bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network enabled powered wheelchair adapter kit (NEPWAK)
Authors: Arora Ankit
Published: May 2021

Due to the aging population of many developed countries, the call for accommodation for the handicapped, and the elderly, are being addressed on political, industrial and scientific fronts. We believe that, in the near future, rehabilitation robots will become a significant component of health service systems in the world. Rehabilitation robotics involving the use of powered wheelchairs as mobility platforms has taken place in many research groups with various goals. We have taken one such initiative; we have sought to develop a kit that can be retrofitted to any commercial powered wheelchair augmenting it with remote health care and control. We call this system "NEPWAK - the Network Enabled Powered Wheelchair Adapter Kit". NEPWAK will provide mobility and remote health care to individuals who otherwise could not use a standard wheelchair independently due to motor, sensory, perceptual, or cognitive impairments. To ease the task of remote operators in transporting patients, NEPWAK incorporates human tracking and following capabilities, and an obstacle avoidance system.
Viability Of Hybrid Ground Source Heat Pump System With Solar Thermal Collectors
Authors: Rad Farzin M.
Published: May 2021

This thesis presents a study for examining the viability of hybrid ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems that use solar thermal collectors as the supplemental component in heating dominated buildings. Loads for an actual house in the City of Milton near Toronto were estimated. TRNSYS, a system simulation software tool, was used to model the yearly performance of conventional GSHP as well as the proposed hybrid GSHP system.

The house was equipped with a data monitoring system which was installed to read and record fluid flow, temperature and electricity consumption in different components of the system. The actual yearly data collected from the site was examined against the simulation results. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between the solar collector area and the ground loop heat exchanger (GHX) length. It was shown that the ratio of GHX length reduction to solar panel area of 4.7 m/m

This study demonstrates that a hybrid GSHP system, combined with solar thermal collectors, is a feasible choice for space conditioning for heating dominated houses. It was shown that the solar thermal energy storage in the ground could reduce a large amount of ground loop heat exchanger length. Combining three solar thermal collectors with a total area of 6.81m
Enhanced Captioning : Speaker Identification Using Graphical and Text-Based Identifiers
Authors: Vy Quoc V.
Published: May 2021

This thesis proposes a new technique for speaker identification in captioning using three identifiers: image, name and colour. This technique was implemented as a proofof-concept system called the Enhanced Captioning: Speaker Identification (EC: SID). This EC: SID was developed using participatory design and evaluated with people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. This system evaluation used questionnaires and eye tracking methodologies, and the control was closed captioning, the existing system for North America. The results indicated that there is potential for using graphical and textbased identifiers for speaker identification. The placement of captioning or displaying the name of the speaker may not be effective for indicating who is speaking. The ability to customize these identifiers allows for changes in the content and different needs of users. Further design and evaluation is required to determine the long-term practicality of this graphical speaker identification technique. 
A computational study of phase separation in polymer solutions under a double quench
Authors: Hosseini Ehsan
Published: May 2021

Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) are a relatively new class of materials used for many applications ranging from switchable windows to projection displays. PDLSs are formed by spinodal decomposition induced by thermal quenching or polymerization. The objective of the present study is to introduce a new mechanism of phase separation in a binary polymer solution and develop a mathematical model and computer simulation to describe the phase separation during the early and intermediate stages of nucleation and growth and spinodal decomposition induced by thermal double quenching. The growth equilibrium limits of phase separation as well as phase transition are calculated by taking into consideration the Flory-Huggins theory for the free energy of mixing. A two step quench is modeled using Cahn-Hilliard theory for asymmetric binary polymer solution which is quenched from a stable state in the one-phase region to a metastable region where nucleation and growth occurs. The solution is allowed to coarsen for different time periods before a second quench was applied to a point further inside the phase diagram. The numerical results in two dimensions replicate the experimental and numerical work that has been recently done and published.
Diasporic Identity And Political Action: Palestinian Student Activism On Ontario University Campuses
Authors: Ashfield Laura
Published: May 2021

This study focuses on how young Palestinians in the diaspora understand their identity, and whether this understanding, as well external perceptions of identity, shape their political actions in terms of solidarity movements with Palestine on Ontario campuses. Eight Palestinian activists (aged 19 – 32) were interviewed about their perceptions of identity and experiences of activism. The findings suggest that the participants have a strong Palestinian identity maintained by their connections to home and their involvement in Palestinian activism. The participants’ engagement with activism reinforced their Palestinian identity, pointing to the interconnected relationship between identity and political action. When examining the experiences of activism on campus, participants garnered support but also faced challenges from pro-Israel groups and university administrations. The implications of these findings are significant to political and academic freedom in Canada and will hopefully encourage universities to foster nondiscriminatory political debate and ensure that all voices are heard.
Black mothers’ childbirth experiences
Authors: Scarlett Cheyenne Isabella
Published: May 2021

