bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proportional interactive buffer management and scheduling
Authors: Peng Yifan
Published: May 2021

The proportional differentiated services model has been gaining attention in recent years. Many effective algorithms have been proposed to provide delay and packet loss differentiated services to different traffic classes according to their pre-defined constraints.

In this article, we propose three novel QoS mechanisms to enhance the control of class-based QoS. First, we introduce a Scheduling to Dropping feedback mechanism, which is called SDF model. The main usage of the SDF is to provide dynamic trade-off between different basic QoS metrics. SDF provide differentiated services based on both proportionality constraints and absolute constraints. We also introduces an additional feature called Adaptive Safety margin (ASM). Usually, The Earlier Due Date (EDD) [7] employs a fixed safety margin to pre-assign more bandwith for time-critical traffics. ASM can adaptively changes this margin according to the queuing length or packet head-drop rate of the time-critical traffics when the congestion happened. By employing ASM with SDF model, it is found that the total packet drop can greatly be reduced.

Finally, we introduce two sorting methods, called one-sort and complete-sort scheme, for the queuing systems in the end-to-end QoS environment. By sorting the order of the packets in the queue based on their deadlines, we can reduce the probability of end-to-end deadline violation.
A low-voltage CMOS current-mode differential front-end for optical communications
Authors: Sun Bendong
Published: May 2021

This thesis deals with the design of a low-voltage fully-differential CMOS current-mode preamplifier for optical communications. An in-depth comparative analysis of the building blocks of low-voltage CMOS current-mode circuits is carried out. Two new bandwidth enhancement techniques, namely inductor series-peaking and current feedback, are introduced and implemented in the design. The feedback also reduces the value of the series-peaking inductor. The minimum supply voltage of the amplifier is only one threshold voltage plus one pinch-off voltage. The preamplifier has a balanced differential topology such that the effect of bias dependent mismatches is minimized and the amplifier is insensitive to the switching noise caused by the digital circuitry. Negative differential current feedbacks are implemented to boost the bandwidth and increase the dynamic range.
Impact of Tetracycline on Microbial Communities in the Secondary Treatment Process of Wastewater Treatment Systems
Authors: Islam GM I.
Published: May 2021

This study examined the impact of the antibiotic tetracycline at environmentally relevant concentrations (1μg/L and 10μg/L) on the composition and function of the microbial community that are responsible for the secondary treatment step in a municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWTP). Specifically, this study examined whether nitrification is inhibited by the presence of tetracycline under high and low nutrient replacement conditions. Aerated semi-batch reactors were set up containing activated sludge samples from a MWTP. Reactors were replenished with a synthetic wastewater media at two constant replacement rates for a period of 4 weeks. Parameters such as ammonia, nitrate/nitrite and total Kjeldahl nitrogen concentrations were monitored to evaluate the nitrogen removal efficiency. Under a low nutrient replacement rate, tetracycline was observed to have a positive impact on ammonia removal and nitrification than at the higher one. However, total Kjeldahl nitrogen concentrations increased in low nutrient replacement reactors under the presence of tetracycline which suggested a potential inhibitory effect on denitrification. At high nutrient replacement rates, tetracycline did not demonstrate an inhibitory effect on both nitrification and denitrification processes. Overall, it appears that both antibiotic presence and nutrient replacement rates can influence the community composition and function of microbial communities found in a MWTP.
High-power modular multilevel converters: Modeling, modulation and control
Authors: Dekka Apparao
Published: May 2021

THIS dissertation addresses the technical challenges associated with the operation and control of high-power modular multilevel converters. To improve the performance of modular multilevel converter (MMC), a generalized
three-phase mathematical model with common-mode voltage (CMV) is proposed. By using the proposed mathematical model, the magnitude of circulating currents, capacitors voltage ripple, and the ripple in DC-link current during balanced and unbalanced operating conditions can be minimized.
The modulation scheme and switching frequency are directly affected the output power quality and the performance of the converter and control method. In this dissertation, a novel sampled average and space vector modulation scheme is proposed. These modulation schemes are suitable to control the MMC with any number of submodules (without modifications), operates at low switching frequency, minimizes the ripple in output current and voltage harmonic distortion, and reduces the output filter size.
For reliable operation of MMC, the voltage balancing among submodules is mandatory. This dissertation proposes a generalized single-stage balancing approach with reduced current sensors to control the MMC. The proposed
balancing approach is suitable to implement with both phase-shifted and level-shifted pulse width modulation schemes. With the proposed approach, it is also possible to control the MMC with half-bridge and three level
flying capacitor submodules. Also, an improved balancing approach often referred as the dual-stage balancing approach is proposed to minimize the voltage harmonic distortion and device power losses. This dissertation also proposes a direct model predictive control (D-MPC) approach to minimize the ripple in submodule capacitors voltage. To implement D-MPC approach, a discrete-time model of MMC with CMV is proposed. With the use of proposed model, the D-MPC approach does not require a cost function to minimize the circulating currents.
The computational complexity is one of the major issues in the implementation of D-MPC approach for MMC. In this dissertation, a novel reduced computational MPC approaches named as dual-stage D-MPC and indirect model predictive control (I-MPC) approach are proposed. These approaches significantly minimize the computational complexity and, improve the voltage and current waveform quality while operating at the low switching frequency.
Finally, the simulation and experimental studies are presented to validate the dynamic and steady-state performance of proposed methodologies.
Index Terms
• Modular Multilevel Converters.
• Capacitors Voltage Balancing.
• Pulse Width Modulation Schemes.
• Circulating Currents.
• Capacitors Voltage Ripple
• Direct Model Predictive Control.
• Dual-Stage Direct Model Predictive Control.
• Indirect Model Predictive Control.
• Total Harmonic Distortion.
No fats, no femmes, no Asians: Reimagining sexual and ethnic identities of queer Asian men
Authors: Ha Vince
Published: May 2021

