bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid based diurnal thermal storage
Authors: Asgarian Mojtaba
Published: May 2021

A comprehensive study of using thermal energy storage (TES) tank was performed. In this report, the comprehensive literature review of various options of storing thermal energy in buildings was discussed. The objective of the project was to evaluate charging and discharging performance of a storage tank with and without phase change material (PCM) blocks. The general format of the energy balance for the storage tank considering losses, input energy, inlet and outlet mass flow rates, and PCM blocks was developed.

Charging performance was analyzed by three different approaches. Initially, constant input thermal energy rate was considered to be delivered to the tank by different heat pumps from 4.5 kW to 9 kW heating capacity. Charging time, phase change process, and stored energy were analyzed under constant thermal energy rate input mode for charging process. Then, the effect of constant coil temperature on charging process was studied and results were compared to previous cases. Also, a solar assisted heat pump was implemented into the model to verify the effect of solar radiation on pre-heating the air for heat pump and how this process improves the overall charging progress of storage tank. Moreover, discharge procedure was discussed to evaluate various discharge modes based on different water draw flow rates. Based on this analyses developing a complete TRNSYS model of the tank is recommended in order to do whole building energy simulation.
Exposure to violent and prosocial video games: effects on hostile attribution bias, aggression, aggressive driving tendencies, and empathy
Authors: Middleton Jason A.
Published: May 2021

The present study aimed to investigate the possible relation between reported video game play (i.e., violent, aggressive driving, and prosocial types) and four outcomes of social behaviour: hostile attribution bias, aggression, aggressive driving tendencies, and empathy. A sample of 136 university students (67 males and 69 females), age 17 to 58 (M = 20.66), completed various self-report measures. Data were analyzed both in terms of the whole sample and separately according to participant sex. The results provide partial evidence that there are links between violent games and aggressive attitudes (i.e., physical, but not relational, aggression); aggressive driving games and aggressive driving tendencies/punitive attitudes toward a convicted driver; violent games and hostile attribution bias; and violent games and lower empathy ratings. No support was found for the link between prosocial games and higher empathy. Future research directions for research on video games effects are outlined.
Kinematic Modeling and Simulation of Human Arm Reach
Authors: Zafari Mehrdad
Published: May 2021

Modeling the human arm and calculation of the human arm reach are important for designing workspaces. An appropriate workspace design would reduce musculoskeletal disorders and wrist injuries in repetitive tasks. Among different human arm workspace designs and reach calculations, computer-based methods have recently attracted significant attention. This is because conventional experimental methods do not provide sufficient flexibility for interactive design modifications and integration of different aspects for workspace design. Despite advances in computer-aided design, many computer-based methods still rely on mock-ups and experimental set-ups. In this work, a computer-aided method is investigated for predicting the human arm reach. The kinematic modeling convention of Denavit-Hertenberg is adopted for formulating the reach. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. The methodology enables visualization of the reach volume of the human arm and could be easily adjusted for different human operators.
Fault Detection And Recovery For Spacecraft Formation And Attitude
Authors: Lee Daren
Published: May 2021

Current satellite operations involve labor-intensive command and control under constant supervision. At the moment, spacecraft actuator failures are addressed by uploading new instructions or by sending manned missions to rendezvous and apply in-orbit servicing which impart additional mission costs and resource expenditures. With the future trend of building small-satellite systems, established hardware redundancy solutions will becoming increasingly difficult to implement. This thesis addresses fault tolerant satellite attitude and formation control through the development of a fault observer and autonomous re-configurable control law. The proposed technique can estimate and track actuator faults and states in the presence of sensor measurements, model uncertainties and disturbances. Similarly, the fault recovery scheme can perform under the same conditions and can converge to desired states in the event the spacecraft becomes underactuated. Numerical orbital simulations and hardware-in-the-loop experiments verify the fault estimation technique both in theory and practice.
Wind Gust Measuring at Low Altitude Using An Unmanned Aerial System
Authors: Yeung Alton
Published: May 2021

A small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was developed with the specific objective to explore atmospheric wind gusts at low altitudes within the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). These gusts have major impacts on the flight characteristics and performance of modern small unmanned aerial vehicles. Hence, this project was set to investigate the power spectral density of gusts observed at low altitudes by measuring the gusts with an aerial platform. The small UAV carried an air-data system including a fivehole probe that was adapted for this specific application. The air-data system measured the local wind gusts with an accuracy of 0.5 m/s by combining inputs from a five-hole probe, an inertial measurement unit, and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. Over 20 flights were performed during the development of the aerial platform. Airborne experiments were performed to collect gust data at low altitudes between 50 m and 100 m. The result was processed into turbulence spectrum and the measurements were compared with the MIL-HDBK-1797 von K´arm´an turbulence model and the results have shown the model underpredicted the gust intensities experienced by the flight vehicle. The anisotropic properties of low-altitude turbulence were also observed when analyzing the measured gusts spectra. The wind and gust data collected are useful for verifying the existing turbulence models for low-altitude flights and benefit the future development of small UAVs in windy environment.
Cataloguing Andy Warhol’s family album 1969-1974.
Authors: Desgroseillers Stephanie
Published: May 2021