The childbirth experience is an important life event that can affect the health and wellbeing of mother and child long after labour and delivery has concluded. This study is a qualitative descriptive study of the childbirth experiences of 30 Black mothers who gave birth in the Greater Toronto Area within the past three years. Semi structured interviews were conducted to understand: 1) what Black women’s childbirth experiences are and 2) what factors contributed to their experiences. The childbirth experiences of Black mothers giving birth in the GTA are largely shaped by experiences of racism, bias and microaggressions. They experience disrespectful care and feelings of judgment based on their race in addition to their other intersecting identities. Factors that contribute to a positive childbirth experience include continuity of care, family and community support as well as a high-quality relationship with their health care provider. This study employs to the use of critical race theory to examine the themes which emerged from data collected.
RAP, a member of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases and its putative GTPase activating proteins and guanine nucleotide exchange factors in raw 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Tucholska Monika
Published: May 2021

The Fcγ receptor is a cell surface protein essential in the immune response that binds IgG-opsonized particles resulting in phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is a process used to remove pathogens and confine them in a vacuole that will enable their breakdown. The members of the Ras superfamily of small G proteins have been identified in samples where the activated Fcγ receptor complex was captured and analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry. The protein Rap. beloning to the Ras superfamily, guanosine triphosphatases (GTPase) activating proteins (GAPs), which promote the dissociation of GTP, and guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), that permits the exchange of GDP for GTP, were detected by SEQUEST in RAW 264.7 macrophages and futher analyzed using various methods. In this study, Raps, RasGAPs, and RapGEFs, were observed by tandem mass spectrometry and sequence correlation analysis. The selected isoforms were confirmed by Western blots, live cell confocal microscopy with fluorescent fusion constructs and antibody staining to verify the localization of Ras proetins, specifically Rap1, p120RasGAP and C3G, a RapGEF, to activated Fc reeceptor [sic].
Bridging science and law across jurisdictions in Canadian species at risk policy : four case studies
Authors: Di Giuseppe Maria-Lena
Published: May 2021

1.0 Introduction -- 2.0 Methods -- 3.0 Federal Legal Measures for Species at Risk in Canada -- 4.0 Provincial Legal Measures for Species at Risk in Ontario -- 5.0 Ontario Species at Risk: Two Case Studies -- 6.0 Provincial Legal Measures for Species at Risk in British Columbia -- 7.0 British Columbia Species at Risk: Two Case Studies -- 8.0 Policy Recommendations -- 9.0 Conclusions and Applications for Future Research. The purpose of this thesis is to evaluate the effectiveness of current legal measures for protecting species at risk in Canada through an interpretive qualitative method. Four species case studies were analyzed: The Eastern Loggerhead Shrike, Jefferson Salamander, Northern Spotted Owl, and Vancouver Island Marmot. Policy recommendations for reforms arising from the research are: i) inter-jurisdictional cooperation is imperative for protecting species at risk; ii) dedicated species at risk legislation is crucial, and it is recommended that such legislation exist at both federal and provincial levels; iii) flexibility instruments and exemptions to existing law should be scientifically informed and used cautiously; iv) private landowners are significant stakeholders and stewardship efforts are important; v) scientific information and the definition of critical habitat for species at risk are crucial. The thesis concludes that a science-based precautionary approach to species protection is fundamental to address the plight of species at risk in Canada.
Building a secure and legal file sharing system using JXTA platform
Authors: Hafeez Khalid Abdel
Published: May 2021

File sharing is one of the most popular applications in peer-to-peer networks where there is no control over what the peer can download or upload. This explains why file sharing got a high percentage of the overall internet traffic. Although file sharing is a legal technology, many users use it to share copyrighted materials and that's why many applications have been sued and shut down.

In this thesis we will build a secure and legal file sharing system using Java bindings of JXTA protocols. The application security is derived from using digital certificates signed by a server peer who acts like a certificate authority (CA), all communications are encrypted using these digital certificates. The legal side is derived from the fact that each peer has a tokens account that will be updated and signed by the server peer only. The downloading peer has to pay some tokens for downloading a file to the uploading peer who then contacts the server peer to credit its commission from that payment. The server peer is the only one who can cash those payments to make the system forgery protected. The interaction between peers and the server peer could be on monthly basis so peers can download and upload files easliy and without the presence of the server. At the end we analyzed the security aspects and show how the implementation deals with most known peer-to-peer threats.
A PCSWMM/GIS Based Water Balance Model for the Reesor Creek Watershed
Authors: Smith Derek
Published: May 2021