There is a common belief in the queer community that the oppressed cannot oppress others. In many ways, this support paper will document the meandering paths I took to create the short documentary No Fats, No Femmes, No Asians. But more than that, it addresses how such blatant racism and discrimination is accepted in the queer community. It is a discussion of how queers and Asians are portrayed in the media, and how the early representation of these two groups has created trauma and has become ingrained in the larger queer community. I will be borrowing from important questions raised by neocolonialists, critical race and queer theorists, as I make references to popular and queer culture. These will be my guides for a theoretical investigation of identity politics in Canada, specifically identities of queer Asian men. Using experimental, auto ethnographic, and performative documentary tactics, I will offer alternative images and different ways of presenting those images so that they cannot be taken up as another form of subjugating queer Asian men into stereotypical discourse.
Incorporating Spirituality into Post-Secondary Institutions’ Policies and Services as it Relates to International Students
Authors: Zuzarte Melanie
Published: May 2021

Some international students arrive in Canada with the assumption that academic institutions will treat them equally in comparison to domestic students. However, equal access to opportunities is not always the case. Unregulated annual tuition fees, immigration policies and a lack of culturally responsive services create challenges for international students that are not shared by domestic students (Chen, 2008; Mayuzumi et al., 2007; Montison, 2018). Canadian post-secondary institutions lack culturally responsive spiritual services that may support international students with their acculturation issues. Child and youth care practitioners may encourage the use of culturally responsive interventions which incorporate spirituality when providing support to international students in their acculturation to Canadian life.

Keywords: spirituality, attachment theory, attachment figure, religion, faith, international students, Child and Youth Care Practitioners, post-secondary institutions, Canada, Canadian Government.
The influence of stress level on the ratcheting magnitude and progress rate in steel alloys under uniaxial loading conditions
Authors: Chandrasekar Prasanth
Published: May 2021

Engineering materials in their service life undergo symmetric or asymmetric fatigue loading,
which leads to fatigue damage in the material. Ratcheting damage is due to the application of mean
stress under cyclic loading condition. From deformation behavior perspective, application of mean
stress under stress-controlled fatigue loading gives rise to accumulation of plastic strain in the
material. Ratcheting strain increases with an increase in applied mean stress and stress amplitude.
In addition, ratcheting behavior will increase in cyclic damage with the rise in strain accumulation
and it can be illustrated by a shift in the hysteresis loop towards large plastic strain amplitudes.
This study focuses on the ratcheting behavior of different steel materials under uniaxial cyclic
loading condition and suggests a suitable method to arrest ratcheting by loading the materials at
zero ratcheting strain rate condition with specified mean stress and stress amplitudes. The three
dimensional surface is created with stress amplitude, mean stress and ratcheting strain rate for
different steel materials. This represents a graphical surface zone to study the ratcheting strain rates
for various mean stress and stress amplitude combinations.
Combined biological and advanced oxidation processes for the treatment of an actual slaughterhouse wastewater
Authors: Bustillo Lecompte Ciro
Published: May 2021