This thesis project discusses the preservation of acclaimed twentieth century artist Andy Warhol’s Family Album. The album is comprised of Polaroid photographs he took and gathered in the early seventies. A highlight of Andy Warhol’s use of instant photography, as it pertains to his life and artistic work, is provided to present a concise basis to researchers. It details the steps undertaken to safely house this valuable object to prolong its life, and the cataloging methodology followed to grant access to the album without submitting it to excessive handling wear. It also offers recommendations on the preservation of dye diffusion material such as Polaroid’s Polacolor and SX-70 film types.
Role initiative: a digital tool for a physical game
Authors: Krysztofiak Dustin Wade
Published: May 2021

Tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) feature several natural inefficiencies due to the adaptable and sandbox nature of D&D campaigns and the game’s wargaming roots. One of the core failings of Dungeons & Dragons’ Fifth edition, according to users, is slow and disengaging combat. It is my belief that digital tools can be added to Dungeons & Dragons in such a way that their implementation does not limit physical gameplay while providing a variety of new tools to players. This paper proposes a tool that can avoid these pitfalls while improving combat and gameplay flow.
The presence of honey triggers inhibition of pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence and metabolism
Authors: Goudarzi Maryam
Published: May 2021

Honey is an ancient remedy with a high potency against drug-resistant bacteria, which has gained renewed interest in naturopathic medicine for its beneficial effect in treatment and prevention of wound infections. The exact antibacterial property and mode of action of honey is still unknown, however in recent years, there has been various studies focusing on the effect of honey on bacterial gene regulation. With the focus of current literature being at the molecular level, the first aim of this study was to examine the effect of honey at the cell level and its influence on the metabolism of P. aeruginosa biofilm. The second objective of this study was to test the influence of the combination of the iron chelating agent (EDTA) and honey on biofilm metabolism. P. aeruginosa metabolism in this study was analyzed through (i) siderophore excretion and (ii) monitoring of the biofilm CO2 respiration rate with a Carbon dioxide Evolution Measurement System (CEMS). The results obtained indicate that honey reduces biofilm metabolism and inhibits siderophore production, while the combination of honey and EDTA has a greater impact on biofilm metabolism, which influences P. aeruginosa iron homeostasis, inhibits siderophore production, and increases bacterial recovery time after exposure. However, when provided at concentrations lower than its inhibitory concentration, honey is used as a nutrient source for biofilm development. The results obtained illustrated the importance of the environmental conditions on biofilm metabolism, as the biofilm response varied with minor changes in the composition of their media. In summary, this study showed that biofilm cells shut down their metabolism in the presence of honey, which also inhibits bacterial siderophore production and can play an importance role on the virulence of P. aeruginosa.
Dating and attachment among single women with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Blackmore Danielle
Published: May 2021

The present study investigated the dating experiences of single women living with multiple sclerosis (MS). The present research used a mixed methods approach, with the quantitative component examining the role of disability severity, insecure attachment (avoidant and anxious), age, illness duration, depression, body esteem, sexual esteem, and attractiveness on dating experiences among 99 single women living with MS. Participants were recruited through MS societies in Canada and the United States. Regression analyses showed that overall, greater disability severity, longer illness duration, greater insecure attachment, lower sexual esteem and lower perceived attractiveness were predictive of worse dating experiences and more barriers to dating. Dating experiences were similar across ages. The second component of the study consisted of qualitative interviews with 12 women (half in a younger and half in an older age group), which were completed individually by telephone. The qualitative approach borrowed from a phenomenological lens and interviews were coded to explore the dating experiences of the women. Across the younger and older age groups, participants identified barriers to dating, coping strategies, negative cognitions about dating with MS, concerns regarding disclosure of MS, and impact of MS on body and sexual esteem. Some age related differences in dating were noted, such as concerns about pregnancy. The current research highlights the importance of conducting further research into the impact of MS on dating and in exploring potential interventions to help support women many of whom endorsed encountering various barriers to dating when living with MS.
Perceptions of effective implementation of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) in schools
Authors: Cowan Heather
Published: May 2021

Policy/Program Memorandum Number 140 outlines the requirements for Ontario school boards to incorporate principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) into school programs for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With increasing numbers of children being diagnosed with ASD, it is important to assess the facilitators and barriers in implementing this policy, and work towards effective academic and social inclusion. Through individual interviews and follow-up questionnaires, four behaviour therapists provided their perceptions and experiences of ABA in the classroom. A thematic analysis yielded five main themes: reinforcement in the classroom, consistency, ABA and behaviours in the classroom, collaboration, and attributions. These themes are interpreted using a social model of disability and a children’s rights lens to answer the research question: what are the facilitators and barriers
to the effective implementation of ABA in schools? Limitations, recommendations for future research, and practical recommendations are discussed.