In the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), there have been drastic changes to local watersheds as urban areas sprawl over surrounding rural areas. It is necessary to understand the water balance of a watershed in order to develop and implement a watershed plan. In an urbanized watershed, the run-off rate and volume will increase. While Duffins Creek may be one of the healthiest watersheds in the GTA, it is also one that is producing the most concern for the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority where findings suggested that proposed urbanization will impact the water quality and quantity. This [thesis] research has three objectives: to develop a modelling methodology that integrates GIS and hydrologic models in a water balance analysis using as case study the Reesor Creek watershed; to calibrate the models by observing how differing techniques discretize both the landscape and incoming precipitation; and to observe the effects of spatially distributed rainfall measurements and their affects on the three modelling approaches.
Toronto’s Not-So-“Smart” City: Dismantling the Tech Utopia & Building Stronger Communities
Authors: Raza Sahar
Published: May 2021

This thesis critically analyzes the dominant discourse, actors, and technologies associated with the Sidewalk Toronto smart city project to uncover and resist the potential dangers of the unregulated smart city. Drawing from gray and scholarly literature alongside four semistructured interviews and three action research methods, this research shows that smart cities and technologies are the latest iteration of corporate power, exploitation, and control. Imbued with neoliberal, colonial, and positivistic logics, the smart city risks further eroding democracy, privacy, and equity in favour of promoting privatization, surveillance, and an increased concentration of power and wealth among corporate and state elite. While the publicized promise of the smart city may continuously shift to reflect and co-opt oppositional narratives, its logics remain static, and its beneficiaries remain few. Applying a social justice-oriented lens which connects critical theory, postmodernism, poststructuralism, intersectional feminism, and anticolonial methodologies is crucial in reconceptualizing “smartness” and prioritizing public good.
Regional contributions to achieving sustainability : an examination using sustainability-focused policies in regional official plans
Authors: Perlikowski Elisabeth
Published: May 2021

This research examines the policy content of the Regional Official Plans in order to provide insight whether the regions of York and Peel are moving towards achieving sustainability. The study’s exploratory qualitative and comparative analysis examines the Regions’ contributions using the planning policies outlined in the recently released Regional Official Plans. Findings suggest that the Regions have emphasized sustainability-focused policies and have laid a foundation in achieving environmental and economic elements of sustainability. The analysis shows a low occurrence of policies that integrate social equity and justice issues with the economic and environmental objectives, which reduces the prospect of achieving sustainability. The comparative analysis suggests a number of directives that further can decrease the move towards achieving sustainability, including voluntary policies and indicators that may mislead a community in its progress towards sustainability. The study found that the Region of Peel has a higher presence of factors that can weaken the chances of achieving sustainability.
Preschool children's perceptions of other children based on body size
Authors: Su Wei
Published: May 2021

Overweight individuals are highly stigmatized in society. The purpose of the study is to determine if preschool children perceive overweight children to have more negative characteristics than non-overweight children. Interviews were conducted with 42 preschool children from 32 to 70 months old. Children listened to four stories about an interaction between two children, in which one child demonstrated socially unacceptable behaviour and one who demonstrated prosocial behaviour. Stories were presented along with two target figures (one target = overweight, one target = non-overweight). Results showed that children perceived the overweight target figures of the opposite gender. Male children also labeled overweight target figures as 'mean' more often than female children. No age differences were present. The findings of the study may be significant for the development of programs that will prevent or decrease negative body image attitudes and body stigmatization in order to create inclusive learning and social environments where all children are accepted, included and gain a sense of belonging regardless of their body shape or size.
Usability of the design structure matrix for automotive design engineering
Authors: Adrees Muhammad
Published: May 2021

In this thesis the author discusses the Design Structure Matrix (DSM) as a best practice. The DSM provides project management structure, develop and modularises the systems level design of products, performs project scheduling, tasks interdependency, resource allocation, dependent tasks planning, and provides proper communication and coordination structure.

The DSM tool is applied to two case studies of the design of a gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle power train and one case study of assembly design, with concentrated emphasis on the recommendations on how the specific cases in this thesis can benefit. A novel analytic feature Relative Significance Summation Clustering (RSSC) of the DSM is also identified, which appears to be otherwise unreported in the literature.

The case studies analysis demonstrates that the DSM tool can be used to develop a deeper understanding of the system level design, project management, and assembly design.