Environmental protection initiatives and increasing market demand for green practices are driving the meat processing industry to consider sustainable methods for wastewater treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater. On-
site treatment is the preferred option to treat the slaughterhouse effluents for water reuse and potential energy
recovery due to the conversion of organics into biogas. A thorough review of advancements in slaughterhouse
wastewater characteristics, treatment, and management in the meat processing industry, environmental impacts,
health effects, and regulatory frameworks relevant to the slaughterhouse wastewater management is presented in
this study. Significant progress in high-rate anaerobic treatment, nutrient removal, advanced oxidation processes,
and combined processes for an actual slaughterhouse wastewater treatment are highlighted. The optimization of
individual and combined processes was performed in this study using quadratic modeling, degradation
mechanisms, and response surface methodology to maximize CH4 yield and the removal of TOC and TN while
minimizing TSS and H2O2 residuals. The effects of the flow rate, pH, influent TOC concentration, H2O2 dosage,
and their interaction on the overall treatment efficiency and CH4 yield were studied. In the final part of this study,
an optimized combined anaerobic–aerobic and UV/H2O2 system with recycle was evaluated using a cost-
effectiveness analysis by minimizing treatment time, electrical energy consumption, and the overall incurred
treatment costs. The agreement between model predictions and experimental values indicated that the proposed
models could describe the performance of individual and combined systems for actual SWW treatment. The
maximum TOC and TN removals of 91.29 and 86.05%, CH4 yield of 55.72%, and minimum H2O2 residual of
1.45% were found at optimum conditions of influent TOC concentration of 626 mg/L, feed flow rate of
45 mL/min, H2O2 dosage of 350 mg/L, and pH of 6.59. The minimum total retention time was determined to be
10 h with individual residence times of 6.82 h, 2.40 h, and 47 min in the ABR, AS bioreactor, and UV/H2O2
photoreactor, respectively. A minimum electrical power consumption of 0.0194 kWh for an overall treatment
cost of 0.12 $/m3 were obtained based on the cost-effectiveness analysis. Results show that the application of
combined biological and advanced oxidation processes is useful for on-site slaughterhouse wastewater treatment.

Keywords: Slaughterhouse wastewater, anaerobic digestion, activated sludge, advanced oxidation processes,
process optimization, cost-effectiveness analysis.
Cognitive Strategies for Management of Social Anxiety: A Comparison of Brief Cognitive Restructuring and Mindfulness Interventions
Authors: Newman Leorra
Published: May 2021

The gold standard psychological treatment for social anxiety disorder (SAD), one of the most common anxiety disorders, is cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), incorporating cognitive restructuring to target maladaptive beliefs thought to maintain SAD. Recent evidence suggests that mindfulness- and acceptance-based approaches, emphasizing nonjudgmental awareness without active pursuit of cognitive change, may also be effective. The goal of the current study was to examine the mechanisms by which each cognitive approach affects symptoms. Eighty-seven adults with elevated social anxiety were randomized to receive training in one of the strategies or to a control condition in which participants completed assessments only. Participants self-reported similar decreases in symptoms after 1 week of practice, and these improvements were mediated by increases in decentering and decreases in maladaptive beliefs across condition. These results suggest greater overlap between modalities than theory might predict. Implications for clinical practice, including brief treatments and the role of assessment, are reviewed.
On Slowness And Inhabiting Time
Authors: Tahvildari Sahel
Published: May 2021

As a result of today’s accelerated culture, the omnipresence of speed has taken over everyday life. The influence of flexibility and efficiency within contemporary architecture parallels the need for speed. The primacy of speed has hindered the temporal and cognitive presence in everyday life; shifting the human experience of the world from lived to measured. Through the reconsideration of slowness as an embodied experience, the rhythmic passage of the body through space establishes a mindful physical presence as opposed to modern distraction. In architecture, spatial and perceptual unfolding intertwines perceiver and perceived to sequentially reveal the layers of experience through passage. Within slowness, visual fluidity creates a viscous and emotive relationship between mind, body, form, and movement. The relationship between speed, time, and presence, guides the mindful body through a layered procession which unfolds in the creation of an architecture of slowness.
Enhancing broadcast authentication in sensor networks
Authors: Norouzi Arayeh
Published: May 2021

Due to the nature of wireless sensor networks, security is a critical problem since resource constrained and usually unattended sensors are much vulnerable to malicious attackers that may impersonate the sender. Therefore authenticating received messages is a crucial matter to protect the system integrity. Generally used TESLA (Timed Efficient Stream Loss-tolerant Authentication) based authentication techniques involve consecutive delays for decryption purposes. These delays render the network vulnerable to different malicious attacks such as Denial of Service attack. As several techniques try to achieve immediate authentication to alleviate these threats, other factors such as reliability and buffer requirements may have been compromised. This project proposes an integration of Low Buffer ,uTESLA protocol and an immediate authentication protocol to achieve a new refined scheme in broadcast authentication in sensor networks.
Performance analysis and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method succeeds to achieve immediate authentication while preserving desired security and low memory requirements in sensor nodes.
Assessing the Usefulness of the Automated Monitoring Systems ECOTOX and DaphniaTox in an Integrated Early-Warning System for Drinking Water
Authors: Netto Isabelle
Published: May 2021