Key words: Applied behaviour analysis, PPM 140, autism spectrum disorder, inclusion, social model of disability
Mechanical Properites Of Fiber Laser Welded And Friction Stir (Spot) Welded Lightweight Alloys
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammed S.H.
Published: May 2021

Mechanical properties of fiber laser welded (FLWed), friction stir welded (FSWed), and friction stir spot welded (FSS weld) AZ31B-H24 Mg and Al 5754 alloys were studied. After welding, grains at the weld centre became recrystallized. β-Mg17A112 particles appeared in the fusion zone of the joints during laser welding, while a characteristic interfacial layer consisting of A112Mg17 and Al3Mg2 was observed in the A1/Mg dissimilar FSS weld. In FLWed joints, a joint efficiency of ~91% with superior yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and fatigue strength was achieved at a higher welding speed. In FSWed joints, a higher welding speed of 20 mm/s and lower rotational rate of 1000 rpm led to higher YS, but lower ductility, strain-hardening exponent and hardening capacity. In FSS weld joints, Mg/Mg, A1/A1 FSS welds and Al/Mg adhesive, Mg/A1 adhesive FSS welds had a significantly higher lap shear strength and fatigue life than the A1/Mg FSS weld.
A Context Based Automated System for Lung Nodule Detection in CT Images
Authors: Dajnowiec Maciej
Published: May 2021

This thesis is focused on automatic lung nodule detection in CT images. CAD systems are suited for this tak because the sheer volume of information present in CT data sets is overwhelming for radiologists to process. The system developed in this thesis presents a fully automatic solution that applies a sequential algoriths which strongly focuses on nodule context. The system operates at a rate of 80% sensitivity with 3.05 FPs per slice. Our testing data, consisting of 19 CTdata sets containing239 lung nodules, is extremely robust when compared with other documented systems. In addition it introduces many new approaches such as a tight bounding, vessel connectivity, perimeter analysis, adaptive MLT and region growing based lung segmentation. The experimental results produced by this systemare an affirmation of the competitiveness of its performance when compared to other documented approaches.
Power management of a grid-connected distributed energy resource system
Authors: Yu Danilo
Published: May 2021

This project introduces a modeling software that manages the power flow of a grid-connected distributed energy system on a daily basis. The system uses a control strategy that prioritizes the use of renewable energy sources over storage devices and conventional sources. Wind turbines and PV arrays are the primary sources of energy. Battery bank is used as the permanent storage device and small natural gas generators and the grid are the conventional sources. The software can manage the power flow of electric vehicles as mobile storage units. The power optimization algorithm monitors the power available from each energy source, analyzes and combines their outputs to meet the load demand. Output of the energy sources are analyzed using 15-minute time series simulations. The computer model was developed using MATLAB with a graphical user interface for easy setup, operation and analysis of the results.
Guarded hot plate apparatus design and construction for thermal conductivity measurements
Authors: Reid Dave
Published: May 2021

A Guarded Hot Plate (GHP) appartus was designed and built for high temperatue applications, consistent with or better than the established standards. This apparatus consists of a hot and a cold plate, attached to a frame, which allows the plates to be tilted from horizontal to vertical and configured for heating from the top to the bottom. The plates are independently heated by passing heat transfer fluid through a flow distribution system consisting of manifolds and internal flow passages, machined in each plate. Attached to the hot plate are an electrically heated heater plate and a heat flux meter, configured consistent with the hybrid method for measuring heat flux. This apparatus is designed to measure thermal conductivity of soils at different moisture contents and for temperatures ranging from -20⁰C to 200⁰C. An error analysis for the thermal conductivity measurement shows a conservative estimate of the bias error to be around [plus or minus] 2%.
A fluid-structure interaction analysis of the human aortic arch under inertial load
Authors: Zalger Jonathan M
Published: May 2021

