bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of electromyogram in rapid eye movement sleep
Authors: Shokrollahi Mehrnaz
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to analyze Electromyogram (EMG) signals in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep using different techniques to detect the level of normality and abnormality of normal and abnormal (patients with a lack of REM sleep atonia) subjects and predict the development of Parkinson’s disease in abnormal subjects.

Quantitative elctromyogram (EMG) signal analysis in the frequency domain using classical power spectrum analysis techniques have been well documented over the past decade. Yet none of these [sic] work have been done on EMG during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Stage of sleep. In this work three techniques for classifying chin movement via EMG signals during sleep is presented. Three methods (Autoregressive modeling, Cepstrum Analysis and Wavelet Analysis) for extracting features from EMG signal during sleep and a classification algorithm (Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA)) were analyzed and compared. EMG data are used to detect and describe different disease processes affecting sleep. Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (RBD) is an example of EMG abnormality in which patients lose their muscle control while in REM stage of sleep resulting in physically acting out their dreams. An adaptive segmentation based on Recursive Least Square (RLS) algorithm was analyzed. This algorithm was used to segment the non-stationary EMG signal into locally stationary components, which were then autoregressive modeled using the Burg-Lattice method. The cepstral measurements described was used and applied to modify the coefficients computed from the autoregressive (AR) model. Yet due to the nature of the EMG, frequency analysis cannot be used to approximate a signal whose properties change over time. To address this problem a time varying feature representation is necessary for analysis to extract useful infomration from the signal. As a consequence Wavelet coefficients were computed using discrete and continuous wavelet transforms. Furthermore, the classification performance of the above three feature sets were investigated for the two classes (Normal and Abnormal). Results showed wavelet analysis compared to AR modeling and cepstrum analysis is a better assessment in finding EMG abnormalities during sleep. However, these methods may be useful in distinguishing EMG patterns that predict the emergence of Parkinson disease in humans.
Combined Electrochemical & Biological Treatment of Industrial Wastewater Using Porous Electrodes and a Packed Bed Aerator
Authors: Mitzakov Robert
Published: June 2021

Zinc, nickel and propylene glycol methyl ether were simultaneously removed from simulated wastewater in a column containing a counter-current packed bed and an electrochemical cell. Rectangular porous aluminum foam cathode and porous stainless steel anode were used in a plate-in-tank configuration. During combined biological and electrochemical treatment the wastewater flux was 0.00183 and 0.00915 m³.m̈².s̈¹ at a constant volumetric air flux of 0.0518 m³.m̈².s̈¹. Over a 72 hour treatment period the BOD5 was reduced by 32% and 55% for each volumetric liquid flux, respectively; zinc was reduced by 98% for both fluxes, and nickel was reduced by 95% and 82%, respectively. For sole electrochemical treatment of 48 hours, laminar and turbulent flow conditions were studied. Operating in the laminar flow region of 0.00183 and 0.00915 m³.m̈².s̈¹; zinc was reduced by 95% for both fluxes; nickel was reduced by 80% and 60%, respectively. For the turbulent region in the electrochemical cell, the volumetric liquid fluxes were 0.0137, 0.0229, 0.0321 and 0.0366 m³.m̈².s̈¹. Per cent reduction of both zinc and nickel in this region was less than that encountered in laminar flow. For all the fluxes in the turbulent region zinc was reduced by 82%; nickel was reduced by 55% at a flux of 0.0137 m³.m̈².s̈¹ and 60% at a flux of 0.0366 m³.m̈².s̈¹. Increasing electrode surface area as a means of improving heavy metal reduction by using rectangular porous material in a plate-in-tank configuration is not a viable option at higher volumetric liquid fluxes.
Experimental study on web crippling of lapped cold-formed steel channels subjected to interior two-flange loading
Authors: Rahman Quzzafi
Published: June 2021

The current North American Specifications for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Structural Members, AISI-S136-01, specifies expressions for web crippling strength of different joist geometries in case of exterior end and concentrated load locations. However, it does not permit an in increase two-flange loading. Thus, the objective of this research in this thesis is to generate experimental data for CFS channels where both webs of channel members are lapped at the interior support location and being loaded simultaneously. This thesis summarizes the results of a parametric study to examine few parameters that affect web crippling strength of such lapped channels. These parameters include the unbraced length of channel member, the presence screws, the level of flange restraint at the interior support location, channel six and load bearing length (i.e. lap length). Test specimens were loaded to failure and load history and the failure pattern were recorded. Based on experimental findings, a reliable and economical design expression was developed for web crippling strength of lapped CFS channels at interior support location when subjected to two-flange loading.
The Arthur H. Flint collection : preserving photographic objects for a private collection
Authors: Wells Samantha
Published: June 2021