The DSM tool was successful at providing a representation of many of the issues and insights identified in the case study analysis.
Wall cops and robbers
Authors: Mc Inerney Fionn
Published: May 2021

Wall Cops and Robbers is a new turn-based game played on graphs. It is inspired by the games of Cops and Robbers and the Angel Problem. The objective of the game is for the cops to capture the robber by surrounding him with walls. The wall cop number of a graph G, written Wc(G), is the least number of cops it takes to capture the robber in G. The thesis explores these two parameters for various graph classes including trees, hypercubes, grids, and tilings of the plane. We also introduce a variant of the game called Wall Cops and Wall Robbers. In this game, the robber creates a wall on visiting a vertex, disallowing a move to a previously visited vertex.
Integration and Persistence of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 86-24 in a Naturally-Occurring Water Well Biofilm
Authors: Kolozsvari Debbie
Published: May 2021

Studies to determine how a microbe can persist in a foreign environment are essential in understanding water contamination by infectious agents. Annular reactors were designed, constructed, and used as a laboratory-based model to study naturally-occurring biofilms. Untreated groundwater was used a s the bulk liquid, and a foreign microbe with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) marker was introduced. It was demonstrated that under oligotrophic conditions Escherichia coli O157:H7 86-24 did not grow planktonically. The microbe demonstrated an ability to integrate into the existing biofilm. Various environmentally-relevant concentrations of nitrogen and phosphate were also used to detect any effects on its persistence. The results suggest that the persistence of the E. coli O157:H7 86-24 was enhanced when the bulk fluid was amended to contain 100 ppm nitrate, and hindered when phosphate was added. To utilize available molecular tools, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) were used. It was found that the E. coli O157:H7-specific primers were not as reliable in detecting E.coli O157 within the biofilm when compared to detection using the GFP marker. PCR using 16S rRNA primers were also used to gain insight into the microbial diversity of the biofilm.
"Leni Riefenstahl simply will not go away:" an analysis of the media discourses about Hitler's filmmaker
Authors: Henderson Kirsteen
Published: May 2021

Leni Riefenstahl will forever be connected to the political ideology of fascism and the images of Adolf Hitler and male strength and beauty she brought to the screen in Triumph of the Will (1935) and Olympia (1938), the contested masterpieces of her filmmaking career under the Third Reich. Now 100 years old and releasing her first film in almost half a century, she has remained a ubiquitous media presence for most of her life. In the 1 970s, an article in Newsweek began: "Leni Riefenstahl simply will not go away" and her media presence has only increased since that time ("Leni's triumph of the will" 11/29/76). More recently, in the past decade, Vanity Fair featured an interview with Riefenstahl and published Helmut Newton's photographs of her; lengthy reviews of her memoirs appeared in the New York Times, the Globe and Mail, and the Times of London; Ray Muller's documentary, The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl appeared at film festivals in New York and Washington, D.C.; and Jodie Foster's decision to make a film based on Riefenstahl's life was announced on CNN. This media attention prompted Eric Rentschler to describe Riefenstahl as "the Third Reich's most visible living celebrity and a constant object oflurid speculation, be it as 'Hitler's girlfriend,' a 'Nazi pin-up girl,' or a 'fallen goddess.' The spectacle of Riefenstahl has always made for good press" (1996: 27-8). This paper examines the media's enduring
fascination with Riefenstahl by analyzing articles devoted to the filmmaker's life and work that have appeared in Western newspapers, popular journals and on the Internet over the course of the past three decades.
Participating in a diverse world: immigrant political participation within diverse communities
Authors: Kingsmill Linda Catherine
Published: May 2021

This literature review explores the relationship between neighbourhood diversity and
political participation arguing that social capital is well-suited for assessing the political context
created by communities. Emphasis is placed on the Canadian context which is characterized by a
lack of scholarship. Particularly, this review explores how existing studies can explain the impact
of community diversity on political participation and whether immigrants, as a group, are
disproportionately affected by such diversity. This review also outlines how social capital might
be useful in determining how context, such as, diversity, determines individuals' political
behaviours. Generally speaking, this review finds that it is difficult to draw definitive
conclusions regarding the effects of diversity on political participation and that there is an
overwhelming empirical gap in the literature on immigrant political participation.
A Novel Hybrid Photoacoustic-Fluorescent contrast Agent to Track Aqueous Humour Pathways in Vivo
Authors: Cardinell Kirsten
Published: May 2021