This study assesses the suitability of the behavioural image analysis systems ECOTOX and Daphnia Tox for inclusion in an integrated early-warning system for drinking water quality to be implemented in Canada. Results of behavioural parameters measured by ECOTOX using Euglena gracilis are compared to visual observations of E. gracilis behaviour after exposure to atrazine, tributyltin, and copper to determine the automated system's sensitivity. The usability of the Daphnia Tox automated system is assessed using the aquatic macroinvertebrate species Daphnia magna and Hyalella azteca. The possible use of the rotifers Brachionus calyciflorus and Brachionus havanensis with the ECOTOX system is also assessed. Findings indicate that at the present state ECOTOX and DaphniaTox are not suitable for inclusion in an early-warning system, but based on visual observation the parameters measured are sensitive to the contaminants tested and consistent, and with suggested modifications these systems have the potential to be fitting additions in an early-warning system.
Correlation of Printed Circuit Board Properties to Pad-Crater Defects Under Monotonic Spherical Bend
Authors: Gray Brian
Published: May 2021

The restriction of lead in solder has caused a change in base materials used to make electronics—the result of which has been a new failure mode known as pad-crater. The susceptibility of six commercially available printed circuit board (PCB) laminates to pad-crater by spherical bend test was determined. The correlation of PCB laminate tensile properties, Vicker’s hardness (VH) of the resin, and weave dimensions showed an inverse relation between susceptibility to pad-crater and VH. Spherical bend testing of pure G10 laminate showed the orthotropic nature of laminates must be accounted for when modeling spherical bend. Comparison of bare PCB spherical bend test results showed the warp and weft direction have different strain responses for some materials. Comparison of strain energy of printed circuit board assemblies and bare PCB subjected to spherical bend showed the additional stiffness added by the ball grid array is almost identical for PCB laminates with different tensile properties.
The effect of temperature on fatigue strength and damage of FRP composite laminates
Authors: Mivehchi Hossein
Published: May 2021

The present study intends to investigate the effect of temperature on cumulative fatigue damage of laminated fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. The effect of temperature on fatigue damage is formulated based on a previously proposed residual stiffness fatigue damage model. The fatigue strength of FRP composite laminates is also formulated to have temperature dependent parameters. The research work is divided into three main parts; the first part reviews the fatigue damage mechanism is fibre-reinforced composites based on stiffness degradation. The recent residual stiffness of Varvani-Shirazi was used as the backbone structure of damage analysis in this thesis. This model is capable of damage assessment while the effects of maximum stress, stress ratio and fibre orientation of FRP composites were recognized. The Varvani-Shirazi damage model was further developed to assess fatigue damage of FRP composites at various temperatures (T). Inputs of the damage model are temperature dependent parameters including Young's modulus (E), ultimate tensile strength(ðult) and fatigue life (Nf). As the next part of the proposed analysis, the temperature dependency of each parameter is formulated, and the relations of E-T and ðult-T are substituted in the Varvani-Shirazi fatigue model. Finally, all terms and equations are evaluated with the experimental data available in the literature. Six sets fatigue data were used in this thesis to evaluate fatigue of FRP specimens. The predicted results were found to be in good agreement with the experimentally obtained data. The proposed fatigue damage model was found promising to predict the fatigue damage of unidirectional (UD) and women FRP composites at different temperatures. Temperature dependant parameters of Young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and S-N diagram were also found to be responsive when used of UD, cross-ply, and quasi-isotropic FRP laminates.
Finite system approximation in colloidal systems with aggregation and break-up
Authors: Aktar Salina
Published: May 2021

In this Thesis, reactive multiparticle collision dynamics (RMPC) is used to simulate red blood cell cluster
concentration profiles in the presence of aggregation, as well as when aggregation and break-up are present
together. RMPC dynamics involves local collisions, reactions and free-streaming of particles. Reactive
mechanisms are used to model the aggregation and break-up of particles. This analogy is motivated by a
system of ODES called the Smoluchowski differential equations that have been used to model aggregating
systems in the well-mixed case. Exact solutions for the (infinite) systems of ODEs for the Smoluchowski
equation are compared to a numerical ODE system solution where the maximum cluster size is N (finite)
rather than infinite as assumed in the Smoluchowski equation. The numerical ODE solution is compared
to the exact solution in the infinite system when the maximum cluster size is 20 or less. Stochastic RMPC
simulations are performed when the maximum cluster size N = 3, and the simulation domain is a cubic
volume subject to periodic boundary conditions. Constant and equal aggregation and break-up rates are
considered, as well as much smaller aggregation rates compared to break-up rates and vice-versa. Two
different initial conditions are considered: monomer-only, as well as non-zero initial concentrations for clusters
of all sizes. The simulation for the RMPC (finite), numerical ODE (finite) and exact (infinite) can be shown
to have good agreement in the equilibrium concentrations of the chemical species in the system in some
cases, although agreement is poor in other cases. This work is an important stepping stone that can be
expanded to incorporate flow conditions into the particle dynamics in future work, so as to more accurately
investigate pathological conditions including atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Sequential optimization method for transportation planning
Authors: Safavi-Momini Panteha
Published: May 2021