This paper describes an applied project relating to a small private collection of fine art photographs created by the little-known American Pictoralist photographer Arthur H. Flint (1864-1943). After suffering years of neglect, the collection was acquired in 2007 by Toronto-based photographer, collector and dealer Steven Evans. Over the course of eight months, I worked with Mr. Evans on the physical and intellectual arrangement of this collection. In addition, I researched the life of Arthur H. Flint and his significance in context to the Pictoralist movement in the USA. This project provides a biography of photographer Arthur H. Flint; an outline of the preservation and collections management process for the Arthur H. Flint photographic collection, and includes a CD containing 234 catalogue records of the Flint collection.
How digital media entrepreneurs talk and think about value creation: a study of commodification
Authors: Hofmann Ian
Published: June 2021

Recent scholarship in the discipline of the political economy of communications, specifically on the topic of digital media, has called for further incorporation of theory from other fields. This study takes up this line of reasoning and contributes to the literature by incorporating the concept of customer value from marketing studies and the concept of opportunity recognition from entrepreneurial studies to examine the process of commodification. Drawing upon the customer value framework devised by Brock Smith and Mark Colgate, this study employs qualitative research to examine how entrepreneurs at the Ryerson Digital Media Zone talk about value. The results of this study demonstrate that the digital media entrepreneurs interviewed do in fact favour certain values over others lending credence to entrepreneurial studies theory that opportunity recognition is a result of specific cognitive frameworks and political economy theory that social and institutional policy and practices impact on media content and behaviour.
An examination of best practices for mine site reclamation: an investigation of Ontario's recent environmental assessment cases where reclamation is expected
Authors: Penny Andrea
Published: June 2021

Mining can have significant public health and environmental consequences such as deforestation, waste
rock deposition, and toxic mine effluents. Standards for reclamation of Ontario mine sites are not clear as
there is no received model. A strong policy framework is essential to develop a mine closure system that
protects the environment. An Environmental Assessment is the first stage for reclamation investigation.
By setting standards for reclamation, projects that complete an Environmental Assessment will be better
prepared to meet environmental protection objectives. Based on determined objectives, the best practice
for mine site reclamations must include: restoration of soils, systematic revegetation, reclamation of water
and wildlife restoration through habitat formation. Based on the results, Ontario is ahead of the provinces
evaluated for environmental reclamation. None of the countries reviewed have a firm policy on
reclamation. The results demonstrate a high number of reclamation components not being evaluated at the
environmental assessment level.
Performance of ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete plates under impact loads
Authors: Othman Hesham
Published: June 2021

The next generation of concrete, Ultra-High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHP-FRC), exhibits exceptional mechanical characteristics. UHP-FRC has a compressive strength exceeding 150 MPa, tensile strength in the range of 8-12 MPa, and fracture energy of several orders of magnitudes of traditional concrete. The focus of this research is to investigate and analyze the advantage of using UHP - FRC in impact resistance structures. To achieve these goals, two experimental testing programs and major numerical investigations have been conducted. The material experimental investigation has been conducted to determine the effects of strain rate on UHP - FRC. Two parameters are investigated, namely: compressive strength (80, 110, 130, and 150 MPa); and steel fibre content (0, 1, 2, and 3%). Experimental results showed that the rate sensitivity decreases with the increase in the compressive strength ; and the dynamic enhancement of tensile strength is inversely proportional to the fibre content.

The structural impact testing program focuses on the dynamic response of full - scale reinforced concrete plates as well as generating precise impact measurements. Twelve reinforced plates with identical dimensions are tested under high-mass low-velocity multi-impacts. The investigated parameters include: concrete type (NSC, HSC, and UHP - FRC), fibre volume content, and steel reinforcement ratio. The results showed that the use of UHP -FRC instead of NSC or HSC is able to change the failure mode from punching to pure flexural; and UHP -FRC containing 3% fibre has superior dynamic properties. For plates with identical steel reinforcement, the total impact energy of UHP-FRC plate containing 3% fibres is double the capacity of UHP - FRC plate containing 2% fibres , and 18 times the capacity of NSC plate.