Contrast agents are frequently used in photoacoustic imaging (PAI) to study the lymphatic system. However, there is a lack of standardized approaches to evaluate agentsfor specific applications. Furthermore, validation of PAI results through post-mortem fluorescence imaging is often required. To address this, hybrid modality contrast agents would be advantageous. Using unbiased characterization experiments and analyses three commercial NIR dyes are compared: IRDye QC-1, IRDye800CW, and CF770 for the minimum detectable concentration, linear range, and stability of PA signal with prolonged laser exposure. QC-1 had the most desirable properties for quantitative lymphatic PAI specifically for glaucoma treatment testing. Therefore a hybrid tracer was developed and QC-1 alongside fluorescent dye BODIPY was labelled to bovine serum albumin (QBB). QBB tracer showed nearly identical PA properties to free QC-1 dye and maintained a strong fluorescent signal after laser exposure. The QBB tracer shows promise as a hybrid contrast agent for in vivo lymphatic PAI.
Mass Shootings and Intimate Partner Violence: A Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Mallinos Leah
Published: May 2021

This Major Research Paper is a feminist critical discourse analysis of news articles pertaining to three mass shootings in the United States in which an intimate partner of the perpetrator was targeted and a history of domestic violence was known. The aim of this study is to identify and examine the dominant discourses employed by the media when reporting on mass shootings that are rooted in gender-based violence. I uncovered three discourses: 1) the continued portrayal of intimate partner violence as a private issue; 2) the emphasis on the shock and disbelief held by community members; and 3) the construction of perpetrators as deviant that is detached from IPV. The purpose of this study is that through naming and understanding these discourses at play, social workers can better engage in the critical prevention, intervention and postvention work of addressing gun violence and its inextricable link to intimate partner violence.
The Power of Soccer Fandom in Toronto
Authors: Zdzylowski Andrea
Published: May 2021

This Major Research Project will examine two distinct fan cultures associated with the Toronto FC soccer team—The Red Patch Boys and U-Sector—and the ways in which individuals part of both fan cultures use social media, social networking, and online applications in order to communicate. Both fan cultures are prominent during each Toronto FC home game, but they also have a large online presence which enables fans to connect to one another regardless of their location. This virtual presence highlights the value of online applications and the power of fandom.

Thematic discourse analysis was used in order to analyze the information collected through observations at Toronto FC home games and on both fan cultures’ official Twitter accounts, websites, and online forums. Through this analysis, the themes of hierarchy and Toronto FC related material became prominent.
Since this MRP focuses solely on two fan cultures, The Red Patch Boys and U-Sector, it must be noted that these results may not be applicable to all fan communities. Further research must be conducted before the definite impact of new media applications on fan cultures can be concluded.
Cloud data segmentation and classification for reverse engineering using neural networks
Authors: Wang Jiahong
Published: May 2021

Automatic segmentation of point data in the past has been mainly applied to single range maps. However, there is a great need for the segmentation of fully digitized objects with multiple viewpoints. This research reports on the automatic segmentation of multiple viewpoint 3D digitized data captured by a laser scanner or a CMM. This is accomplished in two steps. Firstly, the surface normal and principal curvatures are estimated at corresponding point locations. Local Darboux frame and weighted least-square surface fitting are used to calculate the normal values and curvature values of the point data. Secondly, an eight dimensional feature vector (3D coordinate, 3D normal, Gaussian and Mean curvature) is used as an input to a Self-Organized Feature Map (SOFM). A normalized feature vector and a weighted Euclidean distance are adopted in the learning process of the SOFM, which improves the speed and exactness of the segmentation. The segmentation using SOFM is robust to noise and has no limitation to surface type. The algorithm is validated by real and synthetic point data. To improve the quality of surface fitting, segmented subregions of typical surfaces are classified by using a back propagation neural network. The techniques developed play a key role in reducing the length of product development time and the quality of a final surface model.
Environmental stress effects on illness in Southern Ontario
Authors: LeBlanc Chelsea  Blair
Published: May 2021

A spatial analysis of smog events in Southern Ontario and prevailing winds reveals various patterns that occur during smog advisories. Smog events cause numerous excess deaths and illnesses each year throughout Southern Ontario due to high levels of air pollutants that are generated in North America. Cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses are the main hospital admissions that occur during summer smog episodes. These effects are experienced throughout regions located along the Windsor-Quebec corridor, but there are variations in the numbers of affected people due to the effects of surrounding geographical features and the local contribution of air contaminants. Meteorological differences play a major role in the effects of smog events with factors such as temperature and prevailing winds. This study examines the effects of long distance transport of contaminants from origins in the United States into Canada as indicated by respiratory and cardiovascular mortality and morbidity effects during 9 smog events. This study found that during certain conditions there is a correlation between wind direction and smog related mortality and morbidity.
Children and inquiry: researchers’ reflections on research involving children
Authors: Kenneally Noah
Published: May 2021