Presented is an investigation into the use of numerical methods for modelling the effects of inertial load on the human cardiovascular system. An anatomically correct geometry was developed based on three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) data and independent meshes were created for the solid and fluid regimes. These domains were simulated using independent solvers and subsequently coupled using an intermediate data transfer alogrithm. At the inlet of the arch, a pulsatile velocity boundary condition was enforced replicating the cardiac cycle. Time invariant, resistive boundary conditions were used at all outlets and a linear isotropic constitutive model was used for tissue response. Verification was conducted by comparing simulation results at standard earth gravity (9.81 m/s²) with published values for velocity, mass flow rate, deformation, and qualitative flow behaviour. The presented fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model shows strong agreement with accepted normal values. Inertial load was then applied along the longitudinal axis of the arch in multiples of standard gravity to a maximum of 8+Gz. This load increased arch flow velocities, and reduced mass flow in the ascending brachiocephalic and carotid arteries. Blood flow from the arch to the upper body and brain ceased near 8+Gz. Although the presented results are preliminary, the feasibility of such an analysis has been successfully demonstrated.
Constructing masculinity: Analysis of Asian Male Representation in American Film
Authors: Wong Michelle
Published: May 2021

In an age of technology, screens are all around us and hold great power in the shaping of public opinion and thought. The United States of America is the largest film industry in the world in terms of global box office revenue. Statistics show that in 2018, the United States had a gross box office revenue of 11.08 billion US dollars making it the leading film market in the world (Watson, 2019). American cinema has a strong influence on society’s notion of identity and what is accepted as the norm. This major research paper (MRP) uses a critical analysis of popular romantic comedies and coming of age films over the past four decades to explore the portrayal of masculinity as represented in Asian male characters within American cinema. Through the analysis of the films Sixteen Candles (1984), Joy Luck Club (1993), and Crazy Rich Asians (2018), I explore the traditional representation of hegemonic masculinity, the common elements of dominant portrayals of Asian men in American cinema, and how these portrayals have changed over time. This study examines the intersections of race, ethnicity, and gender drawing from a theoretical framework based on concepts of power and hegemony which shape mainstream notions of what being a man in society “really” means.
Patients’ Experiences of Interprofessional Care: A Narrative Inquiry
Authors: Aksenchuk Kateryna , Metersky Kateryna
Published: May 2021

Interprofessional care (IPC) has been discussed in the literature as having the ability to lower health care expenditures, decrease wait times, enhance patient health outcomes and increase healthcare provider satisfaction with care-delivery. To date, limited research has been conducted to develop an in depth understanding of patients’ experiences receiving IPC. Using Connelly and Clandinin’s Narrative Inquiry qualitative research approach, three participants were interviewed and asked to engage in a metaphor selection drawing exercise. Participants were invited to describe how they experienced IPC and whether or not they believe person-centered care was delivered to them. Collected stories were analyzed as per Narrative Inquiry approach of three dimensional space: temporality, sociality and place. The National Canadian Interprofessional Competency Framework provided the theoretical lens through which the stories were examined. Along with giving voice to patients, three narrative threads emerged within this study: communication, patient within interprofessional team and interprofessional team members.
Business Is Changing: Expert and Public Opinion on the Future of Work and Artificial Intelligence Through Social Media Research
Authors: Cecchini Ryan A.
Published: May 2021

Big name organizations have proposed that AI will fundamentally transform the future of business by altering the skills that will be required to stay competitive in an epoch where routine- jobs are automated and where workers in less-routine jobs are displaced from burgeoning advancements in AI. When it comes to assessing the impact of hazardous technologies, a growing body of literature suggests that experts and everyday people tend to perceive risks differently. Social media is a tool that allows individuals to engage with one another, and more recently, social media has become an influential means of consuming and disseminating news online. Reddit is a form of social media that combines both news consumption and social engagement. This major research project (MRP) examines online discourses from end-users on Reddit, from articles written by journalists, and from experts quoted in the media. Inductive content analysis reveals that topics of conversation about AI and the future of work centre around inequality and the economy. Apparent differences are observed between end-users, journalists, and experts, such as the high prevalence of dread on Reddit, which may suggest that most individuals, as opposed to those in the news media, think negatively about AI being introduced into the workplace—for reasons that revolve around the economy, inequality, or both.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Thermodiffusion (Soret Effect) in a Porous Medium
Authors: Jaber Tawfiq J.
Published: May 2021

Thermodiffusion (the Soret effect) is important for the study of compositional variation in hydrocarbon reservoirs. The development of research history, theoretical modeling and applications to multicomponent hydrocarbon mixtures is included in this work. The Firoozabadi model appears to be an appropriate model for thermodiffusion estimation for hydrocarbon mixtures, and it is derived based on the equation of entropy generation rate and four postulates in non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Two equations of state, the Peng-Robinson Equation of State (PR-EoS) and the volume translated Peng Robinson Equation of State (vt-PR-EoS), have been used to estimate the thermodynamic properties of mixtures.