A three-dimensional finite element analysis has been performed using ABAQUS/Explicit to model multi-impacts on RC plates and the applicability is verified using existing experimental data. Concrete damage plasticity (CDP) model is adapted to define UHP - FRC. The CDP constitutive model parameters for the new material are calibrated through a series of parametric studies. Computed responses are sensitive to CDP parameters related to the tension, fracture energy, and expansion properties. The analytical results showed that the existing CDP model can predict the response and crack pattern of UHP - FRC reasonably well.
Enhancing Radiotherapy Using Ultrasound And Microbubbles With Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Tran Amanda T.L.
Published: June 2021

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been shown to enhance the local radiation dose in tumour mice models. Although AuNPs can be delivered to tumours through enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, delivering of AuNP for therapeutic effect has been proven to be challenging. The application of ultrasound and microbubbles (USMB) has been shown to increase the delivery of genetic material, macromolecules, and chemotherapeutic agents. The hypothesis driving this research is that ultrasound and microbubbles can increase uptake of AuNPs in cells. The results suggest that AuNPs, and USMB aid in its delivery to increase cell death upon irradiation. An improvement of ~ 22 fold was observed with the combined treatment compared to radiation only, implying synergism. In addition, USMB and radiation exhibited an increase in cell death. Cell viability was ~3-4% and is dependent on AuNP concentration, shape and location. Further investigation of this concept was done
An Experimental Investigation of Body Displacement Theory in Restrained Eaters
Authors: MacDonald Danielle Elizabeth
Published: June 2021

Body Displacement Theory posits that individuals with eating and weight concerns may mislabel feelings of ineffectiveness as feeling fat. Study 1used a non-clinical sample to create an Implicit Association Test for body image (IAT-BI) to measure implicit body dissatisfaction, as body displacement is thought to be an automatic cognitive/affective process. The IAT-BI was moderately and significantly correlated with explicit measures of body dissatisfaction, body shame, and restrained eating. In Study 2, an experimental manipulation was used to induce ineffectiveness in a non-clinical sample, and effects on implicit and explicit body image and related variables were measured. Contrary to hypotheses, feeling ineffective did not lead to feeling fat in comparison to those in a control condition. These findings may suggest that body displacement was not successfully induced by the manipulation, or that body displacement may be process unique to those with eating disorders. The implications of the study are discussed.
Modelling challenges of a heat recovery VRF system in a cold climate using a sustainable office case study building
Authors: Kani-Sanchez Cassandra
Published: June 2021

There is a need to better understand the performance characteristics of HR VRF systems in a cold climate. This study involved the development of a HR VRF system model in EnergyPlus, using field data from a two-storey case study office building. Using the model, this study investigated calibration with site information, climate variations, VRF indoor terminal unit reconfiguration for heat recovery improvements, right-sizing HR VRF outdoor units to raise part-load ratios, and comparing the HR VRF system to other HVAC systems for system efficiency. Challenges with achieving model calibration led to recommendations for monitoring system design and EnergyPlus modelling improvements.
"We are chameleons" : exploring identity capital in a multicultural workplace environment
Authors: Ho Mabel
Published: June 2021

This exploratory research investigates James Cote's concept of "identity capital" in a multicultural workplace environment. Guided by Pierre Bourdieu's theoretical approach to capital, the focus is to examine the strategic deployment of identity capital between adults in a multicultural immigrant-serving agency in Mississauga, Ontario. After conducting fifteen interviews, the findings can be broadly summarized by the following: first, identity capital is deployed in social situations with the clients, colleagues and supervisor in the work place; second, the deployment of identity capital, through greeting, body language, finding connecting pieces or the method of communication is done unconsciously; third, the strategic deployment of identity capital is individualized to the audience; and fourth, identity presentations has the potential to benefit the individual, the audience and the community. This paper concludes that identity capital is a useful concept that demonstrates the varied resources individuals have in negotiating and navigating the changing social environment.
The Personal Albums Of Samuel Bourne At The National Media Museum And The Art Gallery Of Ontario
Authors: Pascoe Julienne
Published: June 2021

This paper analyzed a group of seven photographic albums belonging to the personal collection of British photographer Samuel Bourne (1834-1912), which are now split between two public collections, the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, Canada, and the Royal Photographic Society at the National Media Museum in Bradford, England. The project includes: contextual research on Bourne's commercial practice and nineteenth-century colonial photography in India, and an extensive literature survey discussing both primary and contemporary sources on Bourne and colonial photography, documentation of the albums' history and provenance, and a detailed analysis of the organization and contents of the albums as a complete and coherent record of Bourne's photographic achievement in India. Furthermore, the applied component of the project, which entailed the substantial documentation of all seven albums, in the form of a catalogue of their 705 albumen prints, is included an appendix. The paper also describes the collections management strategies used to reunite the collection and facilitate future access and research.
Scalable FPGA Hardware Acceleration for H.264 Motion Estimation
Authors: Moorthy Theepan
Published: June 2021