This qualitative descriptive study employed a mixed methods approach to investigate research conducted by Canadian researchers who involve children in their studies. Data collected from a questionnaire completed by thirty researchers across Canada were contextualized through seven interviews, with the goal of compiling a description of the research designs and the mechanisms of engagement used to involve children. A thematic analysis was conducted in order to explore the research designs used, how beliefs about children and childhood shape research design, and ethical and reflective practices used in research involving children. Overall, findings indicate that a wide range of research designs and mechanisms of engagement are used. Implications for practice emerging from this study suggest that researchers should choose a design approach to best suit the study’s purpose, and that deliberate and continuous reflection in design practices and implementation can promote ethical practice when conducting research involving children.
The effectiveness of Tillage Radish® to improve the growing medium for trees
Authors: Mayhew-Hammond Shawn
Published: May 2021

Urban trees provide ecosystem services, the value of which is dependent on canopy coverage. However, canopy growth is often restricted by soil compaction. Compaction reduces plant access to important soil resources and mechanically impedes root growth. Bio-drilling plants offer an alternative approach to conventional remediation methods. The study evaluated the effectiveness of growing Tillage Radish® to remediate soil compaction and improve soil quality under established trees. The study plot was located in Guelph, Ontario. Soil data was collected before and after planting radish. Results indicated that 1) radish growth was limited by nutrients but not soil compaction. And, 2) Tillage Radish® reduced surface compaction in moderately to highly compact soils. Other soil characteristics did not change significantly. The results suggested that planting Tillage Radish® has potential to remediate compaction in the rooting zone of trees. However, fertilization may be necessary to maximize radish growth and its associated soil remediation benefits.
A case study on most optimal power flow solutions to supply power to a new residential compound load located at the outskirts of an industrial area by using the optimization tools
Authors: Othman Nidal Abrahim
Published: May 2021

This project studies different solutions, presents an efficient and reliable approach, to solve the optimal power flow (OPF) problem for an industrial power system by using fmincon optimization method and technique. This fmincon toolbox from MATLAB attempts to find a constrained minimum of a scalar function of several variables starting at an initial estimate. This is generally referred to as constrained nonlinear optimization or nonlinear programming. The objective in OPF problem is to minimize the total cost function of generating units and the transmission losses, while maintaining the design and performance of the entire power system, satisfying the operational requirements such as the real and reactive power outputs of the generating units, bus voltages and power flow of transmission lines…etc. This project presents the most optimal solution of power flow incorporating wind generation cost, to supply power to a new domestic load located at the outskirts of an industrial area for three different scenarios. This residential is typical of long rural line with isolated load area. The challenge in our case study is to incorporate a wind generation unit as one type of green energy, that are currently being considered as an alternative source of power, to feed this long rural line for the domestic load without effecting in the total generation cost. A case study is carried out for three different scenarios incorporating wind generation cost. The results of OPF in this project shows that incorporating wind generation unit as renewable energy source with the entire power system will have a minimum generation cost and minimum transmission losses for the entire power system even if the wind generation cost assumed to be the most expensive one comparing with other conventional generation units. This project report provides implementation of Algorithm for the entire power load flow using the fast decoupled power flow (FDPF) and optimizes the best solution for the three different scenarios by using fmincon Interior Point Algorithm as one of optimization toolbox to achieve the minimum total cost function of generating units and minimum transmission losses.
Craftsmanship: in the pursuit of things well–made
Authors: Biersteker Steven Andrew
Published: May 2021

As a commonly misunderstood topic, craftsmanship is often seen as a primarily anachronistic act that fails to play a meaningful role in contemporary culture. However, as many critics have recognized, craftsmanship suggests a way of working that extends beyond manual labour as an attitude towards work. As an attitude, craftsmanship can be reevaluated as a process which results in the pursuit of things well-made.

To investigate this position, different viewpoints towards the process of craftsmanship are discussed from which a set of strategies are anticipated. These strategies have then been applied to an existing building in order verify which methods can be generalized and which remain specific. Through four unique design interventions an expressive, material based architecture is developed that appropriately responds to the buildings’ original craftsmanship.

Through this new perspective craftsmanship can be brought to life as both a valid and valuable way of working in contemporary architecture.
Interference-Aware Multicast in Wireless Mesh Network
Authors: Nicanfar Hasan
Published: May 2021

Interference is one of the most challenging issues in wireless network. Communication between a transmitter and receiver pair causes radio wave propagation to interfere with other nearby communication that may result blocking that link. In Multicast, since almost simultaneous communication takes place along several branches of a Multicast distribution tree, these branches tend to mutually block each other due to interference. In this research we introduced an Interference-Aware Multicast routing protocol. First, it divides the nodes in the Multicast distribution tree in three GORby-Groups: Transmit, REC1 (receiving) and REC2 (standby). Then we calculate the SINR of the node based on interferences caused by all the nodes within that GORby-Group, assuming when the given node is in the transmit mode then all the nodes within its GORby-Group will also be in the transmit mode. Then we use the computed SINRs in our join Multicast group algorithm to achieve the most SINR.
Server and network load balancing
Authors: Gaurav Gaurav
Published: May 2021

