bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent human-machine modeling for enhancing remote learning environments
Authors: Yeung Jason
Published: May 2021

This thesis describes the design and testing of a videoconferencing system for supporting the academic and social needs of hospitalized high school students. The underlying technologies of PEBBLES (Providing Education by Bringing Learning Environments to Students) were incorporated into the High School PEBBLES Prototype (HSPP) with new functionality such as application sharing and a whiteboard. Laboratory studies were conducted with four groups of high school students in a simulated classroom/hospital environment, assigning them a storyboarding task that encouraged use of the prototype's videoconferencing and application sharing features. The results indicated that the students could work collaboratively through the HSPP, and the students were able to experience presence. Some of the critical requirements for effective presence through videoconferencing were identified. The systems development approach used in this thesis highlights the value of intelligent modeling of systems in order to meet the specific requirements of the users.
Proving it: experiences of sexual minorities in the Canadian refugee determination system
Authors: Anderson Casey
Published: May 2021

This paper explores refugee claimant’s experiences negotiating the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). Focusing on claims based on sexual orientation and gender identity, this paper investigates how claimants are made to ‘prove’ their sexual orientation and gender identity. The IRB and its decision makers require that claimants prove their identity as a refugee as well as a member of a sexual minority. Through an analysis of the existing literature and by integrating queer and feminist theoretical concepts on gender, sex, performativity and representation, it is apparent that the Canadian IRB functions as a heteronormative system in which the understanding of sexual orientation and gender identities are essentialized.
Evaluating the use of straw bales in achieving passive house certification (PHIUS+ 2015) in western Canada
Authors: Lubyk Ashley
Published: May 2021

Achieving Passive House certification requires super insulation which can significantly raise the embodied energy and carbon footprint of a project, effectively front-end loading the climate impact, especially where petrochemical foam-based products are used. This research sought to evaluate the use of straw bales - a low embodied energy, carbon sequestering agricultural by-product - to achieve PHIUS+2015 certification. A straw bale wall system was adapted to a single-family detached reference house designed to meet the Passive House standard. The wall system was evaluated for applicability across three Western Canadian cities using WUFI Passive energy simulation software to evaluate compliance; thermal bridging and hygrothermal performance were also evaluated. It was found that the proposed straw bale wall assembly satisfied the PHIUS+ 2015 requirements in all three locations - Saskatoon, Calgary, and Kelowna - with only minor changes required to the reference house design. The annual heating demand and peak heating load, the two targets most sensitive to design changes, were, respectively, 4% and 8.6% below the target in Saskatoon, 63.1% and 21.3% below in Calgary, and 63.1% and 32.6% below in Kelowna.
The research also revealed that maintaining a high degree of air tightness is essential for satisfying the requirements. Overall, this research demonstrates that straw bales can be a beneficial component in creating high performance enclosures without exacting a large embodied carbon footprint.
Preliminary investigation of the potential of mesoporous bioactive glasses to treat hemorrhage
Authors: Rahman Md Saidur
Published: May 2021

Hemorrhage is the primary cause of death in both trauma and war. Commercially available hemostats cannot achieve hemostasis within two minutes of application and cannot inhibit bacterial infection, which are the properties of an ideal hemostatic agent. Organic hemostats are acidic in nature and can lead to inflammation. Inorganic hemostats can achieve hemostasis with fewer complications. Mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) are inorganic agents that possess high surface area, pore volume and ordered channel structure. They have the potential to act as molecular sieves for platelets and other serum proteins to aggregate.
Calcination heating rate is a major processing parameter during the synthesis of MBGs. Any variation in calcination heating rate could alter the physical properties of MBGs, affecting their ability to facilitate clotting. A low heating rate is preferred because it can yield more ordered mesoporous channel structures.
A series of novel MBGs based on the glass composition (80-x) SiO2- 15 CaO- 5 P2O5- x Ta2O5 (mol%) were synthetized using a 1°C/min calcination heating rate. The effect of Ta incorporation on the glass structure was investigated. X-ray diffraction revealed that all glasses were completely amorphous. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that higher concentrations of Ta (5 and 10 mol%) in the glass structure acted as a network modifier which disrupts the silica backbone and leads to discontinuities in porous channel structures, confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) theory quantified the effects of the discontinuities through surface area measurement. It was found that MBGs with 0 and 0.5 mol% of Ta2O5 in the glass structure had 373.87 and 373.98 m2/g surface area respectively indicating that such low levels of Ta incorporation did not influence surface area. The addition of further Ta in the glass structure reduced surface area and produced more discontinuities in the channel structure. 1, 5 and 10 mol% Ta had approximately 5, 12 and 20% reduced surface area compared to 0 mol% Ta in the glass structure. The whole blood coagulation study indicated that MBGs with lower concentrations of Ta (0 and 0.5 mol%) could achieve 58% and 46% hemostatic efficiency, which decreased as tantalum content increased.
It is concluded that the application of a low heating rate during calcination, of the order of 1°C/min, is more likely to result in mesoporous bioactive glasses with high surface area and pore volume than MBG samples processed at a higher heating rate. MBGs containing 0 and 0.5 mol% Ta could be potential hemostatic agent.
Does visual exposure to one's pet regulate stress levels during the mental arithmetic task?
Authors: Ein Natalie
Published: May 2021

