicity effects of increasing dosage warrant exploration of methods to increase serum half-life. These proteins can be produced with native or engineered glycosylation sites, which has been shown to be an effective means of prolonging serum half-life. Engineered E. coli represents an economical route of production. I have been able to produce, purify and test the activity of three N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase isoform 2 in Escherichia coli and show glycosylation on peptides derived from Interleukin 29. I followed the activity of these enzymes on three candidate therapeutic proteins via lectin blotting. Data suggest the Homo sapiens orthologue of GalNAcT2 is the most efficient enzyme in the in vitro assays with all candidate therapeutic protein substrates displaying the Tn-antigen. Future research should investigate continuous assays for precise results as well as assaying native peptides as opposed to non-native ones.
Development Of A Graphical User Interface For Control Of A Robotic Manipulatior With Sample Acquisition Capability
Authors: Desai Karan
Published: May 2021

Design of a graphical user interface (GUI) is a delicate task requiring knowledge of human cognitive behaviour, design strategies and programming skills. In this thesis work, a GUI has been developed for control of a robotic arm that is capable of sample retrieval and collection. This thesis work creates a bridge between technical and psychological aspects of interface design by integrating the concepts of compatibility of GUI with users, consistency in design, visual hierarchy and page layout.

The developed GUI is able to support control of the robotic manipulator autonomously and manual operation using a joystick. Combinations of control functions have been defined and implemented to alleviate the operator’s efforts. The developed GUI is capable of task planning in offline mode. Implemented intelligent server/client architecture enables efficient remote control of the robotic arm. The presented interface can also be used for multiple systems with minimal changes. To verify the effectiveness of the developed GUI, experiments have been conducted using a robotic arm comprised of three rotary joints and a scoop.
Sociogenetic Architecture: Fostering Connection in Urban Dwelling
Authors: Ball Joseph
Published: May 2021

Modern global metropolises like Toronto are constructing high-density condominium towers to accommodate rampant population growth and to combat the economic, environmental, and social complications associated with sprawl. However, the rapid adoption of the point-tower condominium as a solution to this densification has led to progressively smaller dwelling units poorly suited to family life, and a dwindling supply of shared spaces to provide recreation and respite. Point towers are not conducive to a sense of community between residents, or supportive of the spontaneous social interaction particularly important for children and youth. This thesis investigates design strategies that promote high-density urban living for families and communities. A terraced courtyard typology provides overlook and a gradient of privacy to residents. Transitional recreational spaces provide the amenity, sense of place, community, and therapeutic social benefits of open shared space. The sight and sound of others in these communal spaces encourages social interaction.
Least Cost Analysis of Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Ontario Using TRNSYS
Authors: Fereidouni Kondri Amir
Published: May 2021

This report presents the methodology for determining least cost energy efficient upgrade solutions in new residential housing using brute force sequential search (BFSS) method for integration into the reference house to reduce energy consumption while minimizing the net present value (NPV) of life cycle costs. The results showed that, based on the life cycle cost analysis of 30 years, the optimal upgrades resulted in the average of 19.25% (case 1), 31% (case 2a), and 21% (case 2b) reduction in annual energy consumption. Economic conditions affect the sequencing of the upgrades. In this respect the preferred upgrades to be performed in order are; domestic hot water heating, above grade wall insulation, cooling systems, ceiling insulation, floor insulation, heat recovery ventilator, basement slab insulation and below grade wall insulation. When the gas commodity pricing becomes high, the more energy efficient upgrades for domestic hot water (DHW) get selected at a cost premium.
Field Study of Hygrothermal Performance of Cross‐Laminated Timber Wall Assemblies with Built‐In Moisture
Authors: McClung Victoria Ruth
Published: May 2021

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels have potential market in North America for building mid-rise structures due to their good structural and seismic performance, lightweight, and prefabricated nature. However, to ensure long-term durability, the hygrothermal performance of CLT wall assemblies needs to be evaluated in terms of drying and wetting potential before their widespread adoption in North America. A test wall was constructed with initially wetted CLT panels, and monitored over a year. The drying behaviour of the panels was analysed, and results were compared to hygrothermal simulations. It was found from the field data that no tested wall assemblies in the given climate prevented the panels from drying in enough time to prevent decay initiation. The hygrothermal simulation program is capable of predicting general trends, and can predict if a wall be safe, but tends to be overly conservative. Further refinement of the model for wood is needed.
Parental selection based on molecular information under a population genetics approach
Authors: Rosado Renato Domiciano Silva , Oliveira Ana Maria Cruz , Santos Iara Gonçalves , Carneiro Pedro Crescêncio Souza , Cruz Cosme Damião , Cecon Paulo Roberto
Published: May 2021