The H.264 video compression standard uses enhanced Motion Estimation (ME) features to improve both the compression ratio and the quality of compressed video. The two primary enhancements are the use of Variable Block Size Motion Estimation (VBSME) and multiple reference frames. These two additions greatly increase the computational complexity of the ME algorithm, to the point where a software based real-time (30 frames per second (fps)) implementation is not possible on present microprocessors. Thus hardware acceleration of the H.264 ME algorithm is necessary in order to achieve real-time performance for the implementation of the VBSME and multiple reference frames features. This thesis presents a scalable FPGA-based ME architecture that supports real-time H.264 ME for a wide range of video resolutions ─ from 640x480 VGA to 1920x1088 High Definition (HD). The architecture contains innovations in both the data-path design and memory organization to achieve scalability and real-time performance on FPGAs. At 37% FPGA device utilization, the architecture is able to achieve 31 fps performance for encoding full 1920x1088 progressive HDTV video.
Composting as wise waste diversion technique
Authors: Memon Naeem  A.
Published: June 2021

There are several MSW management approaches, but the most effective are source reduction, recycling, and reuse called (3R), which can prevent or divert materials from the waste stream. Source reduction involves altering the design, manufacture, or use of products and materials to reduce the amount and toxicity of what gets thrown away. The other approaches are recycling and reuse processes, in which inorganic part can be separated to achieve recycled products while, organic waste or green waste can be decomposed to produce usable substance called compost. This alternative approach for handling organic waste turned as wise waste alternative for achieving environmental friendly end product which would reduce waste burden from landfills and creates sustainable environment.

Generally, the paper discusses process and importance of organic composting as an alternative approach in reducing and diverting the organic waste burden from the traditional waste disposal methods like, landfill or incineration and analyses its advantages towards the municipalities and local communities in adopting organic waste diversion approach to achieve natural soil conditioner called Compost.
Immigrant inclusion in schools : can teacher training make a difference?
Authors: Kane Lindsay
Published: June 2021

According to a 2008 report by the Social Planning Council of Ottawa, many immigrants in Ottawa perceived schools to be a contributing factor to their sense of societal exclusion. It has been suggested that if teachers received more appropriate adequate teacher training, they could better help minimize problems of exclusion (Gerin-Lajoie, 2008a. 2008c; Abbate-Vaughn, 2008; Ghosh, 1996). This paper explores training topics that could promote the inclusion of immigrants in schools, while also questioning whether it is possible to assume that teacher training can have an impact. The opinions of three Ottawa-Carleton District School Board teachers are discussed. An examination of additional ways in which inclusion can be addressed is also provided.
Safety evaluation of signalized intersections with automated vehicles at various penetration levels based on conflict analysis of simulated traffic
Authors: Espinosa Maria
Published: June 2021

Automated vehicles (AVs) are expected to offer great benefits by potentially reducing crashes. The safety at signalized intersections is influenced by several factors, one of them being the driving behavior. By introducing AVs on the roads, the unpredictability of this factor will potentially decrease and eventually, reduce crashes. By using microsimulation, it was possible to use simulated traffic conflicts as indicators of potential crashes, to analyze the potential safety of signalized intersections in the presence of automated vehicles. The objective was to compare crash frequency for signalized intersections at various AVs penetration levels (0%, 50% and 100%) by using prediction models that relate crashes to conflicts. Furthermore, the effect on crashes of introducing hypothetical left turn treatments was also evaluated. The results indicated that intersection safety may improve in the presence of AVs. However, the safety effects of treatments may be reduced compared to the effects with no AVs.
“Put It In Your Back Pocket”: Identity and Belonging Among Second Generation Racialized Canadians
Authors: Nightingale-Fitzer Maya
Published: June 2021

Through interviews with four second generation Canadians, this Major Research Paper explores identity and belonging among second generation children (aged 18-30) of racialized immigrants in Toronto, Canada. Primary research questions include: (i) How do these individuals describe their identity? (ii) Do they have a sense of belonging in Canada; why or why not? (iii) Do they experience discrimination based on their ethno-racial identity? (iv) How does this impact their self-identification as Canadian and sense of belonging? The findings show that second generation racialized Canadians appear to hold multiple identities, forming a hyphenated or hybridized identity in which racialized identity and language/accent figure prominently. They also appear to have situational identities, with their identities shifting depending on the following various situational factors: (i) their location (including the country, city, and environment they are in), (ii) the individuals they are surrounded by including who they are speaking to, and (iii) the goal(s) of the situation.
Performance analysis of reinforced high-strength concrete beams under impact loading
Authors: Marzouk Hesham
Published: June 2021

An experimental investigation is conducted to analyze the performance of reinforced high strength concrete (HSC) beams under impact loading. Six reinforced HSC beams with identical dimensions and varying reinforcement ratios and span length are tested using drop-weight impact setup with a 475 kg steel weight from a clear height of 4.15 m.
The experimental results have confirmed that beams with a steel reinforcement ratio ranging from 1.2% - 1.8% suffer more damage and shear cracks are more visible and wider compared to beam with a steel reinforcement ratio of 0.5%. Beams with a shear span to effective depth ratio (a/d) of 4.28 sustained more damage and wider shear cracks in comparison to beams with an a/d ratio of 3.21. A static to dynamic load ratio of about 0.5, and a static to dynamic displacement ratio of about 2 may be utilized for estimating the impact behavior of statically flexure beams.
Integrating cinema: uncovering the film librarianship of William J. Sloan at the New York Public Library
Authors: Prusky Isaac
Published: June 2021