This thesis examined the role of viewing a picture of one’s pet as a mechanism for alleviating the symptoms of stress. The mental arithmetic task (MAT), a psychosocial stressor was used to induce stress. Participants were randomly assigned into one of six visual conditions: either a picture of their personal pet (n = 9), an unfamiliar animal (n = 9), a person who is supportive and important to the participant (n = 9), an unfamiliar person to the participant (n =8), a pleasant image (control 1) (n = 8) or no image (control 2) (n = 8). Stress reactivity, both physical (e.g., blood pressure) and subjective (self-reported anxiety), were measured. Findings indicated that contrary to the hypothesis, viewing a picture of one’s personal pet did not reduce stress reactivity, measured either subjectively (self-report) or objectively (physiological assessment). However, the study suggests that various images can influence stress reactivity.
Coordinated Location-Based Downlink Scheduling in a Cellular CDMA Network with Partitioned Cells
Authors: Wu Gang
Published: May 2021

A downlink scheduling scheme called coordinated location dependent downlink scheduling scheme (CLDSS), that combines the intra-cell power allocation and inter-cell transmission coordination is proposed to be used in TD-CDMA networks. In the proposed scheme, each cell in the cellular network is partitioned into co-centric areas based on the load distribution in the cell. The transmissions from base stations are controlled based on the intra-cell load as well as coordinated to minimize inter-cell interference. The average throughput employing the CLDSS is analyzed for a 2-(square) cell system in shallow fading environment with 2 (square) partitioned areas for each cell. Simulation study is also done to validate the numerical results obtained from the analytical study. It is shown that CLDSS scheme can provide soft throughput, i.e. the average throughput remains relatively invariant with the number of users and also provide good performance even in the non-uniform user distribution within a cell. The CLDSS scheme can also improve the fairness in terms of achievable throughput to users anywhere in the cell.
The Perceived Need to be Hot: an Investigation of the Relationship Between Belief in Sexual Stereotypes and Erectile Dysfunction in Gay Men Using Thermal Imaging
Authors: Faaborg-Andersen Marie
Published: May 2021

Erectile dysfunction (ED) has been associated with considerable mental health and interpersonal problems, an increase in risky sex, and is particularly prevalent among gay and bisexual men. Psychological treatment protocols for sexual dysfunctions often aim at challenging beliefs and cognitions about the importance of a “perfect sexual performance,” known as sexual stereotypes. However, to date, little empirical evidence exists for the relationship between ED and belief in sexual stereotypes (BSS). To address this gap, 70 gay men were recruited; 30 with ED and 40 healthy controls. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires, including a measure of BSS, followed by having their genital temperature measured using a thermal imaging camera, while viewing a sexually explicit film. The study had four main objectives: (1) to evaluate between group differences in subjective sexual arousal and physiological arousal; (2) to examine within group differences in the effects of BSS on physiological and self-reported sexual arousal; (3) to evaluate the relationship between BSS, negative automatic thoughts during sex, and ED; and (4) to evaluate the relationship between ED and risky sex among gay men. Results revealed significant between-group differences in physiological arousal, but not in subjective sexual arousal. While between-group differences were found in BSS, no within-group differences were found in the relation of BSS on physiological and self-reported sexual arousal. No significant relationships were found between BSS, negative automatic thoughts, and ED. Participants with ED were found to be significantly more likely to use erectile enhancing drugs, but no significant differences in condom removal were found between groups; however, substantially more individuals with ED (23.3%) reported removing condoms prior to the completion of sexual activity, as compared to healthy controls (5%). Findings of this study contribute to improving psychological treatments for gay men with ED, as well as better understanding pathways leading to risky sex in gay men.
Regenerating dross : a campus for sustainable energy systems
Authors: Cogliati Jeff
Published: May 2021

The following thesis began as an investigation into post-industrial urban waste and the ecological remediation potential that such landscapes embody. It looks at the forces behind waste landscapes or drosscapes and examines the theories associated with the ever-growing amount of waste landscapes throughout our cities. This thesis is largely centered on using Landscape Urbanism as a means of regenerating post-industrial waste sites. The Landscape Urbanists have proposed the use of landscape, rather than architecture, to transform urban waste and reconnect it back to the urban fabric. Where does architecture exist within this context? How can architecture act as a catalyst throughout this transformation? This thesis will examine how architecture and landscape can operate in unison throughout post-industrial site remediation and it will explore how built form can become an integral part of a continuous landscape.
Development of a Combined-Ritz Method for Modeling 3D Acoustics in Candu Fuel Sub-Channels
Authors: Villero David
Published: May 2021