Software Defined Networking (SDN), is an emerging networking technology. This thesis aims to develop a new Server and Network Load balancing scheme in content delivery datacenters using SDN-based architecture. The scheme, called Server and Network Load Balancing (SNLB), tends to distribute the traffic load more evenly across the network. The SNLB achieves even distribution of flows on the links and servers by utilizing real-time network statistics. Furthermore, SNLB classifies the network flows into mice (flows with small bandwidth) and elephant (flows with large bandwidth) flows and performs load balancing on these two classes of flows separately. A detailed comparison of SNLB with Global first fit, Round robin and Load based balancing is presented. Other objectives achieved in this thesis are the designs of overload traffic handling technique and Fault tolerance method. The overload traffic handling technique activates and de-activates servers according to the traffic load; the fault tolerance method can reduce the impact on network performance during the network fault.
Hedging and Pricing in Non-probabilistic Models with Transaction Costs
Authors: Rahsepar Massoome
Published: May 2021

This thesis extends a non probabilistic market model proposed by Britten-Jones and Neuberger by incorporating transaction costs into their model. The original model is of rather general applicability as it incorporates the discrete nature of the market by allowing only a finite number of transactions and discrete jumps and requires few observable parameters to be deployed. Our addition of transaction costs gives the model an even more realistic character and, in this way, allows to use the model as an instrument to look for arbitrage opportunities in the market. The main output of the resulting model is a pair of numbers acting as lower and upper bounds to prices of financial instruments. The thesis does perform a limited search for arbitrage opportunities in market data and finds several interesting phenomena. A detailed analysis of several analytical properties, optimization and computational issues, along with a software implementation, are also fully developed in the thesis.
Studies of potential sources that contributed to atmospheric mercury in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Cheng Irene
Published: May 2021

The objectives of the study were to identify sources of mercury (Hg) measured in downtown Toronto, Canada using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF), Principal Components Analysis (PCA), ratio analysis, back trajectories, and correlation analyses. Atmospheric Hg species (i.e., GEM, PHg<2.5, RGM) and air pollutants measured from December 2003 to November 2004 were the input variables. Model results suggest industrial sources (chemical production, metal production, sewage treatment), rather that coal combustion, were the major contributors to measured Hg levels. Both the PMF model and PCA identified factors that cannot be characterized using the National Pollutant Release Inventory emissions data. Correlation analyses revealed direct emissions were the sources of RGM in spring, summer and fall, and the occurrence of GEM oxidation by ozone in the summer. Elevated Hg events are attributed to emissions from regional point sources, photochemical processes involving ozone, and potentially urban sources near the sampling site.
Anaerobic Degradation of Diesel Fuel Contaminated Wastewater in a Fluidized Bed Rector
Authors: Vezlui Jonka
Published: May 2021

This thesis studies the performance of the Anaerobic Fluidized Bed Reactor (AFBR) in treating diesel fuel contaminated wastewaters. The AFBR is a semi-cyclindrical fluidized bed, with a capacity of 300 L and height of 2.90 m with sampling ports along the column length. Granular activated carbon (12-20 mesh) was used as the medium to immobilize biomass. Diesel fuel was the sole source of carbon for microorganisms. The system's COD removal capability and diesel fuel removal efficiency were measured at 100 mg/L, 200 mg/L, and 300 mg/L influent diesel fuel in the reactor. Hydraulic Residence Time (HRT) varied for each set of experiments from 96 to 6 hours. The system achieved diesel removal efficiency of more than 84.1% for 300 mg/L influent diesel concentration for the maximum flowrate treated (1200 L/d) at a minimum HRT of 6 hours. This investigation confirms that anaerobic degradation of diesel contaminated water can be carried out very effectively in the AFBR.
White trauma: tracing trauma informed recovery and white supremacy in social work practice
Authors: Paxton Randi
Published: May 2021

This qualitative research study examines how five prominent recovery oriented community based organizations talk out loud about themselves, their service population and recovery. Using a critical discourse analysis, pervasive discursive patterns were revealed through thematic analysis. This study details the way in which trauma-informed care quietly manifests alongside the same guiding principles as the recovery model, creating a compounded site of power whereby one lives both inside and outside the bounds of the other. The purpose of this study is to call attention to the illusive nature of these widely-celebrated models, disrupting the unchecked, institutionalized supremacy of the whiteness that prevails within. Applying the concept of creaming to social service provision in Toronto, this study makes the claim that white trauma is centred within recovery oriented service construction and provision given it causes the least structural disruption. This process ultimately sustains the feel-good culture that envelops recovery based and trauma-informed social work.
Mechanical Properties Of Laser Welded Dual-Phase Steel Joints
Authors: Farabi Naheen
Published: May 2021