This thesis explores the career of William J. Sloan, the first Supervising Film Librarian for The New York Public Library, who worked at the institution from 1958 to 1980. The objective is to demonstrate how Sloan ensured The New York Public Library remain relevant to future generations through expansion of its moving image media collection and activities. This has been accomplished by examining Sloan’s concerted efforts to promote moving image media as a film librarian, educator, and programmer during his time at The New York Public Library, as well as influential media projects he completed there. By showing that Sloan expanded the moving image media collection of The New York Public Library through his work in a number of fields, this thesis highlights Sloan’s lasting influence on the Library and New York film community today, as well as his role in establishing the Reserve Film and Video Collection.
Design Guidelines For Turbo Roundabout Based on Intersection Sight Distance to Circulating Conflicting Vehicle
Authors: Salwan Akshay
Published: June 2021

Turbo Roundabout is a roundabout provided with spiral circulatory roadways for effectively counteracting the problems of modern multilane roundabout. This roundabout has an edge over modern roundabouts regarding capacity and safety and was first developed by Professor Fortujin in 1996.Turbo roundabouts are present in large percentage in Europe and is still in developing phase in North-America. Although in all the guidelines nothing has been mentioned about one important parameter of roundabout i.e. visibility. Visibility or Sight distance helps us to shape the geometry of intersection and aids in safety. In this paper sight distance analysis is going to be analysed on turbo roundabouts with a focus on Intersection Sight Distance to circulating conflicting vehicle. The traditional graphical approach has been supplemented with the analytical solution consisting of derivation of generalized mathematical equations for intersection sight distance for conflicting circulating vehicle at turbo roundabout.
Investigation of factors contributing to accumulation of sediments in stormwater management ponds
Authors: Siddiqui Sidra Yasir
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors contributing to sediment accumulation rates in Stormwater Management ponds. For the purpose of this study almost fifty municipalities in Ontario were contacted and in collaboration with five of those municipalities this study was conducted. A questionnaire was developed and sent to municipalities through email and followup with in-person meetings were conducted. After collecting data and analyzing various characteristics of sediment accumulation rates in SWM ponds, a database was developed to systematically record the relevant information. Additional information on pond properties and drainage areas was sought through a questionnaire and meeting with stormwater managers, and supplemented with historic information. Data collected and used in the study was anonymized in all resulting publications. The calculated accumulated rates from the provided data were compared against the values extracted from the literature review. The developed approach will serve in the
development of data-driven modelling approach in SWM ponds.
Impact of slopes on the lateral resistance of steel piles
Authors: Cumming James
Published: June 2021

A soldier pile and lagging wall is one of the most common types of retaining wall. Solider pile walls develop lateral resistance through the stiffness of the piles and the passive resistance of the soil acting upon the embedded portion of the piles. Ground anchors can also be used when additional lateral resistance is required. Using Broms’ methods, a parametric study was completed to investigate the performance of laterally loaded short and long steel piles installed
in a variety of cohesive and cohesionless soils. The results were compared to those generated using RocScience finite element software. RocScience software was then used to evaluate the lateral resistance of piles installed at various distances from the crest of a 2:1 slope. Finally, two soldier pile walls, to be installed within a sloping railway embankment, were designed.
Neither Temporary, Nor Permanent: The Precarious Employment Experiences of Refugee Claimants in Toronto
Authors: Jackson Samantha
Published: June 2021

While Canada’s immigration system is shaped primarily by the nation’s economic needs, refugee claimants’ motivations are, by nature, non-economic. Resultantly, refugee claimants are often portrayed as a drain on Canadian resources. Despite this however, refugee claimants’ employment experiences remain underrepresented in the literature. This study explores the employment experiences of refugee claimants in Toronto, and finds that claimants face distinct and unique barriers stemming from their precarious legal status. Additionally, as neither temporary workers nor permanent citizens, this study finds that refugee claimants perceive employment as an integrative expression of belonging and citizenship. Through the lens of refugeeness, this study traces the subjective employment trajectories of refugee claimants. Findings indicate that refugee claimants’ employability is shaped by real and ascribed barriers associated with their citizenship status, creating decidedly unique and often difficult employment experiences.
Robert C. Kraut's Japan : cataloguing and contextualizing post World War Two photographic albums of Japan and the South Pacific
Authors: Kramer Steven
Published: June 2021

This applied thesis examines three albums created by US Army Air Force personnel Robert C. Kraut from 1945-46. The albums were donated by Toronto based artist Max Dean to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), and serve as a case study for the process of cataloguing and contextualizing albums for future researchers and museum staff.