A fundamental requirement for pollution control is to quantify the emissions being released through emission values. This report expanded the research of Naguerney (2000) by calculating the coefficient of PM10 (Particulate Matter < 10 micrometers) and incorporating that into both single and multi-period case studies. Sensitivity analysis was done on reducing the emission constraint and noting the changes to the cost for each path. Several observations were made: (1) single and multi-period scenarios of the same case study followed similar patterns with the addition of emission and further reduction of the emission constraint; (2) for fixed demand, separate cost and variable demand, un-separate cost the cheapest path remained the same despite the addition of emission; (3) for variable demand with separate cost scenario there existed two economical paths at 15% emission reduction; (4) emission reductions of > 5% did not affect the optimal path for fixed demand with separate cost systems.
Observations of the Economic Production Quantity Model With Imperfect Quality Items With/Without Inspection
Authors: Wei Yu
Published: May 2021

Three observations of the economic production quantity model with imperfect quality items with/without inspection are presented in this report.
Salameh and Jaber (2000) and Maddah and Jaber (2008) models do not meet their
expected objective functions. The first observation tries to clarify the relationships among their expected objective functions and the actual ones through the derivation, the numerical simulation and statistical comparison. This report concludes s that both models are not very accurate, but capable.

Khan et al. (2011) and Khan et al. (2014) ignored the independent condition of properties of the expectation of random variables, which resulted in minor errors in both papers. The second and the third observations are the corrections of the models of two papers, respectively. Numerical comparisons show the differences between the original models and the revisions are minor, but significant. An example of a multi-factor sensitivity analysis is shown in this report.
Abu Ghraib and the commemorative violence of war trophy photography
Authors: Jakob Joey Brooke , Moore Paul S.
Published: May 2021

The photographs from the Abu Ghraib scandal are horrific, but they are also understandable.
Simply put, the Abu Ghraib photos are purposeful compositions that highlight victory over the
enemy Other in war. The photos illustrate sexual and racial violence, founded upon postcolonial
narratives, but this is only a starting point for their significance. I address how meaning is made for
the U.S. military personnel who took photographs of naked Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib, by
looking backward to soldiers’ photography from WWI and II, and by considering soldiers’ online
sharing of photographs in the present, examining roughly fifty photos total. The relationships
between photographic materiality, emotional and gestural communication, and the production of
cultural memory, disseminated via networked circulation, all shape how soldiers’ wartime
photographs come to be regarded. Employing an interdisciplinary approach, this research draws
upon war photography; visual culture and communication; sociology of groups and ritual; sociology
of emotion; combat histories; memory studies; and online photo sharing practices. In so
considering, the Abu Ghraib photos are not unique, and are instead grouped within
the greater concept of the “war trophy.” I expand on this concept by defining “war trophy
photography” as the entwined practices of war photography and trophy collection, rooted in ritual
and group solidification. Staged to depict the violent conquering of the enemy, I argue that war
trophy photography recognizes war efforts through the construction of a visual record, one that
reproduces relations of dominance and submission. I call this representation “commemorative
violence,” a central concept I develop to define the war trophy photograph. In addition to grounding
the Abu Ghraib photos historically, I review their visual semiotic, cultural significance, such as with
the “Doing a Lynndie” meme, which features civilians gesturing in thumbs-up toward a
downtrodden individual, copying the same gesture as often used in the images from Abu Ghraib,
and the now defunct site “Now That’s Fucked Up,” which briefly allowed soldiers in 2005 to trade
gruesome war trophy pictures for pornography. The conclusion reflects on war trophy photography
with the topical consideration of drones, ultimately suggesting that drone warfare photos are
expressionless because of the overt absence of people.
OLSR in Android operating system
Authors: Chowdhury Nasim
Published: May 2021

Optimized Link State Routing protocol, an ad-hoc routing protocol, has been popular in wireless devices running on Linux operating system for quite some time. In this project we have outlined the process of preparing Android devices for ad-hoc networking, a way to overcome limitations of the OS for continuous UDP communication, ensure all devices communicate on the same wireless Wi-Fi SSID, Cell-ID, subnet and finally implement the Optimized Links State Routing (OLSR) in Android Operating System using Google Nexus 7 devices. Using the code base from ProjectSPAN, an open source project, OLSR protocol has been ported to Android Nexus 7 devices. The core application is divided into two major sections, MANET and OLSR. Mobile Ad-hoc Network portion of the code takes care of setting up the device for ad-hoc mode communication, firewall and peripheral setup while OLSR portion of the code maintains the neighbor tables, MPRs and routing. The project also describes the process by which a device is prepared to run low level custom codes in Android operating system.