A combined finite element-Ritz method is developed to effectively model the 3D lowfrequency acoustics in CANDU fuel sub-channels. The complex acoustic behavior of CANDU fuel sub-channels in the cross section is captured using the six-node isoparametric triangular elements; and the acoustic wave propagation in the axial direction is modeled using the polynomials of order n. The Lagrange equations are utilized to formulate the system equations of motion. The acoustic system considered in this study consists of pipe-like medium (water) with rigid and smooth walls. At the inlet of the fuel channel acoustic system, an acoustic pressure wave is prescribed to simulate the pulsation induced by the main feeder pumps. At the outlet, the acoustic system is assumed to interact with a reacting and absorbing material with prescribed acoustic impedance. The method was tested for several scenarios of interest. Numerical results obtained are in excellent agreement with the analytical and ANSYS solutions.
An evaluation of British Columbia's medications return program as a management framework for collecting unused/expired pharmaceuticals
Authors: Mahmood Muhammad Asif
Published: May 2021

Lake Simcoe is a major source of fresh water supply and serves as a favorite hub for recreational activities in southern Ontario. The cold water aquatic life of this Lake is facing serious threats due to depleted levels of oxygen caused by excessive growth of algal plants. The major reason for this growth is the entrance of high phosphorus loads through heavy stream discharges in the months of January until April. The results of analysis of phosphorus concentration and flows conducted in this project shows a direct dependence of phosphorus load on flow. Although the relation of rainfall and phosphorus load could not be supported by strong statistical evidence, the flow variations have been shown to be the major cause of variations in phosphorus load. The control strategies should be focused on reducing the generation of phosphorus at source level and preventing the direct entry of heavy flushes in the lake though Best Management Practices (BMPs), including detention facilities.
Characterization of planktonic and biofilm fatty acid profiles and evaluation of their trophic transfer potential to Hyalella Azteca
Authors: Chao Jerry Chien-Yao
Published: May 2021

Fatty acid (FA) composition between biofilms and batch planktonic cultures were compared for two bacterial species Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureaus. Biofilm cultures exhibited decrease in saturated fatty acids (SAFA) that potentially conform to a more fluidic biophysical membrane property. The amount of FA in the biofilms' extracellular polymeric substance was not sufficient to consider it having a major contribution to the observed differences between biofilms and batch planktonic cultures. While biofilm grazing by the amphipod Hyalella azteca was evident, only certain bacteria-specific FA appeared to have the potential to be retained (odd-number SAFA and branched-chain FA). H. azteca with diet strictly consisted of bacteria biofilms did not demonstrate significant changes in their nutritional condition in terms of ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA): combined with the results from fasting trials, H. azteca appears to have the capacity to retain ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs up to 10 days.
Nurse Practitioner Role Acceptance in the Emergency Department : A Case Study
Authors: Jurczak Alexandra A.
Published: May 2021

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MoHLTC) invested in a pilot project that introduced nurse practitioners (NPs) into emergency departments (EDs) in order to improve patient care. Since the launch of the project, there have been no documented studies exploring how the NP role has been accepted by others. Role acceptance is critical to NP integration and thus effectiveness of the role in achieving its desired outcomes. This study explored NP role acceptance in the ED as perceived by NPs, physicians and nurses. Case study approach was employed using semi-structured interviews, the researcher's field notes and publicly accessible documents. NP role acceptance was found to be influenced by participants' understanding of the initial impetus for the role, the role itself, their appreciation of value-added components of the role, NP-specific characteristics and professional relationships among NPs, physicians and nurses. Implications for policy, practice, education and research are explored.
Mathematical Modeling, Design Validation, and Simulation of Morphing Mechanism for Winglet Applications
Authors: Choudhuri Upasana
Published: May 2021

Presented within this thesis is the preliminary design phases for the development of a morphing winglet mechanism. The mathematical models and analyses conducted within this thesis provide the means for bringing the design concept stage to the testing and validation phases. The kinematic modeling of a proposed design is developed. The inverse kinematics of the system are used to determine the required inputs to meet the range of motion. The velocity models for the system are established for both the forward and inverse cases. The inverse velocity models are used to establish a synchronous behaviour between the two serial linkages. Thus, allowing system operation as a redundantly actuated parallel mechanism. The results of implementation are evaluated for the initial and optimized designs. A proposed velocity profile is developed to facilitate control and desired operation of the system. This is then validated by the testing of the system response and error.
Sanctuary: documentary in virtual reality (VR)
Authors: Mulekar Shivani
Published: May 2021