In this work, different cases are presented: first, a new thermodiffusion cell designed to perform high pressure measurements in a porous medium has been validated at atmospheric pressure. Two systems were investigated, (1) 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphtalene (THN) and n-dodecane (nC12), and (2) isobutylbenzene (IBB) and n-dodecane at 50% of mass fraction. Experimental results revealed an excellent agreement with benchmark values and a good agreement with theoretical data. Second, the thermal expansion and concentration expansion coefficients and the viscosity of mixtures are necessary properties for the determination of the thermodiffusion coefficient. The densities of binaries of nC12, IBB and THN for pressures from 0.1 to 20 MPa and a temperature centred on 25⁰ were measured. By an derivative method, the thermal expansion and concentration expansion coefficients were determined. Viscosities were directly measured using a high pressure high temperature viscometer.

Finally, the thermosolutal convections of two ternary mixtures, methane (C1), n-butane (nC4) and n-dodecane (nC12) at a pressure of 35.0 MPa and nC12, THN and IBB at atmospheric pressure, in a porous medium, were investigated over a wide range of permeability. The effect of permeability in the homogeneous and heterogeneous porous media on fluid transport was studied with consideration of thermodiffusion and molecular diffusion. In the analysis of the homogeneous porous medium, it was found that, for permeability below 300 mD, the thermodiffusion for both mixtures was dominant; and above this level, buoyancy convection became the dominant mechanism. Also, the viscosity was found to influence the evaluation of the molecular and thermodiffusion coefficients. In the case of heterogeneous porous medium, the impact of permeability ratio on the composition of the mixture components, velocity in the porous medium and on the separation ratio was investigated. It was found that the heterogeneity of porous medium has a significant influence on the composition of the mixture components.
Efficient techniques for cooperative spectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Khalid Lamiaa
Published: May 2021

In this thesis, we focus on two important design aspects of cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) in cognitive radio networks which are the selection criterion of cooperating secondary users and the fusion technique for combining their local sensing decisions. We propose a novel adaptive user-group assignment algorithm that addresses the problem of sensing accuracy-efficiency trade-off in group-based CSS with heterogeneous cooperating secondary users. The performance of the proposed algorithm is bounded by 4.2% of the optimal solution. Through extensive simulations, we demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the performance of CSS in terms of the opportunistic throughput, sensing overhead and the number of sensing rounds needed to discover an available channel. Considering the different detection performance of cooperating secondary users, we propose a novel reliability-based decision fusion scheme in which a weight is assigned to each secondary user's local decision based on its reliability. Since the knowledge of the local probabilities of detection and false alarm for each secondary detector may not be known in practice, we employ a counting process to estimate those probabilities based on past global and local decisions. We then formulate the problem of minimizing the network probability of sensing error and develop a dual search algorithm, based on a non-linear Lagrangian approach, to solve the formulated problem. Our simulation results show that the dual algorithm converges to the optimal value with zero duality gap using few numbers of iterations. We also show that the probability of error is reduced by 18% and 88% compared to the OR and AND fusion rules, respectively, when the number of secondary users is eight. We then address the practical concern of secondary users reporting correlated local decisions to the fusion center. For this scenario, we formulate the problem of minimizing the network probability of sensing error optimization problem and employ the genetic algorithm to jointly find the optimal K*-out-of-M fusion rule and the optimal local threshold for a certain correlation index. Simulation results show that the network probability of sensing error degrades as the degree of correlation between cooperating secondary users increases. We also study the problem of multiband cooperative joint detection in the presence of sensing errors due to time offset. We derive the aggregate opportunistic throughput and aggregate interference to primary users for multiband cooperative joint detection in the presence of time offset. Our numerical results demonstrate the negative impact of the time offset on the aggregate opportunistic throughput of multiband cooperative joint detection.
The in-between: the architecture of surface
Authors: Ghorashi Dorna
Published: May 2021

Many North American cities are experiencing an intensive re-urbanization of their central cores. In Toronto, this phenomenon is at an extreme: rampant private development, and weak public authority, is shaping many communities. The mediocre civic spaces and infrastructure to support this burgeoning pedestrian, live-work population has predictably been addressed through the incremental integration of public spaces into individual architectural projects. This ad hoc strategy does not offer the breadth or consistency of language to create a clearly identifiable or contiguous public realm. If we cannot depend on architecture’s vertical plane to define public spaces, we need to reaffirm the domain over which the public has control — the horizontal — streets, sidewalks, and the existing but residual public spaces in-between. This thesis posits that within the existing public spaces of the city’s core we can expand the quality, continuity and accessibility of the public domain by the way we manipulate its surface
Microgrid system including PV generation and hybrid backup system
Authors: Samani Hooman
Published: May 2021