This paper includes a literature survey examining care and handling, social and historical evolutions, and cataloguing practices related to both photographic albums and scrapbooks. An historical analysis of the photographic album as a medium, vernacular photography and the donation process of the albums into the AGO's collection follows. A detailed analysis of the narrative, material orientation, annotation, layout and materiality qualities for each album is included. A cataloguing methodology that both accounts for the albums’ unique layouts and holds to the established conventions for cataloguing albums at the AGO is discussed and described in detail.
Child life specialists as facilitators of child participation : a thematic literature review
Authors: Mills Caron
Published: June 2021

The child's right to participate is a fundamental right outlined in the UN convention on the rights of the child. Canada signed and ratified this convention in 1991. Through secondary literature and the author's personal experience this paper explores the child's right to participate in the context of canadian pediatric medicine. In particular, this paper examines if and how a child is encouraged to participate in their health care, and which members of the health care team facilitate this participation. The paper also outlines a number of factors that limit or enhance child participation. Recommendations and next steps are included in the paper with the purpose of enhancing the quality and amount of participation that is offered to pediatric patients within hospital settings. One recommendation that is developed and discussed is the increased role of the child life profession as a tool for enabling child participation.
Cataloguing Michael Snow: Photo-Works
Authors: Bader-Shamai Ariel
Published: June 2021

This thesis project focuses on a photographic collection of the multidisciplinary artist, Michael Snow (Canadian, b. 1929 - ), which is currently in the artist’s possession and has not been previously studied. The collection includes over 5,000 photographic materials related to Snow’s photo-works and his work in other media. The term photo-work is used in this thesis to appropriately reflect the intermedia character of Snow’s photographic compositions.
The first chapter explores Snow’s artistic career and photo-work. Chapter two overviews cataloguing standards in Canada, discusses issues in photographic deterioration, and outlines proper storage techniques. Chapter three discusses the cataloguing process of Snow’s photographic collection, including information about the present condition of these materials, and provides recommendations for its future acquisition and potential use. This thesis argues that insight into an artist’s practice is an important part of the cataloguing process, particularly for collections with materials related to the production and/or documentation of intermedia works. With this knowledge, objects can be better identified and understood in relation to the collection to which they belong and the artist’s overall body of work.
The amateur project.
Authors: Rocca Jenna
Published: June 2021

"This research project explores the dynamics of amateur theatre and its unique benefits to those who voluntarily participate in any and/or all capacities, on or back-stage."--Page 6.
Mitigation of torsional vibration in large mill drive train system using state feedback control method
Authors: Al-Nabi Ehsan
Published: June 2021

Torsional vibration limits the speed loop response of industrial drives and servo systems, deteriorating the transient response to speed commands and load disturbances. This thesis presents a damping method for torsional vibration produced by compliant components between the motor and the load in rolling mill applications. The proposed damping algorithm can solve the limitation of the classical damping approaches due to the large values of system time delay. The proposed algorithm is based on State Feedback Control (SFC) method with modified Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) approach using a torque sensor as a feedback element. The result of modification is a low order single-input single-output compensator that mitigates the torsional vibration without affecting the speed loop. The verification of the design and the dynamic performance is accomplished by using time and frequency domain responses with real rolling mill system parameters. The performance of step commands, mitigation of torsional vibration and robustness to parameter variation is satisfied by using the proposed method. Also disturbance rejection performance is improved through load torque compensation. The experiment is performed on a 0.8 KW system with 24 Hz mechanical resonant frequency. Simulation and experimental results from the experimental system verify the proposed damping algorithm.
Performance evaluation of low-cost GPS systems for static and kinematic applications
Authors: Joshi Amit
Published: June 2021

This thesis looks at improving positional accuracy of low-cost systems by investigating a method to isolate the multipath error based on wavelet analysis. Several sets of static and kinematic data were collected in different types of environment using a single-frequency GPS receiver. The code minus carrier combination of the GPS observables was exploited. After accounting for certain errors and resolving the ionospheric delay using ionospheric maps, the remaining terms were essentially multipath and noise. Wavelet analysis was then used to extract the multipath error. These approximations were utilized to identify and remove those satellites that were severely contaminated with multipath. Another approach investigated the subtraction of multipath approximations obtained by wavelet analysis from the corresponding code measurements. The positioning results of these two approaches were compared with those of the original data and assessed. For the static data sets, eliminating satellites contaminated with multipath proved to be most effective. For the kinematic sessions, neither of the two approaches displayed any improvement.
Cross layer design and performance analysis of 3G cellular CDMA downlinks
Authors: Sun Jin Yuan
Published: June 2021