Sanctuary is a documentary film in virtual reality (VR). The film uses 360-camera
technology to offer a sensory immersive viewing experience. The film attempts to
transcend the borders of filmmaking by merging new 360-camera technology and a
nonlinear form of storytelling. The film is an observational piece.
360-degree videos are an emerging technology, which offers the viewer a sensory,
immersive experience in virtual reality. Influenced by the 360-panoramic mural paintings
created in 1860s, the use of the 360-camera breaks away from the syntax of
documentary filmmaking and gives the audience an active role in the film-viewing
experience. It breaks the traditional semantics of filmmaking and sets new rules of
viewing which are personal and unique to each viewer.

Sanctuary documents the Juhasz family, which has been living in a church since
November 2014. The film is an eight-minute experience that gives the audience a 360-
degree glimpse into the Juhasz family’s life and their living conditions. The film is
presented as an installation, using Samsung’s Gear VR as the exhibition technology.
Private collection & public exhibition: the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Responding to Photography
Authors: Kavanagh Anne
Published: May 2021

This paper is a detailed description and analysis of the Art Gallery of Ontario’s 1984 exhibition Responding to Photography: Selected Works from Private Toronto Collections. One of the first original photography exhibitions organized by the gallery and Maia-Mari Sutnik, the 156 works were drawn entirely from private Toronto collections. The exhibition would come to shape the collecting policy of the photography collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario and set it apart from other institutions across Canada. The selected works represented a generalist collecting philosophy (influenced by Sam Wagstaff) that included photographs by anonymous makers and those made for purposes other than art. Through an analysis of the institution’s historical relationship with photography as well as the context in which the show was developed, this paper proposes that Sutnik’s exhibition is a significant historic marker and indicative of the status of photography in Toronto during the 1980s, a time of increased international prominence for the medium.
Chunk: an online platform for flow, play and pattern recognition through "Chunking"
Authors: Whitbourne Nathan-John
Published: May 2021

A platform to highlight meaningful work.
This paper details the conceptual and initial prototype design of the online platform called Chunk, which aims to highlight personal projects and put passion-driven ideas at the forefront of an individual’s online profile. This paper will define “meaningful work,” and outline how the foundations, characteristics, and triggers of flow, play, and“chunking”connects“meaningful work”. It describes why applying them into an online platform, such as Chunk, can help users use their own projects to find greater intrinsic meaning in work. It addresses the lack of focused attention in current social media platforms, within creative work and productivity, and how chunk is able to provide a solution. This paper presents initial images of Chunk’s interface, and strategies to implement flow, play, and pattern recognition into its architecture. Lastly, this research paper will analyse and compare LinkedIn, Behance, Pinterest, and Climb (online platforms oriented towards work) to Chunk’s platform.
Traditional medicine in social work practice
Authors: Holoff Rachel
Published: May 2021

This partial grounded theory study explores the topic of Traditional medicine in social work practice in Toronto, Canada. Given the dearth of knowledge in this area, I wanted to explore the contrapuntal nature of two social workers’ practice who refer to Traditional Medicine, and to conceptualize further on this approach. Social work literature and practice has paid little attention to this topic despite the field’s purported commitment to equity and social justice. This is largely a reflection of how greatly we take for granted the bias towards Western medicine in our public health care system and in the social work referral system that is aligned with it. The World Health Organization defines Traditional medicine as: “Health practices, approaches, knowledge, and beliefs incorporating plant, animal, and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques, and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose, and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being” (Fokunang et al., 2011). Such approaches, which are based on Indigenous and non-Western ways of knowing are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), and thus remain largely inaccessible to the most financially marginalized. This is a problem for those who cannot afford to pay out of pocket for their health care. It is a grave disservice to those whose culture does not align with Western medicine; those whose health conditions have not been helped by Western medicine; and those who require a combination of Western and Traditional approaches to bring them to full health. This research explores the knowledge, experience, and processes of two social workers in Toronto who refer clients to Traditional medicine in spite of the structural bias towards Western medicine and its approaches.