The OLSR implementation has been successfully tested with three nodes test bed, demonstrating the multi-hop ad-hoc networking capabilities of this wireless routing protocol. With the aid of the Android’s graphical interface the application is able to exhibit the dynamic nature of the OLSR protocol. As nodes and neighbors in the network moves around with respect to time and relative location, OLSR protocol is able to form new neighbors and elect Multipoint Relay in real time.
Characterization of activated sludge flocs by confocal laser scanning microscopy and image analysis
Authors: Nowak Eva
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to characterize microbial floc structure and properties under phosphorus (P) limiting and non-limiting regimes. The P-limitation applied to the biomass did not significantly impact on reactor performance in terms of COD removal and MLSS. The composition of EPS was affected by the P-limitation with significantly increased accumulation of carbohydrates, uronic acids and proteins. CLSM and glycoconjugate mapping revealed that the relative abundance of α and β- N -acetylgalactosaminyl/galactopyranosyl and N -acetylglucosaminyl residues was affected by P-limitation, suggesting changes in microbial populations within the floc structure, which in turn could cause the compositional changes of EPS. The image analysis performed on CLSM images indicated that under non-limiting conditions the cell clumps within the floc were significantly smaller as compared to P-limiting conditions. The fractal dimension and porosity under limiting conditions were either significantly higher or lower than under P-rich conditions.
Three South Asian immigrant fathers' experiences of child welfare in the Greater Toronto area (GTA)
Authors: Boiragi Louis
Published: May 2021

The research study explores the child welfare system experiences of South Asian immigrant fathers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The study provides an overview of the literature related to the child welfare system, its dominant cultural practices, and how interventions impact South Asian immigrant fathers. This study uses Anti-Oppressive Practice Theory (AOP) and Critical Race Theory (CRT) as its theoretical framework to understand the fathers’ experiences by analyzing in-depth interviews of the South Asian immigrant fathers who shared their lived experiences with the child welfare system. This study’s focus is to give voice and make visible the experiences of these fathers, who feel disappointed, misunderstood, and alienated.

Key words: Child welfare, maltreatment and neglect, racialized families South Asian
immigrant fathers, settlement, integration
Modeling And Characterization Of High Carbon Nanobainitic Steels
Authors: Sidhu Gaganpreet
Published: May 2021

Analytical models have been developed for the transformation kinetics, microstructure analysis and the mechanical properties in bainitic steels. Three models are proposed for the bainitic transformation based on the chemical composition and the heat treatment conditions of the steel as inputs: (1) thermodynamic model on kinetics of bainite transformation, (2) improved thermo-statistical model that eliminates the material dependent empirical constants and (3) an artificial neural network model to predict the volume fraction of bainite. Neural networks have also been used to model the hardness of high carbon steels, subjected to isothermal heat treatment. Collectively, for a steel of given composition and subjected to a particular isothermal heat treatment, the models can be used to determine the volume fraction of bainitic phase and the material hardness values.

The models have been extensively validated with the experimental data from literature as well as from three new high carbon experimental steels with various alloying elements that

were used in the present work. For these experimental steels, data on the volume fraction of phases (via X-ray diffraction), yield strength (via compression tests) and hardness were obtained for various combinations of isothermal heat treatment times and temperatures. The heat treated steels were subjected to compression and hardness tests and the data have been used to develop a new correlation between the yield stress and the hardness. It was observed that while all three experimental steels exhibit a predominantly nanostructured bainite microstructure, the presence of Co and Al in one of the steels accelerated and maximized the nano-bainitic transformation within a reasonably short isothermal transformation time. Excellent yield strength (>1.7 GPa) and good deformability were observed in this steel after isothermal heat treatment at a low temperature of 250C for a relatively short duration of 24 hours.
(De)Constructing the "Perfect Rape Victim" : an Analysis of Sexual Assault and Survivor Discourses in the Canadian Criminal Justice System
Authors: Dhawan Vanshika
Published: May 2021

The Canadian criminal justice system has seen many progressive changes to the way sexual assault cases are investigated and prosecuted over the past several decades. From the acknowledgement of spousal rape to the introduction of rape shield provisions, the law has seemingly changed to broaden the definition of what is considered a sexual assault. However, sexually-based offences are still vastly underreported and have the lowest attrition rates of indictable offences. Larger societal discourses around sexual assault and survivor-hood consist largely of rape myths, such as the idea that “real rape” only occurs when an “undeserving” woman is sexually assaulted by a “stranger in the dark.” These discourses permeate the Canadian criminal justice system, negatively influencing the experience of survivors who do not fit the narrow mould “real rape.” Drawing from Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis and Stuart Hall’s Discursive Approach, this Major Research Paper traces the effects of these discourses on constructions of sexual assault and survivor-hood in the legal system. Through a theoretical analysis of existing literature on the experiences of sexual assault survivors, this paper also examines the ways in which the language we use to describe sexual assault serves to cement rape myths and invalidate survivor experiences in every stage of the Canadian criminal justice system.
The United States Farm Security Administration-Office of War Information Archive: A Latent Nexus of Truth About the New Deal Era
Authors: Berenyi Monika E.
Published: May 2021