  

In this thesis, a cellular CDMA network with voice and data communications is considered. Focusing on the downlink direction, we seek for the overall performance improvement which can be achieved by cross layer analysis and design, taking physical layer, link layer, network layer and transport layer into account. We are concerned with the role of each single layer as well as the interaction among layers, and propose algorithms/schemes accordingly to improve the system performance. These proposals include adaptive scheduling for link layer, priority-based handoff strategy for network admission control, and proposals for the avoidance of TCP spurious timeouts at the transport layer. Numerical results show the performance gain of each proposed scheme over independent performance of an individual layer in the wireless mobile network. We conclude that the system performance in terms of capacity, throughput, dropping probability, outage, power efficiency, delay and fairness, can be enhanced by jointly considering the interactions across layers.
Immigrant settlement outside of the greater Toronto area : determinants of desirability
Authors: Dumais Ruby
Published: June 2021

This paper explores barriers and opportunities to immigrant settlement in Ontario's second and third tier cities, and the potential role of Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The relative desirability of five Ontario cities outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is discussed from the point of view of skilled immigrants, through an assessment of four categories of factors which impact immigrants' successful economic and cultural integration into the communities they live in. The results of the study show that some cities are clearly better suited to immigrants' needs that others. The paper also concludes that while Opportunities Ontario's does provide incentives to employers and nominated immigrants outside the GTA, the current scope of 1,000 nominees per year precludes it from having a significant impact on the regionalization of Ontario's immigrant flow.
Optical measurement of sand deformation around an uplifting deep anchor using digital image correlation method
Authors: Sainia Pezhman
Published: June 2021

This report presents a study on the soil deformation around an uplifting deep circular anchor in sand. A scaled model anchor test setup, including a loading frame, a Plexiglas mould, a camera, and a computer, was developed and a series of scaled model test were performed in order to investigate the mechanical behavior and failure modes of a deep anchor embedded in sand. To find the displacement field the digital image correlation (DIC) method was applied. A set of images were captured while a semi-circular anchor was uplifted against the Plexiglas window, and soil displacement field was calculated by comparing any two consecutive images using DIC method. The study shows that the density of soil has a significant effect on both the deformation characteristics and the failure mechanism of the anchor. While in loose sand the failure zone is a compressed bell shape, in dense sand the failure zone is a truncated cone extending from the anchor edge to the surface of the soil. Furthermore, in dense sand the anchor experiences smaller displacement before reaching to the peak pullout force compared to a larger displacement in loose sand. This report has been done by Pezhman Sainia for the M.Eng degree's research project final report with the supervision of Dr. Jinyuan Liu.
Development of a Test Method to Evaluate Durability of Pavement Joints under Winter Conditions
Authors: Babicz Conrad
Published: June 2021

In areas with cold winters, premature failure in concrete pavement joints is a frequent phenomenon, yet there is no standard test method for evaluating their durability. In this study, the effectiveness of several evaluation techniques for concrete joint durability were evaluated. Concrete slabs with saw cuts representing joints were made, and exposed to different freezing and thawing/ wetting cycles, and different salt solutions (NaCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2). The durability of the joints was evaluated using measures of strength loss, mass loss, and a visual inspection. It was found that under these exposure conditions, the strength loss and visual inspection modes of evaluation could discern different levels of damage between different types of exposures, and also different concrete mixes (e.g. Different cement contents, strength and the presence or absence of SCM). Further research is required to evaluate the effects of sealants, saturated bases, and higher salt concentrations.
On-Site Total Phosphorus Removal From Wastewater
Authors: Alaica Amanda L.
Published: June 2021

Eutrophication is attributed to high phosphorus concentrations in our ecosystem, modifying water and habitat quality. As an industry-academia collaboration program, this thesis assists the development of Virtual Engineers’ (VE) technology of a cost-effective, efficient, and affordable on-site Total Phosphorus (TP) removal unit. By investigating the chemical adsorption of a clay-zeolite media, the objective was to demonstrate TP removal capacity; primarily focusing on pellet media composition and formation, influent concentration, contact time to overall removal efficiency. All stages of optimization analyses were conducted in a scaled-down testing unit based on a ¾ inch pellet diameter construction, for a modest 45 minute detention time, and achieved an optimized removal of approximately 45%. The final pellet selected was the non-conditioned VE design, at maximum furnace exposure, scaled up to a 1 inch diameter. Results showed that an equilibrium removal of 72% is achieved after a 3 hour contact time; supporting the research of Sun (2010) on the Freundlich Adsorption Isotherm linearization of solute adsorption to equilibrium solvent concentration.
Colonial Representations of British India: A Description and Analysis of the First Twenty-Four Issues of The Indian Amateur’s Photographic Album
Authors: Macmillan Stuart
Published: June 2021