Key Words: Traditional medicine, social work practice, contrapuntal approach, decolonization, the Medicine Wheel, Toronto
Innovating digital storytelling methodologies: a viable solution shaped by millennial demands
Authors: Tencer Ashley
Published: May 2021

Social digital communities have influenced traditional practices of communication by creating gateways to mass self-expression. Sharing video snippets of personal moments online exemplifies this social transformation, forming a new and thriving component of the digital storytelling field. Currently, the social digital storytelling market is faced with challenges that prevent many individuals from easily communicating their story through an edited video format.
This paper examines social modern storytelling to better comprehend the needs of users, and identify gaps and opportunities based on currently available tools. A viable solution is suggested in order to meet the demands of modern-day storytellers. Through content analysis of technology companies, storytelling platforms, and pertinent case studies, this paper determines the essential attributes to ensure the proposed solution’s viability
Protein structural class prediction using predicted secondary structure and hydropathy profile
Authors: Firdaus Syeda Nadia
Published: May 2021

This thesis explores machine learning models based on various feature sets to solve the protein structural class prediction problem which is a significant classification problem in bioinformatics. Knowledge of protein structural classes contributes to an understanding of protein folding patterns, and this has made structural class prediction research a major topic of interest. In this thesis, features are extracted from predicted secondary structure and hydropathy sequence using new strategies to classify proteins into one of the four major structural classes: all-α, all-β, α/β, and α+β. The prediction accuracy using these features compares favourably with some existing successful methods. We use Support Vector Machines (SVM), since this learning method has well-known efficiency in solving this classification problem. On a standard dataset (25PDB), the proposed system has an overall accuracy of 89% with as few as 22 features, whereas the previous best performing method had an accuracy of 88% using 2510 features.
Development of modular and reconfigurable robot with multiple working modes
Authors: He Xiaojia
Published: May 2021

A modular and reconfigurable robot (MRR) with multiple working modes for performing manipulation in uncontrolled environments is developed in this thesis. In the proposed MRR design, each joint module can independently work in active mode or passive mode. Major contributions of this thesis include the development of the passive mode with a unique friction compensation method and the use of force control in manipulation, such as door opening. In order to implement force control, the kinematics model and Jacobian matrix of the manipulator are derived by using the twist and wrench method, which is superior to the common D-H method, and the complete force analysis of the spherical wrist is presented as well. As a case study, the door opening process using force control is investigated by simulation and experiments. Door opening is successfully demonstrated using the developed MRR with multiple working modes.
Understanding barriers to accessing mental health services for newcomers to Canada using Peterborough, Ontario, as an illustrative example
Authors: Chowdhury Nurun Layla
Published: May 2021

The quality of an individual’s mental health has a significant impact on their quality of life, as well as on the cost to society. Regular access to mental health services can help mitigate the risk factors of developing mental illnesses. This paper examines barriers to accessing mental health services, using the community of Peterborough, Ontario, as an example. Social, economic, and cultural barriers impact help-seeking amongst immigrants, putting them at a higher risk of developing mental disorders. The social determinants of mental health can be useful when developing policies aimed at improving utilization of mental healthcare services. Policy makers need to first focus on collecting accurate information on the population, and then developing targeted solutions to eliminate barriers such as language and employment that prevent help-seeking in immigrants.
Moral fibre: integrating ethics and sustainability into fashion curriculum
Authors: O'Connell Mark
Published: May 2021

THESIS STATEMENT

Fashion is powerful; if you do not think it is important, look down at what you are wearing. Every person on this planet wears clothes or adorns their body in some way. 80 billion pieces of clothing are produced in a year (Siegle, 2011); 9.3% of the world’s employees are employed in the fashion industry; totalling 40 million workers and constituting 4% of global exports (Caniato et al 2012: 659; Hurley & Miller 2008) and consumers spent one trillion on clothes in a single year (Allwood et al., 2006 in Obregon 2013). How those clothes are designed, produced, manufactured and distributed has a massive global impact. There are brightly coloured rivers in Asia that correspond to the trendy hues of the upcoming season’s fast-fashion offerings, or look to the collapse of Rana Plaza1 in Bangladesh: the modern incarnation of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire that claimed ten times as many lives as the original disaster2

Clothing is also not being held onto and valued anymore, as a result of cheap, poor-quality goods flooding the marketplace; the life cycle of a consumer product dropped 50% between 1992 and 2002 (Niinimäki & Hassi 2011: 1878). In addition to all of this, fashion also disseminates didactic toxic images and messages around body and class in an ongoing way. In fact, there seems to be no sector of contemporary life that it does not currently impact negatively. Truly, the global fashion industry can be identified as one of the dirtiest and most destructive forces on the earth.

The fashion classroom is a logical place for teaching both social justice and responsible practices in fashion to counter these negative impacts (Fletcher et al 2015; Armstrong & LeHew 2014; Obregon 2013; Orr 2000; Pilatowicz 2000). At the moment however, the structure and content of fashion education is largely a reflection of existing industry practices; where sustainability is taught, it is presented as a stand-alone subject or an extra-curricular add on (Armstrong & LeHew 2014: 68). This research explores pedagogical opportunities for social justice, as they relate to fashion education at the higher education level, and also potential larger applications of these ideas either at the departmental, institutional or for governmental policy generation.