This Master’s thesis project introduces a micro-grid system that includes a hybrid power storage backup system and photovoltaic module power generation system, which is connected to the grid and supports the hybrid backup system. The first section presents a solution or algorithm to an existing problem in an energy flow management strategy for the hybrid energy storage system. In the second section, power is provided from the photovoltaic arrays by the convenience of the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) for each photovoltaic module. The generated power will charge the storage backup system. The micro-grid is capable of selling the surplus power to the utility grid. A master controller optimizes integration, dispatching and control over the whole micro-grid operation.
There have been many different control strategies and topologies presented over the years to manage the energy flow for hybrid energy storage systems; however, there are some aspects that differentiate some from others, such as real-time prediction, cumbersome architecture, full spectrum control over recourses, and cost-effectiveness. The first section of this thesis proposes a control strategy on hybrid energy storage systems based on fundamental electrical principles. The low volume and simple algorithm make the controller easy to perform on the embedded systems and quickly responds within a tiny space. The control strategy is equipped with a load prediction method, which provides a fast response at the time of load current surge. The controller architect provides the full control over all the resources. The presented controller is cost-effective by increasing the battery life and by minimizing the power loss in the hybrid storage backup system. The simulation results in two different experiments validate the efficiency and performance of the offered control strategy for hybrid backup system.
Preliminary Sailplane Design Using MDO And Multi-Fidelity Analysis
Authors: Pilcher Chris V.
Published: May 2021

A multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) strategy for the preliminary design of a sailplane has been developed. The proposed approach applies MDO techniques and multi-fidelity analysis methods which have seen successful use in many aerospace design applications. A customized genetic algorithm (GA) was developed to control the sailplane optimization that included aerodynamics/stability, structures/weights and balance and, performance/airworthiness disciplinary analysis modules. An adaptive meshing routine was developed to allow for accurate modeling of the aero structural couplinginvolved in wing design, which included a finite element method (FEM) structural solver along with a vortex lattice aerodynamics solver. Empirical equations were used to evaluate basic sailplane performance and airworthiness requirements. This research yielded an optimum design that correlated well with an existing high performance sailplane. The results of this thesis suggest that preliminary sailplane design is a well suited application for modern optimization techniques when coupled with, multi-fidelity analysis methods.
Telling our stories on the web: Canadian English-language web series and the production of culture online
Authors: Zboralska Emilia
Published: May 2021

This dissertation presents the first critical scholarly analysis of the Canadian
English-language scripted web series industry, its cultural practices, industrial dynamics
and texts. Through in-depth interviews with 48 individuals active in the production of
Canadian online scripted content, participant observation, and a benchmark
quantitative analysis of gender and race in key creative roles in 175 seasons of
Canadian web series, the dissertation investigates the web as an alternative space for
Canadian scripted audiovisual content, and the actors and forces that have shaped and
are shaping its development, including its emergent patterns of inclusion.

By developing a novel theoretical framework that combines the critical political
economy of communication with entrepreneurship studies, the dissertation is able to
mediate effectively between structure and agency to reveal how Canadian web series
creators are interpreting, internalizing and resisting larger institutional dynamics and
discourses in their cultural practices and texts. Through their entrepreneuring,
Canadian web creators are reacting to a variety of rigidities within the contextual
dimensions in which they are embedded, including the absence of meaningful
opportunities to practice their crafts, the persistence of networks of exclusion, and
inaccurate or missing on-screen representations of themselves or others in mainstream
media. Through their work, they desire to achieve freedom from these constraints. The
challenge of disrupting the status quo is then revealed through an examination of the
domestic and extra-national structural factors that act as impediments to their agency.

The dissertation problematizes ideas of participation and access on the web,
and introduces new conceptual terminology through the Participatory Culture Paradox,
to encapsulate the contradictory set of relations that on the one hand, enables
creators’ activities in the online space, and at the same time, constrains their capacity
to find audiences and monetize their work.

The findings here demonstrate that as much as internet-based distribution has
expanded opportunities for participation for regular users, who you are, and where you
are based, continue to be salient mediators of both participation and success in the
development of professional scripted screen careers in the digital age.