Since the conclusion of World War II, the ethos of the Roosevelt administration (1933-1945) and the achievements of the New Deal era have been celebrated by official rhetoric. American Document is a dynamic storytelling platform which deconstructs the validity of this long-sustained authority in the United States. Between 1935 and 1944, the United States Resettlement Administration (1935-1937), Farm Security Administration (1937-1942), and Office of War Information (1942-1944) contributed to the capture of a panoramic portrait of America in the form of a photographic survey. Collectively, these photographs constitute the Farm Security Administration-Office of War Information archive, and impart an unparalleled documentary account of the New Deal era. This Thesis engages archival evidence to question and illuminate how state socialism was imposed on an unsuspecting people at the expense of individual liberty, free enterprise, and the ebb and flow of the American dream. 
Investigating the role of public participation in wind energy project development in Ontario
Authors: Asadolahniajami Anahita
Published: May 2021

Over the past several decades, the scope of decision-making in the public domain has changed from a focus on unilateral regulatory verdicts to a more comprehensive process that engages all stakeholders. Consequently, there has been a distinct increase in public participation in the environmental decision-making process. While the potential benefits of public engagement are substantial in terms of identifying synergies between public and industry stakeholders that encourage project development, this participation does not come without its challenges. To meet global energy demands and fulfill ambitious targets for greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy has received increased attention as a feasible alternative to conventional sources of energy. However, current literature on renewable energy, particularly on wind power, highlights potential social barriers to renewable energy investment. This study investigates the role of public participation by reviewing two case studies of the Ontario wind power generation market to identify the facilitators and constrainers that affected public input into wind project development in Ontario and recommends a participatory framework in the hope of improving public engagement in the wind project development decision-making process. The recommended framework in this research requires all stakeholders to reconsider their current roles in the decision-making process. The public should engage in project planning and monitor the decision-making processes to ensure that their concerns have been addressed. Developers should address public concerns through a consensus building process initiated early in their planning process. Federal and provincial governments have to reclaim their role of ongoing leadership and provide better criteria for implementation and evaluation of the public participation processes. Finally, the process requires a third party who is not only an intermediary, but also plays the role of a knowledge-broker to connect with stakeholders, share and exchange knowledge, and work on overcoming barriers. The knowledge-broker helps to fulfill the main requirement of the collaborative decision-making, which is effective communication.
Development and stability of microemulsions as carriers for nutraceuticals
Authors: Berry Natasha
Published: May 2021

The formulation and chacterisation of food-grade water-in-oil (s/o) microemulsions as carriers for bioactive molecules are studied. The microemulsions consisted of deionised water, polysorbate 80, soybean oil, glycerol monooleate and sodium chloride (as a model marker). The formulated microemulsions were studied for droplet size via dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, conductance and viscosity. Phase bahaviour was studied along two dilution lines. Along these dilution lines, microemulsions were loaded with NaCl at their maximum solubilisation capacity. The stability of the microemulsions with and without NaCl was studied visually and through droplet size determination. Using a conductivity meter, sodium chloride-containing microemulsions were studied for release along one of the dilution lines. The release mechanism was established based on visual observation and using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The release of sodium chloride upon de-stabilisation of the microemulsion resulted from phase inversion. This phase inversion was brought about by the dilution of the microemulsion upon ingress of water as a result of osmosis. Overall, this study demonstrated that microemulsions have the potential to solubilise hydrophilic food additives such as NaCl and the solubilised additive (sodium chloride) could be released following microemulsion de-stabilisation.
Children's perspectives on outdoor play programs in childcare centre playgrounds: are early childhood educators listening?
Authors: Lee Yunjoo (Christina)
Published: May 2021

Outdoor programs are part of children’s everyday experiences in childcare centres. However, there is a lack of research that explores children’s viewpoints on their outdoor programs in childcare centres. This qualitative study examined children’s perspectives using the Mosaic approach. In addition, the early childhood educators (ECEs) were interviewed to investigate how they learn about and support children’s interests. Findings indicate that using the Mosaic approach can contribute to a more holistic understanding of children’s perspectives of their outdoor play programs. Findings also indicate that ECEs use observation and communication to learn about children’s interests. The ECEs also stated that they support children’s interests during their outdoor programs through verbal support and modelling, changing and expanding activities, and preparing various activities and materials for the children. Discussion on the findings explores multiple methods for tapping children’s perspectives, implications for teacher practices, and direction for future research.
Managing the Mosaic: diversity of voices and deliberative policy making in English Canadian media
Authors: Blake Sylvia
Published: May 2021