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The bigger picture: changing the way kids see the world one photo at a time
Authors: Ganal Jemel
Published: May 2021

This major research project (MRP) works to develop a photography application called Glopal that creates an experience for children to develop an unbiased, empathetic viewpoint of the world. My goal is to help children develop their own, “voice, creativity, agency, and new forms of literacy in a media-saturated era,” while creating firsthand experiences of other cultures (Lange & Ito, 2010, p. 247). Their view of the world is based off of content that is rooted from colonial thinking, which is often biased and stereotypical. Further, by taking their own photographs, children are able to establish their own perspective of the world and foster their intrapersonal dialogue. Children are removed from the “performance” space of social networking sites and can show their true selves through the Glopal app. This essay shows how the Glopal app can be a new digital tool in the development of a child’s global citizenship.
Sustainable Site System
Authors: Lefler Jorden J. S.
Published: May 2021

This thesis discusses a method of analysing the input of interventions in a building's site design, all of which affect the heat island effect, bio-diversity and hydrology of urban areas. Existing standards from Toronto, Vancouver and Berlin have been researched and analysed. This paper presents an evolution of a method called biotope area factor used in Berlin, Germany. A synthesis of the approach of all three systems was considered and distilled into the key points which were then incorporated into the proposed method. In addition to the impact of an individual building, it also includes the impact from the adjacent street area. The final components of this thesis are the application of the method developed to an urban area in the city of Toronto and results showing the impacts on architectural design from site rating systems.
Biomechanical development and analysis of a new carbon-fiber/flax/epoxy plate for repairing femur fractures
Authors: Bagheri Zahra
Published: May 2021

Femur fracture at the tip of a total hip replacement (THR), commonly known as Vancouver B1 fracture, is mainly treated using rigid metallic bone plates, which may result in "stress shielding" leading to bone resorption and implant loosening. To minimize "stress shielding", a novel carbon fiber (CF)/Flax/Epoxy composite plate with a “sandwich structure” has been developed and characterized mechanically, biologically and biomechanically compared to a standard clinical metal plate. The CF/Flax/Epoxy composite material showed no cytotoxicity with no negative influence on the expression level of bone formation genes at all incubation time. The results of mechanical tests revealed a considerably high ultimate strength in tension (399.8 MPa), flexion (510.6 MPa) and fatigue loading (200-220 MPa). The composite plate showed higher elastic modulus in bending tests (57.4 GPa) compared to tension tests (41.7 GPa). The dynamic modulus (E*) was found to stay almost constant versus the number of cycles, which can be related to the contribution of both flax/epoxy and CF/epoxy laminae to the stiffness of the composite. The results of biomechanical assessment of the plate showed that the bone beneath the CF/Flax/Epoxy plate was the only area that had a significantly higher average surface stress (fractured = 2.10 ± 0.66 MPa; healed = 1.89±0.39 MPa) compared to bone beneath the metal plate (fractured = 1.shielding” effect. The CF/Flax/Epoxy plated femur had comparable axial stiffness (fractured = 645 ± 67 N/mm; healed = 1731 ± 109 N/mm) to the metal plated femur (fractured = 658 ± 69 N/mm; healed = 1751 ± 39 N/mm) (p=1.00). These results confirm that the new CF/Flax/Epoxy material could be a potential candidate for bone fracture plate applications as it shows good biocompatibility and considerably higher strength in tension, flexion and fatigue than actual clinical load level experienced by femur during daily normal activities. Moreover, it can simultaneously provide similar mechanical stiffness and lower “stress shielding” (i.e. higher bone stress) compared to commercially-used metal bone plates.18 ± 0.93 MPa; healed = 0.71 ± 0.24 MPa) (p<0.05), cause less “stress shielding” effect. The CF/Flax/Epoxy plated femur had comparable axial stiffness (fractured = 645 ± 67 N/mm; healed = 1731 ± 109 N/mm) to the metal plated femur (fractured = 658 ± 69 N/mm; healed = 1751 ± 39 N/mm) (p=1.00). These results confirm that the new CF/Flax/Epoxy material could be a potential candidate for bone fracture plate applications as it shows good biocompatibility and considerably higher strength in tension, flexion and fatigue than actual clinical load level experienced by femur during daily normal activities. Moreover, it can simultaneously provide similar mechanical stiffness and lower “stress shielding” (i.e. higher bone stress) compared to commercially-used metal bone plates.
A Narrative and Cinematic Analysis of Two Film Trailers: Jurassic Park (1993) and Jurassic World (2015)
Authors: Campbell Emelie
Published: May 2021