The dissertation culminates in actionable priorities for Canadian policy that aim
at change.
A multi-objective optimization analysis of passive energy conservation measures in a Toronto house
Authors: Tokarik Matthew Steven
Published: May 2021

This study presents a multi-objective optimization environment in which passive energy conservations measures of a high performance house in Toronto are evaluated. The optimization environment was created using the jEPlus software suite where the case study house acted as the reference building. The study house simulation model was calibrated using a data-driven procedure, and acceptable CV(RSME) and NMBE tolerances were reached in accordance with ASHRAE calibration requirements. The optimization varied passive energy efficiency parameters in search of configurations yielding optimal building performance and life cycle cost. The optimization results showed that energy savings of 33% relative to building code minimum were justified at the point of minimal life cycle cost via passive energy saving measures alone before considering active systems. These results suggest that improved thermal envelopes are economically advantageous with good building practice. However, they suggest that the current Passive House standard does not coincide with the economic minimum for the local economic and environmental climate.
Broadband photon absorption in self-assembled networks of multiphase oxides of titanium
Authors: Thakur Pooja
Published: May 2021

Titanium -dioxide (TiO2) has garnered immense interest as a potential photon absorber after the discovery of its photocatalytic properties. However, its absorption is limited to the ultraviolet region of the solar spectrum. Despite numerous efforts being made, the challenge to extend its absorption capability to the entire visible and near infrared region (vis-NIR) still exists, which together constitute about 90 % of the solar spectrum.

In this dissertation, a multiphase nano TiOx network, rich in defects and oxygen vacancies, has been presented which can absorb photons over a broader range of the solar spectrum.

Experimental studies were initially conducted to phase functionalise titanium towards enhanced photon absorption via a single step, ultrashort laser pulse material interaction process. This phase functionalised titanium, characterised to be uniquely composed of multiple oxide phases of titanium, can effectively absorb photons in the vis-NIR region.

Using the above study as a template, a complex three-dimensional self-assembled nano network composed of similar multiphase titanium oxides, was then synthesised. Free of any external dopants, it exhibits a remarkable absorption of photons ranging from 300-1000 nm. To further improve the absorptive properties of this ‘multiphase nano TiOx network’, particularly in the lower visible range, the phenomenon of Surface Plasmon Resonance was utilised via its hybridisation with gold and gold/palladium alloy. This successfully resulted in further optimisation of its absorption.

The final study of the multiphase nano TiOx was done to understand the fundamental physics behind its broadened photon absorptive behaviour. The condition of synthesis was varied by introducing various contrasting plasma environments. Pronounced disorders and oxygen defects of varying degrees within the crystalline structure were observed. The enhanced and broadened absorption spectrum achieved was attributed to such defects and disorders.

The research done in this thesis demonstrates a unique nanomaterial based on multiple oxides phases of titanium that is capable of absorbing photons both in the visible and NIR regions. The contribution made towards the synthesis, investigation and subsequent manipulation of the self-assembled multiphase nano TiOx network can thus be exploited in various photon harvesting applications like photovoltaics and photo catalysis, where such a broadband photon absorption is desirable.
What is there to Yelp about?
Authors: Rosenfeld Sara
Published: May 2021

This paper examines the use of language in user generated online product reviews on the website Yelp.ca. Using both Relevance Theory and the Co-operative Principle this study identifies nine linguistic devices to analyze within restaurant reviews on this website. Yelp.ca administrators identify some reviewers as “Elite Reviewers.” This study contrasted twenty-five Elite reviews with twenty-five Non-Elite reviews in order to determine which linguistic devices were more prevalent within Elite reviews. The findings illustrate that there are concrete differences between these two types of reviews. Assuming that Elite Reviews are in fact more persuasive, these findings suggest that there may be concrete attributes of a review that make it more persuasive in an online, user generated context.
Single vendor-buyer model with deterministic demand, stochastic lead time and multi-quality degradation
Authors: Habibollahi Sepehr
Published: May 2021

This report examines the supply chain strategies for a specific perishable product, or fresh produce and uses green beans as an example. The quality of the products which are in direct correlation with the value of the product are put into the supply chain model, this type of model is also known as “cold chain”. This report in addition to recent researches in cold chain, looks into multi aspect quality degradation and a stochastic lead time from warehouse to retailer. This model developed creates greater insight into the supply chain strategies of such products.
Trust-enhanced secure multipath routing for mobile ad hoc networks
Authors: Ahmed Lubaid
Published: May 2021

Due to recent advances in computing and communication technologies, Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) are becoming networks of choice for various applications such as emergencies [sic] preparedness and response, military and crisis management, and healthcare, to name a few. The main reason for this is that in MANET, information exchange between nodes can happen dynamically without pre-exisiting fixed network infrastructure with designated centralized access points. However, this privilege also comes with some security drawbacks, especially from a message security viewpoint because the implementation of hard-cryptographic security now becomes a challenging prospect.