This study investigates viewpoints on policy for diversity in media subsequent to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC),s 2007-5 diversity of voices proceedings and subsequent CRTC 2008-4 regulatory changes. The policy proceedings were designed to aggregate and act upon the many policy preferences and conceptions of media diversity within Canada's complex media mosaic. Research reported here uses Q methodology, complemented with conventional survey questions and open-ended qualitative questions, to identify and interpret the plurality of subjective viewpoints surrounding the diversity debate and the CRTC's deliberative policymaking processes. Research identified four principal viewpoints regarding policy for media diversity, based on concerns about minority representation, industry consolidation, Canadian cultural expression, and a comprehensive marketplace of ideas. It also
considers various stakeholder viewpoints on the CRTC's 2007-5 deliberative proceedings, and the extent to which the Commission's deliberative processes meet the four deliberative democratic pillars of inclusiveness, equality, reasonableness and publicity.
Reducing the Carbon Footprint at an Electric Utility Company
Authors: Moore Peter
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this thesis is the development of options for the reduction of the carbon footprint at an electric utility company. A case study details a systematic approach to reduce corporate greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade. The study focuses on providing three principle outputs: 1) process maps whereby the company may systematically identify its current carbon footprint, 2) scenario analyses to project its future carbon emissions over a ten year period and, 3) recommended actions to reduce GHG emissions over the next decade. A number of recommendations for emission reductions are made. The findings suggest that the degree to which an organization addresses its GHG emissions is substantially influenced by organization-specific social, regulatory, technological and economic forces. The case study reveals that by perceiving corporate carbon management as a periphery objective, organizations limit their ability to reduce GHG emissions and to improve their corporate performance.
Noise reduction in hearing aids using spectral subtraction techniques
Authors: Myftari Fatos
Published: May 2021

This thesis is concerned with noise reduction in hearing aids. Hearing - impaired listeners and hearing - impaired users have great difficulty understanding speech in a noisy background. This problem has motivated the development and the use of noise reduction algorithms to improve the speech intelligibility in hearing aids. In this thesis, two noise reduction algorithms for single channel hearing instruments are presented, evaluated using objective and subjective tests. The first noise reduction algorithm, conventional Spectral Subtraction, is simulated using MATLAB 6.5, R13.

The second noise reduction algorithm, Spectral Subtraction in wavelet domanin is introduced as well. This algorithm is implemented off line, and is compared with conventional Spectral Subtraction. A subjective evaluation demonstrates that the second algorithm has additional advantages in speech intelligibility, in poor listening conditions relative to conventional Spectral Subtraction. The subjective testing was performed with normal hearing listeners, at Ryerson University. The objective evaluation shows that the Spectral Subtraction in wavelet domain has improved Signal to Noise Ratio compared to conventional Spectral Subtraction.
Simulations of LQR Control on Linear Spacecraft Dynamics about Asteroid Equilibrium Points
Authors: Aryal Abhijeet
Published: May 2021

Future exploratory missions to asteroids may require a spacecraft to perform attitude and position change maneuvers within small perturbations of the equilibrium point to conduct measurements and make observations based on mission requirements. The non-linear dynamics of the spacecraft can be approximated to be linear given that the system operates about an equilibrium point and the signals are small. Based on this, the linearized system is equivalent to the non-linear system within a limited operating range. This project follows this precedent and applies a closed loop LQR controller to perturbations of 1%, 2% and 5% from asteroid 101955 Bennu’s equilibrium points. The LQR controller methodology requires that weighting matrices Q and R which penalize the states and the controls respectively to be iterated for – depending on the application requirements. The iteration procedure is the primary objective of this project and is conducted for six different spacecraft orientations about eight different equilibrium points. The procedure examines the settling times and response plots to critique the performance of the controller. This paper presents the underlying control theory, the modelling scenario, the simulation procedure, results and some patterns discovered in the results. This project was conducted in conjunction with [3] and presents the results of simulations based on linearized spacecraft dynamics. The results of the non-linear spacecraft dynamics simulations can be found in [3].
Reading between the bars: exploring the representation of young adults with incarcerated parents in text literature
Authors: Parsons Carissa
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this paper is to examine and explore how young adults with incarcerated parents are represented in text-based literature. Although a plethora of research has recently emerged regarding the effects of imprisonment on the social, psychological, economic, and spiritual wellbeing of the family unit, young adults are rarely acknowledged. As a result, existing research appears informative, revolutionary and predictive; however, it instead contributes to creating the profile of a deviant and socially reclusive young adult with adverse life outcomes. This study is a critical reflexive literature analysis that incorporates a narrative methodology to gain insight into the representation of young adults between the ages of 17 and 25. With a selection of themes observed from the textual evidence, this study recommends three ways to humanize young adults with confined parents by building upon their personal narratives.

Keywords: young adults, parental incarceration, critical reflexive, narrative