This study explores the narrative elements of film trailers to help understand their role and purpose within the marketability of trailers. Current literature from Kernan (2004) focuses on the evolution and standing of trailers as the primary marketing and promotional tool within the film industry. However, this major research paper (MRP) focuses on developing an understanding of the function of the narrative within a film trailer and how this impacts its marketability. More specifically, this MRP provides an analysis of the narrative and film techniques used in both the Jurassic Park (1993) and Jurassic World (2015) film trailers. This study was conducted through a qualitative research methodology primarily using Branigan’s (1992) Narrative Schema and Bordwell & Thompson’s (2008) cinematic framework to provide a thorough analysis of the narrative structure of both trailers. The results of this MRP indicate that the purpose of the of the narrative elements of film trailers is to create an emotional and lasting connection with the audience. Furthermore, results show that over the last twenty years, the narrative elements in successful and marketable film trailers continue to evolve and are becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated given today’s technological advancements. The narrative elements combined with the cinematic techniques are designed to heighten or intensify the audience’s emotional experience so that consumers will be more likely to view the movie in theatres.
Particle agglomerated 3-D nanostructures for photon absorption
Authors: Sivayoganathan Mugunthan
Published: May 2021

The main objective of this thesis is to investigate the photon absorption properties of particle agglomerated 3-D structures that are synthesized through femtosecond laser ablation of solids. The size and morphology of these particle agglomerated 3-D structures, which can be tailored through adjusting laser parameters, determine the photon absorption property.

A systematic theoretical and experimental study was performed to identify the effect of lasers on the size of the formed particles. The literature survey showed that the amount of supersaturation influences the growth rate as well as the nucleation rate of vapour condensed nanoparticles. Based on this theory, a mechanism was formed to explain the control of laser parameters over the size of formed particles. Further, a theoretical explanation was proposed from the experimental results for the transition of particle size distribution modals. These proposed mechanisms and explanations show the variation in particle size in the particle agglomerated 3-D nanostructures with laser parameters.

The effect of laser parameters on the formed ring size was studied. Based on the previous studies, a mechanism was proposed for the formation of ring nanoclusters. The laser pulse intensity dependent ponderomotive force was the key force to define the formation of ring nanoclusters. Then the effect of laser parameters on ring size was studied. Structures fabricated on several materials such as graphite, aluminosilicate ceramic, zinc ingot, gold, and titanium were analyzed to show the influence of material properties, laser parameters, and the environmental conditions on the size of ring formed.

The studies performed on the structures showed a minimum absorption of 0.75 A.U. in the bandwidth from UV to IR. The absorption spectrum is much wider compared to existing nanomaterials, such as silicon nanostructures and titanium dioxide nanostructures. To the best of the author’s knowledge, it is a very competitive absorption rate when compared with the previous nanostructures used in photovoltaic conversion. Several features of nanostructures contribute to the enhancement of this light absorption. The special feature of the structure is that ease to fabricate and modify the properties by varying the laser parameters could make it competitive among other nanostructures available for solar cells.
Securitized and criminalized: an analysis of Mexico’s addition to the list of designated countries of origin
Authors: Baker Meredith
Published: May 2021

Mexico’s addition to the list of Designated Countries of Origin (DCO) i.e. safe countries in
light of extreme human rights violations and government corruption raises many questions.
Using government data obtained through the Access to Information Act, this qualitative
study examines the DCO policy and safe country designation process and applies the
country designation criteria to the case of Mexico. Through government discourse, the
securitization of migration and the construct of the ‘criminal’ refugee claimant have
become normalized, leading to exclusionary immigration legislation. While questioning
whether or not Mexico belongs on the DCO list, this study reveals the unjustifiable
discrimination contained in Canadian refugee policy, specifically the Protecting Canada’s
Immigration System Act (Bill C-31).
A Novel Transcription-Interference Mechanism To Suppress Checkpoint
Authors: Calhoun Liza Marie Hayley
Published: May 2021

Meiosis is a linear differentiation pathway remarkable for deliberate DNA damage. During meiotic prophase, DNA damage checkpoint is repressed, which may promote homologous recombination and repair. Meiotic breaks are known to influence meiotic chromosome segregation, preventing aneuploidy in gametes. Convergent genes cause transcriptional interference through overlapping transcripts, resulting in gene suppression. This general mechanism of gene silencing has been noted in both yeast and metazoans. In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, chk1⁺ is convergent with the meiotically upregulated meu27⁺ gene. Through gain- and loss-of-function assays we are developing a model of checkpoint regulation during nitrogen stress. We find that altered meu27⁺ expression impacts chk1⁺ mRNA levels, DNA segregation, and cell cycle progression. S. pombe
encodes several DNA damage checkpoint genes that are convergent with stress-inducible transcripts. Therefore, we investigate the possibility that convergent transcription is a mechanism altering DNA damage repair during other stresses and differentiation programmes which may trigger unregulated cell division.
Improving the Accumulation of Gold Nanoparticles Using Ultrasound and Microbubbles to Enhance Radiation Therapy
Authors: Rajic Mathew John
Published: May 2021