This thesis provides a description and analysis of the first twenty four issues of the Indian Amateur's Photographic Album (IAPA), serially published between 1856 and 1858, in the collection of George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film (GEH). The thesis traces the origins of the publication to the creation of the Bombay Photographic Society, and considers its relationship with European photographic societies and a similar publication in Europe. It contains an extensive literature survey summarizing the current state of research on the IAPA within the framework of colonialist photography in British India: a detailed description of the publication and an analysis of the photographic and written components of the IAPA; and a consideration of the IAPA's contributions to and its role in the visual culture of nineteenth century India. Three appendices accompany the thesis, including an annotated and fully illustrated catalogue of the seventy-two photographs in GEH album.
Evaluation Of Mechanical, Irradiation And Chemical Pretreatment Lignocelulosic Substrate For Enhanced Methane Production
Authors: Amin Zeid
Published: June 2021

Lignocellulosic substrate is a resource that contains a locked energy reserve that is normally lost during anaerobic digestion. Lignocellulosic substrate is one of the most abundant sources of organic matter available and yet its energy recovery has much room for improvement. Lignocellulosic substrate has cellular properties that are deemed extremely difficult to degrade due to complexity which is why this energy reserve is never unlocked during anaerobic digestion. There are several successful pretreatment methods that are used to degrade this lignocellulosic substrate and unlock this energy reserve. This paper will focus on the methods that include mechanical, irradiation, chemical and combined pretreatment processes. Analysis is conducted on all the studies that are obtained to compare the successes of the different types of pretreatment processes used. Each of the different listed pretreatment processes have different energy requirements, treatment times, and solvent requirement and are acting to enhancing methane production. The improvement in methane production varies from process to process and study to study creating a need to compile all of this valuable data into this research report. This will help future researchers in navigating the available studies of pretreatment of lignocellulosic substrate for improving methane production.
Artisanal Fashion Design: Entrepreneurs on Thinking, Process, and Decision Making
Authors: Ott Robert
Published: June 2021

This thesis examines the ways in which fashion designers think about themselves, the design process, and the fashion industry. Recent interest in design thinking has brought decision making to the forefront in an effort to resolve conflicts between creative individuals and managers during the design process. Within the fashion design literature there are studies of processes in large fashion manufacturing enterprises but very little has focused on small-scale fashion design entrepreneurs. In this inductive, qualitative study, I use grounded theory as the methodology in the analysis of semi-structured interviews of twelve Canadian fashion design entrepreneurs. The findings explore their perceptions of their identity as designers, their perceptions of design process, and their relationship to their business. This research has developed the concept of “artisanal fashion design” as a distinct subset of design for further study and for consideration by organizations, the fashion industry, and educators.
Nonlinear seismic response of ground supported cylindrical reinforced concrete tanks
Authors: Rafieeraad Maryam
Published: June 2021

Seismic behavior of Liquid Containing Structures has been studied for decades. Being able to have these structures functioning during and after an earthquake is imperative for well-being of a society hence importance of their design. Response Modification Factor known as “R factor” is one of the key parameters in seismic design. However, in case of LCS’s, a justifiable guideline to determine the R factor is yet to be developed and current codes have utilized empirical values in design of these structures. The design intend for LCS’s is to meet the serviceability limits as opposed to life safety and collapse prevention which is the case of design of buildings. This study aims to investigate the effect of various parameters such as material nonlinearity, tank dimensions, base condition, concrete compressive strength, characteristics of seismic excitation records on the seismic behavior of concrete tanks. In this study, a finite element method is developed to investigate the seismic behavior of circular ground supported reinforced concrete tanks. First, the accuracy of current practice is investigated by employing the analytical and numerical methods, experimental studies. Finite element technique and pushover analysis are utilized to set up the pushover curve and achieve over-strength and ductility factors. The response modification factor (R) is then evaluated based on the nonlinear static analysis. Second, using the nonlinear dynamic analysis (time-history), the seismic behavioral aspects of full liquid tanks are studied taking into account the material nonlinearity, wall flexibility, effect of impulsive component, fluid-surface interaction and vertical ground acceleration. Thereafter, a parametric study is conducted to study the influence of tank dimensions, base fixity conditions and earthquake frequency content on the response modification factor. This study shows the over-strength and ductility factor of RC ground-supported tanks are significantly influence by tank size, height, height/diameter ratio and fundamental period. Also, fixed based tanks and shallow tanks have higher R values compared to hinged based and tall tanks respectively. The time history results show that the effect of material nonlinearity, vertical ground acceleration, base condition and earthquake frequency content on the dynamic behavior of liquid ground supported tanks is significant.