The application of dual phase (DP) steels in the automobile industry unavoidably involves welding operation. The objective of this thesis was to study the microstructure and mechanical properties of laser welded DP steel joints. The laser welding resulted in a significant hardness increase in the FZ but the formation of a soft zone in the heat affected zone (HAZ). While the soft zone influenced the tensile properties of the joints considerably, the fatigue properties of the welds showed dependence on both the softening and the applied stress amplitudes. Fatigue crack was observed to initiate from the specimen surface and crack propagation was basically characterized by striation-like features. Post-weld heat treatment was found to eradicate the negative effect of the soft zone and improve the mechanical properties of welds. However, the heat treatment resulted in a brittle fracture mode from the dominating ductile mode of fracture of the welded joints.
Predictive modeling of surface finish in fine grinding
Authors: Yang Yi
Published: May 2021

Grinding is on of the important machine processes when tight tolerances and fine surface finishes are required. However, due to the large number of process parameters involved, predicting the outcome of a grinding process is not a trivial task. This thesis describes the development of a predictive model of surface finish in the fine surface grinding process.

The surface topography of a grinding wheel was analyzed using a laser scanner. The statistical distribution for grain protrusion heights and the transvere and longitudinal spacing of grains were determined. Each protruded grain is counted as a cutting edge that engages with the workpiece to generate a unique chip. A solid modeller was used to model an individiaul chip as an ellipsoid. The measured topography of the grinding wheel, together with a kinematic relationship in surface grinding, was used to determine the goemetrical characteristics of the ellipsoid. The solid modeller was then used to model the chip removal process by successive grains.

The surface roughtness predicted by the model was compared with experiemental results. The results showed good consistency between the model and the actual surface properties.
"So, you want a database? : a beginner's guide to database technology for small cultural institutions"
Authors: Perry Shannon Leigh
Published: May 2021

This thesis project is comprised of a twenty page folded booklet and ten page analytical paper. The booklet is meant as a beginner's guide to collections management systems within cultural institutions. Its primary audience is smaller institutions that may not have the benefit of staff with expert or prior knowledge of electronic databases and collections management systems. The booklet outlines what a database is, why collection management systems are important, a frequently asked question section, a glossary and an additional resource page. The frequently asked questions section gives examples of why database management systems are important and how to choose a collections managament system, along with other commonly asked questions.
Modeling and Fouling Detection of the Aircraft Environmental Control System Heat Exchanger
Authors: Shah Shoaib A.
Published: May 2021

A Diagnostics, Prognostics and Health Management (DPHM) solution is proposed for the operation of the aircraft environmental control system (ECS) cross flow heat exchanger. In particular, a dynamic model is derived and applied to on-line detection of fouling in the aircraft ECS cross flow plate-and-fin heat exchanger. Predictive maintenance actions can be scheduled as per the on-line detected fouling status of the specific component, supporting condition based maintenance. The heat exchanger model is of the lumped state space form, where the state consists of the core and fin temperatures. The ratios of the thermal capacities of the masses of the two air streams to the thermal capacity of the core itself are neglected, and the model parameters' functional dependency on mass flow rate and influence of secondary surfaces (fins) are taken into account in order to accurately describe the dynamic behavior of the heat exchanger. Since the parameters are functions of mass flow rate, as are the core and fin temperatures, and the model is nonlinear in the state variables, an extended Kalman filtering (EKF) algorithm is applied to estimate the state dependent parameters. The effectiveness of the model's formulation is supported by the quality of the corresponding predicted results, which in turn are validated via experimental tests.
Early Childhood Educators' Perception of their Training and Support Needs for Inclusive Education
Authors: Siwik Evelina
Published: May 2021

Inclusion literature is multifaceted; demonstrated by variation in meaning and interpretation of the concept. Within the body of literature on inclusion, educators' perceive training and support needs as key barriers to practicing inclusive education. The current study explores the perceptions of twenty early childhood educators across Toronto, Ontario about their own training and support needs for enacting inclusive education. A qualitative interview method, and triangulation with two questionnaires were used to collect data. The social model of disability was the theoretical framework that guided the research project. Major themes came from the topics identified in the literature and elicited through interview questions. Several subthemes also emerged during data analysis. Results of the thematic analysis suggest that opportunities for ongoing training and more access to resources are sought by educators and might increase confidence in their ability to include children with disabilities in their programs. Recommendations for future research and practice are discussed.