Gold nanoparticles have long been considered for use in conjunction with radiation therapy to enhance dose in a local tumor regions. However, limitation in cellular accumulation remains a hindrance for treatments to extend to clinical levels. Ultrasound and microbubbles have been shown to enhance the delivery of chemotherapies, genetic material and other molecules. This goal of this study was to demonstrate, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the increase in PEGylated gold nanoparticle accumulation in cells due to the addition of ultrasound and microbubbles, and survival fraction. The results display approximate 3 fold increase in intracellular gold content independent of nanoparticle size, resulting in a 5 fold increase in cell death. Additionally, it was shown that USMB can facilitate nuclear localization of gold nanoparticles with nuclear localized signals to further enhance radiation therapy.
Preliminary analysis of lip-wing concept using computational fluid dynamics and actuator disc theory
Authors: Walker Peter
Published: May 2021

This thesis presents a preliminary analysis of the lip wing concept proposed by Dusan Stan of Aliptera Aircraft. A inviscid CFD-CAD actuator disk model was used to simulate a comparable geometry to that which was investigated experimental by Aliptera Aircraft. In general, a 10%-12% increase in thrust was produced at an optimal lip wing angle of 30o. This increase in thrust was consistent with the experimental results obtained by Aliptera Aircraft. These preliminary results are promising and encourage further research
Control of spacecraft formation flying around asteroids
Authors: Lin Arthur Kar Leung
Published: May 2021

There exist thousands of different minerals and other possible resources out in space. To exploit
these resources and to further expand our knowledge of the universe, planetary exploration has
opened new gates towards mankind. There are more than one hundred thousand designated
asteroids located inside the asteroid belt. Some of these asteroids are as old as the Big Bang itself. Tracking of astronomical bodies such as asteroids is the new stream of research that has attracted a lot of attention. However, due to environmental constraints around asteroids, monolithic spacecraft missions seem challenging. Multi-agent systems, on the other hand, provide significant advantages when it comes to orbiting around asteroids. In this study, novel consensus algorithms are applied to regulate the multi-agent decentralized formation flying for increased system flexibility and reliability. A nonlinear controller is developed to control the decentralized formation flying system of interest.
Faults are evaluated and reduced to a minimum when planning a mission. However, the performance of the controller should not be affected when faults occur. For this reason, sensor and actuator faults are examined in this thesis in conjunction with actuator limitations which is commonly referred to as saturation. The proposed control law is not only able to control the system while faults occur, but rather it is capable of maintaining system stability in the presence of time variant external disturbances. Uncertainty in parameters and dynamic models are inevitable due to the complexity of the relatively new mission and lack of experimental data about the system dynamics. As such, a novel adaptive robust control methodology is developed that does not require full knowledge of the system dynamics. Moreover, the adaptive robust control law is combined with a Chebyshev neural network to overcome system uncertainties. Numerical simulations results along with stability analyses show that the proposed control methodology is capable of reducing the system state error close to zero within 1 orbit when maximum thrust of 5 mN with bounded external disturbance of 3 mN is applied for formation reconfiguration scenarios; these results will be useful for the future formation flying missions around asteroids.
Forwarding fashion: developing an app to contemporize fashion design assessment and feedback in higher education
Authors: Dupuis Glynis
Published: May 2021

There is a need to evolve the current collective praxis for providing assessment and feedback on
creative projects within fashion and related domains in higher education (HE) programs. Rapid
advancements and disruption taking place within fashion and related creative industries signal a
need for graduates who can think more divergently, while the increased diversity among current
and future cohorts in HE who have different learning requirements, along with faculty facing
increased time constraints and limitations in their work processes, call for new methods for
providing assessment and feedback efficiently and effectively. This study proposes a practical
prototype of a mobile technological solution that could help to contemporize current praxis, and
may contribute to the emerging field of research: Mobile-Based Assessment (MBA).
Optimal multistage relaxation with automatic parameter selection
Authors: Wong Alvin
Published: May 2021

This research developed a numerical method that solves complicated fluid flow problems without requiring end-user expertise with the solver. This method is capable of obtaining a spatially accurate solution in the same time or better as a skilled user with a conventional solver. An explicit preconditioned multigrid solver was used in this research with a multistage relaxation method. The prosposed method utilizies a database with optimized relaxation method parameters for different local flow and mesh conditions. The parameters are optimized for the relaxation such that the error modes in a complex Fourier series expansion of the residual can be quickly reduced. The convergence time and iteration count of this method was compared against the same solver using default input values, as well as a pre-optimized solver, to simulate a skilled user for various geometries. Improvements in both comparisons were demonstrated.