The correct choice of parents that will compose optimal segregating populations is the key to success for breeding programs. It was postulated the hypothesis that this choice of these parents could be made based on information of molecular markers analyzed in the context of population structure. Ten parental populations were simulated and 45 hybrid combinations were obtained from the dialel crosses. Each population consisted of 200 individuals with 50 independent loci. The populations were evaluated for the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE), Coefficient of Inbreeding (F), Heterozygosity (H), and the Polymorphic Information Content (PIC). Genetic diversity between pairs of parental populations was evaluated using five dissimilarity measures. Values of Mantel correlation were obtained for the pairs of the dissimilarity matrices, and the PIC, H, and F values ​​were obtained in the hybrid combinations. All parental populations were under HWE, and the combination that emerged from this condition was the hybrid 3x5, with only 26% of the loci manifesting HWE. This same hybrid was among those with lower F estimates and higher values ​​of H, which indicated the existence of greater divergence between their parentals. There was agreement on the indication of the more and less divergent hybrid combinations for the dissimilarity measures. This fact is important because the variability, associated with the good average potential, are important criteria for the formation of an initial population in breeding programs of any kind, involving sexual processes.
Call to Start Antimicrobial Stewardship Program
Authors: Ahmed Abdullah Akhtar
Published: May 2021

Abstract not available

KYAMC Journal.2021;12(01): 01-02
Importance of Laparoscopy to Solve the Diagnostic Dilemma of Abdominal Tuberculosis
Authors: Islam Md Saiful , Rahman Md Masudar , Faisal M Fardil Hossain , Pramanik Md Alamgir Jalil , Rouf Muhammad Abdur
Published: May 2021

Background: Diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis as well as histopathological confirmation is difficult because of suboptimal access to the intraperitoneal pathology. Laparoscopy provides minimally invasive access to the peritoneal cavity and materials can be collected for confirmation of diagnosis.

Objectives: To study the importance of laparoscopy as a tool for the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis and initiation of appropriate treatment without delay.

Materials & Methods: In this study 25 patients with suspected abdominal tuberculosis were selected within the period of May, 2014 to October, 2014. Diagnostic laparoscopy performed on all patients with biopsy of tissue from accessible sites.

Results: Diagnostic laparoscopy with biopsy confirmed the diagnosis in 24 (96%) patients, 23 of these patients (96%) had nodules at different site of abdominal cavity and 19 of these patients (76%) had ascites. In two cases there were nodules over liver surface; biopsy was taken also from both liver nodules. One nodule revealed fibrosis and another nodule revealed tuberculosis.

Conclusion: Imaging and culture of ascitic fluid may fail to confirm or exclude abdominal tuberculosis in clinically suspected cases. Laparoscopy with peritoneal tissue biopsy provided rapid and correct diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis and should be performed early in suspected cases.

KYAMC Journal.2021;12(01): 14-17
Effectiveness of Pre-Operative Subcutaneous Infiltration of Ketamine for Post-Operative Analgesia and Haemodynamic Attenuation
Authors: Rahman Md Pervez , Anam ABM Shafiul , Islam Md Rafiqul , Hossain Md Miraj , Rahman Md Muzibur , Khatun Rahena
Published: May 2021

Background: Ketamine is a noncompetitive antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor which plays an important role in pain modulation. It decreases acute postoperative pain by inhibiting C fiber activity.

Objective: Purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative subcutaneous infiltration of ketamine for postoperative analgesia and haemodynamic attenuation.

Materials and Methods: This Randomized controlled trial study was conducted among the patients with ASA (Ameracin Society of Anaesthesiologist) grade I & II, planned for major abdominal surgery with upper midline incision. Total 60 patients were selected and allocated into two groups, 30 in each- group A & B. Group A - Patients received subcuteneous wound infiltration with ketamine. Group B - Patients given subcuteneous wound infiltration with bupivacaine. Then haemodynamic status and patient outcome was assessed at different point of time.

Results: There was no significant difference between groups in respect of demographic and ASA status. Mean age was found to 38.7±8.53 years. In Group A, 63.3% were ASA I and 36.7% were ASA II. In Group B, 60% were ASA I and 40% were ASA II. It has become evident that satisfactory analgesia can be acheived by subcuteneous wound infiltration with ketamine (in Group-A).The Mean verbal pain score was 5.2±0.47 and 7.4±0.68 in group A & group B respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). After 2hrs, mean sedation was found 4.38±0.57 score in group A, but in group B score is reduced and found 3.52±0.27. Mean difference was statistically significant (p<0.05) between two groups.

Conclusion: Surgical site infiltration of ketamine is a promising analgesic method in reduction of postoperative pain with minimal sedation and adverse effects. There was significantly prolonged duration of analgesia and better outcome.

KYAMC Journal.2021;12(1): 26-31