In this thesis, we improve a recently proposed method of message security in MANET (so called benchmark scheme, also referred to as trust-based multipath DSR routing scheme), by introducing a trust model that makes multi-path routing flexible enough to avoid non-trusted routes that may use brute force attacks to decrypt messages travelling through the network en route to their destinations. Simulation results, coupled with theoretical justification, affirm that the proposed solution is much more secured than the above-mentioned benchmark method and traditional multi-path routing algorithms.
Disrupting Disableism
Authors: Carroccetto Monica
Published: May 2021

The following is a qualitative re-search study and narrative inquiry into service
user experiences of mainstream psychiatric ‘support’ and diagnoses as a child or
adolescent. Informed from the theoretical lenses of mad studies, critical disability studies,
and anti-colonialism, it critically investigates treatment, response, sanism, agency and
support. Through semi-structured interviews with three individuals, this MRP examines
how western approaches to mental health (ex: diagnoses, medication, labeling) affect
young adults long after being psychiatrized. The findings of this MRP indicate that
western mental health experiences are extremely medicalized and limited/limiting and
how they perpetuate adultism, sanism and psycho-colonialism. What is revealed from
these narratives shows a complex reality, iatrogenesis and damage as well as a battle for
acceptance, better care and ultimately understanding.
Predicting Bone Remodeling in Response to Orthopedic Implantations: Computational Study Using a Mechano-Biochemical Model
Authors: Avval Pouria Tavakkoli
Published: May 2021

Periprosthetic bone loss following orthopedic implantations is a serious concern leading to the premature failure of the implants. Therefore, investigating bone remodeling in response to orthopedic implantations is of paramount importance for the purpose of designing long lasting prostheses. In this study, a predictive bone remodeling model (Thermodynamic-based model) was employed to simulate the long-term response of femoral density to total hip arthroplasty (THA), bone fracture plating and intramedullary (IM) nailing. The ability of the model in considering the coupling effect between mechanical loading and bone biochemistry is its unique characteristic. This research provided quantitative data for monitoring bone density changes throughout the femoral bone. The results obtained by the thermodynamic-based model agreed well with the bone morphology and the literature. The study revealed that the most significant periprosthetic bone loss in response to THA occurred in calcar region (Gruen zone 7). Conversely, the region beneath the hip stem (Gruen zone 4) experienced the lowest bone mineral density (BMD) changes. It was found that the composite hip implant and IM nail were more advantageous over the metallic ones as they induced less stress shielding and provided more uniform bone density changes following the surgery. The research study also showed that, due to plating, the areas beneath the bone fracture plate experienced severe bone loss. However, some level of bone formation was observed at the vicinity of the most proximal and distal screw holes in both lateral and anterior plated femurs. Furthermore, in terms of long-term density distributions, the anterior plating was not superior to the lateral plating.
It's all in the game of love: exploring the use of gamification in online dating platforms
Authors: Montmarquette Cayley Alexa
Published: May 2021

This major research paper investigates the relationship between gamification and online dating sites. Past research has described gamification as the incorporation of game-like properties in non-game settings. Gamification has been applied to a multitude of domains, including the online dating sector. However, research exploring this relationship is absent from the literature. Researchers have found that online romantic relationships develop and progress differently, depending on the platform on which they originated. Therefore, gamification may affect the courtship process and relationship success of online daters around the globe. This paper explores three main research questions: (1) What are the features of gamification? (2) Which online dating sites are the most and least gamified? (3) Is gamification having an effect on the number of people who use online dating sites? To answer these questions, 10 popular online dating sites were explored: Ashley Madison, Christian Mingle, eHarmony, JDate, Lavalife, Match.com,
OkCupid, Plenty of Fish, Tinder, and Zoosk. Using a series of data collection tables and continuums, each of the 10 online dating sites were qualitatively analyzed based on their launch date, user utility figure, and inclusion of game-like properties. This study found that across all 10 of the online dating sites, platform organization, platform dynamics, user engagement, and reward quantification were recurrent themes that appeared to be gamified to varying degrees. Additionally, it was discovered that gamification was integrated in more recently developed platforms to a greater extent. Furthermore, it was found that the more gamified dating sites retained a larger number of active users. This study proposes that a trend toward gamification is emerging. However, this major research paper is merely a pilot study, and additional, in-depth research is crucial to our understanding of gamification as it relates to online dating.

Keywords: gamification, online dating, online dating site, platform, play, user
Routing simulation of brain network topology.
Authors: Ma Jason V.
Published: May 2021

The incessant search to understand human cognitive functions has led to the hypothesis
that the brain works similar to a packet switched network such as the Internet [28]. In
this thesis, I have developed a top-down simulator of brain-like networks which uses prob-
ability routing to route data and a distance vector routing algorithm [21] to propagate
feedback to varying depths. I investigate the impact of the feedback depth on routing
table metrics. The results indicate that important performance metrics are affected by
the feedback depth of the routing algorithm but also, to a large extent, by the topological
features of such networks [17, 44]. The results indicate feedback depths from 25 to 30
fill the routing table most efficiently in terms of routing table fill percentage, routing
table fill time and packet rejection ratio. There is also a strong correlation between the
macaque monkey brain and sparse topologies.